"Happy Halloween!"

Or, for those in more religious circles, Happy Reformation Day!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:30 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Caves: The World Beneath The World"

I love exploring, whether it be history, old buildings, or underground. So, when I came across a site featuring photos of caves throughout the world, I had to share. If you've only seen nature above ground, then here's an example of it's beauty beneath our feet. Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:28 PM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: USA Election T-shirts"

In an effort to show off some of my popular (or new) t-shirts, artwork, and gift ideas exclusive to my online store, Jon Baas Designs, I've decided to feature a few of them here on my blog every Thursday. I call it, "T-Shirt Thursday". Feel free to comment, and enjoy!

Today's Featured Designs:
(click on each image to see available products)


More T-shirts & Gifts: .... Election 2008 T-shirts .... Occupation T-shirts

And for those of you who like to shop, weekly sales and coupons are available on the front page of my store. Feel free to use them for special discounts!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:12 PM  I   I  0 comments

"About My Business: What I Do"

As most of you know, I run my own successful business. I design t-shirts & other apparel; I sell my artwork on prints & postcards; I market other cool self-designed gifts such as throw pillows, keepsake boxes, and the like; I even sell a few ultra-cool Flip Mino camcorders! In short, I design and sell fun gear that defines who you are and what you love!

My store -- aptly named, Jon Baas Designs -- keeps me pretty busy. I started the business back in 2002 -- shortly after graduating from college, however, it's only been in recent years that my success has sent me global. These days, feedback is positive, sales are strong, and the whole process keeps my creative passions moving forward, while earning me an independent income. Thanks to my store, I have a self-built commercial outlet that allows me to share my work with people all around the world! And that has the artist in me pretty darn excited!

So, I was thinking.... since I've spent the past few weeks immersed in this business, and I've neglecting to blog as often as I'd like, I thought I'd take a moment and share a little more the passion that drives what I do.

Jon Baas Designs is unique, at least compared to other online retailers. I've partnered with a company called Cafepress -- the leader in user-generated commerce. And by doing so, the unique structure of that partnership allows me to focus on design and marketing, while Cafepress handles all the printing, inventory, and shipping. As a result, I can work out of my home office, and devote more time to my other businesses, hobbies, and creative passions. Time I wouldn't otherwise have.

Recently (sometime earlier this year), Cafepress released a wonderful little video that explains what they're about, and how they partner up with creative people like me. It's quirky, it's fun, and it's About Cafepress. Feel free to give it a watch, and imagine me sharing the same perspectives as the three shopkeepers interviewed. ... [video]

In the meantime, and while you're watching, I think I'm gonna go do some more designing! I am, afterall, still gearing up for the Christmas shopping season, with many new products and designs yet to come. If you're still trying to think of what to get that hard-to-shop-for person this Holiday Season... well, I know a good place. And, hey, you already know the owner/designer! :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday all! Stay warm, and until next time,

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:05 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom."
-- Unknown

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:38 AM  I   I  0 comments

"50 Beautiful Graffiti Artworks"

Graffiti street art is well-known for being provocative, appealing, bold and uncompromising. Originally used by gangs to mark their territory in some urban area, graffitis have now become a rich and colorful medium for unrestricted expression of ideas and statements.

Here are 50 Examples of beautiful graffiti artworks.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:03 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Water Figures"

They're colorful, unique, and they only last for micro seconds. They're nature's art, captured with modern technology. They are... Water Figures. Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:17 AM  I   I  0 comments

"New Photos Online"

Good news: You can now view my personal MySpace photos online -- without having to sign up. Feel free to take a moment and visit my photo gallery. Comments, interaction, and other features are restricted to members only, but anyone can view the photos.

Current albums include: theatre/stage pics, old Civil War reenacting photos, places I've explored, my family, and... (the girls will love this)... old baby pictures!

Take a peek, and enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:21 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Thriller A Cappella"

Here's something you probably haven't seen before: It's a video recording of Michael Jackson's song, "Thriller", recorded by one man, using 64 overlapping tracks of only his voice. He vocalizes the words, the beat, the harmonies... everything. Definitely a must-see! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:38 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Friday in Review"

Entertained my friend Rachel late into the evening on Thursday. Lot's of chat, laughing, and catching up on old times. Didn't get much sleep before I had to be up again. Helped install a lighting fixture. Visited Potawatomi Bingo Casino in downtown Milwaukee (but not to gamble). Fascinated by a first-hand look into the casino/gaming culture. Enjoyed lunch and good company at Balistreri's. Helped track down a suitable mailbox for future installation at my apartment building. Arrived home, tired. Heading to bed for some much needed sleep.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:28 PM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: About Me T-shirts"

In an effort to show off some of my popular (or new) t-shirts, artwork, and gift ideas exclusive to my online store, Jon Baas Designs, I've decided to feature a few of them here on my blog every Thursday. I call it, "T-Shirt Thursday". Feel free to comment, and enjoy!

Today's Featured Designs:
(click on each image to see available products)


More T-shirts & Gifts: .... About Me T-shirts .... Christian T-shirts

And for those of you who like to shop, weekly sales and coupons are available on the front page of my store. Feel free to use them for special discounts!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:08 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Internet Game: Run."

Here's a fun and challenging internet game. It's called Run, and the object is to run, while trying not to fall into the abyss of space. And, as would be expected of any game like this, the pace gets faster as you go. I recommend you start with the tutorial, then, off you go! Have fun!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:05 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Outrageous Pumpkin Carving"

Now here's something awe-inspiring: Tis the season for pumpkins, and what better thing to feature than a gallery of some of the most outrageous pumpkin carvings I've ever seen. And, if you're feeling ambitious enough, there's even a tutorial so you can carve your own! How cool is that!

A large squash-like fruit, a knife, and creativity.... I love October!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:21 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Ten Songs That Describe My Personality"

Inspired by my friend Alexis, I thought I'd take a moment and share something creative with you. Over the past few days, I've put together a collection of ten favorite songs that describe me, who I am, and what I believe in. They are a musical profile of my unique personality.

So, sit back, enjoy, and when you're finished reading, have a listen!

Ready? Here we go....

1. "I Just Wanna Do My Thing" -- (Jamie Lee Thurston)

People often look at me strange when I tell them what I do for a living. "Oh, can you make money doing that", they often ask? Well, yes, of course, but I'm not rich (nor is money my presiding goal). I am, however, wealthy in ways most people seem to overlook. My parents always told me when I was growing up: "Jon, do what you love, and the money will follow." Far too many people settle for a life they hate, or they work a job they despise because they think they have to. But it doesn't have to be that way. No, like me, just do your thing... do what you love, and all those other details will fall into place. :)

This song also represents my love of rockin' drum and guitar, toe-tappin' modern Country Music. Mmmm! Good stuff!

2. "Sleep On" -- (Tonic Sol-Fa)

This acapella group is one of my favorites. I saw them perform live in concert at my college when I was still a student, and I've been a fan ever since. Not only do I love acapella music (usually vocalized without any instraments), but this particular song also has an excellent message: You can either let your dreams entertain you while you sleep, or, you get get up, and make them a reality. Chasing after my dreams is a presiding element of who I am.

I should also note, Tonic Sol-Fa is an independent vocal group from Minnesota. I spent the later years of my childhood up in Minneapolis, MN.

3. "Someone To Watch Over Me" -- (John Stevens)

This song, composed by George Gershwin, and with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, is from the theater musical Oh, Kay! (1926). The rendition that defines me is sung by John Stevens, a former semifinalist on the tv show, "American Idol". This song not only represents my love of theater, but also my appreciation of jazz and such "lounge-singers" as Frank Sinatra and James Darren.

In addition, this song represents my life-long wait (or search, depending upon how you look at it) for that one woman who will someday become my soul's companion, and walk with me on the rest of my journey towards old age.

4. "Over the Fence" -- (Randy Edelman)

This selection is from the soundtrack to the movie, "Gettysburg", a film which depicts the historical battle of the American Civil War. This track, "Over the Fence", is the backdrop to Pickett's Charge, and plays as the massive Confederate line crosses an open field, and engages in what will be a massive defeat at the hands of the Union army on the other side. This track represents my love of orchestral film scores, as well as my fascination with history and the American Civil War (of which I was once a reenactor). Randy Edelman, the composer, is one of the greats in modern film composing, and ranks right up there with some of my other favorites, such as James Horner, John Williams, and Danny Elfman.

This track is also a representation of courage, courage in the face of defeat -- a theme that has often played a part within my own life as well.

5. "Feet of Flames" -- (Gaelic Storm)

This is a new favorite by one of the best-known groups in the Celtic Music genre. As a bit of trivia too, if you've ever seen the movie, "Titanic", Gaelic Storm was the band playing in steerage while the main characters danced about to upbeat Irish music. On a personal note, I've seen this band in concert at my college while I was a student too, and their music (a selection of haunting traditional Irish songs, and upbeat jigs like this one) really moved me. They've been a favorite group of mine ever since.

This song represents my love of Celtic and Irish music -- ranging from Gaelic Storm, to Riverdance, to Leahy, and even to the rock-Celtic fusions of Tears for Bears.

6. "Smilin" -- (Tim McGraw)

This song represents the following: My love of country music, particularly the songs I like to sing along to (other artists include Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Angy Griggs, Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, etc.). It also represents my mindset in life. Like the song says, I don't need to have what everyone else has, I don't need the world to tell me what I should do... I go my own way. I'm my own man. And in life, all I need to be happy and smiling are the simple things: a bright sunny day, a walk through God's creation... even a good conversation with a dear friend. In life, I make my own happiness. Oh, yeah, and I love smiling!

7. "Me and God" -- (Josh Turner)

Another Country song, this one represents my personal relationship with God. To be honest, I could probably have put any Christian Contemporary song in this slot (I'm a fan of CC songs too!), but this one just seemed to say it best... and in a simple kind of way. Me and God are pretty tight, and He's the Rock within my life. "I can do all things through him (Christ) who gives me strength" -- Philippians 4:13. This song represents my faith, and the place God has in my life.

8. "Main Theme, Star Trek: The Next Generation"

This one is probably a no-brainer. It represents my love of Star Trek, and in general, all things Science Fiction. I grew up watching the adventures of the Enterprise, and, since then, I've seen everything produced within the franchise. When I was a kid, I read as many Star Trek novels as I could get my hands on, I role-played in the genre, I drew my own ship designs, and I found a fascination for space. Indirectly, this song choice also represents my love of exploring (albeit here on earth).

9. "The Clothes Don't Make the Man" -- (Keith Anderson)

This song represents my love of observing people around me, making new friends, and getting to know who they are on the inside. Most people seem to judge others based upon the outside -- what they look like, or what they wear. People have done this to me too in life, and while I've come to expect it, it still saddens me. I find a strong kinship with those who get to know me for who I am beyond my clothes, my job, or the spotlight I often find myself in. Clothes don't make the man (or the woman), it's the heart that matters most. :)

10. "Love Is Never-Ending" -- (Brad Paisley)

This song could probably be defined by it's title alone. Another Country favorite, this one represents my belief that, like Brad Paisley sings, love never ends. No matter what happens in life, no matter who comes and goes, those that I love will always have a place in my heart. My loyalty and admiration will not end just because time gets in the way. Nor will I give up on them... or those things that mean the most to me. My life is about passion, love, learning, and storing all of these up within the memories and stories of my life.

As the words of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 say: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always perseveres.

Love never fails."

And, there you have it: The ten songs that define who I am. I'm sure I could have easily found more, but the challenge was to limit myself to ten, and cover as many aspects of my personality as possible. I think I did pretty well? How well do you think you could do?

If you're interested in hearing these ten songs, feel free to click on over to my MySpace profile, and listen to the music playlist on the left-hand column. These ten songs are listed there, in the same order as above. Go give 'em a listen... and enjoy!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:23 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"The heart is forever making the head its fool."
-- Francois de La Rochefoucauld

-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:39 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Friday in Review"

Worked outside on an overcast day; temperature in the low 50's, clouds ominous and grey. Chopped up a few old doors and wooden pallets. Moved and stored replacement doors. Set out salt bins and barrels. Treated to lunch at Old Country Buffet. Helped thin out some thorny bushes. Returned home. Ran some errands. Sat down at the computer. Explored the wonderful world of MySpace Music. Heading to bed at some point.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:37 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Star Trek Movie: The Inside Scoop"

For all you Trekkies out there, in case you haven't heard, Entertainment Weekly has released a cover story all about the new Star Trek movie (coming out on May 8, 2009). It's at the EW website, and includes behind-the-scenes info, plot details, and interviews with cast and crew. Go check it out... but be warned, there are a few spoilers. Enjoy!

"Star Trek: New Movie, New Vision"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:42 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Slightly Distracted"

Sorry folks. My mind (and time in general) has been elsewhere these past two days. I try to keep the blogging daily, but alas, distraction sneaks in from time-to-time, and wins me over. I think I'm back on track now, so we'll see. For the present, I've got some out-of-office work to start the day, but then I'll be right back, with fresh new musings. Stay tuned. I haven't gone anywhere. :)

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:45 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Noteboek"

This may well be the coolest Youtube video you'll see today: Noteboek.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:52 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Living By the Numbers"

In honor of yesterday's 936-point gain in the stock market -- the largest single-day stock rally since 1933 -- here are some pictures of stock brokers with hands on their faces. Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:12 AM  I   I  0 comments

"The Trains of Russia"

I love trains. I'm not so keen on Russia. However, Russia is a big country and trains are widely used to cross it. So, that said, here are some beautiful photos featuring trains of Russia, as well as those of her nearby ex-Soviet states. Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:31 AM  I   I  0 comments

"A Weekend By the Lake"

I've returned from my weekend up north, although, I think I brought back a cold as my souvenir. ... [cocks his head back and sneezes] ... Only a mild one, though, and I think it's weakening. Serves me right for wading around in chest-deep cold water. :)

Anyway... sneezing aside, my weekend itself was actually quite enjoyable. Scott and I picked up his younger brother (Adam) from the college he attends in downtown Milwaukee, and then the three of us drove up to the cottage after dark. We stopped to eat along the way, and arrived at our destination late in the evening. We philosophized for a bit, and then, by midnight went off to bed.

Saturday morning was a beautiful sunny day by the time I awoke. The Autumn leaves were in full "bloom" (aka, brilliant Fall colors), a cool breeze was blowing, and the temperature was in the low to mid seventies; a gorgeous day by any standard! I hadn't slept well that night -- maybe four hours at most, but with a few extra hours of sleep while Scott and Adam drove into the nearby town to buy some food, I was ready to go.

The three of us were expecting Scott and Adam's cousin, Dave, to show up around noon to help us pull the dock out of the lake. However, after raking the yard of fallen pine needles, Adam and I decided to get an early start. Within two hours, the two of us had the dock disassembled, the support legs unscrewed from the lake bed, and all the parts stacked up on the shore. Scott was unable to help, since he's recovering from an appendectomy; Dave arrived shortly thereafter.

The four of us had some tasty tacos for lunch, and then sat down to philosophize further upon matters of deep contemplation. Growing tired, I eventually wandered off to my temporary bed, and napped for two hours, while the others finished the raking, and hung out. When I awoke, the four of us headed back into town to buy beer and chips (of which I declined to drink the beer), and then returned to grill up some tasty hot dogs. After dinner, we chatted philosophy, ethics, and so forth, before heading out into the dark to scale the nearby mountain.

Mt. Morris -- 1,135 above sea level -- has a park at the top, complete with playground equipment, rocks, and plenty of trees. By the light of the moon alone, the four of us hiked around the lake, and then up the somewhat steep mile-long road to the top. We hung out on the playground equipment, philosophized about a wide variety of thought-provoking topics, and then hiked back down.

When we returned to the cottage, the four of us chatted a bit more, and Dave, though he was invited to stay the night, opted to drive back to Milwaukee. That left Scott, Adam, and myself to contemplate rather frightening doomsday scenarios before heading off to bed.

Sunday morning, the three of us slept in... Adam then went off to work on his engineering homework, Scott played a computer game on the laptop, and I split time between sneezing and thinking. A few hours later, we packed up our bags, tossed them in the car, and drove two hours south, back into the heart of Milwaukee. By evening, Adam was back at his campus apartment, and Scott and I were back here in West Allis.

And, thus ended our weekend excursion. The main goal was to take the dock out of the lake before it freezes over in winter, but the rest of the time was pure relaxation. And, other than this cold, it served well as such. Now, though, with the cottage two hours to the north again, the time has come to resume the requirements of civilization. Perhaps next year, I shall partake once more in the quiet simplicity of a cottage, a mountain, a lake, and millions of pretty Autumn leaves.

If heaven is to be a place of splendor, I imagine a cottage like this to be my eternity. Quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. Toss in some adventure, and I'm there!

Have a wonderful new week all! And enjoy the pretty leaves if you've got 'em!

Your happily blogging, slightly sneezy friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:46 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Be Right Back"

Well folks, I'm heading north for the weekend. Me, my roommate, his brother, and one of their cousins, are heading up to the [insert Scott's last name] family cottage to take the dock out of the lake for winter. Cold lake, pretty trees.... should be fun! I'll be back on Sunday, though, so no posts until then. I'll recap my weekend when I return.

Have a great weekend everyone. I'll see you in a few days!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 5:58 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Movie Friday: "Heads or Tails"

Another Friday, another movie. This week my selection is titled, "Heads or Tails".

One of them is a liar. One of them is a scoundrel. One of them is a thief. And through a sequence of escalating wagers, audacious escapades and brazen capers, we soon discover which is which. A black and white live-action film that'll keep you wondering what's happening... right to the end.

Enjoy, and have a wonderful weekend all!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:26 AM  I   I  0 comments

"T-Shirt Thursday: Love (heart) T-shirts"

In an effort to show off some of my popular (or new) t-shirts, artwork, and gift ideas exclusive to my online store, Jon Baas Designs, I've decided to feature a few of them here on my blog every Thursday. I call it, "T-Shirt Thursday". Feel free to comment, and enjoy!

Today's Featured Designs:
(click on each image to see available products)


More T-shirts & Gifts: .... Love (heart) T-shirts .... Patriotic Heart T-shirts

And for those of you who like to shop, weekly sales and coupons are available on the front page of my store. Feel free to use them for special discounts!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Your happily blogging friend,
-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:52 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Quote of the Day"

"Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower."
-- Albert Camus

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:07 PM  I   I  0 comments

"The Struggles of a Desperate Telephone"

I discovered something today: For the past few weeks, my telephone has been trying to tell me something. It's been in pain, and I haven't realized the true magnitude of it's enduring struggle.

Weeks ago, the symptoms started showing up. First, the line was plagued with static. Callers would be drowned out by the crackling, and while it was a random occurrence, and didn't affect every call, it still became a major annoyance. My roommate and I called the phone company, and they said they'd send a technician out to fix the problem. We never saw him, but he must have done something, because for a while, the static vanished.

Sometime later, though, that static returned just as before. Only this time, my phone went a step further, and starting ringing at random times throughout the day. When I'd pick up the receiver, no one was on the other end of the line.

Most recently -- it's desperate cries for help still unanswered -- my phone just stopped ringing altogether. As we later found out, incoming calls weren't getting through. Whether this was the fault of my phone itself, or that which was ailing it, we don't know. Needless to say, we thought nothing of it, since, afterall, if the phone wasn't ringing, that probably just meant no one was calling.

Early this morning, my desperate telephone gave up on being ignored, and took matters into it's own hands. At about 2am, our doorbell rang.

When Scott opened the front door, two uniformed police officers were standing there, both with concerned expressions on their faces. They were responding to a 911 call from our phone... at our apartment. The thing is, neither Scott nor I had called anyone all day. And no one had called here either. Apparently, when the 911 call was registered at the dispatch center, it was filled with static, and then disconnected. Classic sign of a possible call for help. The dispatcher tried to call back, but there was no answer. On our end, the phone never rang.

So... he/she dispatched a squad car: two officers, armed, no siren.

Apparently this sort of thing, though infrequent, does happen. Sometimes it's a technical issue, other times, it really is a domestic dispute. The police never know what to expect, so they come prepared -- as these guys did. Thankfully, all they had to do, however, was take down names, and write up a short police report. False alarm. Still, for two unassuming "night owls" (Scott and myself), it was a wake up call... something HAD to be fixed with our phone. Message received.

Later this morning, and before heading off to work, Scott called the phone company, stressing the seriousness of the issue. An hour later, a technician had fixed the problem. All these weeks, our phone line had been "sharing voltage with another line", hense the static, the strange ringing, and most recently, the dropped calls. It also appears that our phone was randomly calling other numbers... and, last night, had done so numerous times to 911. Thus the police visit.

Yeah, that's certainly not something you experience every night. But with me... strange as it may sound, I actually seem to attract interesting experiences. Like being stopped at gunpoint by a number of armed soldiers -- while trying to enter a enter a U.S. Navy base (in order to visit my sister). Or, almost falling off a cliff as a toddler (and being dashed by the rocks below), saved only by a small little tree growing out of the edge of the cliff.

Yes, life is never dull in my end of the world. And now, I can apparently add the story of how my telephone got so tired of being ignored... that it called 911. Yep, good times, good times! :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:06 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Take On Me: The Literal Version"

Back in 1985, a Norwegian band called 'A-ha' had a hit song titled, "Take on Me", and they released it with an extraordinarily creative music video. Recently, however, someone took that video, remixed it, infused some humor, and added a literal rendition to match.

Take a moment and watch the remix. Then, when you're done, here's the original for comparison. I've never actually seen this 80's video before, but, now that I have, I think it's a new favorite!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:59 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Tuesday in Review"

Distracted. Had fun. I spent the day being very creative. Unfortunately... I have no new t-shirt and/or product designs to show for it. Very little work got done.

Call it a vacation day, I guess. There's always tomorrow, right? :)

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:49 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Semper Fidelis Baas"

My younger brother Joel released major news today -- he's joining the Marines.

That will make him the FOURTH Baas sibling (out of six) to serve in the U.S. Military. Becca is an officer in the Air Force, Ben just returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq with the Marines, Lydia is studying languages in the Navy, and now Joel will be joining Ben as a Marine. He plans to go into the Delayed Entry Program, and will likely ship out to boot camp in January or February.

For the past few years, Joel has been attending college in Minnesota, with the eventual hope of becoming a high school history teacher and sports coach. He just started his Junior year this Fall, and, had he continued, would have graduated in 2010.

I'm sure recent events, the financial benefits of Marine enlistment, the ability to serve one's country, and Joel's strong brotherly bond with Ben were all influencial in his decision. Military service isn't something I could do -- my passion for the Arts is far too strong. But knowing that my four youngest siblings have chosen to do so with their own lives.... that makes me proud (both of them, and of what that service stands for!). It humbles me greatly at the same time.

The Marine Corps uses the motto "Semper Fidelis" to sum up what it means to be a Marine. In Latin, it translates to "Always Faithful". Determined. Dedicated. Unswerving.

Four of my siblings are (or will be) living that motto in the military -- serving a country they could someday die for. My fifth sibling, Rachel, is an actress who owns her own theater company -- and has a life-long passion for teaching theater to children. Me, I own my own art business, I'm determined to go the independent route, I follow my own path -- even when critics abound. And my parents? They've lovingly supported each of us through whatever we've chosen to pursue.

When I sit down and think about it, when I put things into perspective, maybe that same phrase, "Semper Fidelis" -- Always Faithful -- should apply to the Baas family too.

Determined. Dedicated. Unswerving.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:22 PM  I   I  0 comments

"MLB Playoffs: Brewers Lose, Heads Held High"

Well, it was a great run... exciting even. But alas, the Milwaukee Brewers lost to the Philadelphia Phillies today in Game 4. They end their season, and the Phillies go on to play the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League Pennant.

Yeah, the Brewers pulled out one heck of a thrilling season. They went to the postseason for the first time in 26 years, they drew over 3 million fans to Miller Park (an astonishing attendance record for a small-market team!), they finished the season one game better than the rival Chicago Cubs (who crushed them in the standings during the regular season), and they go into the off-season with their heads held high. While clearly over-matched in the Playoffs, the Crew fought hard, and proved that the underdogs are indeed a force to be reckoned with.

Way to go Brewers! Well played! Now go... enjoy your off-season, you've earned it. And I'll be right here again next year, eager to watch another season of thrilling Milwaukee baseball!

"Philly powers into NLCS with 6-2 win over Brewers"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:40 PM  I   I  0 comments

"MLB Playoffs: Cubs Go Home; Brewers Stay"

Today was a heartbreaking day for the Chicago Cubs... they lost Game 3 of the divisional playoffs to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yes, for the second straight year, the Cubs were swept in the first round. Not good. Especially for the best team in the National League. They won a league-high 97 games this season (seven more than the Brewers), beat up on the Crew whenever they played each other, and clinched the Central Division title with ease. Yeah, they were THAT good.

However, this will be yet another season in which the Cubs fall short of a championship title. They haven't been to the World Series since 1945.

The Brewers on the other hand -- the scrappy underdogs of the National League -- are still clawing their way through the first round against the Philadelphia Phillies. They lost their first two games (best-of-five series), but came back to win today with a very well-played contest. They stay alive, and play again tomorrow in front of another sold-out hometown crowd. If they win, they play a decisive Game 5. If they lose, they go too go home. The forecast is hard to tell at this point.

Earlier in the season, the Cubs were the team favored to do well into the Playoffs. The Brewers were predicted to fizzle out before even getting there. But, surprises abound, and here we are... three games in. The Cubs have been swept, and the Brewers play Game 4. The critics have been proved wrong; it's the Brewers who lasted longer.

I do feel for my rival fans to the south, though, I really do. However, I also find great vindication in being a life-long Brewers fan (even through the crappy years). This year we have a young team, an extremely fan-friendly team (one player even bought 5,000 tickets last week, and, as a thank-you, gave them away for free on the team website!), and we have a team determined to give this city it's first successful postseason since 1982. Even if we don't force a Game 5 with Philadelphia, this'll still have been a miracle season -- and one worth talking about for years to come.

These scrappy young underdogs don't get to win the glory very often. But this year -- 2008 -- this is the exception. This year we're good. This year we made it into the Playoffs. And this year we were better than the best team in the National League! That, my friends, is pretty darn cool!

"Hardy, Brewers stave off elimination with NLDS win"

"Wait 'til next year, again: Cubs eliminated by LA"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:45 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Happiness"

Always good advice: 21 Habits of Happy People

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:50 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Star Trek Barbershop Quartet"

The Hi-Fidelity Quartet performed a clever Barbershop song about Star Trek, while acting out the roles of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Scotty. Nerdy or awesome, you decide. Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:37 AM  I   I  0 comments

"Google Search 2001"

In honor of Google's tenth anniversary, they've put their 2001 search engine online for everyone to play with. All search results are linked to the Internet Archive as they appeared seven years ago. The world web web sure has changed a lot since then, hasn't it.

Oh, and if you search for "Jon Baas" in 2001, you won't find me. I didn't go global until 2002. But, if you search on today's Google, you'll find over 8,500 results. Pretty cool stuff!

Feel free to do a little exploring of your own... and happy googling!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:03 AM  I   I  0 comments