Today is February 29. Which means 2012 is a leap year. But what exactly is a leap year? Watch the above video for a complicated, yet thorough explanation. Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:48 AM  I   I  0 comments

There's a new desert growing in the Arcachon Bay in western France. It's the Great Dune of Pyla, and it's the tallest sand dune in Europe. It's about 1,640 ft wide from east to west, and nearly two miles in length from north to south. As is the case with any sand dune, it's moving further and further into the country, gradually covering buildings and roads.

Take a peek at some photos of this impressive moving desert.

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

Did you know Dolly Parton has two voices? With a little technical asjustment, she's two amazing singers on one. If you slow down her songs sounds completely different, but her songs are still as pleasant to listen to. At the blog 'Waking Up Now' you can listen to 2 songs -- "9 to 5" and "Jolene" at regular speed. Then, listen to both of them slowed down to a bluesy lament.

My favorite is the hauntingly beautiful show version of "Jolene". Hop on over to the "Waking Up Now" blog and give them a listen. Enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:01 PM  I   I  0 comments

Today I am 32 years old. Time flies when you're having fun!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:44 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." - Adlai Stevenson

-Jon
posted by Jon at 3:14 PM  I   I  0 comments

I've been a bit lax in my blogging lately (mostly due to other projects), so I thought it might be fun to get back into the swing of things with another live-blog of a "day in the life of Jon Baas". I'll start as soon as I wake up later today, and record my day as it happens (via short time-dated comments).

Whatever happens today (aside from mundane tasks of course), will be recorded right here. Since I have no idea what to expect, the day should prove to be as thrilling for me to experience... as it is fascinating for you to read.

So... with that said, let the fun begin! Bookmark this page, and be sure to check back often. Live-blogging starts -- right here -- sometime around noon!

(All times are in Central Standard Time)

-----------------------------------------------

12:44 PM
I'm up, awake, ready to begin my Thursday. Since I work overnight hours, noon-12:30 PM is generally when my "days" begin. That varies, of course, depending upon any meetings or events I have scheduled. For the most part, though, I seem to be most productive during the morning hours.

1:09 PM
I do a lot of work on Facebook. As a result, I probably know more about the site than the average person. One of the first things I do when my day starts is to catch up on my friends updates, check in on the various pages I maintain, make sure everything is functioning smoothly, maybe leave a comment or two.

Now that that's done. I think it's time for lunch -- "breakfast" in my case. I've caught up on the events of my social world, now it's time to check in with CNN on world events.

Out To Lunch. Be Back Soon.

1:22 PM
Oooh! A "Star Trek: The Next Generation" marathon on the Syfy Channel! Fun stuff! I may have to switch between this and CNN during lunch.

2:02 PM
The situation in Syria makes me ill. Any government that willingly kills it's own citizens in order to preserve it's perverted rule, does not deserve mercy or respect.

2:18 PM
Time to update some websites. Gotta keep things current.

2:56 PM
The sun is out and streaming in my home-office window as I work. According to the local weather status, it's 41F. I wonder if I should take a walk later?

3:22 PM
Pregnant women are quite attractive. I have a few pregnant friends who have been posting photos on Facebook. The mothers-to-be look radiant.

3:51 PM
I just finished the dishes, washed the counters, etc. My wife (Kelli) likes to keep a clean kitchen. I like to make her happy. I'm a good husband, I am.

4:27 PM
I'm heading out to do some grocery shopping with Kelli. I'm hoping to return with some coffee ingredients. I've been craving a nice hot vanilla caramel latte.

5:42 PM
Coffee obtained. We also picked up some hot chicken from the deli, so I'll be enjoying that for dinner shortly. Kelli was hungry. Quick and easy was the way to go.

5:51 PM
I love listening to 80's music. And I like dancing to it. Even when it's playing in the grocery store. The weird looks from my wife are fun too.

7:14 PM
I never drank coffee before I married Kelli. Now, I kinda like the stuff. Especially the steaming mug of Vanilla Caramel Latte I just finished. That's some good quality joe!

7:29 PM
I enjoy receiving packages in the mail. Especially when they contain geeky toys bought off Ebay. Three such packages came today. My inner geek is very happy!

7:37 PM
I'm watching an episode of "Scrubs" with Kelli. It's her favorite; the one titled "My Musical", where a patient observes everyone around her singing. I've never been a big fan of the show, but I have enjoyed an episode here and there. I can definitely see what Kelli enjoys about this one!

9:38 PM
Kelli and I have been watching clips of "Les Miserables" off of Youtube. Mark my words... that musical is going to stand the test of time. It'll be just as beloved fifty years from now.

9:46 PM
Kelli just informed me that she's taking her kindergarten students on a field trip tomorrow -- to something known as "Kinderfest". She described the event to me as this: "Take 150 kindergarteners, give them each 15 pixie sticks... and then try to keep them involved in organized activities." Yeah, I have a feeling my wife will be coming home exhausted tomorrow.

9:59 PM
Kelli has gone off to bed. I kept her company for a little while, now I think I'll go watch Conan for a bit before heading back to work.

11:42 PM
I'm editing a video of some performance footage from a stage show I was in a few years back. It continues to be one of my favorite acting gigs. If all goes well, I think I'll upload it to Youtube sometime tomorrow (Friday), and then post the link on Facebook.

FRIDAY MORNING:

12:18 AM
I'm listening to some musical recordings of the U.S. Naval Choir as I work. At the moment, the hymn "Eternal Father, Strong To Save" is playing. I love their haunting harmony. Truly beautiful.

1:09 AM
Music moves the soul. One of my favorite genre's of music to listen to while I work is that of orchestral film scores. Moving melodies, haunting tunes, determined fight sequences, chase music. No words, just music. Yet, each piece tells a story. It's the kind of music that feeds the imagination. I like that.

1:23 AM
Sometimes, when I'm listening to music and no one's around, I sit back, close my eyes.... and play the air drums. It makes me happy. It probably helps too that I was a drummer in my youth. Sometimes I wish I still was.

2:02 AM
Current project (at this hour): Creating a few more awesome digital set illustrations for the on-going Star Trek fan series that I produce and direct online. The set illustrations -- when published -- will represent the physical locations onboard the starship (upon which the series takes place). And when I say "awesome", I mean that in the very geekiest sense of the word. Sets like this -- for this kind of ship -- don't exist anywhere else online... because I'm the graphic artist creating them.

Check out the Star Trek: Terra Nova series website sometime. You might enjoy the story!

3:21 AM
It's amazing how fast time flies when you're immersed in creative work! After an hour and a half more of general graphics work, I think it's time for a break.

I've been listening to the fantastic score for the television series "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (as performed by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra). It's a beautiful composition (moving, harmonious, flowing). It makes me want to sit down and watch an episode. Since I usually find something meal-related to eat about this time of morning, I think I'll go pick an episode off Netflix, and enjoy my last "meal" of my "day" while I watch. Be back in a bit.

4:47 AM
It's almost 5 AM on Friday. My "day" has come to a close. I've gotten quite a bit finished today, I've enjoyed my tasty salad and episode of science fiction, it's time to head off to bed. Kelli has a standing request that I not still be up and about when she gets up -- she's not a morning person. So, I hit the sack before she rises.

All-in-all, it's been a good "day"; another one starts in a few hours. Thanks for following along as I've live-blogged. It's been fun! Until next time....

Your happily blogging friend,

-Jon
posted by Jon at 12:01 AM  I   I  0 comments

I love the beauty of nature. Deep ravines, steep cliffs, tall mountains, powerful waterfalls, serene rivers, quiet meadows. A beautiful vista can make me stop and gaze in sheer wonder!

For those of you that share my fascination with this kind of beauty, here's something you might enjoy. It's a photographic list of the ten most breathtaking viewing platforms from around the world. To stand stand upon one of these overlooks, is to surround yourself with the best scenery the world has to offer. As long as you're not afraid of heights, that is. Take a peek!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:48 PM  I   I  0 comments

"Star Trek: Terra Nova" is a fan-produced Star Trek PBeM ("play-by-email") RPG adventure series. It takes place in the year 2378 -- three years after the Dominion War, and is set aboard the Defiant-class USS Terra Nova. It's a small ship; small crew (40 persons). But the adventures are beyond anything you've ever read. It's the series you never knew about; the novel not found in stores.

Come travel to the edge of explored space, to a region known as the Ryalli Sector. Spend some time on the only Federation outpost in the area, Liberty Station (the crashed saucer of a Galaxy-class starship). Meet the local alien races -- most of whom are not humanoid. Learn the history and mythology of the local planets. Discover the secrets of the mysterious Ryalli Expanse -- a place where thoughts become reality. Look around. Explore. Just be sure to avoid the war-mongering Qu-rog.

"Star Trek: Terra Nova" is an intricate story that has been growing in scale since 2001. Over ten years of episodes, plot lines, adventures, and unique characters.

It's one of the best Star Trek stories on the internet, with one of the most extensive and informative websites unmatched by any of it's counterparts. An epic adventure, strong in continuity, and based on creativity and individual character development. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind Star Trek PBeM RPG, then THIS, my friend, is the place to be.

Come join us! Join the crew. Become a character. Read the story.

Series directed by myself, Jon Baas. Professional actor. Professional story-teller.

"...One of the best independent Star Trek stories on the internet!"
- David B.

"Your series has the most comprehensive set of background details that I've ever seen in an RPG."
- Jason A.

"All I can say is... outstanding!"
- Brian C.

Come see what we're all about. Visit our website:
terranova.azorius.net

"Like" us on Facebook:
facebook.com/USSTerraNova

Check out our Youtube channel for more videos:
youtube.com/user/TerraNovaOnline

I'll see YOU.... in the Ryalli!

-Jon


posted by Jon at 12:36 AM  I   I  0 comments

So what happened with the Internet in 2011? How many email accounts were there in the world in 2011? How many websites? How much did the most expensive domain name cost? How many photos were hosted on Facebook? How many videos were viewed to YouTube?

Royal Pingdom has got the answers to these questions and many more. Numbers, statistics, data... it's all there. Take a peek, and enjoy!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:42 AM  I   I  0 comments

Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany, has the largest model railway in the world, and one of the most successful tourist attractions. On the 1,600 m² large layout, more than a thousand trains, aircrafts, cars and ships move about.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:24 AM  I   I  0 comments

Syria remains in the news as its government continues to use violence while cracking down on protests. It's the latest of many upheavals that the country has been through since its formation as a state. In fact, there are many reminders of past turmoil and upheaval. Over 700 abandoned settlements bear the collective name "The Dead Cities of Syria".

These abandoned municipalities litter the landscape, and contain the remains of a confident, vibrant and sophisticated culture that disappeared over fifteen hundred years ago. Fantastic ancient structures are left behind as a testament to the ingenuity of the people who once lived here.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 2:13 AM  I   I  0 comments

"It has long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sit back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things."
-- Elinor Smith

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:59 AM  I   I  0 comments