MyToons: YouTube for Animations

I haven't checked out this site; so, as should be a constant practice on the internet, some parental guidance is required. However, looks like some cool homemade cartoon animations.

Novel: The Alchemy Of Stone

Looks like an interesting science fiction writer. This book discusses intelligent automation, a subject debated inside artificial intelligence research (also look at How To Survive a Robot Uprising).

...any machine could rebel, from a toaster to a Terminator

Motorbot: Kinetic Drawing Bug

Here is another kinetic motorbot, similar to the brisslebot. This one uses a pencil attached to the motor to expresses art.

Is Solar Power Plausable?

I'm afraid I do not have enough knowledge to argue this point. However, this article indicates there are plans in Japan to build massive solar power plants.

On a similar note, here is an article describing the first off-shore wind farm in the US. It is planned to be constructed 12 miles off the coast of Delaware. Generating enough energy to power 50,000 homes each year.

Windsurfing on a Longboard

Instructions to turn the longboard skateboard into a sailboard. Sweet! Also the instructions advise wearing as much armor as you can find. We'll be sure to heed their warnings if we get a chance to make this one.

Back-To-Back Tandem Bike

We've been looking at tandem bikes, and even considering a modification so that the three of us can ride. However, we hadn't considered this "back-to-back" design.

Oatmeal Box Pinhole Camera

Site to make your own pinhole photography. There are instructions for making the camera, as well as developing and examples.

DIY: Homemade Instruments

This guys makes his own instruments. Very cool; wind, string, and percussion.

Physics Games

Here are a few physics games to take a look at. I haven't tried them out yet, but will let you know how they go. Looks like they are all client side games.

• Armadillo Run
• Bridge Construction
• Trials 2

Summer Reading List

I found this reading list in one of the blogs for Denise and I. "Books that changed my life" seems a little ambitious for some of these, but we'll give them a try at our favorite book store (didn't realize they have an online store, wonder how that works).

However, we've also been discussing Isaac his reading list for the summer. We will have to investigate 2nd and 3rd grade level reading lists.

Father's Day Weekend....Nothing's going to change our world.

We are all very excited to share this weekend with the special Fathers in all our lives. We are looking forward to great adventures had by all!

"Sounds of laughter shades of life are ringing through my open ears exciting and inviting me Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns It calls me on and on across the universe...." - Beatles

Mark, You are Isaac's & my constant shining sun and we can feel your "limitless undying love" daily. We love you and are so thankful that you share your world with us. Your love completes us and helps us to see the beauty and awesome-ness this world has to offer. Thank you for always taking care of us, for loving us, for protecting us, for sharing your amazing wisdom with both us, and for showing us what it is to give true unconditional love. No limits, no agenda, no conditions......just straight out... full fledged... heart-filled.... genuine... true blue authentic love. We thank you for being the best Dad and husband we could ever ask for. We wouldn't change it for the world!

We love you endlessly and thank you for your love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko19oussVGQ

Love,
Denise & Isaac

Fountain Project

Heron's Fountain project. Must research fluid dynamics to explain to the kids how it works.

Family Picture: May 8, 2008

FamilyPicture5_08_08

Just wanted to re-post this picture that Nancy had on her blog. What a fantastic family we have. We love you guys.

Robot Idea: Bean Bots

Link to a video showing solar powered "bean bots". The robot uses 3 capacitors to store solar energy.

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day from Ghostrider, very nice.

Everything you do in life, every choice you make, has a consequence. When
you do things without thinkin', then you ain't makin' the choice. The choice is
makin' you.

Mark Steven Johnson, Ghostrider, 2007

Koan = Paradox?

After hearing a wonderful lesson regarding biblical paradox, I couldn't help but notice the similarities to a zen koan . Both seem to challenge the student, seeming to be inaccessible to rational understanding.

The article explains that the master warns against over emphasizing the interpretation of the koan. He explains that consideration is designed to encourage a dynamic awakening, which may be evolving or shifting from one moment to the next. Instead, interpretation is static in time.

A classic zen koan asks "when two hands are clapping there is a sound, what is the sound of one hand clapping?"

Likewise, the biblical paradox inquires, "How much less man, who is a maggot, And a son of man, who is a worm?"

Searching further, I found detractors to this comparison. This author comments that the zen koan, "delivers us from rationality", while the biblical paradox, "presumes rationality." I'm not sure I agree that the examination of faith requires obedience to the law of non-contradiction and rational thought.

In fact, perhaps the awakening lays in the consideration of contradictions.

Either way, thank you to the teacher for provoking thought.

Gas Lawnmower Modification

Modify the gas mower to use solar energy. Very specific instructions, and no emissions.

Curious, if you have this option, would you still choose to jog behind the manual push mower? It certainly wouldn't be as fun for the neighbors to watch.

CD Base Robot

Fun looking robot design with a CD base.

Spanish Word of the Day: reirse

After a great weekend, we had much laughing, which is the meaning of the word reirse.

Here's an example:

No me río de ti sino de mí mismo.
I'm not laughing at you but rather at myself.