A new javascript game emulation, this time space invaders.
You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was. Irish Proverb
Strange to see a storm which passed so close to your home from the International Space Station.
Happy Birthday Brian, you are certainly full of mystery and fun. We love you!
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein
This is what Buckminster Fuller called his problem solving approach for complex problems. This approach,
...combined an emphasis on individual initiative and integrity with whole systems thinking, scientific rigor and faithful reliance on nature's underlying principles. The designs he is best known for (the geodesic dome, the Dymaxion house, car, and map, and the global electric grid) were part of a visionary strategy to redesign the inter-related systems of shelter, transportation and energy.
Interesting music show in Austin this weekend. BleepLabs also have a cool looking photo-synthesizer device (you can even run the guitar through it).
Today is 'International Speak Like a Pirate Day'. I must give my favorite quote from the modern day pirate singer, Jimmy Buffett.
Haul the sheet in as we ride on the windArrrgh!
That our forefathers harnessed before us
Hear the bells ring as the tight rigging sings
It's a son of a gun of a chorusSon of a Sailor
No doubt when the developers of today grew up is it. This one is a little more realistic.
Here's a new dictionary site called Wordia. They let users upload videos of their own definitions of the words (right now, most of the videos are of British people - practice your Monty Python accent). Definately makes for some interesting posts.
Oh, but you can't expect to wield supreme executive power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you. Dennis
These courses look interesting, and a good way to elaborate on a self-taught fascination.
All is well here in the land of the Pears. We've discovered many things during this storm and its aftermath; however, one amazing realization is how a difficulty brings a community together. We've met and 'raised a glass' with so many neighbors during the last several days. It is amazing what being forced to eat dinner on your front lawn does for the community.
The world is wide, and I will not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum. Frances Willard'Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt. Abraham Lincoln
I took this screen print from a program which lays the hurricane path over Google Maps. This shows the project path on 9/11/08 at 0900, the orange dot is our home in Pearland.
Sounds fun and interesting. Not sure how far off-shore I want to trust a homemade boat?
These incredible pictures were taken from space. They show various hurricanes.
Just wanted to post a short note regarding the absurd shouts heard from the Republican National Convention last week of "Drill Baby Drill." There are many commentaries regarding this ridiculous shout available; however, I just wanted to make one connection.
We miss Lance in the Tour De France.
As noted, we love pictures of smiling people. Check out this artist's rendition of a popular theme.
Found this quote in my Monday reading. It seems especially resonate after a beautiful weekend with my family. Must check out this writer. Careful! 'We are dangerous!"
We are dangerous. We are daring and immortal. Fog whips up from under the cliffs and billows over the highway. Blue breaks from beyond the fog and sun suddenly screams from the blue.
Hulu is a new service which streams TV shows and Movies online. I haven't looked at it, but wanted to give it a go later.
We had earlier discussed haptic devices, those which deal with kinesthetic touch. Here's a brief interview with Vint Cerf, often called the father of the Internet, where he discusses haptic devices using a network.
I expect to see much more interesting interactions, including the possibility of haptic interactions - touch. Not just touch screens, but the ability to remotely interact with things. Little robots, for example, that are instantiations of you, and are remotely operated, giving you what is called telepresence. It's a step well beyond the kind of video telepresence we are accustomed to seeing today.
This image of little robots is different from the typical autonomous robot you see in the AI world. They could be sitting in a conference room, representing me -- not autonomously, but allowing me to be in more than one place at the same time. They can move around, interact with things, talk to people, see like everyone else can.
We had an outstanding visit to Isaac's school last night. The new program he's in seems to put a huge emphasis on problem solving and creative thinking.
BTW: I'm not sure how he qualified to be in this program, I don't believe they tested him or anything. Maybe he was referred from his last teacher? I'll have to ask his current instructor during a meeting.However, it happened, it will be an excellent opportunity. Even UIL problem solving competitions and a mandatory science fair.
A recent discussion sparked my interest regarding the question of learning and education. My example, when should academic preparedness (was more specifically 1 hour of bedtime) be sacrificed for the thirst for knowledge and history?
I guess another question arises, which event is worthy of this sacrifice? A baseball game, a meeting with a friend, an impromtu science experiment, a political speech??
Certainly a difficult question. While academics are certainly important, my hope is that learning never stops. We are destined to spend more of our lives outside of the classroom than in it.
As a homework assignment for life, we watched this incredible lecture this weekend. Though, just over an hour in length, I would highly recommend it. Brick walls are not put in our path to stop us, but to make us work harder.
I have spent some of my day studying "The Golden Rule of Personal Selling." As some of you may or may not know....I decided to further my studies to enhance my sales capabilities. My chapter of study today revolves around an interesting topic that is very familiar.
The author's definition of The Golden Rule of Personal Selling: “The Golden Rule of Personal Selling refers to the sales philosophy of unselfishly treating others as you would like to be treated.”
The author also included several "world" examples of the above concept. Take a look:
1) "This is the sum of duty; do naught unto others what you would have them do to you." - Hindu Mahabharata 5:1517
2)"Do not do to others what you would not like yourself." - Confucius Analects 12:2
3)"Hurt not others in the way you yourself would find hurtful." - The Buddhist Udana Varga 5:1
4)"That which is hateful to you do not do unto your neighbor. The rest is commentary." - Rabbi Hillel
5)"Do to others as you would have them do to you." - The Christian Bible Matthew 7:12
Interesting enough, all the passages above must be carefully interpreted in BOTH personal and professional relationships. It is easy to say ....do for ME, and then I will do for YOU. Reciprocity is not the "Golden Rule" concept and should not be our main focus. Funny how something you learn as a child can be linked to so many areas of one's life.
Family & Friends...be happy, be positive, be thoughtful, and wish well to others.....even customers. :)
Love to you all,
Denise
First a quote from a speech we heard yesterday. Isaac stayed up a little later to witness history, and observed some parts directed at him specifically.
The life of a tall, gangly, self-made Springfield lawyer tells us that a different future is possible. He tells us that there is power in words. He tells us that there is power in conviction. That beneath all the differences of race and region, faith and station, we are one people. He tells us that there is power in hope.One of my favorite quotes in another iteration.
Happy FridayDon't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door. Dr. Laura Schlessinger
I haven't had an opportunity to try this Fantastic Contraption out yet, but it looks like another physics/mechanical game. It sounds similar to the Crayola Physics game, which was certainly a hit in our house.
Happy Birthday Nancy, we wish you a wonderful Birthday parade. I found a quote of the day which reminded me of your experiences lately. Wouldn't it be nice (or maybe boring) if it were completely true.
It is only the first step that is difficult.
Marie De Vichy-Chaconne
I should have known this one given my kinesiology background, but it was a new word for me. A haptic device in one which provides tactile and kinaesthetic feedback.
These scientists in Japan are working on a haptic device which provides extra-sensory feedback through a laser whisker system. Proposed applications include visual prosthetics for the blind and extra-sensory awareness systems for working in hazardous conditions or even driving.
We recently completed the 'Run 4 Cover' 5K race in honor of Denise's Birthday. It also served as Isaac's inaugural race, covering 1K.
In addition to having a fantastic time celebrating Denise, our family had a very successful run. Isaac was the first boy finisher, making a dramatic finishing kick passing two more experienced boys at the finish line. Likewise, Denise won a prize for completing the distance towards the top of her own experience level.
As it may also be noticeable in the post-race pictures, we also celebrated a Gulf-Coast morning heat wave.
Happy Birthday Denise!
This quote give an extremely tall order, which sounds very familiar.
Say little, and love much; give all; judge no man; aspire to all that is pure
and good. White Eagle
Some in my house are anxiously awaiting the X-Files Movie. Here's a post of the 10 best monsters.
Some include:
10. The Artificial Intelligence in Kill Switch
9. The Chameleon-like Forest Creatures in Detour
8. The Jersey Devil in Jersey Devil
1. The Cigarette Smoking Man
This article explains making a device which would caputure GPS data and sync with a laptop. Sounds like a fun project, but maybe easier to use the cell phone to capture the coordinates.
Did you hear about the the Zen master who ordered a hot dog? He asked for one with everything.
We heard this joke in a movie last night. Denise will use it today in a big presentation regarding, "One Container Business" and the synergies between the sister companies.
Never bad to start off with a joke; but, even better to have one which proves your point. Good luck Babe!
This short animation brings back many summer memories. The combination of fire flies and locus sounds are fantastic. We don't seem to have many fire flies on the coastal prairie, we'll have to go search for them for a summer get-a-way.
BTW - Good luck to the Brough's when constructing your 6 person tandem. We'll certainly contribute design advise.When we seek for connection, we restore the world to wholeness. Our seemingly separate lives become meaningful as we discover how truly necessary we are to each other. Margaret Wheatley
Wow! This site is an amazing utilization of HD photography. Check out this panoramic shot of Yosemite's Half Dome. You can zoom in and search for the climbers. Amazing stuff.
Here's the site for the company producing the pictures.
Here is a review of articles on how to build your own guitar pick-up from inexpensive parts which can be purchased at Radio Shack. While we can certainly build one to amplify the acoustic guitar, they will also work on any homemade stringed instrument.
Another illustrated article with instructions.
An interesting link for the kids, or for some reflection on old school games much before Guitar Hero.
Denise and I had an opportunity to play soccer on the beach this weekend with a group of foreign exchange students from France. Although they probably didn't appreciate the soccer tactics of a bunch of rugby players, it was a great time.
This quote reminded me of the experience.
All sanity depends on this: that it should be a delight to feel heat strike the
skin, a delight to stand upright, knowing the bones are moving easily under the
flesh.
Doris Lessing
Cool post. This might make a nice accessory to the potato cannon.
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.
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
Site to make your own pinhole photography. There are instructions for making the camera, as well as developing and examples.
This guys makes his own instruments. Very cool; wind, string, and percussion.
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.
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.
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
Heron's Fountain project. Must research fluid dynamics to explain to the kids how it works.
Just wanted to re-post this picture that Nancy had on her blog. What a fantastic family we have. We love you guys.
Link to a video showing solar powered "bean bots". The robot uses 3 capacitors to store solar energy.
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
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.
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.
After a great weekend, we had much laughing, which is the meaning of the word reirse.
Here's an example:
No me rÃo de ti sino de mà mismo.
I'm not laughing at you but rather at myself.
Throw your heart over the fence and the rest will follow.Norman Vincent Peale
We've certainly had fun with our Guitar Hero game. Here's the website for the new game due out during the summer. It comes with a drum kit, including cymbals. Very Cool!
This book looks interesting. Who doesn't want to move to New Mexico and drive a car running on vegetable oil? Cool!
We are on a campaign to notice the good things that happen everyday. Even the small, subtle, "unspeakable" things that bring a smile. This quote reminded me of some of the great relationships I am lucky enough to have.
What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are
joined... to strengthen each other... to be one with each other in silent
unspeakable memories.
George Eliot
Interesting instructions to create a homemade speaker from a cereal box, an old set of head phones, and an old music greeting card. Seems like a quick and interesting project.
What a great weekend, with lots of laughter.
Man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of
laughter
Joseph Addison
Interesting architecture drawing program from Google. Makes 3D drawings, and they have a free version.
After listening to an NPR report this morning, I realized how little I understood about the Chinese province which sustained an Earthquake yesterday.
This wikipedia page counts the population at over 87 million. Also, given the location of the province between the Himalaya and Qinling mountain ranges, it is not surpising the US Geological Society's seismic hazzard map shows the area prone to tectonic activity.
We had an incredible weekend with lots of dancing to a local band called Gorilla Dance Band. They had an awesome horn section (well just a saxophone and trumpet), and the music seemed to be mesmerizing.
I love to see my wife dancing a salsa! If love is madness, as Nietzsche suggests, we were plain crazy this weekend.
There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason
in madness.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Here's a primer on using a breadboard, and a more advanced follow-up. This seems to be a precursor to a circuit board, and helps visualizing the electronic flow and sequence in a circuit.
Isaac created a habitat for a Platypus for one of his research projects earlier this year. While doing the research, he also taught us the word monotreme. These are mammals who lay eggs.
Yesterday a story came out about a group of scientist who have mapped the platypus genome. As the monotreme designation indicates, it turns out the DNA of the animal also includes an amalgam of mammalian and reptile characteristics.
Surprisingly, humans and the platypus shared a similar genetic make-up until 165 million years ago. At that point, the platypus branched off, and still retains evidence of snake and lizard DNA today.
Just found this website of the Cl0ud Appreciation Society. Here's their manifesto (interesting they have a manefesto).
WE BELIEVE that clouds are unjustly malignedand that life would be immeasurably
poorer without them.
We think that they are Nature’s poetry,
and the most egalitarian of her
displays, since everyone can have a fantastic view of them.
We pledge to fight ‘blue-sky thinking’ wherever we find it. Life would be dull
if we had to look up at
cloudless monotony day after day.
We seek to remind people that clouds are expressions of the atmosphere’s moods,
and can be read like those of a person’s countenance.
Clouds are so commonplace that their beauty is often overlooked. They are for
dreamers and their contemplation benefits the soul. Indeed, all who consider the
shapes they see in them will save on psychoanalysis bills.
And so we say to all who’ll listen:Look up, marvel at the ephemeral beauty,
and live life with your head in the clouds!
Coolspotters is a new website that reports on celebrity fashions. While it is certainly not unique, SeenOn, it is the first to let the public do most of the work. Apparently, it uses a wiki-like data interface to let users report on celebrity fashions.
Very interesting combination of music and do-it-yourself building.
As a side note, I had an interesting conversation this weekend with a mechanical engineer. He told me every technologically creative person he knows also has an artistic hobby (music, art, or poetry). As we've suspected, perhaps there's a correlation.
I know someone who could use one of these, especially after prowling the dark streets of New Orleans looking for a hotel.
Interesting tag line on this recommended web site, "Three degrees of separation, Khakis, blue jeans, and dungarees ..."
I'm finding that posting here, and subscribing in the news reader is much more effective and interactive than bookmarking.
An interesting project in an attempt to build a flying machine which operates by flapping its wings.
We had great conversations with Michael and Nancy last night, and this new mashup reminded me of some points.
It is a mashup of the Rolling Stones Street Fighting Man/Gimme Shelter/ drums from 'Slave', and The Temptations Ball Of Confusion.
While the Ball Of Confusion basically complains about everything, the lyrics that stand out to me are these...
Well, the only person talking about love thy brother is
the...(preacher.)
And it seems nobody's interested in learning but the...(teacher.)
...
And the band played on
I noticed this article on No Impact Man today, and found a special relevance.
Sounds like an interesting and relatively cheap project. Better on the next level when you can send the GPS coordinates to Google Maps.
Speaking of a custom Google Maps gadget, here's an example of one which shows the results of the recent Pennsylvania primaries by county.
This trailer is from the upcoming game, however, it seems like the soundtrack on this is going to be awesome. Every time we here Black Sabbath and Ozzie go into their version of Iron Man, we look like Wayne's World Bohemian Rhapsody.
We seem to be in the season of economic stimulus likely corresponding both with an impending economic downturn and a presidential election cycle. In celebration of both, John McCain has recommended a "Gas Tax Holiday" to coincide with the busy summer driving period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
While initially tempting, this NY Times article suggests that the tax adjustment might be sending the wrong signals. Just as Americans are making an economically driven recovery from oil addiction, this incentive would encourage them back to the pump. In the long term, resulting in a higher price for gas and increased carbon dioxide emissions.
While this and other gas incentive programs may, on the surface, affect the consumer; the real beneficiary, is the gas companies who seem to be doing OK without it.
Many more opinions on Google.
I used to practice this theory when working at the nursing home, I called it "sun therapy". However, this article from the NY Times agrees, this works even on an overcast day.
They indicate that the ultraviolet wavelengths of 290 to 320 nanometers (in the ultraviolet-B range) are necessary for an adequate "sun bath".
I love a good "sun bath", however they also caution the ultraviolet-B waves are also associated with sunburn and skin damage. So, just like in most other cases, use in moderation.
Happy Birthday Mom, we love you very much. Do something fantastic today on your day.
Found this quote today, seems to also comment on our family's travels on many levels.
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.
Thomas Paine
BirthdayLizardMacroB
Originally uploaded by mhughen.
I took off today, to take Isaac to school for his birthday, and found this little lizard sitting on our love roses. We're slowly getting better at our macro shots. Happy Birthday Isaac!
Here's the set with the rest of the lizard and rose shots.
BirthdayBikeIsaacXTrick
Originally uploaded by mhughen.
Isaac was on his birthday bike for about 30 seconds before he started trying tricks (all before going to school this morning). I call this one IsaacX. Here's the set.
I took No Impact Man's advice this morning, and signed up for this service to stop junk mail. We'll see how effective it is in saving the environment during the next few months.
