Speaking Points: Super Bowl or Olympic Medal

After asking Isaac the question regarding a favorite song for a space wake-up call on the phone last night, I confirmed by belief in the value of complex speaking points for valuable conversation.

This is a widespread concept used when interviewing, never ask simple "Yes or No" questions. Instead ask more complex questions which challenge the speaker to concentrate and evaluate his response.

I've added another criteria to my engagement speaking points for Isaac:

• No Yes or No questions (Did you have a good day in school today)
• No questions which can potentially be responded to with "good" (How was school today?)

The speaking point question for today comes from the sports world. Is it better to win the Super Bowl or an Olympic Gold Medal? After watching the Canadian win the Gold Medal in his home country last night, I would have to vote for that scenario.

Music: Space Shuttle Wake-Up Call

According to GeekDad, this song was played for Bob Behnken on-board the space shuttle Endeavor this morning.

Wonder what song you would choose as your wake-up call while in space? Pink Floyd seems appropriate to me; however, I don't think I could resist the temptation of hearing Jimmy Buffett (Maybe a little Grapefruit Juicy-fruit) while hurtling through space.

Quotes: Howard Zinn

Thanks to Michael for reminding me of this (congratulations Michael by the way).

Howard Zinn died Wednesday, to show his broad appeal here are obituaries from the NY Times, and Eddie Vedder.

Howard Zinn has been the inspiration behind many commentaries on this site regarding pacificism. However, here is a quote which dovetails nicely with thoughts expressed about Seth Godin's Linchpin.

I'm worried that students will take their obedient place in society and look to become successful cogs in the wheel - let the wheel spin them around as it wants without taking a look at what they're doing. I'm concerned that students not become passive acceptors of the official doctrine that's handed down to them from the White House, the media, textbooks, teachers and preachers. Howard Zinn 1922-2010

Valentine's Day: Song For Our Amor

Isaac and I celebrated Valentine's Day early over the weekend, singing Denise a mash-up of songs with the ukulele. The main song was 1,2,3,4 by the Plain White T's. We mashed a verse of "Hey Soul Sister" by Train into it by transposing the chords of D - A - Bm - A (- G for the chorus).

Great stuff! And a fitting set of songs for our Amor, Denise! Maybe we'll get a recording of our version one of these days.

Happy Valentine's Day my Lover.

Development: Small Basic - Beginning Programming

Just found this beginning programming language from Microsoft called Small Basic. Looks like you can follow the directions on the PDF that comes with the download pretty easily.

There's only 15 keywords, so a good way to learn concepts such as branching, loops, and arrays. You can also publish programs to the web, and embed them in your websites. Also lots of graphical methods for entertainment.

Video: International Space Station Tour

Tour of the International Space Station. Amazing how much they make it seem like a regular office (as much as possible at over 170 miles), "...and here's Charlie!" It seems like the space station is attached at the time, so you can see inside of that as well.

Math: Visual Math Proofs

Here is the next in the series from Stever Strogatz regarding math exploration. He discusses some visual mathematics.

I found myself teaching Isaac to be a good test taker this weekend; however, the same techniques do not necessarily transfer into being an effective problem solver. I ordered several books from the article to maybe point us toward more creative solutions.

His example is solving the sum of consecutive integers. The solution can be seen in the expression n*(n+1)/2. The graphical proof is much more interesting though.

---

Convertion: Convert YouTube to MP4

Looks like an interesting service to get YouTube videos on the Zune.

from LifeHacker.

Video: Stop Motion Goodness

Must give this stop motion a try. This one is very cool!

Video: Who's On First

Inspiration: Sieze the Day

Inspiration from a poet and cancer patient.
use caution with the children, this is a poetry slam, and the poet is emphatic regarding her thoughts of "carpe diem"

Business: Cost, Margin, Price

I need to make time to read this e-book from Todd Sattersten discussing lessons about flexible pricing options. Reminds me of the initiative to gain your business degree online instead of in the business school. He has a blog as well.

Teaching: Hunters and Farmers

This article from Seth Godin makes a great distinction between hunters and farmers. The different types of people should be acknowledged when marketing, hiring, and teaching.

He points out that, "that medicating kids who might be better at hunting so that they can sit quietly in a school designed to teach farming doesn't make a lot of sense."

Diversity is what makes the world interesting, maybe we just need to learn how to appreciate and gear our message.

Exercise: Target Zone Training

Article from NPR this morning discussing Target Heart Rate Zone training. Interesting point at about 5 minutes discussing the impact on the brain (pre-frontal cortex) for target heart rate training (even in children).

Science Fair: Paper Airplanes to Learn Flight

This page is a pointer from Make Magazine to paper airplane instructionals. Need to brush up on the lift, drag, thrust, and gravity.

Pictures: Night At The Gallery

For our weekend's culture, we went to Tia Marie's Gallery opening. You can see her and Isaac standing in front of her work which includes an interesting study of the old Maxwell Coffee building in Houston.

We finished the evening at an old looking diner with Abuela, where we walked in on a bluegrass concert. Feeling extremely cultural indeed!

Thursday Reading: 2010 State of the Union Address

Don't think we'll make it through all of this, but we'll read parts of it.

Pictures: Big Bend 2009

Remarkable trip to Big Bend after Christmas. Our initial inspiration was Isaac's national park assignment for next semester.

The mountains were breath taking. Even Denise and my legs were burning on the long way down after a 10 mile hike, Isaac was jumping down the trail like a billy goat.

We may have broke the vacation picture rules about taking too many shots of the same subject, but the mountains were amazing! Can't wait to go back for a longer stay.

Reading: Nebula Award Nominations On Tor

A list of potential award fantasy fiction published by Tor.com throughout 2009. Could make for interesting reading.

Pictures: Sound Project With Grandpa Jim

Good pictures of the kids for Grandpa Jim's visit on Christmas. We made a sound device from a kit, complete with plug for the amp. It worked great to wake everyone up from their naps when we were finished.

Linchpin: What Matters?

Here's another one from Linchpin. He says our work is our are, and the obvious enemy is the status quo. Godin encourages us to be a creative genius again, like we were when we were children. Make connections and combination, say surprising things, be original, and engage your audience.

Strong Stuff!

Linchpin: What Matters?

School: Don't Feed The Lizzard Brain

More thoughts from Seth Godin and his new book Linchpin. Here's a poster he put on Scribd. I suppose we are feeding into this scam with Isaac; however, I'm not sure how else to go about it outside of encouraging curiosity and creativity whenever possible.

Linchpin: School Is A Scam

Pictures: Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas cookies and some "Fire Power". You must check out "Night at the Smithsonian". We had fun with the "Fire Power" this Christmas for sure.

Pictures: Rugby January 2010

I love to see Isaac at the rugby matches. He always seem to hook up with friends, and this time they even played a game. Of course, nobody there is afraid of getting dirty!

Blogs: Informal Economy

Check out this blog, stealth of nations. Writer Robert Neuwirth discusses global "informal economies." It is the market of street vendors and other undocumented businesses.

The blog reminds me of a local vendor I call "preacher man" (mostly because he performs thousands of street-side blessings each day). I told the preacher I didn't care to donate to his charity; however, I would be more than happy to purchase his product (candy bars in this case). I suppose this is a small piece of the informal economy at work here in H-Town.

This informal economy of Neuwirth's was also the inspiration behind the 3D printer shanty town in Cory Doctorow's book, Maker's. Cory's implementation suggests that while economic disaster sometimes brings depression, it will also nurture creativity.

Games: Snakebox

Snake game in 3 dimensions. Should work for a study break. Suggested by Woot.com.

Gardens: Make Your Own Germinating Pots

This web site explains how to make your own germinating pots for spring planting. The roots will grow through the newspaper while growing in the garden. Mid March to early April is the time to begin the process if germinating your own seeds.

Running: Born To Run

Just read the book by Christopher McDougall, Born To Run. He basically tells the theory that humans survived evolution, due to their ability to run long distances. While never the fastest mammal, they did have the ability to run the longest distances.

This article in Scientific American supports this theory in their discussion regarding the reason humans did not develop hair, like other mammals. If you are going to be a long distance runner, you need a better method to dissipate body heat. The book discusses this combination of traits, along with others, allowing early humans the ability to literally run the hooves off an antelope.

A great book, which also discusses alternative injury free running techniques. It inspired us to study our evolutionary history, and run for the joy of running, and because we were "born to run," not sit on the couch.

Mobile App: iSites IPhone App Publisher

This online application will let you design an app for iPhone and Adroid primarily using RSS feeds. While its not extremely functional, just an RSS reader, it could get the boss an quick iPhone app he's been looking for.

Luckily, I built an RSS feed into the Harris County Case of the Month application so that we could use it in the future. A quick fix to include News and other articles from the marketing department might do the trick.

Otherwise, I'm trying to talk him into spending time building a mobile website instead of an app. Thin client is the way of the future - onward to the browser OS.

Music: The Low Anthem

Tiny Desk Concert on NPR. Love the beginning song with the high harmony, contrast with the stand-up bass. Also great effects from a small, live concert (even using cell phones). What is that instrument in the beginning of song #2? Soprano baritone?
Careful for slight language in #2 song.

Science Fair: Laser Light Show

I think we could adapt this set-up to use our new Lego kit. It has a motor that would work nicely.

WIFI: Free WIFI starts today at McDonald's

For our lovable traveling sales person. The ability to connect at any McDonald's for free might work almost as good as a 3G internet connection on the phone. Now if only we can pass on the fries.

Thursday Reading: Haiti Earthquake

In light of current events in Haiti, changing the reading assignment to Haiti's earthquake. Interesting story in Time, whether the earthquake could have been predicted.

Search: Google Makes You Smart?

This is one of my favorite sayings. This article from Nicholas Carr has me conflicted, because he questions how smart fast, accurate search algorithms actually make you.

For most day to day functions, a Google search can find almost any answer. However, original knowledge cannot be obtained through search. Carr says truth only comes from hard work and knowing.

Truth is self-created through labor, through the hard, inefficient, unscripted work of the mind, through the indirection of dream and reverie. What matters is what cannot be rendered as code. Google can give you everything but meaning.

Thursday Reading: Anabolic Steroid Use In Teenagers

Is it too soon to have a discussion with Isaac about anabolic steroid use? After the rage that was pee-wee football last season, I don't think believe it is.

The recent Mark McGwire admission seems to present a good time in the media attention cycle to begin a discussion. This article is from a Hospital Group and discussed the pressures for a teen to be faster and stronger.

Quotes: Be Ferocious

I love this quote. It works great for the rugby pitch as well as in business. I wanted to express this to the boys on my team, the difference between a friendly and a cup match is the level of ferocity.

"Play by the rules, but be ferocious." Phil Knight

Typing: A Simple Typing Application

This one is for Isaac to try out. There are much more advanced typing applications available, but this one does not require any registration (just begin typing). It has simple and advanced modes.

Music: Adam Arcuragi

I've been looking for some good new music for Christmas music gift certificates. This one seems promising. Oh dear, may need to look for a mandolin on Ebay lover (whole new set of chords too, but it does sound cool).



Here's one of the best one's from the album. "Bottom of the River"

Cats: Big Cat Pictures

We certainly don't have enough cat references on this site. Here's a site with big cat pictures and information.

I chose the puma picture because they were supposed to be in Big Bend when we went hiking. However, the only chance we had to see one was in the museum (probably better that way). Pictures of the Big Bend adventures coming in the future.

Thursday Reading: From a New Fantasy Website

A short story from a new fantasy website, Realms of Fantasy. Not really an inspirational story, but perhaps an effort at a parable.

Is it so difficult to see your true love when they appear? I'm glad I did. However, beware of the prophet.

Sales: Hand to Hand Sales Tactics

Thought Denise might be interested in these hand-to-hand sales tactics. It says you have to love cold calling. She does, and that's one reason she's awesome at that job, and why I would be terrible.

Most of these are technology based, but I think there are cross-over points.

Reading: GeekDad Reading List

GeekDad put out a kid's books of the decade list. Looks like various ages, but certainly a slant towards fantasy and science fiction.

Also quote of the day from George Washington. "Better to offer no excuse than a bad one." Seems true for many things; from telling your parents how the hole managed to find its way into the wall, to telling your customer how you mishandled their order.

Music: Norah Jones Album

Denise has enjoyed the previous Norah Jones albums, here is the All Songs Considered interview on The World Cafe. Personally, it doesn't seem to have the same groove to it.

Work: Different Kinds Of Work

Fantastic post from Seth Godin. Do creative work, I love it. Do it with a smile on your face.

If your boss asks you to move a box from point a to point b, it's probably not okay to say, "I don't feel like it right now."

If you work on the chain gang and it's time to dig a ditch, you don't get a reprieve if you roll your eyes and say, "that's not what they pay me for."

And if you're a dishwasher, you don't get a chance to say, "I guess I'm just not the kind of person who's good at putting his hands into really hot soapy water all day."

And yet.

And yet when we ask you to look people in the eye, be creative, brainstorm, be generous, find a way to satisfy an angry customer, work with a bully, learn a new skill or bring joy to work, suddenly the excuses pile up. Is this a different sort of work? Is raising your hand in class too much to ask of you?

The jobs most of us would like to have are jobs like this. And yet we put up a fight when given the chance to do them well.

Birthday: Happy Birthday Christian

Happy Birthday Christian, thought you might appreciate some old school Atari video games on your lunch break. Isaac and I like Crystal Castle the best, wonder what your favorite is?

Presentations: Author Report - Mary Pope Osborn

Denise and I got to attend Isaac's Author Report presentation this morning. The author he presented on was Mary Pope Osborn, the author of the Magic Tree House series. The presentation was a small piece of a larger research project based on the district's IIM (Independent Investigation Method).

The most striking aspect of the children's presentation was the huge accumulation of interdisciplinary teachers involved in a single class project. The group of specialists included the English teacher, Librarian, Art, Computer Specialist, and Gifted and Talented Coordinator.

Isaac did an admirable job with his own presentation, speaking audibly (tough for 3rd graders) and looking at the audience every now and then (tough to find your place again after looking up isn't it).

After, Denise and I named the single piece of advice we would give a young presenter if we ever had the chance to contribute in the future. My advice was NEVER write out your entire speech and read it to the audience. Denise advised to engage the audience (not one kid told a joke?!?).

Reading: What Matters Now

This is a collection of essays freely given away and edited by Seth Godin. They discuss issues worth discussing during the next year.

I've read just a few, but my favorites so far are:
"We are too poor to afford education. But until we have education, we will always be poor" Nepalese Headmaster
"Never compare your inside with somebody else's outside."

Music: Holiday Music Acapella Style

Great collection of holiday acapella songs. Several winter holiday traditions represented in these songs. Christmas, Hanukkah, and even Winter Solstice (When the Christians and Pagans Met For Dinner).

Movie: Invictus

We watched the new rugby movie Invictus with Morgan Freeman and Matt Dammon yesterday. It turns out not to be a rugby movie at all. Instead, I found it to be a parable for forgiveness. Nelson Mandalla managed to forgive his and his people's oppressors in favor of a united country (perhaps conflict is not genetic).

Personally, I vividly remember this history through the rugby perspective of Afrikaan team mates. They frequently discussed South Africa's new president, flag and national anthem during the World Cup the movie shows. Their viewpoint was also stained by horrific violence.

The rugby turns out to be very ordinary. Most of the action scenes look like an over 50 old boys game with an unusual amount of grunting during the scrummaging. However, the forgiveness message is worth this complaint.

This is the powerful poem that drives the movie. Invictus by William Ernest Henley. Certainly Madalla practiced what he read.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Quote: War as Genetics

It pains me to see this quote from our President. He insinuates that humans are somehow genetically predisposed to conflict. I completely disagree. Let peace be an option, and the President could have just as easily pointed towards early man's capacity to build communities.

If you have trouble believing that we are predisposed to be peaceful, take a look at Howard Zinn. Maybe he could talk you into it.

Now these questions are not new. War, in one form or another, appeared with the first man. At the dawn of history, its morality was not questioned; it was simply a fact, like drought or disease -- the manner in which tribes and then civilizations sought power and settled their differences. Barack Obama

Music: Govt Mule

This is a concert recorded in Philadelphia by Govt Mule. I thought it sounds very familiar, like "One Way Out." Turns out the lead singer, Warren Haynes, comes from the Allman Brothers.

TaeKwonDo: Impression Pattern

For Isaac's next test, he has an assignment to develop his own form they call an impression pattern. He chose, "Peace On Earth," in Korean, as the name of his pattern. Uncle Michael helped us with the pronunciation.

The phrase is "Jigu Pyeonghwa". The pronunciation is "gee-goo" pyoung ('young' with a P at the start)-hwah (like 'ha' with a W in the middle of it). (Thanks Uncle Michael)

Reading: Fantasy Poetry

How about some mythos poetry for reading material? This poem refers to the Cthulhu, which is referred to often in fantasy and science fiction web sites when speaking of particularly horrific or evil things.

Guitar: Effectology

Great series on guitar effects. This seems like it would certainly interest the young mind (and the old as well).

Development: Instructions for Google DNS

May try this on our home router for increased speed and better protection.

Jazz: A Love Supreme - Psalm

Finally, the conclusion.

Jazz: A Love Supreme - Pursuance

This is a live recording of his solo on Pursuance. You can definately hear the free jazz creeping in.

Also reading for Isaac's Thursday night reading.

Jazz: A Love Supreme - Resolution

Here's part 2, Resolution.

Jazz: A Love Supreme - Coltrane

Can't miss this in a jazz education. Part One of John Coltrane's Love Supreme. Listen for the main theme, then how it gets manipulated from one instrument to the next.

Development: Guide To Installing Chromium OS

This is a beta version of Google's Chromium OS. They describe it basically as only a browser. However, it might be interesting project with the netbook.

Philosophy: Immanuel Kant Through Comics

Douglas Wolk explains Kant's Critique of Aesthetic Judgment using superhero comics. He comments that, "Kant was a great thinker, and one of the very worst writers of all time." Wolk's commentary goes a long way in breaking it down.

Music: Weird Al Does Star Wars

The Star Wars saga set to "American Pie."

Jazz Introduction: Charles Mingus

What is most notable in this recording? Seems like tempo to me. Also several inspiring sax solos, one made even more distinctive by using clapping instead of the drum in the background.

Jazz Introduction: Thelonious Monk

Notice the similar theme to the Parker and Gillespie song. Also listen when Monk sneaks in some distinctive sounding chords while playing mostly single notes during his solo.

Jazz Introduction: Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie

Great mixture of trumpet and saxophone. The Bird was famous for making his sax sound like a human voice, very apparent in this recording. Also a young Thelonious Monk on piano.

Jazz Introduction: Eric Dolphy Quintet with Booker Little

In an attempt to show Isaac some inspiring Jazz, here is a 5 song recommendation from NPR.

Music: Metal Free Jazz

I was showing Isaac some jazz the other day. However, we never found anything like this. It is metal free jazz. Combining 60 - 70s free jazz movement and slam dance metal. This track was one of the more calm ones from NPR's Take Five.

Music: Alice's Restaurant

We're usually singing this on the road to Thanksgiving.

Development: Harris County Naturalization

Hey check out the article on November 20, 2009 from the Harris County District Clerk Loren Jackson. I developed this application at same time as the Historical Document search. Very cool.

You can go directly to the application here.

Medicine: How the H1N1 Vaccine Is Made

1.2 billion eggs required to make this vaccine (via Make magazine). Busy chickens...

Music: Tiny Desk Concert

Listening to the "Tiny Desk Concert" series from NPR's All Song Considered at work today. The Avett Brothers have amazing harmony and sounds from minimal amplification.

Music: Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros

Must check out this band, they definitely make a joyful noise. I'd love to see them in concert. Here they are on NPR's All Songs Considered.

"Home is where ever there is you"

DIY: Reuse Lightbulbs As Planters

Looks like a fun project with light bulb terrariums. Must be careful taking apart the used light bulb!

History: Empire Evolution

This movies attempts to visualize the evolution of 4 empires.

Visualizing empires decline from Pedro M Cruz on Vimeo.

Software: Brower as Operating System

I've discussed the concept of the browser as an operating system previously. Today Google discussed the implementation of this idea. Here is their over simplified explanation of the open source Chrome OS.

The concept is currently most appropriate for netbooks. We will put it on Isaac's as soon as it is available (really he's been begging for a browser based operating system).

Happy Anniversary To My Love

I read this short story, from the Paris Review, last night while waiting for rugby to begin. It tells of an adventure of a father and a son crossing a dangerous river. Upon reflection I realized that I don't get into lonely and helpless situations like that, because my soul-mate is always there to help save Isaac and me (my Mom and Sister do a good job of it also).

I love her for always saving us, every time.

A poem from Paublo Neruda which we had on our original wedding invitations.

I do not love you as if you were a salt rose, or topaz
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
So I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Science Fair: Water Rocketry

Very cool, but more involved project plans to build a multi-stage water rocket from 2 Liter bottles. It seems the tricky part is building the launching mechanism.

Movies: No Worries

Have you even noticed the similarities between the Bare Necessities and Hakuna Matata? Remarkably similar life philosophies. Even insect eating.

Reading: The Farmer's Manifesto

I'm attempting to provide Isaac with well-rounded reading experiences for his nightly reading assignments. I also think, during his school years, it will be a valuable skill to be able to comfortably read from a computer device.

This week's reading is a dairy farmer's manifesto. There are many gems about working the earth; however this is one of my favorites.

I believe that by my toil I am giving more to the world then I am taking from it, an honor that does not come to all men.

Pictures: Views From the Garden

We seemed to be more successful at growing cool caterpillars than vegetables in our summer garden. However, here are a couple new shots of both. Take a look a large version of the orange caterpillar, pretty cool.



And our best pepper.

Development: Facebook Toolkit For Microsoft Developers

This looks fun. May try a sample app in my spare time.

Star Wars: Gangster Rap

Great to hear Yoga wants to be a "baller" or "balla" (he wants to be a basketball player). As in any gangster rap, there are some slightly PG13 parts, but most is OK.

DIY: Lit Holiday Cards

Seems like a fun project, creating your own lit holiday cards.

Veterans Day: Happy Veterans Day

Thank you veterans. Thank you.

Halloween: Yoda Goes to the Streets

We had a fantastic Halloween adventure. Yoda encountered a Sith Lord, but they were easily dispatched. A few younger trick-or-treaters even recognized both the young Obi-One and Lea. We were also reminded that Lea did not actually carry a light saber.

DIY: Marshmallow Blaster

A quick, cheap, and fun project we tried out on Sunday. Because of the myriad of combinations, and the ease of re-assembly, the project allows many iterations in blaster design. We found removing some of the longer sections makes for a longer shot, while sacrificing looks and ease of operation.

(Side note: dogs love the marshmallow battles; at least ours did, but are not supposed to eat the ammunition)

Football: Family and Football

Great weekend with the family and some spectacular football.

Isaac's team, the Pearland Red Eagles (4-4), played the one loss team from Friendswood (7-1) on Saturday. In a very spirited match, the Eagles completed goal-line stands at the end of the 1st and 2nd halves to push the game into overtime. Then the Eagles scored on a drive consisting of two long runs, and a wide-open quarterback sneak behind the bruising center.

A fantastic game, more exciting than any of the pro games over the weekend (IMHO); followed by a fun celebration dinner. The Eagles play next week in Pearland at 1200 to go to their league's Superbowl.

Games: Drench

Fun and simple online game. No instructions! The fun is figuring out how to play.

Hero: Ft. Hood Heroine

The police officer who stopped the shooter in Ft. Hood yesterday has a twitter account @hope2forget30. This is her remarkable tagline in the twitter bio.

I live a good life....a hard one, but I go to sleep peacefully @ night knowing that I may have made a difference in someone's life.

Here's an article from "Times Online" about her actions.

Reading: Kid's Science Comic

Review of "The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook" in boingboing.

Math: Facial Recognition

Here's a podcast from NPR's Engines of Our Ingenuity discussing facial recognition. Turns out they use a linear algebra algorithm to let the machine recognize the faces. Facebook has also deployed a facial recognition software which attempts to tag members in photos.

Quotes: Anniversary Quotes

Our wedding anniversary is coming up later this month, but its never too early for some love quotes.

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out. Elizabeth Barrett Browning

War: American Soldier

The Denver Post follows a high school graduate in pictures through his enlistment, to basic training, and to Iraq. Stunning photographs.

This story had a happy ending, unfortunately, it is not the only story. Many never get told.

Grammar: When To Use an Apostrophe

In our continual pursuit of good grammar, here's a refresher on how to use an apostrophe.

Chemistry: Mad Scientist Chemistry Experiments

Neatorama suggests (correctly in my opinion) that chemistry should be taught by mad scientists. Follow the link for some very cool experiments.

Here's my favorite the unstable gummy bear. Gummy Bear + Potassium Chlorate.

Qatar: Women Working In Qatar

My sister-in-law has interest in a position in Qatar. Any other experiences?

Here are some links I've found

• Working Women
• More Working Women
• Expatriates

Comics: Advanced Preschool Playground

Good one from "Non Sequitur."

@FakeAPStyleBook: Poor News Room Etiquette

Consider following the FakeAPStyleBook on Twitter. Quite funny, especially in our 3rd grade pursuit of grammatical correctness.

Here's their take on news room etiquette.

It is poor newsroom etiquette to throw yourself out of the window to prove that your co-worker is Superman.

Twitter: Test With Blog Connection

Test new blog feed to @mhrugby on Twitter. This service should update once an hour automatically using twitterfeed.com.

Quotes: Monday Quote Of The Day

"It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation." Roberto Benigni

Also check out this guitar video. One guitar, four hands - very cool!