Reading: Blogs, Chautauquas and Motorcycle Maintenance

Just read the first few chapters of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" last night with a smile on my face the entire time. It is hard to believe how relevant this discussion of philosophy and technology is today.

I love the comparison of the journey and its discoveries and discussion to the Chautauqua. I couldn't help but think that blogs and various social networks allow a modern day Chautauqua. While the interaction medium is different, it seems it can be just as inspirational.

I can't wait to continue the journey, and hope my family is ready to get their hands greasy.

Quote: Learning With Mom On Her Birthday Morning

While I was talking to Mom this morning on her birthday, dodging in and out of hectic traffic, we seemed to co-discover this useful quote. It seems especially good to reflect on when celebrating birthdays.

Try to learn everyday, maybe try to learn a little more than you forget everyday.

Birthday: Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom. You make us better children and better parents everyday. We love You.

Here is a quote she left on the blog several days ago which seems appropriate. This seems to be the link it came from but not sure. Also an appropriate picture, who doesn't like dimples, from Pioneer Woman's Photography competition.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect

Development: Continuous Integration Using CruiseControl.net

Development work stuff here. Use for future reference. Continuous integration and deployment using the CruiseControl.Net.

Comics: Prime Baby

Check out "Prime Baby." Prime numbers and Aliens in graphic novel / comic strip form.

Here they are in the N.Y Times. Try out chapters 2 and 3 to understand the story line.

Wiki: Post-Modern Propaganda

Knowledge Wins!

Math: Nature Knows Calculus

I'm attempting to have a better understanding of practical mathematics from the NY Times article by Steven Strogatz. Here's my attempt at Calculus, the mathematics of change. The derivative tells you how fast something is changing.

Many times the derivative is displayed in graphical form as a slope. A general principle can by shown that change is slowest, or the most sluggish at its extremes (where the derivative is zero).

The example given, is Michael Jordan dunking a basketball. When he initially leaves the ground, his rate of elevation is changing rapidly. However, as he reaches the peak of his jump, the rate comes to a halt, the derivative is zero, or he is momentarily hanging.

He naturally expresses differential calculus without knowing. The article gives many other examples (they are everywhere) with much better explanation. I still feel lost, but take comfort in the observation of nature practicing the same basic principles.

DIY: Ballon Tying Jig

Recommended for summer water balloon battles. I guess we're going to have to make one for each team.

Need to look into this new Makers group sponsored by the Houston Public Library and Make Magazine.

Finally, need to get some different mouth pieces to attempt some homemade instruments and experience some resonance.

Birthday: Everything is Better With Extra Cheese

We celebrated Isaac's 9th birthday celebration Sunday. Over a fine peperoni, extra cheese, stuffed-crust pizza (on his 9th birthday, Isaac discovered everything is better with extra cheese), we had a rousing discussion of comparative mythology. While making his way through the Lightning Thief, Isaac has become a lover of Greek mythology.

We tested our new Air Hog SwitchBlade, and discovered it doesn't seem to get enough lift when in flying (not hovering mode). We will need to investigate further to attempt to fix the Lift and Thrust necessary to maintain flight.

We finished up our quick celebration with a Wii exploration of evolutionary biology, they call it Spore. We tried to get the PC version running earlier in the day, but our computer turns out to be too old to merit messing around with upgrading the graphics card.

Life: Live Your Life

This article from Downhill Both Ways (this author is a great story teller), deserves its own post. Try to read it, I think it will help your vision.

Isaac and I had a discussion regarding the difference between 'live' (we live in paradise) and 'live' (we would love to see Jimmy Buffett live in concert). However, after reading the article, I want to make sure I'm fully alive while I'm living.

The author's list of things he would like to do (if he took the time) makes me giggle.

• I do want to live. I want to get down in it.
• I want to wear my shoes out.
• I want to get arrested for no reason and revel in the freedom of having a clear conscience in a jail cell.
• I want to make friends at a truck stop
• I want to thrill at the sight of a quarter or maybe I want a million dollars.
• I want to start a band with my kids
• I want to give away a million dollars
• I want to take my wife to Newfoundland.
• I want to get punched in the face (thanks to my chosen hobby, I get this desire filled frequently, it doesn't hurt as bad as you might think)

What Do You Want With All of Your Newly Found Time??

Quotes: Friday Link Dump

Many interesting discoveries reading this morning's feeds. However, might as well begin with a quote for the day. I think the trick is knowing when to act with purpose, and when to take it easy.

My passions were all gathered together like fingers that made a fist. Drive is considered aggression today; I knew it then as purpose. Bette Davis, The Lonely Life, 1962

• DIY Zoetrope on a turntable
• Reverse image search engine which lets you upload your own images
• The ultimate answer is 6174 not 42 (Kaprekar's Constant)
• GMail adds nested folders and message previews.
• Programming: Use LINQ to SQL with 'no(lock)' or 'Uncommitted' transactions

Tag Cloud: Our Tag Cloud In Love

I created this tag cloud by pointing this awesome application, Tagxedo, to our website. It only works on the current page; however, some interesting combinations. Reminds be of those refrigerator poem magnets.

I like 'Fun Love', 'December Easter', 'Green DIY', and 'Kids Amp'.

Events: Living Green in Austin

Interesting activity from Denise, living Green in Austin. Should be one of the easier places to try it.

Pictures: Isaac's Birthday and Easter Celebrations

Fun celebrations this weekend for Isaac's 9th Birthday and Easter. Thank you Nancy for being the photographer.

Comics: Are You Connected?

Hmmm, What to say? GeekDad gives advice.

Music: Jimmy Hendrix Theologian?

The preacher at Mom's church quoted Jimmy Hendrix as a great theologian on Easter Sunday.

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.

The quote is not attributed to a particular song, but here's another (less obvious) love sentiment from Hendrix.

Music: Jakob Dylan Tiny Desk Concert

Check out this "Tiny Desk Concert" from NPR of Jacob Dylan. Great and simple high harmony from the women singing with him. Sorry they don't provide a way to embed this one, you'll have to check out NPR's website.

Latin: Hisorical Case Of The Month

I was working with the judge in Harris county who writes the Historical Case Of The Month for the HC District Clerk's website (this month's story is of the Astrodome). After going back and forth attempting to get the HTML formatting just right, he told me the Latin phrase 'imprimatur,' once he liked it.

For the students of Latin, any guesses, without looking it up?

Fun working with Judge Davidson on the website, he definitely has a passion for history.

Folk: Black Moutain Rag

Every month Roger McGuinn posts a folk song, along with chords on his site. Sure would be fun to give this one a go.

Bicycling: Family Biking To Alaska

This family is biking, with 3 kids, on a bike built for 5 from Kentucky to Alaska. Now, this is homeschooling! Looks amazing and fun.

Guitar: Roland MicroCube

Need to check this little amp out. Interesting little effects.

Cards: How to Shuffle

Hope this shuffling demo includes how to shuffle two decks at once for our favorite Cannasta.

DIY: Corner Desktop

We could definitely use a corner desk for our office. Here's a DIY plan.

Math: Linking Math To Nature

From Make Magazine.

Filmmaker Cristóbal Vila produced this short animation, called Nature By Numbers, which shows examples of how mathematical relationships such as the Fibonacci sequence, golden ratio, and the Delaunay triangulation can be found in the natural world.

Nature by Numbers from Cristóbal Vila on Vimeo.

Poetry: Try Walking Barefoot

Found the poem in this article from ZenHabits. The implications are far wider than shoes. I especially enjoy the advice to "Smile and Breathe."
Empty-handed I entered the world

Empty-handed I entered the world
Barefoot I leave it.
My coming, my going –
Two simple happenings
That got entangled.
~ Kozan Ichikyo

Zune: Replace Battery

YouTube video regarding replacing a Zune battery. Ours has become a brick with lots of good content hidden inside.

3D: 3D Web Video From Catholic TV

Who knew Catholic TV would be the web innovators? Now if I can only find the glasses from the Avatar movie we'll be set to go.

Looks like quite a few programs they've already produced; including, St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

Games: Robot Unicorn Attack

Certainly, we haven't had enough flash games involving unicorns. Remember 'Z' to jump and 'X' to charge.

Easter Eggs: Hen and Chicks

Looks like a fun idea for egg decorating. The beaks are made from carrots, and the eyes are black olives.

Birthday: Melon Death Star

How about this for Isaac's birthday cake? I understand its not officially a "cake," but the kids would have fun creating their own Death Star.

Missing Isaac by the way; while he's off vacationing in Mexico. Can't wait to give him a hug.

Quote: Anxiety

"Anxiety is nothing but repeatedly re-experiencing failure in advance. What a waste." Seth Godin

Be Cool!

Games: Paper Cannon

Flash game Paper Cannon.

Downtown: Luxurious Accomodations

This site, Downhill Both Ways, has a great collection of essays about everyday life. This one seems especially interesting, and makes me reflect on travel through my own downtown (the bit about the bibles is not the important part, it just adds to the irony).

Should the royalty come down to visit the commoners, they should not be embarrassed to sit on their floor.

Calligraphy: Art For Faith

This one is for the girl who has the best handwriting that I know (but I still encourage you to keep practicing your typing). Also take a look at the gallery.

Study: HeadMagnet

This site lets you create your own study flash cards. It will test forwards and backwards, then ask the questions again that you might have missed. I need to try this out on the boring task of memorizing state capitals with my more than willing (and cute) Guinea Pig.

Biking: Google Maps Adds Bike Directions

This service is in beta right now; but I see Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Here are the directions from our home to my downtown office in Houston (admittedly, not a very bike friendly trip). It looks like it takes bike trails when available, and attempts to keep you off the freeway.

Pictures: Go Texan Day 2010

This is how we roll "Go Texan Day." We like some sand between our toes, and guitar around the camp fire.

Garden: Homemade Tomato Germination

The weekend project Sunday was making homemade pots from newspaper for germinating tomato seeds (used the technique described in this article). We had a great time washing our hands in the clean earth.

Used a soup can as our template.



Cut strips of newspaper for the pot.

Fill with dirt and tiny little tomato seeds.


Water. And Water.


Waiting for growth in the box.


Not sure if anything will grow, but lots of fun!

Productivity: Five Minutes of Brilliance

I completely agree with this article by Seth Godin, articulating that brilliant ideas do not necessarily take a lot of time. The working world should get better at measuring productivity by the amount or quality or brilliance of work done, not the volume of hours worked.

Also a book list for linchpins from Mr. Godin.

Education: Lizard Brain Memorizes States and Capitals

Isaac has spent the entire quarter in school memorizing all the US states and capitals. In a few weeks, given a black sheet of paper, he will be able to write from memory all 50 states and capitals (spelled, for the most part, correctly).

My question is, what has been sacrificed in order to commit this to memory. The ongoing assignment has taken the place of regular spelling and vocabulary study.

This reminds me of Seth Godin's frequent references to the lizard brain. The lizard brain tells us to go slow and be cautious. It tells us to memorize because every single other child is told to memorize this set of data.

However, what problems does this help us solve? How does it spark creativity and revolutionary thinking patterns?

Games: Steambirds

Flash game with dog fighting airplanes.

Thursday Reading: Mazes and Labyrinths

Questions for the young student regarding this article.

1. What are some of the societies who created mazes?
2. Who is the Minotaur?
3. What are some of the reasons people built mazes?
4. What is an enigma, what does an enigma have to do with Mazes and Labyrinths?

Video: Trans-Siberian Railway and Google Maps

An amazing interactive application which blends Google Maps of the Trans-Siberian railway with YouTube and various audio clips. You can listen to Russian literature and music along the way.

Cooking: Apple Fritters

I think Isaac may require some additional cooking practice this weekend.

Star Wars: Darth Vadar A Cat Person

image via The Official Star Wars Blog.

Time: Chilean Earthquake Shortens Days

This article on MSNBC suggests that the recent earthquake in Chili may have shifted the Earth's axis enough to shorten the length of a day. This has happened before with large quakes, this time shortening the day by 1.26 milliseconds.

Brains: Teen Aged Brain

From NPR: A neuroscientist figures out why teenagers seem to have a poor concept of cause and effect. Turns out the frontal lobe is not fully connected. The nerve cell connecting the frontal lobe has not developed sufficient myelin coating. This makes the connections between cause and effect slower.

Running: 2012 US Marathon Trials In Houston

We have watched several course records broken during the last few years in the Houston Marathon. In preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics, USA Track and Field have decided to let Houston host the marathon and half marathon team trials.

Bet they don't slow down on that hill you have to go up right before the Galleria like we did a couple of years ago. However, I imagine they won't play a rugby match the day before either.

Games: Planetary Physics

Adjust the mass, velocity and position of the planets in your solar system. Play with the presets for cool options (I enjoyed the 4 star ballet). Sometimes they crash. Cool Stuff!

Thursday Reading: Cassini Mission Extended

Great web design in this feature on BoingBoing regarding the Cassini Mission to Saturn.

Questions for the student:

1. What do they mean by "space-kumbayas"?
2. How is information transmitted to Earth?
3. What is Titan's little secret?
4. What does a space voyage to Saturn have to do with alternative energy?

Cooking: Pot Roast

We had so much fun with Pioneer Woman's dessert recipe how about another one? We do love a good and spicy pot roast.

Video: Austin Snow Skiing at the Capital

Snow skiing in Austin from the local Fox broadcast.

Games: Alphabet Shoot

Interesting flash physics game.

Learning: Ace the Test Without Studying

Not sure how all of these ideas translate; but, interesting article about hacking the learning process. Talks about mapping facts and even numbers to other parts of your brain. Here's the author's website. Worth subscribing to the RSS feed for a few months.

Pictures: Space Guitar

Check out astronaut Stevie "Ray" Robinson on-board the international space station in the new viewing addition called Cupola. Perhaps the most interesting part of this is that the astronaut is writing Twitter posts from space.

Pictures: Rugby January 2010

A few pictures of the rugby game in January. Isaac and his merry band of brothers getting dirty, and a fit looking #5 (don't you think?)

Pictures: Apple Dumplings

Just had to upload this set quickly. We tried Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumpling recepie with great success. Peace! Out!

Cooking: Apple Dumplings

Must try this one with Isaac.

Football: Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex

Just found out that Round Rock ISD has decided to name their district football stadium after my high school football coach Kelly Reeves.

Business: Who Gets Your Attention

This article from Seth Godin describes which customers might be most beneficial to shower with your limited attention.

However, I can see the principal being applied in many areas. As consumers, we should also realize which behaviors may merit additional courtesies from our service providers.

On a note regarding service providers, do public teachers count as service providers? I think they should. I will keep Mr. Godin's attention principal in mind so that I can be an attractive customer to attract extra services.

Thursday Reading: Program to Graduate Early

This article describes a pilot program being tested by several states to allow high school sophomores to take a graduation test. If they pass, they will get their diploma early and finish their 2 remaining years taking community college classes.

Seems like a promising program for aspiring students. I guess the negative side effects, if any, would be social programming.

Video: Sign Language

Love your job. No matter what your job happens to be, there are positives.

Development: Money Exchange

This is a copy of the suggestion I sent to the management of my own company. Looks like an interesting development idea good for both the merchant (less costs) and the customer (more security).

I read an article last night, while waiting for rugby practice, in Wired Magazine regarding the changing face of money exchange (can’t find it posted online yet). It seemed an interesting development challenge/opportunity to address comments I’ve heard in our office discussing regarding credit card transactions.

It seems that Paypal has done a great deal of work to open their transaction system up to third party developers, looks like they call it “Paypal X”. The article mentioned that this system was gaining popularity even with larger companies not only with their customer interactions, but also business to business transactions. Because of increased efficiencies in the Paypal system, merchants are paying only 1/3rd of the prices previously given to credit cards; of course leaving more profit to the merchant.

Pictures: Inside Everyday Stuff

Take a look at these photos of everyday stuff from the inside. It's a flash application so I can't put any pictures, but the one of the frog is very cool.

Art: Staple Art

I believe the artists refer to this as an example of positive and negative space (I think?). Great ideas for projection art!

Climate: What If It's a Hoax

From the Empress of Dirt site. What if it's a hoax? Even if I only practice some environmental practices for self serving means, they are still beneficial to my pack.

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.

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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.