I threw my business card on top of this cd case. The rest is history.
Archive for the 'Fun Stuff' Category
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Friday Update time:
- I’ve been learning these songs on the piano: The Scientist by Coldplay, Brightest by Copeland, and He Was A Lovely Boy by Keane. Lots of fun.
- Speaking of learning, I’ve been steadily listening to these Teaching Company lecture series: Building Great Sentences by Brooks Landon, Understanding the Fundamentals of Music by Robert Greenberg, and this week I’ll begin Philosophy as a Guide to Living by Stephen A. Erickson.
- I hung out with some of the nice folks from Flamingo Road Church (FRC) on Tuesday for a fun evening of coffee and trivia. I’m pretty sure my team won all rounds. Woohoo!
- This sudden cold front hitting our fair city has been great. Out came the jackets, thick bed covers, scarfs, and anything else that usually lingered in the depths of our closets year round.
- I haven’t attempted to catch up to the latest season of LOST yet. I may just attempt that this Sunday afternoon. In the meanwhile I’m just enjoying the hilarious episodes of The Office and the gripping saga of Jack Bauer on 24.
- I updated my About page with some hand-drawn graphics and links to the other spots you can find me on the web.
- Some of you have noticed the certain influx of Sketchism entries. In addition to some of the other positive habits I’ve been working on, producing and showing my designs, cartoons, photos, and thoughts on this site has become of great importance to me. I’ve come to a point where it’s become a necessity to actively create. I want to say a big “THANK YOU” to everyone who’s left encouraging comments.
And so I’ll leave you with the music video for Stereophonic’s Mr. Writer. This is really the only Stereophonics song I’ve ever heard, but I love it. Have a great weekend!
It’s been a good week. Let’s explore why…
- Got my braces off – pyaw!
- Jack Bauer killed a few terrorists – double pyaw!
- My workouts have remained consistent, and I’ve lost 4 pounds. – pyawty on!
- Piano lessons have been lots of fun. I’m learning a few songs by Copeland, Coldplay, and Ben Folds – pyawno!
- I’m about to finish the world travel documentary Long Way Round. And I’ve got the first 2 discs for the sequel documentary about traveling down from Scotland to Africa – Long Way Down. Travelpyawcity!
- Speaking of traveling, my Vagabonding book just arrived.- pyawcata!
I’ve reduced my list to the above bunch simply because I ran out of pyaw references. Got any good ones? Have a great weekend!
A few weeks ago I had the privilege of seeing one of my favorite authors Frank McCourt speak at the Miami Book Fair International. I became a fan of his memoirs since I first read Angela’s Ashes 8 years ago while riding the school bus to Design & Architecture Senior High and back.
I knew if the opportunity arose to meet the man who overcame a miserable childhood, a miserable adolescence, and a miserable career as a teacher, I would go. So when I attended Mr. McCourt’s session at the book fair, which was co-hosted by the funny Dave Barry, I knew what I wanted to ask him. If you’re at all curious what I asked, watch the video below. The whole presentation is entertaining, but my few seconds of glory can be found at the 37:13 mark.
Afterward when McCourt was signing a copy of Angela’s Ashes for me he said, “Sorry I won’t be able to join you for that drink,” and we both laughed. Then we took the photograph above. Unfortunately, there were 2 volunteers taking the photos and I think he was looking at the wrong one. Oh well. It’s not a completely miserable photograph.
Frank McCourt’s memoirs:
Angela’s Ashes [paperback / audiobook]
‘Tis [paperback / audiobook]
Teacher Man [paperback / audiobook]
Note: I’ve linked the audiobooks because they are narrated by the author and far more entertaining.
Before you come at me with an angry tone of voice, talking ‘bout, “Hey man where you been? How come you ain’t blogging it up like you used to,” let me just give you an opportunity to view my little animation experiment above. Now, it would be misleading to suggest that this animation is the cause for my latest hiatus from blogging, but I hope you would forgive me in exchange for my attempt at eye candy.
For the past few days, I’ve been playing the role of tour guide for a young lad named Nick from Oklahoma. I say “young lad” but he’s actually 4 years my elder. Our exchange program has officially begun. For the next two weeks I will continue to provide him with things to do and places to see in my hometown of Miami. Then, come July 31st, I will pack my bags and experience Claremore, Oklahoma for two weeks as well.
So far he’s experienced the following: Lincoln Road, South Beach, Hollywood Beach, Alligator Alley, Coral Gables, Club Space, Jazid, a brief tour of the Delano, Salvadorian food, Colombian home-cooked meals, Gator bites, pizza, sea food, a Cuban birthday party (with mariachis!), and there’s plenty left to experience.
Needless to say, he’s already experiencing a bit of culture shock. I can’t say for sure what I expect to see and do in Claremore when my time comes, but I’m ready for some culture shock of my own.
Any suggestions as to where else I should take Nick while he’s in South Florida? I’m thinking of snorkeling in The Keys, taking an airboat tour of The Everglades, and checking out some local museums. Suggestions are encouraged!
I realize that the Photoshop Disasters site already does a good job of pointing out terribly obvious design errors in our world, but I wanted to help the cause by displaying the banner I saw at the top of a certain social networking site.
Is everyone having trouble with the letter N these days?
