Snapshots from my mind

Shake the dust

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

I have heard this done several times. And each time I get goose bumps. I hope that it touches and moves you.

Shake the dust.

Want to waste an afternoon?

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

Just start dragging your mouse around this site. Soon your day will be gone, but in a really cool way.....

My life seems really shallow....

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

But this is an incredible story!

Thoughts on decisions....

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

and how allow for better ones...

Wonder if this would last through a MN winter?

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

But I would love to have one! Can you imagine having a dedicated work space in your backyard? Something that is open and inspiring, but also focused on work?

Not sure how they would last through the winter, but put me down as intrigued. The company is in England, and I am not sure about pricing - but they look wicked cool.

Learn more here

You will tell them YES!

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

I love this kind of thing....

Wise Words - Albert Einstein

2012-01-21T07:30:00.000-06:00

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein

You matter. Your story matters

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

I saw this posted on the To Write Love On Her Arms (which is an amazing idea. Learn more about them and their story here)

It moved me because words are so powerful. They mean so much. And so do you. You are the one and only you that can be. Your story is the only one of it's unique kind. You are worth it.

To awesome not to share....

2012-01-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

Need help turning the page?

Link from Core77

Admission time... song time.....

2012-01-18T08:29:00.001-06:00

One of the guilty pleasures that I enjoy is American Idol. I would feel really bad about that, but looking at their rating numbers it seems that a lot of other people are there with me. I saw this video linked to from a story about where various AI performers are at. It is a pretty powerful song, especially if you know the back story. But the lyrics ring true. So that is my post for today......

Who knew that dancing fur balls would be so cool to watch...

2012-01-18T07:30:00.000-06:00

Dancing Furballs from Myles Robinette on Vimeo.

Cool product idea

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

The idea that you could just pop a 'stem' into a fruit and then have instant spray ability... that is pretty cool!

Learn more about it here.

Link from Core77

Want to look like a star...

2012-01-17T07:30:00.000-06:00

Fotoshop by Adobé from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.

Love, love, love the way they pronounce Adobe!

The rules for flower buying....

2012-01-16T09:38:00.000-06:00

Who knew there was so much meaning behind how many roses you purchase? It seems that there is - no wonder many guys get paralyzed when thinking about relational things.... it is just so confusing.

For example - a single rose on a first date symbolizes love at first sight, 6 roses symbolizes infatuation, 13 roses means you will be someone's friend forever. Get the full list and breakdown here.

The future.... belongs to the curious

2012-01-13T20:54:00.001-06:00

The Future Belongs to the Curious from Skillshare on Vimeo.

Awake....

2012-01-13T07:59:00.005-06:00

There is so much of life that is routine. This is good for people like me. It allows me to understand where I am at and what still needs to be done. The problem is that this sense of 'sameness' allows your senses to be lulled to sleep. It allows you to go through life in some sort of half-zombie.

This means that there are opportunities that are missed, chances that are not taken, and dreams that are never realized. Just because we are going through life only half-awake. It is in these dull times that we need to be shaken, to be given a shot.

This thought reminds me of the Erwin McManus book - Wide Awake. Which is a challenge to life life 'awake'. To take the risks. Notice the opportunities. Take advantage of the life happening all around you.

Today is an AWAKE day. Grasp it.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wide-awake-erwin-raphael-mcmanus/1101792122?ean=9780785214953&itm=3&usri=erwin+mcmanus

Planning your Super Bowl party?

2012-01-10T07:55:00.000-06:00

Make sure you have the right chips....

Link from Holy Kaw

Sure I might be hyper but.....

2012-01-09T10:46:00.000-06:00

I am really just trying to save my health by consuming all this coffee.....

Read the health benefits here

Can you summarize that?

2012-01-06T14:00:00.003-06:00

This is awesome! I would write more, but it would really blow this whole talk....

Healthy living killing you?

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

This is a great presentation by one of my favorite authors, A.J. Jacobs...

What is your drive?

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

This is a powerful story that can demonstrate if you have drive - you can do it. There are no 'scraps of men'.

For all the bad bosses......

2012-01-03T08:06:00.002-06:00

Here is a surefire way to really frustrate your team. Sadly, I have seen teams were these things have happened, and I hope to avoid the blame game, and giving vague instructions and then micromanaging the progress.... read the rest here.

Ever wonder.... how to live a more creative life?

2012-01-02T07:30:00.000-06:00

It is all broken down for you here.....

Link from Zagg Pepper

What kind of holiday spender are you?

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Wise Words - Leonardo Da Vinci

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" - Leonardo Da Vinci

The fundamental elements of design

2011-12-29T07:30:00.000-06:00

In less then 3 minutes....

The Fundamental Elements of Design from Erica Gorochow on Vimeo.

Facts on winter

2011-12-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

Link from Holy Kaw

Food as science...

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

These guys a creating some pretty cool things that really mess with your head in regards to what we think about food. Makes me hungry and want to play with my food....

I know, I know

2011-12-27T07:56:00.000-06:00

I have the humor of a 5 year old. But this is funny! And makes you wonder what the Hippo ate...

Want to better understand the app market?

2011-12-26T08:02:00.000-06:00

link from HolyKaw

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

From our family to yours

2011-12-24T10:00:00.000-06:00

And I thought I loved Legos?

2011-12-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

It seems that this family takes love to a whole new level. Their Christmas tradition involves them building something gigantic out of over 100,000 pieces. They then take a photo and that becomes their Christmas card. They have also been up to this for the last 18 years!

Very impressive. Read the full story and see more images here.

The top tech gifts broken down by year

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Infographic by MDG Advertising

Want to be an expert in something?

2011-12-23T07:59:00.000-06:00

This info-graphic breaks down how many hours it will take you. I guess you actually have to put in some time to become a celebrity gossip expert...

Source: Udemy Blog

Still looking for the perfect gift?

2011-12-22T07:56:00.000-06:00

This is a great collection of gifts that will thrill the geek/nerd in your life.

Interesting public artworks

2011-12-21T07:53:00.000-06:00

This is a great collection of strange public art. The interesting part is to see how much of it is in Chicago. Check out the full list here.

Some background on CAPTCHA

2011-12-20T07:30:00.000-06:00

You know those squiggly words that you have to input? Here is some background about it and how it works and what is it being used for.

College costs

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

This scares me as I have 2 kids heading in this direction.

Link from HolyKaw

What's happening online?

2011-12-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

Flowtown - Social Media Marketing Application

Book review - Soulprint by Mark Batterson

2011-12-16T14:50:00.000-06:00

The premise of this book is that we are all unique. Similar to your fingerprint, we all have been wired in a special way at a soul level. Many of us struggle to figure out who it is that we are meant to be, and this book is meant to be a guide on that journey.

The core premise of this book is that you will never know who you should or could become until you understand who you are. In a telling question, Mark asks, “If you live as a stranger to yourself, how can you find intimacy with others?” In order to find out who you are, you must go back and examine your life for pivotal moments. Mark uses the life of King David to demonstrate how key moments in his life created pivotal opportunities that lead him to become the leader and man that he was.

Some of the key points that I took from this handy book are:
Don’t worry about timing – that is God’s area
Create ‘life symbols’ or ways to remember those key moments in your life
Integrity above all else
We must be transparent – cover-ups never allow us to find our true selves
Don’t cut corners
Confession is a powerful thing

The key phrase for me from Soulprint is this line towards the end of the book: “It is not the number of breaths we take that make a life worth living. It’s the number of things that take our breath away.”

A quick read, but a powerful one.

In full disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

You call that a slide?

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

This is a slide! Now the standard refrain.... I wish they had this when I was a kid.... or at least one close to me as I would slide on it now!

Link from Gizmodo

Every wonder....

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

In a similar way to Toy Story... what is the life of people in sales catalogues? This is a short film that looks at the 'life' of people living within an IKEA flyer. Kind of funny and kind of sad at the same time.

Check it out:

Regret

2011-12-14T09:05:00.000-06:00

This is an amazing talk about regrets, and it causes you to reflect.

Might be your experience this season....

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

SHOPGIRL from SRSLY. on Vimeo.

But I am hoping not.

Thought you were a thrill seeker?

2011-12-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

These guys are jumping into an abandoned gold mine in the Czech Republic. Looks absolutely crazy!

Link from Gizmodo

Ever wonder what and why Facebook users 'like' things?

2011-12-13T07:38:00.000-06:00

Great ideas in wrapping paper

2011-12-12T08:30:00.002-06:00

This is a really fun Kickstarter idea that allows you to create some interesting present combinations. Check it out:

American spending on electronics

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Link from Mashable

Email still viable?

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Link from HolyKaw

Am excited....

2011-12-09T14:34:00.001-06:00

That 'From the sky down' is coming to DVD and Blu-Ray.

Robin Williams take on Siri

2011-12-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

It seems that everyone has an opinion on Siri - Robin Williams imitation and take is quite funny (as he usually is):

Reflecting

2011-12-09T07:30:00.000-06:00

There are few things that cause me to reflect more then pictures. This is an incredibly moving post with some images that occurred during this year.

A few that moved me deeply were:

The dog what wouldn't leave the side of his master.

The images from the tsunami that hit Japan

The national security team getting an update on the Osama bin Laden mission

A before and after image of Joplin, Missouri

There are many more that you can check out here.

Angry Birds continues to expand....

2011-12-08T13:00:00.000-06:00

Now there is an Angry Birds cookbook. Here is a review:

Link from Mashable

Look at top gadgets of 2011

2011-12-08T08:00:00.002-06:00

This is an interesting list of top 10 gadgets of 2011. The reason is that they are all mobile devices (Tablets, smartphone or laptops) or something that changes the way that you interact - the Xbox Kinect. It seems that we have truly moved to being a mobile and touch based in how we interact with technology.
Read the full story here.

Link from HolyKaw

Demonstration of crazy....

2011-12-08T08:00:00.001-06:00

Jumping out of planes is a little crazy. But a crazy that is done over and over and is an amazing rush (I have yet to check this off of my bucket list, but I can imagine). But what about jumping out of a plane without wearing a rig? That is a new level of crazy.

Link from Gizmodo

Mobile products - great list

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

At the end and beginning of every year we see a plethora of 'best of lists' but this is a really well put together listing of some of the best mobile products of 2011. The top being somewhat obvious with Square. But be sure to check out the full list here.

Great experience: Warby Parker

2011-12-07T17:30:00.000-06:00

I was in need of getting my eyes checked, and when you have that done, it is also a good time to get some new glasses. The reason is that the eye check is really annoying so it is nice to 'get' something out of it.

I had heard about Warby Parker awhile ago and was going to give them the first chance in buying some new frames. Partly because of the price ($94 for frames and lenses) but mostly because of the one-for-one where when you purchase a pair of glasses they give a pair to a person in need. Which is awesome!

The Warby Parker site attempts to make purchasing something such as glasses via the web as painless as possible. There is a virtual try-on where you can take an image of your head and virtually try on glasses to see how they look. They also have a free home try-on. I picked 5 different frame shapes and sizes and placed my try-on order. In 2 days the box was at my front door.

The frames are nestled in a really nice black case and ready for you to try on and get opinions from friends and family. Most of the frames that I picked for my first try-on tended to be on the large size, and while they were pretty cool frames, I wasn't ready to jump to such a larger size. So I returned the first order and selected 5 more frames. This second batch again showed up quickly and there were several great frames that I really had to choose from.

The choice was tough, but there was one frame that when I put it on, it made me feel kind of like a scientist for NASA in the 60's. So I went for those. After getting my prescription I placed the order. Because I have really crappy eyesight I went for the micro-lenses.

The order arrived in less then a week. The best thing I can say is that these are amazing glasses and the Warby Parker customer service is amazing. Being a newbie around ordering glasses and not wanting to mess this up I asked a lot of questions via email and also called a couple of times, and they were very kind, prompt and helpful.

So here they are, the new frames:

If you are in need of glasses, I would strongly recommend Warby Parker. You will be doing something good as well as looking good in your new specs!

Something I need to work on.....

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Tis the season....

2011-12-06T15:20:00.000-06:00

For politics and all of the crud that goes with that. I think that we can all agree that the 'system' as it currently exists is really broken. And because the system is broken, our country continues to spiral into directions that should at least bother you regardless of party affiliation.

Thus when I came across this link via Twitter and read it, I was very impressed. And to think that this was create by the punter for the Minnesota Vikings is even cooler.

I think that there are some things that might be difficult to implement, but at least here is a plan to really fix one of the core elements of the political machine - campaign finance.

Check it out yourself

Some facts and figures about Christmas

2011-12-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Click on image to see larger.

Your future car?

2011-12-06T07:30:00.000-06:00

This is what Toyota thinks could be in the future of your car. I like some of the concepts about being able to pick the color and some of the auto-pilot concepts, but do you really think that you will become an ad billboard or that you would want to project your social connections on the side of your car? Some of that seems a bit much. As does some of the distracting interior changes. But check it out for yourself:

A good idea will grow.

2011-12-05T09:33:00.001-06:00

This is a really amazing story of how a small idea has grown. A wreath company owner who one year ended up with 5,000 extra wreaths decided to lay them on veteran's graves in Arlington, has grown into 84 trucks delivering wreaths all over the country to veteran's cemeteries. It shows that a good idea, even if it starts small, can grow into something amazing.

You can learn more and get involved here.

Book review: In a pit with a lion on a snowy day

2011-12-05T07:57:00.000-06:00

First off this book wins the sweet title award. It isa reference to a small Biblical tale (all of a couple of verses) of Benaiah who did some amazing things includingchasing a lion into a pit on a snowy day and living to tell about it. He thenarose to be the head of King David’s bodyguard.

Mark Batterson uses this story as a launch point to look atwhat it takes to become a ‘lion chaser’. That is someone who will capitalizeand accomplish amazing things in what others might see as impossible or crazycircumstances. This means that our greatest moments will often come from ourbiggest ‘pits’ or facing the ‘lions’ in our lives.

This means conquering and facing our fears, updating ourattitude, and understanding that even though we may not defeat every lion, ourlives will be so much less if we don’t face them head on. In fact we should belooking for lions to chase.

There were several aspects that make this book such a greatread, one was the many stories that Mark uses to elaborate and support hisstatements, second was the short follow-up items at the end of each chapterwhich helped to reflect on what was just covered.

If you life feels a little safe or you are wondering ifthere might be something more, this might be the jump start you need.

In full disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

How spyware is marketed to governments

2011-12-05T07:40:00.001-06:00

This is a fascinating look at how companies market spyware to governments. Makes you wonder how much people are really watching you. So don't pick your nose.

Wise words: Mark Twain

2011-12-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

"Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain

Hipster - the decoder ring

2011-12-02T14:55:00.001-06:00

link from Alltop

Transforming

2011-12-02T12:27:00.000-06:00

It is always fun when someone takes something that is standard or just common and puts a twist on it that is fun and amusing. FieldCandy has done that with the common 2 person tent. How much more fun would it be to be camping in something like this:

Or this:

You can read more about it here.

Great way to show the Christmas spirit

2011-12-02T08:00:00.001-06:00

A 33 foot Christmas tree made out of Legos.

Say less, get the close

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

This is a great post about how reducing your chatter can actually help you get the deal done.

I know that in many cases when the stakes are high, I want to make sure that the other party really understands how good and important this is. What happens is that you over share, or over communicate - rather then shutting up and listening.

So close your yap and get the deal done!

Read more here.

Perfect Christmas gift?

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

I have been in several instances where this would have been really helpful!

Learn more here.

Link from RedFerret

Cool tricks

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

That might make you cooler then you already are...Link from Gizmodo

Get even more from Google

2011-11-29T07:32:00.000-06:00

Created by: HackCollege
Link from Mashable

The history of search

2011-11-28T13:53:00.001-06:00

From the 'god' of search - Google. In just 6 minutes.

More info here

How was your holiday weekend?

2011-11-28T09:54:00.001-06:00

I hope that you had a nice relaxing time, spent with friends and good food. I also hope that you aren't in the following video:

I understand that there are deals to be had, but $2 waffle makers are not that high on the list....

Wise Words: Henry Ford

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

“You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do.” – Henry Ford

Wise Words - Zig Ziglar

2011-11-26T07:58:00.000-06:00

‎"Little men with little minds & little imaginations go through life in little ruts, smugly resisting all changes." - Zig Ziglar

Shatner is here to help

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

If you have ever been unfriended, William Shatner is here to help. Thank you Captain!

Link from Gizmodo

Thankful

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

I hope that you are able to gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving.
There are so many reasons to be thankful.
I hope that during this crazy holiday season that you remember to pause and remember the good, the reasons that we are so thankful.

Wise Words - G.K. Chesterton

2011-11-24T07:30:00.000-06:00

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." - G.K. Chesterton

Great ad - bringing the virtual into the real and having fun with it

2011-11-23T09:51:00.000-06:00

Are you an Addict?

2011-11-23T08:49:00.000-06:00

Link from Red Ferret

Have a safe Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-06:00

And to help us make sure that we do, here is some sage advice from William Shatner about frying a turkey. Or as the title goes, Eat, Fry, Love....

Apple's Product strategy

2011-11-22T08:00:00.001-06:00

More info here.

Want to be an astronaut?

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a job posting @ the Lyndon B Johnson Space Center with the title of: Astronaut Candidate. You can fill out the application here.

Wise Words: Howard Thurman

2011-11-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman

Are you an average Facebook user?

2011-11-18T14:31:00.001-06:00

From Mashable

What is your manifesto?

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

This video was linked to @ Ragamuffin Soul. I love the fact that it boils life statements and goals down into something that you can remember. But it also brings to mind the fact that we all have goals and dreams and passions buried inside of us. What are yours? How are you going to take a step towards bringing them to life? We only have one life, and it is short. Let's make the most of it together!

The miracle of you

2011-11-18T07:30:00.000-06:00

You are amazing and have defied the odds. You are a miracle.

by visually via

What they really think

2011-11-17T13:09:00.001-06:00

This is why having children is so awesome. When they are young they really allow you to see what they really think. Sadly, this isn't always good and pure things........

Great holiday mash-up

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Some of the greatest things that we enjoy are when two things that are awesome are brought together to create something even more amazing. I believe that has happened here.

This is a candy that looks like a standard candy cane. But yet it has the flavor of bacon. What greater level of awesomeness could you even imagine?

Get yours here.

The next Steve Jobs?

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

This kid is in 6th grade and presents better then most adults. And he has some great apps that he has created as well.

Link from Cult of the Mac

Lego tree ornaments

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

This combines DYI and Lego in a sweet way. This site gives you everything you need to know in order to create the following Ornaments. The full model files, the parts list, everything! Awesome.

High percentage of adults geosocial and location services

2011-11-14T07:47:00.001-06:00

link from ReadWriteWeb

Where to get an energy boost

2011-11-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

Source: Experts Exchange

Wise Words: Harry S. Truman

2011-11-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” - Harry S. Truman

Book Review: Nearing Home

2011-11-11T13:33:00.001-06:00

Nearing home is Billy Graham’s thoughts and reflections onaging. How life and circumstances change as the number of candles on thebirthday cake increase and we start looking for a fire extinguisher to put themall out.

There is a lot of great advice within the covers of thisbook. These range from how to plan for retirement and aging from a physical andfinancial standpoint, about how our interactions with others change, and that weshouldn’t fear the inevitable. Much of this information is what we have heard from others, but for some reason having Billy Grahamdeliver this information is different. And this different is good.

Presented in a conversational manner, it is as though Billyhas invited us to sit with him on his porch for awhile and listen to himreflect on his last several years, and what life looks like in the mislabeled ‘goldenyears’ and what sorts of things we should prepare and look out for as we approachthem.

Scriptures and wise sayings surround these nuggets of wisdomand help reinforce the fact that barring any unforeseen tragedy or healthissue, we are all going to age and face the end of our days, and we should do thiswell prepared and ready to make the most of the time that we have so that wecan finish well. This is a valuable resource to any age group, because we areall moving in the same direction in time. We will all grow old. And what betterthen to be able to look back and enjoy our time as we near home?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Reaction to the Microsoft future vision

2011-11-11T09:03:00.001-06:00

A short while ago, Microsoft presented what they feel the future will look like. You can check here to see it.

This is a great reaction and well thought out response to that future vision. The main point is that the future needs to adapt to the way that humans do life. The way that we naturally interact with things. And that is not all just by the end of a finger.

Mars vs. Venus talking

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

What men vs. women are likely to talk about online....

Link from Monday Morning Insights

Giving art humanity

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

I love the concepts and projects that are presented in this presentation. It mixes humor with actual 'things' around us and infuses art with humanity. I just wish that the presenter hadn't rushed through all of these items, but instead maybe went a little deeper into a couple of the items.

The idea of bringing some humor or humanity to objects is fascinating and helps us to express ourselves so much more.