A creative series of shorts out of Portland, Oregon, called The Bicyclist. It follows several 20somethings in a used bike shop in Portland, featuring a recent transplant from Middleton, Wisconsin. The series should appeal to Portland and bike fans in particular, but even a Minneapolitan who doesn't get on his bike all that often found it worth while.
There are about two dozen short episodes. Apparently a second season is in the works.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Catch the cat
I caught the cat just once. Pesky little thing...
http://www.gamedesign.jp/flash/chatnoir/chatnoir.html
http://www.gamedesign.jp/flash/chatnoir/chatnoir.html
Friday, November 9, 2007
Toys: 2007 Hall of Fame inductees
I learned recently that the National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, are inducting three classic toys into the hall of fame. I know you're waiting with baited breath. What will they select for the ages this year? Will it be controversial? Who will go home disappointed?
For your reading pleasure, the 2007 inductees:
1: Raggedy Andy
Raggedy Andy proceeds his sister, Ragedy Ann, who was honored in 2002. Hall of Fame statement: "The dolls are reunited in this place of honor—where they belong, together of course, for always." Isn't it sweet? Brother and sister reunited after a five year separation.
2: The kite
A dark horse candidate for several years running, the kite has finally won it's well deserved honor. The Frisbee and the Duncan Yo-Yo were both selected in past years when all eyes were on the kite. It was suggested that bad weather in those years had kept the electors indoors and unable to enjoy the experience of flying a kite on a windy day. Then there was the year when the easy bake oven was inducted over the kite was responded with jeers and calls for a recount. Only, the decision to honor Barbie caused as big of a stir as the easy bake oven squeezing by the kite.
In a recent year when the cardboard box was selected as an inductee over the kite, Hall of Fame officials prepared for an onslaught of criticism. It turns out nearly everyone has some fond childhood memory of doing something fun with a cardboard box and the entrant remains one of the most popular displays at the Hall of Fame.
So, finally after many years of waiting, the kite receives its due honor.
3: Atari 2600
From the Hall of Fame: " Because computer technology advances so rapidly, video game systems often have short lives. The Atari 2600, however, proved surprisingly long-lived. Its widespread popularity, relative affordability, and abundance of software titles kept it in production for fifteen years. Eventually it succumbed to newer, faster, more powerful competitors, but not before it made video games a staple of everyday play."
So, I guess we have Atari to blame for kids' lack of attention span and other video gamer-related social and personal ills. But seriously, the Atari was great! I loved playing Millipede, Asteroids, Mario Brothers, and Jungle Hunt. (You swam across crocodile filled rivers and stabbed them in the face with a knife. The graphics were so great that I thought you were merely punching the crocodiles in the face.) Maybe that explains my long standing nightmare of wild animals biting my hands...
Eventually, the Atari got boring as it seemed like every one of my other friends got a Nintendo and could play Super Mario Brothers and Congo. Oh, how I longed for a Nintendo! Oh, how I still long for a Nintendo!
For your reading pleasure, the 2007 inductees:
1: Raggedy Andy
Raggedy Andy proceeds his sister, Ragedy Ann, who was honored in 2002. Hall of Fame statement: "The dolls are reunited in this place of honor—where they belong, together of course, for always." Isn't it sweet? Brother and sister reunited after a five year separation.
2: The kite
A dark horse candidate for several years running, the kite has finally won it's well deserved honor. The Frisbee and the Duncan Yo-Yo were both selected in past years when all eyes were on the kite. It was suggested that bad weather in those years had kept the electors indoors and unable to enjoy the experience of flying a kite on a windy day. Then there was the year when the easy bake oven was inducted over the kite was responded with jeers and calls for a recount. Only, the decision to honor Barbie caused as big of a stir as the easy bake oven squeezing by the kite.
In a recent year when the cardboard box was selected as an inductee over the kite, Hall of Fame officials prepared for an onslaught of criticism. It turns out nearly everyone has some fond childhood memory of doing something fun with a cardboard box and the entrant remains one of the most popular displays at the Hall of Fame.
So, finally after many years of waiting, the kite receives its due honor.
3: Atari 2600
From the Hall of Fame: " Because computer technology advances so rapidly, video game systems often have short lives. The Atari 2600, however, proved surprisingly long-lived. Its widespread popularity, relative affordability, and abundance of software titles kept it in production for fifteen years. Eventually it succumbed to newer, faster, more powerful competitors, but not before it made video games a staple of everyday play."
So, I guess we have Atari to blame for kids' lack of attention span and other video gamer-related social and personal ills. But seriously, the Atari was great! I loved playing Millipede, Asteroids, Mario Brothers, and Jungle Hunt. (You swam across crocodile filled rivers and stabbed them in the face with a knife. The graphics were so great that I thought you were merely punching the crocodiles in the face.) Maybe that explains my long standing nightmare of wild animals biting my hands...
Eventually, the Atari got boring as it seemed like every one of my other friends got a Nintendo and could play Super Mario Brothers and Congo. Oh, how I longed for a Nintendo! Oh, how I still long for a Nintendo!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Disturbing television
From VH1 comes a one-hour documentary about 6 year-olds in beauty pageants. Great. It's sad enough that these events take place at all. But VH1 is jumping in to broadcast girls competing to look like spooky, tarted-up dolls to the masses.
I have not seen the show and don't plan to. So, I can't really comment on the content. Needless to say, labeling a six year-old girl as "the Flirt" doesn't bode well. Who are these people who feel comfortable tartin- up kindergarteners?
(Thanks to Feministing.com for highlighting this sad show.)
little beauties: ultimate kiddie queen showdown
Directly from the VH1 website:
I have not seen the show and don't plan to. So, I can't really comment on the content. Needless to say, labeling a six year-old girl as "the Flirt" doesn't bode well. Who are these people who feel comfortable tartin- up kindergarteners?
(Thanks to Feministing.com for highlighting this sad show.)
little beauties: ultimate kiddie queen showdown
Directly from the VH1 website:
Move over Miss America! The Little Beauties are coming to town! They're gorgeous, they're talented, they're six-years old and with the helping hand of eager moms, determined pageant coaches, fabulous spray tan artists and "flipper" (fake teeth) makers, not to mention a couple of Pixie Sticks for energy, these girls are taking the stage at pageants all over the Southeast U.S for the chance to win cash prizes and crowns!
Little Beauties: Ultimate Kiddie Queen Showdown is a one-hour documentary special that will take a light-hearted look into the wonderful world of children's beauty pageants through the eyes of four, precocious six-year old girls. This documentary reveals the humor and love behind an American tradition; the always colorful characters on the pageant circuit; and the "sparkle" it takes to win a crown.
What We Will See:The girls preparing for and competing in two of the biggest pageant on the circuit Interviews with girls, mothers, a coach, pageant directors, spray tanner and "flipper" (fake teeth) maker, Narration by "The Voice of Pageants" himself, the fabulous Mr. Tim Glamorous crowning ceremonies Practice sessions at home and with the indomitable Miss Nikki, one of the best coaches on the pageant circuit The girls at home/at school in their normal environments, with family and friends, participating in extracurricular/sports activities Spray tanning sessions "Flipper" (fake teeth) fittings
Who We Will Meet:Joanna, 6 years old - The Reigning Champ Aleena, 6 years old - The Flirt Kynnedy, 6 years old - The Diva Jordan, 6 years old - The Longshot Terry - Aleena's mom / Spray tan artist Kim - Kynnedy's mom Eddie - Kynnedy's dad Charlene - Jordan's mom Laurie - Joanna's Mom Mr. Tim - Narrator / Pageant emcee Miss Nikki - Pageant coach Michael Booth - Director, America's Fabulous Faces Carol Stephens - Director, International Total Miss Ray Smith - Pageant judge / entertainer
Quote of the day indeed
Today's quote via Salon.com's War Room blog:
"The way he helped get us through 9/11 really sold me."
-- 23-year-old Jeb Bush, Jr., on why he's supporting Rudy Giuliani for president.
"The way he helped get us through 9/11 really sold me."
-- 23-year-old Jeb Bush, Jr., on why he's supporting Rudy Giuliani for president.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Cat cold
There is nothing quite like a baby when it comes to attracting stranger attention out in public. I'm always perplexed by the people who think it is perfectly fine to touch a stranger's baby in the grocery store. (Actually, what's worse is the occasional person who will SEE the sleeping baby and then speak in a loud voice something clever, like, "OH! SOMEBODY'S SLEEPY!!" Yes, this has happened more than once.)
Elaine has a cold. I would blame one of these recent stranger touchings, but in all likelihood it was probably from her shoving a shared baby toy into her mouth on Thursday.
Today, Elaine accompanied me to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. A woman in her 50s observed that Elaine had a cold. She then earnestly told me her cat also has a cold right now. But what's more difficult about a cat having an upper respiratory ailment (versus a baby) is that you can't teach a cat how to blow their nose, she explains. She tells it to me in such a way that I wonder perhaps she has actually attempted to teach her cat how to blow it's nose, giving up only after hours of snotty struggles.
I decide not to suggest to her that 7 month old babies don't know how to blow their noses either, fearful that she may offer to teach Elaine right there like I imagine she tried to teach her cat. Instead I give an understanding smile and nod and move on to the register.
Elaine has a cold. I would blame one of these recent stranger touchings, but in all likelihood it was probably from her shoving a shared baby toy into her mouth on Thursday.
Today, Elaine accompanied me to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. A woman in her 50s observed that Elaine had a cold. She then earnestly told me her cat also has a cold right now. But what's more difficult about a cat having an upper respiratory ailment (versus a baby) is that you can't teach a cat how to blow their nose, she explains. She tells it to me in such a way that I wonder perhaps she has actually attempted to teach her cat how to blow it's nose, giving up only after hours of snotty struggles.
I decide not to suggest to her that 7 month old babies don't know how to blow their noses either, fearful that she may offer to teach Elaine right there like I imagine she tried to teach her cat. Instead I give an understanding smile and nod and move on to the register.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Halloween Pet Peaves
I remember when I was about 12 or 13 years old. A friend and mine thought it would be funny to go trick or treating. So we quickly assembled some pathetic costumes and visited perhaps a half dozen houses. We got several of the "Aren't you old for this?" questions, which were more disapproving than I realized at the time.
Nowadays, it seems like some teenagers trick or treat until their 18 years old. I wouldn't mind it so much, but teenagers tend not to be aware of others beyond them. (Granted, this is a problem for a lot of adults too.) So they don't realize their loud, boisterous behavior or aggressive shenanigans are frightening and disruptive to the young kids out. (I'm trying to sound old with using "nowadays" and "shenanigans." Does it work?)
In past years, the older kids often come out later, introducing another whole problem. People knocking on my door and ringing the bell until past 9:00 PM. I put out a note, but that's been largely ineffective. We'll see how late it goes this year. In the city I grew up in, they set an official trick-or-treat time. It ended around sunset. (Something like 4:00-6:30.) In this neighborhood, I don't think people get started until 6:30. I suggested something to my city council member last year about having official hours and he politely regarded it as the strangest, silliest idea he had heard in a long time.
Then there's all that darn candy. I'm not a candy person, so the sight of it makes me sick to my stomach. It's none too healthy either. It seems we have half a cabinet devoted to the musical chairs of Halloween, Christmas, Valentines, and Easter candy. The candy largely sits there until I notice that it's hardened to the point of being able to crumble concrete if applied with enough force. The stale candy is then quietly disposed to make room for the next holiday. I read recently that the U.S. produces and imports twice as much calories as the population needs. Clearly, we Americans do end up consuming a lot of these unnecessary calories; but I wonder what percentage of it is discarded or goes bad--and what percentage of that is Halloween candy. Just think, there must be tons and tons of candy corn alone that goes uneaten every year.
(Though, maybe it's recycled...)
Nowadays, it seems like some teenagers trick or treat until their 18 years old. I wouldn't mind it so much, but teenagers tend not to be aware of others beyond them. (Granted, this is a problem for a lot of adults too.) So they don't realize their loud, boisterous behavior or aggressive shenanigans are frightening and disruptive to the young kids out. (I'm trying to sound old with using "nowadays" and "shenanigans." Does it work?)
In past years, the older kids often come out later, introducing another whole problem. People knocking on my door and ringing the bell until past 9:00 PM. I put out a note, but that's been largely ineffective. We'll see how late it goes this year. In the city I grew up in, they set an official trick-or-treat time. It ended around sunset. (Something like 4:00-6:30.) In this neighborhood, I don't think people get started until 6:30. I suggested something to my city council member last year about having official hours and he politely regarded it as the strangest, silliest idea he had heard in a long time.
Then there's all that darn candy. I'm not a candy person, so the sight of it makes me sick to my stomach. It's none too healthy either. It seems we have half a cabinet devoted to the musical chairs of Halloween, Christmas, Valentines, and Easter candy. The candy largely sits there until I notice that it's hardened to the point of being able to crumble concrete if applied with enough force. The stale candy is then quietly disposed to make room for the next holiday. I read recently that the U.S. produces and imports twice as much calories as the population needs. Clearly, we Americans do end up consuming a lot of these unnecessary calories; but I wonder what percentage of it is discarded or goes bad--and what percentage of that is Halloween candy. Just think, there must be tons and tons of candy corn alone that goes uneaten every year.
(Though, maybe it's recycled...)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Just in time for Halloween: Superbugs
Though, hardly a brand-new development, news of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, has been out in the news recently, including a handful of tragic incidents involving children.
You can find lots of articles from multiple media sources, but here is a good one from Reuters via Scientific American, called Two reports show "superbug" bacteria spread.
Now, I'm not normally prone to worrying over all the worldly threats out there. I have mixed feelings about warning my four year-old about "being careful of strangers." (But that's a topic for another day.) There is something about these constantly evolving bacteria that gives me the heebie jeebies. It's the kind of thing that makes one fantasize about moving away from civilization to in order to protect one's self from all the ills and potential ills of the world. Of course, there is no escape.
As always, all we can do is minimize risk. It amazes me how much better we can do. A couple of surveys on personal hygiene shows much is desired. In this survey only 90% of women and 75% of men were observed on average washing their hands after using a public restroom. The disparity between men and women's cleanliness should surprise no one who has been in a men's restroom. My guess is that the number is much lower in the home, where people don't have peer pressure and probably feel more sanitary that at an Atlanta Braves game. In another survey last year, 2 out of 3 adults admit that don't consistently wash their hands. This CBS News article sums up the findings nicely.
I must be clear that the "superbug" MRSA bacteria aren't alleged to be spreading in the restrooms of public sporting events. What's more, this strain requires some sort of skin puncture to get into the bloodstream and infect the person. It's just that it seems we can be cleaner on many fronts, as well as maybe not overuse antibiotics.
Of course, there is some suspicion out there that raising young kids in sterile environments doesn't allow them to develop healthy immune systems and makes them more prone to allergies. It just goes to show you can't win.
You can find lots of articles from multiple media sources, but here is a good one from Reuters via Scientific American, called Two reports show "superbug" bacteria spread.
Now, I'm not normally prone to worrying over all the worldly threats out there. I have mixed feelings about warning my four year-old about "being careful of strangers." (But that's a topic for another day.) There is something about these constantly evolving bacteria that gives me the heebie jeebies. It's the kind of thing that makes one fantasize about moving away from civilization to in order to protect one's self from all the ills and potential ills of the world. Of course, there is no escape.
As always, all we can do is minimize risk. It amazes me how much better we can do. A couple of surveys on personal hygiene shows much is desired. In this survey only 90% of women and 75% of men were observed on average washing their hands after using a public restroom. The disparity between men and women's cleanliness should surprise no one who has been in a men's restroom. My guess is that the number is much lower in the home, where people don't have peer pressure and probably feel more sanitary that at an Atlanta Braves game. In another survey last year, 2 out of 3 adults admit that don't consistently wash their hands. This CBS News article sums up the findings nicely.
I must be clear that the "superbug" MRSA bacteria aren't alleged to be spreading in the restrooms of public sporting events. What's more, this strain requires some sort of skin puncture to get into the bloodstream and infect the person. It's just that it seems we can be cleaner on many fronts, as well as maybe not overuse antibiotics.
Of course, there is some suspicion out there that raising young kids in sterile environments doesn't allow them to develop healthy immune systems and makes them more prone to allergies. It just goes to show you can't win.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Blog (and podcast) of the moment
Check out Grammar Girl on why it's okay to start a sentence with "hopefully."
This is part of a weekly podcast, but each episode is transcribed to a blog entry. In this issue, one learns that the attacks on "hopefully" are ill-informed.
This is part of a weekly podcast, but each episode is transcribed to a blog entry. In this issue, one learns that the attacks on "hopefully" are ill-informed.
Rescue shelters
I'm not a regular viewer of the Ellen DeGeneres show. Apparently last week she teared up on air because the local animal rescue organization took back a dog because it was living with an 11 and 12 year-old when the contract stated it could not live with any child under 14.
I read about this in a piece called Ellen, the dog bullies and me at Salon.com. It's noteworthy how many reader responses the article has had. The responses weigh heavily in the direction of those who've had negative experiences themselves with rescue organizations. I've certainly heard similar stories from friends and acquaintances. Though good rescue organizations certainly exist, there seems to be a trend of people using their position of animal rescuers to lord over other people as part of their puritanical quest. I wouldn't say some screening isn't in order when it comes to adopting out pets, but overly-rigid requirements applied with personal biases doesn't seem to serve anyone.
We keep on talking about getting a dog. We'd probably get a medium-sized dog that most rescue organizations would deem inappropriate for young children. What we'll do is learn about the specific breed when it comes to children and only adopt a dog who's personality seems to fit. We'll leave the dog bullies behind.
I read about this in a piece called Ellen, the dog bullies and me at Salon.com. It's noteworthy how many reader responses the article has had. The responses weigh heavily in the direction of those who've had negative experiences themselves with rescue organizations. I've certainly heard similar stories from friends and acquaintances. Though good rescue organizations certainly exist, there seems to be a trend of people using their position of animal rescuers to lord over other people as part of their puritanical quest. I wouldn't say some screening isn't in order when it comes to adopting out pets, but overly-rigid requirements applied with personal biases doesn't seem to serve anyone.
We keep on talking about getting a dog. We'd probably get a medium-sized dog that most rescue organizations would deem inappropriate for young children. What we'll do is learn about the specific breed when it comes to children and only adopt a dog who's personality seems to fit. We'll leave the dog bullies behind.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Feminist girls rock
Imagine that! Equality, respect, and choices are good for relationships...
Feminism And Romance Go Hand In Hand
Feminism And Romance Go Hand In Hand
Monday, October 15, 2007
Being an at-home dad
A couple of weeks ago Newsweek had an essay about stay-at-home/involved fatherhood. It's a decent piece called, "Just Don't Call Me Mr. Mom." In the daily hustle and bustle, I sometimes forget that at-home fatherhood is still a relatively novel concept. Though, it seems to be at a tipping point. This article is just one of many recent media mentions on this "trend." (It makes me feel trendy!)
It's not an in-depth piece, but a good quick read. Two items I like in the piece: (1) The take down of Parenting magazine being subtitled "What Matters to Moms." The publication, which we got for a year or two, not only ignores dads on its cover, but about 99.9% of its content ignores the contribution of dads in parenting. (2) The title's request to not use the term "Mr. Mom." Few men, even the liberated, at-home dad types, like to be called a woman. It's no disrespect to women or moms of course, but dads want to be dads.
I think there is probably a strong generational component to attitudes around fathers being the at-home parent (or the broader trend of fathers being more involved with their children). I haven't experienced too much judgment from people of any age, but those my own age generally don't seem to view it as unique or of note at all.
Meredith has occasionally asked where I worked (mostly after I quit my job last spring). I tell her my job now is to be at home to take care of her and sister. She seems to get it. It helps that there are other examples of at-home moms and dads of friends of hers.
I don't know how long I'll be at home full time. Jen was home during Meredith's first year, and took the lead on many of the household stuff during her 3 years of law school. So now it's my turn. Elaine is 6 months old and Meredith is 4. She'll start kindergarten next year. (Hard to believe!) It's a demanding (and sometimes dull) job, but we're having a blast.
It's not an in-depth piece, but a good quick read. Two items I like in the piece: (1) The take down of Parenting magazine being subtitled "What Matters to Moms." The publication, which we got for a year or two, not only ignores dads on its cover, but about 99.9% of its content ignores the contribution of dads in parenting. (2) The title's request to not use the term "Mr. Mom." Few men, even the liberated, at-home dad types, like to be called a woman. It's no disrespect to women or moms of course, but dads want to be dads.
I think there is probably a strong generational component to attitudes around fathers being the at-home parent (or the broader trend of fathers being more involved with their children). I haven't experienced too much judgment from people of any age, but those my own age generally don't seem to view it as unique or of note at all.
Meredith has occasionally asked where I worked (mostly after I quit my job last spring). I tell her my job now is to be at home to take care of her and sister. She seems to get it. It helps that there are other examples of at-home moms and dads of friends of hers.
I don't know how long I'll be at home full time. Jen was home during Meredith's first year, and took the lead on many of the household stuff during her 3 years of law school. So now it's my turn. Elaine is 6 months old and Meredith is 4. She'll start kindergarten next year. (Hard to believe!) It's a demanding (and sometimes dull) job, but we're having a blast.
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