Gelkote

My coworker Doug invented a new game last week. Listen to Muzak, guess the song then verify the results. It’s simple and oddly entertaining. We are listening to ’80s Hits if you’re curious. Now run along to your nearest office building and play along!

While at the Rose Villa a few weeks ago, Cherie discovered Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine on the jukebox. This lead to the purchase of his greatest hits and many “he sings that” moments for the both of us.

Bill’s Lovely Day reminds me of a phenomena that certain songs trigger in my head. It’s awkward to explain and only those who have ever played a record will possibly understand. While playing a record, the stereo can be turned all the way down and the beat can still be heard coming from the needle. Couple the faint sound with a spinning record and it’s magical. It’s also what happens inside my head when certain songs are playing. Even if I’ve never played that particular song as a record, I can hear the beat and see the rotation.

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When Tim Russert passed last week at 58, I reflected in stunned silence. George Carlin passes at 71, I respond by thinking “fucking hell”, smiling and immediately watching videos on Youtube. Two individuals with two different reactions. Both will be missed.

Had a really good thing going before I was outsourced, a career.  It was great!  I was growing, being challenged and adding value. Now I have a job. One where the boss calls my team whiners for seeking clarification and the team lead insinuates I’m trying to cook the books for not wanting to tweak paperwork. The very tweaks we are told the next day not to be performing. How I long for the good old days.

Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

IdeaFestival announced their 2008 speakers earlier this week. For the uninitiated, IdeaFestival brings a diverse group of passionate and engaging speakers to Louisville, KY over three days in September. The caliber of presenters is on par with TED but the conference is much more accessible for the average Joe. While TED places their presentations online for free, they charge $1000s of dollars to attend in person. IdeaFestival has some presentations for free, most in the $15 to $20 range or all access for $300~$350 depending on when you register. I’m a little bummed that the number of free sessions has decreased from 2007 but it’s worth a few hundred bucks to be engaged and expand one’s horizons.

Planning for IF 2008, I’m reminded of a few cool discoveries from my 2007 IF travels. Carmichael’s Bookstore, Ear X-tacy, Toast on Market, Rainbow Blossom Natural Foods and
The Louisville Eccentric Observer (LEO). I also learned about the Keep Louisville Weird campaign encouraging folks to shop local stores. It’s a very cool concept that should be repeated everywhere. Especially true as I’m 3/4 the way through the book Deep Economy.

Learned today that 2600 Magazine is coming out with a Best of 2600 book covering the last 24 years of the magazine and hacker/phreaking scene. Should be fun to see how things have changed. Most of the folks I talk to aren’t familiar with Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs). For those needing a BBS history lesson, check out Jason Scott’s BBS Documentary or hit me up to borrow my copy.

Also learned today about a musician named Brigid Kaelin while snooping around the Ear X-tacy website. The tracks on her myspace vary from rock to bluegrass to what I call old school Patsy Cline country. Brigid’s versed on the piano, guitar, accordion and even a musical saw. But her voice, wow. One review on her Myspace compares her vocal magic to Eva Cassidy. I couldn’t agree more. For a sampling of Eva, check out Live at Blues Alley.

I was on the porch talking to my parents this evening when I noticed something unusual. There were two ducks sitting on the second story ridge of my neighbor’s roof.

I have never been a fan of web comics. Comics like xkcd and Questionable Content catch my attention for a few days then quickly fade. However, I might have found something different in a comic called Another Random Day. Discovered the comic below during my travels yesterday and I can’t stop laughing. So much so that I replaced my boring single colored background of 6 years.

Not every issue strikes my fancy but those that do are honest and crazily hilarious. Oh, and they are sometimes less than politically correct.  Plus, the characters are simple and expressive.