Friday, October 31, 2008
The 39 Clues - The Maze of Bones!
Wow! The new book by Rick Riordan titled "The Maze of Bones" is part of a 10 novel series to be written by several combined top authors called "The 39 Clues." My son found this Scholastic release at his school book fair and has become totally enveloped. It reminds me of the Harry Potter reading frenzy. Jonathan has read nearly half of the book in one night and cannot wait to read more. The best way I can describe this book / series so far is like a Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew on steroids. This is a fast paced spy story based around the Cahill family who have connections to many of the most important things and people in history. This book teaches readers about many historical figures and fictional, while throwing in an online aspect as well. Visiting the official website, www.the39steps.com, will let you open a free account and begin collecting trading cards (also available for purchase) to assist you with finding the 39 clues. Some clues will only be available online.
This web-based connection allows readers to explore the story further while organzing their clues. This is a fantastic idea. The next book will be released in early December and will be written by Gordon Korman titled "One False Note." If you haven't read this book yet, or want something to inspire your child to read more, this is the series!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Leopard Tail or Tale?
I have recently shared some art by Banksy. His art is thought provoking and, at times, cutting. He recently opened a virutal gallery for his New York City gallery near NYU. As you visit the Village Petstore and Charcoal Grill in NYC, you see the appearances of animals on display. Check out the video below for a more intimate experience at the Petstore! Lots of fun.
"Big Cats" by Banksy
The Elephant In The Room and The Last Lecture
Have you ever talked around something that was so tenuous everyone was pretending it wasn't there. I recently watched a video clip of Randy Pausch's "The Last Lecture" and was totally amazed at this guy. He started out his Last Lecture by identifying the "Elephant In The Room" and then moving right on. Below is a picture by the artist Banksy that was fitting to this entry and the Randy Pausch "Last Lecture." Click here to download on iTunes for a smoother watch. Enjoy!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Fishsticks in the Wild!
Did you ever wonder while eating dinner what those yummy fishsticks actually looked like in the wild? Here are some very rare photos that caught that very situation. What is amazing to me is their graceful swimming despite any visible means to move, breathe or see. I guess this explains why fish sticks are so rare to capture on camera, and why they are so popular with commercial fishermen for selling in stores. I bet I can guess what you are having for dinner tonight :) These are by the artist Banksy and can be found along others at his NYC gallery called The Village Petstore and Charcoal Grill.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
More Beauties to Look At!
Just when you thought you had seen enough, another couple of beautiful buildings sneak up. I can't say these are my favorite, but the fact they made it to full completion is an amazing thing in my book. I give it to these architects for creativity! I especially like the "hugging buildings" below.
For more of these and other unique and funny pictures, click here to visit the Village of Joy!
For more of these and other unique and funny pictures, click here to visit the Village of Joy!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Get a Look at these Beauties!
I love modern and unique architecture. I recently was forwarded (I still can't believe I read a forward) a website that has compiled some of the most unique architecture around the world. Here are just a few, the first is the Kansas City Public Library in Missouri. The next are cubic houses in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The rest are on your own. You can find more of these and other unusual pictures at Village of Joy (click on it).
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Catfish Frenzy!
Tom hits the motherload! We knew there was something good out there, we just didn't know how good it was or how to catch it.
With a small idea of a trotline off the back deck of Tom's new home came the motherload of catfish! Take a look at the beauty below, all 19 inches of her. It seems the same magic must be true for the big lake at the end of his canal, but for us novices - how do we tap that motherload next? Stay tuned!
With a small idea of a trotline off the back deck of Tom's new home came the motherload of catfish! Take a look at the beauty below, all 19 inches of her. It seems the same magic must be true for the big lake at the end of his canal, but for us novices - how do we tap that motherload next? Stay tuned!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Serpent Mound, Ohio's Treasure!
One of my fondest trip memories as a kid growing up in central Ohio was a visit to Serpent Mound State Park in southern Ohio. This is an Indian (Native American) mound built by two different native American groups. The first group were the Adena people and later the Fort Ancient culture. The exact purpose of this mound remains a mystery since it is not a burial mound and does not seem to hold any artifacts. At one point, a farmer who owned this land was on the verge of selling for growing corn when a group out of Boston decided to step in and save this amazing piece of history. Continue reading below for a bit more information and additional pictures!
For an interactive collection of pictures, click here!
Some additional information regarding The Great Serpent Mound:
Serpent Mound is a man-made earthwork in the shape of a long, uncoiling serpent nearly a quarter of a mile long. Created between 1000 and 1500 AD for unknown purposes, it is now protected in a state park in Ohio.
History
Two different cultures contributed to the Serpent Mound site. The earliest is the Adena people, who lived in this area from about the 6th century BC to the early 1st century AD. Based on stone axes and other artifacts, we know that the Adena built the two conical burial mounds near the serpent. Other Adena burial mounds in the area indicate that the Adenans buried their dead in log tombs or clay-lined basins; important individuals were painted in red ocher and buried with valuable grave goods. A third, elliptical-shaped burial mound at the park and a village site near the serpent effigy's tail belong to the Fort Ancient culture, who lived here from about 1000 to 1550 AD. The Serpent Mound itself had proved more difficult to date, as no artifacts have been found in the mound itself that could connect it to either culture. It was generally assumed that it belonged to the Adena people. However, a recent excavation of Serpent Mound (1995) uncovered wood charcoal that could be radiocarbon dated. Test results show that the charcoal, and therefore the mound's construction, dates to about 1070 AD. It thus belongs to the much later Fort Ancient culture. The Serpent Mound and surrounding burial mounds were first surveyed and sketched in the 1840s, and first excavated by the Harvard archaeologist F.W. Putnam in the late 19th century. When Putnam visited in 1886, the serpent was in bad shape — half-destroyed by amateur excavators looking for treasure and badly eroded by rain. The farmer who owned the mound was about to sell the land for growing corn, a fate that had already destroyed hundreds of other mounds. But Bostonians raised the money to buy the land, saving it for us to see today. In 1900, it was given to Ohio and turned into a state park.
What to See
Serpent Mound is 1,200 feet (366 m) long and about 5 feet (1.5 m) high. Made of earth, it is formed in the shape of an uncoiling snake about to swallow an egg-shaped oval in its open mouth. The head of the serpent is aligned to the summer solstice sunset and the coils also may point to the winter solstice sunrise and the equinox sunrise. The specific purpose of this impressive effigy remains a mystery. It was never used for burials. Some have speculated that the vast earthwork was an offering to the gods. It certainly seems meant to be seen from above: the serpent is difficult to see from ground level. Visitors can now climb a tower to appreciate its shape. The coil of the serpent's tail is a common sacred symbol throughout the ancient world and often symbolizes the sacred forces of the earth. This may suggest that the mound-builders worshipped the earth as a divine mother. Some New Age practitioners have suggested that Serpent Mound is patterned on the Little Dipper constellation, which could indicate a cosmic energy flow between heaven and earth. Others have analyzed the mounds (along with others in the area) for ley lines, which are believed to conduct healing energy between ancient sacred sites. New Age groups and individuals often use the site for meditation. Serpent Mound has been a public park for more than a century and visitors may walk along a wooded footpath surrounding the serpent. Also in the area are three burial mounds and an ancient village site. An on-site museum has exhibits on the effigy mound and the geology of the surrounding area.
Quick Facts
Names: Serpent Mound, Great Serpent Mound
Type of site: Native American earthwork/mound
For an interactive collection of pictures, click here!
Some additional information regarding The Great Serpent Mound:
Serpent Mound is a man-made earthwork in the shape of a long, uncoiling serpent nearly a quarter of a mile long. Created between 1000 and 1500 AD for unknown purposes, it is now protected in a state park in Ohio.
History
Two different cultures contributed to the Serpent Mound site. The earliest is the Adena people, who lived in this area from about the 6th century BC to the early 1st century AD. Based on stone axes and other artifacts, we know that the Adena built the two conical burial mounds near the serpent. Other Adena burial mounds in the area indicate that the Adenans buried their dead in log tombs or clay-lined basins; important individuals were painted in red ocher and buried with valuable grave goods. A third, elliptical-shaped burial mound at the park and a village site near the serpent effigy's tail belong to the Fort Ancient culture, who lived here from about 1000 to 1550 AD. The Serpent Mound itself had proved more difficult to date, as no artifacts have been found in the mound itself that could connect it to either culture. It was generally assumed that it belonged to the Adena people. However, a recent excavation of Serpent Mound (1995) uncovered wood charcoal that could be radiocarbon dated. Test results show that the charcoal, and therefore the mound's construction, dates to about 1070 AD. It thus belongs to the much later Fort Ancient culture. The Serpent Mound and surrounding burial mounds were first surveyed and sketched in the 1840s, and first excavated by the Harvard archaeologist F.W. Putnam in the late 19th century. When Putnam visited in 1886, the serpent was in bad shape — half-destroyed by amateur excavators looking for treasure and badly eroded by rain. The farmer who owned the mound was about to sell the land for growing corn, a fate that had already destroyed hundreds of other mounds. But Bostonians raised the money to buy the land, saving it for us to see today. In 1900, it was given to Ohio and turned into a state park.
What to See
Serpent Mound is 1,200 feet (366 m) long and about 5 feet (1.5 m) high. Made of earth, it is formed in the shape of an uncoiling snake about to swallow an egg-shaped oval in its open mouth. The head of the serpent is aligned to the summer solstice sunset and the coils also may point to the winter solstice sunrise and the equinox sunrise. The specific purpose of this impressive effigy remains a mystery. It was never used for burials. Some have speculated that the vast earthwork was an offering to the gods. It certainly seems meant to be seen from above: the serpent is difficult to see from ground level. Visitors can now climb a tower to appreciate its shape. The coil of the serpent's tail is a common sacred symbol throughout the ancient world and often symbolizes the sacred forces of the earth. This may suggest that the mound-builders worshipped the earth as a divine mother. Some New Age practitioners have suggested that Serpent Mound is patterned on the Little Dipper constellation, which could indicate a cosmic energy flow between heaven and earth. Others have analyzed the mounds (along with others in the area) for ley lines, which are believed to conduct healing energy between ancient sacred sites. New Age groups and individuals often use the site for meditation. Serpent Mound has been a public park for more than a century and visitors may walk along a wooded footpath surrounding the serpent. Also in the area are three burial mounds and an ancient village site. An on-site museum has exhibits on the effigy mound and the geology of the surrounding area.
Quick Facts
Names: Serpent Mound, Great Serpent Mound
Type of site: Native American earthwork/mound
Friday, October 17, 2008
Pig-Stuffed, Pig-Wrapped Pig Wins Big! Nice Job Jim Webster!
Here's to our favorite Ultimate Grilling Champion - Jim Webster!
Friends were glued to their tubes in several different TV markets trying to get the first glimpse of Jim Webster's status as possible "Grilling Champion" in the Mario Batali Grilling Challenge contest. Jim received official word via the phone as it was broadcast live from the South Florida TV Market who broadcast the Rachel Ray Show earliest at 9:00am on Friday. Shortly thereafter, the announcement was revealed on the Rachel Ray Show site and then was broadcast in the Central Florida Television Market. I called my dear friend since middle school and wished him congrats about 10:20am. Way to go Jim, we are so proud of you and now Mario Batali and Rachel Ray will get to sample some of this grilling masterpiece and perhaps more. Next, the world! On a side note, be sure to wear your sleeveless sweater-vest and orange crocs, it seems like Mario has a real liking to those. Again, great job - You Da Man!
Friends were glued to their tubes in several different TV markets trying to get the first glimpse of Jim Webster's status as possible "Grilling Champion" in the Mario Batali Grilling Challenge contest. Jim received official word via the phone as it was broadcast live from the South Florida TV Market who broadcast the Rachel Ray Show earliest at 9:00am on Friday. Shortly thereafter, the announcement was revealed on the Rachel Ray Show site and then was broadcast in the Central Florida Television Market. I called my dear friend since middle school and wished him congrats about 10:20am. Way to go Jim, we are so proud of you and now Mario Batali and Rachel Ray will get to sample some of this grilling masterpiece and perhaps more. Next, the world! On a side note, be sure to wear your sleeveless sweater-vest and orange crocs, it seems like Mario has a real liking to those. Again, great job - You Da Man!
Mystery Photos on my Camera
I was unloading photos from my digital camera the other day and came across some mysterious black and white photos. While those pictured in the photos looked vaguely familiar, including the pet dog, I didn't remember when they had been taken or by whom. I can derive from the evidence in the photo, however, that the two individuals pictured must have commandeered my camera and were playing around. Honestly, I thought this was one of the best pictures (out of the MANY they created). I guess this is a variation on the modern photo booth concept, however our kids have a lot more than just four photos to try and play with. I love this photo guys, thanks for surprising your dad with it!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Watch Out Sis, He's Behind You!
I shared a bit about this hidden area of Walt Disney World inside the Magic Kingdom a week or so ago. Here is another photo opportunity within this venue. It is nice that you can get fun pictures ranging from the earliest Disney cartoons (Steamboat Willie here) to some of the more recent such as Toy Story. The kids always enjoy staging their own fun!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Bupa and Sissy backstage at OCT
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Tuesdays With Morrie at OCT
The Special Presentations series at Ocala Civic Theatre opened with an amazing play. Randall Moring and Terry Gabbard masterfully perform the roles of a college professor and college student who develop a friendship showing how much more there is to life than focusing on death. Both Randall and Terry transform into their characters, and envelop the audience in the scenes. This two man show runs about 90 minutes without intermission and is worth every second. The curtain falls on this show after this weekend, so if you haven't had a chance, be sure to see Tuesday's With Morrie at Ocala Civic Theatre this Thursday through Sunday.
For a more detailed review of this play, click here to visit Jack Petro's Blog.
For a more detailed review of this play, click here to visit Jack Petro's Blog.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sammie the Amazing Dog!
Here is the dog of the century, the most amazing dog ever! His only downfall is that he only comes sometimes when called, he never tells us when he needs to go outside, he runs away from people therefore must stay on a leash even around the house (except in this picture for some reason) and occasionally barks at phantom animals in the yard. You the dog Sam!
Dad, I Miss You!
I ran across this picture of a Donald Duck Cola cap and immediately thought of my dad. His favorite Disney character was Donald Duck, perhaps because he was a bit hard to understand, did things his own way, was often misunderstood, but was ultimately brilliant. I'm not totally sure why dad identified so well with Donald Duck, but I do know one thing, we all miss you Dad!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Gators crush the Tigers
Saturday, October 11, 2008
You've Got A Friend In Me - Toy Story
When Walt Disney World renamed Disney / MGM Studios to Disney's Hollywood Studios, there was another face lift that happened shortly thereafter. The area north of the backlot and behind the Chinese Theater also got big changes. This became the Disney / Pixar area and the sound stage that had served as the game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" transformed into an amazing ride called Toy Story Mania. Brick was added everywhere, both sides of the street, and Toy Story related stuff appeared as well. This Scrabble board with green army men is directly across the street from Toy Story Mania. Inside this building are winding mazes of Toy Story ephemera leading the youngest visitors to their favorite characters for pictures. The windows to the street make this a fun thing to watch as the kids get to experience their favorite characters up close.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Disney's Toy Story and Main Street Cinema Fun
In the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida there is a very special town hall area that very few people know about. As you pass under the railroad to the right side, near the entrance, there is a photography store and restaurant off to the right. As you enter the photo store, you continue back to the rear and down a wide hallway. Near the end of the hallway, and to the right you will find this exhibition hall that includes many photo opportunities (like the Toy Story one below) and a small theatre playing Walt Disney cartoons in succession. This is where the Main Street Cinema was re-located a few years ago. This is a nice, air-conditioned, resting place for all Disney visitors. We visit occasionally, however rarely see more than a couple other people enjoying this special space in WDW. We hope others will enjoy as well!
Look This Way Class!
Now class, look this way. Behind me you see three very bad people who don't belong in our home. In my fingers you see the most delicious doggy treat that has ever been created. This treat is a reward to whoever can rid our home of these dastardly people. Any questions? Ok then, on your mark, get set ..... go!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
I've found the spot!
Last time we went fishing with Uncle Tom we surveyed the lake and picked out a few different spots to try and catch "the big one." Unfortunately, "the big one" eluded us, but Rebekah was successful in finding an incredible spot. Miraculously, only she was able to catch anything from that spot, despite the efforts of her brother trying to cast his bait into the same spot. Rebekah landed 5 fish (we believe all different) from the same spot. Perhaps they were all siblings and loved the same type of bait because they were all about the same size. Anyhow, we were schooled that day on how to fish since Rebekah was really the only person able to catch anything! Way to go Sis!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Disney's Toy Story Mania - Amazing Score!
Recently my family visited Walt Disney World and more specifically, Disney's Hollywood Studios (our favorite). We constantly try to find the best way to rack up high scores in the new ride, Toy Story Mania, and here is one of the best! Congrats to my family for this. I have also included below a link to the full 3-D ride in case you haven't been on it yet. Enjoy!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Congrats Semi-Finalist Jim!
Congrats to my good friend Jim Webster! As many of you know, Jim entered the Mario Batali Grilling Contest by submitting his original recipe "Pig-Stuffed, Pig-Wrapped Pig." The video Jim submitted is above for your viewing pleasure. Shortly after Jim submitted his video entry, he found out he was selected as a Quarter-Finalist and that web-based voting would take place. Well, today the top three semi-finalists were revealed and Jim made it! What's next? - on October 20, the winner will be revealed on the Rachel Ray Show and then who knows... I believe Jim's original "Pig-Stuffed, Pig-Wrapped Pig" recipe is truly the tastiest and original, giving him a real chance at the win. Let's all tune in on October 20th to Rachel Ray's show, hopefully the win will go to Jim! Congrats again Jim, way to go!
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- The 39 Clues - The Maze of Bones!
- Leopard Tail or Tale?
- The Elephant In The Room and The Last Lecture
- Fishsticks in the Wild!
- More Beauties to Look At!
- Get a Look at these Beauties!
- Catfish Frenzy!
- Serpent Mound, Ohio's Treasure!
- Pig-Stuffed, Pig-Wrapped Pig Wins Big! Nice Job J...
- Mystery Photos on my Camera
- Watch Out Sis, He's Behind You!
- Bupa and Sissy backstage at OCT
- Tuesdays With Morrie at OCT
- Sammie the Amazing Dog!
- Dad, I Miss You!
- Gators crush the Tigers
- You've Got A Friend In Me - Toy Story
- Disney's Toy Story and Main Street Cinema Fun
- Look This Way Class!
- I've found the spot!
- Disney's Toy Story Mania - Amazing Score!
- Congrats Semi-Finalist Jim!
- Uh huh, you know it!
- It's Getting Closer!
- Shark Attack at Disney's EPCOT!
- Walt Disney's Private Jet
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