Tranquility Pike

A little something to ignite our minds

Warm-hearted Gorilla Reunion

For those of us who hate folding, here's a step in the right direction

Ironing is enjoyable for some odd reason. Kind of a stress-busting exercise. With one of these robots, I could make quick work of the awful chore of folding, though. Found this cool video on Boing Boing.

NORAD all set to track Santa on Christmas Eve

While I'm sitting here watching bubble lights, Santa is scrambling to get everything ready for tomorrow's big trip around the globe. Use the official NORAD Santa Tracker to follow his every move. In something like 4 hours, 31 minutes and 47 seconds, the tracker springs to life with real-time action featuring Google Earth radar and live Santa cams. 

When NORAD shows Santa in the vicinity of your town, be sure to watch the skies! One Christmas in Terre Haute, my sister, Cleeta, saw Santa's sleigh up above the treetops on our street. And that's a true story.

Becky Blanton's Memorable TedTalk: The Year I was Homeless

"Society equates living in a permanent structure, even if it's a shack, with having value as a person." Becky Blanton shares insight into how she fell into homelessness and depression, eventually finding help and hope along the way. 

Avoiding the dreaded swine flu, or any flu for that matter

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The H1N1 flu is all over the place, so I'm going through buckets of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, coughing into my elbow and punching the elevator button with anything except my bare-skinned fingers. So far, it's working. Now, if I could only get a flu shot or if I'm lucky, both flu shots ... but the supply of vaccine has so far not made it to my locale, at least for the general public. 

How About a GIANT Dry Erase Board? IdeaPaint Will Do IT

I have trouble with Post-It notes. My handwriting is big ... huge, in fact. Can't help it. Regular, square-shaped Post-Its just don't accommodate my giant words. And when I brainstorm, I use oversized sketchpads to hold all my scribbles, diagrams and musings. In fact, I have a big sketchpad sticking out of my briefcase right now with page after page of work-related notes, mostly scribbled during conference calls. 

Imagine how cool it would be to be able to use an entire wall for ideas, notes and diagrams. Now, this is an exciting possibility and it's available through a company called IdeaPaint. I don't know how well this works, but in the video, they make it look easy to literally transform an entire wall into a dry erase board. My second question is how hard it is to go backward and make the wall "normal" again, so as to be able to sell your house at a later date, for instance. 

When my boys were little, we had a corner of the basement all fixed up like a classroom and they loved playing school. IdeaPaint would have been so cool! I've seen "paint" for creating chalkboards, as well. Wonder how well this stuff works.

Run Tellman, Run!

Tellman Knudson is on his way to running across the U.S. barefoot and at this moment, he's somewhere in Pennsylvania. Here he is with Sir Richard Branson, talking about this bold effort (associated with Virgin Unite) that's on track to raise $100 million to combat teenage homelessness. Over the years, I've known quite a few teenagers who were on their own at an early age, many of whom just had the bad luck to be born to wacky and/or unfit parents. Yes, some kids can be a handful, too. But turning them out on the streets? When you get down to it, teenage homelessness can occur for a myriad of reasons but always, always results in pain. 

Apparently Tellman had a difficult childhood and now he's determined to lend a helping hand to homeless kids and Richard Branson's putting his considerable clout behind him. Take a look at Run Tellman Run for the scoop on this worthy effort. You can donate, arrange to run alongside Tellman, read his very interesting and insightful blog, and track his progress on the 99-day NY-to-LA trek. Barefoot! Don't step on any glass or sharp rocks, Tellman. And if the Amish won't wave back, heck with them. I'll be looking for you as you zip through Chicago in the upcoming weeks. 

The Rainbow that Followed Me Home

We all have these kinds of weeks where everything just hits at once. Busy busy busy. An unexpected and alarming health crisis in the family. Impossible to keep up with everything at work or home. Plus, our dog wants me to let him out every hour or so, all night long, so he can patrol the back yard looking for nightime intruders. Driving home from work Friday, the rain stopped abruptly and look what appeared.

Pretty cool, I thought, and also kind of soothing as if there might be light at the end of the tunnel. Rainbows usually have a brief lifespan, but this one just stayed and stayed. I saw some other drivers holding cellphones out their windows to snap the event. This thing was huge, seeming to stretch from Naperville to Plainfield.

I asked my friend, Jodi, who was golfing, if she saw it and indeed she did. In fact, I'll bet the whole western Chicago suburban area near us took note of this huge and basically perfect rainbow that hung in the sky for at least 15 minutes on Friday. What a nice way to end a basically cruddy week!

Elephant / Dog Friendship: Update on Tara & Bella in the Tennessee Wilderness

If you saw the first installment of the story of these unlikely friends, you have no doubt wondered how they are doing these days. Here's the happy update from the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, a refuge for sick, old, needy elephants where Tara and Bella make their home.

In Praise of Southwest Airlines

A couple years ago, I posted a note about how Southwest cheerfully and quickly re-booked Rory and myself on a different flight to LA so we could beat a snowstorm that stood in the way of an important medical appointment out in Cali. And this was during Christmas season, no less! Come to think of it, I've never had a bad experience on Southwest, a company with a good attitude and a great business plan. Here's the rapping Southwest flight attendant. 

Goodwill Chair Wanted to Come Home with Me

Too bad I drive a fairly small vehicle, otherwise this cool chair would be mine right now. One reason I like rooting through Goodwill is that I usually find something that reminds me of the '50s and '60s. We had a couple chairs like this in a big, old house on 2nd Avenue in Terre Haute. 

This chair was in great condition, seeming to need only a good cleaning. The bowling ball looked a little retro, too, so I didn't bother moving it for this pic. Only $14.99 at the Naperville Goodwill ... can you believe it for a chair like this? I'll have to send a link to Atomic Indy, a fun, interesting and sometimes dramatic blog chronicling the adventures of an advertising exec smack in the midst of a mid-century modern renovation in Indianapolis. He posts a lot of interesting finds.

Fixed-Term Marriage: Love with an Expiration Date is A-OK

In an opinion piece in Australia's The Courier-Mail, author Helen Goltz joins others voicing support for fixed-term marriage. Amen! Committing to anything for life is a completely scary proposition. Cars, houses, even lifestyles come and go. The only thing I've ever committed to for life was motherhood, which is by far the best decision I've ever made. I'll be close to my kids forever, but let's be honest. Spouses come and go when, as years pass, they take separate paths, lose interest, evolve in different directions, find someone else, develop different value systems.

This isn't pessimism, but reality for half the people who get married. A friend recently mentioned his 30-year marriage, which is absolutely fantastic. I envy people who remain committed and make it work for a lifetime. For the multitudes who need to get out, however, a five-to-ten year contract sets different expectations, reminding both parties that they must be considerate of each other to keep the contract going. A contract would even simplify and cut legal costs on the way out the door. 

This is a great idea. Let's see, if we had signed a 10-year contract, at this time I'd likely be in the midst of renewal negotiations with Chuck ... 

From House to the White House: Kal Penn Rocks!

Spoiler alert! Last night, I joined thousands of viewers like this one who were genuinely irked when Kutner was unceremoniously killed off on House. He was one of the show's most likeable characters, with a laid-back vibe that even House couldn't crack. 

I also want to mention that I recently watched Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay twice in one day with my boys. So funny! Now imagine my glee at this news. I wonder if NPH is jealous.

UPDATE: Here's an interview. Penn says that yes, those were actually his legs we saw sticking out behind his bedroom doorway during yesterday's episode. He also talks about the episode, his reaction to his character's demise and the timing of today's announcement.

MINIs Misbehave on the German Autobahn

Here's a cool little clip that's picking up steam, fast. Very clever!

 

We Gonna Fly

My friend, Jose Fonseca, directed and edited this music video. When Hurricane Katrina hit, I'll always remember that Jose didn't wait for the government to move in and take care of things. He got a truck, collected all sorts of needed items and drove there. He's a take-charge sort of person who is talented, smart and one heck of a videographer!  

Clever Little Penguin Hops in with a Boatload of Tourists to Escape Killer Whales

These tourists were treated to quite a show as a cute little penguin tried its best to get away from some killer whales. He (or she?) finally jumped right into the boat and then perched on the side as if to taunt the whales. Be careful little guy!

Touching Story of Elephant/Dog Friendship

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Oh wow. Love this story of Tarra and Bella from the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, a refuge for sick, old, needy elephants. I've seen other stories about this place and it surely makes me sad for the way humans treat "circus" animals who deserve a better life. Many thanks to the good-hearted souls who founded the sanctuary and to my good friend Cathy for sharing this video clip.

Newly Restored Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center

Across the street from Millennium Park is the Chicago Cultural Center, which I had somehow managed not to visit until yesterday. What a spectacular place, built as the city's public library in 1897 and covered with gleaming mosaics and art glass. Less than two blocks from the Art Institute of Chicago, it's a great place to visit and especially inspirational in its architectural adornment that references knowledge, learning and diversity. Arches display mosaic scrolls and rosettes with symbols of 16th century master printers. The hall's east and west wings are accessed through large arches decorated with the names of great writers of the western world. Inscriptions in ten languages display the wisdom found in books. 

Ready to Give 2008 the Heave-Ho!

So long 2008 and we're glad to see ya go! Let's hope by some miracle 2009 gives us a jump on all the economic, political and war-related woes so that all these messes can be straightened out -- pronto! That Schwedy dude, Alec Baldwin, tells us three things for the new year on Huffington Post. I agree with point #2 about keeping the pressure on regarding fuel-efficient cars. Yes, we''ve gotten jerked around with gas prices. He says, "do not get fooled by lower prices at the gas pump"  and you know he's right.

News Years pics are already showing up on flickr from all over the world. Above is one from flickr user Stefan Hundhammer showing fireworks over the Nürnberg old town with what appears to be part of the castle in the background. Photo shared under a Creative Commons  license. 

And above, love those festive New Year's glasses from Shades of Fun. Hey, this is the last year we'll have those two 0s in the middle ... but I saw someone with the 2010 glasses and they work thanks to a crafty design that bumps the 1 up above the nose.

Christmas Lunch at the Foo-Foo French Restaurant

Here we are once again at the little French restaurant in Wheaton, awaiting our champagne. What a fun Saturday for the three of us -- Therese, Cathy and myself. That Winterberry can't be beat for unique and glorious holiday decorative items. Yes, we are still working on the screenplay and we are still almost done.

Jim Carrey, Thank You for Speaking Out about Supplements and Depression

It's really impossible to describe the pain of seeing a family member or friend suffer terribly from depression. Often, the most clever, creative, funny and kind souls have the bad luck of inheriting or acquiring this disease. And it can be a debilitating, lifelong battle. 

Regardless of what the TV ads say, there is no magic pill for many people, no easy combination of drugs and/or therapies that will blessedly make it all better. To make matters worse, the medical and psychiatric communities don't exactly make it easy to find solid answers. For the people who need it most, help is often very hard to find.

I have been hoping to hear more from Jim Carrey ever since a story broke about his use of supplements to treat depression. And if I hear people compare him to Tom Cruise, they will get an earful from me! Jim Carrey, thank you for making the point that supplements can be an effective alternative. The popular drugs from Big Pharma are actually ineffective and even harmful to many people. (Notice that I did not say all people.) 

Someone I care about very much is going the supplement route with the Carl Pfeiffer Treatment Center just outside Chicago. He's been taking supplements for six months now. I cannot say that they have cured his depression, or even helped it significantly yet, but we are hanging in there and trying. We've been told it may take a year to see significant results. 

The antidepressants my family member took for years gradually became ineffective, or made him feel like he was jumping out of his skin, or caused other serious side effects. They just plain didn't help. 

Jim Carrey, it sounds like you've got it together. I am very, very happy for you. I hope you will use your voice to help educate people and open up these new avenues of treatment to those who perhaps haven't heard of them yet.  

Jack Donaghy and Condoleeza Rice: Alec Baldwin's Lips are Sealed

Hunky/funny/snarky Alec Baldwin chatted with Washington Post readers this week. Read his take on a variety of topics here. 

Canine Pals Welcome Home their Human

I've seen plenty of heartwarming videos online where children are surprised by parents returning from military duty. The clip below is my favorite, though. Seems like this military man arranged for someone to be home with a video camera to film his reunion with his dogs. 

Aren't dogs great? You can walk out the door, go to the grocery store and they're all excited upon your return 15 minutes later ... as though you'd been gone for a week. These little guys go absolutely crazy, though. Watch the reaction of the black and white dog.

Godfather of Soul Dance Moves

A highlight of Chuck's company holiday party is the Dance Off, where teams and departments compete on the dance floor. I've found the perfect instructional video for this year's contest. James Brown, we miss ya.

Danger Beckons at the Knob Creek Machine Gun Night Shoot

Rory's friend, Ken, invited him to tomorrow night's Knob Creek Machine Gun Night Shoot somewhere in the Kentucky wilderness. That's where they blast away at containers of gasoline that subsequently explode, lighting up the night sky. Sounds dangerous, and Lord knows I always beg my boys to avoid danger. (Just ask them if their mom is a pest and a worrier.)

  

But look at this clip. Looks like fun. Yeah, it really does! I've been to the target range. Shot a Glock. Had a great time. Don't they have some sort of bunker at Knob Creek for you to hide behind? If not, Rory, stay away! Just enjoy the video clip where you don't have to worry about any ricocheting bullets. And you be careful, too, Ken.

Tribute to Paul Newman

Olympic Opening Ceremony Drummers Revisited

I'm still thinking about the spectacular Olympic Opening Ceremony, especially those drummers. They were just unbelievably skilled. Amazing and kinda scary.

United Flies High During Olympics, but The Dragon is Still Best

United Airlines has some great new commercials airing during the Olympics, with things like an orchestra of sea creatures forming an island of music out in the ocean. Still, the piece below is my favorite. It's fanciful and stylistic. Plus, the dad in the commercial looks so much like Jay. Wonderful! 

John Edwards and the Demise of Mainstream Media: I'm Getting My News from The National Enquirer

Decades ago, when teachers at Warren Elementary quizzed us on our favorite subjects, mine was always current events. For some bizarre reason, I rejected cartoons in favor of Walter Cronkite and that "Industry on Parade" program that aired on Saturday mornings. In the '70s, Woodward and Bernstein were cracking the Watergate case while my fanny was planted in a seat at Parsons Hall, wildly scribbling notes during one journalism class or another. 

And so ... who would have thought it would come to this? The National Enquirer bit into the John Edwards adultry story and didn't let go. Mainstream media, struggling mightily with its own economic concerns, failed to do its job on this one. How could Edwards have believed that he could run for President while concealing a secret of this magnitude? In the old days, it would have been possible. But gone are the days when news was "owned" by traditional media outlets. While news is happening, people are shooting it on video with their own cameras. Their still pics are showing up on Flickr. They are adding their own first-hand observations to their blogs. 

Stories don't die out if the people are passionate about them. I'm sure old-timers in the media, accustomed to the traditional ways, are appalled at their new lack of control. The power is now in the hands of the people. And these people are not reading publications that ignore the real stories, fill their pages with rewritten press releases and pander to their advertisers.