The dog who liked to stand on things

Darla is not content walking on the grass in the back yard. I mean, I pick up their poop, so I don't know what the big deal is. Whenever she goes outside, she jumps on anything that elevates her about the grass. She will sit and relax on a chair or in the case below, a wagon.

What a strange dog.

Dont Judge a Book

By its cover.

Woo Hoo!

Texas Trip

Aimee, Stella and I just got back from a too quick trip to Texas. Aimee's parents are wonderful hosts who know how to deliver superb Texas food!..and deliver again..and again...Texas food..hmmm..just may be the current title holder.

It was great to see Stella with her grandparents Go Go and Big D too. I hope at least Aimee and Stella get the chance to go back and visit soon! They just cannot be too long away from me:)

You ask about the grandparents names? Yes, I think we are in an age where grandparents now name themselves. My mother Nancy first opted for Grancy, but has since changed to "Nan." Now, you tell me what human under the age of two can say "Nan." Grancy/Nancy/Nan, you may need to change again. There is plenty of time...Stella is just learning how to eat with a spoon.

Stella and her Grandparents!

Matt and Aimee at Opening Day for the Houston Astros

Stella and Pappy the Dog

Priceless: Stella, her mother, her grandmother and her GREAT grandmother. Four generations! Oh, my Nana would have loved to have met you, little Stella.

New Job

I remember when I left my last job, I wrote a post about it. I compared it to a Seinfeld episode where the best time to leave an audience is when it is most entertained (Showmanship). The post described how I was feeling at the time. Ahhh, feelings.

Well, I am leaving my current job for another one, but I don't have similar feelings. I do not feel reflective or nostalgic. During the last job move, I thought about it in terms of a life change and how it pertained to me. This time is different. It is much easier, with little contemplation. Pure and simple, it is the best decision for my family. Decisions, in general, are much easier now.

A man with ample free time has the luxury of clouding himself with self reflection. I don't have much free time now, and it suits me fine. Ten years ago, I would have peed myself in fright thinking that in the future, I would have a wife, a child, two dogs, a big mortgage, a big car payment etc. etc., on my shoulders...during the worst economic downturn in the last four generations. Now, I consider it liberating.

The only other time I have felt so liberated was when I was over 30 years old, completely alone while living in one of the most expensive cities in the world, making less than a Manager at McDonalds, with no idea about anything. I remember feeling (there's that word again) that I was not where I wanted to be. I then understood I didn't know where I should be. Finally, I figured the best option was just to be. That worked. And this is not a general recollection. I remember the exact moment and where I was standing.

I close with the video below. I choose it because I don't see myself as changed. I am still the Karate Kick guy at 2:30 or the guy in the green tee shirt. Those personalities are just hibernating for now.

There you have it...a new job and another direction. So, Aimee, Stella, Darla and Ginny..Here we go!

Watch more Daylight videos on AOL Video

Across the Universe: interesting article

Treasures reveal themselves everywhere. You just need to keep your eyes open and be open to finding them.

Yesterday, while beginning my forever Metro Ride (King St. to Shady Grove, check it on Metro Map if you think I am exaggerating), I found a Smithsonian Magazine that someone discarded. The April 2009 issue contained the most interesting article I have read in years: Forensic Astronomer Solves Fine Arts Puzzles.

Astrophysicist Don Olson breaks down the barriers between science and art by analyzing literature and paintings from the past

"Olson solves puzzles in literature, history and art using the tools of astronomy: charts, almanacs, painstaking calculations and computer programs that map ancient skies. He is perhaps the leading practitioner of what he calls "forensic astronomy."

For example, he was able to pinpoint the exact date and location where Ceazar's Roman Legions landed the coast of Britain (uh, invaded actually), by referencing a combination of a description of the event in a soldier's journal and researching the alignment of the sun and moon during that same period.

I always thought that the famous painting "The Scream" was an abstract work of art with it's bright and organgey sky. This professor concluded, by researching Munch's writings, the painter recalled a night where he took a walk near a fjord and viewed a sunest as "a flaming sword of blood slashed open the vault of heaven—the atmosphere turned to blood—with glaring tongues of fire...and truly I heard a great scream."

The professor then did the following:

"In Oslo, Olson located the road featured in a sketch for the painting. Details in it—a cliff, a road with a railing and an island in a fjord—indicated to Olson that Munch must have been facing southwest when he drew it. Olson concluded that the painting's blood-red sky was no metaphor but the extraordinary aftereffects of the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa in Indonesia, which sent so much gas and ash into the atmosphere that skies were darkened or colored worldwide for many months."

Interesting! The Magazine included photos of actual paintings and historical events, so the print version allowed me to review the paintings while reading along. Though the online version does not, you can Google the titles of works to get an idea of what he is talking about.

To me, this practice is a form of time travel, in a way. Man, I wish I knew physics better...or physics at all.

Read it!

Slaine in Action

Wow. It is almost two years since I first mentioned my second cousin George going Hollywood.

In that post I mentioned that he was going to be in a movie, though for me, I was impressed by the fact that a family member was/is a part of House Of Pain! Well, not exactly the exact the same group, though two of the three original members are with Slaine's group, La Coka Nostra.

Last Saturday night, my brother, Rose Mary and I (Aimee had to look after Stella) actually went to a show in Baltimore. It was great! I mean, err, La Coka Nostra was great. The other two groups that also performed weren't exactly my cup of Tea..but the kids seemed to enjoy them. I will leave it at that.


Anyway, I snapped some pics.

Slaine draped in Flag. Everlast to his right.

Slaine on the mike!

I also learned some lingo the kids like to throw around these days. The next time I get into a sticky street situation, because you know that happens in North Potomac Maryland all the time, I'll be armed with the latest 'mad fresh' jargon. So Put your ones up to Slaine! Good stuff. Mad good good stuff.

Oops She did it again

About six months ago, I think, Aimee sent me a random email with an odd image. She did it again, though this time we graduate to website.



http://the-light.com/mens/samson/7/samson.html

All the text of her email said was "I can't really say anything about this."

I don't think there is a need to actually say anything here. I do know it wasn't a request, because I could never grow my hair like that, nor would I. If I were to try to grow my hair, it would end up looking like Prince's do'circa 1987 or a Peruvian Soccer Player. My wife is random...and so am I.....

Stella's First Food

Stella is growing up quite fast. Yesterday she had her first 'food.' Fun!

I don't know what it is, but it looks special!

I could get into this.

Wow, this works for me!

Why is it Snowing in March

Today is March 2, 2009 and we got a moderately large amount of snow this morning. Spring will be that much sweeter....

Aimee and Lil' Stella

This is March?

I am all smiles today!





(why why why)

Waiting for Spring

Now that Little Stella is almost five months, it's tough to keep her stimulated. She is a little pistol! So, Aimee and I were looking into the future when it is a little warmer so they can start taking walks. So, this is my modest summons for Spring to come early:}

All in all, she is doing quite well. This little lady has an opinion and is not afraid to share it. The funny thing is that when she is around a group of people, she is quiet and observant. She has them fooled but not us. As far as right this moment, Aimee is the center of Little Girl's world. Every time Aimee leaves the room, Stella follows her with her whole head and eyes. Once Aimee comes into her view, it is as if if a Magical Fairy appears and Stella's face lights up. Now, I am not sure if this is great for Aimee, but it is sweet to see. She is Momma's little girl. Remember this, Girl, for when you are 13 and Le Sullen Teen.

We need a car

Do you know anyone who has a well-maintained, reliable, and safe used vehicle?


We need one!

Thoughts on Inauguration

Rick Warren is a little long. I think I could do a better job.

Aretha Franklin's hat looks like a windmill.

Joe Biden is wearing a sharp-looking tie. He looks like he wants to rip apart a phone book.

Yo Yo Ma, not only has a great name, but can strum a cello darn well. I remember this song from a TV commercial..an airline I think. This song is long. I prefer Garth Brooks performance on Sunday.

Barak Obama is now the President. John Roberts messed him up a bit. He looks great though.

I wonder how many people were caught in a Porto Potty during the swearing-in. The People look cold. I am cold, where is the heat all up in here.
----------------------

(The Speech)

Obama is wearing a sharp tie. So far, he has not levitated.

I see people in crowd wearing fur. I am no PETA person, but I wouldn't mind delivering a nice firm slap to them.

Oooh, he is bitch-slapping the baddies. Good job.

He's done. Great job, B.
---------------------------------

Here's the poet.

Obama's brother in-law looks like Sulu.

I don't understand this poem.

---------------------------------------------

Joseph E. Lowry for benediction.

He looks like he gave the benediction for John Adams. He is much better than the poet.

He is much better than Rick Warren.

-----------------------------------

Bush says bye bye. Bye Bush.

Inauguration

(Matt) My Mom is down there right now, among the crowds. Crazy! But, she wanted to be a part of history so there you have it. As far as I see 'being a part of history'..this is why the TV was invented.

I went to Clinton's first inauguration and along the parade route. Clinton actually gave me one of his sincere thumbs up. Clinton was so open to the public. My mom and sister Julie met him at the White House. My brother Pat has a picture of himself shaking hands with Bill. I even saw him a second time at some White House event with my family. I shook his hand. I picked my Mom up (lifted her up, over the crowds) so she could shake his hand too. Fun.

I didn't inherit the 'must be in the mix' gene though. I inherited the 'I don't like crowds, where is my couch' gene. All I need is a TV and a bathroom. Then I can experience History the way it should be experienced. Oh, and I don't consider myself a Democrat. Maybe Barak can change that. Good luck Barak! I am happy for you and this great country.

Baby makes it hard

Haven't been able to update this thingy lately.

It's tough with a baby! In order to be able to look back later, I will start again.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Our Family (humans only in this one)

My Alma Mater (High School)

Haven't posted much lately (Stella is sick), but I found this interesting. My old high school is in the news.

Funny thing is..I know the exact camera that is used in the story below is this one.




Maryland Students Use Speed Cameras for Revenge
Students in Montgomery County, Maryland use fake license plates to send speed camera tickets to enemies.

High school students in Maryland are using speed cameras as a tool to fine innocent drivers in a game, according to the Montgomery County Sentinel newspaper. Because photo enforcement devices will automatically mail out a ticket to any registered vehicle owner based solely on a photograph of a license plate, any driver could receive a ticket if someone else creates a duplicate of his license plate and drives quickly past a speed camera. The private companies that mail out the tickets often do not bother to verify whether vehicle registration information for the accused vehicle matches the photographed vehicle.

In the UK, this is known as number plate cloning, where thieves will find the license information of a vehicle similar in appearance to the one they wish to drive. They will use that information to purchase a real license plate from a private vendor using the other vehicle's numbers. This allows the "cloned" vehicle to avoid all automated punishment systems. According to the Sentinel, two Rockville, Maryland high schools call their version of cloning the "speed camera pimping game."

A speed camera is located out in front of Wootton High School, providing a convenient location for generating the false tickets. Instead of purchasing license plates, students have ready access to laser printers that can create duplicate license plates using glossy paper using readily available fonts. For example, the state name of "Maryland" appears on plates in a font similar to Garamond Number 5 Swash Italic. Once the camera flashes, the driver can quickly pull over and remove the fake paper plate. The victim will receive a $40 ticket in the mail weeks later. According to the Sentinel, students at Richard Montgomery High School have also participated, although Montgomery County officials deny having seen any evidence of faked speed camera tickets.

Daughter in the water

The Christmas Tree

Ah, the Holidays..

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving. I am unable to express the sentiment, so the video below will do.

About a month ago, Aimee and I were taking care of Stella on a Saturday morning, watching Sundance channel. As our program ended another began. It was a documentary about an Icelandic band, traveling home to provide free concerts for locals in remote locations. As the documentary started, we weren't paying attention at all. It began with music, with a voice I thought belonged to a woman. I actually said aloud, "this music is good!" We got hooked on the first song. After agreeing to watch it, we went downstairs to the HD TV. The documentary blended in scenes from Iceland, including a lot of the local folk. With Stella asleep (before we learned she was sleep averse), we proceeded to watch the whole movie in stunned silence. It was beautiful. So, here is a song, performed by Sigur Ros, at a small community center in some tiny town. The music is soothing and shows locals of every age. As you watch (if you watch), think of the things for which you are thankful.

Email from Wife

Aimee emailed me this picture today.

The only text the message contained said "not Stella," in case I was not able to distinguish this upon viewing the image.