The Stars My Destination
Posted by scott finkel
Alfred Bester’s third novel is a Science Fiction gem. Published in 1956, this 258-page story has great pace, both in terms of plot events and character development. Bester manages to make use of advanced scientific thinking while maintaining enough distance from the hardcore science to provide an entertaining and thoughtful context. His targeted and efficient use of language reminds me vaguely of Elmore Leonard, if only in the sense that I’m amazed by how much can be created by so few words.
I won’t go into a lot of detail about it, just thought I’d say I enjoyed this thoroughly, so if your reading this and you like sci-fi, check it out!
Pixar’s Wall-E
Posted by scott finkel
If you’re a fan of animation like I am, then you should definitely go see Pixar’s latest film, Wall-E. I did not have any expectations going into it, but it was easily better than the Dark Knight, in terms of story, if not wow-factor. Those Pixar folks are definitely continuing their tradition to create a better movie each and every time out.
This time they manage to create a compelling story vehicle through two non-human characters (of course highly personified) who barely even speak. This movie starts a little slow and picks up pace all the way through, and Wall-E is cuter than even the first appearances of R2-D2, the grand-daddy of all droids.
Oldie but Goodie
Posted by scott finkel
Before the “sick & twisted” took over Spike & Mike’s there was Bill Plympton. This is a classic animated short:
25-Ways-To-Quit-Smoking via videosift.com
New Leah Photos
Posted by scott finkel
I’ve been sick for four days now — but I/we did manage to post some new photos of the cute daughter #lbf in the July folder…
Chopper Madness @ Laguna Seca
Posted by scott finkel
The weekend in Monterey was inSANE.
We were an outlaw rebel rolling motorcycle show everywhere we went. It was ridiculous. And I loved it.
Read on if you want, or jump straight to the photos — its up to you.
Eye Candy!
Posted by scott finkel
The paint looks AMAZING!!!!! The bike should be back in one piece tomorrow! There are 2 more teaser pics over on my flickr page.
Sponsor The Ice Cream Man
Posted by scott finkel
The man with the sweet treats needs a hand and you can help! Sponsor Ice Cream Man and help to give away 50,000 free ice creams.
Finkel-Northbroome Wedding photos
Posted by scott finkel
I have posted 45 photos which span the entire weekend of fun and festivities. I think it is safe to say that, except for a few minor mishaps, everyone had a fantastic time. Very happy for Dad and Sandie — they make a great couple, as you can see from this telling evidence:
Enjoy the photos: [ slideshow ] [ thumbnails ]
Not New, But Still Cool
Posted by scott finkel
This has been around for more than three years, but with the proliferation of texting and messaging services, I thought I’d draw attention to it for no good reason other than I just started using it myself.
Text 46645 (googl) with “weather 98604″ and you will receive, mere seconds later, the weather report for Battle Ground, WA.
The link above has all the other commands you can issue it, like translating/defining words, directions, and more.
VERY useful if you are out and about and just need to know stuff — you can check flights (”flight sw 798″), sports scores, stock prices, and a bunch of other good stuff. I setup a contact in my phone for it, so I don’t have to remember the number.
Now this will really get interesting when I can send it “loc lbf” and have the location-aware positioning system in Leah’s cell phone tell me where she is…
Trinity Alps Wilderness Area photos
Posted by scott finkel
You simply must go visit the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area. Its wooded. And gulchy. And gorgeous.
Photos from the trip have been posted: [thumbnails] [slideshow]
Big big big Thank Yous to Brad (and Erin) and Christo (and Neena) — you guys made that trip freakishly AWESOME. I look forward to further travels with you both! (Boundary Waters, I’m tellin ya)
Think Like Edison
Posted by scott finkel
This article exposes and explains the thought-pattern behind solid, usable, lasting design — be it software, light-bulbs, or any product or service that people will use.
Photography links
Posted by scott finkel
I ran across this link to the World Press Photo Awards Interviews, which has some really interesting background on the shots that won. I have only viewed the one about Putin, but it is an incredible story.
Found this link from another new-to-me photo website that has fantastic info about lighting, The Strobist.
ohmygoodness
Posted by scott finkel
Are kids cute or what. I was looking through some recent photos, and this layout idea showed up:
There are 10 photos in the May folder from this “impromptu photo-shoot” (hey, she picked the dress!)
New York Times Political Issues Comparison
Posted by scott finkel
http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/issues/index.html
That page, imo, is important reading if you plan to vote. While there is a lot more to discover about each candidate, this is a good starting point — you can directly compare Clinton, Obama, and McCain on each of eight important issues.
Draw your own conclusions, the info is out there. Read the rest of this entry »
Marley Rae Kaplan!
Posted by scott finkel
Rubi Gonzalez and Darren Kaplan had a little baby girl yesterday, Marley Rae Kaplan! Weighing in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and just a hair over 19.24 inches, she’s slated to be the next Prime Minister of Kaplandom!!
Congratulations to the entire Kaplan and Gonzalez families!!!!!!!!
Thanks Sloane, for sending the photo!
April Disneyland trip
Posted by scott finkel
Nine hours at Disneyland with the Clementses was great fun. Even though we only got to spend a limited amount of time with Gramma C and Todd/Meilie/Aiden, Leah and Dylan sure had a super-fun-time throughout the day.
Check out the entire April photo gallery and you will see what I mean…there is a super-cute sequence of Leah dancing that is just amazing.
Bacon…its not just for breakfast
Posted by scott finkel
I have got to try Mo’s Bacon Bar. How could this be wrong?
Three Sites and a Tool
Posted by scott finkel
Yes, I said “Tool.”
Some sites I came across while reading/debunking “web2.0″ with a colleague… As another participant in the discussion said, “I personally don’t like these quantified numbers around an ever evolving organic system.” I could not agree more. Read the rest of this entry »
The 40 Year Slide
Posted by scott finkel
And so it begins…
Happy 40th Birthday to Christo Kuzmich!! A fabulous time was had by everyone who attended…at least, from what I remember…
It was a successful surprise party, and for that we should all thanks Neena as well as Tes & Tony, who opened up their home and were fantastic hosts.