Rest in Peace, Steve.

Posting messages on blogs, social networks and at Apple stores, people continue to express gratitude and condolences.

We have much to learn from Steven P. Jobs.

A Double Edged Sword

Facebook.

I like it. I don’t like it. It’s reasonable then it’s not reasonable.
Its inconsistent policies on privacy are frustrating but I can tolerate the evolution.

But, how do I describe my thoughts to my kids about why I don’t want them to use it?
It’s been tricky. Then I saw this:

 

Thanks, Glove and Boots.

Your video just…well, it just really makes me chuckle. What can I say?

We Love Music! And American Pie…

I noticed this today and just had to bring it to your attention.

I believe in living life with passion and, apparently, the good people of the great city of Grand Rapids, Michigan do, too.

Watch this:

Newsweek reported the city as one of America’s dying cities and they made this video to prove them wrong.

I love it.

More details for you over here.

Passion in Engineering

I visited BMW Welt* recently and I have to say, IMHO, nobody does it better. Look at this:

Passion. Outstanding engineering. Sustainability.

Mmmmmm. I am in love.

____________________

*Quite possibly one of my favorite places to visit.

Use Your Handwriting as Your Font!

This is incredible. It’s something I’ve wanted to see someone develop and something I’ve imagined using.

Now it’s here!

Look at this:

Just print out the template (by clicking on the print button below the video).

Hand write the letters and numbers in the chart, take a photo of your completed template (use a webcam, digital camera or just scan it), modify any of the symbols if you so desire, and voila! You have a custom made font.

At this point, you can’t download your font but you can write messages from their site (and they hope to include this feature at a later date).

Enjoy!

If Your Kids Love Math…

…or if they’re having any trouble understanding trigonometry, I have a site for you!

I believe in the magic of math (but that’s a blog post for another day) so when I found Touch Trigonometry via  StumbleUpon, I was thrilled.

You have to visit the site to fully appreciate it (and take advantage of the interactivity), but here’s a little preview:

 

 

Fun! Try it!

Music as Unifying Force

Can you imagine a virtual choir where one person on a computer monitor (or handheld device) conducts a diverse collection of voices from around the world? Well, watch this. Move to about 6:30 (and then again to 12:15) to go right to the singing. Eric Whitacre conducts.

Fascinating. Beautiful.

I find this concept so intriguing, so interesting. Consider the potential. We are on the cusp of collaborative global efforts with endless possibilities.

Playmobil Apple Store Play Set – ThinkGeek

This is fabulous. You just have to see it.

We love Playmobil. Love Apple. Love ThinkGeek.

So when I saw this in my inbox today,* I knew it was something I would have to share with you.

I especially love the “optional line pack” to complete the experience.

Did not particularly love the part about the “design cliche and hubris” of Apple, but hey, it’s a parody. And it’s all in fun, right?

Well, yeah, ridiculously fun. Ha!

And just for my Angry Birds-loving spouse and friends, look at this:

Happy April Fool’s Day!

________________________________

* Thanks, Jessica, for sending it!

The Moment I Discovered the Starbucks’ Secret Menu

Do you like going to Starbucks?
Do you have a favorite drink?
Do you always order the same thing?
Are you beginning to believe that the menu seems limited?
Cappuccino, latte, mocha, red eye, frappuccino.
Maybe a macchiato now and then?

Well you may be as excited as we were to discover that Starbucks barristas will make drinks that are off the menu.
Drinks that you may never have heard of or even imagined.

For example:
Today, my daughter and I walked into our favorite Starbucks, she ordered her usual beverage, and I paused.
“I don’t know what I want today. I always order the same thing, but today…”

Our local barrista had suggested something the last time we were here that I really liked, so I opened the door:
“Last time you suggested something really delicious but I have no idea what it was.”

He tossed out a few ideas and I said, “You know what? It’s the milk. I don’t like having a ton of milk but there’s not much to get if I don’t want a lot of milk.”
He said, “Oh, sure there is!”
I looked at the wall of items and felt puzzled.

He said, “how about a marble mocha macchiato?”
“What’s that?”
He described it, it sounded great, so I added, “with skim milk?”
He smiled, grabbed the cup and started making it.
And it was fabulous.

As we were leaving, I ordered a drink to go for my son and he asked,
“So, how’d you like that one?”
And I said,
“Fantastic. It was perfect. Just what I wanted. And I never would have ordered it if you hadn’t suggested it.”
“So, thanks!”

As he was making my son’s beverage, he said, “Oh, there are plenty of other drinks we can make.”
Then he got kind of quiet until he put a smaller cup on the little bar and said, “This is an example. For you.” and confidently nodded.
Then, “Feel the cup.”

I did.
It felt weird.
Hot but cold. Sort of hot on one side and cold on the other. What the…?
“Yeah, now taste it.”

Whoa!
Hot but icy cold and then? Sweet!
Delicious.
Different.
Special.
Fabulous.
Who knew?!

And it has a name!
If you want to have one of these little gems,
ask a talented barrista for
an Undertow.
The coffee that starts out hot then cold then finishes with a swoosh of sweet.
Mmmmmm…..
Made my day.

Whole Hearted People and Vulnerability

I have watched this lecture a few times now and have come to believe that I will return to it again and again. It makes me think. It gives me perspective. It fascinates me. It grounds me.

I particularly liked the part where she talks about vulnerability. We live in a world of vulnerability, she says, and those who feel uncomfortable with it often tend to feel afraid and then choose to numb their feelings of discomfort. But when we numb shame and pain, we also numb joy and pleasure, don’t we?

Brene Brown’s research showed her that people who are courageous enough to accept their imperfections and be vulnerable seem to be what she describes as whole-hearted people.

Gosh I want to be a whole-hearted person. To be authentic, vulnerable, and real. To love my family and friends with my whole heart and most of all have the courage to be imperfect. And to just be grateful to have another day to spend with them.

Thank you, Brene Brown, for all of your research and for continuing to teach us about human connection.

BTW, she speaks rather slowly, but stick with it. Her words have great value.

Final note: Hat tip to my sister for forwarding this TED talk to me.