Mark Light - The Zen Garden

Mark Light - The Zen Garden Another web toy. I found it amazingly restful.

(via The Flea)

Tombstone Generator

Tombstone Generator

No, really. In case you were looking for a way to waste some time this afternoon.
(via John Kovalik, who got it from a friend of his)

Real Patriotism

The amazing Ginmar, just back from a year or more with the National Guard in Iraq, has this to say about love of country...
ginmar: Intersections "I've never loved my country because she was strong and powerful and... all that. I loved her because she was like my parents, flawed and unique, and occasionally in trouble because she tried to do the right thing, no matter what the cost. 'The Star-Spangled Banner' isn't about an overwhelming victory. It's about a bunch of guys who don't know, lying in their foxholes, if their brand-new nation has survived the night. The only way they can tell is to check and see if their flag is still flying over the fort at 'dawn's early light.' "

Damn, that woman can write! I can think of nothing more to say, but that she said it more eloquently than I ever could.

Unbearably Cute

Really, it is. This is a must for cat lovers. www.clean-your-screen-for-free-now.com

No, really. Trust me.

Awwwwwwww...

Hero Salute

I have friends in the Guard and the military, and want to spread word of this Hero Salute as far and wide as I can. (via Tryslora)

It's a small thing - free admission to a few amusement parks - but it's something, at least.

I'm sure I wasn't the only one with tears in my eyes when I saw the "Salute to the Heroes" superbowl ad. It would be wonderful if a whole airport of people really did stand and applaud returning vets.

I'm pretty much a pacifist, and I really don't hold with the whole "might makes right" thing... but I do respect the people who serve and protect.

Google Maps

I love new techie toys, and the latest is Google Maps, yet another keen search thingy from the folks at Google. (Via ***Dave)

Speaking of Google - I have bazillions (okay, at least 50) GMail invites if anybody needs one. Email me or ask in the comments.

Come On Down!

I'm famous! Okay, that might be an exaggeration... but... squeeeeee! I was on TV today! When I went out to California on vacation in December, we got into a taping of The Price Is Right. None of us were chosen as contestants, but we had seats in the 4th row, so I thought we might show up on camera in the audience. By golly, I was right! Every time the camera pans to the sailor on the far left hand, you can see me in my bright red fleece jacket (with Cynthia and Jeff to my left - right from the camera's point of view).

Getting on the show was Cynthia's idea -- me, I'd never watched it -- and I'm really glad she dragged us out of bed at 4 am so that we could be in line at six am. It was huge fun -- I screamed, clapped and hooted till my fillings rattled and my throat was raw. Bob Barker was graceful, funny and elegant -- I don't move that well at 50, and he's in his 80's! The soundstage is actually quite small, and the sets look pretty cheap and tacky; none of which mattered the slightest bit. Everyone was thrilled to be there, and after 8 hours in line and on cold metal benches together, the audience had bonded like long lost relatives.

I videotaped the show, and as soon as I get my media PC cobbled together from my old PC, I'll have to do some screen captures. It was fun, and while I'm not famous, at least I was on TV!