Happy Rey/Padmé/IG-88/Logray Day

If you recognized those 4 names*, then you probably already know what day today is.

It's May the 4th! aka Star Wars Day!

Here are a couple day-appropriate memes I found:

Classic Simpsons episode.

Deep thought, although I don't understand why a raptor is saying this...

Hopefully you're doing something fun to celebrate, maybe having a party with a Jar Jar Binks piñata and cutting cake with a lightsaber. At the least, have a moment of silence for Han Solo (RIP).
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*Here are linkable explanations of the 4 names, for those of you who didn't recognize them:
Rey = Jakku scavenger, joined the Resistance in The Force Awakens (Episode 7)
Padmé = Naboo politician, married Anakin Skywalker, mother of Luke & Leia Skywalker
IG-88 = bounty hunter robot, tasked by Darth Vader to find the Millenium Falcon
Logray = chief shaman in the Ewok tribe, helped fight in the Battle of Endor

Star Wars Geeks Rejoice: We Have The "Rogue One" Teaser

For all of a couple months since "The Force Awakens" was released, we Star Wars geeks have salivated at the thought of "Rogue One" coming at the end of this year.

And now we have the teaser trailer:

I'm giddy as a school boy.

While these non-linear movies (in terms of the Star Wars movie timelines) might confuse some, I am stoked to see the styles and stories of these characters, and to have a behind-the-scenes of what was touched on briefly way back when "A New Hope" debuted in 1977.

The footage/style looks gritty and wild, which I love.

It feels just right for what the Rebellion was at that point, and in line with the world that Luke and Han accidentally stepped into back on the remote planet of Tatooine.

The crew looks great, and I love that elements of the Force don't seem to be pervasive. That's a pretty cool departure from all the previous films.

What do you think of the teaser trailer? Are you excited? Dismayed for some reason?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Now hurry up and get here, December 16th!

Congrats to Smithers on Finally Coming Out

It finally happened.

Last week, Waylon Smithers, the beloved character from The Simpsons, came out of the closet.

Though we've all known it for quite some time, I'm happy to see the intel canonized.

Here's how the show let the cat officially out of the bag:


Maybe he didn't say the words, "I'm gay." But he didn't have to.

Congrats, Smithers. We love you all the more for being able to be who you always have been.

Blind Cafe: An Eye-Opening Experience

A few weekends ago, we had a new and enlightening experience.

Dinner at the Blind Cafe, a traveling event, wherein you eat a meal completely in the dark.

It was an illuminating evening, and our discussion of the event afterwards was great.

We talked about how we learned to create a mental map of our surroundings, especially where our food items were. We enjoyed having a greater degree of anonymity in the room, and how visual cues didn't obligate one to answer questions (particularly when the other people at the table can't remember your name, in order to address you directly) or participate at all, if you didn't want to.

To check for upcoming event dates near you, check the pop-up locations on their webpage and consider signing up for the mailing list. If you've got an open mind, you'll love having dinner at the Blind Cafe.

The Best TV Theme Song Ever

Most people have a favorite TV theme song.

Maybe it's from a childhood cartoon (Animaniacs, Gummi Bears, Duck Tales), or one from middle school (Full House, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Saved by the Bell), or a grown-up show (Friends, The Office, Law & Order). It's tough to pick a favorite, really, with so many great theme songs over the years.

And I recognize it's not a completely objective competition, as there are a myriad of factors which make TV theme songs memorable/catchy. Some have words, some don't. Some are written specifically for the show, others are borrowed from the pop charts. Nostalgia for the show plays a big part, too.

With the recent passing of Garry Shandling (RIP), I was reminded of what I consider to be the best TV theme song of all time:


It's just perfect. So goofy, so direct in its purpose. It fit the show perfectly.

So what is your favorite TV theme song? And why?

Happy Easter and Spring Equinox!

Depending on your religious (or not) persuasion, today is a day of celebrating either Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead or the sun being directly on the equator--and thus a nearly equal length of day and night.

Either way, I hope you enjoy your celebrations!

Here's a heart-warming video of small animals:


PS Doesn't that music just make you so happy? Or is it just me? Perfectly fits the scene.

The Ides of March: A Day for Communal Stabbing

Ah, the Ides of March.

The day we commemorate the coordinated assassination of an ancient empire's ruler.

At least we can get a few giggles from his mortal group-stabbing almost 2,000 years ago, such as these courtesy of SomeECards.

A political one, since today also happens to be a Super Tuesday.

If you've never seen the Shakespeare play of "Julius Caesar", do yourself a favor and find a local production. It's about much more than just Caesar's murder.

But if you just want to watch a little theatrical stabbing, here's the scene from my friend's (all-female cast) production of the play:


One last piece of advice today: watch your back!

***Note: this is a joke post. Please do not go out and stab anyone, today or any day.

Pi Explained By Pie

I love pie.

And I love pi (π).

What can I say, I'm a bit of a math nerd.

Most of us remember that Pi is ~3.14.... (etc forever), but that's about it.

If you're a little rusty on what the term Pi is, here's a handy video explaining the concept using the delicious similarly-named food.


It's a simplistic and short video, which I appreciate, even if it doesn't explain what Pi does and how it's useful in the world of mathematics.
But then, it'd probably be better to get someone with a higher math pay grade to do that, anyway.

Happy Pi Day, all!

My New Ride: Black Beauty

This past week, Anna and I bought new bikes.

I've had my previous bikes for years, but they aren't so great for group rides or long distances (that aren't triathlon training or races).

So now I've got a new road bike, and she's a real beauty.

Coincidentally (or maybe not so much), her nickname is going to be Black Beauty.
Like the classic book by Anna Sewell and the subsequent movie.

We went on our inaugural ride (a short one) last night, and the bikes felt light as a feather.
Anna hasn't had a true road bike before, and she was shocked at how easy it was to go fast.

Can't wait to get out on some longer rides and train for a century ride later this summer!

My Hair Currently Resembles... #2

With my hair being so long these days, I figure I might as well have a little fun with it.
Naturally, that means I'm going to do some different hairstyles.

Recently, I went with this one:

What do you think? Remind you of anything?

The first thing my co-workers said was, "Hello, Barry Melrose." (ESPN hockey analyst)

The man, the myth, the hair.

 Looking in the mirror, I was reminded of a ski jump.

Any other ideas?
Any suggestions for other hairstyles you think I should try?