The Minifig Generator is a toy that Suzanne D. Rich made in JavaScript. 
Click through planned or random combinations of heads, torsos, and legs to create your own characters on screen. You just may wind up with a Lego MiniFigMe resembling yourself!
Day 46 of visiting 100 blogs in 100 days -
Peeling Wallpaper authored by Jack McGeehin is the one of the most creative, wittiest blogs that I have run across in my quest to visit 100 blogs in 100 days! Especially the musical themes - I've posted in its entirety his post from October 10 - Maggie May calls it quits and from July 19 - Millions and millions - Spill the wine and write that blog.
The stories he tells absolutely crack me up! Jack would probably be the perfect guy to hold court in some tavern with a bunch of guys sitting around enjoying the bizarre, yet believable stuff; "O yeah, o yeah - that's happen to me too - but go ahead tell us your version!"
But Jack makes a bit of a confession -
In the name of fiction I tell a lot of lies here at this blog. I also write some truthful stories. But it’s not always easy to tell the facts from fiction. I suspect that some people believe the made-up stuff I write and other people doubt the true accounts. The former doesn’t bother me much, but the fact that some people don’t believe me, even when I’m telling the truth, is troubling. I wish you could have seen the deer couch or the clowns driving cars, but you didn’t, so I just have to live with the fact that a lot of you read these stories and shake your heads, thinking, “Oh that Jack.”If you're overdosing from whose right, whose wrong and who doesn't care at all blogs, then this blog is definitely for you. Despite Peeling Wallpaper's byline, you will learn to lighten up and laugh a little - exactly what I need these days!
Paul Lee is one of the three co-founders of a company called Kiwali and they recently launched an entire collection of stylish vinyl "skins" for the iPod Shuffle. If you own a Shuffle yourself, and want to express thyself, then you need to check out the ShuffleDeco.
Kiwali is a small little fish of a company swimming in this gigantic ocean of iPod accessory company whales, but they're really enthusiastic about the product - a removable adhesive vinyl jumpsuit for your iPod Shuffle. Kiwali offers 20 ultra slick designs for you to choose from, "so you can match your mood or reflect your own unique personality."
Right now, they have a killer deal for all 20 designs for one low price of $29.00 - such a deal - I must say, the vinyl skins has pushed me over the edge to buy a iPod shuffle!
The CultofMac blog poses the question - is the IPod is Bigger Than Jesus?
"The iBelieve is a $13 cap and lanyard for the iPod shuffle that turns the player into a cross when hung around your neck.
The site, which is very slick, appears to be genuine -- at first glance. But there's something fishy about it. First off, the site says:
'Inspired by the world's obsession and devotion to the iPod, iBelieve is a replacement lanyard for your Shuffle. It is a social commentary on the fastest growing religion in the world.'
This clearly refers to the iPod -- the iPod is the fastest growing religion in the world.
Then there's the 'biblical' quote in the upper right corner, taken from '2 Jobs 3:15.' It reads: 'But now bring me a man who plays music. And when the man played music, the groove came upon them.'
According to BibleGateway, the quote is a version of 2 Kings 3:15, which says: ''But now bring me a man who plays music.' And when the man played music, the power of the Lord came upon Elisha.'"
I have mixed feelings on this - first of all, I get iPod lust, check out eBay and stop by the Apple store to finger the various iPods... then I walk away. I guess the reason I don't have an iPod yet is - certainly the price of the device; and all I music I listen to is mainly at my desktop PC via Napster, or on my laptop via Napster or MusicMatch or in my car with various CDs...
On the other hand, I love the creative use and accessories available for the iPod! So my likely choice will be a shuffle any day now - After listening to JackFM 96.3 (the radio format that has a shuffle format), it just proves that I need to listen to my own shuffle list - no Southern Rock on my playlist!
Anyway, since I listen to a lot of Christian music, I would probably purchase the iBelieve laynard...
Great little Saturday Night deejaying from lejo-dj here!
Catch the full set...(filmpjes) -
And special hat tip to Lianne for the link - girl, where you come up with this cool stuff???
D. Keith Robinson whose excellent blog, TO DONE that I featured on Day 40 of visiting 100 blogs in 100 days, has an oldie but goodie with thirteen tips on how to Be A More Productive Blogger . We all need a refresher! It's easy to get out of the groove!
Keith's few quick tips that might help are:
(1) Set aside time for writing (or podcasting, etc.) and stick to it. Sounds simple, but life (and work) has a way of intruding on these times. You need to hold on to your creative times at all costs!
(2) Create (and stick to) a publishing schedule. I used to do this quite a bit when I was first getting started. It really helped keep me on track and motivated. Now I’ve got a loose schedule I use, but there are times when I try and plan out something more solid to help make sure I don’t fall too far behind.
(3) Keep an Idea Journal. I’ve taken to having one by my bed, one on my person and if all that fails, I’ve got idea pages set up in Backpack. You never know when you’ll need a good idea!
Read on for ten more suggestions!
Picture source
This past Thursday, I was all set to head over to the Nashville Is Talking meetup and I twist my ankle! Totally bummed, and not wanting to solicit sympathy from the best blogging community east of the Mississippi (although I'm sure they would have showed me much love), I break out the big box of Legos and created a new stage for the Best Lego Band in Nashville. Unfortunately, the musical instruments didn't show up in time for this photo - more to come!
New multi-tier stage...
The Best Lego Band in Nashville prepping for a sound check...
Is that Leon Russell on piano?
When your own kids are grown up and you can't dress them up anymore, then the next best thing to do is dress your pets!
I did a search on Google and saw these three images - Fun, Fun, Fun!
Here's our Dawg - Diglett the ClownDawg!
Apple's campaign to celebrate those who "Think Different" is worth noting for Rosa Parks if the criteria is... They heal. They inspire. They push the human race forward.
Think Different
Here’s to the crazy ones.
The misfits. The rebels. The trouble makers.
The round pegs in square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them,
disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They invent.
They imagine.
They heal.
They explore.
They create.
They inspire.
They push the human race forward.
Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art?
Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written?
Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?
We make tools for these kinds of people.
While some see them as the crazy ones,
We see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
- Apple Computers
others who See Differently
Day 45 of visiting 100 blogs in 100 days...
Communities Dominate Brands is a blog by Tomi Ahonen for all interested in marketing and how the influence of digitally connected communities will upset the current models of marketing.
Tomi Ahonen along with Alan Moore recently coauthored the book -"Communities Dominate Brands" - here's a review from Future Text - Communities Dominate Brands: Business and marketing challenges for the 21st century is a book about how the new phenomenon of digitally connected communities are emerging as a force to counterbalance the power of the big brands and advertising.
The book explores the problems faced by branding, marketing and advertising facing multiple radical changes in this decade. Communities Dominate Brands discusses how disruptive effects of digitalisation and connectedness introduce threats and opportunities. The authors compellingly illustrate how modern consumers are forming communities and peer-groups to pool their power resulting in a dramatic revolution of how businesses interact with their customers. The book provides practical guidance of how to move from obsolete interruptive advertising to interactive engagement marketing and community based communications, with dozens of real business examples from around the world.
I met Tomi Ahonen back in July in North Carolina when we had an engaging discussion about MTV - Tomi is an author and independent consultant in the emerging areas of next generation wireless, with expertise in the business application, services, partnering and marketing of wireless technologies.
Tomi is a forward thinker and writes some compelling blog postings - such as:
[The] i-Pod has been a great success for Apple, and quite rightly so, the IT industry likes to show off i-Pod success in what innovation is possible. Thats all good and well. And 2005 has been the year for i-Pod.If you're a marketing fan and tired of the same old same old that corporations that talk about innovation, but always resort to (as Stephen Jones pens in the book's forward), "...bureaucratic values of safety, efficiency and control.... [ but you desire to be part of] interdependent values of sharing, listening, equity rights, global harmony and synergy..." then this book and certainly this blog is for you - Check it out... slowly and carefully. Very visionary stuff!
But 2006 will be the year when i-Pod is rather unceremoniously shifted into the dust bin of technology history. Why? Because in 2006 the mobile phone business will take over the MP3 music player market. The i-Pod will not die suddenly, and the fanatical music fans will hang onto their white earphones for years, but make no mistake, the signs are crystal-clear that the days of the i-Pod are numbered." link
Every journey has a beginning. Mine began many years ago in a large urban church. The preacher had come to the end of his message. The altar call was being made. I responded. So began my salvation. Looking back at how quickly the years pass, it seems that salvation could have been yesterday. If you would observe my 'Christian walk,' you might believe that salvation had comeonly yesterday. This journey has been one of fits and starts; of pressing on and turning back; of clear direction and misguided wanderings. Yet even today I will search for Light and press toward Him. This forum is begun in an effort to document this pilgrim's wanderings. Perhaps with these journal entries I will gain a clearer perspective of the journey. By God’s grace others might read these words and know that they are not alone in their own wilderness. We are all on a journey. There is a final destination awaiting everyone. Some are heading forward, in full awareness of what lies ahead. Others are running away in reckless abandon. I have done both. For now I move forward into the unknown with the simple comfort of One who is known. Today I continue this path. Today I press on.
Day 44 of visiting 100 blogs in 100 days...
Here's a fun, humourous, quirky, yet full of faith blog - The Wilderness: Random glimpses of one pilgrim's progress
There's a good mix of devotional materials, observations on life and most of all, this blog proves that Christians are not perfect, but also we can be just fun loving creatures! Clint does a great job on this blog - nothing heavy or deep theological stuff that rearranges brain cells - instead, he chronicles his faith walk -
Here's my neighbor Frank with a 35 lb catfish from Percy Priest Lake here in Nashville... yummy!
Day 43 of visiting 100 blogs in 100 days...
With my recent time away from blogging and being part of the disaster relief team in Louisiana, I felt an identification with the UNC Hospitals' blog. While we were tasked with mass feeding and chainsaw tree removal, a part that I didn't experience with the medical assistance side.
Recently at the dentist, I commented on how many people we encounted had toothaches. How could hurricanes cause teeth to hurt? Actually, after business were destroyed, records lost, accounts receivables gone, dentists salvaged what they could to reestablish their practices elsewhere, leaving people to contend with their toothaches and scarcity of available dental services.
In offering relief, it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body of compassion to those in need. A team of UNC Hospitals' physicians and staff left Sept. 2 to travel to the Gulf Coast as part of the MidCarolina Trauma RAC's State Medical Assistance Team II. Here is their account: UNC Hospitals' Hurricane Katrina Response BlogI have thought about whether this experience has made me a better person. It has allowed me to be more aware of things in my life. I've appreciated all that I have and all that I do not much more. I've noticed that certain things that use to irritate me are not as important any more. However, it has become more difficult for me to accept certain things. I'm not as tolerant of behavior and attitudes that are selfish and narrow-minded. At the same time, I feel a greater amount of empathy for those who hurt, thus am more dedicated in doing what I can to help alleviate their suffering.
The Volunteer's Heart
Oh what a wonderful thing.
It is one of God’s surprises.
We must protect it, provide it with nourishment,
give it warmth, and shower it with love.
And like a flower it will blossom and
grow to serve our needs and those of the Lord.
Some may be strong or even a bit weak and have suffered some.
Of one thing I am sure; they will give of time, talent and resources
without a single thought for reward.
No task can be found too large or small for the
Heart of a Volunteer as it is theirs given freely.
You see, it is a gift given them only by God.
It is filled with Hope, Faith and Love.
All of which is offered from the Heart of the Volunteer.
- Tom Hester
Ten random snapshots from the Sulpher, LA Disaster Relief Volunteer Team -
Wow, it has been 12 days or so since I posted anything - my head has been wrapped around a lot of things - right now, paint fumes from painting a bedroom - ceiling, primer coat, walls and trim...
I've been focused on my new vocation - which if interested, you can read the press release here...
But I been thinking quite a bit about my trip to assist with the mass feeding efforts as part of the Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief Team.
I was hoping to blog from Sulphur, LA but there was no internet connection available or a Starbucks to be found! and cell phone service was spotty; however gas was cheap! (by 40 cents a gallon).
Unlovely Rita
Briefly, the rich blessings I had in Sulphur LA with the mass feeding team from the People's Church in Franklin were numerous - we left Tuesday and actually finished up the mass feeding part by 12 noon on Friday. The electricity was being restored in the area, and stores were beginning to reopen. The local Walmart was only open from 8 am to 4 pm, running on generators. There was no produce, meats or anything items in the frozen section as the generators could not sustain those units.
inside a home
The people that we talked in the neighborhoods were very appreciative of the Red Cross and especially the Baptist Disaster Relief Teams assembled from all over Tennessee - Pikesville, Chattanooga, Crossville, Sparta, Morristown, Knoxville and many other states! We prepared the hot meals for distribution via the Red Cross Emergency Relief Vehicles and for the volunteer Chainsaw Teams that cut down and cleaned up the fallen trees and limbs.
Lumberjack heaven - clearing the damage
There seems to be a deep resentment toward Governor Blanco and Mayor Nagin, as they felt forgotten with all of the emphasis on New Orleans. Surprisely, President Bush and FEMA were never mentioned. The homeowners were busy cleaning up, waiting on the insurance adjusters to settle up and mainly trying to get though what needed to be done in the immediate. The grieving part that I sense will come later when the realization sets in that much of neighborhood will never be the same again, as people move onward to different places and friends scatter to resettle elsewhere.
Damage - I got no home, not even a car...
When I was able to get out to the affected neighborhoods, I spent a lot of time just listening - to share the love of Christ simply by listening, offering a cold drink (and a hot meal) and carry one's burden (literally, a log off their roof) meant so much.
Laundry trailer (L), shower trailer
I don't know the exact numbers, but I believe that 159,00 hot meals were served, over 100 daily loads of laundry were washed and I think 14 homes a day? were cleared by the chainsaw teams - we were up and working by 5:00 am to 7:30 pm, but it was a good tired feeling knowing that every pot that our team scrubbed, every meal cooked and served and every log removed from a roof was unto the Lord Jesus and He ministered greatly to our spirit. I never knew that being a chief bottle washer was an act of worship! The rich fellowship from all age groups was precious as well - what a taste of heaven to come!
Chief Pot Scrubber
A fellow blogger from the University of North Carolina Hospitals' Hurricane Katrina Response Blog comments:
... a handshake, a hug and a smile are often the best and the most appropriate medicine you can provide.....
That home is no longer where the building and foundation are, where the mailbox is, where you hang your hat or take off your boots, its not even where the pictures are because you had no time to get them BUT....
That home is now where you find community in the truest sense of the word, where people who were once strangers are now your brothers and sisters and kin who offer you hope, sustenance, a smile, a human touch.....
That you have gotten more out of an experience than you could ever give back.....
Potatoes to go...
If you're the praying type, ask God to make a way for to go (or ask your boss for some time off - whoever you answer to) - we have a vast mission field right in our own backyard; the needs will be long term, and the cleanup will take a while - but the expression of love that you give will endure forever.
Joyful volunteers
For me, these folks just need assurance that everything will be ok (and that only trusting in the Lord will provide) - to "share the Gospel and use words if necessary" (St Francis of Assisi) was a tremendous honor and privilege.
Catholic church in Cameron Parish
I shot over 800 pictures and my friend Dan took a bunch of the chainsaw photos. The posting of batch one is on the right sidebar - here's the Flickr link: feel free to download and share with others in your center of influence. I tried to capture some photos so that the story can be told of the needs to be met and that perhaps we can encourage ourselves and others to serve with the relief efforts. More will be added on the Flickr photo album as bandwidth permits.
