Not So FastMikie News

A Short Story & True: 21 Better Than Worst

2010-03-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

First published on Facebook,a new short story,as true as it gets,"21 Better Than Worst"at this link:http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150094694220725

The Adventures of Airstream Mikie

2009-07-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Having some extra time on my hands after giving up serious pool competition, and the time consuming practice required, I started on a new project I have been wanting to do for a long time.Click here for the new blogThe Adventures of Airstream Mikie

Shower-based idea and communications control center

2009-05-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

In my relentless pursuit of perfection, I have been experimenting with a shower-based control center. It also gives me something to do with a couple of iPod touch devices.Starting from upper left:1. iPod touch version 1.0, open to a notepad application, so I can write down ideas I get in the shower but forget when I'm dry. (why is that?)2. Remote control for lights, fans, heat. Lights are

Facebook is taking over my blog!

2009-05-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

I have been using Facebook more and more,until now it's part of every day.And since almost everyone I know is there,it's easier to post non-billiards stuff on Facebook.So click the image below and find me on Facebook!Thanks!!Michael McCafferty's Profile

The Most Important Thing To Do Right Now

2009-03-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

Miyamoto Musashi, on of my favorite philosophers because he gets right to the point, says "Do Nothing Trivial". The more proactive way to state that would be to Do Something Important. And, because I like to optimize things, I have been on the search for The Most Important Thing. And because I like immediate gratification, I have been on the search for The Most Important Thing To Do Right Now.

Completely wireless

2009-01-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

I have disconnected all my land-based phones and forwarded calls to my iPhone. This simplifies things a good bit: only one phone number (email me for it) makes it easy for callers, only one place to get messages, fewer pieces of hardware (I had 8 cordless extension phones around the Fun House!), less electricity costs because all those cordless units no longer need charging, reduced costs for

The Amazing Guest Loo at Mikie's Fun House

2009-01-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

The Amazing Guest Loo at Mikie's Fun HouseI have just installed upgrades to the guest loowhich you may find interesting.Mikie's Fun House is a private residence and business office which reflects the extraordinarily high standards of the owner.Friends visit frequently, and from time to time, guests are invited to Mikie's Fun House.All visitors are treated equally and yet personally to the same 5-

New Blog: The SoCal Beach Cruiser

2009-01-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Check out my new blog:SoCal Beach Cruiser

Kendra's Kickass Cookies

2008-11-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

It's Thanksgiving, and a New Moon all on the same day. What more could you ask? How about the world's best cookies? Many years ago, my daugter Kendra made me a batch of cookies that were the best I have ever had, and that's saying something for a cookie connoisseur like me. And so it has become a tradition on my every birthday, Fathers' Day, and Christmas that she whips up a fresh batch for

I'm a Gruncle!

2008-11-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

My little brother Jimmy just became a grandfather!Doesn't that make me a grand uncle?See photo for happy family:Jackie (mom), Jamie (father), and baby Kendal Rose.

NotSoFastMikie Sources

2008-10-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to do this list for a long time, but never seem to get around to it, so I'm just going to "Begin it Now" and make it better later. San Diego area unless otherwise noted.Businesses I prefer, in no particular order:PlumberScott McDonald760-644-5457DentistGeoffrey Murray, DDS1333 Camino Del MarDel Mar, CAphone: 858-755-1197Physical TherapyDana AotoPhysiotherapy Associatesphone: 858

The Lowell Williams video

2008-10-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

This is one great video clip of my very good friend Lowell Williams,on the occasion of his 72nd birthday and the surprise P-51 Mustang ride. Lowell is gone now,but we sure have great memories of him.

Reading: The Brain That Changes Itself

2008-10-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Brain That Changes ItselfDefinitely worth reading.

Flurry of Activity at New Moon

2008-09-28T16:26:00.001-07:00

George H. and I do the hike through Torrey Pines, the north extension, which is rarely used, and many locals are unaware of it. However, George grew up with this still primitive acreage as his back yard, literally. He knows every bit of it, especially the trails marked "Trail Closed". We were well into it when we were confronted with a ravine crossing using a fallen tree. The tree was

Wall of Heroes

2008-08-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

(click for the big picture)Recent upgrades to the workout area include the addition of a "Wall of Heroes" featuring posters of some of my favorite people. You probably recognize most of them, starting in the upper left corner of the wall: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, the "Rat Pack", Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Paul Newman & Robert Redford), Gandhi, Miyamoto Musashi, Einstein, James

Sunsets!

2008-08-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Sunsets!Gotta love 'em.This one was on June 29, 2008.

What's in a Wordle?

2008-07-12T23:34:00.000-07:00

Click on the "Wordle" above to see what happens when a computer looks at my BrainWaves web page and tries to figure out what's going on with philosophy.What's in your Wordle?

Family Tree

2008-07-11T23:15:00.000-07:00

I have just installed Family Tree Maker Version 16and imported the file from version 11which my father had been working on for many years.I added some edits,and put together some reports,and sent the stuff out to family members for review.The program, Family Tree Maker v. 16,seems to be very solid and creates professional outputs.

The new Ferrari California

2008-06-27T15:55:00.002-07:00

I really want one of these!Click the photo for lots more info!

Michael, the movie

2008-06-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

It couldn't be just about the name of the movie...There's more to it than that.It's got philosophy, miracles, country music,a bar fight, sweet love, and pie.The only thing it needs is a biplane,but an angel with wings is just about as good,even though he doesn't get to fly.Michael, the movie, is definitely in my top ten.

Email review: GMX vs. Gmail

2008-06-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Google's Gmail is great, but not perfect. And of course, I'm always looking for perfect, always moving in the direction of better. That's what got me checking out the GMX.com email solution.GMX mail is browser based, just like Gmail, but for some reason when it opens, it forces a new window for the mail functions instead of a more well-behaved tab in an existing browser window.I do like the

What's wrong with the food we eat

2008-05-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

McCafferty Ford 50th anniversary

2008-05-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

The above video was created in 2004 to celebratethe 50th anniversary of the founding ofMcCafferty Ford, Langhorne, PAby my father, Charles F. McCaffertyhis brother Joe McCaffertyand Joe Foster,in 1954.

Fill 'er up!

2008-04-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Sixty One bucksfor a tank of gas?$3.96 per gallon, premium.Yikes!

Dad's page

2008-04-04T23:53:00.000-07:00

See Dad's page athttp://michaelmccafferty.com/Dad.htm

At home again, in the Fortress of Solitude

2008-04-02T20:16:00.000-07:00

After 10 days of sickness, death and burialin the rain and cold of Philadelphia,I am home againin my Fortress of Solitude,my castle by the sea,Mikie's Fun House, version 4.0The weather is perfect,early Spring, warm sunshine, high scattered clouds,light winds from the southwest.The sounds of the surf were far away,it was a New Moon low tide.I woke this morning in my own bed,instead of a hotel.I

Obituary: The Passing of The Patriarch, my father

2008-03-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

McCafferty, Charles F. Sr. "Bud", March 27, 2008, age 92 years, Patriarch of the McCafferty Clan of Philadelphia, with ancestors from Doon Well, County Donegal Ireland. Born in West Philly in Our Lady of Sorrows Parish on August 19, 1915. Graduate of North Catholic High School, class of 1932. Married Verna Marie Meier of Philadelphia on April Fools Day, 1940. After training at Sheepshead Bay,

Time Well Spent: Stroke of Insight

2008-03-13T16:32:00.001-07:00

Whosoever may happen upon these wordswill be rewarded by venturing furtherand clicking this linkto view this 15 minute video sponsored by TEDof the experience of a neuroanatomistwho experiences her own stroke,and how it changed her life,and how it may also change yours:

Home Improvements: The Wall

2008-02-26T17:16:00.000-08:00

One single project has been on my listfor all of the last four years I have lived here.And today, just this minute,I put the finishing touches on it.My work is done.May I present: The WallMy collection of pool trophies isdisplayed at the far right of the line of bookcases,closest to the chair where the pool opponent sitsand waits for his shot,with plenty of time to let all those wins sink in...(

Pancake Breakfast Tradition Continues

2008-02-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

Alex and Joni showed up inmatching Mikie's Fun House t-shirtsfor their special Fun House pancake breakfast.This photo was taken after the first helping,and before the second.That's the sort of smiles you get whenI create my special Fun House pancakes,with veggie sausage, Amy's ketchup,Starbucks Gold Coast coffee,and Naked blueberry juice.This feast is limited to a maximum of one day per week,(

Home Improvements: Master Loo

2008-02-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

Finally finished the loo area of the master bathat Mikie's Fun House.For more details, see web page.I also updated photos for the Super Showerand the Sub Zero glass-door refrigerator,and a wide shot of the kitchen, below.Again, for more details, see web page.

Home Improvements: Treadmill Project

2008-02-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Today marks a major milestone in thedevelopment of the treadmill project,which continues to evolve as my secret weapon(ooops, I guess it ain't so secret now)for excellence in pool.Check it out:30" Dell widescreen TV/monitorwhich is connected to the DishTV feedso I can watch all the pool videos on TVwhich are automatically recordedso I can play back anytime later.The monitor is also connected to

Slide Show

2008-01-04T22:35:00.000-08:00

Slide ShowSome of my favorite photos on Flickr

Katie Vita, BFFF

2007-12-25T23:17:00.000-08:00

Kate popped into town about a week ago,and we hit the beach for a bit of Frisbee.Allow me to introduce you...Katie Vita is so much more thanthe assemblage of her many unique talents.The world knows her as actress and artist.I know her as one of my best friends forever.I discovered Frisbee on the beach with Katie, so long ago that it just doesn't seem possible.She grew up, married, and moved far

In Defense of Women

2007-12-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

I have come across an author who could be British, but isn't.He is quite American, born in, of all places, Baltimore,yet he became a most extraordinary writer,so much so that one might automatically assume that he is British.As exhibit A-1, may I presentH.L. Mencken's "In Defense of Women"which is available in the public domain at: http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext98/ndwmn11.txtWhen you get to

Del Mar Oceanfront Sunset video

2007-12-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

Sunset from a few days ago.I was doing a video test.

Something Wonderful Is Going to Happen

2007-12-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

With the enormous amount of stuff floating around in the internet,the sheer quantity of data (websites, videos, documents, photos, yadda, yadda, yadda), it just boggles my mind that Google (and other search engines) go and get it, and bring it back on their own computers, so that now they know everything, and they know who else knows anything, and everybody who wants to know anything.If you're a

Christmas Wish List

2007-12-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Christmas:Amazon.com wish listThanks!

Google Street View comes to Del Mar

2007-11-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Google Street View comes to Del Marclick and drag the cursor to get 360 degree views.Torrey Pines Beachand the entry toDel MarPowerhouse Park, Del MarDel Mar Village Center

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for...My parents.The births and continued excellenceof my son and daughter.Flying.Landing on grass.Playing in the sky, with aerobatics.Playing freestyle frisbee on the beach.Winning pool tournaments.Winning auto races.Flying low and slowin an open cockpit biplaneover wandering valley streamsand cruising the surf line for hundreds of miles,landing at the polo field in Del Mar, at

Free Rice game

2007-11-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

If you want to have some free fun, and do something good for yourself, and others,click on this banner below:And then, tell a friend about Free Rice!Kids love it too.

Register to Vote

2007-11-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

For the first time in a long long time,I have finally been moved to want to vote.It seems like the USA is in a real mess.And the only candidate that makes any sense to me isRon PaulBut that's just my opinion.You might favor someone else,but it doesn't matter if you don't vote,and you can't vote if you don't register first.Regardless of which candidate you favor,here's step one:

Ragged Point, looking south

2007-10-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Another meditative video clip.Enjoy.(YouTube link to this video)

Sunset

2007-10-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

(YouTube link)Video taped on location at Mikie's Fun Houseby Fast Mikie himself.The hummingbirds make an appearance later in the video. Turn up the volume on your device tohear ambient and surf sounds,or mute and play your own music.

Ragged Point

2007-10-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

I was driving along the coast road,north to Mountain View, CA(a trip of about 8 hours driving time)I decided to break it into two parts,and stay over at Ragged Point,about halfway up the coast.It is of one of my favorite places on the planet.Click here for link to YouTubeRagged Point Videoor, click the play button, below:Video of the surf and rocks,looking south from my room at Ragged Point, CA,

Mandatory Immediate Evacuation!

2007-10-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Two hours after the order to prepare for it,the call came from the police thatDel Mar residents must evacuate.I chose to stay.I drove to the top of Torrey Pines hill.No fires visible anywhere.Light winds.Looked ok to me.It was more than personal laziness.The 90+ year old woman next doorhad no place to go.She has trouble breathing.And since I kinda adopted her as my new mom,I didn't want to take

Be Prepared to Evacuate

2007-10-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

All afternoon I've been watching the fire on TV,feeling certain that my home is safe.A few minutes after sunset, the phone rings:"This is the San Diego Sheriff's Department,with a message to all Del Mar residents tobe prepared to evacuate...and drive north to El Toro Marine basein Orange County...""Be Prepared to Evacuate"(always good advice)Before this fire's first spark,several months ago, in

Fire!

2007-10-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

For the last 24 hoursfire has raged through the hills east of San Diego,and they are already calling this theworst fire in San Diego history.A quarter of a million peoplehave evacuated.Now the smoke in the air is thick,and ash is accumulating on the balcony.Solana Beach, the town just north of here,has told selected residents to prepare to evacuate.Winds are strong and gusting,blowing the fire

Doing the Apple Thing

2007-10-13T23:07:00.000-07:00

My last Apple computer was the Apple IIea little over a quarter century ago,so I figure it was time to revisitand see what's going on with them.Actually, I want to do some video editing,and I hear Mac is the hot ticket for that.So I got a MacBook Pro, 17" screenand added a wireless keyboard & mouse.Nice hardware, nice software,but lots of incompatibilities,and general weirdnesswhen compared to

The Flag Goes Home

2007-10-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

This flag last flew at the Kennedy inauguration,January 20, 1961when I "liberated" it as a souvenir of the occasion.(see original blog entry)After several months hanging on the wall of the Fun House,I had some time to consider its ultimate and proper fate...I sent the flag back home to Washington, D.C.Read the letter from the Mayor of the cityexpressing his thanks for returning this relic.

Pool Vacation

2007-10-09T18:52:00.000-07:00

After a week or so of pool vacationa big change I have noticed is thatI'm getting a lot of stuff done.In just the last couple of days I havere-wired the desk computer system(that big wad of wires under the desk)dealt with iPod "touch" service issues(several hours on the phone, and more off the phone)major improvements to the computer systemseliminating some software and hardwareand other

Thank Heavens For Little Girls

2007-09-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks agoJim and Gina and their daughter Sienavisited the Fun House for one ofmy world famous pancake breakfasts.What a sweetie little Siena is!Reminds me how much I enjoyedmy own daughter at that age.Today, Gina gave me this photo,in a real nice frame,and a note from Sienasaying how much she enjoyed the pancakes.In the photo she is holding a model of the Concordewhich she chose as her

When I Grow Up...

2007-09-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

When I stop being so selfish with my time on this planetI want to do the sort of work Dean Kamen does:

Walden One and Two

2007-08-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

Recent reading:Waldenby Henry David ThoreauThe original classic first published in 1854never gets old.Life in the woods,as experienced by Thoreau's 2 years there,or, in my case, 30 years by the sea,quiets the mind.A must read.Walden Twoby BF SkinnerA description of Utopiaas envisioned by the behaviorist authorfirst published in 1945.

Quiet Descends on the Evening Before Chaos

2007-08-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

A perfect new crescent moonsettles toward the sunset sea...The evening candle lit,Quiet descends on the day,and sounds of the surf are revealed.Ah! The Sweet Serenity of Solitude!All is right in the land of Mikie.And yet, on the 'morrow,I go forth into Chaos.And yet, I will be Invisible to it,and return in a week,the joy of a night like this, mine again.Maybe.It's a constant surprise that The

In Search of Perpetual Motion

2007-08-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have long been fascinated with the concept of perpetual motion.Here's some thinking on the subject.

Made to Stick

2007-08-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Made to StickWhy Some Ideas Survive and Others DiebyChip Heath & Dan HeathIf your ideas could use some helpin getting the world to noticethis is a book for you.

Ocean Front Masterpiece

2007-08-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

I received this bit of randomness in the mail,a postcard advert for a home for sale, not so far away.It has been accumulating lust in my heartfor several weeks,so I scanned itand now my lust can go onlineand I can share it with the world.When I look at such a place,I breathe more deeply,my feeling for life is greatly enhanced.I want to live in such a place.And never move away.Not that where I

The System for Achieving Goals

2007-07-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I published my latest installment ofThink - Plan - Do - RepeatClick above andDownload the new Quick Start Guidefor the System for Achieving Goals.

Good Cop, Baby Cop

2007-07-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Good Cop, Baby CopMy Independence Day Gift to You

Travel Map

2007-06-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Check out the neat travel map gadget:For more details on my world travels so far,check out my Travel page.

Neighbor Lady

2007-06-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

The signwas bordered in black.It spoke of a memorial servicefor a departed soulwhose name seemed familiar.Then, I remembered the events a few days back,the firetruck and emergency vehicles,but I hadn't yet learned of the reason.Now, the sign, and the name...It's an Irish name,and a face came into my mind,a woman of considerable age,and her face is smiling sweetly.She worked at a shop in town.We

My Visual DNA

2007-06-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Flying North

2007-06-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

The afternoon light was ripening,seaside clouds grew more dense,the setting sun cast long shadows,the sea was at peace...This is what my Nikon captured.Photo completely untouched by any effects.All natural.With no hard edges,the image heightens the sense of perfect peace.Although it is a flight of 3 pelicans,there is a sense that the leader is a solitary bird.

Full Moon Spring Cleaning

2007-06-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Full Moon of the last few dayshas coincided with strong activityin the areas ofSimplifying, Reducing, Organizing, Cleansing,Focusing, Improving, Strengthening,Building, Inventing, Creating, and Giving.It's all Spring Cleaning:Clearing the mind and spacefor renewed dedication to goals.Clearing space for increased bandwidthto focus on goals.

TeleMagic in the Computer History Museum

2007-05-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

This year is my 65th, a milestone which gets me thinking about how fast time has passed since I wrote those first lines of TeleMagic code 22 years ago. Almost a quarter century!Recently I learned about the Computer History Museum (http://www.computerhistory.org) and joined as a member, then contacted them to see if they would be interested in receiving a donation of some of my TeleMagic

Recent Tag Cloud

2007-05-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

8-ball 9-ball affirmations apa atttitude bar-tables books case character clothing consistency cue draw dvd el-maestro equipment excuses exercise fouls health instruction learning library loss magazines mental new-post-notices on cue pockets position practice rules seven shaft smoking sorto string spirit stroke talking tapes tournament uniform video weight winWhat you see

A Proposal for the Improvement of Democracy

2007-05-21T17:20:00.001-07:00

D2: A Proposal for the Improvement of DemocracyAlthough I had written this a couple of years ago,I never created a link to it on my website.Duh.We could have kicked Bush out of the White Houseand had all our troops home by now,if only we had taken the steps I suggested.Fortuitously,a friend's recent email contained the one line:"Do you have any suggestions for improving democracy?"Well, yes, I

Great Moments in Pancake History

2007-05-20T13:05:00.001-07:00

In a recent email from the wife of a good friend(the world's greatest biplane pilot)she mentioned how much he loves pancakes.This thought triggered the memory ofone of my favorite photos:I just loves me pancakes!On one particular fine morning, 20+ years ago,I had whipped up a batch of the good stuff,slathered with butter, swimming in pure maple syrup,and consumed with geat pleasure while

Metabolic Age 37

2007-05-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

My old bathroom scale was getting unreliable,so I searched online for a new one,and was seduced by the new technologywhich can tell you all kinds of great stuffin addition to your weight.I went for the Tanita Ironman Model BC-554Body Composition Monitor.You input your height and age, once.Each time you get weighed,it shoots low level electrical currentthru your bare feet and up into your bodyand

Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds

2007-05-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

Recent Reading:Extraordinary Popular Delusions andThe Madness of CrowdsThis awesome book,with the aid of the history of stupidity of crowds, proves we are all lemmings.If you had read this book when it was published in 1841,you wouldn't have been hornswoggledin the Internet bubble.A most excellent read,and one of my all-time favorites.

Joost TV, free invitations available

2007-05-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

JOOST is TV the way it ought to be.Still by invitation only,but I have some free invitations for you,all you have to do is ask!

A Moat Will Protect Our Borders

2007-05-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

Why A Moat Will Protect Our BordersIn The Know: The U.S. MoatYou can always count on The Onionfor clear thinking in times of national crises.

Communities

2007-04-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

A few of the communities onlinewith which I have experimented:TravBuddyMyVisualDNAGoogle EarthYouTubeMySpaceFacebookTechnoratiMyBlogLogBookCrossingPandoraSlideFlickrPhotobucketFrapperEviteTagWorldDel.icio.usDigglovemarksAmazon.com

Slide show

2007-04-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Mailbag Gems: Women

2007-04-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

For many yearsmy website(s) have studiously avoided dealing withthe subject of women,for many reasons,but today I received an email on the subjectwhich I felt compelled to answerand save it here for posterity.His question was stated simply enough:" Mike, this has nothing to do with business....how do you figure out WOMEN!!!???Here's my reply:women?i could write a book...if i take your question

TED: world's greatest thinkers and doers

2007-04-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Here is one community worth joining:"TED"Ideas worth spreadingby the world's greatest thinkers & doers.Videos. Free. Online.And a community of high level minds.The only community I have felt compelled to join.TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever

Video iPod

2007-04-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

I have just greedily loaded my new video iPodwith 8,000 of my favorite photos,my entire music collection,and am now subscribing to podcastslike they are going out of style.This thing is awesome!iTunes lets me play music on my PCwhile simultaneously downloading30+ stacked-up video podcasts.Soon I will load it with my own videos(pool, meditation, etc)and text too(affirmations, visualizations, etc).

H.L Mencken was right

2007-03-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

In a July 26, 1920 article in the Baltimore Evening Sun, Mencken wrote about the difficulties of good men reaching national office when such campaigns must necessarily be conducted remotely: The larger the mob, the harder the test. In small areas, before small electorates, a first-rate man occasionally fights his way through, carrying even the mob with him by force of his personality. But when

Pure Genius: Moving Huge Objects

2007-03-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Check out the video to learn how Wally Wallington of Flint Michigan has figured out how to move enormous weights with no pulleys, hoists, or massive manpower... just the laws of physics. Very interesting!Then go to Wally's website for more information.(Thanks to good bud from high school Mike Wargo)More than 60 years ago, diminutive Latvian eccentric Edward Leedskalnin built his "Coral Castle"

Recent Reading

2007-03-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Waldenby Henry David ThoreauThe original classic first published in 1854never gets old.Life in the woods,as experienced by Thoreau's 2 years there,or, in my case, 30 years by the sea,quiets the mind.A must read.(8/25/2007)Walden Twoby BF SkinnerA description of Utopiaas envisioned by the behaviorist authorfirst published in 1945.(8/1/2007)Made to StickWhy Some Ideas Survive and Others DiebyChip

Spring has Sprung

2007-03-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

My first walk on the beach in 10 days(nasty influenza bug has kept me cave-bound)shows the first signs of Spring.And the beach itself has been refreshedwith new clean brown-sugar sand.All is, again, right with the world.

Landmark Bank Acquired by 1st Pacific

2007-02-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

This press releasehas all the details.I was one of the 15 original founders of this bank,and served on the board of directors until October, 2006.I learned a lot.

Flag from the Kennedy Inauguration

2007-02-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

January 20, 1961It seemed as good an excuse as any to cut classes:The inaguration of President John F. Kennedywas going to take place just 70 miles from my college,and on a Friday,so it all added up to a Road Trip.I piled a few friends into "Golden Rod"my yellow/black '53 Mercury hardtop coupe,and drove through the snowto get to Washington DC just in time for the show.While all eyes were turned

What's it all about?

2007-02-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Great Video #1UK Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees speaks first as an astronomer, and then as "a concerned member of the human race." With stunning imagery and simulations, he places the earth in its cosmic context, shedding light on the birth, and (ongoing) evolution of the universe. "In the grand scheme of all time," Rees says, "The 21st century would be a quarter second in June." Still it's a

Wow! Must-see video for Inspiration

2007-02-14T22:49:00.000-08:00

In this stunning talk, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Wade Davis celebrates the extraordinary diversity of the world's indigenous cultures, many of which are disappearing, as ancestral land is lost and languages die. (50 percent of the world's 6000 languages are no longer taught to children.) Against a backdrop of extraordinary photos and stories that ignite the imagination, Davis

Spitfire!

2007-02-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Sent to me by a friend in Germany,this excellent Spitfire videoreminds me so much of myadventure of a lifetimeflying my open cockpit biplanethroughout Europe(and flying the Spitfire in England).

Miyamoto Musashi's 21 precepts

2007-02-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

"Accept everything just the way it is.""Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.""Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.""Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.""Be detached from desire your whole life long.""Do not regret what you have done.""Never be jealous.""Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.""Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for

Trouble with Poolshooter blog

2007-02-08T00:09:00.000-08:00

The poolshooter blog was disabledin a false positive identification as a spam blog,but of course it is not.Very frustrating trying to find out why,and how to contact Blogger support,which I have just finally done as of 4 minutes ago.They say there is a grace period to be able to restore it.Here's hoping!-----------------------------Update:After 36 hours of frustration,Blogger finally got my pool

The Perfection Continuum

2007-01-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

The days slip by,each one perfect,but slightly different,like diamondson a strand of time...The weather,the walk on the beach,the surf,music,reading,correspondence,writing,mentoring,exercise,hydrotherapy,pool,gourmet meals,yoga,meditation,sunsets,night skies,easy sleep...It has been like this for many yearsa fine rewardfor an earlier life ofworking hard,and making good decisions.The results have

Spectacular Day!

2007-01-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

It started great andjust kept getting better.I was down on the beachlate in the afternoon,just before sunset,with a new-moon-soon low tide,clear, cold air,and a medium breeze...perfect to take the pace up a notch.Beach time, for me, is the ultimate.Especially solo.I get to enjoy it in absolute detail.Today, I was smilingfor the entire duration of the walk.(Probably looked like an idiot,but other

Poverty sucks

2007-01-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

After finally DOING something about global hunger(see http://www.2clicksaday/hunger)I turned my attention to poverty,and came up with a surprisingly similar solution.Click on http://www.2clicksaday/povertyI feel somewhat apprehensive about the next challengewhich is the elimination of war.But possibly that is a less productive way tostate the issue.Maybe it should be the establishment of global

End Global Hunger - Only 2 clicks a day!

2007-01-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

Can it be true?Yes!Check out this website!

The Wisdom of Crowds

2007-01-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

The best book I have read in years:The Wisdom of CrowdsbyJames Surowiecki Why the Many Are Smarter Than the Few and How Collective Wisdom Shapes Business, Economies, Societies and Nations

Let's not be so "Fwd:"

2007-01-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a productive New Year's resolution...I'm adding this to the bottom of every email:--------------------------A note about "Forwarding" stuff:I bet, when you add it all up,a lot of Life and human potentialgoes down the drain dealing withgetting and forwarding all the internetporn, jokes, political opinions, links, video, photos, and just plain internet junk that other people forward to us...

Private Phone

2006-12-13T13:05:00.000-08:00

Check out www.PrivatePhone.comand get a free phone number you can use to give to peoplewhen you don't want to be bothered taking their calls!I know that covers a lot of people in my life!This free service allows people to leave voicemail messages,and it will notify you by email.Then you can click the email and listen to the message.I just hate ringing phones, don't you?Now I can deal with the

New Fireplace at the Fun House!

2006-12-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of the new fireplace.With stockings hung by the chimney with care.For three years I lived here without a fireplace,all the while scheming and planning the perfect setup.When I finally did the deed, and installed the fireplace,I was amazed that I had no plans for what would go on the mantle!That didn't last long, however, as you can see.What's on your mantle?

Super Socks!

2006-12-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, a good friend, Grace, gave me a pair of SmartWool socks.Big deal, you say?You gotta slip some of these babies on your feet.Really.I'm not a sock freak.When it comes to socks, I've always been a pragmatist.I buy them by the dozen pair.All the same color and style.That way, there is a lot less thinkingin the morning, when thinking is more difficult,and the last thing you want to use

Thong car!

2006-11-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

(click the photo for more photos)Check this radical car!This is a design for a new Maserati "Birdcage"done by the ex-roomie of my son's step-brother,Jason Castriotta,a graduate of Art Center in LA,and now at Pininfarina.Those two exhaust pipes, the "thong" paint job...all very suggestive, eh?I want one!To learn more about my lust for exotic cars,with lots of photos and stories, see"Confessions of

Mikie's Fun House, Seen from Space!

2006-11-24T13:02:00.000-08:00

Can you see me waving to you?I'm right there in the absolute middle of the image.This is a real-time image of earth on a cloudless day,as if you were standing on the moon (375916 km above earth).The line of sunrise/sunset is accurate for theexact second that you hit "enter" when you clickedon this blog.This awesome image of earth from space isbrought to you by John Walker, the genius author of