Backtracking Significantly February 27, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Random.Tags: cumberland gap, johnson city, ocms, old crow medicine show, roanoke, wagon wheel
add a comment
A House for Carmen, 3 February 26, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Construction, Residential Design.Tags: davis-house
add a comment
Carmen’s house has made immense progress in the past week. Two groups are currently working on it; Christian Aid Ministries, the group that framed the house, is currently building the ramp and finishing the siding and exterior, while Hope Force is sheetrocking the interior at a rapid pace. They expect to be painting the interior and exterior by next week.
Christian Aid Ministries volunteers building the angled ramp. This landing is part of the combined ramp and front stair.
Barry Schwartz on our loss of wisdom | TED.com February 26, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Archispeak.Tags: values, wisdom
add a comment
Barry Schwartz’s 2009 TED speech ties in with many of the discussions we have been having here at the GCCDS about values, ethics, service, and leadership.
- – -
About this talk
Barry Schwartz makes a passionate call for “practical wisdom” as an antidote to a society gone mad with bureaucracy. He argues powerfully that rules often fail us, incentives often backfire, and practical, everyday wisdom will help rebuild our world.
About Barry Schwartz
Barry Schwartz studies the link between economics and psychology, offering startling insights into modern life. Lately, working with Ken Sharpe, he’s studying wisdom.
Mardi Gras.BLX February 25, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Mississippi, Photography.Tags: mardi gras
add a comment
Yesterday was Mardi Gras, the conclusion of the Carnival season. This is the second Mardi Gras I’ve spent in Biloxi. (And Ocean Springs and New Orleans). The parade featured 120 floats and other units and an estimated 85,000 people showed up to watch.
A float in Mardi Gras colors, with people reaching to catch cheap plastic junk.
One of many costumed figures: Guy Fawkes giving the V.
A decorative camel atop one float.
Mardi Gras ninja. Invisible to the naked eye, of course, but captured on a 1/159th-second exposure.
Screw You, Planet Fitness February 24, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Mississippi, Random.5 comments
The Planet Fitness gym is new to this area and advertises itself as a “Judgement-Free Zone,” promising its customers that they will not be judged or criticized. Fair enough, Planet Fitness, but what I’m wondering is if you could take that and then use it to make yourselves look ridiculous?
Why yes. Of course you could.
Sign #1:
“dress code – no jeans, no do rags/skull caps/bandanas, no boots/sandals – all subject to our judgement” (sic)
Sign #2 (directly below):
“thanks for being part of the judgement free zone!”
No matter how hard I try, I can’t convince myself they’re joking. There’s also a large flashing “Lunk Alarm” mounted to the wall that goes off if anyone makes a loud noise, by dropping weights or grunting, for instance.
Not welcome at Planet Fitness, according to this sign:
- People who like lifting weights
- People who wear head coverings popular among black people
- People who wear head coverings popular among hoboes
- Hippies
Hey, Planet Fitness! Screw you!
Sunday Gras February 23, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Mississippi, Photography.Tags: mardi gras, new orleans, parade, thoth
1 comment so far
Sunday was an eventful day and, as usual, I only managed to take a few pictures. I am not sure how to train myself to be better at this. I went to New Orleans with Doug, Jesse, and KC, and met a large group of friends to watch the Krewe of Thoth and Bacchus parades. Here’s a look at Thoth passing our friend’s house on Magazine Street:
The parade.
The floats.
The crowd.
Don’t Smoke in Bed February 21, 2009
Posted by Vincent in Mississippi, Photography.1 comment so far
Alan, Leah, and I did the TatoNut ride this morning with the Gulf Coast Bicycle Club. About 30 miles total through scenic Ocean Springs, ending at the TatoNut donut shop. When I returned home, I found this scene next door:
The house next door burned down around 9:30 this morning.
Luckily ours wasn't touched; they're no more than 10 feet apart.
Nobody seems to have been hurt. Don’t smoke in bed.
