Twittering in 1954?

I bet you never knew people were twittering back in 1954.

"You didn't have to be amongst them to hear it all. It was in the nodding and the twittering..." Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming

There is a deeper humor to this cheesy joke. As my eyes were scanning the words on the pages of this novel written in 1954, constructing the scene in my minds eyes there were suddenly iPhones and Blackberries in everyone's hands furiously updating their twitter. In the same moment I laughed at the foolishness of my own minds eye, but it got me thinking about how quickly things are changing for my generation and younger. I would even venture to say that if a young teenager picks up this novel in a few years he would be genuinely confused.

This reminds me of a conversation Elena and I had over dinner about the phone jack on the wall in our apartment. We did not even discuss whether we would get a landline - not even on the radar. I pondered that in the next decade, many a children will look at that odd outlet in the wall and ask "what is that for daddy?". Daddy will pause for a moment, chuckle, and casually state that you used to have to plug phones into the wall. The child will be absolutely stupefied by this simplistic explanation and daddy will wrestle with a volley of "why" questions, trying to convey how and why phones used to have to be plugged into the wall.

I just have to brag, I got 13 of the 14 James Bond novels for free at a garage sale!

Daniel the Lego Creator

Recently I wrote about an eye opening interaction I had with Daniel when we were playing with Lego's. If you are interested in seeing pictures of some of his Lego creations (and more of his inspiring talents!) check out his blog: legocreater13.blogspot.com, and leave comments!

I helped him set it up to give him a creative outlet to showcase his work (with Legos, but also musically). Last weekend I saw a clear real life application of his Lego skills. He was very helpful as an assistant to me in constructing a book shelf. Because of it's similarity to Lego construction diagram he was able to perfectly comprehend the diagrams and part designations of a fairly intricate design.

Multi-Touch Tactile Feedback and Islamic Super Heros

Apple has a spiffy new patent out to resolve the iPhones (or any) multi-touch sceens biggest disadvantage. Apple proposes to do this through "a grid of piezoelectronic actuators that can be activated on command. By fluctuating the frequency of these actuators, the user will "feel" different surfaces as their finger moves across it" (MacRumors). Another patent filed along side it would allow for the iPhones multitouch screen to recognize the fingerprints on your individual fingers to perform different functions (i.e. Play/Stop is index finger, Fast Forward is middle finger, Rewind is ring finer).

The author of a comic book featuring Islamic super hero's published a letter to his sons. It is a heartfelt letter explaining what is behind his frequent absence as well as his passion that is driven by his part in his hopeful view for the (their) future. THE 99 is about 99 boys and girls from 99 different countries who each find a stone representing 99 attributes of Allah, such as generosity, mercy, wisdom and dozens of others which he explains are not used to describe Islam in the media.

Two of the most interesting quotes from the article is the role (or lack there of) that the Islamic religion actually plays in the comic:

"None of (the super heros) prays or reads the Koran, as they are meant to have equal appeal to children of all faiths"

On a similiar note, he writes to his children that his vision will be fully executed "only when Jewish kids think that THE 99 characters are Jewish, and Christian kids think they're Christian, and Muslim kids think they're Muslim, and Hindu kids think they're Hindu".

So what do you think about that one? Personally, I would be interested in getting my hands on a couple issues.

My last tidbit for today - not included in the title because I thought it was already random enough - is about unemployment numbers in the EU. I found them to be surprisingly low compared to what I have been used to hearing around Portland.

The E.U. average is 8.9% with Spain topping out the high end at 18.7% and the Netherlands working their butts off at 3.2%. In May Oregon hit 12.4%, a number I fear has creeped up even more in the last month.

How's that for a depressing - or cheery if you are as blessed as I am with a job that you are thankful for! - conclusion. Time for sunshine and a 3 day weekend!

iPhone, You Phone, We All Wanna iPhone

Two years ago, on the even of the expiration of my two-year cell phone contract, Apple released, and consequently redefined the cellphone industry with the iPhone. I found myself battling the allure of techno-lust while seeking to submit all that I was and had been given to The Kingdom. I reflected briefly on the peace I found in this victory after choosing to renew the contract with the bargain bin Nokia 2600 that is given free with contract.

Two years later, with the allure and popularity of the iPhone expanding tirelessly - 40+ million units strong, with 1 million of the awe inspiring 3GS sold just recently in its first weekend - I find the battle waging once again. Once again, I must evaluate all that I am and all that I have been given. What are the most responsible uses of my resources at this point in my life? What is the difference between vain amusement and a wholeness in my life? These are unavoidable questions.

Much to my suprise, two years later, these questions are increasingly easy to answer. I am able to peer past the allure and see value in paying off Elena and I's combined college education free of debt before either of us graduates. Even further, I can clearly see that in my context the added expenses of the iPhone will not contribute to a wholeness in my life.

It is on that note that I can report I am a proud owner of the latest version of Nokia's 2600 bargain bin handset. I am proud because the previous model served me so well and the latest model has a bigger screen with better visibility in various lighting, better battery life, is slimmer and lighter, and now even has the frivolous conveniences of a camera and bluetooth.

On the iPhone front, it has been interesting to follow Apples deliberation concerning the distribution of apps of pornographic nature. After two yours of fairly strict enforcement, though vague long term policy, there is finally clarity in Apples decision to not distribute porn or inappropriate content. My guess this is less an effort to impose moral guidelines and more an effort to retain a sense of seriousness and professionalism in the content of the App store.

PCC Massage for Couples Class!

I wanted to spread the word about an opportunity that Elena and I are pretty excited about. Portland Community College is offering a Community Education class titled Massage for Couples. It is Saturday, August 1st, from 9am to 1pm. The cost is $39 each, but I'm sure this is an investment that will pay awesome dividends in the long run.

Sign up before the class fills up!