Red, White and Boom (s) - 4th of July Fireworks

Ok, when I lived in Fairfield, Ohio, every year we had a fireworks celebration called "Red, White, and BOOM". I thought it was a pretty clever name. (Just incidently, I have to mention Jungle Jim's Grocery, the most fantastic market in North America, which is incidently located in Fairfield and not far from my old condo).

Well fast forward. Here I am living in Cape Coral about to attend their 4th of July fireworks. What is the name? Red, White, and Boom! Ironic huh?

I did a google search for Red, White, and Boom and got many many hits. I guess others thought the name was nifty. I am surprised no one has copyrighted or trademarked it (probably have in some fashion).

It would be interesting to see how many cities call their firework display "Red, White, and Boom!". Please comment if you have something with the same or similar name.

More about Jonathan Coulton (Code Monkey's song writer)

As I sent around what I thought was new find, my friend sent me the following email that I had to share:

"My kids can sing the main chorus of the song. Unfortunately, my son
concludes with "I love you, whores!" from the opening credits. I
probably shouldn't let him watch it anymore.

Jonathan Coulton is a fun songwriter. A lot of his more popular works
were done with World of Warcraft animation on YouTube. My kids love the
Spooky Doll and Your Brains videos. He also wrote the end credit song
for Portal. His folkish remake on Baby Got Back rockorz!"

Interesting this guy is that prolific. I find it fantastic that you can make a living being a song writer essentially for video games. Well everyone has their niche! Kudos to Mr. Coulton.

Another Bobism

My buddy Bob has some of the most profound sense of humor. Think of the dry perverse humor of a Brit, combined with the cynism of a reformed Catholic (however Bob is very devoted to his faith and the Catholic church, no matter how much he pokes fun at them). I really enjoy Bob's company, but over the last few years, other than emails, I have not seen much of him. Anyway, here are a few recent "Bobism". I will link this post to Bob in an email. If you like them, comment and maybe we can get Bobo to do a blog of his own (and his humor and wit, I cannot match)!

"I take the scenic route home at night...
it makes for a pleasant drive...
it helps not to masturbate at the wheel...
I might not end up alive!"

"My new dishwasher is on the fritz,
and all the dishes are in the sink...
I'm having erections during Mass;
I think I need a drink!"

"I hope you enjoy the 4th. If you drink a 5th on the 4th, you can't go forth on the 5th!"

Code Monkey!

Something fun (and slightly cynical) this week.

I have spent so many years as a code monkey for large corporations this appealed to me. I have also seen the pining for the hot receptionist as well from colleagues (and myself when I was a co-op). Check out the song and all the video's on YouTube based on the song.

The MP3: (on Jonathan Coulton's blog : Jonathan Coulton)

A video from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYodWEKCuGg

Check out the other video's listed, there is a flavor for everyone.

Creativity and Change leadership masters

Well, as I have told people, I have begun my second masters degree (or at least the graduate certificate portion of it). The degree is out of the SUNY schools, particularly Buffalo State College. http://www.buffalostate.edu/creativity/

At first I was skeptical when my boss proposed, but after going to the first 2 weeks of their Creative Problem Solving "bootcamp", I am convinced of its validity! I would recommend getting into the program if you can, or at least getting the two books Creativity Unbound and Facilitation.

I can attest, that going through the process will make you believe in the process. I had it solve and identify a goal for myself and give me an action plan to follow (incidentally, it will get me to my "freedom" as postulated in previous posts).

Also, one of the early adopters and developers of the process and program has much more to say about it (Dr. Roger Firestien) at www.rogerfirestien.com.

It was pretty intense in regards to the boot camp, but I like the process, for 3 reasons. One, it encourages a positive environment to develop a new idea. Two, it has been scientifically proven with research and statistics. Three, and most of all, I had it work for me.

So, come with me on my journey as I go to facilitate the CPS process for myself, my friends and my work place (work place for awhile, I have obligations to family and mortgage and my work is not all that bad, but I want to make more and I will damn it, just not there).

Till then, be well and happy!