"Wednesday in Review"

Awoke. Worked on computer projects. Moved trash from private bins to public dumpster. Stinky job. Hauled branches and tree limbs. Sweaty job. Met a few interesting tenants. Enjoyed a tasty dinner at Golden Corral. Came home. Showered. Napped. Talked to Kelli on the phone. Watched some television. Relaxing; doing more work. Going to bed by 3am.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:54 PM |

"Karl Malden: 1912-2009"

Academy Award-winning actor, Karl Malden, died of natural causes today. He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in "A Streetcar Named Desire", served as the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences from 1989-92, and together with his wife Mona, celebrated one of Hollywood's longest marriages (70 years!) back in December. He was 97.

"Oscar-winning actor Karl Malden dead at 97"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 10:29 PM |

"Obama Kung-Fu"

Let's start the day with a little humor, shall we?

Here's a fun little video that pokes fun at a television interview President Obama did a few weeks back... a video in which he killed a fly with a single swat. The question is, though, how well would he do against a swarm of ninja-like blood thirsty mosquitoes? ... [videos]

And for those that remember, Cory Williams (of SMP Films, and producer of the above Obama video) is also the creator of the catchy Mean Kitty Song.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:28 AM |

"Billy Mays: 1958-2009"

Early this morning, Billy Mays, the burly, bearded television pitchman who became a pop-icon for his boisterous commercial pitches on television, died. He was 50.

David Carradine, Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and now Billy Mays. This has become a sad month for celebrity obituaries.

"TV pitchman Billy Mays found dead at Florida home"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:55 PM |

"Friday in Review"

Spent the day painting an apartment. Long day. Finished the job. Came home. Exhausted. Had a Subway sandwich for dinner. Very tasty. Tired. Heading to bed early.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:18 PM |

"Michael Jackson: 1958-2009"

Early this afternoon, Michael Jackson, former child star, inventor of the moonwalk, and world-renowned "King of Pop", died of a heart attack. He was 50 years old.

"King of Pop Michael Jackson dies, aged 50"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:33 PM |

"Farrah Fawcett: 1947-2009"

Emmy nominated actress, and "Charlie's Angels" star, Farrah Fawcett, died this morning, nearly three years after being diagnosed with cancer. She was 62 years old.

"'Charlie's Angel' Farrah Fawcett dies at 62"

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:15 PM |

"Jon Baas: Employee"

During the past few days, one of my projects has been to go through archived documents, financial statements, paycheck stubs, old letters, and so forth. Most of it was in a box I haven't unpacked since I moved to this apartment back in August. While doing all this, though, I've come across many interesting discoveries, and have been reminded of just as many wonderful memories. This evening, I thought I'd share some of that with you.

Tonight, it comes in the form of a list of companies I once worked for. A peek into my employment history -- a part of my life few readers know about. These days, I'm self-employed; I run my own business. But there was a time not too long ago, when I was an employee... when I was on the payroll. And this is where I worked:

• Blue Mound Graphics, Inc. ... (Copy Editor)
  
• Barnes & Noble Booksellers ... (Bookseller / Sales Associate)
  
• OfficeMax, Inc. ... (Copy & Print Center Associate)
  
• Wisconsin Lutheran College ... (Librarian, Admissions, PR Office, Info Desk)
  
• Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod ... (Synod Office: Office Assistant)
  
• Target Corporation ... (Stockroom / Sales Associate)
  
• City of Minneapolis, Parks and Recreation Board ... (Daycare Provider)

Fascinating, huh! And yes, my daycare job was a government job. The Commissioners of the Parks and Recreation Board are elected by the citizens of Minneapolis, and my paycheck was funded by public tax dollars. I bet you didn't know that!

It's amazing what you discover when you look through old files!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:59 PM |

"Hot'n Muggy"

Yesterday's high temperature here in Milwaukee was 89F, although the heat index made it feel more like 97F. Today's high temperature exceeded that, topping out at 94F (with the heat index right around 100). I sure am glad this apartment has air-conditioning!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 6:27 PM |

"Summer Begins"

Today is the first day of Summer. Hot days, here we come!

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:26 PM |

"Quote of the Day"

"Energy and persistence conquer all things."
-- Benjamin Franklin

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:37 AM |

"Bat Swinging"

Minor League baseball player Josh Womack has a unique bat swing. Here's a video where he shows off his skills for the camera. Watch closely, and enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 9:09 AM |

"College Dorm Light Show"

Here's something fun: Students at the Wroclawska University of Technology in Poland rigged their dorm with a light show that played the theme from the tv show, Knight Rider. ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 8:25 PM |

"Jon Baas: Now on Twitter"

After much thought and research, I've decided to give Twitter a try -- maybe a week or two. If I like it, I'll keep it. If not, I'll move on. For now.... I'm on Twitter! You're welcome to follow.

Adventure and discovery may (or may not) ensue.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 7:35 PM |

"Drink Milk. Survive."

Drink Milk. It's always been survival of the fittest. That said, here's a fun little compilation of animated 'Drink Milk' commercials by the BC Dairy Foundation of Canada. Enjoy! ... [video]

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:44 AM |