4/11/2006
4/08/2006
Miscellaneous Updates and Funn-duggery
Sorry for the Silence:
last week was "birthday week" - had to spend lots of time celebrating, then catch up on work.
No More Budget Parenting Tips:
sorry, but the public outcry over newsprinted bottoms was too great. We can't handle that kind of negative press.
However, if you want to get rid of junkmail, try swapping credit card applications in return envelopes. Send Visa the Mastercard Info. They'll pay for the postage, They'll pay somebody to open them up, and they'll pay for the time it takes to figure out it's for the wrong company. If everyone does this, they'll eventually stop trying to enslave every american in debt.
Make Your Own SUV Commercial:
Chevy would like you to go to there website and help them advertise their gas-greedy, luxurious, vehicles.
You make your own commercial (through their website) and e-mail it to your friends.
I like the commercial made by our friends at Rocketboom.com
Rocketboom's Chevy Tahoe commercial (watch here):
note: I wouldn't be surprised if Chevy removed it soon.
3/30/2006
Budget Parenting: Money Saving Tip #1
Thinking about getting a shredding machine so identity thieves can't get your credit card numbers out of your garbage cans?
Well, don't waste your hard earned money. Instead, use the following system to save time and expense:
1) place all of your "shred-able" documents in a bin by your diaper changing table.
2) Use the documents as wipes, tucking them securely into the rolled up dirty diapers before throwing them away.
3) Now you've saved money on wipes, AND the shredding machine you didn't need to buy.
Any thief who STILL finds your credit card numbers, probably needs the money very badly. You should accept this as a legitimate charitable donation.
Well, don't waste your hard earned money. Instead, use the following system to save time and expense:
1) place all of your "shred-able" documents in a bin by your diaper changing table.
2) Use the documents as wipes, tucking them securely into the rolled up dirty diapers before throwing them away.
3) Now you've saved money on wipes, AND the shredding machine you didn't need to buy.
Any thief who STILL finds your credit card numbers, probably needs the money very badly. You should accept this as a legitimate charitable donation.
3/29/2006
Way to Go Phil
Some of you remember a post about my friend Phil's crazy dog-powered car.
While concerned about the power transfer loss of it's treadmill based design, and skeptical about its wood construction, I was proud of Phil for looking for ways to pass a cleaner earth down to our kids.
His wife Missy informed me that the original design was powered by (many) hamsters.
Phil, your idea has stuck with me.
I've been thinking about getting one of those push-powered lawn mowers, and wondering if someone might invent a larger version with a dogsled attachment.
Great for dog lovers, great for the environment.
Does anyone have some welding equipment to build my friend Phil a zero-emissions dog powered lawnmower?
meanwhile, this guy is distributing his "dog powered scooter"
3/27/2006
Warning Signs 4 (grand finale)
This is one of my favorites. Photographed by James Bean on a car that we rented together in Florida a couple years ago. [fyi: I voted for the economy car]
This warning sign is on the handle of a release cable *inside* the trunk of a convertible Mustang.
Maybe the readers will help us find a new interpretation, but we could only come up with one.
Note: The release handle *must* exist to thwart evil intentions. Otherwise the stickman would not instruct us to RUN.
"If Bad people lock you in the back of a trunk, pull this release, leap from the car, and run away!"
There are only a few ways this could have come about. Here's the most likely one.
Vonda works at Ford. She's not real bright, but she's connected to the right people, 30 years deep in seniority, and she usually gets her way.
Vonda watches a movie on a Thursday night. In that movie, some character endears himself to Vonda's heart.
Sadly, this character is killed by mobsters after being hauled away to some isolated location in the trunk of a car.
Vonda looses a half hour of sleep as she thinks "if only you could open the trunk from inside the car!"
The next morning, Vonda takes Gordon (chief engineer for safety devices) aside and makes it perfectly clear, that this tragedy will not happen in a Ford Mustang on her watch.
Gordon, not realizing the depth of Vonda's resolve, jokingly notes that the handle would have to be made from "glow in the dark" plastic so you could find it in a dark trunk.
"Excellent, I want to see a CAD rendering on my desk Monday." Commands Vonda as she turns and walks away from disoriented Gordon.
.:That year, millions of dollars of wasted expense are passed along to Ford consumers.
.:A struggling "glow in the dark plastics" company in Armpit Falls, Arkansas survives one more year before closing it's doors.
.:Section 374b of The Mobster Handbook is updated, instructing kidnappers to remove the interior release with a pair of wire snips, whenever a Ford Mustang is used.
update: well according to Chris on Seth Godin's website here's the real story
But, the difference with the FORD handle, is the stick figure is running away, which makes it a lot more fun.
This warning sign is on the handle of a release cable *inside* the trunk of a convertible Mustang.
Maybe the readers will help us find a new interpretation, but we could only come up with one.
Note: The release handle *must* exist to thwart evil intentions. Otherwise the stickman would not instruct us to RUN.
"If Bad people lock you in the back of a trunk, pull this release, leap from the car, and run away!"
There are only a few ways this could have come about. Here's the most likely one.
Vonda works at Ford. She's not real bright, but she's connected to the right people, 30 years deep in seniority, and she usually gets her way.
Vonda watches a movie on a Thursday night. In that movie, some character endears himself to Vonda's heart.
Sadly, this character is killed by mobsters after being hauled away to some isolated location in the trunk of a car.
Vonda looses a half hour of sleep as she thinks "if only you could open the trunk from inside the car!"
The next morning, Vonda takes Gordon (chief engineer for safety devices) aside and makes it perfectly clear, that this tragedy will not happen in a Ford Mustang on her watch.
Gordon, not realizing the depth of Vonda's resolve, jokingly notes that the handle would have to be made from "glow in the dark" plastic so you could find it in a dark trunk.
"Excellent, I want to see a CAD rendering on my desk Monday." Commands Vonda as she turns and walks away from disoriented Gordon.
.:That year, millions of dollars of wasted expense are passed along to Ford consumers.
.:A struggling "glow in the dark plastics" company in Armpit Falls, Arkansas survives one more year before closing it's doors.
.:Section 374b of The Mobster Handbook is updated, instructing kidnappers to remove the interior release with a pair of wire snips, whenever a Ford Mustang is used.
update: well according to Chris on Seth Godin's website here's the real story
But, the difference with the FORD handle, is the stick figure is running away, which makes it a lot more fun.
3/23/2006
3/22/2006
please take a moment
3/18/2006
Warning Signs Part 2
Emergency instructions from Airtran:
(pictorial interpretation by Danielmatic)
"If there is an emergency (or if you feel otherwise inclined to do so) here is one good way to dismantle the aircraft."
"If the plane is being evacuated and you do not want wish to exert any effort in helping others, simply stand on the ground, waving and pointing your arms. This will also benefit those who are under the false impression that it would be best at this point to climb on top of the plane, instead of placing their feet on solid ground."
"If your plane makes a successful emergency landing in the high desert (near a mountain), exit the plane in a panic. Once you get to the bottom of the inflatable slide run like a banshee into the desert where you will have plenty of food and water. By spreading out in the wilderness, everyone has a much greater chance of being found quickly. "
(pictorial interpretation by Danielmatic)
"If there is an emergency (or if you feel otherwise inclined to do so) here is one good way to dismantle the aircraft."
"If the plane is being evacuated and you do not want wish to exert any effort in helping others, simply stand on the ground, waving and pointing your arms. This will also benefit those who are under the false impression that it would be best at this point to climb on top of the plane, instead of placing their feet on solid ground."
"If your plane makes a successful emergency landing in the high desert (near a mountain), exit the plane in a panic. Once you get to the bottom of the inflatable slide run like a banshee into the desert where you will have plenty of food and water. By spreading out in the wilderness, everyone has a much greater chance of being found quickly. "
3/16/2006
warning signs
lately, I've been fascinated by warning signs.
Here's one that I saw on a water heater.
It's pretty complex, but I think you get the idea.
Then I saw this one on a moving van while driving to the Flint airport.
"Packing Tape Should Not Be Used For Painful Practical Jokes."
I agree, I'm just not sure why this is on the side of the truck.
someone in this company is obviously carying scars from a bad college experience.
Tommorow's Edition: "Emergency Instructions from Airtran"
Here's one that I saw on a water heater.
It's pretty complex, but I think you get the idea.
Then I saw this one on a moving van while driving to the Flint airport.
"Packing Tape Should Not Be Used For Painful Practical Jokes."
I agree, I'm just not sure why this is on the side of the truck.
someone in this company is obviously carying scars from a bad college experience.
Tommorow's Edition: "Emergency Instructions from Airtran"
3/15/2006
quick update
hey friends. Sorry for the silence.
I've been pretty swamped preparing for a last minute trip to LA to promote stock20.com
it went well. I will regale you with stories and photos later.
for now, here is a tasty treat (stock20's recent demo):
I prefer that you listen to this on an mp3 player, good headphones, or good speakers....
www.stock20.com/media/200603-stock20-demo.mp3
-Daniel
I've been pretty swamped preparing for a last minute trip to LA to promote stock20.com
it went well. I will regale you with stories and photos later.
for now, here is a tasty treat (stock20's recent demo):
I prefer that you listen to this on an mp3 player, good headphones, or good speakers....
www.stock20.com/media/200603-stock20-demo.mp3
-Daniel
3/07/2006
Quote of the Day:
"well... you didn't call during a commercial..."
-Anthony Petty (indicating his lack of interest in continuing our phone conversationl)
-Anthony Petty (indicating his lack of interest in continuing our phone conversationl)
3/06/2006
the best news story ever
I do feel bad for the guy who got the stiches, but other than that, I'd say the higher primates have it coming (especially the lawyers and politicians).
Go Monkeys!
read the story here
summarized article highlights for my lazy friends:
Go Monkeys!
read the story here
summarized article highlights for my lazy friends:
A petitioner complained that the monkeys were attacking lawyers and their clients and snatching their food.
Delhi suffers from a serious monkey menace, with scores of animals seen across the city.
The monkeys are mostly seen around top government offices.
*
Delhi's monkeys have gained a notorious reputation for invading homes, schools and government offices.
The monkeys who have moved into residential areas and official enclaves due to Delhi's shrinking forests, are said to have become a security threat.
Two years ago, the ministry of defence found some of its top secret documents scattered all over the place one morning.
It was blamed on the many rhesus monkeys which flock around the colonial-era building.
*
3/03/2006
In a collaborative effort of The Daniel Rudd Media Group, and the James Bean Chancel Choir, the Super-BLOG is happy to offer you this small piece of tranquil reflection and meditation.
Be sure to listen with a good set of speakers or headphones (or put it in your ipod)
The Doxology
This will probably appear in the Starr Commonwealth Spiritual Development Video which I am about to complete.
**ps. Updated the boys blog with a video today (it's a view weeks old, but never before seen)
www.isaacandwill.blogspot.com
Be sure to listen with a good set of speakers or headphones (or put it in your ipod)
The Doxology
This will probably appear in the Starr Commonwealth Spiritual Development Video which I am about to complete.
**ps. Updated the boys blog with a video today (it's a view weeks old, but never before seen)
www.isaacandwill.blogspot.com
2/26/2006
"That's my Dad"
I've always been quick to (proudly) say: "that's my dad"
today my dad was surprised by the president of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary showing up at his church to award him "Distinguished Alumni of The Year."
I'm so proud of him (Not just for this)
I wish I could be there watching it in the second service right now, but Isaac has RSV (no hospitalization), and Andrea's on her work shift.
In addition to his earned doctorate at GRTS my dad also holds an honorary doctorate from Cedarville University.
Eclipsing both of these honors, Isaac and Will think very highly of "Bompa".
Last night, (Saturday night--when most preachers are working up a sweat over their sermon) my dad was here putting Will to bed while Andrea and I took Isaac to the medicenter.
Later that evening I was rocking Isaac to sleep on the couch. As my dad was leaving he called out, "I love you" --just as I was whispering the same thing in Isaac's ear.
The irony of that moment was great, so I enjoyed it for a moment. Then...
...I leaned close to Isaac and told him, "That's *my* dad."
2/17/2006
It's all Slipping Away
We have a tradition: Couch time.
Most mornings, I get up with the boys and spend the first hour with them, before mommy or the babysitter takes over (if it's a workday).
Couch time is special. We play. We cuddle. One at a time as the other waits in their corner of the couch.
But like the Starr Spangled Banner at professional sporting events, couch time gets shorter every morning.
Isaac just wants to get down and crawl.
Will doesn't want to be left out.
Tommorow we're going to listen to "The Cat's in the Cradle" together.
Then I'm going to look them in thier little eyes and say, "you guys are the dad"
Most mornings, I get up with the boys and spend the first hour with them, before mommy or the babysitter takes over (if it's a workday).
Couch time is special. We play. We cuddle. One at a time as the other waits in their corner of the couch.
But like the Starr Spangled Banner at professional sporting events, couch time gets shorter every morning.
Isaac just wants to get down and crawl.
Will doesn't want to be left out.
Tommorow we're going to listen to "The Cat's in the Cradle" together.
Then I'm going to look them in thier little eyes and say, "you guys are the dad"
2/12/2006
2/10/2006
Creativity
Remind us to know that the more we create out of love of an idea, the better our work, our lives, our influence, becomes.
-A simple Prayer from Ray Bradbury
I came across this while reading through some of the old "Backburner" Posts from my brother Andrew.
-A simple Prayer from Ray Bradbury
I came across this while reading through some of the old "Backburner" Posts from my brother Andrew.
2/09/2006
Guilty Pleasures
I've been "tagged" by my wife who was tagged by my sister (who turns out to be quite the lush) who was tagged by my brother.
So, with great hesitation I make my confessions.
I offer you my guilty pleasures:
1. thinking positive thoughts all day.
2. humming cheerily as I work (mostly inspirational music).
3. straightening things up around the house.
4. refilling the windshield washing fluid containers at local gas stations.
5. paying just a little bit more than I need to on my taxes (just in case).
6. using my imagination to "replace" cusswords with appropriate substitutes (like dang, or poo) while watching TV or listening to the radio.
Well, now that you know. I hope we can still be friends.
I tag my good buddy Vanilla Ice. And his biggest fan Dick Cheney
So, with great hesitation I make my confessions.
I offer you my guilty pleasures:
1. thinking positive thoughts all day.
2. humming cheerily as I work (mostly inspirational music).
3. straightening things up around the house.
4. refilling the windshield washing fluid containers at local gas stations.
5. paying just a little bit more than I need to on my taxes (just in case).
6. using my imagination to "replace" cusswords with appropriate substitutes (like dang, or poo) while watching TV or listening to the radio.
Well, now that you know. I hope we can still be friends.
I tag my good buddy Vanilla Ice. And his biggest fan Dick Cheney
2/06/2006
2 New Videos from The Boys
this is from Will and Isaac's blog, but worthy of a double-post.
Finally, more video clips:
If you liked Andrea's soup story/picture, you'll love the motion picture version. Shortly after, we were able to capture will in one of his "dramatic moments."
"Souper-boy"
"The Many Faces of Will"
-Daniel
If you can't stream them, you might try "right click > save target as" *download them to your hard drive, then find the file and play it.
Finally, more video clips:
If you liked Andrea's soup story/picture, you'll love the motion picture version. Shortly after, we were able to capture will in one of his "dramatic moments."
"Souper-boy"
"The Many Faces of Will"
-Daniel
If you can't stream them, you might try "right click > save target as" *download them to your hard drive, then find the file and play it.
2/03/2006
Bono Rocks (in so many ways)
"Look, whatever thoughts you have about God, who He is or if He exists, most will agree that if there is a God, He has a special place for the poor. In fact, the poor are where God lives."
A very small slice of a very excellent homily, given by Bono at the national prayer breakfast in washington.
read the rest of it here
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