What's Important

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes." The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things --your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained; your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter; like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the smallstuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. "Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first --the things that really matter-- Set your priorities. "The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked." "It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem; there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend "

The Creep

This video is amazing. I am laughing so hard! Their mustaches are super creepy.

Great Cover

I absolutely love this video of The Beatles covering Smokey Robinson's, "You've Really Got a Hold On Me". There's something about Smokey Robinson's lyrics that gives me shivers, in a good way. This impromptu cover produces the same chilling effect. The eye contact between George and John really shows that they are following each others lead. It's a great version of a classic.

1964 Redding - Can you add this one to your set list?

Funny

I'm lucky to sit around co-workers that have a great sense of humor. This cartoon made me laugh out loud!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Animal Crackers made their first US appearance in the late 19th century. Most snackers associate the traditional box packaging with the delicious sweet snack. In 1902 a small ribbon handle was added to the boxes making them easier to hang as Christmas ornaments. In total, 54 different animals have been represented by Nabisco's Barnum's Animals Crackers since 1902. Currently, each package contains 22 crackers consisting of a variety of animals.

Nabisco's Barnum's Animals Crackers references the famous showman, P.T. Barnum. His original traveling act was titled, "P. T. Barnum's Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan & Hippodrome" which included a circus, exotic animals, and freaks. Barnum's life consisted of business, politics, hoaxes, and human curiosities that made history. He eventually sold his circus to Ringling Brothers on July 8, 1907 for $400,000 (about $8.5 million in 2008 dollars)

New Orleans Funeral

Detroit legend Jim Shaw passed away early last month after a long battle with cancer. He was the brains behind the music. The Metro Times composed a great tribute article on his accomplishments. It's only natural that his friends and family laid him to rest with a traditional New Orleans jazz funeral. Check out a couple snap shots here. The cutie under the red umbrella is Sandy, his supportive and loving wife.

Sharks!

Did you know that no one has ever recorded a Great White giving birth in the wild? At least that's what I was told. Sharks are such impressive creatures. Only 302 days until Shark Week 2011. In the mean time, enjoy this National Geographic shark slide show. I think I like the Whale shark best, it just looks so innocent underwater.

A Monday Playlist

It's a mellow, mid-month Monday. If I had to pick an ultimate play list for today it would be composed of the following songs. Clearly some of them seem like they are on the cusp of depressing but don't take the lyrics too seriously...

Sea of Love - Cat Power
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
Mushaboom - Feist
Cause=Time - Broken Social Scene
If I Am A Stranger - Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
Cath - Death Cab For Cutie
We are Going to be Friends - The White Stripes
Mystifies Me - Son Volt
Does He Love You? - Rilo Kiley
Angela Surf City - The Walkmen

Great Movie Moments...

Fletch: Can I borrow your towel for a sec? My car just hit a water buffalo.

Ruins of Detroit

I have a love-hate relationship with the Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre site that Zakk sent me. At first I thought, "great, another hipster photographer exposing the world to the aftermath of the industrial revolution and city riots". But, after reading the intro and browsing the pictures, I think he captured some effective images of Detroit.

I've been in Michigan Central Station, United Artists Theatre and St. Albertus School to experience the architecture and see the decay. When I look at these photographs I notice rotting books and turned over desks, but I also see classroom filled with generations of Detroiters looking to enhance their educations. I recognize churches once filled with families that found solitude and companionship when they arrived in the city. Being a realist, I don't expect these buildings to beam as they once did but I am hopeful for fresh start.