tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21288368536521678952024-03-13T07:49:14.566-05:00J.R. Jenks' Blogagile / banjo / software development / technologyJ.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.comBlogger526125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-71946455750711406872022-09-20T08:12:00.000-05:002022-09-20T08:12:01.626-05:00Bully For You<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://bullyscomics.blogspot.com/" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="975" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEissRFXmy0bxovSKlNMGyv4yst7O9hH7xsNJXa8Z8M0DthCBJYkTO6TJ0nZc7X4bzLvnIxcJaOyhBbkfb2yfwp-3DImIq8nx1OXG42F5ptshtcZD6KTfJDzLQqfvUZ8QwNG9rxHQCQaOLX4ZQCM0vfEqNen7niRH4s-LGqHrna_3iUYGzgC6rQwGw5JLw/s1600/newbullyheader-2022%20copy.jpg"/></a></div><br>
I'm not really maintaining this blog these days. If you're looking for frequently-updated, fun content you've come to the wrong place.<br>
<br>
What's the right place for frequently-updated, fun content? It's <a href="https://bullyscomics.blogspot.com">Bully Says: Comics Oughta Be Fun</a> at <a href="https://bullyscomics.blogspot.com">https://bullyscomics.blogspot.com</a>, run by my friend and everybody's, Bully the Little Stuffed Bull.<br>
<br>
You're welcome.J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-56716118044847045142022-09-20T07:59:00.004-05:002022-09-20T07:59:43.339-05:00Hey.It's been a minute.J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-64192767603692448632013-04-23T15:40:00.000-05:002013-04-23T15:40:16.149-05:00From Nand to Tetris<!--
--><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aJI4wen6JmA/UXbte4u9IRI/AAAAAAAALGw/QwopMIz21T0/s288/cover.jpg" height="288" width="256" /></p><!--
--><p>As an employer and tech guy I've often been frustrated by recent college graduates who have earned a degree in computer science but who don't know how computer systems are really put together.</p><!--
--><p>While researching a DSL (domain-specific language) project I ran across an interesting approach to computer systems education. It's a book, <i>The Elements of Computing Systems</i>, MIT Press, by Noam Nisan and Shimon Schocken and a companion web site at <a href="http://www.nand2tetris.org/">www.nand2tetris.org</a>.</p><!--
--><p>The idea is to, in a semester or two, take students through the process of an entire computer system from scratch.<!--
--><p>Here's a visual look at the course outline (lifted from <i><a href="http://shimonschocken.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Synthesis-course.pdf">A Synthesis Course in Hardware Architecture, Compilers, and Software Engineering</a></i>, SIGCSE 2009. </p><!--
--><p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fbpuEH6xBsz7_EYPsFjyNdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gmof_tfAj2E/UXbxJ6FaofI/AAAAAAAALHE/6VkBvRt9Rjg/s800/outline.jpg" height="499" width="656" /></a></p><!--
--><p>Very cool concept!</p><!--
-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-80525953587616700912012-12-21T23:35:00.000-06:002012-12-21T23:35:02.643-06:00Santa Tracker: 37.5 percent<!--
--><p><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wVVZhdAguW4/UNVFoe-J-0I/AAAAAAAALGc/__8Ks1IXesA/s400/2012-12-21a-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="I don't believe in Peter Pan / Frankenstein or Superman / All I wanna do is..." /></p><!--
--><p>Okay, so I only moved the Santa Tracker 5% today, but it was an imporant 5%. I'll say nothing more just in case my 2yo twins read this.</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-49404366200099208212012-12-20T13:56:00.001-06:002012-12-20T13:56:43.075-06:00Santa Tracker: 32.5 percent<!--
--><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ALLrzRYOxIU/UNNtECR75ZI/AAAAAAAALGM/P6MzSVgL7to/s400/2012-12-20b-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="Yay!" /></p><!--
--><p>Yay, Internet!</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-20569086417201897102012-12-20T00:12:00.001-06:002012-12-20T00:21:16.543-06:00Santa Tracker: 19.4 percent<!--
--><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aOuUAPJ3hiE/UNKrzhaCiAI/AAAAAAAALF8/kZvZ3HP1nRM/s400/2012-12-20a-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="A little better all the time" /></p><!--
--><p>The redhead reminded me of some purchases we'd already made. Also, we did some shopping.</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-6188196281076286852012-12-19T14:24:00.000-06:002012-12-19T14:24:05.096-06:00Santa Tracker: 5.6 percent<!--
--><p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-c4jti6wYgAM/UNIhgHmOKDI/AAAAAAAALFs/0OI6Ur0JIuE/s400/2012-12-19a-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." /></p><!--
--><p>Okay, so Santa Tracker 2012 is not off to a great start. It's been a busy time. We'll make it.</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-5960715067578213492012-12-14T13:40:00.000-06:002012-12-19T14:24:20.152-06:00Santa Tracker 2012<!--
--><p><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wgf34qYpces/UMt7xFXgfII/AAAAAAAALFY/PYe5LH2LeRs/s400/2012-12-14a-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="Pooh-pooh to the Whos!" /></p><!--
--><blockquote><i>Christmas, Christmas time is near<br><!--
-->Time for toys and time for cheer<br><!--
-->We've been good, but we can't last<br><!--
-->Hurry Christmas, hurry fast<br><!--
-->Want a plane that loops the loop<br><!--
-->Me, I want a hula hoop<br><!--
-->We can hardly stand the wait<br><!--
-->Please Christmas, don't be late.</i><!--
--></blockquote><!--
--><p>Debuting in <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Santa%20Tracker%202007">2007</a>, <!--
-->reappearing in <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Santa%20Tracker%202008">2008</a>, <!--
-->continuing in <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Santa%20Tracker%202009">2009</a>, <!--
-->very nearly getting started in 2010 <!--
-->and almost getting complete in <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Santa%20Tracker%202011">2011</a>, <!--
-->the Santa Tracker is back for another year!</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-18176584042168994462012-07-24T15:40:00.003-05:002012-07-24T15:41:07.064-05:00The Dark Knight Returns deleted scene<!--
--><p><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004266/">Catwoman</a>...</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SYWazC4ctzM/UA7KI32cs8I/AAAAAAAAK8Q/dOpwevTVXBk/s800/Catwoman.jpg" height="302" width="173" /></p><!--
--><p>...is stealing jewels from a castle. She is interrupted by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000267/">Queen Renaldi</a>...</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8inzfxw6uSA/UA7MYBx_SJI/AAAAAAAAK8g/jkQvBoCxgG0/s800/Renaldi.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></p><!--
--><p>...who pulls off Catwoman's mask and cries "Mia Thermopolis! Princess! What are you doing?"</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RuNQNV4xBAU/UA7K2LrTiOI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/epxd9GISwSY/s800/Mia.jpg" height="322" width="483" /></p><!--
--><p>Just then <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000362/">Penguin</a> attacks...</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XbhusVamMtY/UA7_wQ-8yLI/AAAAAAAAK80/Eqf6AN1vvOo/s400/Penguin.jpg" height="400" width="257" /></p><!--
--><p>...threatening Mia with an umbrella sword. His attack is parried by the umbrella of Queen Renaldi, who is actually Mary Poppins.</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YQw4CKyBJMQ/UA7MYWMZRMI/AAAAAAAAK8o/WT47yGRbdvU/s400/Mary%2520Poppins.jpg" height="400" width="365" /></p><!--
--><p>An umbrella duel ensues but is interrupted when a taxi crashes through the castle wall, driven by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000447/">Elaine O'Connor-Nardo</a>...</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XaLvPJp4YCs/UA8BRszqS8I/AAAAAAAAK9I/Gtv4zhgfLF0/s800/Elaine.jpg" height="298" width="379" /></p><!--
--><p>...who knocks off Penguin's top hat to reveal that he's her dispatcher, Louie De Palma.</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5UhEaK9-9Wg/UA7_w2Py-fI/AAAAAAAAK88/-bHII0dg-YU/s400/Louie.jpg" height="400" width="219" /></p><!--
--><p>Suddenly <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000474/">Johnny Dangerously</a>...</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-N4EAlGifT7g/UA8EEIPyAPI/AAAAAAAAK9c/3qpZLd7RhM8/s800/JohnnyDangerously.jpg" height="169" width="300" /></p><!--
--><p>...dives through the window, kisses "Elaine" and announces that she's secretly Johnny's girlfriend Lil.</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JdT8voFqaKU/UA8BRy-mMHI/AAAAAAAAK9M/GyhPUHA0fjc/s400/Lil.jpg" height="400" width="237" /></p><!--
--><p>But we know he's really Batman.</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9xB4SI3_zKA/UA8EEeRyFjI/AAAAAAAAK9g/eWRyBKxy2Jc/s400/Batman.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></p><!--
--><p>Batman's identity is confirmed when <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000224/">Batgirl</a>...</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pGVZ7tM_W2E/UA8FXBQ9HdI/AAAAAAAAK9s/oCwhBR44ApI/s800/Batgirl.jpg" height="390" width="305" /></p><!--
--><p>...puts a mask on him, only to have her own mask yanked off by <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388500/">Jorge</a>...</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZfUpHivd0Rw/UA8GP0VI6kI/AAAAAAAAK94/V__h22tjcQ0/s800/Jorge.jpg" height="288" width="226" /></p><!--
--><p>...revealing her to be Lynn, who washed hair in Jorge's beauty shop.</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-U68Qi11GvjI/UA8FXAkFNvI/AAAAAAAAK9w/ylCeSA0D28o/s800/Lynn.jpg" height="288" width="226" /></p><!--
--><p>All eyes are now on Jorge.</p><!--
--><p>There's an awkward pause.</p><!--
--><p>"All right," Jorge says as he yanks off his wig. "I'm Kevin Bacon."</p><!--
--><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hmPROieuogs/UA8GQGhHMfI/AAAAAAAAK-A/e_HuzajehWc/s400/Bacon.jpg" height="400" width="294" /></p><!--
-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-74709429672116328532012-07-23T13:51:00.000-05:002012-08-02T11:52:11.008-05:00Banjo joke on Star Trek: Voyager<!--
--><p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sB4km04M-C9RcfNKblM4VtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-moBukPQwn-U/UA2Rvhh3HLI/AAAAAAAAK74/Lj6OD9QL3Iw/s288/Banjo%2520with%2520Voyager%2520logo.jpg" height="288" width="247" alt="To boldly pluck..." /></a></p><!--
--><p>I just got a sci-fi banjo joke from 17 years ago and 67,000 light years away.</p><!--
--><p>In the 2001 pilot episode ("Caretaker") for Star Trek: Voyager we learn the show's premise: Voyager is pulled across the galaxy by a <a href="http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Caretaker_(Nacene)">mysterious caretaker</a> and must make its way back home.</p><!--
--><p>The caretaker assumes several forms, including that of an elderly banjo player...</p><!--
--><p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yNm3XitSyTfcyOFAt5i6oNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WO750Xr4eIU/UA2RvYGtQkI/AAAAAAAAK7w/AxOqlaCyLvw/s400/2012-07-23%2520Star%2520Trek%2520Banjo%2520001.jpg" height="304" width="400" alt="Hello there stranger, how do you do?" /></a></p><!--
--><p>...who plays a few licks here and there.</p><!--
--><p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UnbNLYJ_JGa5cA1KOX_zqNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i958Ty0UwHU/UA2RvrvaSdI/AAAAAAAAK78/BbICST1r10E/s400/2012-07-23%2520Star%2520Trek%2520Banjo%2520002.jpg" height="304" width="400" alt="" /></a></p><!--
--><p></p><!--
--><p>The joke (such as it is) occurs when the crew approaches approaches the banjo man asking as he's sitting on a lawn couch, plucking idly. I think he's playing "Go Home."</p><!--
--><p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ppKyphr8Eas" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><!--
--><p>If you've got Netflix you can check for yourself around the 35:40 mark in <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Star_Trek_Voyager/70158331?trkid=8379860">Star Trek: Voyager</a> in Watch Instantly.</p><!--
--><!--
Blogger only: --><blockquote><i><small><a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888&blogid=27408">Cross-posted</a> at <a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888">J.R.'s Banjo Hangout blog</a></small></i></blockquote><!--
-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-17762046523154226962012-03-24T11:21:00.002-05:002012-03-24T11:26:45.959-05:00Cutie mark couture<!--<br />--><p>I'm a guy who likes his <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2008/02/who-are-you-wearing.html">comic book shirts in the logo style</a>, so I much prefer...</p><!--<br />--><p><!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iPozQymENUPb8ofGRQoPLNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nd78j3hCDKg/T23rsuYF7nI/AAAAAAAAK6k/7m0emYHh-_w/s144/shazam-logo-t-shirt.jpg" height="116" width="144" /></a> <!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ij_7iDDOFgKOqilW341hVNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1x6Gpt-CKmE/T23ylWLrYMI/AAAAAAAAK7U/EmUzYr7oeIk/s144/image-tswwjunsymcost-primary-shswatermark.jpg" height="144" width="133" /></a> <!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cqB6Ot7uQ39P-0WPo1s15NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cT23N3Ayv3Q/T23ylfaM7jI/AAAAAAAAK7M/jWdmAVqUBWo/s144/271094_hi.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <!--<br />--></p><!--<br />--><p>...to...</p><!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G05xUAl67vkpalPjc_RNb9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B842p1uube8/T23rtLPgZUI/AAAAAAAAK6s/13Niq7HgPMA/s144/dc-comics-shazam.jpg" height="144" width="142" /></a> <!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W7gQ75owDn5lHFuVP52WINMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7sJJF04LYOQ/T23yl81VeYI/AAAAAAAAK7c/T73dD8J5oJU/s144/047953CTTSd.jpg" height="144" width="144" /></a> <!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PNmlo64A8QkIHKXdHRgsX9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Fuenj4PdbM/T23yk-vagkI/AAAAAAAAK7E/6TPm47CrL5w/s144/image-tsbatsublime-primary-watermark.jpg" height="144" width="126" /></a> <!--<br />--></p><!--<br />--><p><!--<br />--><p>So what's a brony to do when dressing his 16-month-old daughter in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic clothing?</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lc6fRsAqVUyoiJbKcv2fOtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MKhpxZ7HjYA/T23ljsfWseI/AAAAAAAAK6M/aEjLFLF6w44/s800/FIM.jpg" height="275" width="554" /></a></p><!--<br />--><p>Most of the MLP:FIM wear out there is in the style of drawings...</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kErL83KJIHfKnGuFl9iIrNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aa4ysxKX8aM/T23uOwx8f7I/AAAAAAAAK64/rI9Lknr6kkw/s144/FIM%2520too%2520busy%2520shirt.jpg" height="144" width="129" /></a></p><!--<br />--><p>...and I'm a logo guy.</p><!--<br />--><p>Fortunately, <a href="http://www.inktastic.com/">Inktastic</a> can help a brony out. I just grabbed <a href="http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/Cutie_mark/Gallery">some PNG files of cutie marks</a> from Wikia, used them to create custom toddler wear at Inktastic and <i>voila!</i></p><!--<br />--><p><!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CNvRFrHD9QkJOyUzi41_5dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ll7XuQHxDXY/T23lP1yYIhI/AAAAAAAAK5U/z5ltLDsuswg/s144/Applejack%2520infant%2520creeper.jpg" height="144" width="144" alt="Applejack" /></a> <!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BMF3ZF9Ex1eg6XBmsBjpq9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OYQZ8N3ys5Y/T23lQttFFhI/AAAAAAAAK5s/7bmFNV_QDkI/s144/Rainbow%2520Dash%2520infant%2520creeper.jpg" height="144" width="144" alt="Rainbow Dash" /></a> <!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hXrFO098pGgAHyrNQyLFaNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9DHzF-Yi0zM/T23lROAh3bI/AAAAAAAAK58/KUwqQO8HBLk/s144/Twilight%2520Sparkle%2520infant%2520creeper.jpg" height="144" width="144" alt="Twilight Sparkle" /></a> <!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wZqrXSmcw4tYynLZDIZh_NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-drBlbP6KBS4/T23lQ9ue0yI/AAAAAAAAK50/-69f2VtP_II/s144/Rarity%2520infant%2520creeper.jpg" height="144" width="144" alt="Rarity" /></a> <!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CvD7v_qy_aGrRFjo9gKQeNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fl5sQmmgtEc/T23lQMINm3I/AAAAAAAAK5c/KY227V0dBsg/s144/Fluttershy%2520infant%2520creeper.jpg" height="144" width="144" alt="Fluttershy" /></a> <!--<br />--><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uudIZAb_XvFj3SUGy28xxNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b5AQlFpbkxI/T23lQZBCB6I/AAAAAAAAK5k/3txmdvRuAN4/s144/Pinkie%2520Pie%2520infant%2520creeper.jpg" height="144" width="144" alt="Pinkie Pie" /></a> <!--<br />--></p><!--<br />--><p>I'm just getting the three on the left for now, mostly because I don't think the other three are a very good color match.</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jsiy6Zv7_8-0jFZeq24iHdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iOYQJ8rGuoc/T23lj_BWi9I/AAAAAAAAK6Q/vay9DITXtVA/s800/Harmony.jpg" height="225" width="400" alt="" /></a></p><!--<br />--><p>I'll keep on the lookout for a site that will let me print custom onesies in the correct colors for Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.</p><!--<br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-20513031481656691272012-03-24T09:56:00.002-05:002012-03-24T10:00:19.709-05:00Flatt & Scruggs on Netflix Watch Instantly<!--<br />--><p><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pH-llsOrHgl5wCzGA9CYq9iyo4JULYYeHY7cj9Qm4NU?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_B5E8CzzYbE/T23egKyRrYI/AAAAAAAAK5I/oJcrbsFvnnc/s400/Best%2520of%2520F%2520%2526%2520S.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></p><!--<br />--><p>I just noticed that <i>The Flatt & Scruggs TV Show</i> <a href="http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/The_Flatt_Scruggs_TV_Show/70157207">is available on Netflix Watch Instantly</a>.</p><!--<br />--><p>This would have been counted as both banjo and TV for the <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Banjo%20versus%20TV">Banjo versus TV project</a>.</p><!--<br />--><!--<br /><br />Blogger only: --><blockquote><i><small><a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888&blogid=26152">Cross-posted</a> at <a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888">J.R.'s Banjo Hangout blog</a></small></i></blockquote><!--<br /><br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-68957010413155850542011-12-24T10:56:00.001-06:002011-12-24T10:56:45.500-06:00Santa Tracker: 75.4 percent<!--<br />--><p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iaJD1jebPK8/TvYDqtyc4uI/AAAAAAAAK44/ZxHc-3bjNLM/s400/2011-12-24a-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="75.4%" /></p><!--<br />--><p>It might not look like it but we're fine, really. We're not seeing a few people until after Christmas.</p><!--<br />--><p>Also, we're done with Christmas shopping for our dog.</p><!--<br />--><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lg_ZNkvQcNY/TvYDqR_DBhI/AAAAAAAAK40/HHVoQoSJfUw/s400/Rawhide%252520lollipops.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></p><!--<br />--><p>Don't tell her!</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-54369509525171611672011-12-21T14:01:00.000-06:002011-12-21T14:02:29.173-06:00Santa Tracker: 66.2 percent<!--<br />--><p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1oeCka4dwK8/TvInZN8zWxI/AAAAAAAAK4s/ZSZnPisixjI/s400/2011-12-21a-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="66.2%" /></p><!--<br />--><p>So how is it that the Santa Tracker moves so fast?</p><!--<br />--><p><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Pikx-ascz5w/TvI1c4PaWQI/AAAAAAAAK4w/Iq1icszXd78/s288/Packages.jpg" height="288" width="215" /></p><!--<br />--><p>Elves.</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-33735959530456219242011-12-19T10:50:00.000-06:002011-12-19T10:51:11.760-06:00Santa Tracker: 52.5 percent<!--<br />--><p><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-73zB6zhBs38/Tu9qBp1MMxI/AAAAAAAAK4g/RP4XQE7Nfoc/s400/2011-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="52.5%" /></p><!--<br />--><p>Wauwatosa! That's where that one hard-to-find item was hiding. So we're having them ship it to us from Wisconsin and it should be here in time. Yay!</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-9944465986452163522011-12-17T23:44:00.002-06:002011-12-17T23:48:41.315-06:00Santa Tracker: 24.4 percent<!--<br />--><p><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nHJ6nz_pNg4/Tu17LLe7GdI/AAAAAAAAK4Y/ZVEXfXhk1pc/s400/2011-12-17b-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="Better not pout" /></p><!--<br />--><p>Okay, our <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2011/12/santa-tracker-2011.html">earlier Santa Tracker</a> wasn't entirely accurate, but it's traditional for the first tracker to show 0%. Here's the real deal: We're at 24.4%, which isn't bad for a week before Christmas.</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-83790057618534187792011-12-17T12:27:00.000-06:002011-12-17T12:28:25.683-06:00Santa Tracker 2011<!--<br />--><p><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mkTiLLpBvO0/TuzPv4lsD7I/AAAAAAAAK4Q/hwjUNZpmBwM/s400/2011-12-17a-Santa-Tracker.jpg" alt="You're as cuddly as a cactus, you're as charming as an eel" /></p><!--<br />--><blockquote><i>Christmas time is here, by golly<br><!--<br />-->Disapproval would be folly<br><!--<br />-->Deck the halls with hunks of holly<br><!--<br />-->Fill the cup and don't say "when"<br><!--<br />-->Kill the turkeys, ducks and chickens<br><!--<br />-->Mix the punch, drag out the Dickens<br><!--<br />-->Even though the prospect sickens<br><!--<br />-->Brother, here we go again</i><!--<br />--></blockquote><!--<br />--><p>Just as we did in <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Santa%20Tracker%202007">2007</a>, <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Santa%20Tracker%202008">2008</a> and <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Santa%20Tracker%202009">2009</a> (and as we would've done in 2010 if that wasn't such a freaky busy December), we are proud to present the Santa Tracker!</p>J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-20752786255146042432011-02-03T15:55:00.002-06:002011-02-03T15:57:44.573-06:00Set your DVR: Orange Blossom Special - The Story of a Bluegrass Anthem<!--<br />--><p>The Banjo versus TV project <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2010/12/thats-it-for-banjo-versus-tv-project.html">is over</a>, but I still get automated reminders of TV programs that are of interest to banjo players. Here's one that my DVR will be recording tomorrow.</p><!--<br />--><blockquote><strong><a href="http://www.ovationtv.com/programs/516-orange-blossom-special">Orange Blossom Special: The Story of a Bluegrass Anthem</a></strong><!--<br />--><br><br>Orange Blossom Special is a provocative and moving salute to one of the most enduring fiddle tunes of all time. This is an exploration of an extraordinary song that helped define Bluegrass before it had a name. Covered by musicians around the world. Orange Blossom Special is a song that challenges the virtuosity of all who play it and provides inspirational room to be different each time it is interpreted. Named after a seasonal train that ran down the East Coast to Florida, Orange Blossom Special was written in 1938 by Ervin T. Rouse and made famous by Chubby Wise and Johnny Cash. The song's evocation of the train's sound and speed has been interpreted in every musical form on festival stages around the world. Featuring the music of Vassar Clements, Johnny Cash, Bela Fleck, Charlie Daniels, The Del McCoury Band, String Cheese Incident and others.<!--<br />--></blockquote><!--<br />--><p>The program airs tomorrow (Friday, Feb 4) on <a href="http://www.ovationtv.com">Ovation</a>.</p><!--<br />--><!--<br /><br />Blogger only: --><blockquote><i><small><a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888&blogid=20463">Cross-posted</a> at <a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888">J.R.'s Banjo Hangout blog</a></small></i></blockquote><!--<br /><br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-30490269639111235592010-12-26T22:48:00.003-06:002010-12-26T22:54:34.258-06:00That's it for the Banjo versus TV project!<!--<br />--><p>It's time, my loyal readers (Hi Mom!), to end the <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Banjo%20versus%20TV">Banjo versus TV</a> project and to start a new banjo(ish)-related project in its place.</p><!--<br />--><p>"Why?" I hear you ask, because you're kind of loud when you cry out in surprise.</p><!--<br />--><p>Because TWINS! That's why.</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bZsWLaeY28Kd8l9GItaQ4g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TRgUoqpg7sI/AAAAAAAAK2I/dGBuxASpeB0/s400/2010-12-15%20Twins%21%20002.JPG" height="400" width="300" alt="From left to right: Baby B, J.R., Baby A" /></a></p><!--<br />--><p>I've really enjoyed doing the Banjo versus TV project since <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2008/01/banjo-versus-tv.html">I started it</a> in 2008 as a new year's resolution. I have, since then and with only <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2009/04/return-of-banjo-versus-tv-project.html">a short break</a>, kept that resolution and have spent as much time on my banjo as I spent watching TV. It's been very, very good for my banjo playing.</p><!--<br />--><p>But with the twins here, a few things are changing. For one, the redhead and I are determined not to have the TV on all the time as we're raising the twins. If I'm only going to watch a meager amount of TV, what's the point of matching that with a meager amount of banjo time?</p><!--<br />--><p>Also, too: There's just not going to be a lot of time for blogging.</p><!--<br />--><p>If I'm going to continue exploring the banjo — and I am — I'll need to try a different approach. An approach which will...<ul><!--<br /> --><li>take into consideration the limited amount of time in a new father's schedule,</li><!--<br /> --><li>figure out how to integrate amateur banjodom and parenthood,</li><!--<br /> --><li>be a little more forgiving of delay than a track-my-time-really-carefully and blog-about-it-once-a-week project,</li><!--<br /> --><li>but still be fun.</li><!--<br />--></ul></p><!--<br />-->So watch this space for my next project: <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/New%20Daddy%20Banjo">New Daddy Banjo</a>.<!--<br /><br />Blogger only: --><blockquote><i><small><a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888&blogid=19804">Cross-posted</a> at <a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888">J.R.'s Banjo Hangout blog</a></small></i></blockquote><!--<br /><br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-16478663919463083222010-12-19T18:00:00.000-06:002010-12-19T18:01:27.047-06:00Zuni Elf on the Shelf<p>The redhead and I were discussing how creepy <a href="http://www.elfontheshelf.com/">Elf on the Shelf™</a> is, which led to me suggesting that we just get the <a href="http://www.mwctoys.com/REVIEW_103104a.htm">Zuni doll</a> from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilogy_of_Terror"><i>Trilogy of Terror</i></a> and put an elf hat on it, which led to Photoshop, which led to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrjenks/5275144415/">this</a>.</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrjenks/5275144415/" title="Zuni Elf on the Shelf by jrjenks_agiletek, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5043/5275144415_d2cd302694.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Zuni Elf on the Shelf" /></a></p><!--<br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-1162613512328591562010-10-31T11:49:00.000-05:002010-10-31T11:50:28.151-05:00Halloween 2010: Stork with twins<!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrjenks/5128174615/" title="2010 Stork with twins by jrjenks_agiletek, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/5128174615_2118da1862.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="2010 Stork with twins" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jrjenks/5128174691/" title="2010 Stork with twins (closeup) by jrjenks_agiletek, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5128174691_6aaf6daa86.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt="2010 Stork with twins (closeup)" /></a></p><!--<br />--><p>This year's addition to <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2008/10/gallery-of-jrs-halloween-costumes.html">my gallery of Halloween costumes</a>: Stork with twins.</p><!--<br />--><p>Note that this is 100% costume. The actual twins will arrive soon, when the actual stork brings them.</p><!--<br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-1827921818520894182010-10-29T07:28:00.000-05:002010-10-29T07:29:03.555-05:00I won the #bwayplot contest!<!--<br />--><p>The other day I was watching <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ_Superstar_(film)"><i>Jesus Christ Superstar</i></a> on <a href="http://www.ovationtv.com/">Ovation TV</a> and I actually paid attention to the annoying <a href="http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/news/2008/08/lower_third.htm">lower third ad</a>:</p><!--<br />--><p><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpFl0Er1aI/AAAAAAAAKzo/zt766DVPBZ0/s800/%23bwayplot%20ad%201.jpg" height="366" width="634" /></p><!--<br />--><p><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpFmCushII/AAAAAAAAKzs/8Ef-mq1oQ_o/s800/%23bwayplot%20ad%202.jpg" height="366" width="634" /></p><!--<br />--><p><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpFmW6xD6I/AAAAAAAAKzw/1669naf41aE/s800/%23bwayplot%20ad%203.jpg" height="366" width="634" /></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>So I fired up my <a href="http://twitter.com/j_r_jenks">little-used Twitter account</a> and tweeted a few plots. A few days later Ovation <a href="http://community.ovationtv.com/page/bwayplotwinners.html">announced the winners</a> and, whodathunkit, I won first place!</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>First prize was a pair of tickets to a Broadway show in the winner's area. I picked <a href="http://www.hairontour.com/"><i>Hair</i></a>, which is <a href="http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/shows_dyn.php?cmd=display_current&display_showtag=Hair_2011">coming to Chicago</a> in March.</p><!--<br /><br />Mame<br />--><p>Here's my winning tweet. Click on it to see what Broadway show I summarized. Float over it for a hint.</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilV5K8tw_6o"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpSATUL7yI/AAAAAAAAK0o/-ox2iqivIQ0/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Mame.jpg" height="100" width="561" alt="You've got that banjoes strummin' / And plunkin' out a tune to beat the band, / The whole plantation's hummin' / Since you brought Dixie back to Dixieland" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>I summarized a bunch of others, too, like:</p><!--<br /><br />Chitty Chitty Bang Bang<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylNwSv6c7m0"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpR_H05cRI/AAAAAAAAK0Q/L4pqabTYQaQ/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Chitty%20Chitty%20Bang%20Bang.jpg" height="68" width="561" alt="Our fine four-fendered friend" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />A Streetcar Named Desire<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1A0p0F_iH8"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpSAGJK1hI/AAAAAAAAK0k/te7B7CXkxQM/s800/j_r_jrenks%20A%20Streetcar%20Named%20Desire.jpg" height="100" width="561" alt="Stella!" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Annie Get Your Gun<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY7Hh5PzELo"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpSA3ELvqI/AAAAAAAAK0w/gx9WHCtRfmo/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Annie%20Get%20Your%20Gun.jpg" height="68" width="561" alt="No you can't / Yes I can" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Chee-Chee<br />--><p><a href="http://www.musicalstonight.org/REVcheechee.html"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpR_S0U9PI/AAAAAAAAK0U/_J-grE99XZ8/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Chee%20Chee.jpg" height="100" width="561" alt="Honestly, this one's so obscure that a hint won't help" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51f9uEYGeKw"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpSAxbzczI/AAAAAAAAK00/m0ST9pwabWg/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Joseph%20and%20the%20Amazing%20Technicolor%20Dreamcoat.jpg" height="68" width="561" alt="Potiphar was cool and so fine / But his wife would never toe the line / It's all there in chapter thirty-nine / Of Genesis" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Fantasticks<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycPoxZ1NPBY"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpSBJ49TsI/AAAAAAAAK08/dI8mziDVVSA/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Fantasticks.jpg" height="100" width="561" alt="Try to remember" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Brigadoon<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRFODdLEkrA"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpSBS9XjiI/AAAAAAAAK1A/Nke5Pd9rK5Y/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Brigadoon.jpg" height="100" width="561" alt="If you miss it, you'll have to wait 100 years to try again" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />The Music Man<br />--><p>I have to admit that this one was my favorite:</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ9U4Cbb4wg"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpR_ij811I/AAAAAAAAK0Y/vcAulu_wrxg/s800/j_r_jrenks%20The%20Music%20Man.jpg" height="100" width="561" alt="That's Professor Harold Hill, Harold Hill" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Little Shop of Horrors<br />--><p>After posting this one...</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0kSBiu1IGk"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpR_GsB5vI/AAAAAAAAK0M/4ybcZEYoM2o/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Little%20Shop%20of%20Horrors.jpg" height="84" width="561" alt="Somewhere that's green" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Little Shop of Horrors (4 words)<br />--><p>...I felt that I was being too wordy. So I summarized the same show in four words...</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGRN39oifsE"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpSBJlMbqI/AAAAAAAAK04/DPvtXODTfRg/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Little%20Shop%20of%20Horrors%20%28in%204%20words%29.jpg" height="68" width="561" alt="In an early year of a decade not too long before our own" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Waiting for Godot<br />--><p>...then another in three..</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFZatmOFpns"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpSApRN57I/AAAAAAAAK0s/-mr4-ftv4dQ/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Waiting%20for%20Godot.jpg" height="68" width="561" alt="What are you waiting for?" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Death of a Salesman<br />--><p>...until I finally found one I could summarize in two words.</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlDyzwPCHIA"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpR_1hEgyI/AAAAAAAAK0g/YxxgD7lTNEo/s800/j_r_jrenks%20Death%20of%20a%20Salesman.jpg" height="68" width="561" alt="You do not need a hint" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Titanic (singingmom628)<br />--><p>IMO, the best posts from my distinquished competitors were...</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv07o8Xa1W0"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpR_80N3FI/AAAAAAAAK0c/I18xAmDuZSY/s800/singingmom628%20Titanic.jpg" height="84" width="561" alt="Not 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' -- the other one" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />Hairspray (by HeyKimHey)<br />--><p>...and...</p><!--<br />--><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovLKUoMqPSg"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TMpSBv41NrI/AAAAAAAAK1E/_KPldM1Mfek/s800/HeyKimHey%20Hairspray.jpg" height="100" width="561" alt="Chlorofluorocarbons" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-72060144560973945592010-10-04T10:23:00.004-05:002010-10-04T10:25:57.402-05:00Steampunk keytar idea<!--<br />--><p>It's just occurred to me that the <a href="http://www.hohnerusa.com/index.php?344">Hohner S32 Melodica</a>...</p><!--<br />--><p><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKnt8uq_n3I/AAAAAAAAKyM/INQ9EzeKj7M/s800/Hohner%20S32%20Melodica.jpg" height="320" width="201" alt="Hohner S32 Melodica" /></p><!--<br />--><p>...could be modded to make a steampunk <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keytar">keytar</a>.</p><!--<br />--><p>I mean, it runs on a stream of air so all you'd need to do is to connect up the steam! And it's only <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hohner-S32-Melodica-Student-Piano/dp/B0002FOA3Q">$38.99 at Amazon</a>.</p><!--<br />--><p>Yes, I know that other people have created so-called steampunk keytars...</p><!--<br />--><p><!--<br /> --><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.oddee.com/contrib_9611.aspx&usd=2&usg=AFQjCNFKgSdFEcCkWU22Tk1MfBGABss84A"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKnvs6mkyiI/AAAAAAAAKyY/YtMXmvWt5Ro/s400/Phineas%20and%20his%20steampunk%20keytar.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><!--<br /> --> <a href="http://bride2be.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-keytar-WIP-118750148"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKnwhdQmDzI/AAAAAAAAKys/0Y9oVJq7zP4/s400/Steampunk_keytar_WIP_by_Bride2be.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><!--<br />--></p><!--<br />--><p>...but those are electric instruments wrapped up in gadgetry. I'm talking about making music from actual steam heat!</p><!--<br />--><p><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iU_CXOiUwYM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iU_CXOiUwYM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></p><!--<br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-41982350974195689842010-10-02T23:49:00.004-05:002010-10-03T00:30:23.498-05:00Banjo versus TV week 129: My hideously deformed toenails<blockquote><small><i>A check-in on the <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Banjo%20versus%20TV">Banjo versus TV</a> project — J.R.'s ongoing plan to spend more time on his banjo than on TV. This post covers <!--<br />-->8/15/2010 through 8/21/2010. J.R. has fallen way behind in his banjo blogging but is in catch-up mode and is rapidly gaining on the present week.</i></small><!--<br />--><br><br><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="1 week behind" /><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="2 weeks behind" /><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="3 weeks behind" /><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="4 weeks behind" /><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="5 weeks behind" /><!--<br />--></blockquote><!--<br />--><!-- REMEMBER TO UPDATE THE PIC AND THE ALT. ONE PLACE FOR PIX: http://www.flickr.com/groups/26898224@N00 --><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jrjenks.blog/2008BanjoVsTV"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKgMqG2ogNI/AAAAAAAAKxQ/EDcVbH8Nuzw/s288/Week129.jpg" width="288" height="288" alt="Banjo 731 hrs, TV 720 hours" /></a><!--<br /><br />--><p>(I'm going to do us all a favor and censor some of the nastier photos in this blog entry. Watch out for those external links, though. Yuck.)</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>My hideously deformed toenails will help me become a better banjo player.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>Before I explain how this is good for my banjo playing, let's look at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nail_growth.gif">this timelapse</a> of two months of growth of a human fingernail following an accident...</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Nail_growth.gif" width="320" height="240"></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...and consider some educational bullet points about fingernails and toenails. <i>(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toenails">Thanks, Wikipedia!</a>)</i><ul><!--<br /> <br /> --><li>Nail growth occurs in the nail root (<i>radix unguis</i>) at the base of the nail, under the skin.</li><!--<br /><br /> --><li>The visible part of the nail doesn't actually grow. It just gets pushed forward by the cells that are growing in the nail root.</li><!--<br /><br /> --><li>Since they don't grow, when visible nail cells have been damaged or infected they're not going to get better. You've got to wait for natural nail growth in the nail root to push the damaged cells forward to the tip of the nail where they can be clipped off.</li><!--<br /><br /> --><li>Completely regrowing a fingernail takes approximately 3 to 6 months. For toenails it's approximately 12 to 18 months.</li><!--<br /><br />--></ul></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>When I started treating them several weeks ago, the nails of both of my big toes had been infected with a fungus. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onychomycosis">Onychomycosis</a>, probably.)</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>To treat them I'm following the advice in the wikiHow article <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Toenail-Fungus-With-Vinegar"><i>How to Cure Toenail Fungus With Vinegar</i></a>. Basically, you soak your toenails in vinegar once or twice each day for 10-15 minutes per soak. In such an acidic environment the fungus is unable to infect the newly-grown cells. Eventually the old, infected cells will be pushed forward to be clipped away and the fungus will be gone, leaving behind only nice, beautiful toenails. As you know from the above bullet points, that process will take 12 to 18 months.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>I've decided to make the best of an ugly situation and use this toenail thing to my advantage. I've placed in <b>The Fortress of Banjotude</b> (which I described in <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2010/10/banjo-versus-tv-week-128-fortress-of.html">last week's entry</a>, remember?) a <a href="http://www.shopworldkitchen.com/index.asp?pageID=231&upc=71160048171">9in x 13in baking dish with cover</a>...</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zWGQa52Bpe0AVAdSEe7UWQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TIHwbIs5g3I/AAAAAAAAKf8/ngUK2OyIzZM/s288/9in%20x%2013in%20Baking%20Dish%20with%20Cover.jpg" height="288" width="288" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...that's just big enough for me to put my feet into. I keep it stocked with enough vinegar to cover my toes.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hU6tAiRRnAHLo8kyyN0nJQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKfqOIDXhwI/AAAAAAAAKwk/eNwCRMeASLE/s400/2010-08-19%20My%20hideously%20deformed%20toenails%20%283%29.jpg" height="400" width="300" alt="You're welcome." /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>Once or twice a day I set a 15-minute timer, soak my feet in the vinegar and (on the good days when I'm not sidetracked by other stuff) practice my banjo.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ilQfYzE_vimw6Qq-lAdZ-A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKfqOv00scI/AAAAAAAAKwo/5e58pRiAUz4/s400/2010-08-19%20My%20hideously%20deformed%20toenails%20%281%29.jpg" height="400" width="300" alt="What's the only thing a banjo player can look down on? His toes." /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>Voila! Treatment and practice!</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>It's been working nicely so far. The last several weeks of new nail (approximately an eight of an inch) are pink and lovely, a severe contrast to the nastiness of the old nail material.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>My banjo's sounding better, too.</p><!--<br /><br />----------------------------------------<br />--><hr><p>Also in the last week:</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>I was on a trip out of town (kind of in the middle of nowhere, really) when my banjo developed a problem. The hole for the fifth string tuner had apparently widened and the tuner kept slipping out.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wNZKnqI--h3jVrrKt0_ggQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TIHqa0p7dRI/AAAAAAAAKes/9d0E6NwpWG0/s400/2010-08-18%20Loose%20fifth%20string%20tuner%20%2814%29.JPG" height="299" width="400" alt="Don't be ashamed; it happens to everybody" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>Fortunately there was a pile of wood chips nearby...</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><!--<br /> --><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0ZU9MafR6px4messo5Pabg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TIHqWqSRZ7I/AAAAAAAAKec/YkaGBNlvxJ4/s288/2010-08-18%20Loose%20fifth%20string%20tuner%20%281%29.JPG" height="215" width="288" alt="Chips ahoy!" /></a><!--<br /> --> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ntcG6W8FZs-DbmB-raGl3w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TIHqZNR7h6I/AAAAAAAAKeo/as3F5PQrhsY/s288/2010-08-18%20Loose%20fifth%20string%20tuner%20%283%29.JPG" height="215" width="288" alt="This would make a desktop image" /></a><!--<br />--></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...and I always carry a pocket knife...</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tR9GlPrb8sQxdLndpCCtDQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TIHqcLqTu6I/AAAAAAAAKew/k0tAy37ISWM/s400/2010-08-18%20Loose%20fifth%20string%20tuner%20%2819%29.JPG" height="299" width="400" alt="Victorinox Deluxe Tinker, if you must know" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...so I was able to create a tiny shim that wedged the tuner into place until I could get back to civilization and effect the proper repairs.</p><!--<br /><br /><br />Blogger only: --><blockquote><i><small><a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888&blogid=18535">Cross-posted</a> at <a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888">J.R.'s Banjo Hangout blog</a></small></i></blockquote><!--<br /><br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2128836853652167895.post-39033352808533815042010-10-02T20:11:00.001-05:002010-10-03T00:31:39.439-05:00Banjo versus TV week 128: The Fortress of Banjotude<blockquote><small><i>A check-in on the <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/search/label/Banjo%20versus%20TV">Banjo versus TV</a> project — J.R.'s ongoing plan to spend more time on his banjo than on TV. This post covers <!--<br />-->8/8/2010 through 8/14/2010. Hey, this catch-up mode is really working! There are now only six Catsup Bottles of Behindness!</i></small><!--<br />--><br><br><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="1 week behind" /><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="2 weeks behind" /><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="3 weeks behind" /><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="4 weeks behind" /><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="5 weeks behind" /><!--<br />--><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKUZff7dYlI/AAAAAAAAKsY/EW_89HNoE_0/s144/catsup.jpg" height="144" width="48" alt="6 weeks behind" /><!--<br />--></blockquote><!--<br />--><!-- REMEMBER TO UPDATE THE PIC AND THE ALT. ONE PLACE FOR PIX: http://www.flickr.com/groups/26898224@N00 --><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jrjenks.blog/2008BanjoVsTV"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKaVfYmRQUI/AAAAAAAAKr8/nPnMX3xLaKg/s288/Week128.jpg" width="288" height="288" alt="Banjo 730 hrs, TV 715 hours" /></a><!--<br /><br />--><p>I mentioned <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2010/10/banjo-versus-tv-week-126-make-electric.html">a couple of updates ago</a> that I've finally put the time into setting up <b>The Fortress of Banjotude</b> – the banjo practice area that I first described when I was making banjoversary plans last year. You remember those plans, right?<ol><!--<br /> --><li><a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-will-treat-my-banjo-training-like.html">I will treat my banjo training like sports training</a></li><!--<br /> --><li><a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-will-create-terrific-banjo-practice.html">I will create a terrific banjo practice area</a></li><!--<br /> --><li>I will be deliberate about learning songs</li><!--<br />--></ol></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>No link for that last one because I never did get around to describing the plan.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>But over the last few weeks I <i>have</i> finally gotten around to executing on that "terrific banjo practice area" plan and I think I've put together a top-notch practice area.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>Here's what <b>The Fortress of Banjotude</b> has. And yes, I went cheap on almost all of these things. It also helped that I've spread these purchases out over more than a year.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>The key ingredient is my newly-finished silent practice banjo. It's an <a href="http://www.oscarschmidt.com/products/acoustics/ob5.asp">Oscar Schmidt OB5</a> banjo that I've outfitted with Sam Farris' <a href="http://www.silentbanjo.com/">Silent Banjo System</a> – a replacement mesh head that doesn't vibrate the air but that works fine with an electric pickup like the <a href="http://www.kksound.com/hotspot.html">K&K Hot Spot</a>.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><!--<br />--><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wgRWTw9qWEk6z53A6kYfWA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/S-9skBV4reI/AAAAAAAAJ1w/K2fJyJDUuPk/s288/Silent%20Banjo%20System.jpg" alt="Silent Banjo System" /></a><!--<br />--> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zw2bOdIXiRtaE7Y_OHNy6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TCzR6XNnY0I/AAAAAAAAKUQ/cnPVz0WTBy0/s288/Comparing%20heads.jpg" height="159" width="288" alt="Standard Remo head vs. Silent Banjo System head" /></a><!--<br />--></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>Using this banjo I can slam on the strings as much as I like without worrying about the neighbors (or the redhead) being bothered by the noise.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>"Then how can you hear yourself play?" I hear you ask, because I'm right there with you.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>I can hear it because I connect the pickup from my silent banjo to the preamp on my <a href="http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/502.aspx">Behringer Xenyx 502</a> mixer...</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MVKezblokQkU9HtOl9oxTg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKe6x9JClMI/AAAAAAAAKtk/xUoz-4AjB9U/s144/Behringer%20Xenyx%20502.jpg" height="144" width="144" alt="Behringer Xenyx 502" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...which mixes everything together to feed either into my <a href="http://www.cablesunlimited.com/products/Prod_Individual3.aspx?groupcode=I3887">Audio Unlimited 900MHz Wireless Stereo Headphones</a>...</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DH3mRmM-JGjcZDrQF3UeqQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKe8wtb-cDI/AAAAAAAAKt4/xTubjGeL0RY/s288/Audio%20Unlimited%20900MHz%20Wireless%20Stereo%20Headphones.jpg" height="288" width="288" alt="Audio Unlimited 900MHz Wireless Stereo Headphones" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...for quiet times or into my <a href="http://www.logitech.com/en-ca/for-business/products/speakers-headsets/devices/792">Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer</a>...</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Sb7dKLiiDq-66DSyKmQjng?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKe-1827VmI/AAAAAAAAKuM/_KzwgYirr44/s288/Logitech%20S220%202.1%20Speaker%20System%20with%20Subwoofer.jpg" height="228" width="288" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...if I want to be loud.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>"But why do you need a mixer if you've just got the one input from the banjo?" I hear you ask, because I'm still there.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>That's because there are other cool things in <b>The Fortress of Banjotude</b> that make noise and which need to be mixed in to, er, the mix.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>For instance, I picked up a used <a href="http://support.radioshack.com/support_games/60360.htm">Radio Shack MD-1210</a> MIDI keyboard...</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3ilGrbgsIamnme2DjEKzcA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKfFIa4vOvI/AAAAAAAAKu4/otKU5YVBh58/s400/Radio%20Shack%20MD-1210%20MIDI%20keyboard.jpg" height="156" width="400" alt="Radio Shack MD-1210 MIDI keyboard" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...which has the advantages of being cheap, having accelerated keys and hosting a library of 100 drum machine sounds. So instead of a boring tick-tock metronome I can practice to the rhythm of CLUB POP, BOSSA NOVA, TEX-MEX or whatever strikes my fancy.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>I also mix in the audio output of a used <a href="http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/migr-46024.html">IBM ThinkPad R40</a> laptop...</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KI_w-HRNhjIurCqG3BWQfw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKfKPb46KQI/AAAAAAAAKvs/aq8K_mbpMTs/s288/IBM%20ThinkPad%20R40%20laptop.jpg" height="264" width="288" alt="IBM ThinkPad R40 laptop" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...on which I have installed:<ul><!--<br /> --><li><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/default.mspx">Microsoft Windows XP Pro 32-bit</a> because it supports the best variety of drivers and software for my needs</li><!--<br /> --><li><a href="http://www.tabledit.com/">TablEdit Tablature Editor</a> so I can practice with the many tabs available <a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/tab/">at the Banjo Hangout</a> and elsewhere</li><!--<br /> --><li><a href="http://www.pgmusic.com/bandbox_mega.htm">Band-in-a-Box MegaPAK with RealBand</a> so I can practice with a virtual band behind me</li><!--<br /> --><li><a href="http://www.pgmusic.com/rolandvs.htm">Roland's VSC-3 Virtual Sound Canvas</a> software synthesizer because it sounds better than my MIDI keyboard</li><!--<br />--></ul></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>I connect the laptop to the MIDI keyboard with a <a href="http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=15188">E-MU Xmidi 1x1</a> USB-MIDI interface.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nn2V7HPDnqOM9f85y5ZnSQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8U9qppDvX_E/TKfQqK-PWJI/AAAAAAAAKwA/IVFE-0Kzm00/s288/E-MU%20Xmidi%201x1%20USB-MIDI%20interface.jpg" height="117" width="288" alt="E-MU Xmidi 1x1 USB-MIDI interface" /></a></p><!--<br /><br />--><p>...which lets me use my MIDI keyboard as both input and output for my music software.</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>Take all of that and toss in the variety of utilitarian items (chairs, music stand, tuner, etc) that I described when I <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-will-create-terrific-banjo-practice.html">first conceived</a> of <b>The Fortress of Banjotude</b> and I've got a practice area that I really, really love.</p><!--<br /><br />----------------------------------------<br />--><hr><p>Also in the last week:</p><!--<br /><br />--><p>I've been using all of that stuff described above to practice <i>Theme Time</i>, the song that my banjo instructor David <a href="http://jrjenks.blogspot.com/2010/10/banjo-versus-tv-week-126-make-electric.html">recommended the other week</a>. I've been following the practice-no-faster-than-you-can-play-it-without-mistakes philosophy. I started at 45 bpm and gradually increased the tempo to 60 bpm. It's going to be a while before I can play it at 160 bpm <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fQW5zNtMd4">like Jimmy Martin</a>.</p><!--<br /><br /><br /><br />Blogger only: --><blockquote><i><small><a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888&blogid=18532">Cross-posted</a> at <a href="http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/blog.asp?id=24888">J.R.'s Banjo Hangout blog</a></small></i></blockquote><!--<br /><br />-->J.R. Jenkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03592134070258455638noreply@blogger.com2