My Word with Douglas E. Welch
A place for the neat stuff that surrounds my life
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Jury duty downtown started today. I probably have a few more trips down before it is over and could get seated on a 3-week trial!?!?!?
There are some mighty creative people out there, who can seem to turn almost anything into something useful. In this case, not only is it functional, it pretty as well. I'm going to try my hand at a few of these the next time I hit the home improvement store.
Business Card HolderTechnorati Tags: build, make, DIY, howto, how-to, creativity, tutorial, free, cheap, project
Here's a pattern for how to turn a paint chip into a lovely little business card holder. Simple and cute. Finally a use for the paint chips I snag here and there at Home Depot when the colors are just too pretty to leave. Go to the Design Verb blog for step by step instructions!
(Via Paper Forest.)
Labels: build, cheap, creativity, DIY, free, how-to, howto, make, project, tutorial
Just in case you are wondering if I have fallen off the edge of the Earth, here are the items that have been sustaining me for the last week. I have a chronic flirtation with bronchitis and this week I took a big hit. I have been attending to only the most urgent of issues..not that my addled brain would allow me to concentrate on much else between coughing fits.
Update: (3/3/2007 8:35pm): More info from LAist, blogging.la, and Flickr pictures from flyinfoxymama
To do March 3: look up in night sky, see total lunar eclipse
Xeni Jardin: Link to details at NASA website. Depending on where you are on earth, you may be able to see a red glowing moon during the total lunar eclipse next week, on Saturday March 3. I predict that it will be beautiful.
[Boing Boing]
Labels: astronomy, california, eclipse, event, losangeles, lunar, moon, science, site
While the technology keeps running, I am down with a bad cold that is making me write nothing but gibberish and drink copious amounts of orange juice. (WEAK SMILE)
This year's Great Backyard Bird Count found us back at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve again with our friends, Keri and Michael and others. It was much drier than it was last year, with no rain in sight.
"Thank you everyone for coming out to count Sunday morning. We saw 41 total species (+domestic ducks). Last year 29 species. Total individuals 305 in 2006; 319 in 2007. 5 species from last year that we did not see - white pelican, sharp-shinned hawk, merlin, violet-green swallow, common yellowthroat. So we saw 16 species this year, that we did not see last year."
After picking up Nonna at the Van Nuys train station, we headed over to the plant for a bite of some Hawaiian food at K&L BBQ. L&L duplicates a lot of the food found at a traditional "two scoop place" in Hawaii. It is one of the few places I can get a Loco Moco. They are quite a big chain, with locations all over Southern California.
Labels: photoaday
I discovered this book through a presentation from Tech Nation with Dr. Moira Gunn, delivered via IT Conversations. She interviews one of the authors Curt Carlson, CEO of SRI International, one of the co-authors. It is well worth a listen and a read.
“Innovation—mystery or mastery? For Carlson and Wilmot, the answer is definitely the latter. Following the example of Deming’s approach to quality—another of those magically powerful substances—they lay out a thoughtful, practical methodology for managing innovation projects through to successful outcomes. Sure, in that one percent inspiration there may be the occasional moment of mystery, but for those of us operating in the ninety-nine percent perspiration part of the field, it’s terrific to finally get a great user’s manual.” —Goeffrey Moore, author of Dealing with Darwin: How Great Companies Innovate at Every Phase of Their Evolution"
Labels: book, books, carlson, ceo, create, creativity, gunn, innovation, itconversations, sri, tech nation
After installing some computer memory for a client in El Sereno, I took a few minutes to hunt up the Audubon Center at Debs Park. I first tried the park entry off of Monterey Road, but quickly realized it was on the other side of the park, by the 110 Freeway.
"The Southwest Museum and Museum Store will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. with free admission. Visitors will still be able to enjoy a variety of entertaining and educational events. Members can enjoy Southwest Preservation Tours and special interest lectures the fourth Saturday of the month, with advanced registration strongly encouraged. Family activities will take place the first and fourth Saturday of each month. On the second Saturday of the month, families can take part in "Dig It! Family Style," a hands-on archaeology program. The Braun Research Library, located in a separate building at the Southwest, will continue to be open by appointment. The Casa de Adobe on Figueroa, will also be open for special activities and tours."
They grow them big here in LA! Aieiieiieiiiii!
In preparation for my big performance next weekend (SMILE), my friend Don, who assembled my electric guitar a year or so ago (A Stratocaster), stopped by to school me in how to change the strings on the darn thing. I had thought about doing it, but quickly realized that it is a lot different than stringing my acoustic guitar. I took some photos to remember the various steps, so this one becomes my Photo-a-Day selection
It looks like I will have no trouble finding coffee downtown if and when I have to serve jury duty next week. BlogDowntown points out 3 more coffee cafes, all within and easy walk or 1 stop ride on the Metro.
Groundwork Open, Coffee Now PlentifulTechnorati Tags: california, losangeles, downtown, coffee
Continuing to catch up on news that's several days old, the new Groundwork Coffee in the Higgins Building (2nd/Main) opened at the beginning of the week.
(Continues on original site)
(Via blogdowntown: Life in Downtown Los Angeles.)
Labels: california, coffee, downtown, losangeles
Update: 2/14/07 10:30 pm): High-quality audio is now available for your listening pleasure if you couldn't make it to the LIVE reading.
Join us for a LIVE reading of Love Letters from History this Valentine's Day at Talkshoe.com.A LIVE Reading of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol
Labels: computers, events, free, high-tech, history, live, love, performance, podcast, podcasting, poem, reading, technology, theater, valentine, valentinesday
Valentine's Day is an interesting day for me. These are two gifts from my son, Joseph, that he made in his weekly after school art class. As you can see from the writing on one of them, Valentine's Day is also my birthday. Today marks my 43rd year on this planet. Since my birthday falls on a holiday, I am expected to give gifts, as well as receive them and it makes it very difficult to go out for dinner or hold any sort of party, as all the other couples are busy with their own celebrations.
My friend, Keri, posted this event to her blog and podcast, Animalbytes. We attended last year and had a great time. Heck, it's so close we could ride our bikes there. Watch the video from last year's walk! -- Douglas
AnimalBytes at Sepulveda Wildlife RefugeLabels: bird, birding, birds, birdwatching, bus, dearborn, event, hike, keri, lake, mta, orange line, reserve, sepulveda, walk, water, welchevents, wildlife, woodley
Cybele over at blogging.la points out an event that is new to me and I want to share it with you. Not only that, now I have to arrange to get down there sometime. (SMILE)
Pt. Vicente on top of the worldTechnorati Tags: california, outdoors, parks, events, losangeles
Cybele: Every second Saturday the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse is open to the public. Not only is it free of charge, it's like stepping back in time.
It's just three flights of stairs and a little ladder climb up to the top.
The light room itself is pretty hot ... seriously. The rotating 1000 watt lamp plus the widows is like a heater in a greehouse.
(Continues at original site)
(Via Blogging.LA.)
Labels: california, events, losangeles, outdoors, parks
Join creativity and career consultant JoAnn Braheny for a LIVE interview and question and answer session.Labels: braheny, career, careers, creativity, interview, job, jobs, live, talkshoe, work, workplace
Labels: books, build, business, creativity, DIY, education, garden, gardening, grow, hints, how-to, howto, learning, make, outdoors, read, reading, tips
I have been paying more attention to blogs which discuss public transportation in Los Angeles, and the item below popped up today. While it is good news to see this Metro info appearing in Google Maps, another link at the bottom was even more interesting. It links to a video on the Metro system both present and future, produced by the blog, TMIV and the Dude.
Google Maps Adds Metro StationsI found out via Lifehacker that Google Maps quietly updated their New York City maps to include prominent buildings and subway stations, and apparently they’ve done the same for Los Angeles! Now all we need is Google Transit support and we’re all good.
Don’t forget: TMIV’s Google Earth KML files for Metro Rail
(Via MetroRiderLA.)
Labels: california, losangeles, mass transit, outdoors, tour, transportation, video
It has been a long and busy week and it is definitely time to rest my eyes. See you all on Monday...
I am always on the lookout for new recipes, especially for Italian food, since Rosanne is Siciliano. (SMILE) I love Italian food, too though, and soups especially so this recipes for Pasta and Ceci (Chickpea) Soup fits the bill nicely.
Leonardo Romanelli's Pasta e Ceci: An Illustrated RecipeTechnorati Tags: howto, how-to, food, italian, winter, sicily, Italy, soup, recipe, recipes, cook
There are many variations on pasta e ceci, pasta and chickpea soup, and Leonardo's is both easy and quick, once you have the cooked chickpeas. In other words, it's a...
(Via Italian Cuisine.)
Labels: cook, food, how-to, howto, Italian, Italy, recipe, recipes, sicily, soup, winter
I have been driving a lot and seeing many scenes like this out of my window. Today was a trip beyond downtown, through Vernon and back again. Along Soto St. the lanes get pretty close and there is a lot of truck traffic. I like the reflection of the same truck, and the one behind it, in the mirror.
Heathervescent just sent out the notice for the next Geek Dinner. These get-togethers are a great way to meet other tech-minded folks here in LA and grew out of BarCampLA.Greekings g33ks!
Yeah, yeah, you're over the holidays and almost ready to dive into the insanity that is March. For now though, let's have a nice relaxing evening of talk and margaritas at El Cholo. Feel free to bring your laptops and other gear to show off (or just stay connected). It won't be the first someone someone was "working" from the g33k dinner.
Date: Feb 20th, 8pm dinner, come early for drinks
Location: El Cholo, 1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006,(323) 734-2773
Reservation under "Heather"
Pass on the invite to your g33k inclined friends/colleagues. Come early for a margarita. RSVP here: http://barcamp.org/BarCampLA-Geek10
Also, note, March 24/25 is the next LA Barcamp. We will be discussing what needs to be done for it, so come if you would like to help coordinate.
Note: March g33k dinner will be back in Santa Monica/West side. So send those restaurant suggestions.
Labels: barcamp, barcampla, california, dinner, event, geek, geek dinner, los angeles, losangeles, welchevents
Ok, I don't necessarily want to get off on a rant about the architectural blight in the Valley like I have been reading over on Come on, Feel the Nuys...BUT...this remodel took a building that was inconspicuous and blended nicely into its surroundings and replaced it with an ugly eyesore that revolts me every time I drive by, which is at least twice a day for school pickup and drop-off.
This edition of On Podcasting is a recording of my presentation to the IABC LA (International Association of Business Communicators, Los Angeles), including a very in-depth question and answer session.On Podcasting: FreedomTechnorati Tags: california, howto, how-to, podcast, podcasting, losangeles, technology, presentations, presenting
On Podcasting: Money, money, money
On Podcasting: Belkin TuneStudio
On Podcasting: 2 years ago in podcast history...
On Podcasting: It's just a hobby, right?
On Podcasting: Podcasting and Education Panel from the Expo Audio
On Podcasting: My Podcast Process
On Podcasting: GoDaddy.com - Web hosts that don't host
On Podcasting: The Why, How and What of Podcasting - from BarCampLA 2006 Audio/Video
On Podcasting: Talking to the "old" media
Douglas interviewed on The Red Fence Project Video
Douglas on YourLA Video
Labels: california, how-to, howto, losangeles, podcast, podcasting, presentations, presenting, technology
I spoke to the Los Angeles chapter of IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) this evening in Pasadena. They are a great group of folks who were really interested in podcasting and how it might be used in their companies and their client's companies. I gave a very short introduction to podcasting and then opened the meeting up to question and answer, like I usually do with my presentations. We touched on many aspects of podcasting including the how, what and why.
Cybele over at Candy Blog posts about Ferraro Rocher, a little bundle of chocolate, wafer and hazelnut joy that I fell in love with when visiting the wife's family in Sicily. These are my choice for the most perfect chocolate confection on the planet -- chocolately, crunchy, nutty -- of man, I got to go buy some.....NOW! (SMILE)Ferrero RocherTechnorati Tags: candy, food, sweet, Italy, ItalianOne of the more familiar candies that’s marketed for Valentine’s Day would be the Ferrero Rocher. They’re pretty candies all year round but during the season for lovers they’re placed in clear plastic heart-shaped domes of varying sizes.
(Continue Reading)
(Via candy blog.)
No matter how long you live in Los Angeles, your chances of seeing all of it are almost nil. I've only been here 20 years, so it should not be surprising that I haven't seen large sections of the city, let alone Los Angeles County.
Right before I made my turn onto Avenue 60, I came into a pleasant little "Main Street" area with a lovely divided boulevard with a sign that said "Hermon." "What a cute little place, here in the midst of the city," I thought. I wonder how it came to be."[Hermon] is a small town in California, in the United States. It is situated in a half square-mile valley bordered by the Arroyo Seco and the historic 110 freeway to the west, Monterey Hills to the south, and South Pasadena to the north and east. The community has been part of the city of Los Angeles since 1912, but the neighborhood has retained its own unique identity. It is primarily a residential community, with a small business district in the center, one elementary school, and newly-dedicated dog park."
Labels: california, LA, losangeles, parks, tow, towns, village
Labels: california, computers, ewaste, free, hazardous, high-tech, how-to, howto, losangeles, technology, toxic, waste
Taken with my cameraphone over lunch yesterday.
Free Admission at the Norton Simon Museum
Labels: art, california, event, events, free, losangeles, museum, norton simon, pasadena
This note comes from our musician friend, Andrea Louise.Her shows are always a fun night and the Synergy Cafe is a great venue. -- Douglas
Welcome to the Lounge ‘o’ Love. Don’t you just feel it in the air? That it’s time to celebrate something sweet and fragrant and juicy and new and romantic and maybe just a little bit naughty?Labels: art, california, events, free, live, losangeles, music, performance
Did you know that the Los Angeles MTA had a podcast.?
metro.net | Riding Metro - Metro Destinations for your iPodTechnorati Tags: california, podcast, outdoors, events, losangeles, tour, travel, mass transit, transportation
Metro's video catalog showcases fun places to visit throughout Los Angeles County via public transportation, avoiding the hassle of traffic, parking and high gas prices.
The videos spotlight numerous venues such as Universal City, Hollywood, Pasadena, the J. Paul Getty Museum, Long Beach, Santa Monica, downtown Los Angeles, Latino LA, Koreatown, the newly refurbished Griffith Observatory, Farmers Market, Fashion District, Aquarium of the Pacific, Staples Center, Asian LA and more.
(Via MTA.net.)
Labels: california, events, losangeles, mass transit, outdoors, podcast, tour, transportation, travel
This tour visits sites that follow the progress of the African American community from the founding of the City to present day.
Labels: california, events, history, losangeles, welchevents
Tonight the weather station that always sits on my desk attracted my attention. At least it is warmer tonight than it has been lately.
I love old books like this one mentioned in Make Magazine's blog, The Jack of All Trades. It takes us back to a simpler time when kids were allowed, even encouraged, to make things on their own. Sure, there is some anachronistic material within, but there are also some very cool ideas.
The Jack of All Trades: fair weather ideas on Google Book searchTechnorati Tags: hobby, grow, build, make, DIY, howto, how-to, outdoors, crafts, free, book
Shawn writes - "This is a great book that is no longer in print that shows how to build everything from a log cabin to a wooden bugle. Even if you can't build some of the things in this book it still can flood the imagination with great ideas." - Link.
(Via MAKE: Blog.)
Labels: book, build, crafts, DIY, free, grow, hobby, how-to, howto, make, outdoors
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