MSNBC is offering their picks for the best Internet memes of 2009. I’d forgotten about that Banff squirrel, and I loved, LOVED , the 3-wolf moon shirt meme. Ah … good times. If it weren’t for the downward spiraling economy, the uncontrolled government spending, impending pandemics, war on several different fronts, and constant speculation that the world was about to end, I think 2009 would have been an okay year. Here’s hoping that in 2010 we’ll see financial gains, fiscal responsibility, health, peace, and long life!

You’ve probably heard of this, and I’m just a little slow to catch on. I first heard about “lock bumping” last year, but I didn’t fully understand what it was. “Lock bumping” is a method to unlock a door deadbolt, the kind you probably lock every night, without picking it or using force. I thought it was used only on certain lock types, not 95% of all locks! This morning I stumbled across a YouTube video of a news broadcast that explains and displays “lock bumping”. I’m going to Lowes this afternoon.

I love Illustration. I love doing it and I love looking at what others have done. I especially love older illustrations. I like the ones that focus on the sensitivity of the human heart, the love of family, the culture of America’s past … just good old fashioned Americana. I love intelligent illustrations, where the composition is so carefully considered and implemented that you focus completely on the concept and the subject matter, and you don’t even notice that your eyes and your thoughts were being gently guided. Well, this morning I discovered a Blog that discusses illustration in a loving and refreshingly technical manner. If you are an illustrator, or just love good illustrations, I highly recommend visiting http://todaysinspiration.blogspot.com. However, don’t just look at the pretty pictures. The text is full of great stuff too, like interesting facts about the paintings and artists; good discussions about the technique, design, and composition; and candid interviews from the artists and their families.

I am not fond of the latest three Star Wars films. I’ve even written a few reviews about different plot points and failings of the films over the years. However, I’ve never written anything longer than about 500 words. The other day SlashFilm posted links to a set of videos that collectively make up a 70 minute review of The Phantom Menace. That’s right, 70 minutes! And, I must say, it’s definitely worth viewing. It is absolute genius. Although I don’t agree with every single point he makes, I agree with about 95% of it, and some of the observations he makes are mind boggling. I highly recommend watching the review, courtesy of SlashFilm.

Some people say Ronald Reagan was bad for this nation’s economy. Many say that Dubbya was bad for this nation’s economy. Well, you should read this article from the Wall Street Journal. It compares the economics of the 80’s with those of today. The message is good.

I believe it was late 1983 that I first played the Don Bluth animated laser disc arcade game, “Dragon’s Lair”. It became an obsession to complete the game. I only had a few dollars per week to spend from my paper route earnings, and I spent every quarter I could scrounge. Eventually, in early 1984, while mounds of snow still hampered my efforts to deliver the daily paper, I finally completed the game. It was an amazing experience. Several friends were there to cheer me on, including my best friend Chris. It took me hours of playing and dozens of cups of hot chocolate, but seeing Princess Daphne express her gratitude in all her sexiness was well worth the struggle. A couple hours ago I discovered that a version of “Dragon’s Lair” is available for download to my iPod. It’s a beautiful and faithful rendition, and I absolutely love it! And the best part; it only costs $4.99. If you have iTunes installed you can click this link to read about and to download the application. For me, it’s a wonderful way to relive a very happy time in my childhood. “Lead on adventurer, your quest awaits!”