Charity: Water

This is a very inspiring project. It all started out with one individual who was determined to make a change. Please support Charity: Water.

Greetings from Taipei

Almost 24 hours after we left Kansas City, we finally arrived in Taipei, which is not our final destination. We still have 2 more legs of flight to catch. However, our long flight across the Pacific Ocean was very comfortable and didn't feel the journey at all. Flying the Elite Class on EVA Airlines is definitely the way to go. I highly recommend it. Anyway, we're onto our next flight right now. The journey continues.

Smart and Cute

Our lucky intern got this brand new Smart Car as her graduation gift. I couldn't resist so she took me for a spin. It's so small, it looks like a toy. However, it is surprisingly spacious inside. I love it but I don't think it's practical if this is the only car for a person. I'm not sure if I feel safe driving this little thing on a high way at 70 mph next to all the regular size cars. I wonder how it drives in winter weather. I'll let someone else be the test dummy.

Dining By Design 2008

Last night we attended the annual DIFFA's Dining By Design and here are some of the many pictures I took of the spectacular tables. Many tables are going green this year. One table actually made a chandelier out of clear plastic knifes. I guess if they were used, then I think it was an innovative way to reuse instead of sending them to the landfill. Suba and I sat at the Paint By Number table designed by Jonathan and Kevin. Instead of a big table, they went with 4 of 4 top tables next to a gallery of Paint By Number paintings, most of which were their personal collections. I think their table was one of the most unique ones that evening.

Signs of Spring

Looks like spring is finally here. It is rather late this year. I think this week is the short little window one gets to enjoy the explosion of spectacular flowers blooming in white, red, pink and yellow on trees and bushes. Beautiful bright green of new leafs and fresh grass appears overnight. This is the first Spring for us in our house, so we're discovering the flowering plants in the yard. They are so beautiful. I'm terrible at names of flowers and plants and I can't begin to tell you what's all in our garden. However, I clipped a little branch to bring the season into the house. It is raining outside, and before we know it, our grass in the yard is knee high! Fun.

"Robot"

There's a Robot in our dining room! This is my latest art acquisition for the house. It is a hand signed limited edition silkscreen by Brian Flynn. (4/25). 40.5" x 35". The fun part is, it glows in the dark. Since I our dining room has huge floor to ceiling panels of windows, I framed the artwork with a UV protection glass. Now I'm not sure if the artwork will glow in the dark anymore since the UV was filtered out by the glass. What type of light charges the glow-in-the-dark phosphors? Visible light or UV light? Anyone?

UMKC Shoot

These pictures were taken during the shoot for UMKC TV commercial on March 12. It was very chilly morning, and the breeze made it even more unbearable. Just when I was cursing internally on how long and dreary this winter was, I looked up the sky and there was a group of Canadian Geese flying in V formation, heading Northward. I guess that was a sign of hope that Spring is finally here!

The rest of the pictures are just the skateboarder in the commercial, doing his jump. This young kid was totally fearless! And I, on the other hand, cringed at every jump he made.

Update: Please visit www.umkc.edu/getalife to check out the really cool spots.

Who is Superman?

I came back from lunch today and sitting at the front desk of my office was this crazy big Valentine gift. It was a huge stuffed with a rose in it's mouth, and above it was 10 huge helium balloons in the shape of roses. And it was for me! I opened the envelope and inside was a hand-made card that said, To my sweet Michael from Superman, written with glue and glitter! Superman!? Clark Kent? Who could that be? I had tried to investigate as much as I could but I still could not figure it out. So whoever you are, Superman, thank you for such a thoughtful gift but please reveal yourself before I go crazy. How bizarre!

"One Voice"

In October, 2006, the Heartland Men's Chorus had a joint concert with the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas at the Meyerson Symphony Hall. I feel very proud to be part of this memorable and rare event. I came across this clip posted by our chorus over a year later. I wish to share this with those who read my blog. Enjoy!