Oldest Cities

Can you guess the 10 oldest cities in the world. Here’s an interesting article suggesting the best possibilities.

Lisbon, Portugal

Google Honors Morse Code

Today’s Google home page honors Samuel F. B Morse and his invention, the morse code, still widely used by ham radio operators (including, proudly, me – WA4ILO).

Consider What Susan Boyle Means To Us

We’ve all seen the Susan Boyle video by now. If not, stop reading and watch it at this link.

Now, consider a question. The judges and the audience smirked and laughed disparagingly when the aging and dowdy Ms Boyle came to the stage to sing. Upon hearing her rendition of I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables, they all roared with approval. But what if her performance had been just as awful as everyone expected? Would the judges and audience be justified in their condescending treatment of her? And surely every aspiring performer of less than Britney Spears style of physical attraction does not surprise in the same way as Susan Boyle. Aren’t we celebrating something horrendous and awful about ourselves in our glory for Susan Boyle?

The question comes from Slate Culture Gabfest, “Oh My God, Ugly People Can Sing” Edition. Listen here to hear the entire podcast.

Did You Know?

I’ve seen several of these “Did You Know” videos. They are all remarkable. One thing is clear, the future will not resemble the past. Plan accordingly.