The Van Burens Get Ready

If you know me, you already know that two of these handsome Van Burens (a Canton-based band) in the photograph are my sons. Sears was kind and marketing-savvy enough to sponsor a few groups over the summer for a nifty travel opportunity - a video presentation was required to enter the contest - and The Van Burens were chosen by Sears to receive a travel stipend toward their trip, plus some work on "Ruby Pearl" their trusty band van by the Sears Blue Automotive Crew, as well as a new video camera. Since the VBs are on the road on a regular basis, this is a perfect opportunity for them to work their craft, meet new friends, and hone their video production skills on Sears' dime.

Here for your viewing enjoyment is The Van Burens Get Ready, the band's first video-post of their week-long Sears Exploring My America Road Trip, which takes them through a portion of the Appalachian Trail between Gorham, NH, and Gettysburg, PA.

Stay tuned for new posts each day this week. These guys are a talented bunch, and ensuing videos promise to be filled with their particular brand of off-beat humor, with music and history woven throughout.

Be sure to visit Sears Exploring My America or The Van Burens daily to vote and help the VBs win the Sears contest (and a daily chance for you to win a $100 Amex gift card).
Bon Voyage!

Photo credit Chris Bernstein

The (MacBook Pro) Honeymoon Is Over

I love my MacBook Pro, don't get me wrong. It's just that I'm no longer infatuated with it. You know that first blush of attraction you get for a new electronic gadget? It's gone, kaput, fizzled. My MacBook Pro (affiliate link) is reliable, smart, and gets things done on time and under budget, but I no longer snuggle into bed with it each night to chat on Facebook or Twitter, or watch my favorite shows on Hulu. For months after I purchased my MacBook Pro I would have separation anxiety each time I left the house. It would wait patiently in its neon pink zippered scuba-gear sleeve and I would long for the moment I could return to power it up and label my photographs, download music, or see who had posted new grandchildren pics on Facebook.

The Mac software, like Garage Band, iPhoto, iTunes and iWeb is used daily. I'm learning something new every month or so with my One to One or Workshop sessions at my favorite Apple Store (Derby Street in Hingham, - hi, Steve and Andy!).

The honeymoon is over, but the comfort level is high. My MacBook and I are together for the long-term.

As Time Flows By

"The measurement of time is a human invention.
It exists only because humans agree on the ways time is measured...seconds, minutes, days.
When we change from daylight to standard time,
it's only because we agree on it.
But time itself doesn't need a clock or us.
Time flows measured or unmeasured.
It flows with or without us." ~Jok Church

This is a wonderfully accurate observation by Jok Church (of "Beakman's World" fame). While humans may think we control it, time requires no help from us - it marches onward with or without our wall clocks, wrist or pocket watches, bedside snooze buttons, cell phone clocks, calendars, Day-Timers and iPhone alarms. I'm comfortable with that...

The Theater of the Airport

Sitting in the airport (many hours logged in the past few months) I find myself physically incapable of reading a book or magazine. The goings-on around me are far too fascinating than any novel I've ever read. Business-men and women, families with kids, a high school group with chaperones, a Dad and his son visiting colleges, the airport staff and restaurant-workers. Young, old, joyous or not, fit or carrying an oxygen tank. I'm pretty sure I'm staring rudely (please accept my apology), but I can't help myself. I want to know what you're wearing, eating, reading, talking about - what do you do for work? How old is that kid with the nose ring playing the hand-held video game and why is she traveling alone? Why is that woman reading a trashy novel rather than talking with her husband and daughter over a late dinner? I'll never know the answers, but people-watching in any airport, day or night, is great theater....

Packaging Expert Keith Donaldson of EMI at E2S2 Denver 2010

Product Reliability and Packaging Expert Keith Donaldson of EMI to Speak at NDIA E2S2 at Denver Colorado Convention Center

Luggage Dilemma Solved!

I'm so pleased with my new little blue Samsonite Feather Lite suitcase with wheels, telescoping handle and plenty of zipper pockets. It's the perfect size, no fancy gadgets, and the price was right. Purchased at Marshall's, this little blue traveler will be a cinch to locate among all the mostly black bags at the baggage claim.

No more pondering; the choice has been made.

Luggage is Confusing

I'm shopping for a new suitcase. The little inexpensive fabric wheelie bag I bought 12 years ago at BJs Wholesale Club for $45 has some miles on it and is showing signs of wear. Being a thrifty sort, and not being required to travel by plane more than once a year, I've just kept using this somewhat raggedy bag. It's been to Italy once, Disney World a few times, and to the beach house even more. It's been all around Massachusetts, to New York City and even the Poconos. Its telescoping handle is rickety and the seams are starting to come apart around the zippers, but I'm having a difficult time parting with my little green suitcase.

I've searched on Zappos, at Filene's Basement, Marshall's, and Macy's for luggage. No purchase yet. It all seems so expensive to me and I'm afraid to make a commitment. Perhaps I'm being unreasonable. I've procrastinated long enough - there is a trip looming and I must chose.