Virtual Collaboration on "Hotel California"

Last year, I wrote a post about how virtual worlds are increasingly becoming just as "real" as our physical world. In fact, I mentioned then how I managed to co-author my first academic article with two gentlemen who I never met because we all lived in various corners of the globe. Well, I recently came across this incredible video:



Never mind that The Eagles are one of my all-time favorite bands or that "Hotel California" is one of my all-time favorite songs. Also, disregard whether you think this is a good cover of the original song or whether you like the videography.

What makes this project so interesting is that the two performers--Jimmy Gelhaar and Bastiaan Zijlstra--managed to produce the music and video WITHOUT EVER MEETING IN PERSON. Jimmy lives in the United States (Denver) and Bastiaan lives in the Netherlands (Drachten), so they relied on Web-enabled technologies to collaborate ... and never boarded an international flight to do it.

Gotta love the power of technology!

Volcano and Lightning Storm

This is an absolutely incredible photo taken for a story in National Geographic News.


However, almost as intriguing as this photo is the online debate that raged on a discussion board that reposted it with an apparently technically incorrect title. The National Geographic title was "Chile Volcano Erupts With Ash and Lightning," and the discussion board's title was "Volcano Erupts During Lightning Storm." Apparently, the volcano eruption caused the lightning storm (a fairly common occurrence); the volcano did not erupt during the lightning storm (a fairly UNcommon occurrence).

I certainly acknowledge the need to ensure scientific integrity, especially for a discussion board whose tag line is "Truth, Justice, & Humar for All!" (emphasize added). However, why can't we just appreciate the skill of the photographer and--more important--the awesome power of Mother Nature?!?!

Bjorn Borg -- In Perspective

I just watched Bjorn Borg present the champion's trophy to Rafael Nadal for winning this year's French Open. This was Nadal's 4th consecutive victory at Roland Garros, an achievement last accomplished by ... Bjorn Borg in 1978-1981.

Last year, I watched Bjorn Borg present the champion's trophy to Roger Federer for winning Wimbledon for the 5th consecutive time, an achievement last accomplished by ... Bjorn Borg in 1976-1980.


It seems to me like these recent accomplishments by two of our current eras best tennis players only serve to highlight even more the phenomenal level of dominance that Borg exhibited in his prime. After all, it has taken TWO players to pull off what he accomplished by himself.


I fully realize that Federer has also won four consecutive U.S. Open championships, which no one else has achieved during the Open era. However, I believe that the slow red clay of Paris followed just a few weeks later by the fast green grass of England makes Borg's 1-2 punch just that much more incredible.

Driving the Speed Limit

During one 45-day stretch last fall, I received 3 citations for traffic violations: 2 speeding and 1 illegal U-turn. A few months ago, I received an official notice from the Virginia DMV informing me that if I got one more citation within 12 months then I would lose my driving privileges for 30-90 days. Since then, I have been driving like an absolute saint, consciously obeying every single traffic law (especially speed limits).

I have never felt more dangerous and vulnerable on the road.

Apparently, I'm not alone. This is a terrific video that shows what happens when a team of college students decides to drive 4 cars on a highway at 55mph ... side by side. Enjoy!