Jamming!

A couple of weeks ago Lukas had the time of his life jamming with his Uncles. He learned to do the drums on Uncle Patrick's computer, he did a little music on the keyboard, played a little electric guitar and Uncle Patrick and Uncle Bradley kept up with him on their guitars. Not sure if the videos will work but thought I'd give it a try!

Another Map!

Patrick found a great place for old and interesting maps. I love maps and charts. So much information and context from the time they were made. The Moon Map below, from my December Sky & Telescope magazine, has this caption
"In 1645, Michale Flerent van Langren published the first moon map with names for lunar features. Two lines of Latin at the end state "By royal decree, the changing o the names on this image is forbidden, under penalty of censure, also reproduction of any sort, the copy under penalty of confiscation and three florins."
I had to look up what a Florin was worth. Here is the Wikipedia description.
"The Florentine florin was a coin struck from 1252 to 1533 with no significant change in its design or metal content standard during that time. It had 54 grains of nominally pure or 'fine' gold (3.5 grams, 0.1125 troy ounce) worth approximately 140 modern US dollars. " 

Maps & maps & maps

I'm tweaking my schedule a little so that gave me a rare Wednesday off. Figured why not go see what's going on in the city. So I found out the UW has a collection of old maps and books. I like old stuff. I like free stuff. Perfect! The exhibit is in the Allen library on campus just off Red Square. I thought it was pretty interesting. They had maps dated as far back as the 14th century as well as old travel guides and star maps used by ancient mariners. It's impressive that they could map the coastlines with such close accuracy. Anyway it's worth checking out if you're in the neighborhood.

-Patrick

Corcoran's making things happen.

So Brad and I had an official business meeting of high importance likely to be felt far and wide, having long lasting impact on operations and procedures of a certain local pediatric health institution. Alright, alright, it was just a meeting. But kind of surreal, and if you'd told me 15 or 20 years ago the Corcoran's would be laying down policy I'd tell you you're nuts. Or maybe they're nuts for listening to us lol, time will tell.

-Patrick

Extra Life 2017

Our team, Endor Kids, is on a mission to save kids through video games, and we need your help. Each of us has chosen our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital where thousands of children are treated each year, regardless of their family's ability to pay.

We'll be part of a huge international celebration of the social impact of gamers with Extra Life and it's our sincere hope that you'll find it in your heart to support us with a monthly pledge or one-time gift that will go directly to that team member's chosen hospital.Your donation is tax-deductible and ALL PROCEEDS go to help kids. Since Extra Life's launch in 2011 we have raised more than 30 million dollars to save kids, but in 2017 our goals, just like the needs of the kids we serve, are much, much higher. We can't do this without your help. Donating online is safe and easy! To make an online donation please click a participant's name and then click the "Donation" button on this page. Thank you for caring for our kids

--Patrick & Team Endor Kids!

https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.team&teamID=34735#