CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-22 23:52:51 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 24 +1s)

The Pod People Emerge!

Last week I attended an event hosted by +Google Local Austin at the Austin Museum of Art. The entire second floor was filled with this interesting exhibit. The objects were colored silk and had noise-sensing motors inside so that they would move when anyone walked or talked near them. I thought it was very interesting, and I had a fine time.

2013-05-22 23:49:21 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Added photos to May Power User Party: Keep Austin Artsy.

2013-05-16 21:39:22 (40 comments, 39 reshares, 76 +1s)

The New Google+ Interface: Sharing A Photo Album

The album I recently shared about the insect hotel was the first I'd done since yesterday's Google+ user interface change. It took a few minutes to work through the details of it, but what I found was that it's different from before and once you figure it out it's better than it was. Rather than have you have to go through the same discovery process, I figured I'd share the steps I went through. This assumes you have some pictures you took with your phone using Instant Upload, but the process is really similar for pictures on the computer, too. (The numbered instructions correspond to the photos attached to this post.)

1. Select Photos from the left-side selection bar to take you to your photos page.

2. You'll be in the Highlights section by default. Click on Photos on the selection bar along the... more »

2013-05-16 20:55:14 (16 comments, 2 reshares, 16 +1s)

Insect Hotel: The Construction

Yesterday I shared my wife's post on the new insect hotel in our back yard. Today I wanted to share the series of pictures I took documenting the construction, mainly so you can see how easy it was to do. Maybe you'll give it a shot yourself.

As some may recall, a month or two ago I posted about building a new raised garden bed to replace an old one. In the interim I replaced a second one, so we ended up with two raised garden beds worth of old, weathered wood. My wife decided it would be perfect for the insect hotel she wanted to build, and we also had some various bricks and blocks in our back yard just begging for some use or another.

The first thing you want to do is to level the ground and put down a layer of cardboard to keep weeds from growing up through it. Then you cut the boards to the right length and stack them in... more »

2013-05-15 15:52:30 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 16 +1s)

A sneak preview of our insect hotel! The whole thing was made with natural or used materials we already had here, except for one 2x4 we bought for the roof structure. The main wood was pulled from a raised vegetable bed that was in need of repair -- since it was already partially decayed, it was perfect for an insect hotel. The paint was leftover paint from when we painted our house, so it ties in nicely. Bricks and blocks were given to us by our neighbor years ago, and we were just waiting for the right project to use them for -- found it! Everything is stacked only, except for the roof structure, which of course required a little construction.

2013-05-14 04:46:44 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 12 +1s)

We Need More Of This Thinking

With just 59 more +Elizabeth Warren s in the Senate and a few hundred of her in the House a lot of good things would happen to the United States. This is a fantastic suggestion for how the government should provide the same beneficial interest rates to student loans as are currently given to huge banks. Educating the populace is at least as beneficial to the future of the country as propping up corporate profits. Some might even argue it's more beneficial.

Sen. Warren Introduces the Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act

2013-05-13 16:10:01 (12 comments, 2 reshares, 35 +1s)

Getting Bigger

Here are another half-dozen owl shots I got on Saturday evening. The owlets are getting bigger and braver. We're now to the point where we go out in the morning before letting the dogs out to make sure there are no owlets who have made their way out of the box. I'm crossing my fingers that I get the chance to take pictures of them standing around on a branch before they fully fledge and head out on their own.

No pictures from last night, as we were off watching Shakespeare, but I hope to be out there again some this evening if the weather cooperates.

2013-05-12 23:19:09 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Another Shakespeare Weekend

I'm here staking out a spot for the family to see The Winters Tale this evening. Should be fun!

2013-05-10 19:30:43 (30 comments, 4 reshares, 36 +1s)

It's Raining Owls!

It started raining here in Austin yesterday, and given our ongoing drought conditions we're happy about that. Also, we still have owls. We didn't see them peeking out during the day, perhaps on account of the rain, and I was curious what effect the rain would have on their feeding habits. It turns out there was nothing to worry about.

Both parents actively participate in dinner time, and last time it was especially apparent. They take turns bringing in food, and often this means that it's just a rotation without both being there at the same time. Last night was different. They seemed to often catch prey around the same time, and one would wait patiently on a nearby branch while the other flew in to feed the owlets and then bring their own bit of yummy goodness to the box.

We know that the owlets will probably fledge within the next... more »

2013-05-09 21:30:29 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 33 +1s)

Relief Flight

I got this shot last night as one of the owl parents brought a little dinner home to the kids. This is turning out to be a race between my getting better at taking owl shots and the owlets fledging and all the owls leaving for the season. They are growing so fast, and might leave any day. My plan is to keep improving, though!

2013-05-08 11:48:09 (38 comments, 3 reshares, 46 +1s)

And Then There Were Two!

I got some more shots of the owls last night, and we were very excited to see confirmation that there are at least two owlets in the house. Here's the view of two of them peeking out at me while they wait for Mama to arrive with more dinner. I'm also putting in some shots of the feeding process. I clearly need to adjust my settings if I'm going to get a good shot of the owl in flight, but these are enough to show what's going on. I also like the one of Mama sitting on the nearby branch waiting to bring food in while the owlet watches her in anticipation. All in all this is a really wonderful and fascinating process to get to watch.

2013-05-07 13:11:49 (23 comments, 2 reshares, 43 +1s)

Getting Braver

We've still only seen one owlet at any one time, so we don't know how many are in there, but this little one is getting braver in exploring the world outside the box. I was outside hammering and sawing late yesterday afternoon when I looked over and saw this little one craning out to see what was going on. I raced inside for my camera and managed to get this shot before discretion became the better part of valor and the cute little head ducked back inside. I didn't have time to set up the tripod, so it's not the cleanest shot, but you take what you can get. Oh they grow up so fast!

2013-05-06 22:33:56 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

Live Shakespeare in Austin: Two Gentlemen of Verona

This past Saturday evening my family and I went to see +Chelsea Bunn's Something For Nothing Theater present Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona at Ramsey Park here in Austin. In short, we had a great time! There is lots of live theater around, and we generally take the kids to see a couple of big shows at Zilker Park and some Gilbert & Sullivan and whatnot, but there's just something special about a tiny production done on a shoestring just for the love of it. This is the kind of show that makes people think "Hey, maybe I could do that sometime!" And in a good way. :)

Much as in their debut last year with The Comedy of Errors, the low-budget nature of the production was immediately apparent. They made do with thrift-shop costumes, and the props consisted of a Home Depot stepladder, a homemade rope... more »

2013-05-06 13:18:36 (11 comments, 1 reshares, 31 +1s)

First Peek

A week or two ago I posted a shot of Mama Owl sitting in the entry of our owl house guarding her babies. Yesterday evening we finally got our first view of one of them. Here's the bravest of the owlets taking a peek at the world. Very exciting times!

2013-05-06 00:55:22 (8 comments, 2 reshares, 14 +1s)

Shakespeare in the Park

My family and I will be heading out this evening to see +Chelsea Bunn's Something for Nothing Theater present Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona in Ramsey Park. If anyone around the Austin area is looking for something to do this evening you might head out there.

We saw their performance of The Comedy of Errors last year and quite enjoyed it. We like seeing the big Shakespeare productions at Zilker and Winedale, but I think it's also great to take the kids to smaller local productions. It lets them know that art comes in many sizes, and that theater really is something that they could aspire to if they want. It just seems more accessible.

Hope to see you there, even though it's short notice!

Edit: Oh yeah, and here's a link with a bit more information if you're... more »

2013-04-23 14:22:37 (20 comments, 2 reshares, 24 +1s)

Mushroom For Breakfast?

I'm not historically a big mushroom fan, perhaps on the general premise that "fungus" was clearly not one of the four food groups I learned in elementary school. However, some people (including my wife and children) seem to think they're worth eating, and I've grudgingly gotten to the point where I don't meticulously pick all of them out of the spaghetti sauce. I don't, however, go out of my way to pick stuff with mushrooms in it or walk around thinking "Mmm, I sure can't wait to eat me some mushrooms."

That said, this morning my wife prepared a fine family breakfast consisting of portabella mushrooms filled with prosciutto and egg and some other stuff sprinkled on top. Darned if it didn't turn out to be a perfectly acceptable way to eat a mushroom. One more step in her plan to convert me, I suppose, and a... more »

2013-04-17 00:16:37 (16 comments, 1 reshares, 39 +1s)

My Little Feathered Friend

Earlier I posted a shot of the owl living in our backyard that my wife took, on account of the shots I got weren't up to par. Today I got home promptly after work, went out to try and improve, and ended up with this one. If you look closely you can make out an owl in the picture. I love all the little claw marks around the entrance where she grabs on as she lands.

2013-04-16 22:14:12 (7 comments, 2 reshares, 2 +1s)

Google+ Bug: No Reviews In Google+ Local

I have this weird bug going on in the Local tab and the Reviews part of my profile. Basically, when I'm in a browser Google+ doesn't know I've done any reviews for Google+ Local. When I go into the Google+ Android app on my phone, it tells me how many reviews I've done just fine. When I do another review in the web browser (and get a congratulations on doing my first review) the browser then still says I have no reviews but the mobile app increments the count just fine.

I have checked with a couple of people who have confirmed they are not having this issue, so clearly it doesn't affect everyone. Maybe it's just a problem with my profile. I submitted feedback and a bug report on it several weeks ago, but since it's still happening I thought I'd make a post to see if I can find anyone else having this... more »

2013-04-16 20:52:09 (16 comments, 1 reshares, 24 +1s)

Our Newest Backyard Visitor

Normally the main predators in our backyard are our dogs and the occasional giant bullfrog. However, around this time of year we are sometimes fortunate enough to get this lovely tenant in our owl house. My wife opines that since mama owl is sticking out so far it indicates the owlets are getting bigger. I look forward to seeing them poke their inquisitive little heads out in the near future.

This shot was taken by my wife, as it came out better than any of the ones I got. I'll try again in the early evening tonight and see if I can come up with a good one myself.

2013-04-14 18:27:44 (4 comments, 1 reshares, 16 +1s)

A Glorious Day

I'm out back repairing a section of fence which has become too insecure to retain our escape-artist dogs. It's an ongoing battle. On the plus side, it is a spectacular day to be outside in Austin, TX. Alas, summer will be here before too long and it'll get somewhat hotter. Enjoy it while you can!

The discerning viewer may spot my son's lacrosse board toward the back of the yard.

2013-04-14 15:11:43 (6 comments, 2 reshares, 15 +1s)

Culture On A Saturday

Yesterday I attended +Michele Predmore's French horn recital at the University of Texas. She's a wonderful musician and I had a great time listening to beautiful music. Congratulations to Michele on her upcoming graduation. I look forward to seeing what great things she does down the road.

Also, I believe that the recital was recorded and may be available online. If you're interested, check out her profile to see if she has a link.

2013-04-12 23:50:16 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Sara Eleta and 2 others were tagged in Michael O'Reilly's album.

2013-04-12 19:04:35 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Added photos to Drink and Click™ ATX Might Play with His Balls for The First Time.

2013-04-12 19:03:40 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

Shantia Takes A Turn

+Shantia Veney gave +Jaime Ibarra a serious run for his money at the pool table. Here she is lining up a shot. This was yet more fine fun during the +Drink and Click™ ATX outing to The Goodnight here in Austin.

This is probably the last of the pool pictures I'll post. Tomorrow I'll go through the bowling shots. There are a lot of them... :)

2013-04-12 17:35:26 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 12 +1s)

Who Says Jaime Only Shoots Photos?

It turns out +Jaime Ibarra shoots a little pool in addition to a lot of great pictures. Here he is demonstrating his technique to +Shantia Veney during the +Drink and Click™ ATX outing to The Goodnight.

2013-04-12 17:31:30 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

Sara Brings The Nails

I've seen a manicured lawn, but who ever heard of a manicured pool? +Sara Eleta showed up at the +Drink and Click™ ATX outing to The Goodnight here in Austin with some fancy fingernails, and was happy to show them off while she showed off her skills at pool and bowling. I even took a picture to share with you.

2013-04-09 18:18:45 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 8 +1s)

Geek Love Has Arrived

My postal carrier has delivered my shiny new copy of Geek Love, complete with happy little red heart on the mailing label. Shepherded into the world by +Shanna Germain, this is an amazingly beautiful book full of art and stories. I got my copy by backing the associated Kickstarter campaign, but I'm guessing that copies are available to purchase. I know for sure Shanna has the digital version available (presumably the details are available at her profile page) and maybe there are more physical copies as well, if you're looking for a coffee table conversation starter.

I look forward to reading through it, as I expect the stories will be as good as the book is beautiful. I'll be sure to let you all know how it is when I'm done.

2013-04-09 16:50:10 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 16 +1s)

It's Official: Austin Is Next For Google Fiber

The press conference is under way and the official announcement is out. More details to follow!

https://fiber.google.com/cities/austin/

#Austin

2013-04-08 16:23:03 (13 comments, 5 reshares, 45 +1s)

Raised Garden Bed

Yesterday afternoon I built this raised garden bed to replace an older one that finally met its demise after some number of years of good service. I don't think it took more than about six months of my wife requesting that I do so before I got around to doing it. One cannot rush into these things.

Overall it's a fairly simple design, though this time around I added an upper rim which I think should increase stability and durability, and I think it makes it look nicer. Basically you just cut 4' lengths of 2x6 lumber, arrange them into a 2-high square shape and fasten it all together. Then fit pieces along the top edge with the ends cut at a 45-degree angle to fit together snugly, lop off and sand the corners, and you're done. It does look like we'll end up needing a bit more soil for this one, though.

Overall my understanding is... more »

2013-04-07 14:01:06 (14 comments, 0 reshares, 9 +1s)

Prosopagnosia In The News

Prosopagnosia, or Face Blindness, is a largely unrecognized disorder. (Yes, yes, I know...) Various estimates hold that between 2% and 10% of the population exhibit some degree of this inability to recognize familiar faces, yet few people have even heard of it, and as a result many sufferers are hesitant to even mention they have difficulty for fear of embarrassment or discrimination. 

Dr. Sarah Bate of the Centre for Face Processing Disorders at Bournemouth University is leading a campaign to raise greater awareness of Prosopagnosia in the U.K. House of Commons. She has an online petition available through www.prosopagnosiaresearch.org which I highly encourage U.K. readers to go sign. The attached article has further information.

For U.S. readers who wish to know more about prosopagnosia, the Prosopagnosia Research Centers at DartmouthC... more »

2013-04-06 12:01:43 (2 comments, 4 reshares, 28 +1s)

My Apologies

Sorry to add to the #caturday  flood. :)

2013-04-06 03:28:24 (20 comments, 9 reshares, 38 +1s)

I Am Suddenly Ecstatic!

Huge news, and I'm looking forward to seeing official confirmation. I, like so many, have been envious of Kansas City for their Google Fiber, and the chance of getting it here in Austin is super exciting!

Thanks to +Stephen Gray for the link!

EDIT: In further news, I am excited about the potential effect this will have on cable companies, who I feel have had insufficient impetus to improve their infrastructure, offerings, and prices. This may be the kick in the pants they need to up their bandwidth and lower their price, though I do expect their initial reaction will be to attempt to lobby for legislation to stop the competition.

#Austin

2013-04-03 14:21:46 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 20 +1s)

There's Something About Women In Russian Hats...

I took this shot of +Sara Eleta and +Lotus Carroll playing around with hats and a piano a few months ago at a +Drink and Click™ ATX outing to Russian House here in Austin. It sat languishing in my Awaiting Sorting folder, but last night I took a look at it and decided I really like the effect of the background objects and reflections kind of encircling Sara's head. Since it caught my eye I thought I'd share it with you.

2013-04-03 01:16:14 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Jaime Ibarra was tagged in Michael O'Reilly's album.

2013-04-03 01:15:47 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Added photos to Drink and Click ™ March's Chapter Wide Challenge - Black & White.

2013-03-30 23:37:31 (11 comments, 1 reshares, 15 +1s)

Pond Monster

My wife and son were going to be cleaning out one of our ponds this afternoon, and before they got started I went out to look at something nearby and noticed something roughly the size of a squirrel splash across the pond. I let my wife know that there was likely a pretty serious frog in there, so she was on the lookout for it. They got the water down really low, and then my son went in to find the frog and get it out. He emerged victorious, with the biggest frog I've ever seen around here. This picture may not quite do it justice, but hopefully you can get the gist of it. They are closing in on being finished, after which we'll liberate this guy at a bigger pond near our neighborhood, as my wife deems this one a bit too big for our little pond.

2013-03-30 17:11:34 (15 comments, 3 reshares, 39 +1s)

Keep Your Sense Of Humor, Even When You're A Multi-Billion Dollar Corporation

I opened a new tab in Chrome and came across this notice, which I appreciated greatly. I like it when companies are willing to engage in a little whimsy, and wish more were willing to do so. I think it makes the world a little better place. Keep up the good work, Google!

2013-03-22 21:46:26 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

Friday Food Fix

At lunch time today +Google Local Austin and +Bryn Harrington were kind enough to take several Google+ users out to lunch at the Blue Dahlia Bistro. I'd never been before, but found it to be a pleasant place with excellent, fancy food. More of the menu was in French than is entirely usual in Texas, but that proved no obstacle to ordering this decidedly non-standard ham sandwich. It was quite good, though I admit I declined to eat the cucumbers and little pickly things, which aren't really my cup of tea. We also had a meat and cheese plate that we shared around the table, and that was equally yummy. All in all it was a fine time, and I recommend trying it out if you get the opportunity.

2013-03-23 00:30:02 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

Bryn Harrington and 1 other was tagged in Michael O'Reilly's album.

2013-03-22 18:48:53 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Added photos to Austin Oldcomers Lunch: Historic Victory Grill.

2013-03-20 23:35:30 (2 comments, 4 reshares, 8 +1s)

HELLO G+! I was hoping to call on my G+ friends and family for a little help for our daughter Miriam. 

http://goo.gl/4ORlS

Many years ago we found out about a procedure that could help our now 8 year old blind/autistic daughter Miriam see for the first time in her life. (Some of you have come to know her on G+ as the little girl with a BIG hard to come by photo smile.) The revolutionary procedure has been had by many people we know with much success but it is still in testing and not available in our country (though they say soon) which means it is costly and not covered by insurance. We have friends with blind children who can now see and we so very much want that for our daughter. We raised about $1400 many years ago but we suffered a very emotional miscarriage and had to postpone fundraising.  We have now decided that it is time to start once again adding to the savings weh... more »

2013-03-16 04:52:00 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Added photos to Google+ SXSW Austin PhotoWalk with Trey Ratcliff - All Levels of Photographers - All Free! - Monday 6:30 PM CST.

2013-03-23 20:43:30 (11 comments, 13 reshares, 23 +1s)

A Rock Star And A Rock Star

After the photowalk on Monday a few of us went over to Iron Cactus on 6th Street for food, drinks, and chatting. I had a great time visiting, and got a few more shots to show for it. Here's +Amanda Blain of Girlfriend Social and +Dietrich Schmidt of +Suite 709 checking out something interesting.

#austinphotowalk2013   #sxsw2013   #sxsw

2013-03-15 16:06:19 (12 comments, 2 reshares, 26 +1s)

Photowalking Is Fun

I love shots of photographers doing their thing. Here are three random, anonymous folks having fun with a group selfie.

#austinphotowalk2013   #sxsw2013   #sxsw  

2013-03-13 02:01:52 (22 comments, 4 reshares, 40 +1s)

My Favorite Thing About Google+

Google+ is an amazing tool, with lots of capabilities, but my favorite thing about it is that it puts me in contact with so many amazing and wonderful people I'd otherwise never know. Last night at +Trey Ratcliff's #sxsw  photowalk I got to hang out with +Carter Gibson, +Amanda Blain, +Lotus Carroll, and +Sara Eleta, all of whom are well worth knowing. As to the photowalk itself, I've started working on shots and should have some to post soon.

Thanks very much to +Vic Gundotra and +Yonatan Zunger for giving me this opportunity over the past almost two years to meet so many fantastic people.

EDIT: I'd tag +Jon Ray, too, but I can't since he doesn't have me circled. But here's there in the picture!

#austinphotowalk2013   #sxsw2013

2013-03-12 01:19:24 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 22 +1s)

The Photowalk Begins

+Trey Ratcliff is having an intimate little photowalk with a few hundred of his closest random people on Google+. It's shaping up to be a great time.

2013-03-09 19:48:02 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 17 +1s)

Color Me Jealous

+Natalie Villalobos is sporting Google Glass at the Veteran's United HIRL with +Sarah Hill and many others.

2013-03-06 21:37:01 (21 comments, 0 reshares, 18 +1s)

Who's Going To SXSW?

I haven't seen the crazy amount of #SXSW planning going on this year compared to last year, but I know some people are going to be in town. If you're going to be here, or know who else is, let me know. I'm game to meet up with folks downtown for a meal, drinks, or just showing off stuff around town. I'm planning on being at the Google Playground event on Saturday, and at +Trey Ratcliff's photowalk on Monday, so I know I'll see a lot of people there.

I'm looking forward to it, as always!

2013-03-05 22:51:14 (4 comments, 2 reshares, 10 +1s)

Please buy my book

After listening to the TED talk by +Amanda Palmer on the art of asking, I was inspired to work up the courage to simply ask for help. I've always had the same fear of 'begging' that she spoke of and the feeling that asking for help would make people think less of me.

Times are tough for everyone. I understand that and don't feel that my problems are worthy of any special attention. However, if I never let people know about the hillbilly behind the book, then I am just another aloof, wanna-be celebrity out to make a buck. In reality, I don't care much for fame or fortune; I just want to provide a better life for my family.

In 2001, I moved back into the home I was raised in and brought my wife and three daughters with me. My elderly father had been diagnosed with liver cancer and my mother was running herself into the ground... more »

2013-03-05 13:24:50 (23 comments, 0 reshares, 11 +1s)

People Fall For This?

If you get a poorly worded email with typos from a non-official address asking for your login credentials, it's probably a scam.