Pandora

One of the most accurate Venn diagrams I've ever seen.


Source: xkcd

Chile Powder

Guess I've been paying less than adequate attention to world affairs of late. Two examples: while I was vaguely aware of Sudan's ongoing unrest over the last several years (decades?), I'm unfamiliar with most of the circumstances surrounding the formation of Earth's newest nation, South Sudan. Nevertheless, it seems like a joyful occasion that international observers are proud to witness, as peace appears to be dawning in one of the most troubled pockets of the world.

Second, I had no clue that a chain of volcanoes in Chile erupted last month. Thankfully, although the explosion has caused thousands to leave their homes, it sounds as if no one's been hurt, and it's yielded subject matter for some of the most incredible photography I've ever seen:




More: click here

JoshCast #34 - Hard Sun

I like to think that my musical tastes are relatively expansive, but I've found in the last decade that I inevitably circle back to the same three musicians: Dave Matthews Band, Ryan Adams (not to be confused with Bryan Adams), and grunge legends Pearl Jam.

I still remember many, many years ago, when I was but a wee sophomore in high school, I bought Ten, their '91 release that skyrocketed them to never-ending fame. A number of weeks later, my mom confronted me, worried that my purchase was a sign that I was perhaps turning, um, rambunctious. I guess they did have that sort of reputation, but I allayed her fears when I showed her they weren't just a bunch of hardcore, screaming hairbangers -- although, yes, they do that pretty damn well, too. (I also had a Rage Against The Machine album which she should've been more worried about, but luckily, that was glossed over.) In fact, they're musical talents are so very well-rounded: from the wildly popular "Alive" to the little-known gem "Cropduster" to the far more subdued and heartfelt "Gone".


Leadman Eddie Vedder's involvement in the 2007 movie Into The Wild is just the latest of his impressive efforts, exemplified by the following song, "Hard Sun", which remarkably fits the expansive wilderness setting of the majority of the movie. Hope you like it as much as I do:

Lighting It Up

As you might've surmised from my lack of posts after my cliffhanger that concluded my last storm chasing series......nothing really happened. Figured I'd save you the anticlimax. Probably the most interesting thing that happened was a late-night stop at an Applebee's (of course) in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Luckily, we had some profoundly hilarious karaoke to accompany us as we scarfed down our Fiesta Lime Chicken for the third time in a week.

But before I bring this year's storm chasing saga to an end, here's a little plug for our team, ExtremeVorticity.com. (We figured as long we threw the word "Extreme" in there, we'd be all set.) As a squall line moved through the DFW area this past Monday night, the fellas got some unreal lightning photos. First, courtesy of Russ Contreras:


And second, from our frontman Scott MacArthur:


Cheers, guys! I'd say y'all have cruised right on past me as far as photographic talent goes.

Down And (Not) Out

I'm still in utter disbelief about my Mavs' playoff run. Overcame a demoralizing 22-point blown lead against Portland. Swept Kobe the hated Lakers right off the Staples Center and AAC floor. Dirk's legendary performances against Oklahoma City. And now this in Game 2 of the Finals against the uber-arrogant Miami Heat??

Twice during this postseason, I've turned the game off, assuming that a 15-point lead in the middle of the fourth quarter was too much for Dallas to overcome. Both times they stormed back to win. Crazy. All I can say now is that I sure hope that the euphoria I felt after observing the following in Game 2 of the Finals is exceeded by a series win...and a championship.