Leave the great indoorsnotes on the journey

Review: Garmin Forerunner 405

See http://www.ux-sa.com/2008/09/review-garmin-forerunner-405.html

Posted in Anything goes | Posted by Rian 1 Comment

What was the #1 song on your birthday?

Some people have way to much time on their hands.  And I thank them for that.  On this site you can find out what the Billboard #1 song was on any date in history.  Mine is the horrible "You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone.  What a disaster:

Why couldn’t it have been something cool like Stevie Wonder or The Eagles?  And to add insult to injury, my wife’s is "Every Breath You Take" by The Police.  Not fair.  I want that one.

Posted in Music | Posted by Rian 1 Comment

Food for thought

"You may have my image, but you cannot take my sound."
– John Mayer, to journalists and critics, on his blog

Words that aren’t just true for musicians, but for all of us. 

What is your "sound"…

Posted in Music | Posted by Rian Add your comment

Every car you chase — Snow Patrol / The Police mash-up

I love this kind of creativity…

Posted in Music | Posted by Rian Add your comment

Coldplay live – San Jose July 18

Last night we went to see Coldplay live at the HP Pavilion.  It was amazing, such a treat to finally see them do their thing.  I still think they’re a ways off from perfecting their arena presence (no need for U2 to get worried yet…), as I felt that the show lost a little bit of steam in the middle.  But when they come out and do their anthems and hits, they are simply on fire.  What a treat.  Below are some photos and video.  More pictures at http://rianvdm.smugmug.com/gallery/5473984_tKYX4

First Song – Violet Hill:

Viva La Vida:

Some "Speed of Sound":

Any guesses which songs this was?  Hint – it’s a color…

At one point Chris Martin said, hey, we don’t like playing at this side of the building any more…  They then ran up and did a couple of songs right next to us!

Fix You:

Fantastic ending:

Posted in Music | Posted by Rian Add your comment

South Africa – the positive backlash

With all the negativity that exists among many South Africans right now, and the mostly negative news we get here overseas, it’s interesting and refreshing to see the variety of sites springing up that highlights the positive news.  For example:

http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/
http://sarocks.co.za/
http://www.homecomingrevolution.co.za

It’s the face of a "positive backlash" I see coming out of South Africa.  I get a sense from a lot of people that they just want the complainers to get out of the country as soon as possible, so that those who really want to stay and make a difference can go about their business of building this great nation without distraction.  I say, more power to them!

And while we’re at it, allow me to mention that an article I wrote on this topic on our last visit made it into the Homecoming Revolution newsletter recently:
http://www.homecomingrevolution.co.za/?page=2&category_id=80&related_id=2848

Posted in South Africa | Posted by Rian Add your comment

Running for a cause!

This is just a quick, no-pressure post to let you know that Jess and I will be running the San Jose Rock & Roll half-marathon on October 5th to raise money for Team World Vision.  World Vision is a humanitarian organization that tackles the root causes of poverty by working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential.  They do this by providing basics like clean water, health care, nutritious food, education, and economic opportunities to those who need it most, all over the world.

If you’d like to get involved by helping us reach our fundraising goal, you can get more info here:
http://www.firstgiving.com/rianvdm

Thanks! 

Posted in Social Justice | Posted by Rian Add your comment

Trip to Canada – May 2008

Jess recently came to Canada with me on a work trip, and we were able to get some sight-seeing in on one of the days. Here are some pictures…

Posted in Travel | Posted by Rian Add your comment