Homebrew Me

This week I would like to take a look at some interesting instrumental music.  This genre seems to be overlooked, but I feel it is definitely good music to play in the background or while studying or relaxing.  Today's track is entitled Electric Daisy Violin by the artist Lindsey Stirling.  Stirling is an violinist who does originals, and covers of many songs.  Her music is quite good, and it is full of depth and is pretty upbeat and entertaining to listen to.  If you watch any of her music videos you will be able to see that she really does enjoy what she does. You can check out her Youtube channel here For those of you who can play the violin, she also has some of here sheet music for sale She is currently touring in the U.S. check out the list of venues and see if she will be performing near you.  Enjoy the track and look forward to the next Track Tuesday!

Khan Academy is a website dedicated to providing educational videos to anyone in the world for free.  They have a goal of changing the face of education by letting people educate themselves on many different topics.  Creating an account on the website is simple and takes almost no time at all.  The user account will keep track of the videos you watch, the practice problems completed, and your overall progress, as well as give you access to "coaches" who can help you if you are having difficulties with a particular topic. What is truly amazing about the site is the diversity of the topics covered.  You can pick videos from the categories of science, math, computer science, economics, and the humanities (art, history, etc).  Many of the videos are 10 minutes or shorter.  The videos are well laid out and have the purpose of helping the viewer learn the material in a quick and easy manner. I feel the most revolutionary aspect of Khan Academy is the fact th...

I do not know how many of you are familiar or have seen machinima , which is essentially scripted movies/shows made in video games.  I would like to however to discuss one of my favorites a show called Red v.s. Blue.  The show takes place in the Halo universe, and was originally just a comedy, made as a weekly video game skit by Rooster Teeth .  First started when the original Halo came out (that makes me feel really old) the skit took place in the iconic map Blood Gulch.  The story involved some of the least intelligent and extremely hilarious soldiers who were posted in the canyon to protect their flags from the other team. The show was without to much of a plot line but it was funny, so many people watched it.  That was all the way back in 2003, and now 10 years later the show still lives and has a coherent plot line complete with some drama, secrets, and of course the humor that brought its success in the first place.  The 10th season of the show rece...

As some of you might be aware, my favorite science-fiction author is Jack McDevitt.  I have found almost all of his books to be extremely entertaining and well written.  His stories typically have an element of mystery to them.  He has a knack for solving just enough of the mysteries to be satisfied, however I can always seem to come up with at least one alternative that seems plausible to me. The book entitled The Cassandra Project is centered around a mystery surrounding the Apollo program which occurred in the United States in the late sixties and early seventies.  The book centers around a few characters but mainly around a Jerry Culpepper who works in public relations for NASA. In the beginning of the book we learn that NASA is being slowly losing funding as the years go on (the novel takes place in the near future) and many believe the agency will be shut down.  NASA opens an exhibit to show off the achievements of the many astronauts in the progr...

The title informs you of all the required facts needed to enjoy this mans music.  At the time of this post he has released three albums (all of which are only $12) each of these albums is packed full of great tunes. He creates all of his master pieces using a computer and a keyboard, on his website  he explains he does not have extensive formal music training, but just plays for fun.  He certainly has a knack for making music that just seems so right. Here are a few of my favorite tunes: Disorganized Fun Stay Crunchy and last but not least Red Lemonade (Remixed) Now that you all realize how awesome this mans' music is keep him in your bookmarks and buy some of his great music.

While I am a few days late, I would still like to say Happy New Years to all of my readers.  I hope your holiday season has been filled with friends, family, and great times. Now onto the year 2013!

The last time I checked it was 2012 and I don't really understand why this debate(along with many others) is still going on.  I see two people who love each other and that really is all I am concerned about.  I grew up being taught that all people are equal. It is certainly a relief to me that the proposed amendment to the Minnesota state constitution was shot down on election day.  I was also happy to see that the states of Maine, Maryland, and Washington who legalized gay marriage on election day as well. However only nine states in the US have legalized gay marriage.  While the results of the ballot measures this election was exciting, but there is still a long way to go.  I would like to throw my own thoughts about marriage into the fray. First I would like to note that many of the arguments against gay marriage revolve around the ideas of gay marriage "harming" the children, "destroying" the sacredness of marriage, and gay sex is immoral. ...