Interesting Boston Shots

These are shots near the Church of Christ Scientist in Boston, MA. The building is quite striking and different from everything else around it. Next to the church is this reflecting pool which serves as an entree to more modern buildings in Boston.

Blue Man Group

Put it into the "need to see it to believe it" category, The Blue Man Group is a lot of fun. They mock modern technology and mock those who make it important and they mock the mockers. A delightful, fun-filled time with interesting music and audience participation. Near the end of the show, the let loose the streamers and the audience has to pull them up to the front. A sea of arms, hands and streamers. I really recommend seeing them live if you can. They're in Boston for about couple of months. I got a sense of them on TV, but live is great.

A Well Earned Reward

Two graduate students helped me put together three instructional videos. The acted out the parts of examiner and patient. As a just reward I took them to dinner in Greektown, a nice spot in Detroit with a lot of restaurants and pubs. We went to Pegasus Taverna for some Greek food. And we did get the flaming cheese.
The process of making these videos is interesting. I have learned a lot, and it takes a great deal of planning. The technology is so good today that it can make this look like a very professional production. In some ways it is, but the equipment isn't really all that expensive. The folks at IDS really know what they are doing. This has more possibilities; I just have to think of them.

Just Another Day on the Set

We've filmed the video for the next two instructional videos, on administration of the Rorschach and the MMPI. The students id a great job again, and we were able to get through the shooting for both videos in a little over a couple of hours. The only glitch was static emanating from one of the microphones for a while. It was never pinpointed, but changing the mic got rid of the problem. I've already done most of the prep work for graphics and design. I will record voiceovers, and then the whole thing will be pt together. A lot of preparation goes into this, but I'm getting the hang of it.

Elvis, Elvis, and More Elvis

I took a break from grading and head out to the Michigan Elvis Festival. Held right here in Yspilanti, it's a tribute venue to the King. They include some other impersonators too, such as a Beatles group, Roy Orbison impersonator and a Tom Jones act. There are about as many variations on Elvis as one would see with Jesus (check out the book American Jesus: How the son of God became a National Icon by Stephen Prothro. The book shows the incredible variety of Jesus depictions and uses in american culture).

The guys are pretty talented, and they take it all in good fun. Just as in Vegas, ladies are begging for Elvis scarves, so every Elvis comes loaded for bear with scarves. We had thunderstorms earlier in the day, but they cleared up by early afternoon when things got rolling. The organizers do a good job. As soon as one act departs the stage, another is waiting to come out. so there are o real lulls. I hadn't been before, and I had a eye-rolling reaction to it in the past. But it was actually a good time. The Elvii all had a pretty good sense of humor about what they do. The gang of Elvii came on stage together for a candlelight salute to Elvis.

Flowers A'Bloomin'

I took this picture this morning on my way to work. I like to take my camera with me. The digital photo revolution is great. Just point and shoot and no worry about developing the film. I planted this last year, and it has come back. It begins as a bright yellow flower and stays that way for a couple of weeks. Then it transforms into this beauty. Some of its neighbors are coming up soon.

Hanging out...literally

Over at Jerry & Karen's today for a B-cue in the great weather of the weekend. This July 4th weekend might have been the best weather-wise that I can remember. Fri thru Sun were gorgeous days, with clear skies and not too hot. These were fantastic days to hang out outside and some of us did just that in the Sky Chairs that Jerry & Karen have. You can gently sway with your feet up, and they make for easy napping too. A lot of folks from UDM were there.