Where and when did emoticons get their start?
Geeks invented the internet, so it is only fitting that they would also invent the emoticon.
According to an article called “Smiley Lore :-),” the emoticon was invented on a computer bulletin board at Carnegie Mellon on September 19, 1982. Scott E. Fahlman, Research Professor of Computer Science, actually takes credit for bringing the emoticon into “popular” use (although in all fairness he doesn’t denounce the possibility that these symbols had been previously used by other individuals).
19-Sep-82 11:44 Scott E Fahlman :-)
From: Scott E Fahlman
I propose that the following character sequence for joke markers:
:-)
Read it sideways. Actually, it is probably more economical to mark
things that are NOT jokes, given current trends. For this, use
:-(
Need Inspiration? Get it from the Ironman World Championship
This year’s theme is He Au Hou i ka ‘Eheu o ka Noio (or “A New Era on the Wings of a Noio”).
According to Diana Bertsch, the theme is about “embracing change and welcoming new beginnings.” She wrote, “The Noio was an important bird to the Native Hawaiian sailor. The Noio is a land bird and typically travels no more than 40 miles offshore. If a Noio bird was sighted at sea, it was understood that new beginnings were ahead — land meant a new life. During times of change and new beginnings there is always hope in the wind and in the currents that carry us …”
After being forced to go digital in order to maintain access to broadcast TV, I found a new favorite station — Universal Sports. Through their ever-changing lineup, I have been able to watch coverage of a few of the past Ironman World Championships. Hearing the reasons the athletes compete, watching their incredible physical endurance, and bearing witness to their mental fortitude is almost always inspirational … and very often quite humbling.
My favorite athletes going into this year’s Worlds are Normann Stadler (38/MPRO) and Sister Madonna Buder (79/W75-79). To me, Normann Stadler represents the quintessential athlete. (It doesn’t hurt that he’s pretty easy on the eyes either.) Sister Madonna is a 79-year-old nun who hails from Spokane, WA, and the oldest woman ever to finish an Ironman.
The Ironman World Championship is this Saturday. Watch. And be inspired.
Universal Sports will broadcast live from Kona on October 10, 2009.
Baron F. Nightingale Cross 48
This is my new ride, from local bike builder (and past climbing partner) Geoff Casey of Baron Bicycles.
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FRAME: True Temper OX Platinum
FORK: Alpha Q CX
SHIFTERS: Shimano Ultegra 6700
CRANKS: Shimano Ultegra SG-X 10S 50-F
BOTTOM BRACKET: Shimano Ultegra 6700
FRONT/REAR DERAILLEURS: Shimano Ultegra 6700
CASSETTE: Shimano Ultegra 6700
BRAKES: Paul Neo Retro (front) and Paul Touring (rear)
HEADSET: FSA Orbit X-CX
STEM: FSA OS 190
HANDLEBARS: FSA Compact
FRONT/REAR HUBS: White Industries H2
WHEELS: Velocity Fusion (rims) with DT Swiss Competition (black spokes)
TIRES: Hutchinson Bulldog
PEDALS: Crank Brothers Acid
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How does CH = Switzerland?
CH stands for “Confoederatio Helvetica,” which is Latin for the official name of Switzerland, the Swiss Confederation.
Back in 1848, the Swiss wrote a new constitution and needed to pick an official country name. “To keep everyone happy, the official name for the country was chosen in a neutral language, Latin, using the old Roman name for the country’s people.”1
1Why is “CH” the abbreviation for Switzerland?
(Also see Switzerland on Wikipedia.)
#2 Sign You’re a BlackBerry Addict
THAT A BLACKBERRY IS A FRUIT.
Yes, I have joined the BlackBerry revolution. I chose the Pearl Flip, primarily because I wanted a device that is easy to operate singlehandedly. After all of my research, I still wasn’t 100% sure when I walked into Verizon last Friday which phone I wanted. I had at least a clue, but I knew by the time I walked out that this was the one.
So far I am very happy with the purchase. I don’t know why I waited this long to upgrade.
Reason #2 came from: Top Ten Signs You’re a BlackBerry Addict.
Watching fireworks from home … but not on TV
As seen from Union Bay … (It looked better in person, but this was about the best shot I could manage with my little point-and-shoot.)
I’ve lived in the same spot for 9 years now, and I don’t ever remember being able to see the Lake Union fireworks as well as this year. (Thanks, CHASE!) If nothing else, it made me really happy I didn’t venture out into the madness of the Gasworks crowd … as I’d surely still be battling traffic to get home as I write this.
CHASE Family 4th on Lake Union:
Formerly known as the WaMu Family 4th … and the only surviving Seattle fireworks display.
My Letter to Lolë — or Pardon My [Short, Short] Skort
Dear Lolë,
On Thursday, May 28, 2009, I heard about the “SportsWise Summer Wholesale Event” in Fremont. I convinced a friend to join me for dinner at Kaosamai, a mere two blocks from the sale. We went to the sale first, and I ended up spending way too much money on a handful of Lolë sportswear.
The next day I wore my first Lolë outfit ever (the Lolë Balance Capri and the Lolë Candid Sleeveless Top). I wore it to a 4.5 hour test, and I must say that it was incredibly comfortable.
That night it was very warm (70+ degrees), and I decided to ditch the [temperature-]hot pants and wear the light moss-colored Lolë Sprint Skort. It, too, was incredibly comfortable. In fact, I’m not sure if I’ve ever worn a pair of shorts or a skirt that was quite as comfortable as the Sprint Skort is.
You already know how great your stuff is; otherwise you probably wouldn’t have put it on the market in the first place. I’m writing because while the Skort is fabulously comfortable and quite cute … it is apparently causing scandal around my town. For instance, a woman in line behind us to get into the Circus Contraption tonight made a snide comment about wearing the shortest skirt she could find. This woman has obviously never even tried on your Skort, because 1) she would know it’s not actually a “skirt,” and 2) she would realize how petty her rather rude comment about your wonderful product was. (Personally I find it a sad testament that her night — or perhaps her life — was devoid of more interesting things to talk about than how short the Lolë Skort is, but perhaps there is indeed no such thing as bad press?)
In any case, I just wanted you to know that I love my new Lolë Sprint Skort (despite the slander I’m receiving), and it is now one of my favorite pieces of activewear.
Much love,
Thelawgoddess
NOTE: A skort is basically a pair of thin shorts with a skirt over it – so it essentially feels like shorts … but looks like a skirt. And if someone who’s wearing one bends over a little too far, the world is going to get a glimpse of nothing but an innocent pair of shorts.
Motto
