MIT students defy gravity with the ZeroN

Published May 23, 2012 Cool stuff , magnets , science Leave a Comment
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MIT’s media research lab has discovered a clever way to manipulate gravity and float metal spheres in space.  Computer controlled magnets are at the core of this ground breaking technology.  The future implications of the technology are endless. Here is a cool video to show it.

I see a metal, gravity defying suit in my future.  Yay!  🙂

And that is: The Bembreneth Way

Spherical flight

Published May 21, 2012 Cool stuff , Flight , science Leave a Comment
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If you think spherical flight is the ability of a plane to fly in a round spherical pattern (for those of you who actually think about those things), then you would be partially wrong.  Check out this interesting video on what spherical flight really is.

I really want one for my birthday!

And that is: The Bembreneth Way

The amazing hanging silk baskets of my backyard!

Published April 22, 2012 Cool stuff , inspirational , My Backyard Leave a Comment
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Every time of the day holds its own special treasures. Evening gives us the sunset. Night gives us the stars and the moon. Even the midday can give us beautiful clouds for our imaginations to sculpt into different shapes.

And each time of day gives us different types of life to see. Insects and arthrodods, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and birds all have their favorite times to come out and play.

Early morning in my backyard gives me a special gift from some special friends. I present to you the amazing hanging silk baskets of the arachnid variety.

And that is: The Bembreneth Way

Guest Post – Gentle Ben

Published November 8, 2011 friends , guest post , inspirational , Kids Leave a Comment
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Parenting can be frustrating, scary, exhausting, puzzling, funny, surprising, …  OMG did he just put that in his mouth?…where are the diapers?…did you bring the bottles?…is the baby still on top of the car?…we don’t know what we are doing?…is there a manual for this?…how did she just get online, she is only two years old?… I love you daddy… eight years old is too young for a phone… clean your room…high school, what happened to grammar school?  dating?…a car?… you are not wearing that… be in by 10pm… be careful…  college, what happened to high school?… I am too young to be a grandparent… I am too old for all of this.
And although we teach them what they need to know to get older, they teach us what we need to know to get older.  (Think about that for a while)
Tom
Gentle Ben  by Paul Buisson
First let me say that my son Ben is a very unique child.  He is hard to physically hurt.  He is average height/weight with a muscular build.  He has more personality in his pinky finger than the entire British Isle.  He is all boy.  Physically strong and very sensitive to others.  Just a wonderful child.  People gravitate to him.  You cannot help it.  One of the best things you can say about Ben is that, He makes us all smile – all the time.  I admire so much in him and his potential is limitless.  One of those who can get through this life with a wink and a smile, but I don’t think that will be good enough for him.  He has high ideals. OK, enough about me gloating over my boy.
This story takes place when Ben is 4 years old.  Ben attends Pre-K 4 at Our Lady of the Lake School.  He is not an aggressive child, and would rather share and involve everyone than be in charge.  He is average in height and weight in his class.  But Ben’s teacher has reported that she has seen Ben carrying two or three of his classmates around on his shoulders at recess, and he always checks to make sure no one is hurt.  He is friends with all kids in his class and never says a negative word about anyone.  Even when the teacher shares information about an event with us, Ben will not say a negative word about anyone.   He will politely say things like, “well Daddy, Billy was having a bad day and he was sad a lot”, when we press him. We like the fact that Ben sees people for what and who they are, but only carries the good around.
Every evening at dinner time we sit as a family and discuss the day.  TV during dinner is not allowed and everyone is encouraged to be active participants in the discussion.
On this particular evening, Claire and Mom got up from the table to start doing dishes.  Ben and I sat and kept talking about what happened that day at school.  When I asked him if anything unusual happened today, he sat back in his chair and said, “Connor punched me in the stomach today.”  To my shock he was not upset.  Ben doesn’t mind the physical hit, but I thought it would bother him on an emotional .  “Did it hurt?” I asked.  “Not really” said Ben.  I asked him what did he do after that.  Ben said “nothing, the teacher saw him and he got in trouble.”  Good!  I thought.  I asked Ben if he wanted to hit him back and Ben said, “No.” I then asked Ben rhetorically, “do you know why you didn’t hit him back?”  He stared at up at me, and I continued “because you are super stro…” he started shaking his head “no” at me.  I was going to tell him that he didn’t hit him back because he is super strong and would probably inflict so much damage to Connor that Connor would have to go to the hospital.  But before I could stroke his ego with my tale of “Super Ben” he humbly cut me off.  He said, “Nah Dad, I didn’t hit him cause I’m a good guy, that’s all.”
WOW!  That answer was so much better than mine!
I was hoping the girls were slicing onions in the kitchen so I could explain my tears, but that was not happening.  Ben sat and watched me patiently, he waited for me to get it together for him.  He had more to say.  When I wiped my eyes and took a deep breath, Ben started again.  Ben said that without anyone looking, he went and gave Connor a hug while Connor was in time out for the hitting incident.  He also said that his teacher asked him about Connor hitting him and he said, “I told her it was an accident so he could play at recess, he’s my friend.”

And that is: The Bembreneth Way

A “TED” Moment – The Beauty of Pollination

Published November 8, 2011 Cool stuff , TED Leave a Comment

Some of the best video you will ever see!

Here is a unique, beautiful, and magical slow motion view of the pollination of flowers.  It gives you a look at world only a few get to see.

And that is: The Bembreneth Way

Cool things Friday – Quantum Levitation

Published November 4, 2011 Cool stuff , quantum physics , science Leave a Comment
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As we learn more about the relationship between magnetism, gravity, and quantum physics, magnets will play an even bigger role in our lives.

Here is a look at what the future holds for us.

And that is: The Bembreneth Way

Guest Post – One Father to Another

Published November 2, 2011 guest post , inspirational , Kids Leave a Comment
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Through a Child’s Eyes   by Paul Buisson
Tom, as you know, there is a wonderful world out there to be experienced.  You do not have to travel or know everything that is happening to experience it.
Everyone on this planet has the opportunity to experience life, as there is Courage, Honor and Virtue in EVERYTHING.  No matter the scale.

Everyone has something to contribute to this world, and we can all learn something from each and everyone of us.  These things we learn in life, these things we care about, and these things we believe in… People are basically GOOD.  Money, power and prestige mean NOTHING.  Good ALWAYS triumphs over evil, and most of all, that TRUE LOVE NEVER DIES.  These are all topics worthy of discussion, reinforcement and or exploration.

I do not force my religious beliefs on any one, so do not take this as a sermon, but I personally believe that; “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like the child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Many times in life, it is from the child we learn the most from.  The innocence and direct approach children can sometimes take, will provide you with a new look on a situation or just have you marvel in their wonderment.  All in all, it is the child who helps us, poor, lost adults lay to rest the question of our existence.  At least for a little while anyway.
As one father to another, I will share with you two true stories of how my own children touched me, taught me and shown me a better way to life.  I hope you enjoy them and find them as moving as I do.  Again, these are direct personal accounts of my marvelous children, their brilliant minds and tender hearts.  Mine are so special to me.
And I know you have your own children, who are equally special, equally amazing, and most of all, equally deserving of love.
Claire Bear
In May 2008, my wife and I took our two children (at that time, Ben age 2 and Claire age 4) to California.  We went to visit my wife’s parents in Santa Ana, CA.  We were also motivated to get there in time to allow the children to meet their great grandmother.  She was 87, and after my wife dissected recent phone calls, she felt she was beginning to slow down her activities and become somewhat confused.  Thus, off to sunny California we went.
We arrived early and spent a considerable amount of time visiting with family and friends.  We went to their great grandmother’s (Grammy) home.  Grammy gave us the five room tour of her house and grounds.  She was especially attentive to my daughter Claire, directing most of her discussion directly towards her.  I have to say, Claire was a pro.  She listened to Grammy’s every word and gave her full attention, even though she did not know (or care) what she was being told.  I realized Claire did this out of respect for her Great Grandmother, and the overwhelming pride I felt for Claire was enlightening even to me.
The time flew by for my wife and me.  For her, catching up with friends and loved ones, as well as seeing “the old” places.  For me, loading the kids/car (actually we had rented a red mini van, one of my prouder moments) unpacking them, carrying the people and equipment in.  Then 45 minutes later, carrying the people and equipment out and re-loading the van.  I was exhausted, my wife felt nostalgic and both of my kids were confused.  Who were all these strange people?  Did we fly here for this?
Another two days of this and the kids (as well as myself) were ready to melt down.  So, we decided to take them to Disney Land for the next two or three days.  It was 45 minutes from my in-laws home.  The kids were thrilled to learn that we did not fly out here just to eat and talk.  Something was being done!  We were going to Disney Land!
We enjoyed Disney thoroughly.  Even though both kids were too small for most of the rides, we were still able to see a lot of attractions, and the kids didn’t even know what they may have missed.  It was a good time for all.  Every evening we left exhausted with aches in our backs and knees, yet very happy.   We would do it again and again without hesitation just to see their faces, share their joy and never complain as these are “the good aches”.  The kids sleeping on the shuttle to the car, hats, t-shirts, candy bags to unpack and load, just an awesome time everyday!
On the last day that we were there, as dusk fell, we sat on Main Street USA waiting for the parade and fireworks show to begin.  Knowing my kids, from New Orleans, would be disappointed with a parade that doesn’t throw anything, I reminded Claire that we needed to get one last souvenir before the park closed.  I took her into a store to get a stuffed animal souvenir while my wife and Ben held our spot for the parade.
In the store my daughter was an angel.  Knowing she was getting something made her especially sweet and caring.  She picked out a stuffed animal for herself, then proceeded to conduct a long and thoughtful search for another one, for her brother, Ben.  After getting “just the right one” for herself and Ben, Claire and I stood in the long line and waited to check out.
There must have been ten or twelve people in line, and directly in front of us was an older (about 70) couple with what looked like a gift for their grandchild.  They were neat, very polite and mostly quiet.  Enduring the crowded store and long line with patience and tolerance only obtained through time and experience, they turned and smiled at my daughter holding the two stuffed animals so close.    I could see the love they had in their eyes, for all children, by they way they looked at Claire.  They reminded me that others too, have so much hope for this world.  That it may not be as cold and lonely as we make it seem sometimes.   I smiled and quietly admired them.
The line moved very slowly (I think it is Disney’s way to make you shop more).  We were still five or six people away from the register when another older woman walked by and recognized the couple in front of us.  Having nothing else to do but eavesdrop on their conversation, Claire and I listened to them catch up on recent events and life changes.  At one point the woman said to the couple, “did you hear about Frank?”.  The mood changed suddenly.  They both replied at the same time that they did her about Frank.  And they all remarked how sad it was that Frank passed away only 3 months after his wife died.  They commented that his wife “Margie” was sick for so long, and that Frank did such a great job of taking care of her.  We also heard that Frank was always in great physical shape, never took medication, exercised regularly and always ate right.  The elderly gentleman commented that they thought Frank would out live them all by twenty years.  The mood among the trio was very sad, and they all looked down and shook their heads in disbelief.  The woman said goodbye, and they parted when the line moved ahead towards the register.  You could feel the sadness in the air from their conversation and on their faces.
As the couple moved closer towards the register and before I could move into the space in line they vacated, my four year old Claire looked at me and said, “Daddy, why are they so sad?  Don’t they know what LOVE is?”
Then after looking towards them again, she turned back to me and said, “they should be happy for Frank.”
Rarely am I ever truly speechless.  This was a rare time indeed.
As I fought back my watery eyes and struggled to swallow the lump in my throat, I said, through a very cracked voice, ” I’m sure they do baby, but they probably miss him real bad.”  This was enough of an answer to make her ponder and stop quizzing me aloud, but I feared I would still not regain myself in time to rebuff another round of her questions.
I wiped my eyes and actually pretended to yawn, so people would not be drawn to this mushy Teddy Bear and his daughter in line.  Inside, I was a whirlwind of emotion.  My God, how does this 4 year old have such insight?  I am in big trouble.  If she is thinking at this level now…
Then a wave of pride/love for this person I helped create came over me and the beauty and grace that she is capable of displaying was awe inspiring.  I was truly overwhelmed.  I thought I did a good job of holding myself together though.
The older couple had just finished their transaction and as we approached the counter, the couple both turned and approached Claire and I with watery eyes and big smiles. Then the older gentleman said to Claire, “being so old and thinking about death more and more, we fear what may be lost, but thank God there are angels like you to remind of us that there is beauty in death and love is everlasting.”  They both kissed Claire on her forehead.
To this day I still do not recall what I paid for those stuffed animals.

And that is: The Bembreneth Way

Next week – Gentle Ben

The return of “The Book Trick”

Published October 31, 2011 inspirational , self-help Leave a Comment
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Pick a book, any book!

When  I was in college, one of my best friends and I would periodically do what we officially called, “The Book Trick.”   This would involve closing our eyes, opening any book that one or both of us was interested in, and touching our finger to a random spot on whatever page turned up.  Whatever paragraph our finger would land on, we would write down in a mutual journal that we both had access to.  Then for the next week, we would apply that paragraph to our lives, see how things worked out, and write down the results in the journal.   The book was usually some type of self-help, science, or metaphysical book, but not always.  Some things turned out funny.  But more often than not, the paragraph would amazingly be very applicable to what was going on in our lives at the time.

So after being five years (or maybe it’s thirty years) out of graduating college, I bring back “The Book Trick”.  The book I will use this week is, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill.  With the economy the way it is now, I figure this would be a good book to kick this exercise off again.  Here we go:

Auto-suggestion is a term which applies to all suggestions and all self-administered stimuli which reach one’s mind through the five senses.  Stated in another way, auto-suggestion is self-suggestion.  It is the agency of communication between that part of the mind where conscious thought takes place, and that which serves as the seat of actions for the subconscious mind.

This is Napoleon Hill’s third step towards riches.  It is about feeding your mind the positive and creative things you want out of life, and not giving it the negative and destructive things you don’t want.  Basically, if you start to think it, it will start to happen happen.  Being consistent over time is the key.

Use this power of auto-suggestion to start thinking about what you want instead of what you don’t want for the next week, and see if you begin to notice a change in your life.

Let’s talk about next week.

And that is: The Bembreneth Way

Of knowing, being smart, and becoming wise.

Published October 30, 2011 inspirational Leave a Comment
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Knowing – having knowledge or information

Being smart – having or showing quick intelligence or ready mental capability

Becoming wise – having the power of discerning and judging properly as to what is true or right

Every day we know more than we did yesterday, but less than we will know tomorrow.  Hopefully, with this knowledge, we become smarter half of that time.  And hopefully, when we become smarter, we will become wiser half of that time.

And The Bembreneth Way it is, YES!

The future (five years ago).

Published October 19, 2011 TED , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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The 1980’s saw the infancy of multi-touch sensing on computer screens.  Then five years ago, at a TED conference, Jeff Han showed us the evolution of this multi-touch sensing technology.   We now have the IPad and other multi-touch devices taking over the market.  Say goodbye to the mouse.

Here is the video of Jeff at the conference showing off this “new” technology and what it will offer us in the future (our present).  At the end is his idea of a really cool app!

And that is: The Bembreneth Way

Tom Harvey

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