Clif’s Notes

Animator vs. Animation [VIDEO]

Ever wonder what would happen if your computer-created designs turned on you? This cool video explores some of the possibilities.

Hat tip to Lee for sharing this with me.

Educational TV Programs

I’ve been pleased to see a resurgence in quality educational television programs recently. Even better is that our kids are choosing to watch these programs over the just-for-entertainment children’s programs. Both the teacher and parent in me would like to take the creators of these shows out for pizza to say thank you. I hope this is a trend that we see continue to grow.

Here are some of the shows that I’m talking about. Be forewarned that the educational value in a couple of these won’t be immediately obvious, so watch the program in it’s entirety.

• FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman - Problem solving, math, science, engineering, team work, research/ scientific method
• WordGirl - Language arts, vocabulary, literacy, problem solving
• Super Why! - Reading, phonics, vocabulary
• Cyberchase - Math, science, technology, problem solving, data collection and analysis, trail and error, real life application
• Gerald McBoing Boing - Music, history, creativity, audio learners
• Pinky Dinky Doo - Vocabulary, story telling, imagination, creativity

I know there are probably others, but the kids are all asleep and I can’t ask them for help right now. Please share your comments and suggestions as I’d enjoy the feedback and ideas.

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Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight

All you early birds might want to stay up a little bit later this evening to witness the total lunar eclipse. It will be the last we’ll see until December 2010, so take advantage of this opportunity. This eclipse is expected to last over 3 hours and the Moon will be in totality for about 50 minutes of that time. During that time the moon will change from its usual grayish appearance to an orange/deep red color.

The following illustration of a lunar eclipse is from Weather.com.

The Weather Channel via kwout

More information (including a good video) about lunar eclipses is available here.

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SUPER COOL Website

HEMA is a Dutch department store chain. The first store opened in Amsterdam on November 4, 1926. It now has stores in Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Take a look at HEMA’s website. Wait a few seconds after it loads and then enjoy. I think their advertising and web designing folks deserve a bonus!

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