California Dreamin’

Although this Harris Interactive poll of Favorites States doesn’t have a date, it appears that California’s current financial problems haven’t hurt their state’s popularity. In fact, only California’s can chant, “We’re number one!” Even with recent estimates showing California is running a net loss in population, earlier projections show California growing to almost 50 million by 2025, by far the most populous state. With all eyes on California’s governor’s race, it could be at a fork in the road. Which way will it go?

The Kevin Bacon Game

You’ve probably heard of Kevin Bacon. You might have heard about the 6 Degrees of Separation. It started with 3 college buddies at Penn making up a game called Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon where you tried to any other actor, producer, director to Bacon in 6 moves. The guys got called to the Jon Stewart show and the concept took off. Now, Columbia University is conducting an online experiment called the Small World Project.

Grrrl Power

Here’s a story about one woman’s can do attitude that took her from waitress to business owner, and that a trucking company no less. There’s not enough press given to success stories like these but the entreprenuerial spirit is primarily what grew this country. Congratulations Carolyn Gable, America needs more women like you. (Editor: I especially like her Tip #3: “Hire positive people.”)

Underrated Teams Deserve Recognition

Yep, it’s another sports list. I just can’t help myself. This time David Schoenfield put together the Top 10 Underrated Teams. Being an old fart, I remember clearly that ’83 Sixers team. At the time, they were just my team. Only now after years of watching NBA games do I appreciate just how great they really were. Beating the Lakers in the finals was just icing on the cake.

June ’04 and We’re Halfway There!

The Center for Media Research (those party animals) have predicted that we’ll pass the 50% Broadband barrier next June. We’re by no means up to the S. Korea level of connectivity but slow, sure progress is a good thing. Now, if they could only send all those porn scammers to a red light district then the Net would be a happier place. [via Up2Speed]

Ah-Nold Wants To Be Your Governor

Well it’s official. Despite earlier Internet rumors to the contrary, Arnold Schwarzenegger is going to run for the Governor’s seat in California. So along with 356 other candidates, Arnold is going to try and clean up the mess that Gray Davis and years of anti-business legislation has made. Other “notable” candidates are: Arianna Huffington (columnist), Gary Coleman (actor), Larry Flynt (magazine publisher), Gallagher (comedian), D.L. Hughley (actor) and Angelyne (model). After that list, voting for Arnold doesn’t sound so crazy.

The last time an actor was the Governor of California, he then went on to become a very successful President. Will Arnold be another Ronald?

Dance, I Said

“Boogie fever, got to boogie down. Boogie fever, I think it’s going around.” [full lyrics]

Poverty: Start with Open Eyes

When confronted with the “mistake” of not donating money to the poor, Jesus said “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” [passage]

This doesn’t mean that we ignore those in need but that in the end there will always be some people who are at the low end of the income spectrum. The first step towards progress is taking an honest look at the problems that are affecting our poor.

Life at the Bottom by Theodore Dalrymple is exactly that honest look. Step two is an environment where citizens have freedom to invent and experiment; opportunities to invest themselves to a trade. Government handouts don’t encourage change. Before Christ, a Chinese proverb held wisdom by “teaching a man to fish.”

Dr Eyelashes

Maybe it’s the large number of people in a small geographic space, but know what? There are some uber-strange people in Japan. And then there’s Hideki Takahashi. Calling himself Dr. Eyelashes while cutting his short, shows his complete and utter dedication to making the best mascara in the business. Don’t get me started on Koji Nageno. Sheesh. Guess I shouldn’t talk… I drive a Honda. 8^)

A Girl’s Best Friend

What would you do if you found a 300-carat diamond? I don’t know, but I’d sure like to find out.

Like TiVo Without the Fees

Pinnacle Systems, known for their low-priced, video editing software, Studio, is now promoting their PCTV products. PCTV Deluxe comes with a USB2 device that you connect to your cable feed and PC. Viola, now you can record TV shows on your computer’s hard drive similar to how TiVo works. This technology has been around for a couple of years now but Pinnacle is putting together all the pieces to make it simple for us non-computer-geeks. Plus, once you own this stuff, you’ll want to buy some of their other products *cough* *Studio* *cough* to “play” with the shows you’ve recorded.

ACME Isn’t Only Anvils

As a kid, how was I to know that ACME wasn’t a real company. You mean they are?!? (2, 3, more) Anyway, I thought ACME made everything. Because anytime Wile E. Coyote needed something, it’d come in an ACME box. Now GP Markham has all those wonderful items for you to peruse at his Illustrated Catalog of ACME Products. Personal fav has got to be the Triple Strength Fortified Leg Muscle Vitamins.

Yes, No, I Mean Yes, You Can Eat It

Hot dogs suffer from a bad reputation, especially in the health department. So it takes a new, amazing hot dog “technology” like Octodog to convince people to eat these nutrient-adverse things because they are just so darn cute. [via Coudal]

Sports Top 10 Individual Streaks

Being a lifelong (and official) sports fan, I’m always impressed by some of the amazing feats that some people have accomplished over the years. Today, Page2′s Jeff Merron puts out his Top 10 list of individual streaks. It’s hard to argue with any of his selections, but especially tough to beat was the Yankee Clipper’s 56-game hitting streak. Wow.

The Future of Candy

Hello Kitty® or not, Tongue Tape^TM is the future of candy. I can see it now… 256 flavors and all calorie-free! It’s like NASA rations but better. You can also combine them for a buh-zillion new flavor unions. It’s like the 21st Century equivalent of jelly beans. Buy JAKK while low!