Ths morning, I saw this picture on Tarheelblue.com. It was with an article about the Jimmy Johnson coaching tree, which interestingly includes both Butch Davis (back left with sunglasses) and Dave Wannstedt of Pitt (back right with moustache). Now, I don't often get envious or think that I would like to be doing what some other guy is doing, but these guys were my age when they were building a staff that would eventually win a national championship at Miami and two Superbowls. How would it be to have a job doing something that you loved and that you were good at, and to be doing it with a group of highly talented and motivated people that you honestly enjoyed  working with?

That is my goal in this life. Sure, there are other goals that are important to me--some that are much more important. But I can't think of many things that I desire that resonate as deeply wth me right now.

Now let me get some sleep so I can go sit in my cube tomorrow....

 

As many of you know already, my interest in history has recently turned more toward historic preservation. in the past few years, I've worked on a couple projects in that vein, and more and more I feel like that's what I want to do with my degree.

Which brings me to an article that a co-worker loaned me from the DAR magazine. Apparently, Benjamin Rush's country estate (which he called Cottage Farm) was denied inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places by the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission because "even if Rush did build or occupy the house.... what did he do at this property that contributes to his importance?"

The article points out that the house was promised to his wife as a wedding gift, and when he was forced to sell the property to settle bad debts, he destoyed all records of owning it and refused to talk about the house ever again. The article also notes that the 12 years in which Rush occupied the property correspond with his most important professional publishing efforts.

So what is historic? What deserves preservation and what doesn't? The issue raises other questions also, like whether a potential restoration should preserve or reverse an 1830s-era addition to the front (seen in the pictures above), which has no connection to Rush at all. I haven't decided what I think. Just points to ponder.... 

Thanks Barak!

A scientist at my office just told me he was going to the "metabolic transmigration facility." Where do these guys come from?

If you have ever wondered what it is that I do on Mondays and Saturdays, I work at the Shodor Foundation. Recently, we won a very big prize from Cisco, and as part of the award they made a highlight video for the organization. You can watch the video here. As with all non-streaming files, you'll have to wait for the download. Also, please excuse the blatant Cisco self-promotion. Enjoy!