Solution Three

The “H” is SILENT!

Charlie — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:39:35 +0000

For many months now, my wife and I have had a nonsensical argument about the pronunciation of the popular video streaming site, Hulu. I pronounce Hulu as “U-lu”. My stubbornness in this pronunciation, even under widespread scoffing, came from having heard someone else say it this way, and it stuck.

So, I pledged that once the correct pronunciation was found, I would publish our findings on the blog. Last week, Elizabeth happened upon a video or news report with the CEO of Hulu. The pronunciation he used was “Hulu”, just as it’s spelled. I figure of all people on the planet that know, he probably is one of the best. So, I publicly concede to reform my ways regarding pronunciation of this mandarin word.

While I’m at it, I’ll give Hulu a little plug. If you haven’t seen the NBC series Kings, you can catch it on Hulu until September 19th.

It’s all about finding the Right Hill

Charlie — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 23:43:23 +0000

A few days prior to this attempt, I’d tried ascending Mill St. in Binghamton. I’m still not too sure how close to the top I got, but at the first switchback, I’d already stopped several times to catch my breath, and my legs were burning beyond description. After letting my body recuperate a little, I decided to try something a little less steep, but still a real climb.

View Jun-7 in a larger map

The climb at Stratmill is a “pleasant” one as it goes up a bit, levels off, goes up a little more, levels off, etc., etc. Then, once you’ve climbed, you have any number of fast fun descents to pick from. I prefer Nowlan Rd., as it levels off and runs a while before coming to a stop sign. Old State Rd. is fun too, except for the abrupt end at a red light on a local highway.

Bimmer Milestone Birthday – 100k

Charlie — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 03:01:58 +0000

On my way home from work, my beautiful car reached a significant milestone–the odometer rolled past 100,000 miles. Here’s to another easy 100,000 (it is after all a German car).

(Yes, my car isn't the cleanest around)

Memorial Day in Washington, D.C.

Charlie — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 02:52:36 +0000

Elizabeth and I decided to get away for Memorial Day, and where better to visit than our nation’s capital?

While we had intentions of seeing the parade on the National Mall, we ended up staying in the Georgetown area of D.C. Our modest hotel room had a view overlooking a college courtyard (which was occupied even late into the night).

Monday morning brought us the Smithsonian National Zoo (free admission!). We frequently visit zoos on our travels, as they are a mutually amusing activity; Elizabeth loves seeing animals, especially new ones, while I enjoy the challenge of capturing the experience on film.

Remind anyone else of Pride Rock?

Instead of tackling the parade crowd, we decided to find, what we believed to be, the National Cathedral. On our way to the zoo, we’d seen some large, ornate structure in the not-too-distant. We arrived at the cathedral’s underground parking, and were blown away by the spectacular site exiting the garage.

Front Face of the National Cathedral

Inside, everything to be seen had been carefully designed and crafted by American craftsmen. Stainglass and stonework were abundant. This church building rivals anything I’ve ever seen in its beauty and craftmanship.

Stainglass Window at National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

One could easily spend dozens, if not hundreds, of hours studying the beautiful stainglass windows that span the entire cathedral from floor to the ceiling nearly 100 feet up. One of the most unique windows is the Space Window, a commemoration to American ingenuity in space exploration. The window contains a piece of lunar rock!

The Space Window, Stainglass, National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

One of the neatest things of the day (for me) was the War Memorial Chapel, a symbol of sacrifices given for freedom. This chapel was intertwined with ideas about the sacrifices of American soldiers, their families, and Christ–an interesting common denominator in freedom. A tapestry hung here, representing all 50 states, as well as each military service.

Tapestry in War Memorial Chapel, National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Organ Pipes, National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

After touring the main level of the cathedral, we hopped on the elevator to the seventh floor. This public area is above all of the surrounding buildings for several miles, and had windows all the way around the tower. We searched and found distant landmarks, such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol building.

We found our way next to the cathedral crypt, where there are three additional chapels and a gift shop. We left the crypt (makes me think of “Tales from the Crypt”), and relaxed in the yard next to the cathedral.

National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Want to see more pictures from our Smithsonian Zoo or National Cathedral trip?

National Bike-to-Work Day 2010

Charlie — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:04:58 +0000

Last Friday was National Bike-to-Work Day. I participated in this event, putting in a grueling 2 miles to work, and nearly 9 miles from work to my after-work destination. My employer put together a group photo for all those participating, and as a group, we self-sponsored a small donation for our partner Military Support Organizations.

I’m the fourth from the right, riding my commuter:

Finally!

Charlie — Thu, 27 May 2010 02:36:14 +0000

No placeholders. No old content.

For some time, I’ve wanted a blog. Not because I’m a spectacular writer, or have lots of deep things to share. Just because I wanted to try the experience. I’ve also wanted a website to showcase my design efforts and projects. After a recent challenge study, I decided to stop procrastinating and finally get a real website/blog.

So, I have combined the former charlesburger.com with the design brand, and voilà, SolutionThree.com is finally born! I’ll will write at least semi-regularly about life, with topics ranging from design and projects to family and faith.

Welcome friend!

* And don’t forget to add me to your favorite RSS reader