http://michaelhelgerson.com The musings of a planner. Thoughtful considerations of the past, present, and future. Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:50:16 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Upon moving to Creston my first priority (after housing) has been the process of procuring an internet connection.  To be really honest, it is the only amenity that truly defines the quality of my life. Yes, I am addicted.  No, I am not ashamed.  I'm Gen Y, baby! Anyway, I have not ... http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/09/my-unabashed-nerdiness/ After a long hiatus, I am back. Since my last post a few things have changed... New job. New town. New apartment. It has been an interesting few months.  More information on the job and my vintage 1970 apartment coming soon. With photos. Welcome back! http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/09/ok-this-time/ Tonight I decided to become a Gawker exhibitor. Gawker Artists is an online community in which artists of all types can post their work. After creating a profile on the Gawker website, select work is displayed in ad space on exhibitor websites. I am now one of those websites. ... http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/06/6-gawk/ While this post is quite late to the subject, I thought it was worth mentioning. I am sure someone else has already pointed this out. On June 18th, Iowa kicked off the National Guard's Vigilant Guard initiative - a measure designed to develop the emergency response capability of the National ... http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/06/5-vigilant-guard/ No, not more federal spending. I'm glad the First Family has balanced the construction of a new basketball court one the White House grounds with something useful.  The First Lady has been the steward[ess] of the newly created kitchen garden on the White House's South Lawn.  Thus far, it has served ... http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/06/4-lets-grow-government/ I was recently introduced to a concept that has fascinated me for the last week or so: the ecomuseum.  In today's lexicon, the name conjures up images of so-called "tree huggers" perusing exhibits documenting man's declension into a way of life solely sustained by the abundance of non-renewable resources.   And, ... http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/06/3-ecomuseum-its-not-what-youd-think/ Click the image above for a larger view I found this map recently and was really intrigued by the amount of detail that went into creating it.  The designer that created the illustration spent five months combing real and fictional locations and people into the landmasses of the map.  The map ... http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/06/2-oh-the-humanity/ Having lived in Ames for quite a few years, there have been some notable news stories with a local flavor.  But, in recent months, there has been a strange trend arising: students young men falling from or within apartment buildings. Having witnessed the aftermath of a neighbor jumping from his own (albeit lower) ... http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/06/1-ouch/ Although I have no real concerns about maintaining my personal anonymity on this blog, I will use a series of monikers to represent those close to me who obviously want no part in this venture. Wo-Beau Editor's Note: In lieu of using the female equivalent of "beau" in French (i.e. "belle"), ... http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/06/05-to-protect-the-innocent/ A recent college graduate searching for his next step.  >> [SUGGESTION BOX] Where better to document my journey than on the interweb? The unspecifics of what will follow can be found on the "About" page to the left. Welcome! http://michaelhelgerson.com/2009/06/hello-world/