New Haircut, Old Shirt, Happy Birthday America

Multimedia message, originally uploaded by johnmknight.

New Cut

I thought this was a "new" enough hairdew that I'd post it. I'm not that vain to think people are really interested in my hair. I know better. I know for a fact that people around the world just like to make comentary about my hair. So.. this one is for my people. Not to worry.. it will grow out and I now remember why I havn't had my hair this short in 18 years. I look like this guy in the photo.

Old Shirt

Also to all those "SoftArt" people out there... check out the old company shirt. Software Artistry for those playing along at home, was my corporate home for several years where I cut my teeth doing software development. It was my first publicly traded company and where I got my first taste of coporate mergers and acuisitions. I also had the honor of working with a lot of great people, many of whom I'm still in touch with.

The 4th

I have always been a student of history and in particular American History. For those who call the United States home (or not) I encourage each and everyone of you to read the following: The Declaration of Independance, The Constitution, The Federalist Papers, and Calvin and Hobbes. Also you should all listen to a little John Phillips Souza, Elvis Presley, BB King, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Daniels, Billy Joel, Jimmy Buffet, Allison Krauss, The Platters, Johny Cash, Frank Sinatra... oh, and anything Jazz, the truly original American Music.

Final (Random) Thoughts

• The British didn't really accept the United States' indepedance until after the War of 1812. Most American Student's have no idea what this war was about or who fought in it.
• John Paul Jones, the first Admiral and Naval Hero of the United States, died in Paris and was exhumed decades after his death and is now intured under the chapel at the United States Navel Acadamy.
• It is a fact that many of the the Founding Father of the United States owened slaves. The fight to end slavery began well before the American Civil War. The political fights and stuggles AND compromises made during the very creation of the country would simmer and cause bloodshed until 1865 and the end of the American Civil War. Ironically the watershed moment of that war, the Battle of Gettysburg would end just before this nation's birthday, July 4th, 1863. President Licoln, months later, would dedicate a cemetary on the location and give the Gettysburg Address.
• The hair will grow back...