Nice Wired Magazine Article about Alex's Latest

Alex Chen, my son-law, has made another thing of beauty to delight the eyes and ears. He's created an animated visual representation of the Beach Boy's You Still Believe In Me. Alex transcribed the harmonies note for note, and then wrote the code to render as it played. He got the idea from church bells. Just like the size of a bell corresponds to the pitch of the note it produces, Alex took circles to represent each note in the song. Cool thing is, the Beach Boy's song was inspired by a church choir. You can read the write up here at Wired and experience Alex's art here. I could watch and listen to this one for a whole afternoon.

Google Doodle Pride

You may have already had fun with this on Thursday and Friday but I'm a pretty proud mother in-law and need to post anyway. My daughter, Brin's husband, Alex Chen is the very bright man behind the interactive Les Paul Google Doodle everyone's been having fun with. If you haven't tried your rendition of Stairway to Heaven or Zippity Doo Dah you can go to the permanent spot it has here. Strum away, record it, share it with the world.

A great example of Alex and Brin's musical collaboration can be found on his Boy in Static album, Candy Cigarette. Young San Francisco is a song you'll find yourself humming after one listen. The little stars? Alex's niece Maya and my grandson Levi. I think it's only a matter of time before we're all singing Alex's songs as well as playing them.

Earl Schmearl

I think the milk and bread industries sponsored Earl. We did get all the lawn furniture and garden tools put away. But he hasn't amounted amount to much so far. This little video by my son-in-law, Alex Chen, captures what Earl did best today. Made some waves and giggles.