1. Do you have a photo blog? If so, feel free to share the link with us! Umm...yes a bit - just a flickr thing - but the limit's a killer - so as of tomorrow there'll be a lot more there.
2. How many pets do you own, and what are their names? If none, have you had a favorite pet in the past? None here in Canberra, but in Sydney we've got Tessa, a beautiful if mischievous border collie. Her 'predecessor' Panda was not only a beautiful dog but also much better behaved. Still not sure which is/was my favourite though.
3. How many times a week does the carpet in your house get vacuumed? No carpet? How many times a MONTH do your floors get mopped? Probably once a month, or whenever Vicki's in the cleaning mood.
4. Which room in your house do you spend the most time in? The living room, it's become my default room with the lack of space in my bedroom.
5. Have you read any good books lately? Starship Troopers and Words & Rules. They're both in my profile, and they're both fantastic reads for anyone who's interested in the future of warfare or the future of language respectively.
6. What is your biggest source of news? (Newspaper? Television? Radio? Other?) I've become a bit of an information junkie, in NZ & Fiji I actually had a bit of withdrawl...it's become a bit disturbing. But I've found my favourite sources, each of them reliable, current (and leaning the right way): Reuters, ITWire, the Australian, Janes, New Scientist and finally the good ol' ABC and BBC.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Top 50 Movie Endings
Like with any lists of the 'best', 'worst' or similar, there is always going to be disagreement about the numbers, but, much of the time, the members of the list are inarguable. This list of the Top 50 Movie Endings is pretty much on the money with it's choices.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Monday Meme
I've decided to jump on this truck (to use Ted Stevens' words...I know, everyone's blogging it, but it's just because it's so ridiculous) and start with these Monday Memes along with Maddy and Chris. Let's see how long it'll last.
1. I won't eat past _____ o'clock in the evening. Probably around 11, but there's always exceptions...it's bad, I know.
2. My favorite subject for photographing is _____. Plants and trees, but as scenery with a good, solid background; Stuff that makes a nice wallpaper for my desktop.
3. I use _____ most often to edit my photographs. Originally the infamous Photoshop, but lately Corel Photo-Paint actually. Not that I regularly edit my photos; much better to just take a good shot in the first place.
4. If I'm having trouble sleeping, I usually _____. Thiss happens a lot, and all I can do is just try to stop thinking, but it usually doesn't work, I just have to wait until 3 or 4 in the morning and hope my body takes over.
5. When I'm hungry for a snack, I usually eat _____. Nothing, I've stopped eating more than 2 meals a day.
Well that wasn't too hard.
1. I won't eat past _____ o'clock in the evening. Probably around 11, but there's always exceptions...it's bad, I know.
2. My favorite subject for photographing is _____. Plants and trees, but as scenery with a good, solid background; Stuff that makes a nice wallpaper for my desktop.
3. I use _____ most often to edit my photographs. Originally the infamous Photoshop, but lately Corel Photo-Paint actually. Not that I regularly edit my photos; much better to just take a good shot in the first place.
4. If I'm having trouble sleeping, I usually _____. Thiss happens a lot, and all I can do is just try to stop thinking, but it usually doesn't work, I just have to wait until 3 or 4 in the morning and hope my body takes over.
5. When I'm hungry for a snack, I usually eat _____. Nothing, I've stopped eating more than 2 meals a day.
Well that wasn't too hard.
News of Note
Okidoki: just a few things I've found over the weekend.
* Apparently the U.S. Army still thinks homosexuality is a mental disorder...the view has been otherwise for going on 40 years now. The article here.
* Pepsi lost millions of dollars in Pepsi challenges in Peru through 'the Pepsi Challenge', not because Pepsi doesn't taste as good, but because people (presumably Peruvians more so) don't like being told they're wrong. I wouldn't be suprised if it had similarly backfired in other countries. The article here.
* Reuters reports that a town called Balaton in Hungary seems to be advertising for an unusual niche in the tourism market. You'll have to check out this video to get the point, or the article itself here.
* And finally, Jon Stewart called on his Resident Expert to explain exactly how the Internet would work without legislated 'Net Netruality' in his uniquely informative way as shown here. (Also check out the other appearances of John Hodgman on YouTube here especially his proof that India and Pakistan are, in fact, two separate countries...you've got to love the description of Gen. Musharraf as a "small be-medalled man!")
* Apparently the U.S. Army still thinks homosexuality is a mental disorder...the view has been otherwise for going on 40 years now. The article here.
* Pepsi lost millions of dollars in Pepsi challenges in Peru through 'the Pepsi Challenge', not because Pepsi doesn't taste as good, but because people (presumably Peruvians more so) don't like being told they're wrong. I wouldn't be suprised if it had similarly backfired in other countries. The article here.
* Reuters reports that a town called Balaton in Hungary seems to be advertising for an unusual niche in the tourism market. You'll have to check out this video to get the point, or the article itself here.
* And finally, Jon Stewart called on his Resident Expert to explain exactly how the Internet would work without legislated 'Net Netruality' in his uniquely informative way as shown here. (Also check out the other appearances of John Hodgman on YouTube here especially his proof that India and Pakistan are, in fact, two separate countries...you've got to love the description of Gen. Musharraf as a "small be-medalled man!")
Friday, July 21, 2006
Doomed Planet
Along with a bunch of others, DoomedPlanet has greeted the new high-speed internet with gusto, taking the opportunity to become, in my mind, one of the best amateur sketch teams around. Checkout their page, or their videos on YouTube.
Pure comedy gold!
Another site always worth a look is Newgrounds. It's been around a while and has managed to build quite a library of amateur animations. Definitely check it out.
I eat justice...and I poop out equality!
It's kind of like Schindler's List meets Panic Room.
It's gonna cost like what...what's the next number down from zero?
Pure comedy gold!
Another site always worth a look is Newgrounds. It's been around a while and has managed to build quite a library of amateur animations. Definitely check it out.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Our Many Depths and Dimensions
It's always good when people try to explain science, it has huge potential to either educate or to be miserably hilarious. This page is trying to explain some very complicated concepts in a very short space of time (forgive the pun) and therefore you have to make an effort to keep up...but it's worth it. Mum, Dad, this is definitely worth a look.
As for depth, an artist I Stumbled Upon, Sixteen, actually produces some nice works. There's plenty of pages like this but this one seems a bit better than average. Anywho, here.
As for depth, an artist I Stumbled Upon, Sixteen, actually produces some nice works. There's plenty of pages like this but this one seems a bit better than average. Anywho, here.
Snakes on a Plane
I guess this blog has become a sort of favourites folder but including all those links that I don't want in my real favourites. As such I figured I'd post all the new cool stuff from Sam Jackson's next film.
A glimpse into How Hollywood Really Works
Some guy doing some fairly good impressions in the 'auditions'
There's even an All Your Snakes Are Belong to Us
ah...good times
A glimpse into How Hollywood Really Works
Some guy doing some fairly good impressions in the 'auditions'
There's even an All Your Snakes Are Belong to Us
ah...good times
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Benjamin Franklin's Life Goals
Benjamin Franklin did a lot of cool stuff...but, for a long time, I've never really respected his brain, he just didn't stop working - the very exemplar of the Protestant work ethic. He did, however, live by a nice set of morals.
This page lists the goals that Benjamin Franklin tried to eschew in his life.
This, however, is a very practical invention; Franklin created a list each week and if he failed to live up to any of these qualities he'd place a dot in the appropriate box. He kept a chart every week for 66 years - that's pretty dedicated!
On a side note: for anyone who likes the idea, there's a site JoesGoals.com which allows you to replicate Franklin's lists on the net. Pretty cool...if you can check yourself to keep it working.
Once again, good ol' Lifehacker.
This page lists the goals that Benjamin Franklin tried to eschew in his life.
1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation.
2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.
6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice: Wrong none, by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.
11. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; Never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
12. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
This, however, is a very practical invention; Franklin created a list each week and if he failed to live up to any of these qualities he'd place a dot in the appropriate box. He kept a chart every week for 66 years - that's pretty dedicated!On a side note: for anyone who likes the idea, there's a site JoesGoals.com which allows you to replicate Franklin's lists on the net. Pretty cool...if you can check yourself to keep it working.
Once again, good ol' Lifehacker.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Old news but Good news
For those of you who haven't seen this, this is the memorable moment when Jon Stewart (the Daily Show) destroyed CNN's primetime debate show.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Superman's Evolution
This page shows, albeit with limited evidence, how Superman's powers have increased significantly from his original 1930s form (which was notably weaker than the Hulk...who was not yet Incredible) through to predictions for Superman in the 2040s, at which point his powers will have surpassed those of God.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
The Nations of the World
The Animaniacs never disappoint and Yakko's rendition, listing the nations of the world to the tune of the Mexican Hat Dance is, not only an admirable feat in it's scripting, but it's also a pretty damn addictive song. Definitely one of my favourite all-time songs.
Friday, July 14, 2006
The Prestige
I normally try to keep movie stuff off this page, for numerous reasons, but this one looks very promising.
A new film coming out in October, starring some of my favourite actors of all time and directed by a master. I've been trying to restrain myself until a trailer came out but the only one I could find on YouTube had a voiceover from Entertainment Tonight so I'll put another one up soon.
With Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as the two leads and with Michael Caine and David Bowie supporting, it's already sowing seeds of huge promise, but then Christopher Nolan is directing which, in itself, is cool, but it means that both Caine and Bale have agreed to work with him more than they were contractually obliged to with the Batman Begins franchise...and I trust their judgement. There are also appearances by the ever-beautiful Scarlett Johansson, Andy Serkis (Gollum & King Kong) and Piper Perabo who, despite her failure to crack Hollywood in Coyote Ugly, is still pretty cute.
The story, apparently adapted from a novel by Christopher Priest revolves around two turn-of-the-century magicians in London both seeking to be the best magician and perform the most amazing feat the world has ever seen. The intensity of the competition between the two drives them both to darker and darker deeds in order to be the best. In classic Nolan fashion, there is sure to be a perfect balance between entertainment, through powerful characters and wonderous scenes, and a moral standing, presumably on how far one must go and still be the better man.
What makes it just that bit extra cool is that David Bowie plays Nikola Tesla, in what would've been the year of Tesla's 150th birthday (I'm not sure if that phrase works properly...I suppose it depends on whether you believe that there is an upper limit on the length of a man's life - but that's for another time).
For those of you who don't know, Tesla was the genius who invented long-distance radio communication and was the main force behind the use of alternating current (AC) for long-distance power transmission. He was, from memory, the third person to announce they'd derived a grand unified theory (the holy grail of physics since the beginning of last century) before dying without leaving any trace of their work on the matter. For the last decade or so, however, he's probably become more famous for the weapon named after him in the Red Alert computer games (which he'd also claimed he'd invented - at the time it was the first mention of a 'death ray'). Oh, and he spoke seven languages, of two families, fluently. So, yeah, he was a pretty awesome guy and is still regarded, pretty much universally, as the best electrical engineer who ever lived.
This is digressing a bit, more so because I doubt Tesla actually particpated in magic shows and is just involved a la the recent Jules Verne-esque stories, like The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen...but it's still cool.
So, I've got to the end of the post without a link to the IMDB page or the only trailer that's up yet so here they are: IMDB YouTube
A new film coming out in October, starring some of my favourite actors of all time and directed by a master. I've been trying to restrain myself until a trailer came out but the only one I could find on YouTube had a voiceover from Entertainment Tonight so I'll put another one up soon.
With Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as the two leads and with Michael Caine and David Bowie supporting, it's already sowing seeds of huge promise, but then Christopher Nolan is directing which, in itself, is cool, but it means that both Caine and Bale have agreed to work with him more than they were contractually obliged to with the Batman Begins franchise...and I trust their judgement. There are also appearances by the ever-beautiful Scarlett Johansson, Andy Serkis (Gollum & King Kong) and Piper Perabo who, despite her failure to crack Hollywood in Coyote Ugly, is still pretty cute.
The story, apparently adapted from a novel by Christopher Priest revolves around two turn-of-the-century magicians in London both seeking to be the best magician and perform the most amazing feat the world has ever seen. The intensity of the competition between the two drives them both to darker and darker deeds in order to be the best. In classic Nolan fashion, there is sure to be a perfect balance between entertainment, through powerful characters and wonderous scenes, and a moral standing, presumably on how far one must go and still be the better man.
What makes it just that bit extra cool is that David Bowie plays Nikola Tesla, in what would've been the year of Tesla's 150th birthday (I'm not sure if that phrase works properly...I suppose it depends on whether you believe that there is an upper limit on the length of a man's life - but that's for another time).
For those of you who don't know, Tesla was the genius who invented long-distance radio communication and was the main force behind the use of alternating current (AC) for long-distance power transmission. He was, from memory, the third person to announce they'd derived a grand unified theory (the holy grail of physics since the beginning of last century) before dying without leaving any trace of their work on the matter. For the last decade or so, however, he's probably become more famous for the weapon named after him in the Red Alert computer games (which he'd also claimed he'd invented - at the time it was the first mention of a 'death ray'). Oh, and he spoke seven languages, of two families, fluently. So, yeah, he was a pretty awesome guy and is still regarded, pretty much universally, as the best electrical engineer who ever lived.
This is digressing a bit, more so because I doubt Tesla actually particpated in magic shows and is just involved a la the recent Jules Verne-esque stories, like The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen...but it's still cool.
So, I've got to the end of the post without a link to the IMDB page or the only trailer that's up yet so here they are: IMDB YouTube
Chimpanzees often use sticks as crude tools
Kinda cool video of a chimp playing Pac-Man. Though I'm not sure which is funnier, the chimp having fun or the crazy American lady cheering him on.
Why DMCA needs a tune-up
The EFF has put up a page, presumably intended for journalists attending an RIAA, MPAA or similar release who don't care so much about being invited back for the next one. Basically it's a set of questions pointing out the best flaws in commonsense allowed by the DMCA. Is one of the few parts of our free-trade agreement with the States that really pisses me off. That and damn farm subsidies.
I like:
* The RIAA has sued over 20,000 music fans for file sharing, who have on average paid a $3,750 settlement. That's over $75,000,000. Has any money collected from your lawsuits gone to pay actual artists?
* The major movie studios have been enjoying some of their most profitable years in history over the past five years. Can you cite to any specific studies that prove noncommercial file sharing among fans, as opposed to commercial DVD piracy, has hurt the studios' bottom line in any significant way?
I feel I should include a small glossary for those non-nerds who visit this page...and my folks. The links here will take you to the Wikipedia pages for each.
EFF: Electronic Frontier Foundation
MPAA: Motion Picture Association of America
RIAA: Recording Industry Association of America
DMCA: Digital Millenium Copyright Act
I like:
* The RIAA has sued over 20,000 music fans for file sharing, who have on average paid a $3,750 settlement. That's over $75,000,000. Has any money collected from your lawsuits gone to pay actual artists?
* The major movie studios have been enjoying some of their most profitable years in history over the past five years. Can you cite to any specific studies that prove noncommercial file sharing among fans, as opposed to commercial DVD piracy, has hurt the studios' bottom line in any significant way?
I feel I should include a small glossary for those non-nerds who visit this page...and my folks. The links here will take you to the Wikipedia pages for each.
EFF: Electronic Frontier Foundation
MPAA: Motion Picture Association of America
RIAA: Recording Industry Association of America
DMCA: Digital Millenium Copyright Act
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Communist Jokes & American Names
Two posts here mentioned by Maddy, the first is an essay on the history of jokes in the former USSR. The second is a great interactive site showing the popularity of the top thousand names from the last century and a half in the U.S.
So, Ben Lewis' essay, Hammer & Tickle, is a great, if short, text investigating the history of Communist jokes in the former Soviet Union. Pretty funny, if sometimes in a pretty dark way. For example, "When was the first Russian election? The time that God put Eve in front of Adam and said, 'Go ahead, choose your wife.'"
There's also The Baby Name Wizard which is a graphical representation of the popularity of any name which has been in the top thousand since the 1880s. Interesting to see the significant drop in biblical names (though it seems the only really significant girls' name has been 'Mary'). Seems, though, that my parents were pretty trendy with Daniel being ranked 7th in the 80s. As for the guys on the right, Chris and Matt were/are in the same boat as me, while Maddy, Sandro's folks were about a decade ahead of the time. (Vicki, you're parents were about thirty years out of date.)
So, Ben Lewis' essay, Hammer & Tickle, is a great, if short, text investigating the history of Communist jokes in the former Soviet Union. Pretty funny, if sometimes in a pretty dark way. For example, "When was the first Russian election? The time that God put Eve in front of Adam and said, 'Go ahead, choose your wife.'"
There's also The Baby Name Wizard which is a graphical representation of the popularity of any name which has been in the top thousand since the 1880s. Interesting to see the significant drop in biblical names (though it seems the only really significant girls' name has been 'Mary'). Seems, though, that my parents were pretty trendy with Daniel being ranked 7th in the 80s. As for the guys on the right, Chris and Matt were/are in the same boat as me, while Maddy, Sandro's folks were about a decade ahead of the time. (Vicki, you're parents were about thirty years out of date.)
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Once again...Thank God we're not in America!
This is a perfect example of why politicians should have to prove themselves before they're given tickets as well as why party politics isn't so important in the states (I presume there are some fairly intelli...reasonably...republicans who are a bit smarter than this guy Westmoreland.
I found this at the everfunny God is for Suckers and the clip is from the Colbert Report on Comedy Central (for those of you who don't already know it, it's clearly one of the best pieces of television around, probably tying with the Daily Show - interestingly they're both up for the same Emmy for best variety show.)
I found this at the everfunny God is for Suckers and the clip is from the Colbert Report on Comedy Central (for those of you who don't already know it, it's clearly one of the best pieces of television around, probably tying with the Daily Show - interestingly they're both up for the same Emmy for best variety show.)
Flickr & Fiji
Okay - so I've finally started posting my photos from my trip to Fiji and New Zealand. Unfortunately, Flickr only allows 20Mb a month for free, so it's going to take just a bit of time.
That brings me finally to my trip. I've been postponing posting this, but here it finally is. Overall, it was good. Auckland is just like any other city, but that also means that there are parts of it that you can't just see from an hostel or a tour bus. The islands off Auckland are pretty cool, the uni students are cool and the local food is great. The Bay of Islands is beautiful, Russell, the orignial capital of NZ and apparently a Port Royale for the Pacific in its time, is beautiful. Old colonial port architecture, it's spectactular. The island themselves are also pretty cool with small houses and communities dotted through the group.
Then there's Fiji. Fiji seems to be designed for a type of travel that I'm not used to, nor do I enjoy for more than a day or two. The idea of lying on a beach, not achieving anything seems, while relaxing, a bit pointless frankly. But when there is no other option, drinking games and sunbaking can be made fun.
But, a trip is a trip and it might as well be made fun. Anyway, it was a good opportunity for some good pics which, coincidentally, you can see at http://www.flickr.com/photos/crip/
So there it is, finally.
hmmm - wonder what the next post'll be about...
That brings me finally to my trip. I've been postponing posting this, but here it finally is. Overall, it was good. Auckland is just like any other city, but that also means that there are parts of it that you can't just see from an hostel or a tour bus. The islands off Auckland are pretty cool, the uni students are cool and the local food is great. The Bay of Islands is beautiful, Russell, the orignial capital of NZ and apparently a Port Royale for the Pacific in its time, is beautiful. Old colonial port architecture, it's spectactular. The island themselves are also pretty cool with small houses and communities dotted through the group.
Then there's Fiji. Fiji seems to be designed for a type of travel that I'm not used to, nor do I enjoy for more than a day or two. The idea of lying on a beach, not achieving anything seems, while relaxing, a bit pointless frankly. But when there is no other option, drinking games and sunbaking can be made fun.
But, a trip is a trip and it might as well be made fun. Anyway, it was a good opportunity for some good pics which, coincidentally, you can see at http://www.flickr.com/photos/crip/
So there it is, finally.
hmmm - wonder what the next post'll be about...
Real-Life Pacman
I know it's already made the rounds - but, yet again, YouTube provides quality indie entertainment.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Cool L&P Ads
Some cool ads for a drink called L&P from NZ
For those of you who haven't tried L&P before, if you see it you MUST buy it! If you're rushing to a plane you've still gotta try it.
For those of you who haven't tried L&P before, if you see it you MUST buy it! If you're rushing to a plane you've still gotta try it.
Gabbly
Cool new thing called Gabbly. You put 'www.gabbly.com/' before the address of some page and you can chat with anyone else on the same page.
eg. http://www.gabbly.com/nonsocial.blogspot.com
anyway - could be awesome (provided people actually start using it)
eg. http://www.gabbly.com/nonsocial.blogspot.com
anyway - could be awesome (provided people actually start using it)
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