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Monday, February 28, 2005Origins of American Animation
The development of early American animation is represented by this collection of 21 animated films and 2 fragments, which spans the years 1900 to 1921. The films include clay, puppet, and cut-out animation, as well as pen drawings. They point to a connection between newspaper comic strips and early animated films, as represented by Keeping Up With the Joneses, Krazy Kat, and The Katzenjammer Kids. As well as showing the development of animation, these films also reveal the social attitudes of early twentieth-century America.
Pictured above is a clip from the racially sensitive Bobby Bump Starts a Lodge.Origins of American Animation
The development of early American animation is represented by this collection of 21 animated films and 2 fragments, which spans the years 1900 to 1921. The films include clay, puppet, and cut-out animation, as well as pen drawings. They point to a connection between newspaper comic strips and early animated films, as represented by Keeping Up With the Joneses, Krazy Kat, and The Katzenjammer Kids. As well as showing the development of animation, these films also reveal the social attitudes of early twentieth-century America.
Pictured above is a clip from the racially sensitive Bobby Bump Starts a Lodge.Upcoming Movie Sequels and RemakesThere is a movie coming out for The A-Team, Dukes of Hazzard, Miami Vice and Knight Rider? Sacrilege!
Here's a list of sequels and prequels that are slated to come out in the next several years. They don't necessarily mean that the geniuses behind them ran out of story. I included the movie title, the slated year of release, and a personal ranking.
(via Backwards City)Upcoming Movie Sequels and RemakesThere is a movie coming out for The A-Team, Dukes of Hazzard, Miami Vice and Knight Rider? Sacrilege!
Here's a list of sequels and prequels that are slated to come out in the next several years. They don't necessarily mean that the geniuses behind them ran out of story. I included the movie title, the slated year of release, and a personal ranking.
(via Backwards City)Bad Cop, No Donut
Your weekly wrap-up of North American police brutality, misconduct and corruption.
Bad Cop, No Donut
Your weekly wrap-up of North American police brutality, misconduct and corruption.
Japanese Vengeance Balloon Bombs of WW2
During the Second World War the Japanese conceived the idea of fashioning incendiary bombs and attaching these to balloons which were released with easterly wintertime jet stream winds above 30,000 feet to float 5,000 miles across the north Pacific. The idea was to have these devices explode over the forested regions of the Pacific Northwest and initiate large forest fires that would hopefully divert U.S. manpower from warfighting in the Pacific theater to combating fires at home.
Japanese Vengeance Balloon Bombs of WW2
During the Second World War the Japanese conceived the idea of fashioning incendiary bombs and attaching these to balloons which were released with easterly wintertime jet stream winds above 30,000 feet to float 5,000 miles across the north Pacific. The idea was to have these devices explode over the forested regions of the Pacific Northwest and initiate large forest fires that would hopefully divert U.S. manpower from warfighting in the Pacific theater to combating fires at home.
Totalitarian Art I hadn't seen 90% of these photos and paintings. Stalin is pictured above in the Chef Boyadee getup. (via Tom McMahon) Totalitarian ArtI hadn't seen 90% of these photos and paintings. Stalin is pictured above in the Chef Boyadee getup. (via Tom McMahon) The Cross in Space I dunno.
The cross will be over You personally! The Cross will be over every Nation on earth! Over Afghanistan! Saudi Arabia! Jerusalem! America! The cross in Space Satellite will be in a Polar orbit from pole to pole. As the earth turns it will pass over every inch of the earth like peeling an apple. The cross will circle the earth every one and a half hours. After launch we can tell you on our site when it will be over you and your nation.
(via Bifurcated Rivets)The Cross in SpaceI dunno.
The cross will be over You personally! The Cross will be over every Nation on earth! Over Afghanistan! Saudi Arabia! Jerusalem! America! The cross in Space Satellite will be in a Polar orbit from pole to pole. As the earth turns it will pass over every inch of the earth like peeling an apple. The cross will circle the earth every one and a half hours. After launch we can tell you on our site when it will be over you and your nation.
(via Bifurcated Rivets)Haunted Hotel ReviewsCheck out the reviews on tripadvisor.com for the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Fond du Lac, WI. They all claim that it is haunted.
Let me start out by saying it's a great Ramada with clean rooms, and friendly staff. However, in the middle of the night, I heard the sound of someone pulling covers off the other bed. I looked at the other bed in my room, and saw the outline of a head resting on the pillow. I put my hand on it, and it was ICE cold. 30 minutes later, I am woken up again with the sound of footsteps by the bathroom. I get up, and find no one. But wait theres more, I also heard the sound of water from the sink in the bathroom. I got up, and could not find any faucet running. At that point, I just asked whoever was there to please let me have some rest. And the ghost(s) must have been listening, because after that I slept fine. Give it a chance! If you love spacious, haunted hotels, this is for you!!!
(Thanks Anonymous)Haunted Hotel ReviewsCheck out the reviews on tripadvisor.com for the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Fond du Lac, WI. They all claim that it is haunted.
Let me start out by saying it's a great Ramada with clean rooms, and friendly staff. However, in the middle of the night, I heard the sound of someone pulling covers off the other bed. I looked at the other bed in my room, and saw the outline of a head resting on the pillow. I put my hand on it, and it was ICE cold. 30 minutes later, I am woken up again with the sound of footsteps by the bathroom. I get up, and find no one. But wait theres more, I also heard the sound of water from the sink in the bathroom. I got up, and could not find any faucet running. At that point, I just asked whoever was there to please let me have some rest. And the ghost(s) must have been listening, because after that I slept fine. Give it a chance! If you love spacious, haunted hotels, this is for you!!!
(Thanks Anonymous)True FactsI have no idea if these are really true. And isn't 'True Facts' redundant?
Only 6% of the autographs in circulation from members of the Beatles are estimated to be real.
More than 2,500 left-handed people are killed each year from using products that are made for right-handed people. A private elementary school in Alexandria, Virginia, accidentally served margaritas to its schoolchildren, thinking it was limeade. True FactsI have no idea if these are really true. And isn't 'True Facts' redundant?
Only 6% of the autographs in circulation from members of the Beatles are estimated to be real.
More than 2,500 left-handed people are killed each year from using products that are made for right-handed people. A private elementary school in Alexandria, Virginia, accidentally served margaritas to its schoolchildren, thinking it was limeade. Sunday, February 27, 2005Unusual Technical Images of Equipment Used in WWII
In the Second World War people at home with loved ones spread far away around the world with the forces were fed a diet, often government backed, of "how it works" or "how we will win" technical information leaflets. Very often these would have contained superb cut away and sectioned diagrams, showing the "insides" or as was said at the time "the works!" of the machines that were winning the war for us!
Unusual Technical Images of Equipment Used in WWII
In the Second World War people at home with loved ones spread far away around the world with the forces were fed a diet, often government backed, of "how it works" or "how we will win" technical information leaflets. Very often these would have contained superb cut away and sectioned diagrams, showing the "insides" or as was said at the time "the works!" of the machines that were winning the war for us!
The Watergate Papers
Now available to the public for the first time are Woodward and Bernstein's notes from source interviews, drafts of newspaper stories and books, memos, letters, tape recordings, research materials, and other Watergate papers.
The Watergate Papers
Now available to the public for the first time are Woodward and Bernstein's notes from source interviews, drafts of newspaper stories and books, memos, letters, tape recordings, research materials, and other Watergate papers.
Banning Abortions of Gay FetusesHow did I know that this guy was a Republican before I even clicked on the article?
A Republican lawmaker in Maine has introduced a bill to prohibit abortions based on the sexual orientation of the unborn baby.
I thought this was crazy but apparently the test to find out if a fetus is gay or not is rather simple. Basically the geneticist makes a karotype and looks for a rainbow colored chromosome. Below is a karotype made from Ellen DeGeneres' chromosomes.State Rep. Brian Duprey wants the Legislature to forbid a woman from ending a pregnancy because the fetus is homosexual.  Banning Abortions of Gay FetusesHow did I know that this guy was a Republican before I even clicked on the article?
A Republican lawmaker in Maine has introduced a bill to prohibit abortions based on the sexual orientation of the unborn baby.
I thought this was crazy but apparently the test to find out if a fetus is gay or not is rather simple. Basically the geneticist makes a karotype and looks for a rainbow colored chromosome. Below is a karotype made from Ellen DeGeneres' chromosomes.State Rep. Brian Duprey wants the Legislature to forbid a woman from ending a pregnancy because the fetus is homosexual. Harry Houdini Posters
The following posters, advertising Houdini's performances and various tricks, have been collected by magicians, friends, and fans of Houdini. Each colorful ad displays a different stage of his career, from the early days of performing in the circus to his spiritualism exposés.
And, Houdini in the NY Times has hundreds of articles written about the escape artist from 1910 to present.Harry Houdini Posters
The following posters, advertising Houdini's performances and various tricks, have been collected by magicians, friends, and fans of Houdini. Each colorful ad displays a different stage of his career, from the early days of performing in the circus to his spiritualism exposés.
And, Houdini in the NY Times has hundreds of articles written about the escape artist from 1910 to present.Saturday, February 26, 2005The Beatles Anomalies ListPicky picky.
A Day In The Life
(via Backwards City)0:36 The middle note (the ‘D’) of the three descending notes after John’s "aaah" is played a little early and quiet, with a backbeat feel that doesn’t match the rest of the playing. 1:43 Switch click as the orchestra comes in, orchestra’s volume suddenly doubles at this point (right channel). Maybe this is the introduction of one of the additional tracks of orchestra used to thicken the sound. 1:44-2:16, 3:50-4:19 Mal Evans is heard counting the bars from 1 to 24; only about the first dozen are audible, starting at about three to 12 (left channel). 1:53 "9" and 1:55 "10" stick out quite well, as do 3:51 "4" 3:52 "5" 3:53 "6". 2:17 Right channel – sudden intake of breath. The Beatles Anomalies ListPicky picky.
A Day In The Life
(via Backwards City)0:36 The middle note (the ‘D’) of the three descending notes after John’s "aaah" is played a little early and quiet, with a backbeat feel that doesn’t match the rest of the playing. 1:43 Switch click as the orchestra comes in, orchestra’s volume suddenly doubles at this point (right channel). Maybe this is the introduction of one of the additional tracks of orchestra used to thicken the sound. 1:44-2:16, 3:50-4:19 Mal Evans is heard counting the bars from 1 to 24; only about the first dozen are audible, starting at about three to 12 (left channel). 1:53 "9" and 1:55 "10" stick out quite well, as do 3:51 "4" 3:52 "5" 3:53 "6". 2:17 Right channel – sudden intake of breath. Friday, February 25, 2005July 20, 2006: World Jump Day
Join us in the attempt to drive planet earth into a new orbit!
Or send us hurtling into the sun.Scientific research has proven that this change of planetary positioning would very likely stop global warming, extend daytime hours and create a more homogenous climate. (via J-Walk) July 20, 2006: World Jump Day
Join us in the attempt to drive planet earth into a new orbit!
Or send us hurtling into the sun.Scientific research has proven that this change of planetary positioning would very likely stop global warming, extend daytime hours and create a more homogenous climate. (via J-Walk) Inventions and Ideas from Sci Fi
Explore the wide variety of inventions and ideas of science fiction writers - over 750 are available on Technovelgy (that's tek-novel-gee!).
Inventions and Ideas from Sci Fi
Explore the wide variety of inventions and ideas of science fiction writers - over 750 are available on Technovelgy (that's tek-novel-gee!).
The Sarah Foster Sweater Catalog (for GI Joe)
Stylish hand-knit sweaters for GI Joe and his 1:6 friends.
(via Monkeyfilter)The Sarah Foster Sweater Catalog (for GI Joe)
Stylish hand-knit sweaters for GI Joe and his 1:6 friends.
(via Monkeyfilter)Nosferatu A website about the movie Nosferatu, one of the creepiest movies in the history of cinema. I have seen clips of it but have yet to see the entire thing. (via Exclamation Mark) NosferatuA website about the movie Nosferatu, one of the creepiest movies in the history of cinema. I have seen clips of it but have yet to see the entire thing. (via Exclamation Mark) Thursday, February 24, 2005Worst TV Clips of the WeekThe Parents Television Council takes the most salacious tv clips they can find and compiles and links to the smutty parts for our convenience. The thing I don't get about this..... Wait, let me rephrase. One of the things I don't get about this is that they are taking the clips from prime time/late night time slots where parents actually have a chance to monitor what their kids are doing and putting them on a website where you can access it whenever you want? Sounds stupid to me but then again, anybody who tries to parent everybody sounds stupid to me.Worst TV Clips of the WeekThe Parents Television Council takes the most salacious tv clips they can find and compiles and links to the smutty parts for our convenience. The thing I don't get about this..... Wait, let me rephrase. One of the things I don't get about this is that they are taking the clips from prime time/late night time slots where parents actually have a chance to monitor what their kids are doing and putting them on a website where you can access it whenever you want? Sounds stupid to me but then again, anybody who tries to parent everybody sounds stupid to me.Radio Locator
Welcome to Radio-Locator, the most comprehensive radio station search engine on the internet. We have links to over 10,000 radio station web pages and over 2500 audio streams from radio stations in the U.S. and around the world.
Radio Locator
Welcome to Radio-Locator, the most comprehensive radio station search engine on the internet. We have links to over 10,000 radio station web pages and over 2500 audio streams from radio stations in the U.S. and around the world.
The Ice Wall This is pretty cool.
What was it? A freeform ice sculpture, which, by chance, was climbable.
How was it made? By pumping water up through two pipes in the middle of the ice, out through a couple nozzles, 24 hours per day. When was it started? October 2003. The Ice WallThis is pretty cool.
What was it? A freeform ice sculpture, which, by chance, was climbable.
How was it made? By pumping water up through two pipes in the middle of the ice, out through a couple nozzles, 24 hours per day. When was it started? October 2003. My Dinner at Applebee's With White SupremacistsGood article. Funny and scary at the same time.
I decide to infiltrate a white supremacist hate group by posing as an eager new recruit, a new hater, if you will. I want to put a face on extreme hate, to find out the hobbies of haters, what haters find hot and what haters find not. I want to learn what someone in a hate group really loooooooves. Ice cream? Everyone loves ice cream. I love ice cream. Maybe hate groups love ice cream, too?
(via Backwards City)My Dinner at Applebee's With White SupremacistsGood article. Funny and scary at the same time.
I decide to infiltrate a white supremacist hate group by posing as an eager new recruit, a new hater, if you will. I want to put a face on extreme hate, to find out the hobbies of haters, what haters find hot and what haters find not. I want to learn what someone in a hate group really loooooooves. Ice cream? Everyone loves ice cream. I love ice cream. Maybe hate groups love ice cream, too?
(via Backwards City)Japanese Comics Over a thousand Japanese comic book covers are scanned on this site. (via J-Walk) Update: Cybexvisine commented on this and I thought it deserved to be on the main page:
these are actually chinese mangas from Hong Kong. my friend just reminded me that these arrived on newsstands in 1970 and were ultra-violent. how violent? law makers were so disturbed that indecency laws were passed in '75 to censor all printed material (save newsprint). this was an unprecedented reaction in one of the most open-minded british colonies! truth be told, this manga really pushed artists to pump out even more obscene material (and i mean that in a loving way) as they painted more-blood, more-killings, more-diabolic plots...
btw: the title to this particular series is called, "little rascals" and was intended for children. when the indecency law was enacted, Wong Yuk-Long (artist) started his own newspaper just to get these panels out to his audience. how did they respond? this is one of the most popular titles ever reprinted in north america -- the original newsprint was full-tabloid sized, not the small comic books we're familiar with. *thumbs up* Japanese ComicsOver a thousand Japanese comic book covers are scanned on this site. (via J-Walk) Update: Cybexvisine commented on this and I thought it deserved to be on the main page:
these are actually chinese mangas from Hong Kong. my friend just reminded me that these arrived on newsstands in 1970 and were ultra-violent. how violent? law makers were so disturbed that indecency laws were passed in '75 to censor all printed material (save newsprint). this was an unprecedented reaction in one of the most open-minded british colonies! truth be told, this manga really pushed artists to pump out even more obscene material (and i mean that in a loving way) as they painted more-blood, more-killings, more-diabolic plots...
btw: the title to this particular series is called, "little rascals" and was intended for children. when the indecency law was enacted, Wong Yuk-Long (artist) started his own newspaper just to get these panels out to his audience. how did they respond? this is one of the most popular titles ever reprinted in north america -- the original newsprint was full-tabloid sized, not the small comic books we're familiar with. *thumbs up* 1954 Senate Interim Report - Comic Books and Juvenile DelinquencyI guess Superman comics were the Grand Theft Auto of the 50s.
However, there are many who accept the idea of the cause and effect relationship between comic-book reading by children and antisocial behavior. Many judges have pointed to crime and horror comic books and have cited cases of children who have explained their delinquent acts by claiming they got the ideas from such comic books. This kind of evidence is largely discountied by the behavioral scientists, who point out that children can hardly be expected to understand their own behavior, much less explain it. A child may ascribe his behavior to a comic book he has read, but such explanations without substantiating findings can scarcely be considered scientific evidence of causation.
1954 Senate Interim Report - Comic Books and Juvenile DelinquencyI guess Superman comics were the Grand Theft Auto of the 50s.
However, there are many who accept the idea of the cause and effect relationship between comic-book reading by children and antisocial behavior. Many judges have pointed to crime and horror comic books and have cited cases of children who have explained their delinquent acts by claiming they got the ideas from such comic books. This kind of evidence is largely discountied by the behavioral scientists, who point out that children can hardly be expected to understand their own behavior, much less explain it. A child may ascribe his behavior to a comic book he has read, but such explanations without substantiating findings can scarcely be considered scientific evidence of causation.
The Rapture LetterWhat happens to the red states after The Rapture? I guess The Rapture is one of the few things I actually agree with the Jesus freaks about. Hurry Jesus, take them away!!!
After the rapture, there will be a lot of speculation as to why millions of people have
just disappeared. Unfortunately, after the rapture, only non believers will be left to come up with answers. You probably have family and friends that you have witnessed to and they just won't listen. After the rapture they probably will, but who will tell them?
We have written a computer program to do just that. It will send an Electronic Message (e-mail) to whomever you want after the rapture has taken place, and you and I have been taken to heaven. The Rapture LetterWhat happens to the red states after The Rapture? I guess The Rapture is one of the few things I actually agree with the Jesus freaks about. Hurry Jesus, take them away!!!
After the rapture, there will be a lot of speculation as to why millions of people have
just disappeared. Unfortunately, after the rapture, only non believers will be left to come up with answers. You probably have family and friends that you have witnessed to and they just won't listen. After the rapture they probably will, but who will tell them?
We have written a computer program to do just that. It will send an Electronic Message (e-mail) to whomever you want after the rapture has taken place, and you and I have been taken to heaven. It Paid to Read This EULAI admit it, I have never read an End User License Agreement. Even if I did I probably wouldn't have sent them an email.
OK, let's be honest. You didn't really read the EULA. How do I know? Because hardly anyone does. To prove that point, PC Pitstop included a clause in one of its own EULAs that promised anyone who read it, a "consideration" including money if they sent a note to an email address listed in the EULA. After four months and more than 3,000 downloads, one person finally wrote in. That person, by the way, got a check for $1,000 proving, at least for one person, that it really does pay to read EULAs.
It Paid to Read This EULAI admit it, I have never read an End User License Agreement. Even if I did I probably wouldn't have sent them an email.
OK, let's be honest. You didn't really read the EULA. How do I know? Because hardly anyone does. To prove that point, PC Pitstop included a clause in one of its own EULAs that promised anyone who read it, a "consideration" including money if they sent a note to an email address listed in the EULA. After four months and more than 3,000 downloads, one person finally wrote in. That person, by the way, got a check for $1,000 proving, at least for one person, that it really does pay to read EULAs.
Ella Ella Fitzgerald's Official Site.
In 1934 Ella's name was pulled in a weekly drawing at the Apollo and she won the opportunity to compete in Amateur Night. Ella went to the theater that night planning to dance, but when the frenzied Edwards Sisters closed the main show, Ella changed her mind. "They were the dancingest sisters around," said Ella, and she felt her act would not compare.
Once on stage, faced with boos and murmurs of "What's she going to do?" from the rowdy crowd, a scared and disheveled Ella made the last minute decision to sing. She asked the band to play Hoagy Carmichael's Judy, a song she knew well because Connee Boswell's rendition of it was among Tempie's favorites. Ella quickly quieted the audience, and by the song's end they were demanding an encore. She obliged and sang the flip side of the Boswell Sister's record, The Object of My Affections. EllaElla Fitzgerald's Official Site.
In 1934 Ella's name was pulled in a weekly drawing at the Apollo and she won the opportunity to compete in Amateur Night. Ella went to the theater that night planning to dance, but when the frenzied Edwards Sisters closed the main show, Ella changed her mind. "They were the dancingest sisters around," said Ella, and she felt her act would not compare.
Once on stage, faced with boos and murmurs of "What's she going to do?" from the rowdy crowd, a scared and disheveled Ella made the last minute decision to sing. She asked the band to play Hoagy Carmichael's Judy, a song she knew well because Connee Boswell's rendition of it was among Tempie's favorites. Ella quickly quieted the audience, and by the song's end they were demanding an encore. She obliged and sang the flip side of the Boswell Sister's record, The Object of My Affections. Wednesday, February 23, 2005Dominican Republic Street Vendors Tv antennas?
Products I have seen being sold: Cactus, TV Antennas, Loofas, Gold Fish, Puppies, Shoe Holders, Gum, Sugar Candy, Birthday Cards, Cashews, Cell Phone Accessories, Avocados, Tangerines, Mangos, Water, Long Distance Phone Cards,
(via Information Junk)On an unrelated topic, I actually had to write this post out twice. I was about to hit save the first time around when I inadvertently must have pressed the window key and a few other keys just right, and in doing so I actually shutdown the computer. And I just almost did it again while trying to figure out how the hell I did it in the first place. Nevermind, I am going to be pissed if I have to write this all out again. Saving........ Dominican Republic Street VendorsTv antennas?
Products I have seen being sold: Cactus, TV Antennas, Loofas, Gold Fish, Puppies, Shoe Holders, Gum, Sugar Candy, Birthday Cards, Cashews, Cell Phone Accessories, Avocados, Tangerines, Mangos, Water, Long Distance Phone Cards,
(via Information Junk)On an unrelated topic, I actually had to write this post out twice. I was about to hit save the first time around when I inadvertently must have pressed the window key and a few other keys just right, and in doing so I actually shutdown the computer. And I just almost did it again while trying to figure out how the hell I did it in the first place. Nevermind, I am going to be pissed if I have to write this all out again. Saving........ Tennis On Top of the World I hate heights so count me out. Isn't this the same place where Tiger Woods was driving golf balls off of a few months ago?
In preparation for the Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open, tennis legend, Andre Agassi and the world No. 1, Roger Federer, couldn’t resist the temptation to have a friendly knock about on the world’s highest tennis court, the helipad of Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel.
(via Boing Boing)Tennis On Top of the WorldI hate heights so count me out. Isn't this the same place where Tiger Woods was driving golf balls off of a few months ago?
In preparation for the Dubai Duty Free Men’s Open, tennis legend, Andre Agassi and the world No. 1, Roger Federer, couldn’t resist the temptation to have a friendly knock about on the world’s highest tennis court, the helipad of Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel.
(via Boing Boing)Lost in Translation
What happens when an English phrase is translated (by computer) back and forth between 5 different languages? The authors of the Systran translation software probably never intended this application of their program...
I tried:The resulting half-English, half-foreign, and totally non sequitur response bears almost no resemblance to the original. Remember the old game of "Telephone"? Something is lost, and sometimes something is gained. Try it for yourself! "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." And it came out as: " It interrogates to that his latta one of the country, he it question that does, that what affinchè its country gives the form to be able" Lost in Translation
What happens when an English phrase is translated (by computer) back and forth between 5 different languages? The authors of the Systran translation software probably never intended this application of their program...
I tried:The resulting half-English, half-foreign, and totally non sequitur response bears almost no resemblance to the original. Remember the old game of "Telephone"? Something is lost, and sometimes something is gained. Try it for yourself! "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." And it came out as: " It interrogates to that his latta one of the country, he it question that does, that what affinchè its country gives the form to be able" Viral Marketing HoaxesRecently I saw the site for Who Ordered Room Service? I won't ruin it for you if you want to see for yourself what it is about but be forewarned that you will see a gallon or so of vomit.Did you watch it? I tried to warn you. Anyway, there are two videos on that site. The first one was the set up and the second one was finally unveiled on Feb 14th so you could see who was responsible for it which turned out to be an ad for a Bryan Adam's cd. A clear cut case of viral marketing, or a form of marketing used to create a buzz and to be passed through the internet by blogs or people sending email. Right? Wrong. It was a hoax done by two bored filmmakers.
It's a complete hoax, the ads were created by Frank Lesser and Jason Woliner directors in New York, just for the heck of it. No word yet if Bryan Adams plans to sue them.
So now you can't even assume that a viral marketing attempt is a viral marketing attempt. I am confused. I need to read a bit from the holiest of all books in order to find solace. "Not by any stretch of the imagination has the ad been endorsed by Bryan Adams or his management company," said Tyson Parker, from Universal Music Canada. The Books of Bokonon, Verse 1: All of the true things that I am about to tell you are shameless lies. Ah, we can move on now. Viral Marketing HoaxesRecently I saw the site for Who Ordered Room Service? I won't ruin it for you if you want to see for yourself what it is about but be forewarned that you will see a gallon or so of vomit.Did you watch it? I tried to warn you. Anyway, there are two videos on that site. The first one was the set up and the second one was finally unveiled on Feb 14th so you could see who was responsible for it which turned out to be an ad for a Bryan Adam's cd. A clear cut case of viral marketing, or a form of marketing used to create a buzz and to be passed through the internet by blogs or people sending email. Right? Wrong. It was a hoax done by two bored filmmakers.
It's a complete hoax, the ads were created by Frank Lesser and Jason Woliner directors in New York, just for the heck of it. No word yet if Bryan Adams plans to sue them.
So now you can't even assume that a viral marketing attempt is a viral marketing attempt. I am confused. I need to read a bit from the holiest of all books in order to find solace. "Not by any stretch of the imagination has the ad been endorsed by Bryan Adams or his management company," said Tyson Parker, from Universal Music Canada. The Books of Bokonon, Verse 1: All of the true things that I am about to tell you are shameless lies. Ah, we can move on now. Trunk Bike There isn't much of this ad in English so I have no idea what it says but it looks like an ad for a Honda that comes with a small moped in the back. I am guessing it is from the 80s. Trunk BikeThere isn't much of this ad in English so I have no idea what it says but it looks like an ad for a Honda that comes with a small moped in the back. I am guessing it is from the 80s. How Paris Got Hacked?Duh! If this is true I feel bad for T-Mobile. They can't help it if they have a high profile customer who is a complete moron.
Paris Hilton's Chihuahua couldn't protect her Hollywood home from a burglary last summer. So why was Hilton counting on her dog to protect her T-Mobile account from intruders?
Despite repeated attacks on her T-Mobile email and telephone records in recent months, the actress and heiress has persisted in using the little dog's name to secure her password at the T-Mobile site. How Paris Got Hacked?Duh! If this is true I feel bad for T-Mobile. They can't help it if they have a high profile customer who is a complete moron.
Paris Hilton's Chihuahua couldn't protect her Hollywood home from a burglary last summer. So why was Hilton counting on her dog to protect her T-Mobile account from intruders?
Despite repeated attacks on her T-Mobile email and telephone records in recent months, the actress and heiress has persisted in using the little dog's name to secure her password at the T-Mobile site. Tuesday, February 22, 2005Elephant Dung Paper Yes, it is real.
The man behind the paper is Mr. Wanchai. On his way home from work he used to pass a natural paper factory and was impressed at the simplicity of the process that used natural tree fibers to make high quality hand made paper. He then took a trip to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang Northern Thailand and saw piles and piles of dung. He looked at the dung and noticed that the dung was very fibrous. This was the birth of the idea.
Elephant Dung PaperYes, it is real.
The man behind the paper is Mr. Wanchai. On his way home from work he used to pass a natural paper factory and was impressed at the simplicity of the process that used natural tree fibers to make high quality hand made paper. He then took a trip to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang Northern Thailand and saw piles and piles of dung. He looked at the dung and noticed that the dung was very fibrous. This was the birth of the idea.
Television Shows on DvdI am addicted to dvds. If dvds were heroin, I would have needle tracks up and down each arm, under my tongue, and wherever the hell else junkies shoot up. Friends and family would be coming up to me saying, "Chris, we think you have a problem.""Leave me alone!" I would growl back as I tightened the rubber hose around my arm. "I can quit anytime I want!" It isn't so much the movies on dvd that have me hooked, but the old television shows they are re-releasing. I think it all started with the cable tv shows such as The Sopranos and Sex and the City which would release the previous season on dvd or vhs and created a new market. This was especially advantageous because a lot of people who didn't have HBO missed these shows when they were being broadcast but still wanted to see them. Somewhere, a light went off in someone's head and they realized that with dvds being small and fairly cheap to produce, why not release old tv shows onto them. Bam, even half of Edison's ideas weren't this brilliant (Besides the electric light and the phonograph. Oh and the stock ticker was pretty cool. I guess the motion picture camera was fairly important and also pertinent to dvds. Ok ok, bad example.) You can now go into a store and get the entire first season of almost any show that was on tv. (There are a few that I can't find yet but they are on their way) Being a child of the 80s, I have been collecting shows ranging from Miami Vice (The show that epitomizes the 1980s unlike no other) to Macgyver. Macgyver would be the perfect example of a show I probably would have been better off remembering without actually seeing again. The production quality is bad, the acting from the extras is cheesy and the things he makes with his swiss army knife are completely unrealistic to people past the age of eight. I understand the concept of suspension of disbelief but using a chair and a coathanger to bust through a wall is more like expulsion of reality. I also don't quite understand why Macgyver hates guns but has no problem creating a bomb with cow manure. What, explosives aren't as deadly? The most unrealistic tv series that I bought is Kung Fu. I have seen a few shows in reruns but it originally aired in 1972, a few years before I was born. If you don't know the premise, it is about a half chinese, half white Shaolin Monk who is wanted in China for murder but is making his way through the American West in the 1880s searching for his half brother. In a stunning move for the time, the network cast an asian to play the lead role which would have been extremely progressive for the early 70s except when I say asian, I mean caucasian. That's right, in a show that deals with how racist people were in the late 19th century, the network booted show co-creator Bruce Lee who didn't really fit the part as a Chinese Shaolin Monk in favor for David Carradine. WTF? What is even more confusing is that during the show, people know as soon as they lay eyes on him that his character is chinese even though to us watching he looks as white as, well, David Carradine. Besides this rather HUGE discrepancy, I have to admit that I like the show. The philosophy behind it holds up even though the action scenes are a bit dated. Carradine is good in it even if his interpretation of an asian accent is to speak veeeeerrrrrryyyyy sloooooowwwwwwlllllyyyyyy. Bruce Lee wouldn't have been able to do a better job because as everyone knows, his career didn't seem to go ANYWHERE after that. That was thirty years ago and times have changed. Hollywood is a much more diverse place. Right? I am not too sure. Off the top of my head, I can name only one Asian American actor who could be considered a household name. And he hasn't done anything since The Karate Kid. (Pat Morita). I asked a few friends if they could name any Asian American actors other than naming a few actresses (Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh) they couldn't name any actors other than Chow Yun Fat or Jackie Chan. But they are Chinese actors who have managed to make the jump to American movies. Surely there has to be a few contemporary Asian American actors out there and I just can't think of them off the top of my head. Either that or perhaps we haven't come along as far as we would like to think. Television Shows on DvdI am addicted to dvds. If dvds were heroin, I would have needle tracks up and down each arm, under my tongue, and wherever the hell else junkies shoot up. Friends and family would be coming up to me saying, "Chris, we think you have a problem.""Leave me alone!" I would growl back as I tightened the rubber hose around my arm. "I can quit anytime I want!" It isn't so much the movies on dvd that have me hooked, but the old television shows they are re-releasing. I think it all started with the cable tv shows such as The Sopranos and Sex and the City which would release the previous season on dvd or vhs and created a new market. This was especially advantageous because a lot of people who didn't have HBO missed these shows when they were being broadcast but still wanted to see them. Somewhere, a light went off in someone's head and they realized that with dvds being small and fairly cheap to produce, why not release old tv shows onto them. Bam, even half of Edison's ideas weren't this brilliant (Besides the electric light and the phonograph. Oh and the stock ticker was pretty cool. I guess the motion picture camera was fairly important and also pertinent to dvds. Ok ok, bad example.) You can now go into a store and get the entire first season of almost any show that was on tv. (There are a few that I can't find yet but they are on their way) Being a child of the 80s, I have been collecting shows ranging from Miami Vice (The show that epitomizes the 1980s unlike no other) to Macgyver. Macgyver would be the perfect example of a show I probably would have been better off remembering without actually seeing again. The production quality is bad, the acting from the extras is cheesy and the things he makes with his swiss army knife are completely unrealistic to people past the age of eight. I understand the concept of suspension of disbelief but using a chair and a coathanger to bust through a wall is more like expulsion of reality. I also don't quite understand why Macgyver hates guns but has no problem creating a bomb with cow manure. What, explosives aren't as deadly? The most unrealistic tv series that I bought is Kung Fu. I have seen a few shows in reruns but it originally aired in 1972, a few years before I was born. If you don't know the premise, it is about a half chinese, half white Shaolin Monk who is wanted in China for murder but is making his way through the American West in the 1880s searching for his half brother. In a stunning move for the time, the network cast an asian to play the lead role which would have been extremely progressive for the early 70s except when I say asian, I mean caucasian. That's right, in a show that deals with how racist people were in the late 19th century, the network booted show co-creator Bruce Lee who didn't really fit the part as a Chinese Shaolin Monk in favor for David Carradine. WTF? What is even more confusing is that during the show, people know as soon as they lay eyes on him that his character is chinese even though to us watching he looks as white as, well, David Carradine. Besides this rather HUGE discrepancy, I have to admit that I like the show. The philosophy behind it holds up even though the action scenes are a bit dated. Carradine is good in it even if his interpretation of an asian accent is to speak veeeeerrrrrryyyyy sloooooowwwwwwlllllyyyyyy. Bruce Lee wouldn't have been able to do a better job because as everyone knows, his career didn't seem to go ANYWHERE after that. That was thirty years ago and times have changed. Hollywood is a much more diverse place. Right? I am not too sure. Off the top of my head, I can name only one Asian American actor who could be considered a household name. And he hasn't done anything since The Karate Kid. (Pat Morita). I asked a few friends if they could name any Asian American actors other than naming a few actresses (Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh) they couldn't name any actors other than Chow Yun Fat or Jackie Chan. But they are Chinese actors who have managed to make the jump to American movies. Surely there has to be a few contemporary Asian American actors out there and I just can't think of them off the top of my head. Either that or perhaps we haven't come along as far as we would like to think. Easter Island
It is one of the most isolated islands in the world but 1200 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed upon its shores. Over the centuries that followed a remarkable society developed in isolation on the island. For reasons still unknown they began carving giant statues out of volcanic rock. These monuments, known, as "moai" are some of the most incredible ancient relics ever discovered. The people of Easter Island called themselves the Rapa Nui. Where did they come from and why did they disappear?
Easter Island
It is one of the most isolated islands in the world but 1200 years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a distant culture landed upon its shores. Over the centuries that followed a remarkable society developed in isolation on the island. For reasons still unknown they began carving giant statues out of volcanic rock. These monuments, known, as "moai" are some of the most incredible ancient relics ever discovered. The people of Easter Island called themselves the Rapa Nui. Where did they come from and why did they disappear?
VimeoAnd yes, it supports tags.
Welcome to Vimeo! This is a site for organizing and sharing your video clips. Vimeo also makes it easy to watch your friends' video clips, or to view clips that have common subject matter.
(via kottke.org. Good luck to Jason who has quit his day job to concentrate on blogging.)
VimeoAnd yes, it supports tags.
Welcome to Vimeo! This is a site for organizing and sharing your video clips. Vimeo also makes it easy to watch your friends' video clips, or to view clips that have common subject matter.
(via kottke.org. Good luck to Jason who has quit his day job to concentrate on blogging.)
Misheard LyricsThis website catalogs songs with lyrics that can be difficult to understand. For example, The Beatles' "Across the Universe":
Misheard Lyrics:
Oh come on now, someone didn't know that John was singing "Jai guru dee va om?"Jack a roo days gone. Correct Lyrics: Jai guru dee va om. (Thanks Radmila from the Superb My2SecondShelfLife) Misheard LyricsThis website catalogs songs with lyrics that can be difficult to understand. For example, The Beatles' "Across the Universe":
Misheard Lyrics:
Oh come on now, someone didn't know that John was singing "Jai guru dee va om?"Jack a roo days gone. Correct Lyrics: Jai guru dee va om. (Thanks Radmila from the Superb My2SecondShelfLife) Monday, February 21, 2005Top Selling Books of All TimeMost people know that The Bible is the best selling book of all time but how many people know what is ranked number 2?And how is Valley of the Dolls number 10? (Thanks Michelle from the wonderful Life in the Present) Top Selling Books of All TimeMost people know that The Bible is the best selling book of all time but how many people know what is ranked number 2?And how is Valley of the Dolls number 10? (Thanks Michelle from the wonderful Life in the Present) CensorZillaHehe, I miss programming. Really!
When we created mozilla.org and released (most of) the source code to Netscape Confusicator 4.x, Netscape's lawyers made us go through a big "sanitization" process on the source code. Largely this consisted of making sure we had the legal rights to all the code we were releasing, and making sure every file had proper and accurate copyright statements; but they also made us take out all the dirty words. Specifically, "any text containing vulgar or offensive words or expressions; any text that might be slanderous or libelous to individuals and/or institutions."
CensorZillaHehe, I miss programming. Really!
When we created mozilla.org and released (most of) the source code to Netscape Confusicator 4.x, Netscape's lawyers made us go through a big "sanitization" process on the source code. Largely this consisted of making sure we had the legal rights to all the code we were releasing, and making sure every file had proper and accurate copyright statements; but they also made us take out all the dirty words. Specifically, "any text containing vulgar or offensive words or expressions; any text that might be slanderous or libelous to individuals and/or institutions."
This Godless Communism Anti-communism propaganda in comic book form. Does it get any better than this? The bio section on Marx and Lenin are especially amusing. This Godless CommunismAnti-communism propaganda in comic book form. Does it get any better than this? The bio section on Marx and Lenin are especially amusing. Star Wars Junk I actually had the C-3P0 night light. In my defense, I was only seven years old.
I'm not sure how to open this one off -- I want to claim that there's some hidden thread that connects the following forty-thousand miniature reviews of various Star Wars items, but there really isn't. What you'll be seeing in just a few moments is...well, it's just a big pile of Star Wars crap. Figural erasers, wallets, magnets, night lights -- things of the household nature. What strikes me immediately here is an understanding why us grew-up-on-Star Wars nuts became so passionate about it: it was everywhere in our lives.
Star Wars JunkI actually had the C-3P0 night light. In my defense, I was only seven years old.
I'm not sure how to open this one off -- I want to claim that there's some hidden thread that connects the following forty-thousand miniature reviews of various Star Wars items, but there really isn't. What you'll be seeing in just a few moments is...well, it's just a big pile of Star Wars crap. Figural erasers, wallets, magnets, night lights -- things of the household nature. What strikes me immediately here is an understanding why us grew-up-on-Star Wars nuts became so passionate about it: it was everywhere in our lives.
How To Crack a Master Lock Combination
I don't have one laying around so I can't try this.
I have decided that it is about time for me to share my wisdom on a grander scale. As with any form of knowledge about how the world works, this skill can be used for good or for evil. I can't say that I haven't jacked my friends' lockers numerous times, or even gotten into things I shouldn't have, but it's up to you to decide how you will use this power. There is nothing wrong with the skill itself, nothing dirty or illegal or anything like that. A lock is just a system to experiment on until we, the scientists, figure out how it works. Think of it as a challenge, with a nice reward at the end.
How To Crack a Master Lock Combination
I don't have one laying around so I can't try this.
I have decided that it is about time for me to share my wisdom on a grander scale. As with any form of knowledge about how the world works, this skill can be used for good or for evil. I can't say that I haven't jacked my friends' lockers numerous times, or even gotten into things I shouldn't have, but it's up to you to decide how you will use this power. There is nothing wrong with the skill itself, nothing dirty or illegal or anything like that. A lock is just a system to experiment on until we, the scientists, figure out how it works. Think of it as a challenge, with a nice reward at the end.
The Lenny Bruce FBI File I would like to think that this kind of stuff is ancient history, but with the way that everyone reacted to the Janet Jackson thing last year... Some audio clips of a few of his bits can be found here. The Lenny Bruce FBI FileI would like to think that this kind of stuff is ancient history, but with the way that everyone reacted to the Janet Jackson thing last year... Some audio clips of a few of his bits can be found here. Pamphelet For Illegal Mexican Migration
From the NY Times:
MEXICO CITY, Jan. 5 - The Mexican government drew fire from American advocates of tighter borders on Wednesday for publishing a pamphlet [below] that instructs migrants how to safely enter the United States illegally and live there without being detected.
You can see the pamphlet here and a loose translation of the pamphlet along with the NY Times story here.Officials here say the small booklet, illustrated in comic-book style, is not intended to encourage illegal immigration, but to reduce the loss of life. Last year, more than 300 migrants died while crossing rivers and deserts to reach the United States. Pamphelet For Illegal Mexican Migration
From the NY Times:
MEXICO CITY, Jan. 5 - The Mexican government drew fire from American advocates of tighter borders on Wednesday for publishing a pamphlet [below] that instructs migrants how to safely enter the United States illegally and live there without being detected.
You can see the pamphlet here and a loose translation of the pamphlet along with the NY Times story here.Officials here say the small booklet, illustrated in comic-book style, is not intended to encourage illegal immigration, but to reduce the loss of life. Last year, more than 300 migrants died while crossing rivers and deserts to reach the United States. Fast You have to be pretty fast to stay in the T-shirt game nowadays. For those of you who don't know what the T-shirt is referring to, check here. FastYou have to be pretty fast to stay in the T-shirt game nowadays. For those of you who don't know what the T-shirt is referring to, check here. Sunday, February 20, 2005Laws of Cartoon ThermodynamicsEleven in all.
Cartoon Law I
============= Any body suspended in space will remain in space until made aware of its situation. Daffy Duck steps off a cliff, expecting further pastureland. He loiters in midair, soliloquizing flippantly, until he chances to look down. At this point, the familiar principle of 32 feet per second per second takes over. Laws of Cartoon ThermodynamicsEleven in all.
Cartoon Law I
============= Any body suspended in space will remain in space until made aware of its situation. Daffy Duck steps off a cliff, expecting further pastureland. He loiters in midair, soliloquizing flippantly, until he chances to look down. At this point, the familiar principle of 32 feet per second per second takes over. The Brad Pitt Consolation Letter Generator
Brad Pitt is very sad right now and needs the support of his fans while he goes through his difficult and very public breakup with Jennifer Aniston. We at BFA have tried to help with our own consolation letter generator. We truly hope this helps heal the pain.
The Brad Pitt Consolation Letter Generator
Brad Pitt is very sad right now and needs the support of his fans while he goes through his difficult and very public breakup with Jennifer Aniston. We at BFA have tried to help with our own consolation letter generator. We truly hope this helps heal the pain.
How To Make SoapLearn how to make your own soap by reading this article. Or you could rent Fight Club.How To Make SoapLearn how to make your own soap by reading this article. Or you could rent Fight Club.20 QuestionsThis did a pretty good job of guessing my objects correctly. Sometimes the questions are a bit tricky to interpret.
Think of an object and the A.I. will try to figure-out what you are thinking by asking simple questions. The object you think of should be something that most people would know about, but, never a specific person, place or thing.
(Thanks Elias)20 QuestionsThis did a pretty good job of guessing my objects correctly. Sometimes the questions are a bit tricky to interpret.
Think of an object and the A.I. will try to figure-out what you are thinking by asking simple questions. The object you think of should be something that most people would know about, but, never a specific person, place or thing.
(Thanks Elias)Putting a Camera on a R/C Tank This guy needed to go underneath his house is a small crawlspace and decided to put a camera and some lights on a remote control tank instead of crawling down there himself.
After a few weeks, I thought back to completing my under house survey. I really wanted a way to look for under house leaks and stuff and, in the manner of a responsible home owner, get early warning so I could increase the effectiveness of... Ok, that's a lie. In reality, I wanted an excuse to put a camera on my R/C tank and drive it around scary tunnels, and this just happened to fit my purposes perfectly.
This reminds me of the Pyramid Rover, the robot they used to explore a hidden passage in the Great Pyramid of Giza.Putting a Camera on a R/C TankThis guy needed to go underneath his house is a small crawlspace and decided to put a camera and some lights on a remote control tank instead of crawling down there himself.
After a few weeks, I thought back to completing my under house survey. I really wanted a way to look for under house leaks and stuff and, in the manner of a responsible home owner, get early warning so I could increase the effectiveness of... Ok, that's a lie. In reality, I wanted an excuse to put a camera on my R/C tank and drive it around scary tunnels, and this just happened to fit my purposes perfectly.
This reminds me of the Pyramid Rover, the robot they used to explore a hidden passage in the Great Pyramid of Giza.Saturday, February 19, 2005The Gates From Wikipedia
The Gates is a land art project by Christo and Jeanne Claude. The artists installed 7,500 metal "gates" along 23 miles of pathways in Central Park in New York City. From each gate hung a flag-shaped piece of saffron-colored fabric. The project is scheduled to run from February 12, 2005 through February 27, 2005.
I don't get it. Can someone please explain to me how hanging flags is considered art? Maybe it looks better when you are there and it doesn't translate well in pictures but it is just a bunch of orange flags. Twenty million bucks to make Central Park look like a construction site? Whatever.The GatesFrom Wikipedia
The Gates is a land art project by Christo and Jeanne Claude. The artists installed 7,500 metal "gates" along 23 miles of pathways in Central Park in New York City. From each gate hung a flag-shaped piece of saffron-colored fabric. The project is scheduled to run from February 12, 2005 through February 27, 2005.
I don't get it. Can someone please explain to me how hanging flags is considered art? Maybe it looks better when you are there and it doesn't translate well in pictures but it is just a bunch of orange flags. Twenty million bucks to make Central Park look like a construction site? Whatever.From Skeleton to Woman This is too cool. This is a flash vid of someone drawing a woman starting from her skeleton and ending with a fully formed woman. From Skeleton to WomanThis is too cool. This is a flash vid of someone drawing a woman starting from her skeleton and ending with a fully formed woman. The Top 100 Gadgets of All Time Coming in at number 20 is the Swiss Army Knife. Without that, there would have been no MacGyver. The Top 100 Gadgets of All TimeComing in at number 20 is the Swiss Army Knife. Without that, there would have been no MacGyver. The Jefferson Parliament Bomber VideoThe only footage of this event found so far.(via del.icio.us/ethanb) The Jefferson Parliament Bomber VideoThe only footage of this event found so far.(via del.icio.us/ethanb) Friday, February 18, 2005The Berners Street Hoax
In 1810 London was the largest, wealthiest city in the world, linked by trade with every continent, and fed by the manufacturing might of northern British cities such as Liverpool and Manchester. Almost anything could be obtained in its shops, and on November 10 all of this mercantile abundance was focused for one brief day upon a single residential address located in a sleepy, middle-class neighborhood: 54 Berners Street.
The Berners Street Hoax
In 1810 London was the largest, wealthiest city in the world, linked by trade with every continent, and fed by the manufacturing might of northern British cities such as Liverpool and Manchester. Almost anything could be obtained in its shops, and on November 10 all of this mercantile abundance was focused for one brief day upon a single residential address located in a sleepy, middle-class neighborhood: 54 Berners Street.
3M Security Glass Ad
On behalf of a 3M security glass product called Scotchshield — a film applied to glass with a squeegee, making the surface effectively bulletproof — Rethink filled a Scotchshield-equipped case in front of its office with $3 million in play money topped by $500 in real money and invited people to break it and get at what they thought was a ton of cash.
3M Security Glass Ad
On behalf of a 3M security glass product called Scotchshield — a film applied to glass with a squeegee, making the surface effectively bulletproof — Rethink filled a Scotchshield-equipped case in front of its office with $3 million in play money topped by $500 in real money and invited people to break it and get at what they thought was a ton of cash.
Save Toby Some guy finds a rabbit and threatens to take him to a butcher and eat him unless we pony up 50K to save Toby. Crazy? He has made about 14K so far. What is that old carnie saying? "Suckers have no right owning money." (Thanks Jabberwocky) Save TobySome guy finds a rabbit and threatens to take him to a butcher and eat him unless we pony up 50K to save Toby. Crazy? He has made about 14K so far. What is that old carnie saying? "Suckers have no right owning money." (Thanks Jabberwocky) The Pioneer Plaque Wikipedia's entry about the Pioneer plaque.
On board the unmanned spacecraft Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 is a plaque with a pictoral message from mankind. The plaque shows the figures of a man and a woman along with several symbols that are designed to provide information about the origin of the spacecrafts. It serves as a kind of interstellar "message in a bottle". However it is very unlikely that it will ever be found. The mean time for the spacecraft to come within 30 astronomical units of a star is longer than the current age of the galaxy.
The Pioneer spacecraft were the first man-made objects to leave the solar system. The plaque is attached to the antenna support struts in a position that shields it from erosion by stellar dust. NASA expects the plaque (and the craft itself) to survive longer than the earth and its sun. The Pioneer PlaqueWikipedia's entry about the Pioneer plaque.
On board the unmanned spacecraft Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 is a plaque with a pictoral message from mankind. The plaque shows the figures of a man and a woman along with several symbols that are designed to provide information about the origin of the spacecrafts. It serves as a kind of interstellar "message in a bottle". However it is very unlikely that it will ever be found. The mean time for the spacecraft to come within 30 astronomical units of a star is longer than the current age of the galaxy.
The Pioneer spacecraft were the first man-made objects to leave the solar system. The plaque is attached to the antenna support struts in a position that shields it from erosion by stellar dust. NASA expects the plaque (and the craft itself) to survive longer than the earth and its sun. Thursday, February 17, 2005Whispering Imps on Magic Posters
The Image of the sagacious magician looking knowingly at the viewer with small imps whispering the enduring secrets of magic in his ear has been often used on magician's advertising posters. This image of the magician getting the "secrets" from these underworld demi-devils apparently started with Harry Kellar (on his 1894 poster). Leon Hermann (nephew of Alexander) who overlapped the career of Kellar seems to be the first who copied the whispering imps. Not only did the Great Hermann include them, he used more imps! Several of the imitators have been satisfied with a single informant but the standard seems to be two - one per shoulder.
(via Jaf Project)Whispering Imps on Magic Posters
The Image of the sagacious magician looking knowingly at the viewer with small imps whispering the enduring secrets of magic in his ear has been often used on magician's advertising posters. This image of the magician getting the "secrets" from these underworld demi-devils apparently started with Harry Kellar (on his 1894 poster). Leon Hermann (nephew of Alexander) who overlapped the career of Kellar seems to be the first who copied the whispering imps. Not only did the Great Hermann include them, he used more imps! Several of the imitators have been satisfied with a single informant but the standard seems to be two - one per shoulder.
(via Jaf Project)My Little Golden Book About Zogg
I was in a supermarket recently searching for a brown mustard-and-conditioner in one. It was while I was reading the ingredient label on a jar of Gouldens Dry Scalp Formula that I looked to the children's book rack and there spied the title "My Little Golden Book About God." ...
You cannot imagine my horror, however, when my eyes met pages filled with saccharine, pastel artwork depicting cold-eyed androids that were clearly not of our realm. In a Beautiful Mind moment of schizophrenic clarity I saw the book for what it was: not a gentle introduction to life's most profound curiosity, but a primer for the parasitic offspring of an invisible invasion! For the safety of our race (if any still remain) I have translated this book in the hopes that a resistance may arise. My Little Golden Book About Zogg
I was in a supermarket recently searching for a brown mustard-and-conditioner in one. It was while I was reading the ingredient label on a jar of Gouldens Dry Scalp Formula that I looked to the children's book rack and there spied the title "My Little Golden Book About God." ...
You cannot imagine my horror, however, when my eyes met pages filled with saccharine, pastel artwork depicting cold-eyed androids that were clearly not of our realm. In a Beautiful Mind moment of schizophrenic clarity I saw the book for what it was: not a gentle introduction to life's most profound curiosity, but a primer for the parasitic offspring of an invisible invasion! For the safety of our race (if any still remain) I have translated this book in the hopes that a resistance may arise. The Cactus Project I have no idea if this is real or not.
The cactus project is a transgenic artwork involving the fusion of human genetic material into the cactus genome resulting in the cactus expressing human hair.
The cactus project involved the use of the agrobacterium system introducing the keratin gene into the cells of the cactus. By taking advantage of the totipotency of plant cells, the transformed cells were used to regenerate genetically engineered transgenic cacti. The logistical challenge was having the keratin expressed in cactus cells morphologically similar to hair and for the cactus to produce it externally. The Cactus ProjectI have no idea if this is real or not.
The cactus project is a transgenic artwork involving the fusion of human genetic material into the cactus genome resulting in the cactus expressing human hair.
The cactus project involved the use of the agrobacterium system introducing the keratin gene into the cells of the cactus. By taking advantage of the totipotency of plant cells, the transformed cells were used to regenerate genetically engineered transgenic cacti. The logistical challenge was having the keratin expressed in cactus cells morphologically similar to hair and for the cactus to produce it externally. Top Ten Useless Limbs (And Other Vestigial Organs)
In the never-ending search for scientific truth, hypotheses are proposed, evidence is found, and theories are formulated to describe and explain what is being observed in the world around us. The following are ten observations of vestigial organs whose presence have helped to flesh out the structure of the family tree that includes every living creature on our planet.
Top Ten Useless Limbs (And Other Vestigial Organs)
In the never-ending search for scientific truth, hypotheses are proposed, evidence is found, and theories are formulated to describe and explain what is being observed in the world around us. The following are ten observations of vestigial organs whose presence have helped to flesh out the structure of the family tree that includes every living creature on our planet.
McDonalds Bathroom Attendant Prank Instant classic.
About a month ago, I was brainstorming a mission idea with a few friends called “Five Star Fast Food”. The idea was to deck out a fast food joint with all the trappings of a five star restaurant. There would be a Maitre D’ standing behind a podium asking for your reservation, a hostess to seat you, a waiter to take your order, and an attendant in the bathroom. The obvious problem with this idea is that it would very likely be shut down as soon as it begins. I decided to focus on the bathroom attendant aspect, figuring that we could last much longer in a secluded men’s room.
McDonalds Bathroom Attendant PrankInstant classic.
About a month ago, I was brainstorming a mission idea with a few friends called “Five Star Fast Food”. The idea was to deck out a fast food joint with all the trappings of a five star restaurant. There would be a Maitre D’ standing behind a podium asking for your reservation, a hostess to seat you, a waiter to take your order, and an attendant in the bathroom. The obvious problem with this idea is that it would very likely be shut down as soon as it begins. I decided to focus on the bathroom attendant aspect, figuring that we could last much longer in a secluded men’s room.
Burglar Caught on Webcam From BBC News:
Stills of serial raider Benjamin Park, 19, of Cambridge, were sent to an email address so even when he stole the computer, the images could be found.
They posted some of the pictures that were used to nail the bastard.Police said it was a "brilliant idea" of software engineer Duncan Grisby, who set it after a previous burglary. Park was given an 11-month jail term by magistrates in Cambridge on Tuesday after admitting burglary. Burglar Caught on WebcamFrom BBC News:
Stills of serial raider Benjamin Park, 19, of Cambridge, were sent to an email address so even when he stole the computer, the images could be found.
They posted some of the pictures that were used to nail the bastard.Police said it was a "brilliant idea" of software engineer Duncan Grisby, who set it after a previous burglary. Park was given an 11-month jail term by magistrates in Cambridge on Tuesday after admitting burglary. Sep. 11th: One Year Viewed From Space
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of September 11, Space Imaging is offering the following digital archive of pre- and post-attack images of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. As no other high-resolution commercial imaging satellites were in orbit on that fateful day, IKONOS was the only space-based camera able to capture this compelling visual chronology of the destruction and rebirth. The imagery provides a special perspective to this story that couldn't be achieved with hand-held cameras on the ground or even cameras mounted in airplanes.
Sep. 11th: One Year Viewed From Space
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of September 11, Space Imaging is offering the following digital archive of pre- and post-attack images of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. As no other high-resolution commercial imaging satellites were in orbit on that fateful day, IKONOS was the only space-based camera able to capture this compelling visual chronology of the destruction and rebirth. The imagery provides a special perspective to this story that couldn't be achieved with hand-held cameras on the ground or even cameras mounted in airplanes.
Hand Painted Russian Movie Posters The one pictured is for Men in Black.
the posters were made in response to a nascent form
of mobile cinema - entrepreneurs brought the latest foreign videos
and films to russian’s rural hinterlands where they set up
make-shift movie houses and they hired ‘professionals’
to promote the films with outrageous naive paintings.
some theaters even had in-house artists to keep up with the
torrent of releases.
(via Backwards City)Hand Painted Russian Movie PostersThe one pictured is for Men in Black.
the posters were made in response to a nascent form
of mobile cinema - entrepreneurs brought the latest foreign videos
and films to russian’s rural hinterlands where they set up
make-shift movie houses and they hired ‘professionals’
to promote the films with outrageous naive paintings.
some theaters even had in-house artists to keep up with the
torrent of releases.
(via Backwards City)Stars Within 50 Light YearsThis is one cool map.
This is a map of every star within 50 light years visible with the naked eye from Earth. There are 133 stars marked on this map. Most of these stars are very similar to the Sun and it is probable that there are many Earth-like planets around these stars. There are roughly 1400 star systems within this volume of space containing 2000 stars, so this map only shows the brightest 10% of all the star systems, but most of the fainter stars are red dwarfs.
Stars Within 50 Light YearsThis is one cool map.
This is a map of every star within 50 light years visible with the naked eye from Earth. There are 133 stars marked on this map. Most of these stars are very similar to the Sun and it is probable that there are many Earth-like planets around these stars. There are roughly 1400 star systems within this volume of space containing 2000 stars, so this map only shows the brightest 10% of all the star systems, but most of the fainter stars are red dwarfs.
In Event of Moon DisasterTSG has the memo.
the notion that the July 1969 mission could have turned tragic now seems, in retrospect, inconceivable. But the Nixon administration devised a contingency plan in case the two men who stepped on the moon were stranded there, according to this July 18, 1969 memo discovered recently at the National Archives. The memo, entitled "In Event of Moon Disaster," includes a speech--drafted by aide William Safire--that Nixon would have delivered saluting astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
In Event of Moon DisasterTSG has the memo.
the notion that the July 1969 mission could have turned tragic now seems, in retrospect, inconceivable. But the Nixon administration devised a contingency plan in case the two men who stepped on the moon were stranded there, according to this July 18, 1969 memo discovered recently at the National Archives. The memo, entitled "In Event of Moon Disaster," includes a speech--drafted by aide William Safire--that Nixon would have delivered saluting astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005The Craig's List ExperimentWhen I first started reading this I thought there would mostly be freakish answers to the ad but it turns out that most of the reponses are normal and basically just people trying to find someone. This project is more of an exercise in being mean spirited in my opinion.
What range of responses do women get when they post a personal ad online? Perhaps by creating one of my own I could find out...
(via Monkeyfilter)The Craig's List ExperimentWhen I first started reading this I thought there would mostly be freakish answers to the ad but it turns out that most of the reponses are normal and basically just people trying to find someone. This project is more of an exercise in being mean spirited in my opinion.
What range of responses do women get when they post a personal ad online? Perhaps by creating one of my own I could find out...
(via Monkeyfilter)Do It Yourself Cruise Missle A construction diary.
Regular visitors to this area of the website will be able to see:
Do It Yourself Cruise MissleA construction diary.
Regular visitors to this area of the website will be able to see:
Kerouac's 120 Foot Long Manuscript for 'On The Road' I had heard about Kerouac using a scroll to hammer out manuscripts but I hadn't actually ever seen it. His editor must have been thrilled.
The legend behind the writing of Jack Kerouac's On the Road is well known, if not entirely accurate. Fueled by inspiration, coffee and Benzedrine, Kerouac sat down at his typewriter and -- in one burst of creative energy -- wrote the novel that would make him the voice of his generation in just 20 days, typing it out on a single, 120-foot-long scroll.
Kerouac's 120 Foot Long Manuscript for 'On The Road'I had heard about Kerouac using a scroll to hammer out manuscripts but I hadn't actually ever seen it. His editor must have been thrilled.
The legend behind the writing of Jack Kerouac's On the Road is well known, if not entirely accurate. Fueled by inspiration, coffee and Benzedrine, Kerouac sat down at his typewriter and -- in one burst of creative energy -- wrote the novel that would make him the voice of his generation in just 20 days, typing it out on a single, 120-foot-long scroll.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005British Food A gallery of British food. I have yet to go to England so I can't say for sure but on the basis of what I have heard I think it would be an excellent place to lose a few lbs. Anybody want to add their two cents? (via Jaf Project) British FoodA gallery of British food. I have yet to go to England so I can't say for sure but on the basis of what I have heard I think it would be an excellent place to lose a few lbs. Anybody want to add their two cents? (via Jaf Project) People Who Deserve a BeatdownA great idea for a blog. I agree with this blogger completely.
If I subscribe to your magazine, and you fill my first 2 issues to my yearly subscription with the last two months magazines, you deserve to be beaten savagely with your own rolled-up magazine. Thanks a ton for sending me magazines I already bought off the newsstand, you idiots.
People Who Deserve a BeatdownA great idea for a blog. I agree with this blogger completely.
If I subscribe to your magazine, and you fill my first 2 issues to my yearly subscription with the last two months magazines, you deserve to be beaten savagely with your own rolled-up magazine. Thanks a ton for sending me magazines I already bought off the newsstand, you idiots.
Who Is This Man? Take a quick poll among your friends and see how many people can tell you who Norman Borlaug is and then see if the same people know who Ashlee Simpson is. Then come back and try to convince me why society isn't doomed.
One would think that saving a billion lives in developing countries, winning the Nobel Peace Prize, and being regarded in many parts of the world as among the leading Americans of this age would be enough to make someone a household name within America.
And yet, very few Americans would be able to say who Norman Borlaug is, leave alone list any of his groundbreaking accomplishments in solving the problems of world hunger. Borlaug, now in his late eighties, is a plant breeder who was born in Iowa, in 1914. The vast majority of his professional life has been spent living and working in the developing countries of the world--Mexico, Pakistan, India, China, and most recently, regions of Africa. Seemingly indefatigable, he still holds a position at Texas A&M, where he is Distinguished Professor in the Soil and Crop Sciences Department and teaches classes on occasion. He received the Nobel in 1970, primarily in recognition for his work in reversing the chronic food shortages suffered by India and Pakistan in the 1960s. Who Is This Man?Take a quick poll among your friends and see how many people can tell you who Norman Borlaug is and then see if the same people know who Ashlee Simpson is. Then come back and try to convince me why society isn't doomed.
One would think that saving a billion lives in developing countries, winning the Nobel Peace Prize, and being regarded in many parts of the world as among the leading Americans of this age would be enough to make someone a household name within America.
And yet, very few Americans would be able to say who Norman Borlaug is, leave alone list any of his groundbreaking accomplishments in solving the problems of world hunger. Borlaug, now in his late eighties, is a plant breeder who was born in Iowa, in 1914. The vast majority of his professional life has been spent living and working in the developing countries of the world--Mexico, Pakistan, India, China, and most recently, regions of Africa. Seemingly indefatigable, he still holds a position at Texas A&M, where he is Distinguished Professor in the Soil and Crop Sciences Department and teaches classes on occasion. He received the Nobel in 1970, primarily in recognition for his work in reversing the chronic food shortages suffered by India and Pakistan in the 1960s. When Your Car Dealership Turns Into A StalkerMy relationship with my car dealership is bordering on "a little creepy". I got home from vacation and went through the mail that had piled up and found this:
Dear Christopher,
What the hell kind of letter is that? I never even have had an ex-girlfriend who was that clingy. I realize Saturn loves to do business under the charade that they are one big happy family and they are more than just a dealer and blah blah blah. I am not buying it. I bought a car, not a step-dealership. Am I suppose to answer that letter? Let me give it a try:
I am writing because I fear we may have lost you as a customer. Our records show that it's been a while since your last visit to Saturn with your 2004 Saturn Ion 2 SDN. This concerns me, because, as you know, we take great pride in long term relationships with our customers. Have we done something to disappoint you?
Dear Saturn,
Do you think it is possible to get a restraining order against Saturn?This letter is difficult for me to write because of all the good times we have had. I remember the day when I went to get my first inspection sticker for my car. You were compassionate, sweet, and had a nice sofa to sit on while waiting for my car to pass emissions. I will never forget it. But I think it is time that I start seeing other dealers. To be honest, taking my picture while getting into my car for the first time was a bit weird and I felt as if you were coming on too strong. To make matters worse, when I was in getting my oil changed one day, I noticed a picture of me in this big binder with other new car owners. How long have you been selling other cars to people behind my back? In closing, I hope we can still remain friends. I cherish the times we have shared and would hate to lose those memories. Oh, and my car just got recalled. Sincerely, Cynical-C When Your Car Dealership Turns Into A StalkerMy relationship with my car dealership is bordering on "a little creepy". I got home from vacation and went through the mail that had piled up and found this:
Dear Christopher,
What the hell kind of letter is that? I never even have had an ex-girlfriend who was that clingy. I realize Saturn loves to do business under the charade that they are one big happy family and they are more than just a dealer and blah blah blah. I am not buying it. I bought a car, not a step-dealership. Am I suppose to answer that letter? Let me give it a try:
I am writing because I fear we may have lost you as a customer. Our records show that it's been a while since your last visit to Saturn with your 2004 Saturn Ion 2 SDN. This concerns me, because, as you know, we take great pride in long term relationships with our customers. Have we done something to disappoint you?
Dear Saturn,
Do you think it is possible to get a restraining order against Saturn?This letter is difficult for me to write because of all the good times we have had. I remember the day when I went to get my first inspection sticker for my car. You were compassionate, sweet, and had a nice sofa to sit on while waiting for my car to pass emissions. I will never forget it. But I think it is time that I start seeing other dealers. To be honest, taking my picture while getting into my car for the first time was a bit weird and I felt as if you were coming on too strong. To make matters worse, when I was in getting my oil changed one day, I noticed a picture of me in this big binder with other new car owners. How long have you been selling other cars to people behind my back? In closing, I hope we can still remain friends. I cherish the times we have shared and would hate to lose those memories. Oh, and my car just got recalled. Sincerely, Cynical-C We Want Your Soul, Inc.A Walmart subsidiary I bet.
WWYS® generates outstanding returns for its customers by employing cutting-edge proprietary soul extraction, containment and suppression technologies, including but not limited to genetic modification, operant conditioning, and thought control. Our firm's history is long and celebrated, and has allowed us to evolve a global influence in all aspects and at every level of society.
(via Memepool)We Want Your Soul, Inc.A Walmart subsidiary I bet.
WWYS® generates outstanding returns for its customers by employing cutting-edge proprietary soul extraction, containment and suppression technologies, including but not limited to genetic modification, operant conditioning, and thought control. Our firm's history is long and celebrated, and has allowed us to evolve a global influence in all aspects and at every level of society.
(via Memepool)The Globetrotter's Trail Around the World Bernard Cloutier is a consultant who keeps a webpage about his travels as many other people do. What makes his a bit different is he has been to over 208 countries. Above is a picture of one of his trips to Haiti.
On September first 2004 I had visited 208 countries and territories, some on business but most for my pleasure. You can read about my adventures and see 7 400 photos and 200 maps of the 199 highlighted countries...
The Globetrotter's Trail Around the WorldBernard Cloutier is a consultant who keeps a webpage about his travels as many other people do. What makes his a bit different is he has been to over 208 countries. Above is a picture of one of his trips to Haiti.
On September first 2004 I had visited 208 countries and territories, some on business but most for my pleasure. You can read about my adventures and see 7 400 photos and 200 maps of the 199 highlighted countries...
Crick's First DNA Sketch If you think about it for a minute, that ugly doodle is worth more to us than all of the paintings in the Louvre.
A rough sketch by Francis Crick showing his first impression of the DNA molecule has been released on the web.
(via Backwards City)The doodle, done on a scrap of A4 paper, provides the first hint of the famous double-helix structure of DNA. Crick's First DNA SketchIf you think about it for a minute, that ugly doodle is worth more to us than all of the paintings in the Louvre.
A rough sketch by Francis Crick showing his first impression of the DNA molecule has been released on the web.
(via Backwards City)The doodle, done on a scrap of A4 paper, provides the first hint of the famous double-helix structure of DNA. Monday, February 14, 2005Mary Kay Letourneau's Wedding RegistryRemember Mary Kay Letourneau, the teacher who was put in prison for sleeping with her eleven year old student? Well she has been out for a few months now and is getting married to that same student. I have strict rules against attending weddings of pedophiles and their victims so I won't be able to attend but they have registered online for those who don't mind sending them a gift. The cheap gifts are almost gone but they still need two Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Makers. (Isn't that the real crime here?)Mary Kay Letourneau's Wedding RegistryRemember Mary Kay Letourneau, the teacher who was put in prison for sleeping with her eleven year old student? Well she has been out for a few months now and is getting married to that same student. I have strict rules against attending weddings of pedophiles and their victims so I won't be able to attend but they have registered online for those who don't mind sending them a gift. The cheap gifts are almost gone but they still need two Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Makers. (Isn't that the real crime here?)Fantasy Planes
Sometimes I think the most interesting airplanes are the ones that never got built. Some of these were schemes that were too visionary, some are found in fiction, and some were practical aircraft that lost out somewhere between blue sky and finished prototype.
Fantasy Planes
Sometimes I think the most interesting airplanes are the ones that never got built. Some of these were schemes that were too visionary, some are found in fiction, and some were practical aircraft that lost out somewhere between blue sky and finished prototype.
Alan SmitheeEver see a movie or tv show that was directed by Alan Smithee?
Alan Smithee, Allen Smithee & Adam Smithee are pseudonyms used between 1968 and 1999 by Hollywood film directors who want to be dissociated from a film for which they no longer wanted credit. It was used when the director could prove to the satisfaction of a panel of members of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers that the film had been wrested from his or her creative control. The director is also required to keep the reason for the disavowal a secret. The pseudonym cannot be used to hide a director's failures.
IMDB has a list of all tv shows and movies where Alan Smithee has been credited.Alan SmitheeEver see a movie or tv show that was directed by Alan Smithee?
Alan Smithee, Allen Smithee & Adam Smithee are pseudonyms used between 1968 and 1999 by Hollywood film directors who want to be dissociated from a film for which they no longer wanted credit. It was used when the director could prove to the satisfaction of a panel of members of the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers that the film had been wrested from his or her creative control. The director is also required to keep the reason for the disavowal a secret. The pseudonym cannot be used to hide a director's failures.
IMDB has a list of all tv shows and movies where Alan Smithee has been credited.GMail Invites AvailableI hate the way that Google has made everyone that has gmail into some sort of quasi-carnival barker ("Step right up, get your Free Gmail here"). They would a holder of a gmail account 5 invites every once in a while and now I noticed that I have 50 to give away. My hat is off to google who really has done a great job putting the buzz out on gmail and getting us to work for free in spreading their invitations. My cynical side wants to just not mention it at all but I guess there is still demand out there and I actually like the service so "Step Right Up and Get your Free Gmail Here!". Send me an email with your name or sobriquet for an invite.GMail Invites AvailableI hate the way that Google has made everyone that has gmail into some sort of quasi-carnival barker ("Step right up, get your Free Gmail here"). They would a holder of a gmail account 5 invites every once in a while and now I noticed that I have 50 to give away. My hat is off to google who really has done a great job putting the buzz out on gmail and getting us to work for free in spreading their invitations. My cynical side wants to just not mention it at all but I guess there is still demand out there and I actually like the service so "Step Right Up and Get your Free Gmail Here!". Send me an email with your name or sobriquet for an invite.The Late Night TV PageA list of late night tv shows and who the guests will be for the current week. Each show also has an rss feed.The Late Night TV PageA list of late night tv shows and who the guests will be for the current week. Each show also has an rss feed.Sunday, February 13, 2005Remote Control Reggae Is there anything that you can't do with Legos?
...and we believe that it is high time that musicians had robots to play their instruments for them. I mean come on, we have the technology! So to ignite this revolution in music making, we decided to build a lego robot that could play reggae music on a ukulele
(via Bifurcated Rivets)Remote Control ReggaeIs there anything that you can't do with Legos?
...and we believe that it is high time that musicians had robots to play their instruments for them. I mean come on, we have the technology! So to ignite this revolution in music making, we decided to build a lego robot that could play reggae music on a ukulele
(via Bifurcated Rivets)Cavehouse For Sale It's like a Spanish hobbit hole for 120,000 Euros.
This Cavehouse is more than 70 years old and is set slightly outside a small rural village of about 80 cave houses, called Carramaiza. It has a fantastic 180 o south-facing view of the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra de Baza. It is fully renovated with 102m 2 internally and a land area of approx. 500m 2 . The sale price is € 120,000 inclusive of Estate Agent's fees. The cavehouse is renovated in a rustic style; white washed walls, terra-cotta tiled floors, wooden doors and shuttered windows. Using many local natural materials, we have brought the cave up to a high standard both aesthetically and structurally.
(via J-Walk)Cavehouse For SaleIt's like a Spanish hobbit hole for 120,000 Euros.
This Cavehouse is more than 70 years old and is set slightly outside a small rural village of about 80 cave houses, called Carramaiza. It has a fantastic 180 o south-facing view of the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra de Baza. It is fully renovated with 102m 2 internally and a land area of approx. 500m 2 . The sale price is € 120,000 inclusive of Estate Agent's fees. The cavehouse is renovated in a rustic style; white washed walls, terra-cotta tiled floors, wooden doors and shuttered windows. Using many local natural materials, we have brought the cave up to a high standard both aesthetically and structurally.
(via J-Walk)The ORIGINAL Illustrated Catalog Of ACME Products
ACME is a worldwide leader of many manufactured goods. From its humble beginnings providing corks and flypaper to bug collectors ("Buddy's Bug Hunt/1935") to its heyday in the American Southwest supplying a certain coyote, from Ultimatum Dispatchers to Batman outfits, ACME has set the standard for excellence.
For the first time ever, information and pictures of all ACME products, specialty divisions, and services featured in Warner Bros. cartoons (made by the original studio from 1935 to 1964) are gathered here, in one convenient catalog
(via J-Walk)The ORIGINAL Illustrated Catalog Of ACME Products
ACME is a worldwide leader of many manufactured goods. From its humble beginnings providing corks and flypaper to bug collectors ("Buddy's Bug Hunt/1935") to its heyday in the American Southwest supplying a certain coyote, from Ultimatum Dispatchers to Batman outfits, ACME has set the standard for excellence.
For the first time ever, information and pictures of all ACME products, specialty divisions, and services featured in Warner Bros. cartoons (made by the original studio from 1935 to 1964) are gathered here, in one convenient catalog
(via J-Walk)Back From VacationI hate January and February in New England with the kind of loathing I keep reserved for murderers, rapists, and minivan drivers. By late January I am just sick of the cold and the snow and by the time February comes around it is just time to get away for a bit. I ended up going to Miami for a few days and then to Vegas. Here are a few things I noticed:1. There are few things better in life than leaving a frozen Boston and landing in Miami where the temp was about 70 degrees. I felt human for a minute before I realized I was headed back to Boston in a week and the forecasts were for more snow. What the hell am I doing still living in New England? 2. I know now why football teams that play in warm weather cities very rarely beat teams that play in cold weather. Let's put it this way. My second day in Florida was about 62 degrees and people were running around in sweaters and light jackets. I was practically sweating from the heat. 3. Vegas has to be one of the few cities in the world where the resorts are a mixture of opulence and cheesiness. I stayed at Luxor which is a recreation of a pyramid of Ancient Egypt with a gigantic sphinx in the front of it for goodness sakes yet it was very well done. It is like Vegas takes a cheesy idea and throws so much money into it that you have to be impressed. 4. Everything in Vegas looks so close together and so easy to get to on foot. I learned quickly that this isn't the case at all. What looks to be a small walk from the MGM Grand to the Bellagio ends up feeling like a 500 block excursion that by the end you feel like throwing yourself under one of the street trolleys except you can't figure out where the hell the street trolleys ever are. 5. Vegas has no one efficient transport system. I am guessing that this is deliberate to keep tourists in their resorts other then casino hopping but unless you rent a car it is actually difficult to get from point a to point b. You can try to pick up the monorail but it only stops at a few resorts and we had to walk through the labyrinth known as the MGM Grand just to find it. There is a trolley that stops every 30 minutes or so at some of the resorts which is another way to travel if you have exact change and have figured out ahead of time what stop is closest to where you want to go. Overall I had a great time. We ate at some wonderful restaurants, had some great buffets, gambled a bit (although luck was not on my side so I didn't gamble as much as normal), etc. One thing I definitely recommend is that anyone who hasn't landed in Vegas at night really should see that at least once. There is nothing quite like looking down at Vegas lit up in tremendous brilliance and surrounded by a sea of darkness. It is going to take me a week or so to go through my email and clean out my bloglines so I think I will just throw links up as I come across them. I trust everyone had a good week while I was away? Oh one other thing. Pats Rule! Back From VacationI hate January and February in New England with the kind of loathing I keep reserved for murderers, rapists, and minivan drivers. By late January I am just sick of the cold and the snow and by the time February comes around it is just time to get away for a bit. I ended up going to Miami for a few days and then to Vegas. Here are a few things I noticed:1. There are few things better in life than leaving a frozen Boston and landing in Miami where the temp was about 70 degrees. I felt human for a minute before I realized I was headed back to Boston in a week and the forecasts were for more snow. What the hell am I doing still living in New England? 2. I know now why football teams that play in warm weather cities very rarely beat teams that play in cold weather. Let's put it this way. My second day in Florida was about 62 degrees and people were running around in sweaters and light jackets. I was practically sweating from the heat. 3. Vegas has to be one of the few cities in the world where the resorts are a mixture of opulence and cheesiness. I stayed at Luxor which is a recreation of a pyramid of Ancient Egypt with a gigantic sphinx in the front of it for goodness sakes yet it was very well done. It is like Vegas takes a cheesy idea and throws so much money into it that you have to be impressed. 4. Everything in Vegas looks so close together and so easy to get to on foot. I learned quickly that this isn't the case at all. What looks to be a small walk from the MGM Grand to the Bellagio ends up feeling like a 500 block excursion that by the end you feel like throwing yourself under one of the street trolleys except you can't figure out where the hell the street trolleys ever are. 5. Vegas has no one efficient transport system. I am guessing that this is deliberate to keep tourists in their resorts other then casino hopping but unless you rent a car it is actually difficult to get from point a to point b. You can try to pick up the monorail but it only stops at a few resorts and we had to walk through the labyrinth known as the MGM Grand just to find it. There is a trolley that stops every 30 minutes or so at some of the resorts which is another way to travel if you have exact change and have figured out ahead of time what stop is closest to where you want to go. Overall I had a great time. We ate at some wonderful restaurants, had some great buffets, gambled a bit (although luck was not on my side so I didn't gamble as much as normal), etc. One thing I definitely recommend is that anyone who hasn't landed in Vegas at night really should see that at least once. There is nothing quite like looking down at Vegas lit up in tremendous brilliance and surrounded by a sea of darkness. It is going to take me a week or so to go through my email and clean out my bloglines so I think I will just throw links up as I come across them. I trust everyone had a good week while I was away? Oh one other thing. Pats Rule! Thursday, February 3, 2005Bad Star Wars Costumes I especially like the Boba Fett with the Mandalorian battle shorts.
Okay, I like Star Wars as much as the next person who was a child during the late 70's/early 80's, but there are some people who are just a little *too* into it. These people go to conventions. They dress up. Some better than others. I of course choose to share with you the latter group. These are all pictures from a Star Wars convention from a site my co-worker decided would be a good idea to share with me. Now, I share with you.
(via del.icio.us/ethanb. I love his bookmarks!)Bad Star Wars CostumesI especially like the Boba Fett with the Mandalorian battle shorts.
Okay, I like Star Wars as much as the next person who was a child during the late 70's/early 80's, but there are some people who are just a little *too* into it. These people go to conventions. They dress up. Some better than others. I of course choose to share with you the latter group. These are all pictures from a Star Wars convention from a site my co-worker decided would be a good idea to share with me. Now, I share with you.
(via del.icio.us/ethanb. I love his bookmarks!)I used to believe..
when i was a kid i had a morbid fear of the toilet. i was convinced that there was a vampire living just around the s-bend who would attack me if i spent too long on it, so i'd always go as quickly as possible.
many years later i found out that a good friend used to believe that his body was filled with baked beans. i began wondering if other people had strange childhood beliefs and collected them from my friends and family. the book moved to this website in order to collect beliefs from people all over the world I used to believe..
when i was a kid i had a morbid fear of the toilet. i was convinced that there was a vampire living just around the s-bend who would attack me if i spent too long on it, so i'd always go as quickly as possible.
many years later i found out that a good friend used to believe that his body was filled with baked beans. i began wondering if other people had strange childhood beliefs and collected them from my friends and family. the book moved to this website in order to collect beliefs from people all over the world Critiki My favorite is by far the Mai Kai in Ft. Lauderdale. According to this site it is one of the better ones.
A Worldwide Guide to Tiki Bars, Polynesian Restaurants,
and other sites of interest to the midcentury Polynesian Pop enthusiast.
(via Grow a Brain)CritikiMy favorite is by far the Mai Kai in Ft. Lauderdale. According to this site it is one of the better ones.
A Worldwide Guide to Tiki Bars, Polynesian Restaurants,
and other sites of interest to the midcentury Polynesian Pop enthusiast.
(via Grow a Brain)The Budget Traveller's Guide to Sleeping in AirportsThis website rates different airports from over the world with testimonials from people who have slept or tried to sleep in them. From the ones I read about Boston's Logan Airport, you are better off sleeping in it then actually trying to fly out of it.(via Boing Boing) The Budget Traveller's Guide to Sleeping in AirportsThis website rates different airports from over the world with testimonials from people who have slept or tried to sleep in them. From the ones I read about Boston's Logan Airport, you are better off sleeping in it then actually trying to fly out of it.(via Boing Boing) How To Cut.. Very well written but I love how it is diagrammed.
I have previously discussed the basics of knife selection and use on this web site. In this new article, I present specific methods for cutting various fruits and vegetables. Except where noted, only a chef’s knife or paring knife are used in any of the methods.
How To Cut..Very well written but I love how it is diagrammed.
I have previously discussed the basics of knife selection and use on this web site. In this new article, I present specific methods for cutting various fruits and vegetables. Except where noted, only a chef’s knife or paring knife are used in any of the methods.
Guess The Movie Here is an interesting game. Look at a picture from a movie and try to guess what movie it is. The rub is that all the people have been taken out even though their clothes remain. Guess The MovieHere is an interesting game. Look at a picture from a movie and try to guess what movie it is. The rub is that all the people have been taken out even though their clothes remain. Caffeine Content of Bottled BeveragesSheesh, Red Bull makes most drinks seem like they have the stimulating effect of warm milk.Caffeine Content of Bottled BeveragesSheesh, Red Bull makes most drinks seem like they have the stimulating effect of warm milk.Camera Van
One night In the fall of 1993, Harrod Blank had a dream in which he covered his car with cameras and then drove around and took pictures of people on the streets. The public, unaware that the cameras worked, reacted naturally. At the end of the dream, Harrod looked at pictures taken with the van of faces frozen in the moment of awe, pictures so powerful that the next morning he decided to attempt to build such a vehicle in reality.
(via J-Walk)Camera Van
One night In the fall of 1993, Harrod Blank had a dream in which he covered his car with cameras and then drove around and took pictures of people on the streets. The public, unaware that the cameras worked, reacted naturally. At the end of the dream, Harrod looked at pictures taken with the van of faces frozen in the moment of awe, pictures so powerful that the next morning he decided to attempt to build such a vehicle in reality.
(via J-Walk)Ulam SpiralFrom Wikipedia:
The Ulam spiral, or prime spiral (in other languages also called Ulam cloth) is a simple method of graphing the prime numbers that reveals a pattern which has never been fully explained. It was discovered by the mathematician Stanislaw Marcin Ulam in 1963, while doodling on scratch paper at a scientific meeting. Ulam, bored that day, wrote down a regular grid of numbers, starting with 1 at the center, and spiraling out...
Ulam SpiralFrom Wikipedia:
The Ulam spiral, or prime spiral (in other languages also called Ulam cloth) is a simple method of graphing the prime numbers that reveals a pattern which has never been fully explained. It was discovered by the mathematician Stanislaw Marcin Ulam in 1963, while doodling on scratch paper at a scientific meeting. Ulam, bored that day, wrote down a regular grid of numbers, starting with 1 at the center, and spiraling out...
Wednesday, February 2, 2005How To Do Napkin Foldings
Step by step instructions with diagrams on how to do some fancy napkin folding. I tried a few and it is actually a bit difficult although I am trying it out on a Dunkin Donuts napkin. How To Do Napkin Foldings
Step by step instructions with diagrams on how to do some fancy napkin folding. I tried a few and it is actually a bit difficult although I am trying it out on a Dunkin Donuts napkin. Haunted Portraits
The portraits change depending on your perspective. For example, if you stand still, they do not change at all. But when you walk past them, either left to right or right to left, you will see them transform into hideous creatures of the night or macabre apparitions! It is a truly amazing effect which must be seen in person to be truly appreciated
(or un-appreciated if you weren't expecting it!) No batteries, electricity, or special lighting is required.
Haunted Portraits
The portraits change depending on your perspective. For example, if you stand still, they do not change at all. But when you walk past them, either left to right or right to left, you will see them transform into hideous creatures of the night or macabre apparitions! It is a truly amazing effect which must be seen in person to be truly appreciated
(or un-appreciated if you weren't expecting it!) No batteries, electricity, or special lighting is required.
Constructing The Perfect Turban This may be illegal in some states.
One time I went to Reading, Pennsylvania with my brother Tim and my friends Pat and Dan. We had a good time, but it was time to head back to Harrisburg. We had been drinking profusely, but somebody wanted a Pepsi. So we stopped at a 7-11 to get a Pepsi. The Pepsi drinkers went to the machine outside. My brother and I went inside and there was a nice fellow inside wearing a turban. I remember being fascinated by this turban. So, I said "What exactly is that, anyway? Is that like, one piece, and you just put it on your head? Or do you wrap it around your head? Or what?" The nice gentleman offered to show us, step by step, how to properly construct a turban.
Constructing The Perfect TurbanThis may be illegal in some states.
One time I went to Reading, Pennsylvania with my brother Tim and my friends Pat and Dan. We had a good time, but it was time to head back to Harrisburg. We had been drinking profusely, but somebody wanted a Pepsi. So we stopped at a 7-11 to get a Pepsi. The Pepsi drinkers went to the machine outside. My brother and I went inside and there was a nice fellow inside wearing a turban. I remember being fascinated by this turban. So, I said "What exactly is that, anyway? Is that like, one piece, and you just put it on your head? Or do you wrap it around your head? Or what?" The nice gentleman offered to show us, step by step, how to properly construct a turban.
History of Japanese Corporation Names
Ever wondered what "Mitsubishi" means when written out in Japanese? Or maybe you've pondered over exactly how "Sanyo" came to be known as Sanyo*. What does the "shiba" in "Toshiba" mean? In this article, we dive deep into the corporate names of seven of the world's most well-known electronics companies:
History of Japanese Corporation Names
Ever wondered what "Mitsubishi" means when written out in Japanese? Or maybe you've pondered over exactly how "Sanyo" came to be known as Sanyo*. What does the "shiba" in "Toshiba" mean? In this article, we dive deep into the corporate names of seven of the world's most well-known electronics companies:
Tuesday, February 1, 2005Freedoms Tavern, Texas If you are in Texas and are a Christian Republican (I know, I know, that is redundant), you may want to eat at the Freedoms Tavern.
Freedoms Tavern is more than just a bar restaurant, it is a cause. The philosophy behind the cause is one of promoting capitalism and freedom through organization and information. Our primary focus, besides growing our business, is to win elections for POLITICIANS who promote our philosophy. We want as many people as possible in political power who share the same philosophy as we do. Keeping all of these different viewpoints in one party is not easy in a two party system. Thank goodness the democrats suck as much as they do. Even though they suck they still got 51 million people to vote for them in the last presidential election
If you search for it you may be able to find their menu on the site.
(Found on Metafilter where you should definitely check out some of the comments that were pretty funny.) Freedoms Tavern, TexasIf you are in Texas and are a Christian Republican (I know, I know, that is redundant), you may want to eat at the Freedoms Tavern.
Freedoms Tavern is more than just a bar restaurant, it is a cause. The philosophy behind the cause is one of promoting capitalism and freedom through organization and information. Our primary focus, besides growing our business, is to win elections for POLITICIANS who promote our philosophy. We want as many people as possible in political power who share the same philosophy as we do. Keeping all of these different viewpoints in one party is not easy in a two party system. Thank goodness the democrats suck as much as they do. Even though they suck they still got 51 million people to vote for them in the last presidential election
If you search for it you may be able to find their menu on the site.
(Found on Metafilter where you should definitely check out some of the comments that were pretty funny.) 112 Gripes About The French Published in Paris in 1945 by the 'Information & Education Division' of the US Occupation Forces. Here is a sample:
62. "They kiss right in the open - in the streets."
Savages!This always startles Americans - at first. Kissing on both cheeks is the traditional French greeting between old friends. For their love-making, the French prefer privacy, if available - just as we do. 112 Gripes About The FrenchPublished in Paris in 1945 by the 'Information & Education Division' of the US Occupation Forces. Here is a sample:
62. "They kiss right in the open - in the streets."
Savages!This always startles Americans - at first. Kissing on both cheeks is the traditional French greeting between old friends. For their love-making, the French prefer privacy, if available - just as we do. The More Things Change,The more they stay the same:
U.S. Encouraged by Vietnam Vote
Officials Cite 83% Turnout Despite Vietcong Terror by Peter Grose, Special to the New York Times WASHINGTON, Sept. 3-- United States officials were surprised and heartened today at the size of turnout in South Vietnam's presidential election despite a Vietcong terrorist campaign to disrupt the voting. According to reports from Saigon, 83 per cent of the 5.85 million registered voters cast their ballots yesterday. Many of them risked reprisals threatened by the Vietcong. The More Things Change,The more they stay the same:
U.S. Encouraged by Vietnam Vote
Officials Cite 83% Turnout Despite Vietcong Terror by Peter Grose, Special to the New York Times WASHINGTON, Sept. 3-- United States officials were surprised and heartened today at the size of turnout in South Vietnam's presidential election despite a Vietcong terrorist campaign to disrupt the voting. According to reports from Saigon, 83 per cent of the 5.85 million registered voters cast their ballots yesterday. Many of them risked reprisals threatened by the Vietcong. Ref Ejects Himself From GameI would love to see an umpire do this someday. Not gonna happen though:
A football referee was forced to abandon a game after showing himself the red card.
Andy Wain decided he had to go following a run-in with a goalkeeper in the Sunday League match. The incident happened during a contest between Peterborough North End and Royal Mail AYL. North End keeper Richard McGaffin was unhappy with a goal that put the opposition 2-1 up, inisting a player had been fouled. But instead of giving McGaffin a ticking off, Wain lost his temper. The ref hurled down his whistle, untucked his shirt and marched up to eyeball the player, before realising the error of his ways. Ref Ejects Himself From GameI would love to see an umpire do this someday. Not gonna happen though:
A football referee was forced to abandon a game after showing himself the red card.
Andy Wain decided he had to go following a run-in with a goalkeeper in the Sunday League match. The incident happened during a contest between Peterborough North End and Royal Mail AYL. North End keeper Richard McGaffin was unhappy with a goal that put the opposition 2-1 up, inisting a player had been fouled. But instead of giving McGaffin a ticking off, Wain lost his temper. The ref hurled down his whistle, untucked his shirt and marched up to eyeball the player, before realising the error of his ways. Venn Diagram of Things That Are BadSuch as:
People who say "nucular"
People who drive corvettes White guys who say "kick ass" and "Yo, [first initial]" to all their friends. Venn Diagram of Things That Are BadSuch as:
People who say "nucular"
People who drive corvettes White guys who say "kick ass" and "Yo, [first initial]" to all their friends. Celebrity Heads
Our hand painted, hand made, oversized one of a kind, wearable heads are an exact likeness to the Celebrity they were created to image. People do a double take when our “CELEBRITY HEADS” walk by. The likeness to the Celebrity they were created to image is almost unbelievable. The excitement begins as soon as the people recognize the Celebrity.
Yes, it is their "likeness" that makes people do a double take.(Thanks again to Jabberwocky) Celebrity Heads
Our hand painted, hand made, oversized one of a kind, wearable heads are an exact likeness to the Celebrity they were created to image. People do a double take when our “CELEBRITY HEADS” walk by. The likeness to the Celebrity they were created to image is almost unbelievable. The excitement begins as soon as the people recognize the Celebrity.
Yes, it is their "likeness" that makes people do a double take.(Thanks again to Jabberwocky) Gallery of Ouija Boards
Welcome to the heart and soul of the Museum of Talking Boards: our picture gallery of talking boards. Presented in no particular order are eighty-four talking boards and an assortment of planchettes produced during the years 1860 to 1999. Some of these boards were on the market for a fairly long time, a decade or more in some instances. Others survived for a brief period, sometimes a single production run. In any event, they have for the most part disappeared from the American scene, a few showing up on the antique market from time to time.
(via Cosmic Fishbowl)Gallery of Ouija Boards
Welcome to the heart and soul of the Museum of Talking Boards: our picture gallery of talking boards. Presented in no particular order are eighty-four talking boards and an assortment of planchettes produced during the years 1860 to 1999. Some of these boards were on the market for a fairly long time, a decade or more in some instances. Others survived for a brief period, sometimes a single production run. In any event, they have for the most part disappeared from the American scene, a few showing up on the antique market from time to time.
(via Cosmic Fishbowl)Interview With a Comment SpammerI have read interviews with email spammers before but this is the first one I have read dealing with a spammer who concentrates on blogs.(via Waxy) Interview With a Comment SpammerI have read interviews with email spammers before but this is the first one I have read dealing with a spammer who concentrates on blogs.(via Waxy) |
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