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Thursday, June 30, 2005Swallowing A Camera![]()
The ‘Nine-metre web object’ is a component of ‘Host – Guest Plus Host Equals Ghost’ – an ongoing project concerned with a fantastic voyage undertaken by an ingested camera during capsule endoscopy. The web object is a composite, combining numerous images produced during the seven and a half hour, nine-metre journey of a peristalsis controlled, auto-documenting camera.
(via WFMU's Beware of the Blog)Swallowing A Camera![]()
The ‘Nine-metre web object’ is a component of ‘Host – Guest Plus Host Equals Ghost’ – an ongoing project concerned with a fantastic voyage undertaken by an ingested camera during capsule endoscopy. The web object is a composite, combining numerous images produced during the seven and a half hour, nine-metre journey of a peristalsis controlled, auto-documenting camera.
(via WFMU's Beware of the Blog)Safari Gallery![]() I am not against hunting but these people just seem like assholes to me. (via del.icio.us/ethanb) Safari Gallery![]() I am not against hunting but these people just seem like assholes to me. (via del.icio.us/ethanb) Things Republican Believe
The United States should get out of the United
Nations, and our highest
national priority is enforcing U.N. resolutions
against Iraq.
Etc. etc.A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body, but multi-national corporations can make decisions affecting all mankind without regulation. Jesus loves you, and shares your hatred of homosexuals and Hillary Clinton. Things Republican Believe
The United States should get out of the United
Nations, and our highest
national priority is enforcing U.N. resolutions
against Iraq.
Etc. etc.A woman can't be trusted with decisions about her own body, but multi-national corporations can make decisions affecting all mankind without regulation. Jesus loves you, and shares your hatred of homosexuals and Hillary Clinton. Capitalism and CowsOld joke but still very funny.
TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM -- You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull.
Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the
income.
Etc. etc. From The Phineas T. Manbottle Library of Arcane Knowledge and Questionable HumorAN AMERICAN CORPORATION -- You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when the cow drops dead. FRENCH CORPORATION -- You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows. A JAPANESE CORPORATION -- You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create clever cow cartoon images called Cowkimon(tm) and market them world-wide. Capitalism and CowsOld joke but still very funny.
TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM -- You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull.
Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the
income.
Etc. etc. From The Phineas T. Manbottle Library of Arcane Knowledge and Questionable HumorAN AMERICAN CORPORATION -- You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when the cow drops dead. FRENCH CORPORATION -- You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows. A JAPANESE CORPORATION -- You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create clever cow cartoon images called Cowkimon(tm) and market them world-wide. Anti-Japanese Propaganda War Posters
The following posters were garnished from a number of sources. Most of these posters were taken off of private or public pages on the internet. All of these posters can be found through government databases on the internet.
(via Boing Boing)Anti-Japanese Propaganda War Posters
The following posters were garnished from a number of sources. Most of these posters were taken off of private or public pages on the internet. All of these posters can be found through government databases on the internet.
(via Boing Boing)Wednesday, June 29, 2005The Scoville Scale
A scale developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1912, to measure the heat level in chillies. It was first a subjective taste test, but since, it has been refined by the use of HPLC, the unit is named in honour of its inventor.
The Scoville Scale
A scale developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1912, to measure the heat level in chillies. It was first a subjective taste test, but since, it has been refined by the use of HPLC, the unit is named in honour of its inventor.
The Jivaro HeadsExplorer F.W. Up de Graff's account of a Jivaro head hunting raid in 1897.
The enemy having left their dead and dying behind them in their flight, the victors dashed forward to seize the most highly treasured of the spoils of battle -- the heads of the enemy slain. With stone-axes and split bamboo knives, sharpened clam-shells (rubbed to a keen edge on sand-stone), and chonta-wood machetes, they went from corpse to corpse, gathering and stringing their gruesome emblems of victory.
Excerpt from Head Hunters of the Amazon: Seven Years of Exploration and Adventure, available for download for free here.
Indeed I myself happened to watch the fate of a Huambiza woman who had fallen in the fight wounded by three spears. Little did we imagine what the ultimate issue might prove to be, when we attacked that morning. The woman lay where she had been borne down by the spear-thrusts. The Aguarunas, eager to collect her head, went to work while she was still alive, though powerless to protect herself. While one wrenched at her head another held her to the ground, and yet another hacked at her neck with his stone-axe. Finally I was called upon to lend my machete, a far better implement for the work in hand. This was truly an act of mercy, to put the poor creature out of her misery as soon as possible. It was a truly hideous spectacle. But it must be remembered that had we attempted interference, we were but five in a horde of fiends, crazed by blood and lust. When at last the head was severed, it was strung with the one other which had fallen to the lot of our party. This stringing of the heads is in itself an art, the object of which is to facilitate their transportation. They are strung on thin lengths of pliable bark stripped from some nearby sapling, which make a first-rate substitute for the hempen cord of civilization. These bark-ropes are passed through the mouth and out at the neck. The Jivaro HeadsExplorer F.W. Up de Graff's account of a Jivaro head hunting raid in 1897.
The enemy having left their dead and dying behind them in their flight, the victors dashed forward to seize the most highly treasured of the spoils of battle -- the heads of the enemy slain. With stone-axes and split bamboo knives, sharpened clam-shells (rubbed to a keen edge on sand-stone), and chonta-wood machetes, they went from corpse to corpse, gathering and stringing their gruesome emblems of victory.
Excerpt from Head Hunters of the Amazon: Seven Years of Exploration and Adventure, available for download for free here.
Indeed I myself happened to watch the fate of a Huambiza woman who had fallen in the fight wounded by three spears. Little did we imagine what the ultimate issue might prove to be, when we attacked that morning. The woman lay where she had been borne down by the spear-thrusts. The Aguarunas, eager to collect her head, went to work while she was still alive, though powerless to protect herself. While one wrenched at her head another held her to the ground, and yet another hacked at her neck with his stone-axe. Finally I was called upon to lend my machete, a far better implement for the work in hand. This was truly an act of mercy, to put the poor creature out of her misery as soon as possible. It was a truly hideous spectacle. But it must be remembered that had we attempted interference, we were but five in a horde of fiends, crazed by blood and lust. When at last the head was severed, it was strung with the one other which had fallen to the lot of our party. This stringing of the heads is in itself an art, the object of which is to facilitate their transportation. They are strung on thin lengths of pliable bark stripped from some nearby sapling, which make a first-rate substitute for the hempen cord of civilization. These bark-ropes are passed through the mouth and out at the neck. History of the Shuar
Although there were many headhunting cultures throughout the world, only one group was known for ancient practice of shrinking human heads (tsantsa). They were called the Jivaro clan who lived deep in the Ecuadorian, and neighboring Peruvian Amazon. The Jivaros are one of the most primitive societies that have caught the attention of the Western world because of their unusual customs.
History of the Shuar
Although there were many headhunting cultures throughout the world, only one group was known for ancient practice of shrinking human heads (tsantsa). They were called the Jivaro clan who lived deep in the Ecuadorian, and neighboring Peruvian Amazon. The Jivaros are one of the most primitive societies that have caught the attention of the Western world because of their unusual customs.
The 365 Days Project![]()
One MP3 a day... for one year. Archived bi-weekly.
And what mp3s they are!(via del.icio.us/huffa) The 365 Days Project![]()
One MP3 a day... for one year. Archived bi-weekly.
And what mp3s they are!(via del.icio.us/huffa) Canada Lawmakers Approve Gay Marriage BillThose damn neighbors to the north with their funny colored money, the way they tack 'eh' to the end of every sentence and their government with some common sense.
TORONTO - Canada would become only the third country in the world to legalize gay marriage under landmark legislation passed in the House of Commons in spite of fierce opposition from Conservatives and religious leaders.
The bill would grant same-sex couples legal rights equal to those in traditional unions between a man and a woman, something already legal in a majority of Canadian provinces. The legislation drafted by Prime Minister Paul Martin's minority Liberal Party government was also expected to easily pass the Senate and become federal law by the end of July. Canada Lawmakers Approve Gay Marriage BillThose damn neighbors to the north with their funny colored money, the way they tack 'eh' to the end of every sentence and their government with some common sense.
TORONTO - Canada would become only the third country in the world to legalize gay marriage under landmark legislation passed in the House of Commons in spite of fierce opposition from Conservatives and religious leaders.
The bill would grant same-sex couples legal rights equal to those in traditional unions between a man and a woman, something already legal in a majority of Canadian provinces. The legislation drafted by Prime Minister Paul Martin's minority Liberal Party government was also expected to easily pass the Senate and become federal law by the end of July. President Bush's Speech
And the larger purpose of our involvement has always been to help the nations of The Middle East become independent and stand alone, self-sustaining, as members of a great world community - at peace with themselves, and at peace with all others.
Ok, I lied. Actually the above speech is from Lyndon Johnson's Vietnam Renunciation Speech on March 31, 1968. I put in bold the words I changed. Just replace Vietnam where you see Iraq and Asia where you see The Middle East. The names change but the rhetoric stays the same. With such an Iraq, our country-and the world will be far more secure than it is tonight. I believe that a peaceful Middle East is far nearer to reality because of what America has done in Iraq. l believe that the men who endure the dangers of battle fighting there for us tonight - are helping the entire world avoid far greater conflicts, far wider wars, far more destruction, than this one. The peace that will bring them home someday will come. Here is another speech by LBJ:
And throughout this entire long period I have been sustained by a single principle: that what we are doing now in Vietnam is vital not only to the security of Southeast Asia but it is vital to the security of every American....
And Bush last night:
"It is worth it, and it is vital to the future security of our country."
Let the President Bush's Speech
And the larger purpose of our involvement has always been to help the nations of The Middle East become independent and stand alone, self-sustaining, as members of a great world community - at peace with themselves, and at peace with all others.
Ok, I lied. Actually the above speech is from Lyndon Johnson's Vietnam Renunciation Speech on March 31, 1968. I put in bold the words I changed. Just replace Vietnam where you see Iraq and Asia where you see The Middle East. The names change but the rhetoric stays the same. With such an Iraq, our country-and the world will be far more secure than it is tonight. I believe that a peaceful Middle East is far nearer to reality because of what America has done in Iraq. l believe that the men who endure the dangers of battle fighting there for us tonight - are helping the entire world avoid far greater conflicts, far wider wars, far more destruction, than this one. The peace that will bring them home someday will come. Here is another speech by LBJ:
And throughout this entire long period I have been sustained by a single principle: that what we are doing now in Vietnam is vital not only to the security of Southeast Asia but it is vital to the security of every American....
And Bush last night:
"It is worth it, and it is vital to the future security of our country."
Let the Tuesday, June 28, 2005Developer wants 'Lost Liberty Hotel' built upon property of David SouterHA!
A private developer contacted the local government in Supreme Court Justice David Souter's hometown in New Hampshire yesterday asking that the property of the judge – who voted in favor of a controversial decision allowing a city to take residents' homes for private development – be seized to make room for a new hotel.
(via Waxy)Logan Darrow Clements faxed a request to Chip Meany, the code enforcement officer of the town of Weare, N.H., seeking to start the application process to build a hotel on 34 Cilley Hill Road, the present location of Souter's home. Wrote Clements: "Although this property is owned by an individual, David H. Souter, a recent Supreme Court decision, Kelo v. City of New London, clears the way for this land to be taken by the government of Weare through eminent domain and given to my LLC for the purposes of building a hotel. The justification for such an eminent domain action is that our hotel will better serve the public interest as it will bring in economic development and higher tax revenue to Weare." Developer wants 'Lost Liberty Hotel' built upon property of David SouterHA!
A private developer contacted the local government in Supreme Court Justice David Souter's hometown in New Hampshire yesterday asking that the property of the judge – who voted in favor of a controversial decision allowing a city to take residents' homes for private development – be seized to make room for a new hotel.
(via Waxy)Logan Darrow Clements faxed a request to Chip Meany, the code enforcement officer of the town of Weare, N.H., seeking to start the application process to build a hotel on 34 Cilley Hill Road, the present location of Souter's home. Wrote Clements: "Although this property is owned by an individual, David H. Souter, a recent Supreme Court decision, Kelo v. City of New London, clears the way for this land to be taken by the government of Weare through eminent domain and given to my LLC for the purposes of building a hotel. The justification for such an eminent domain action is that our hotel will better serve the public interest as it will bring in economic development and higher tax revenue to Weare." How To Simulate Life In The NavyIn only 53 steps.
6. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays turn your water temperature up to
200 degrees, then on Tuesday and Thursday turn it down to 10 degrees. On
Saturdays, and Sundays declare to your entire family that they used too
much water during the week, so all showering is secured.
(via del.icio.us/tankgirl72)How To Simulate Life In The NavyIn only 53 steps.
6. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays turn your water temperature up to
200 degrees, then on Tuesday and Thursday turn it down to 10 degrees. On
Saturdays, and Sundays declare to your entire family that they used too
much water during the week, so all showering is secured.
(via del.icio.us/tankgirl72)Pregnant Animal Gallery
I don't want to see the google search queries I get after posting this site.
Welcome to my site! My name is Simon 'Skunky' Morrison, and I very love animals. Probably it looks bizarre, but I very much like to see pregnant animals. I very much love to look at their huge, distended bellys. I have female dog named Marta, and each year she becomes pregnant, and I very like to observe her and touch her inflated belly. It's great!
Now, I want to show you my collection of photos of pregnant animals. Some of them I have found in the Internet, some has scanned from magazines, and some has made myself. There is even one pregnant Marta's photo!
(via Boing Boing)Pregnant Animal Gallery
I don't want to see the google search queries I get after posting this site.
Welcome to my site! My name is Simon 'Skunky' Morrison, and I very love animals. Probably it looks bizarre, but I very much like to see pregnant animals. I very much love to look at their huge, distended bellys. I have female dog named Marta, and each year she becomes pregnant, and I very like to observe her and touch her inflated belly. It's great!
Now, I want to show you my collection of photos of pregnant animals. Some of them I have found in the Internet, some has scanned from magazines, and some has made myself. There is even one pregnant Marta's photo!
(via Boing Boing)How To Build Your Own R2D2![]() I would just end up using this to bring me drinks and food on its head. Kind of like how Jabba used R2 in Return of the Jedi. How To Build Your Own R2D2![]() I would just end up using this to bring me drinks and food on its head. Kind of like how Jabba used R2 in Return of the Jedi. Dark Side of Oz
A detailed look into if Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" matches up to The Wizard of Oz.
I've done this experiment quite a few times, and I'll have to admit that there are a lot of coincidental events and themes. Although Pink Floyd has never admitted to doing such a thing (except Roger, who stays quiet when asked), there are just a few points that should be examined. I guess you'll just have to come to your own conclusion. It's just the way it is with this band. But one thing this experiment does do is bring the theme of The Dark Side to life, whether it was intentional or not. In other words, IT'S WORTH DOING! This page was brought to life to explore a possible theme for this great controversy. Hope you enjoy the show!
(via del.icio.us/hschottm)Dark Side of Oz
A detailed look into if Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" matches up to The Wizard of Oz.
I've done this experiment quite a few times, and I'll have to admit that there are a lot of coincidental events and themes. Although Pink Floyd has never admitted to doing such a thing (except Roger, who stays quiet when asked), there are just a few points that should be examined. I guess you'll just have to come to your own conclusion. It's just the way it is with this band. But one thing this experiment does do is bring the theme of The Dark Side to life, whether it was intentional or not. In other words, IT'S WORTH DOING! This page was brought to life to explore a possible theme for this great controversy. Hope you enjoy the show!
(via del.icio.us/hschottm)Is It Normal?A website where people submit questions and readers will then decide if it is normal or not. Here is an example of one of the questions:
Sometimes when i talk to strangers i get an urge to punch them in the face to watch the aftermath..... Normal?
Sure!(via Linkfilter) Is It Normal?A website where people submit questions and readers will then decide if it is normal or not. Here is an example of one of the questions:
Sometimes when i talk to strangers i get an urge to punch them in the face to watch the aftermath..... Normal?
Sure!(via Linkfilter) Overlawyered's Case Against Bruce WayneOverlawyered takes a close look at Batman Begins and explains why Bruce Wayne would spend more time in court than in the batman suit. (Spoilers ahead)
"The Incredibles" made this point (Dec. 2 and links therein), but, with the critical and box-office success of the comic-book movie "Batman Begins," it's worth exploring how today's litigation culture would make sequels impossible in real life.
(via Linkfilter)The entire movie could be a "spot-the-issues" law school exam. And not just the easy ones, like Bruce Wayne getting prosecuted for arson for allegedly burning down his mansion. Overlawyered's Case Against Bruce WayneOverlawyered takes a close look at Batman Begins and explains why Bruce Wayne would spend more time in court than in the batman suit. (Spoilers ahead)
"The Incredibles" made this point (Dec. 2 and links therein), but, with the critical and box-office success of the comic-book movie "Batman Begins," it's worth exploring how today's litigation culture would make sequels impossible in real life.
(via Linkfilter)The entire movie could be a "spot-the-issues" law school exam. And not just the easy ones, like Bruce Wayne getting prosecuted for arson for allegedly burning down his mansion. The Animaris Rhinoceros Transport![]() Be sure to check out the video of this beast moving.
The Animaris Rhinoceros Transport is a type of animal with a steel skeleton and a polyester skin. It looks as if there is a thick layer of sand coating the animal. It weighes 2. tons, but can be set into motion by one person. It stands 4.70 meters tall. Because of its height it catches enough wind to start moving.
(via Make:Blog)The Animaris Rhinoceros Transport![]() Be sure to check out the video of this beast moving.
The Animaris Rhinoceros Transport is a type of animal with a steel skeleton and a polyester skin. It looks as if there is a thick layer of sand coating the animal. It weighes 2. tons, but can be set into motion by one person. It stands 4.70 meters tall. Because of its height it catches enough wind to start moving.
(via Make:Blog)Monday, June 27, 2005Weird But Amusing Flash![]() I have given up trying to figure out how to explain this. (via del.icio.us/djwudi) Weird But Amusing Flash![]() I have given up trying to figure out how to explain this. (via del.icio.us/djwudi) How do you kill a T-Rex?It is a question like this that make Ask Metafilter extremely addictive.(via del.icio.us/feaverish) How do you kill a T-Rex?It is a question like this that make Ask Metafilter extremely addictive.(via del.icio.us/feaverish) Chicks Love the Car
Welcome to the most comprehensive premiere 1989 Batmobile site.
The site is dedicated to Keaton Batmobile from the first two Batman Movies.
Here you will find images, games, toys (including the rare Richman's Toys Batmobile),.etc, everything you ever wanted to know about the Keaton Car.
You will also find information on Batman Forever Batmobile, Batman and and Robin Roadster, and Batman Begins Tumbler.
(via del.icio.us/Wysiwyg)Chicks Love the Car
Welcome to the most comprehensive premiere 1989 Batmobile site.
The site is dedicated to Keaton Batmobile from the first two Batman Movies.
Here you will find images, games, toys (including the rare Richman's Toys Batmobile),.etc, everything you ever wanted to know about the Keaton Car.
You will also find information on Batman Forever Batmobile, Batman and and Robin Roadster, and Batman Begins Tumbler.
(via del.icio.us/Wysiwyg)Bush's Speech Writer![]() Very funny, until you realize that this guy is running the country. Oy. (via del.icio.us/evanr) Bush's Speech Writer![]() Very funny, until you realize that this guy is running the country. Oy. (via del.icio.us/evanr) Top 10 Unbreakable Sports RecordsJoe Dimaggio's streak isn't on the list which is kind of surprising. Most records seem unbreakable until the moment when somebody breaks them.(via Drikoland) Top 10 Unbreakable Sports RecordsJoe Dimaggio's streak isn't on the list which is kind of surprising. Most records seem unbreakable until the moment when somebody breaks them.(via Drikoland) FedEx Furniture
FedEx Furniture is furniture put together by empty FedEx Boxes, and held together by fedex packaging supplies. All of the furniture seen here is 100% functional. The couch is standing/sleeping approved, I sleep on the bed every night, I eat at the dining table, and I work at the desk almost 20 hours a day.
(via del.icio.us/jamez)FedEx Furniture
FedEx Furniture is furniture put together by empty FedEx Boxes, and held together by fedex packaging supplies. All of the furniture seen here is 100% functional. The couch is standing/sleeping approved, I sleep on the bed every night, I eat at the dining table, and I work at the desk almost 20 hours a day.
(via del.icio.us/jamez)Propaganda Images From Soviet Magazines
There are about 700 pictures on this site. They come from a Soviet magazine "Radio" and were never published before on the Internet.
(via WFMU's Beware of the Blog)Propaganda Images From Soviet Magazines
There are about 700 pictures on this site. They come from a Soviet magazine "Radio" and were never published before on the Internet.
(via WFMU's Beware of the Blog)How To Build A Mouse Trap Car
The energy for a mouse-trap powered cars is stored in the mouse trap spring and it drives a wheel by some arrangement such as a string connected from the trap's jaws. There was a competition among the mechanical engineers at my University to build a mouse trap car that could travel the furthest.
(via Make:Blog)How To Build A Mouse Trap Car
The energy for a mouse-trap powered cars is stored in the mouse trap spring and it drives a wheel by some arrangement such as a string connected from the trap's jaws. There was a competition among the mechanical engineers at my University to build a mouse trap car that could travel the furthest.
(via Make:Blog)Sunday, June 26, 2005Why I Don't Blog Much On Weekends![]() Reading blogs is an office recreational activity. Above is a graph of this blog's stats for the past month. Can you guess which days fall on the weekends? (Special thanks to Jason Kottke from Kottke.org for the big spike in the beginning of the month) Why I Don't Blog Much On Weekends![]() Reading blogs is an office recreational activity. Above is a graph of this blog's stats for the past month. Can you guess which days fall on the weekends? (Special thanks to Jason Kottke from Kottke.org for the big spike in the beginning of the month) Why is the Violin So Hard to Play?
When you pluck a note on a guitar string, there isn't very much that can go wrong. You may not play the right note at the right time, of course, but a single note will always come out at the expected pitch, and sounding reasonably musical. When a beginner tries to play a violin, things are much more difficult. When a bow is drawn across a string, the result might be a musical note at the desired pitch, but on the other hand it might be an undesirable whistle, screech or graunch. This difference stems from a fundamental distinction between the physics of plucked and bowed strings.
(via del.icio.us/easternblot)Why is the Violin So Hard to Play?
When you pluck a note on a guitar string, there isn't very much that can go wrong. You may not play the right note at the right time, of course, but a single note will always come out at the expected pitch, and sounding reasonably musical. When a beginner tries to play a violin, things are much more difficult. When a bow is drawn across a string, the result might be a musical note at the desired pitch, but on the other hand it might be an undesirable whistle, screech or graunch. This difference stems from a fundamental distinction between the physics of plucked and bowed strings.
(via del.icio.us/easternblot)Exploring the Apollo Landing Sites![]()
With the aid of a moderate-size telescope and a little imagination, you can revisit the Apollo landing sites, where humans first explored the surface of another world. While you can't see any of the hardware left on the Moon (seeing one of the lunar rovers from Earth would be like trying to see a grain of sand on a beach while flying high overhead in a jet airliner!), you can identify some of the craters, mountains, and other geological features near the landing sites. Most of the images you will see while exploring this page were taken from lunar orbit and are much clearer than Earthbound views, but many of the features you will see are visible in a backyard telescope with good seeing.
(via del.icio.us/stphnwt)Exploring the Apollo Landing Sites![]()
With the aid of a moderate-size telescope and a little imagination, you can revisit the Apollo landing sites, where humans first explored the surface of another world. While you can't see any of the hardware left on the Moon (seeing one of the lunar rovers from Earth would be like trying to see a grain of sand on a beach while flying high overhead in a jet airliner!), you can identify some of the craters, mountains, and other geological features near the landing sites. Most of the images you will see while exploring this page were taken from lunar orbit and are much clearer than Earthbound views, but many of the features you will see are visible in a backyard telescope with good seeing.
(via del.icio.us/stphnwt)Iraq War Fatalities Animation
Iraq War Fatalities is a chart of the US and coalition military fatalities that have occurred in the war in Iraq since hte onset, mapped across the dimensions of time and space. It is an ongoing project that is updated regularly, and will continue to go on as long as the war does.
Iraq War Fatalities Animation
Iraq War Fatalities is a chart of the US and coalition military fatalities that have occurred in the war in Iraq since hte onset, mapped across the dimensions of time and space. It is an ongoing project that is updated regularly, and will continue to go on as long as the war does.
Being Sworn in on The QuranFrom CBS News:
North Carolina judges will be asked this week to decide if witnesses in state courtrooms can be sworn in on the Quran rather than a Bible.
I'm an atheist so if I ever had to testify I would like to be sworn in on The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales because let's face it. There isn't much difference between that and any religious book.The move comes after Guilford County judges rejected the Greensboro Islamic center's offer last week to donate copies of the Muslim holy book. The Administrative Office of the Courts will seek the opinion of the state's judges when they meet this week at judicial conferences in Asheville and Wrightsville Beach, AOC spokesman Dick Ellis said. Being Sworn in on The QuranFrom CBS News:
North Carolina judges will be asked this week to decide if witnesses in state courtrooms can be sworn in on the Quran rather than a Bible.
I'm an atheist so if I ever had to testify I would like to be sworn in on The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales because let's face it. There isn't much difference between that and any religious book.The move comes after Guilford County judges rejected the Greensboro Islamic center's offer last week to donate copies of the Muslim holy book. The Administrative Office of the Courts will seek the opinion of the state's judges when they meet this week at judicial conferences in Asheville and Wrightsville Beach, AOC spokesman Dick Ellis said. QuestionI saw Batman Begins yesterday and it is easily the best Batman movie since Tim Burton left the franchise. Very good except I ended up getting whiplash from the movie grinding to a halt every time Katie Holmes was onscreen. I haven't seen too many things that she has been on so I don't have much of a frame of reference but is she just a bad actress or am I simply sick of seeing her plastered on the news with cult recruiter boyfriend?QuestionI saw Batman Begins yesterday and it is easily the best Batman movie since Tim Burton left the franchise. Very good except I ended up getting whiplash from the movie grinding to a halt every time Katie Holmes was onscreen. I haven't seen too many things that she has been on so I don't have much of a frame of reference but is she just a bad actress or am I simply sick of seeing her plastered on the news with cult recruiter boyfriend?Friday, June 24, 2005Homemade F-16 Flight Simulator![]() Impressive.
It happened some day in December of 1995. I was scanning magazines at a newspaper stand. Looking through an American PC games magazine, I saw an add for a homebuilt cockpit setup, 3-dimensional and with real panels and buttons. "Fly like the real pilots do!" the title screamed:
(via Metafilter)Being an enthusiastic flight simmer, I had already toyed with the idea of having switches and buttons arranged around my monitor to enhance the feeling of being there when taking off into the virtual skies. But this looked even better: Sitting inside a cockpit, joystick and throttles mounted left and right, and a monitor in front of me. I was infected. I tried to contact the makers of that cockpit kit, but it looked like they had gone out of business before even starting it: My e-mails and faxes remaind unanswered. So I had to take things into my own hands. Update: Also, from Metafilter commenters comes a few more related links. The A320 Project. Phenomenal. Project 757 Homemade F-16 Flight Simulator![]() Impressive.
It happened some day in December of 1995. I was scanning magazines at a newspaper stand. Looking through an American PC games magazine, I saw an add for a homebuilt cockpit setup, 3-dimensional and with real panels and buttons. "Fly like the real pilots do!" the title screamed:
(via Metafilter)Being an enthusiastic flight simmer, I had already toyed with the idea of having switches and buttons arranged around my monitor to enhance the feeling of being there when taking off into the virtual skies. But this looked even better: Sitting inside a cockpit, joystick and throttles mounted left and right, and a monitor in front of me. I was infected. I tried to contact the makers of that cockpit kit, but it looked like they had gone out of business before even starting it: My e-mails and faxes remaind unanswered. So I had to take things into my own hands. Update: Also, from Metafilter commenters comes a few more related links. The A320 Project. Phenomenal. Project 757 Hiroo Onoda![]() Wikipedia's entry on Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese soldier who surrendered 29 years after the end of WW2.
Found by a Japanese student, Norio Suzuki, Onoda still refused to accept that the war was over unless he received orders to lay down his arms from his superior officer. Suzuki offered his help, and returned to Japan with photographs of himself and Onoda as proof of their encounter. In 1974 the Japanese government located Onoda's commanding officer, Major Taniguchi, who had since become a bookseller. He went to Lubang and informed Onoda of the defeat of Japan in WWII. Lieutenant Onoda emerged from the jungle 29 years after the end of World War II, and accepted the commanding officer's order of surrender in his dress uniform and sword, with his Arisaka rifle still in operating condition, 500 rounds of ammunition and several hand grenades.
Hiroo Onoda![]() Wikipedia's entry on Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese soldier who surrendered 29 years after the end of WW2.
Found by a Japanese student, Norio Suzuki, Onoda still refused to accept that the war was over unless he received orders to lay down his arms from his superior officer. Suzuki offered his help, and returned to Japan with photographs of himself and Onoda as proof of their encounter. In 1974 the Japanese government located Onoda's commanding officer, Major Taniguchi, who had since become a bookseller. He went to Lubang and informed Onoda of the defeat of Japan in WWII. Lieutenant Onoda emerged from the jungle 29 years after the end of World War II, and accepted the commanding officer's order of surrender in his dress uniform and sword, with his Arisaka rifle still in operating condition, 500 rounds of ammunition and several hand grenades.
Tiki Central Forums
Ok ok, last Tiki post for the day. But if you can't get enough Tiki talk, there is always the Tiki Forums. Tiki Central Forums
Ok ok, last Tiki post for the day. But if you can't get enough Tiki talk, there is always the Tiki Forums. Freaky Over Tiki![]() A good article on Tiki's revival.
Much like the “Star Trek” phenomenon, Tiki is a completely imaginary, 100 percent fabricated culture. Lovingly and whimsically created by the purveyors of midcentury pop culture, Tiki is essentially “Polynesian pop” — a conglomeration of American kitsch and authentic art from the Pacific Islands.
According to Tiki expert James Teitelbaum of Chicago, author of the just published Tiki Road Trip, Polynesian influences began trickling into American culture as early as the 1930s, but didn’t reach a fevered pitch until after World War II, when soldiers stationed overseas brought home tales and souvenirs of exotic paradises in the Pacific. James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific was a best seller, South Pacific was a Broadway smash and there were similar hits at the movie theater and (eventually) on TV. When Hawaii became a state, aloha shirts and flowing muumuus became the rage. Americans thought of the South Seas as an exotic paradise, an escapist fantasy — and to capture that fantasy, several Polynesian-themed restaurants came into being, among them the Don the Beachcomber’s and Trader Vic’s chains, the latter of which remains in operation today. Freaky Over Tiki![]() A good article on Tiki's revival.
Much like the “Star Trek” phenomenon, Tiki is a completely imaginary, 100 percent fabricated culture. Lovingly and whimsically created by the purveyors of midcentury pop culture, Tiki is essentially “Polynesian pop” — a conglomeration of American kitsch and authentic art from the Pacific Islands.
According to Tiki expert James Teitelbaum of Chicago, author of the just published Tiki Road Trip, Polynesian influences began trickling into American culture as early as the 1930s, but didn’t reach a fevered pitch until after World War II, when soldiers stationed overseas brought home tales and souvenirs of exotic paradises in the Pacific. James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific was a best seller, South Pacific was a Broadway smash and there were similar hits at the movie theater and (eventually) on TV. When Hawaii became a state, aloha shirts and flowing muumuus became the rage. Americans thought of the South Seas as an exotic paradise, an escapist fantasy — and to capture that fantasy, several Polynesian-themed restaurants came into being, among them the Don the Beachcomber’s and Trader Vic’s chains, the latter of which remains in operation today. Thursday, June 23, 2005How To Throw a No-Hitter on AcidThis is making its way around the blogosphere pretty quickly. It is a great read.
Thirty-five years ago, on June 12, 1970, Pittsburgh Pirate and future Texas Rangers pitcher Dock Ellis found himself in the Los Angeles home of a childhood friend named Al Rambo. Two days earlier, he'd flown with the Pirates to San Diego for a four-game series with the Padres. He immediately rented a car and drove to L.A. to see Rambo and his girlfriend Mitzi. The next 12 hours were a fog of conversation, screwdrivers, marijuana, and, for Ellis, amphetamines. He went to sleep in the early morning, woke up sometime after noon and immediately took a dose of Purple Haze acid. Ellis would frequently drop acid on off days and weekends; he had a room in his basement christened "The Dungeon," in which he'd lock himself and listen to Jimi Hendrix or Iron Butterfly "for days."
A bit later, how long exactly he can't recall, he came across Mitzi flipping through a newspaper. She scanned for a moment, then noticed something. "Dock," she said. "You're supposed to pitch today." Ellis focused his mind. No. Friday. He wasn't pitching until Friday. He was sure. "Baby," she replied. "It is Friday. You slept through Thursday." How To Throw a No-Hitter on AcidThis is making its way around the blogosphere pretty quickly. It is a great read.
Thirty-five years ago, on June 12, 1970, Pittsburgh Pirate and future Texas Rangers pitcher Dock Ellis found himself in the Los Angeles home of a childhood friend named Al Rambo. Two days earlier, he'd flown with the Pirates to San Diego for a four-game series with the Padres. He immediately rented a car and drove to L.A. to see Rambo and his girlfriend Mitzi. The next 12 hours were a fog of conversation, screwdrivers, marijuana, and, for Ellis, amphetamines. He went to sleep in the early morning, woke up sometime after noon and immediately took a dose of Purple Haze acid. Ellis would frequently drop acid on off days and weekends; he had a room in his basement christened "The Dungeon," in which he'd lock himself and listen to Jimi Hendrix or Iron Butterfly "for days."
A bit later, how long exactly he can't recall, he came across Mitzi flipping through a newspaper. She scanned for a moment, then noticed something. "Dock," she said. "You're supposed to pitch today." Ellis focused his mind. No. Friday. He wasn't pitching until Friday. He was sure. "Baby," she replied. "It is Friday. You slept through Thursday." What Happens When You Burn an American FlagA pretty damn good defense against burning the flag if you ask me.
When you burn an American flag, freedom particles and liberty molecules are released into the atmosphere. "But, Andy, don't we want more freedom and liberty in the air?" You'd think that, wouldn't you? Releasing freedom and liberty sounds great in a symbolic kind of way, but the truth of the matter is sobering. We only have so much freedom and liberty to go around. That's right. Like fresh water or fossil fuels, only so much liberty and freedom exists on Earth. If you're burning an American flag, you're wasting a precious, limited resource.
What Happens When You Burn an American FlagA pretty damn good defense against burning the flag if you ask me.
When you burn an American flag, freedom particles and liberty molecules are released into the atmosphere. "But, Andy, don't we want more freedom and liberty in the air?" You'd think that, wouldn't you? Releasing freedom and liberty sounds great in a symbolic kind of way, but the truth of the matter is sobering. We only have so much freedom and liberty to go around. That's right. Like fresh water or fossil fuels, only so much liberty and freedom exists on Earth. If you're burning an American flag, you're wasting a precious, limited resource.
Cracking The Flag-Burning Amendment![]() John Scalzi is all over this one.
Red, white and blue? Check. 13 stripes? Check. 50 stars? Check. Well, then it must be an Americ-- hey. Wait a minute. Isn't that the Hamburgler in the bottom right corner? I may not know much, but I do know that the great Flag of the United States of America does not feature a second-tier corporate mascot, especially one with acknowledged -- indeed, celebrated -- criminal tendencies. This is not the American flag. Let's soak it in gasoline and roast weenies!
(Thanks Anon from the comments)Cracking The Flag-Burning Amendment![]() John Scalzi is all over this one.
Red, white and blue? Check. 13 stripes? Check. 50 stars? Check. Well, then it must be an Americ-- hey. Wait a minute. Isn't that the Hamburgler in the bottom right corner? I may not know much, but I do know that the great Flag of the United States of America does not feature a second-tier corporate mascot, especially one with acknowledged -- indeed, celebrated -- criminal tendencies. This is not the American flag. Let's soak it in gasoline and roast weenies!
(Thanks Anon from the comments)Wikipedia's List of InvasionsVery comprehensive list (going back to 55BC). Below are the seven most recent invasions.
* 2003 invasion of Iraq by a coalition led by the United States
(via Grow a Brain)* 2001 invasion of Afghanistan by the United States and allies * 1994 invasion of Haiti by a multinational force (MNF) led by the United States * 1991 invasion of Kuwait by a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States (Operation Desert Storm) * 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq * 1989 invasion of Panama by the United States (Operation Just Cause) * 1983 invasion of Grenada by the United States and allied Caribbean nations Wikipedia's List of InvasionsVery comprehensive list (going back to 55BC). Below are the seven most recent invasions.
* 2003 invasion of Iraq by a coalition led by the United States
(via Grow a Brain)* 2001 invasion of Afghanistan by the United States and allies * 1994 invasion of Haiti by a multinational force (MNF) led by the United States * 1991 invasion of Kuwait by a coalition force of 34 nations led by the United States (Operation Desert Storm) * 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq * 1989 invasion of Panama by the United States (Operation Just Cause) * 1983 invasion of Grenada by the United States and allied Caribbean nations The Vertical Farm
The concept of indoor farming is not new, since hothouse production of tomatoes, a wide variety of herbs, and other produce has been in vogue for some time. What is new is the urgent need to scale up this technology to accommodate another 3 billion people. An entirely new approach to indoor farming must be invented, employing cutting edge technologies. The Vertical Farm must be efficient (cheap to construct and safe to operate). Vertical farms, many stories high, will be situated in the heart of the world's urban centers. If successfully implemented, they offer the promise of urban renewal, sustainable production of a safe and varied food supply (year-round crop production), and the eventual repair of ecosystems that have been sacrificed for horizontal farming.
The Vertical Farm
The concept of indoor farming is not new, since hothouse production of tomatoes, a wide variety of herbs, and other produce has been in vogue for some time. What is new is the urgent need to scale up this technology to accommodate another 3 billion people. An entirely new approach to indoor farming must be invented, employing cutting edge technologies. The Vertical Farm must be efficient (cheap to construct and safe to operate). Vertical farms, many stories high, will be situated in the heart of the world's urban centers. If successfully implemented, they offer the promise of urban renewal, sustainable production of a safe and varied food supply (year-round crop production), and the eventual repair of ecosystems that have been sacrificed for horizontal farming.
Down Syndrome Dolls
"With approximately 5,000 children born with Down Syndrome in the United States each year, the Down Syndrome Dolls will be an important resource for families who have a child with the condition, or for organizations and medical providers that serve these special youngsters... parents, teachers, and physicians throughout Europe have found the dolls are shared with siblings and friends, they can help foster a better understanding of the human body for children and people with special needs"
(via del.icio.us/hip_hop)Down Syndrome Dolls
"With approximately 5,000 children born with Down Syndrome in the United States each year, the Down Syndrome Dolls will be an important resource for families who have a child with the condition, or for organizations and medical providers that serve these special youngsters... parents, teachers, and physicians throughout Europe have found the dolls are shared with siblings and friends, they can help foster a better understanding of the human body for children and people with special needs"
(via del.icio.us/hip_hop)Wednesday, June 22, 2005Detailed Chronology of Events Surrounding the Apollo 13 AccidentAbout 8 minutes of the transcript here.
55:55:02 - The surface temperature of the service module oxidizer tank in bay 3 begins a 3.8 F increase in a 15 second period. The service propulsion system helium tank temperature begins a 3.8 F increase in a 32 second period.
(via del.icio.us/Sysop)55:55:09 - DC main bus A voltage recovers to 29.0 volts, DC main bus B recovers to 28.8. 55:55:20 - Swigert: "Okay, Houston, we've had a problem here." 55:55:28 - Duke: "This is Houston. Say again please." 55:55:35 - Lovell: "Houston, we've had a problem. We've had a main B bus undervolt." Detailed Chronology of Events Surrounding the Apollo 13 AccidentAbout 8 minutes of the transcript here.
55:55:02 - The surface temperature of the service module oxidizer tank in bay 3 begins a 3.8 F increase in a 15 second period. The service propulsion system helium tank temperature begins a 3.8 F increase in a 32 second period.
(via del.icio.us/Sysop)55:55:09 - DC main bus A voltage recovers to 29.0 volts, DC main bus B recovers to 28.8. 55:55:20 - Swigert: "Okay, Houston, we've had a problem here." 55:55:28 - Duke: "This is Houston. Say again please." 55:55:35 - Lovell: "Houston, we've had a problem. We've had a main B bus undervolt." House Approves Flag Burning Amendment![]() Yawn.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House on Wednesday approved a constitutional amendment that would give Congress the power to ban desecration of the American flag, a measure that for the first time stands a chance of passing the Senate as well.
However:
By a 286-130 vote, House members approved the amendment -- as they have six times before -- after a debate over whether such a ban would uphold or run afoul of the Constitution's free-speech protections.
Flags, unlike, let's say, your well-worn jeans, can't simply be thrown out. According to the Flag Code, "when a flag has served its useful purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning"
Are we actually going to throw people in jail for burning a fabric? |