A small collection of tidbits related to personal development.
Internalizing: What You Are, and What They Say [anc]
Wisdoming Lessons: 10 Life Lessons from a 30-year-old. [dumblittleman]
Onwardly Mobile: 10 things that may be hurting your career. [TechRepublic]
7 Must-Read Success Lessons from Dale Carnegie. [dumblittleman]
Why intelligent people fail. [AcceleratingFuture] [via Kottke]
Do not covet your ideas. [Lifehacker]
Ditch secrecy when vetting ideas. [Lifehacker]
Advice for an aspiring architect, in 1931. [lettersofnote]
Jim Lehrer's Rules for Journalists. [PBSombudsman] [via Kottke]
Career Advice from Hoehn: just DO things. [Hoehn's Musings] [via Kottke]
How to avoid an untimely death. [BodyByScience] [via Kottke]
How to craft your personal business model. [FreelanceSwitch] [via Lifehacker]
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
smarties | A few tidbits
The world/universe in which we (think we) live is a pretty wierd place. There are lots of different topics that fall under the purview of "science". Here are a few I've found interesting.
- Astronomy and Space Exploration
Relocation: First habitable exo-planet found. Send mail to Gliese 581, Planet G. [cbc] [bbc] [NatGeo]
- Research
The Internets is changing how research is conducted. Let's put a consumer-friendly label on it: Science 2.0. How nice. [CBC]
- History and Science
The moon appeared to disappear, even with the aid of telescopes, in May of 1761. According to a retired NASA scientist, the cause may have been a major volcanic eruption. [NatGeo]
- Astronomy and Space Exploration
Relocation: First habitable exo-planet found. Send mail to Gliese 581, Planet G. [cbc] [bbc] [NatGeo]
- Research
The Internets is changing how research is conducted. Let's put a consumer-friendly label on it: Science 2.0. How nice. [CBC]
- History and Science
The moon appeared to disappear, even with the aid of telescopes, in May of 1761. According to a retired NASA scientist, the cause may have been a major volcanic eruption. [NatGeo]
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Respect | Happy 20th Birthday, World Wide Web!
It was on December 25, 1990 that Tim Berners-Lee published the first web page! [cbc]
Happy 20th Birthday, World Wide Web!
Happy 20th Birthday, World Wide Web!
Movin' Pixers | 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special
Here's a nice story about The Special. [ctv]
[Part I]
[Part II]
[Part III]
[Part IV]
[Part V]
[Part VI]
[Part VII]
[Part VIII]
[Part IX]
[Part X]
[Part XI]
[Part I]
[Part II]
[Part III]
[Part IV]
[Part V]
[Part VI]
[Part VII]
[Part VIII]
[Part IX]
[Part X]
[Part XI]
Yule | Rudolph the Red-Nosed Translink Bus
There was an awesome post last year by one of my favourite local blogs, Vancouver is Awesome, about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Translink Bus. [ViA] It's such a wonderful idea I thought I'd share it this year. (The photo below is from Mag3737 on Flickr.)
InfoGraphin' | The Holiday Economy
This is an excellent infographic from Good showing the holiday economy. Like that 131 million pounds of egg nog was sold in the United States during the 2006 holidaze season.
[GOOD]
[GOOD]
Friday, December 24, 2010
citiZEN | Vancouver Edition
Collecting items of interest related to Vancouver.
History
Community: Why the Police Museum rocks! [offthecuff]
Structures: 114-year-old Carleton Elementary is largest of five schools marked for closure by VSB. Adrian Dix lists nine reasons why he thinks it should not be closed. [Gstraight]
Agitators: Past Tense posts excellent article on firebrand anarchist Emma Goldman -- the most dangerous woman in the world, of 1911. [PastTense]
Establishment: Hollywood Theatre celebrated 75 years. [kits.ca] [TomHawthorn]
Structures: Terry Fox Plaza to be demolished and rebuilt. [VanSun]
Establishment: Lamplighter Pub celebrated 85 years. [Miss604] [VanSun]
Respect: Community trying to recognize Hogan's Alley area. [cbc]
Mail Room: A collection of old postcards from John Macjie. [VanSun]
Pinko Files: Past Tense has great article on "Vancouver's Red Army." [PastTense]
Structures: Jericho Wharf slated for destruction. [cbc]
Culture
Navel-Gazing: Vancouver Book Award goes to art book. [cbc]
Book it: The VPL has a new head librarian. [VanSun]
Navel Gazing: Vancouver Foundation releases 2010 Vital Signs report. [ViA] [VFvitalsigns] [ViA]
Establishment: Beyond Robson has a nice post about Red Cat Records. [br]
Repurposing: Yaletown sculpture uses wing span from second Cambie Bridge. [ViA]
Government
Finance: City facing $20.6-million budget shortfall for 2011. [VanSun]
Finance: Mayor "promises" to protect some services and limit property tax increase. [Gstraight]
Political Parties: NPA sets first batch of nominations for 2011 election. [straight] [VanSun]
Special Kind of Idiots: Budget cuts to VPL's Special Collections. [straight]
Political Parties: New group forming. [straight]
MUST READ:
Dirty Tricks Studies: Vision-led City Council holds meeting after midnight to ram through decision but cut down on how many pesky residents might show up to voice opposition. Again. [CityCaucus] Starting to worry I was duped out of my vote into an undemocratic process. Hint: It doesn't matter how long it takes, you listen to all the opinions on the table, then make the decision -- yep, you may end up making the same decision had you not listened to everyone else, but you still have to get everybody's opinion... that's called democracy. And saying the mad rush is because "people are dying in the streets" is idiotic rhetoric and insults my intelligence.
Development
Densification Strategy Studies: Laneway housing policy tweaked but moritorium rejected. [VanSun]
Densification Strategy Studies: Some neighbours are unhappy. [ctv]
Residents
Spenders and Savers: Grants and Rebates for Vancouver Properties. [VanReflections: List 1 | List 2]
Navel Gazing
So Cool File: We're tops again on some other list. [GovBC] [ctv]
History
Community: Why the Police Museum rocks! [offthecuff]
Structures: 114-year-old Carleton Elementary is largest of five schools marked for closure by VSB. Adrian Dix lists nine reasons why he thinks it should not be closed. [Gstraight]
Agitators: Past Tense posts excellent article on firebrand anarchist Emma Goldman -- the most dangerous woman in the world, of 1911. [PastTense]
Establishment: Hollywood Theatre celebrated 75 years. [kits.ca] [TomHawthorn]
Structures: Terry Fox Plaza to be demolished and rebuilt. [VanSun]
Establishment: Lamplighter Pub celebrated 85 years. [Miss604] [VanSun]
Respect: Community trying to recognize Hogan's Alley area. [cbc]
Mail Room: A collection of old postcards from John Macjie. [VanSun]
Pinko Files: Past Tense has great article on "Vancouver's Red Army." [PastTense]
Structures: Jericho Wharf slated for destruction. [cbc]
Culture
Navel-Gazing: Vancouver Book Award goes to art book. [cbc]
Book it: The VPL has a new head librarian. [VanSun]
Navel Gazing: Vancouver Foundation releases 2010 Vital Signs report. [ViA] [VFvitalsigns] [ViA]
Establishment: Beyond Robson has a nice post about Red Cat Records. [br]
Repurposing: Yaletown sculpture uses wing span from second Cambie Bridge. [ViA]
Government
Finance: City facing $20.6-million budget shortfall for 2011. [VanSun]
Finance: Mayor "promises" to protect some services and limit property tax increase. [Gstraight]
Political Parties: NPA sets first batch of nominations for 2011 election. [straight] [VanSun]
Special Kind of Idiots: Budget cuts to VPL's Special Collections. [straight]
Political Parties: New group forming. [straight]
MUST READ:
Dirty Tricks Studies: Vision-led City Council holds meeting after midnight to ram through decision but cut down on how many pesky residents might show up to voice opposition. Again. [CityCaucus] Starting to worry I was duped out of my vote into an undemocratic process. Hint: It doesn't matter how long it takes, you listen to all the opinions on the table, then make the decision -- yep, you may end up making the same decision had you not listened to everyone else, but you still have to get everybody's opinion... that's called democracy. And saying the mad rush is because "people are dying in the streets" is idiotic rhetoric and insults my intelligence.
Development
Densification Strategy Studies: Laneway housing policy tweaked but moritorium rejected. [VanSun]
Densification Strategy Studies: Some neighbours are unhappy. [ctv]
Residents
Spenders and Savers: Grants and Rebates for Vancouver Properties. [VanReflections: List 1 | List 2]
Navel Gazing
So Cool File: We're tops again on some other list. [GovBC] [ctv]
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
toob'd | Portlandia
While this looks like an SNL short, it's actually a teaser for a new series on IFC with Fred Armisen called Portlandia. If you remember the '90s... watch this. The series starts on Friday, January 21, 2011. (Do you remember the '90s... when all the hot girls wore glasses?) Thanks to PriceTags for this one.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Crazy Band | The Fireman "Dance 'Til We're High"
Watch this. Seriously. Because... yes: it IS. You'll know what I mean when you see this, and you'll wonder why there have been hardly anyone that has watched this video. Here's a hint: think "Tomorrow Never Knows."
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
hopsing along | How to ask for one more beer, in 50 languages
I have a good friend (I'd dare say a best friend, which, if you've actually come into contact with my ultra antisocial reclusive personality, is a curious statement), that loves his brews. I have several friends that love their brews, in fact... though there's one in mind who will know that I've posted this for him...
Here is a handy web site that translates "One more beer, please." into 50 different languages.
You're welcome.
Here is a handy web site that translates "One more beer, please." into 50 different languages.
You're welcome.
DeathWatch | Canadian Democracy
For the first time in history, the Canadian Senate (an unelected body) has voted down a bill previously passed by the Canadian Parliament (an elected body). [cbc]
The Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Stephen Harper, has called for Senate reform before and since being elected, pledging to have members of Senate elected in much the same way as Members of Parliament are -- all the while filling empty Senate posts with allies of his Conservative Party.
Mr. Harper has claimed that Bill C-311, a climate change bill, was "a completely irresponsible bill."
The bill itself is a smokescreen, a distraction, and irrelevant to the underlying issue, which is of immense importance.
It is far more completely irresponsible to allow an unelected body the power to abolish the work put forth by a democratically-elected body. This used to be understood, and no longer seems to be.
We must tread carefully these next days and weeks going forward -- for Canada has taken a step on a path that often leads to revolution.
The Canadian Prime Minister, Mr. Stephen Harper, has called for Senate reform before and since being elected, pledging to have members of Senate elected in much the same way as Members of Parliament are -- all the while filling empty Senate posts with allies of his Conservative Party.
Mr. Harper has claimed that Bill C-311, a climate change bill, was "a completely irresponsible bill."
The bill itself is a smokescreen, a distraction, and irrelevant to the underlying issue, which is of immense importance.
It is far more completely irresponsible to allow an unelected body the power to abolish the work put forth by a democratically-elected body. This used to be understood, and no longer seems to be.
We must tread carefully these next days and weeks going forward -- for Canada has taken a step on a path that often leads to revolution.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Dossier C | Ants
A collection of information an a single topic of interest. This edition: Ants.
Worker Management Theory: Enslave strong enemies, not weak ones. [bbc]
Multi-cultural Studies: NYC is an ant "melting pot." [NatGeo]
Power Structure Studies: Ant colony behaviour and human projections of intent. [BostonReview]
Field Controversy: The thinking of E.O. Wilson. [IntelligentLife]
Population Studies: Living on top of an Argentine ant colony. [Esquire]
Transportation Development: The autobahn of ants. [economist][wired] [JEB]
Sensationalism Harnessing: Mega-colony rules Europe! [bbc]
Zombie Research: Flies create zombie ants for gestation. [NatGeo]
Stink Studies: Smell saves ants from being "buried alive". [NewScientist]
Reproduction Alternatives: All-female ant species clones self. [io9]
Communication Studies: How ant communitcate with each other.
Structural Review: Ant colony filled with concrete and excavated.
Worker Management Theory: Enslave strong enemies, not weak ones. [bbc]
Multi-cultural Studies: NYC is an ant "melting pot." [NatGeo]
Power Structure Studies: Ant colony behaviour and human projections of intent. [BostonReview]
Field Controversy: The thinking of E.O. Wilson. [IntelligentLife]
Population Studies: Living on top of an Argentine ant colony. [Esquire]
Transportation Development: The autobahn of ants. [economist][wired] [JEB]
Sensationalism Harnessing: Mega-colony rules Europe! [bbc]
Zombie Research: Flies create zombie ants for gestation. [NatGeo]
Stink Studies: Smell saves ants from being "buried alive". [NewScientist]
Reproduction Alternatives: All-female ant species clones self. [io9]
Communication Studies: How ant communitcate with each other.
Structural Review: Ant colony filled with concrete and excavated.
Monday, November 8, 2010
comical | Dilbert
I'll always think of this Dilbert strip whenever I fill out an employee survey from now on!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Heathen | The Big Round-Up
A collection of items related to issues of Faith.
Holy Primer: Kottke reads the Bible. [kottke]
Demographic Analysis: Agnostics and Atheists know more about religion than religious people. [pew] [via kottke] [cbc]
Demographic Analysis: Evolutionary Psychologist announces Liberals and Atheists more highly evolved... yet fails to see irony that other side doesn't believe in evolution. Or evolutionary psychologists, for that matter. [NatlGeo]
Digging in the Holy Dirt: King Herod's VIP skybox uncovered. Graffiti says Canucks sucked even then. [NatlGeo]
God Hates Hollywood: New doc on religion and politics in America panned by NYT. Not enough pictures of people going to Sunday school. Obviously, NYT trying to look "balanced." [nyt]
The Dove has Left the Building: Israel says "two-pronged solution" required for peace, leaves out the "we hit Palestinians, Palestianians hit the ground" joke. [UN]
The Hawk has Entered the Building: In new book, Hawking states God was not necessary to create the universe. Holy shit-storm ensues, more surprising no one has yet said it was God that gave Hawking LG Disease, probably to avoid counter-argument that it was God that kept him alive so long past usual prognosis outcome just to mess with religious-types. [nyt] [bbc] [cbc]
Hate Crimes: List of the greatest massacres in the Bible. [du]
The Dove has left the Building: Activist Ken O’Keefe gives an eyewitness account of the Israeli raid on the Gaza Freedom flotilla. Eloquent and unflinching, O’Keefe cuts through the Israeli spin and tells it like it is. Part two and three of the interview are also available online. [via AdBusters]
In Witch-hunter News: There are still witch-hunters. Knights Templars yet to comment. [nyt]
In Witch News: Wiccan human-rights complaint tossed out. [cbc]
Schoolyard Call-out: Jesus was lazy, and Paul was a real go-getter, is what I got out of this. [NewYorker]
Demonology Studies: 10 people who sold their soul to the Devil. [ListVerse]
Usual Nutbar Announcements: Noah's Ark found! [ctv]
Digging in the Holy Dirt: Jesus-era house uncovered in Nazareth. [cbc]
Demographic Analysis: Christopher Hitchens describes what he has learned from debating religion with religious people. [slate] [via kottke]
Digging in the Holy Dirt: Underground chamber with crosses found, guessed to be early Christian refuge. [NatlGeo]
Drawing on the Bible: R. Crumb releases his version of Genesis. [nyt]
Telephone Game Revealed: Noah's flood may not have been so epic. [NatlGeo]
Holy Primer: Kottke reads the Bible. [kottke]
Demographic Analysis: Agnostics and Atheists know more about religion than religious people. [pew] [via kottke] [cbc]
Demographic Analysis: Evolutionary Psychologist announces Liberals and Atheists more highly evolved... yet fails to see irony that other side doesn't believe in evolution. Or evolutionary psychologists, for that matter. [NatlGeo]
Digging in the Holy Dirt: King Herod's VIP skybox uncovered. Graffiti says Canucks sucked even then. [NatlGeo]
God Hates Hollywood: New doc on religion and politics in America panned by NYT. Not enough pictures of people going to Sunday school. Obviously, NYT trying to look "balanced." [nyt]
The Dove has Left the Building: Israel says "two-pronged solution" required for peace, leaves out the "we hit Palestinians, Palestianians hit the ground" joke. [UN]
The Hawk has Entered the Building: In new book, Hawking states God was not necessary to create the universe. Holy shit-storm ensues, more surprising no one has yet said it was God that gave Hawking LG Disease, probably to avoid counter-argument that it was God that kept him alive so long past usual prognosis outcome just to mess with religious-types. [nyt] [bbc] [cbc]
Hate Crimes: List of the greatest massacres in the Bible. [du]
The Dove has left the Building: Activist Ken O’Keefe gives an eyewitness account of the Israeli raid on the Gaza Freedom flotilla. Eloquent and unflinching, O’Keefe cuts through the Israeli spin and tells it like it is. Part two and three of the interview are also available online. [via AdBusters]
In Witch-hunter News: There are still witch-hunters. Knights Templars yet to comment. [nyt]
In Witch News: Wiccan human-rights complaint tossed out. [cbc]
Schoolyard Call-out: Jesus was lazy, and Paul was a real go-getter, is what I got out of this. [NewYorker]
Demonology Studies: 10 people who sold their soul to the Devil. [ListVerse]
Usual Nutbar Announcements: Noah's Ark found! [ctv]
Digging in the Holy Dirt: Jesus-era house uncovered in Nazareth. [cbc]
Demographic Analysis: Christopher Hitchens describes what he has learned from debating religion with religious people. [slate] [via kottke]
Digging in the Holy Dirt: Underground chamber with crosses found, guessed to be early Christian refuge. [NatlGeo]
Drawing on the Bible: R. Crumb releases his version of Genesis. [nyt]
Telephone Game Revealed: Noah's flood may not have been so epic. [NatlGeo]
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
citiZEN | Canadian Edition
A collection of information related to Canada.
Self Esteem
Blame Game: First time Canada loses bid for UN Security Council. He-said She-said hilarity ensues: Conservatives blame Liberals. [cbc]
Blame Game: First time Canada loses bid for UN Security Council. He-said She-said hilarity ensues: Liberals blame Conservatives. [cbc]
Culture
CanCon Review: Top 100 Canadian music singles of all time. [AwesomeSound]
Government
Divine Right Studies: David Johnston, new Governor General, sworn in. [cbc]
Divine Right Studies: New Governor General says Canada should "inspire world." [ctv]
Slow Death Studies: Toxic plastic-ingredient BPA officially banned. [cbc]
Economy
Spenders and Savers: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, tasked with improving financial literacy of Canadians, reports increase in online usage. News Flash: Canada has a Financial Consumer Agency. [cbc] [fcac]
Justice
HRH Chong: Dude lights doob in Commons for medical marijuana thing. Mac King rolling in grave. [ctv]
Locked-in-here-with-me Studies: Victimization stats unchanged from 2004 to 2009 at 39% over 15 saying they have been a victim of crime in previous 12 months. [StatsCan]
Environment
Water Wing Safety Refresher: How a 2-degree temperature change will effect Canada. [cbc]
Foreign Policy
Dating Game: UAE dumps Canada's use of air base over commercial flight access to Canadian cities. [cbc]
Dating Game: After UAE spat, flirting with Pakistan begins. [cbc]
Buddy List: Several Memos of Understanding signed with Mongolia. Not very interesting other than the Mongolian Prime Minister's name is Batbold. Awesome. [cnc]
Self Esteem
Blame Game: First time Canada loses bid for UN Security Council. He-said She-said hilarity ensues: Conservatives blame Liberals. [cbc]
Blame Game: First time Canada loses bid for UN Security Council. He-said She-said hilarity ensues: Liberals blame Conservatives. [cbc]
Culture
CanCon Review: Top 100 Canadian music singles of all time. [AwesomeSound]
Government
Divine Right Studies: David Johnston, new Governor General, sworn in. [cbc]
Divine Right Studies: New Governor General says Canada should "inspire world." [ctv]
Slow Death Studies: Toxic plastic-ingredient BPA officially banned. [cbc]
Economy
Spenders and Savers: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, tasked with improving financial literacy of Canadians, reports increase in online usage. News Flash: Canada has a Financial Consumer Agency. [cbc] [fcac]
Justice
HRH Chong: Dude lights doob in Commons for medical marijuana thing. Mac King rolling in grave. [ctv]
Locked-in-here-with-me Studies: Victimization stats unchanged from 2004 to 2009 at 39% over 15 saying they have been a victim of crime in previous 12 months. [StatsCan]
Environment
Water Wing Safety Refresher: How a 2-degree temperature change will effect Canada. [cbc]
Foreign Policy
Dating Game: UAE dumps Canada's use of air base over commercial flight access to Canadian cities. [cbc]
Dating Game: After UAE spat, flirting with Pakistan begins. [cbc]
Buddy List: Several Memos of Understanding signed with Mongolia. Not very interesting other than the Mongolian Prime Minister's name is Batbold. Awesome. [cnc]
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
crazy artist | Anatomical Blacklight Tattoo
This has to be one of the craziest and coolest tattoo ideas I've yet seen. It's an anatomical tattoo in blacklight ink.
Read the stories...
[via BoingBoing] [via Street Anatomy] [via TattooArtistsOrg]
Read the stories...
[via BoingBoing] [via Street Anatomy] [via TattooArtistsOrg]
Monday, October 11, 2010
toob'd | The Big Round-up
Collecting items of interest related to Television.
Rammed: Chef featured on first season of Kitchen Nightmares jumps to death. [bbc]
Crossed off the List: What TV should learn from the cancellation of Heroes. [wired]
Sitcom 3.0: Three web-smart Sitcoms to know. [wired]
At the Post: Comedies off to strong start as TV season begins. [nyt]
Lifestyle Studies: Too much TV may shorten lifespan. Duh. [cnn]
MadWatch: The Footnotes of Mad Men. [MMunbuttoned] [via kottke]
Rammed: Chef featured on first season of Kitchen Nightmares jumps to death. [bbc]
Crossed off the List: What TV should learn from the cancellation of Heroes. [wired]
Sitcom 3.0: Three web-smart Sitcoms to know. [wired]
At the Post: Comedies off to strong start as TV season begins. [nyt]
Lifestyle Studies: Too much TV may shorten lifespan. Duh. [cnn]
MadWatch: The Footnotes of Mad Men. [MMunbuttoned] [via kottke]
Sunday, October 10, 2010
headspace | 10/10/10 @ 10/10
The irrelevant post, the brilliant timewaste, the useless tidbit -- that's what we're all about, here in the abomb&thecorpse Secret Underground Bunker. You can count on us to distract you from doing what you probably should be doing with any pointless piece of drivel that pops onto our Hunter&Collector Consciousness and we are not too lazy to bother posting.
This post comes to you at 10:10am on the 10th day of the 10th month of the (20)10th year of the common era. No need to thank us.
For more, different, better information about this important milestone in The History of the World, check out this page at Hubpages.
This post comes to you at 10:10am on the 10th day of the 10th month of the (20)10th year of the common era. No need to thank us.
For more, different, better information about this important milestone in The History of the World, check out this page at Hubpages.
citiZEN | British Columbia Edition
Here are a few of the stories I've noticed about British Columbia over the last while...
Changes: The Queen Charlotte Islands are no more... they are officially Haida Gwaii! [GovBC]
Era-Enders: Dinotown theme park closed at beginning of September. [VanSun]
Remains: 40-year-old mystery solved at bottom of Skaha Lake. [cbc]
Navel-Watching: Six of top ten worst places to live are in BC. [ctv]
Plain Crazy Awesome: BC is Jonathan Swift's "Land of Giants" that Gulliver visited. [knowbc]
Old Is New Again Watch: Challenger map from PNE shown again. [knowbc] [officialsite]
Heritage Sites and Issues
FearWatch: Land Conservancy financial practices may put BC Heritage buildings at risk. [VanSun]
Culture
Written Word: Best of BC Books now online. [vpl]
Protocol Statement: Schools say events should begin with aboriginal recognition. [VanSun]
Foodies: Fatabase gives nutritional info on 64 BC restaurant chains. [VanSun]
Magic: BC man won "magic's top prize". No response from Voldemort. [cbc]
Written Word: Mother Tongue Publishing, wow! [tyee] [mtp]
Industry
Reefer Madness: Bud-Biz threatened by Californication legalization, to be voted on in November. [VanObserver] [LATimes]
Government
Budget 2011: Consultation process underway. [GovBC] [MinFin]
Big Plans: Statement on Western Economic Development. [GovBC]
Law and Order: Public opinion of RCMP in B.C. pretty low. [ctv]
PunditWatch: Bill Tieleman analyzes who could replace Premier upon departure. [tyee]
Changes: The Queen Charlotte Islands are no more... they are officially Haida Gwaii! [GovBC]
Era-Enders: Dinotown theme park closed at beginning of September. [VanSun]
Remains: 40-year-old mystery solved at bottom of Skaha Lake. [cbc]
Navel-Watching: Six of top ten worst places to live are in BC. [ctv]
Plain Crazy Awesome: BC is Jonathan Swift's "Land of Giants" that Gulliver visited. [knowbc]
Old Is New Again Watch: Challenger map from PNE shown again. [knowbc] [officialsite]
Heritage Sites and Issues
FearWatch: Land Conservancy financial practices may put BC Heritage buildings at risk. [VanSun]
Culture
Written Word: Best of BC Books now online. [vpl]
Protocol Statement: Schools say events should begin with aboriginal recognition. [VanSun]
Foodies: Fatabase gives nutritional info on 64 BC restaurant chains. [VanSun]
Magic: BC man won "magic's top prize". No response from Voldemort. [cbc]
Written Word: Mother Tongue Publishing, wow! [tyee] [mtp]
Industry
Reefer Madness: Bud-Biz threatened by Californication legalization, to be voted on in November. [VanObserver] [LATimes]
Government
Budget 2011: Consultation process underway. [GovBC] [MinFin]
Big Plans: Statement on Western Economic Development. [GovBC]
Law and Order: Public opinion of RCMP in B.C. pretty low. [ctv]
PunditWatch: Bill Tieleman analyzes who could replace Premier upon departure. [tyee]
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
dirt vs rope | The Big Round-Up
A collection of tidbits related to HISTORY.
Preserving History
Legacy Research: Is it really possible to preserve history online? [bbc]
Uncovering Treasures
Capitalist Devices: World's oldest stock certificate found, issued 1606. [cbc]
Doom Theory: Drop in air pressure due to storm kills Everest pioneers? [bbc]
Photographic Conjecture: Face of Stirling Castle knight reconstructed digitally. [bbc]
Remains: St. John the Baptist. [bbc]
Running-in-Circles Activities: New theory of Easter Island statue transport. [cbc]
Written Record: Inquest documents for OK Corral shoot-out discovered. [bbc]
Lost & Found: 220-year-overdue books, checked out by George Washington, returned. [bbc]
Ancient Warfare
Innovations: The Persians used gas warfare on the Romans? [gill]
Greek and Roman Antiquity
Written Record: Ancient Greek Manuscripts posted to British Library. [nyt]
Written Record and Whackos: The Plato Code. [RogueClassicism]
Skywatchers: Ancient Greeks spotted Halley's comet. [bbc]
Pharmaceuticals: Ancient Greek pills analyzed. [gill] [newscientist]
Arts and Culture: Ultraviolet light reveals original Greek sculpture paint-jobs. [io9]
Antiques and Auctions: Ancient Roman helmet to be auctioned today. [nyt]
Leadership Research: Top 10 Worst Roman Emperors. [ListVerse]
Americas
Photographic Record: Colour photos of Great Depression. [good] [DenverPost]
Written Record: "Lost" Peruvian language found on back of letter. [NatlGeo]
Dig Tech: Laser used to uncover ancient Maya landscape for mapping. [nyt]
Europe
Survival Tactics: Rare colour footage of the London Blitz. [bbc]
Written Record: Original transcript of Churchill's "Finest Hour" speech. [nyt]
Remains: Saxon queen found in German castle. [cbc] [bbc]
Statistics: 10 Unfortunate Fates of English Kings. [ListVerse]
Prehistoric
Dinormous News: Huge dino graveyard may have been discovered in British Columbia. [ctv]
Preserving History
Legacy Research: Is it really possible to preserve history online? [bbc]
Uncovering Treasures
Capitalist Devices: World's oldest stock certificate found, issued 1606. [cbc]
Doom Theory: Drop in air pressure due to storm kills Everest pioneers? [bbc]
Photographic Conjecture: Face of Stirling Castle knight reconstructed digitally. [bbc]
Remains: St. John the Baptist. [bbc]
Running-in-Circles Activities: New theory of Easter Island statue transport. [cbc]
Written Record: Inquest documents for OK Corral shoot-out discovered. [bbc]
Lost & Found: 220-year-overdue books, checked out by George Washington, returned. [bbc]
Ancient Warfare
Innovations: The Persians used gas warfare on the Romans? [gill]
Greek and Roman Antiquity
Written Record: Ancient Greek Manuscripts posted to British Library. [nyt]
Written Record and Whackos: The Plato Code. [RogueClassicism]
Skywatchers: Ancient Greeks spotted Halley's comet. [bbc]
Pharmaceuticals: Ancient Greek pills analyzed. [gill] [newscientist]
Arts and Culture: Ultraviolet light reveals original Greek sculpture paint-jobs. [io9]
Antiques and Auctions: Ancient Roman helmet to be auctioned today. [nyt]
Leadership Research: Top 10 Worst Roman Emperors. [ListVerse]
Americas
Photographic Record: Colour photos of Great Depression. [good] [DenverPost]
Written Record: "Lost" Peruvian language found on back of letter. [NatlGeo]
Dig Tech: Laser used to uncover ancient Maya landscape for mapping. [nyt]
Europe
Survival Tactics: Rare colour footage of the London Blitz. [bbc]
Written Record: Original transcript of Churchill's "Finest Hour" speech. [nyt]
Remains: Saxon queen found in German castle. [cbc] [bbc]
Statistics: 10 Unfortunate Fates of English Kings. [ListVerse]
Prehistoric
Dinormous News: Huge dino graveyard may have been discovered in British Columbia. [ctv]
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
citiZEN | Vancouver edition
Collecting items related to Vancouver.
Chuck Davis
"For the Love of Vancouver": Article from City Caucus and Mike Klassen. [CityCaucus]
Sad News: Chuck is dying of cancer. [VanSun]
Call to Action: Jeff Lee at VanSun.
Call to Action: Crawford Kilian at Tyee.
Call to Action: at Re:Place Magazine .
Call to Action: Rebecca Bollwitt at Miss604.
Action: Writer found. [ctv]
Call to Action Video: The moving message. [TomHawthorn]
Updates: A Message from Chuck [knowbc]
Canucks
Thor!! Report: Thor sells Vancouver Millionaires trademark to Canucks. [canucks]
Geriatric Division: Brendan Morrison released by Canucks. [VanSun]
Culture
To be or to... well, to be: Bard venue proposed for expansion. [VanSun]
Leaping Tall Buildings File: Comic Shop moves further west along 4th Avenue. [kits] [br]
Roller Coaster: Art Gallery move is wild ride. [VanSun]
Roller Coaster Background: A few words about Larwill Park. [VanSun]
Riot!: Gastown Riots remembered by Stan Douglas. [VanSun] [knowbc]
Celebrations: An idea for a new New Years Party. [pricetags]
Education
Written Word: UBC publishes book to celebrate first 100 years. [ubc]
Written Word: VPL Booklist. [via] [vpl]
Historical Items
Gonzo File: How Hunter S. Thompson applied to write at the Vancouver Sun. [VanSun]
Re-Development and Destructions: Capilano Bridge to be demolished. [straight]
Re-Development and Destructions: 70+ years old Jericho Wharf said to be harmful to fish. [VanSun]
Re-Development and... False Alarm!: Park saved from paving, sort of. [kits.ca]
R-D&D: UBC Prof suggests moving PNE to Seawall area. [straight]
Floating Palaces: McBarge has Facebook friends. [VanSun]
Written Word: A list of books about Vancouver. [pricetags] [VanHist]
R-D&D: Canada Post to stay downtown. [meggs]
Glimpses: Vancouver's first traffic light. [knowbc]
Abodes: Bio on James Johnstone. [pricetags]
Two-Face Moves: Kits Point Maritime Museum move funding revoked. [kits]
Mapper: Heritage Properties on a map. [via]
Mapper: Trees in Kitsilano. On a map. [kits] [treeMap]
History for Sales: A Short History of Kitsilano. [reflections]
Living History: A memoir about Duthie Books. [knowbc]
Lists: 124 oddities about Vancouver history. [VanSun]
Past Mayors: Book about L.D. Taylor. [knowbc]
Honouring Places: Lions Gate Bridge designated National Historical Site. [knowbc]
Worthless Paper: Bank of Vancouver billnote auction. [VanSun]
Dirt Digging: Fraserview Cemetary. [VanSun]
Law and Order
Grand Theft Auto: Brazen Oakridge Mall armed jewelry robbery suspect arrested -- age 15. [VanSun]
Signs of The Tipping Point: Graffiti on the rise. [straight]
Big Brother Watch: Volunteers map downtown surveilance cameras. [VanSun]
Navel Gazing
Market Share: Vancouver Brand in middle of the pack. [tyee]
Outside Job: Clinton says to "get in the future business." [VanSun]
Navel Gazing: Best places to "live the life". [VanSun]
Transportation
Future of Cycle: Envisioning the Granville Loops as "next-gen roads." [straight]
Screaming Matches: Pacific Arbour Speaker Series on Oct 24. [replace]
Chuck Davis
"For the Love of Vancouver": Article from City Caucus and Mike Klassen. [CityCaucus]
Sad News: Chuck is dying of cancer. [VanSun]
Call to Action: Jeff Lee at VanSun.
Call to Action: Crawford Kilian at Tyee.
Call to Action: at Re:Place Magazine .
Call to Action: Rebecca Bollwitt at Miss604.
Action: Writer found. [ctv]
Call to Action Video: The moving message. [TomHawthorn]
Updates: A Message from Chuck [knowbc]
Canucks
Thor!! Report: Thor sells Vancouver Millionaires trademark to Canucks. [canucks]
Geriatric Division: Brendan Morrison released by Canucks. [VanSun]
Culture
To be or to... well, to be: Bard venue proposed for expansion. [VanSun]
Leaping Tall Buildings File: Comic Shop moves further west along 4th Avenue. [kits] [br]
Roller Coaster: Art Gallery move is wild ride. [VanSun]
Roller Coaster Background: A few words about Larwill Park. [VanSun]
Riot!: Gastown Riots remembered by Stan Douglas. [VanSun] [knowbc]
Celebrations: An idea for a new New Years Party. [pricetags]
Education
Written Word: UBC publishes book to celebrate first 100 years. [ubc]
Written Word: VPL Booklist. [via] [vpl]
Historical Items
Gonzo File: How Hunter S. Thompson applied to write at the Vancouver Sun. [VanSun]
Re-Development and Destructions: Capilano Bridge to be demolished. [straight]
Re-Development and Destructions: 70+ years old Jericho Wharf said to be harmful to fish. [VanSun]
Re-Development and... False Alarm!: Park saved from paving, sort of. [kits.ca]
R-D&D: UBC Prof suggests moving PNE to Seawall area. [straight]
Floating Palaces: McBarge has Facebook friends. [VanSun]
Written Word: A list of books about Vancouver. [pricetags] [VanHist]
R-D&D: Canada Post to stay downtown. [meggs]
Glimpses: Vancouver's first traffic light. [knowbc]
Abodes: Bio on James Johnstone. [pricetags]
Two-Face Moves: Kits Point Maritime Museum move funding revoked. [kits]
Mapper: Heritage Properties on a map. [via]
Mapper: Trees in Kitsilano. On a map. [kits] [treeMap]
History for Sales: A Short History of Kitsilano. [reflections]
Living History: A memoir about Duthie Books. [knowbc]
Lists: 124 oddities about Vancouver history. [VanSun]
Past Mayors: Book about L.D. Taylor. [knowbc]
Honouring Places: Lions Gate Bridge designated National Historical Site. [knowbc]
Worthless Paper: Bank of Vancouver billnote auction. [VanSun]
Dirt Digging: Fraserview Cemetary. [VanSun]
Law and Order
Grand Theft Auto: Brazen Oakridge Mall armed jewelry robbery suspect arrested -- age 15. [VanSun]
Signs of The Tipping Point: Graffiti on the rise. [straight]
Big Brother Watch: Volunteers map downtown surveilance cameras. [VanSun]
Navel Gazing
Market Share: Vancouver Brand in middle of the pack. [tyee]
Outside Job: Clinton says to "get in the future business." [VanSun]
Navel Gazing: Best places to "live the life". [VanSun]
Transportation
Future of Cycle: Envisioning the Granville Loops as "next-gen roads." [straight]
Screaming Matches: Pacific Arbour Speaker Series on Oct 24. [replace]
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
useless mental tidbits | How Ink is Made
Fascinating video -- it's almost 9 minutes long, but goes by in a flash because it's so interesting to watch!
Thanks kottke.
Thanks kottke.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Movin' Pixers | The Big Round-Up
I do not go to movies very often. I do not like to have people all around me, in a dark, enclosed place. But I like movies.
Collecting items of interest relating to Movies.
Apparently Issac Asimov's Foundation series is slated to become a movie, at some point. Maybe. (I'm being facetious because I think they've been talking about this since the '70s.) [nyt] Line to note: "Release date for the film was not announced."
And here is a list of the 20 most-anticipated sci-fi movies of 2011, according to Sci Fi Wire.
I've always been interested in micronations, and this Canadian documentary looks interesting: How to Start Your Own Country. And that leads nicely into this ListVerse item for the Top 10 Bizarre Micronations.
And if you love Canadian punk music, you should check out Bloodied but Unbowed, the punk movie. And the site has lots of photos and video features that are not in the movie, with more being added every so often.
Since we're on the subject of Documentaries, the site FreeDocumentaries catalogues documentary films that have been released by their respective copyright owners for public display. Some new ones, too! [via LifeHacker]
In the nostalgia file is the anticipation for the Gilligan's Island film.
Here are the Top 10 Brilliant Movie Recuts, as according to ListVerse.
And finally, a collection of interesting trailers, interviews and oddities...
[via Kottke]
First, a link to the list of the Top 10 Movie Shots of 2009.
Next: David Lynch shares his favourite filmmakers, in 60 seconds.
The first trailer for Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan is out. Natalie Portman plays an out-of-control ballerina.
The trailer for Transcendent Man, a documentary about Ray Kurzweil (who plans never to die).
The trailer for the Arrested Development documentary.
[via Good]
The Futuristic Movie Timeline shows us when certain movie events "set in the future" are/were supposed to happen.
[via HaHa dot Nu]
Here's a collection of the top 20 five second films presented by UPROXX. Warning: It contains some graphic and NSFW scenes.
Collecting items of interest relating to Movies.
Apparently Issac Asimov's Foundation series is slated to become a movie, at some point. Maybe. (I'm being facetious because I think they've been talking about this since the '70s.) [nyt] Line to note: "Release date for the film was not announced."
And here is a list of the 20 most-anticipated sci-fi movies of 2011, according to Sci Fi Wire.
I've always been interested in micronations, and this Canadian documentary looks interesting: How to Start Your Own Country. And that leads nicely into this ListVerse item for the Top 10 Bizarre Micronations.
And if you love Canadian punk music, you should check out Bloodied but Unbowed, the punk movie. And the site has lots of photos and video features that are not in the movie, with more being added every so often.
Since we're on the subject of Documentaries, the site FreeDocumentaries catalogues documentary films that have been released by their respective copyright owners for public display. Some new ones, too! [via LifeHacker]
In the nostalgia file is the anticipation for the Gilligan's Island film.
Here are the Top 10 Brilliant Movie Recuts, as according to ListVerse.
And finally, a collection of interesting trailers, interviews and oddities...
[via Kottke]
First, a link to the list of the Top 10 Movie Shots of 2009.
Next: David Lynch shares his favourite filmmakers, in 60 seconds.
The first trailer for Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan is out. Natalie Portman plays an out-of-control ballerina.
The trailer for Transcendent Man, a documentary about Ray Kurzweil (who plans never to die).
The trailer for the Arrested Development documentary.
[via Good]
The Futuristic Movie Timeline shows us when certain movie events "set in the future" are/were supposed to happen.
[via HaHa dot Nu]
Here's a collection of the top 20 five second films presented by UPROXX. Warning: It contains some graphic and NSFW scenes.
Friday, October 1, 2010
ThreatWatch | The Big Round-Up
I always think I'm going to write an in-depth post about a particular issue I see as a Threat to Survival. It's not quite working out that way. Mostly because I am lazy. So here is a round-up of a few of the things I have perceived as Something We need to Watch.
Collecting items related to ThreatWatch.
- Remote-Controlled Bacteriophage
The phrase "remote-controlled" is always eye-catching for the ThreatWatcher. This is an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 2009 Jan 27;106(4):1234-8. Epub 2009 Jan 13. [PNAS] [PubMed] And as a side-note, why, National Academy of Science, would you call your journal "Proceedings", knowing that the acronym will be Pnas? You can find it on the magazine rack next to the Transations of the Institute of Topographers.
- Mind Control
The world is edging ever closer to what we see in film and literature. If there is truth to the idea of a self-fulfilling prophecy, why could it not be the same for humanity itself? Our dreamers show us what can be imagined, and scientists imagine they can bend nature for the purpose of fulfilling that imagined idea. We have invisibility cloaks coming down the pipe, and we are steps away from connecting a self-aware computer. (Personally, I imagine if we turn on that self-aware computer we shall need those invisibility cloaks.)
But the one I bring before the assembled: Mind Control.
Researchers from Japan’s ATR Computational Neuroscience Laboratories have developed new brain analysis technology that can reconstruct the images inside a person’s mind and display them on a computer monitor, it was announced on December 11, 2008. [PinkTentacle]
The article went on to say: The researchers suggest a future version of this technology could be applied in the fields of art and design — particularly if it becomes possible to quickly and accurately access images existing inside an artist’s head.
Imagine being able to see the scene of your favourite movie direct from the director's mind? One day the entertainment world will be ruled by Professional Thinkers, those that can imagine a scene with the clarity and power of a film. (I envision a world where explosions or stunts that are impossible to pull off in the physicial world are created, at least in rough form, with the mind of the Professional Entertainment Thinker. I suspect there will be a highly successful marriage between Professional Thinkers and Professional CGI Engineers.)
But in addition to art and design, there is the Total War Application.
After all, we are talking about seeing images in another person's mind. The intelligence-gathering possibilities alone are staggering. The only trick is to get the suspect to think about what the interrogator wants to know.
- The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
An interesting theory... the news was all about the Air India Bombing report that came out... and then the CBC released vague unverifiable comments about how foreign interests are trying to exert influence on Canadian politics. Instant witch-hunt, and much rebuking by politicians who feel saying stuff like that is irresponsible. The funny part to me: the first guy to shout "no fair" was Mr. Bilderberg-er Invitee himself, Gordon Campbell. But back to the CBC: maybe our "Government" is learning the tricks of media manipulation from the Chinese...! So the question: did the CBC help CSIS change the story from Air India Bombing to Foreign Espionage Witch-hunt so they could take the heat off their own butts for failure in the Air India thing...?!
- The Media
The always-interesting Vigilant Citizen posted a good documentary, saying that in PsyWar the battlefield is the Mind, and is already raging.
- The Atomic Bomb
As filmmaker Lucy Walker points out in her documentary Countdown to Zero, we are in a precarious state in regard to nuclear weapons. The activists who fought against The Bomb through the Cold War have all but disappeared, perhaps overshadowed by Global Warming, perhaps just fooled that the end of the Cold War brought about the end of the atomic threat. [cbc] How far from the truth!
- Rocks from Space!
So unless we get our act together the poor folks in 2182 (assuming we haven't already burned up, or are fighting each other over the last locations with liquid water, or... you get the idea...) may have to deal with a huge asteroid (1999-RQ36, for those keeping track) that scientists say have a 1 in 1,000 chance of striking earth. [cbc]
And in June, 2009, a 14-year-old German boy was hit by a meteorite going about 30,000 mph. He survived with just a nasty three-inch long scar on his hand, even though there was a foot-wide crater in the pavement beside where he had been standing. [telegraph]
- Renegade Stars!
National Geographic reported that Hubble is tracking at least 14 rogue stars, careering out of control across the cosmos, causing unimaginable damage to neighbouring systems. [NatlGeo]
- Aliens!
While always an old favourite, there have been recent developments in this field simply due to the reputable brains willing to get involved in the discussion. My take has always been that life expands to the limit of available resources, and the only way for the continuance of a species is by expanding beyond the resources of a single planet. Humanity must move into the exploration and exploitation of our celestial neighbourhood if it is to survive. Upon doing so, there are three perspectives I can think of in regard to interaction with non-human lifeforms, assuming such exists: we share, we defer, or we fight. If those are our choices, the reverse may be true: we are beholden to the choice that non-human lifeform has taken. I believe the highest probability will be conflict. If so, we may be in trouble.
Collecting items related to ThreatWatch.
- Remote-Controlled Bacteriophage
The phrase "remote-controlled" is always eye-catching for the ThreatWatcher. This is an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 2009 Jan 27;106(4):1234-8. Epub 2009 Jan 13. [PNAS] [PubMed] And as a side-note, why, National Academy of Science, would you call your journal "Proceedings", knowing that the acronym will be Pnas? You can find it on the magazine rack next to the Transations of the Institute of Topographers.
- Mind Control
The world is edging ever closer to what we see in film and literature. If there is truth to the idea of a self-fulfilling prophecy, why could it not be the same for humanity itself? Our dreamers show us what can be imagined, and scientists imagine they can bend nature for the purpose of fulfilling that imagined idea. We have invisibility cloaks coming down the pipe, and we are steps away from connecting a self-aware computer. (Personally, I imagine if we turn on that self-aware computer we shall need those invisibility cloaks.)
But the one I bring before the assembled: Mind Control.
Researchers from Japan’s ATR Computational Neuroscience Laboratories have developed new brain analysis technology that can reconstruct the images inside a person’s mind and display them on a computer monitor, it was announced on December 11, 2008. [PinkTentacle]
The article went on to say: The researchers suggest a future version of this technology could be applied in the fields of art and design — particularly if it becomes possible to quickly and accurately access images existing inside an artist’s head.
Imagine being able to see the scene of your favourite movie direct from the director's mind? One day the entertainment world will be ruled by Professional Thinkers, those that can imagine a scene with the clarity and power of a film. (I envision a world where explosions or stunts that are impossible to pull off in the physicial world are created, at least in rough form, with the mind of the Professional Entertainment Thinker. I suspect there will be a highly successful marriage between Professional Thinkers and Professional CGI Engineers.)
But in addition to art and design, there is the Total War Application.
After all, we are talking about seeing images in another person's mind. The intelligence-gathering possibilities alone are staggering. The only trick is to get the suspect to think about what the interrogator wants to know.
- The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
An interesting theory... the news was all about the Air India Bombing report that came out... and then the CBC released vague unverifiable comments about how foreign interests are trying to exert influence on Canadian politics. Instant witch-hunt, and much rebuking by politicians who feel saying stuff like that is irresponsible. The funny part to me: the first guy to shout "no fair" was Mr. Bilderberg-er Invitee himself, Gordon Campbell. But back to the CBC: maybe our "Government" is learning the tricks of media manipulation from the Chinese...! So the question: did the CBC help CSIS change the story from Air India Bombing to Foreign Espionage Witch-hunt so they could take the heat off their own butts for failure in the Air India thing...?!
- The Media
The always-interesting Vigilant Citizen posted a good documentary, saying that in PsyWar the battlefield is the Mind, and is already raging.
- The Atomic Bomb
As filmmaker Lucy Walker points out in her documentary Countdown to Zero, we are in a precarious state in regard to nuclear weapons. The activists who fought against The Bomb through the Cold War have all but disappeared, perhaps overshadowed by Global Warming, perhaps just fooled that the end of the Cold War brought about the end of the atomic threat. [cbc] How far from the truth!
- Rocks from Space!
So unless we get our act together the poor folks in 2182 (assuming we haven't already burned up, or are fighting each other over the last locations with liquid water, or... you get the idea...) may have to deal with a huge asteroid (1999-RQ36, for those keeping track) that scientists say have a 1 in 1,000 chance of striking earth. [cbc]
And in June, 2009, a 14-year-old German boy was hit by a meteorite going about 30,000 mph. He survived with just a nasty three-inch long scar on his hand, even though there was a foot-wide crater in the pavement beside where he had been standing. [telegraph]
- Renegade Stars!
National Geographic reported that Hubble is tracking at least 14 rogue stars, careering out of control across the cosmos, causing unimaginable damage to neighbouring systems. [NatlGeo]
- Aliens!
While always an old favourite, there have been recent developments in this field simply due to the reputable brains willing to get involved in the discussion. My take has always been that life expands to the limit of available resources, and the only way for the continuance of a species is by expanding beyond the resources of a single planet. Humanity must move into the exploration and exploitation of our celestial neighbourhood if it is to survive. Upon doing so, there are three perspectives I can think of in regard to interaction with non-human lifeforms, assuming such exists: we share, we defer, or we fight. If those are our choices, the reverse may be true: we are beholden to the choice that non-human lifeform has taken. I believe the highest probability will be conflict. If so, we may be in trouble.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
crazy musicians & crazy dancers | Jumpin Jive - Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers from Stormy Weather
And a Betty Boop cartoon featuring a tune sung by Cab Calloway.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
citiZEN | Canadian edition
Collecting items of interest related to Canada.
Self Esteem
Navel-Gazing: List of World's Best Countries. [newsweek]
Statistics: Leading causes of death, 2006. [StatsCan]
Loonie Flights: Russia hoarding Canadian Dollars. [cbc]
Navel Gazing: Nobel prizes by country (Canada: 15). [good]
Navel Gazing: Happiness across countries. [good]
Navel Gazing: Who's thriving World-Wide? [good]
Navel Gazing: America's Favourite Countries. [good]
Spending Power: Difference in Canadian and US income levels. [StatsCan]
Canadian History
Chinese: Online exhibit. [straight]
Collecting: National Archives places moratorium on paper documents. [cbc]
First Nations: Queen Anne visitors as Stamp Portraits. [cnc]
First Nations: Indian status changes for thousands. [cbc]
Forces: Last WWI vet dead. [cbc]
LGBT: Conference marking 1971 event. [activehistory]
Organizations and Groups: Historica Foundation. [KnowBC]
Railway Hotels: The Google Sight-seeing Treatment (Part 3). [gSS]
Written Word: History magazine Beaver changes name. [ctv]
Written Word: Library book returned 110 years overdue. Fine waived. [cbc]
Culture
Irreverence: Apologies for dog communion. [bbc]
Irreverence: Rise of the Religious Right. [straight]
Spenders and Savers: Retirement worries. [cbc]
Spenders and Savers: One-third unprepared for retirement. [biv]
Even-Split Opinions: (1) Marijuana, and (2) Death Penalty. [cbc]
Industry and Innovation
New Product: The Cannabis Car. [cbc]
Recycle: Tim Hortons cups turned into biofuel. [cbc]
Dreams: Many yearn for own business. [cbc]
Security
Command and Control: Majority opposed to foreign control of media. [cbc]
Budgeting: Military spending ranks 13th in world. [ccpa]
Foreign Policy - Afganistan
Tactical Ethics: Special Forces in question. [cbc]
Enemies: Estimate of Al Qaeda strength in Pakistan. [nyt]
Deployment: The 2011 deadline in question. [cbc]
The Arctic
Development: Quttinirpaaq Park most northerly park in Canada. [cnc]
Dispute Mediation (Lomonosov Ridge): The United Nations. [BBC]
Posturing and Policy: Foreign Policy Statement released. [cnc]
Posturing and Rhetoric: Russia predicts conflict. [cbc]
Posturing and Rhetoric: Commons Committee security recommendations. [cbc]
Posturing and Rhetoric: PM says sovereignty non-negotiable. [cbc]
Research and Learning: Energy reserves mapped. [cbc]
Self Esteem
Navel-Gazing: List of World's Best Countries. [newsweek]
Statistics: Leading causes of death, 2006. [StatsCan]
Loonie Flights: Russia hoarding Canadian Dollars. [cbc]
Navel Gazing: Nobel prizes by country (Canada: 15). [good]
Navel Gazing: Happiness across countries. [good]
Navel Gazing: Who's thriving World-Wide? [good]
Navel Gazing: America's Favourite Countries. [good]
Spending Power: Difference in Canadian and US income levels. [StatsCan]
Canadian History
Chinese: Online exhibit. [straight]
Collecting: National Archives places moratorium on paper documents. [cbc]
First Nations: Queen Anne visitors as Stamp Portraits. [cnc]
First Nations: Indian status changes for thousands. [cbc]
Forces: Last WWI vet dead. [cbc]
LGBT: Conference marking 1971 event. [activehistory]
Organizations and Groups: Historica Foundation. [KnowBC]
Railway Hotels: The Google Sight-seeing Treatment (Part 3). [gSS]
Written Word: History magazine Beaver changes name. [ctv]
Written Word: Library book returned 110 years overdue. Fine waived. [cbc]
Culture
Irreverence: Apologies for dog communion. [bbc]
Irreverence: Rise of the Religious Right. [straight]
Spenders and Savers: Retirement worries. [cbc]
Spenders and Savers: One-third unprepared for retirement. [biv]
Even-Split Opinions: (1) Marijuana, and (2) Death Penalty. [cbc]
Industry and Innovation
New Product: The Cannabis Car. [cbc]
Recycle: Tim Hortons cups turned into biofuel. [cbc]
Dreams: Many yearn for own business. [cbc]
Security
Command and Control: Majority opposed to foreign control of media. [cbc]
Budgeting: Military spending ranks 13th in world. [ccpa]
Foreign Policy - Afganistan
Tactical Ethics: Special Forces in question. [cbc]
Enemies: Estimate of Al Qaeda strength in Pakistan. [nyt]
Deployment: The 2011 deadline in question. [cbc]
The Arctic
Development: Quttinirpaaq Park most northerly park in Canada. [cnc]
Dispute Mediation (Lomonosov Ridge): The United Nations. [BBC]
Posturing and Policy: Foreign Policy Statement released. [cnc]
Posturing and Rhetoric: Russia predicts conflict. [cbc]
Posturing and Rhetoric: Commons Committee security recommendations. [cbc]
Posturing and Rhetoric: PM says sovereignty non-negotiable. [cbc]
Research and Learning: Energy reserves mapped. [cbc]
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
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