Thursday, November 21, 2013
Saturday, November 16, 2013
headspace | 75 Years of LSD
Today marks the 75th anniversary that LSD was synthesized by Sandoz Industries. On November 16, 1938, Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann created LSD as part of a research program searching for medically useful ergot alkalod derivatives. [LSD] [History of LSD]
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Keep On Keepin' On | Seth Godin
Seth Godin often relates some excellent life and business advice on his blog.
These are my favourites:
These are my favourites:
- Organization vs. movement vs. philosophy. Trouble is when you think you have one but actually have the other.
- Building a job vs. building a business. Building the gig is the gig.
- Interesting & Interested. The two ways one earns attention.
- How to get a job with a small company. The rules are different than trying to get a job with a Fortune 500 company.
- Insulate yourself. ...and other snippets of advice.
- The sad irony of selfishness. The connection economy multiplies the value of what is contributed to it.
- Meeting vs. Making. Making demands results while meeting leaves room for excuses.
- Doing it wrong, relentlessly. Working the system, or not.
- Three masters. Choosing successfully demands consistency in action and goal.
- How to make money online. 21 points that apply to more than just making money, or to making it online.
- How to run a productive meeting. Everyone going to or chairing meetings should read this and take heed.
- The simple power of one a day. Molehills to mountains, with suggestions.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Respect | Lest We Forget
DULCE ET DECORUM EST
Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.
Gas! Gas! Quick, boys!---An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime...
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,---
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.
by WILFRED OWEN [wikipedia]
[via FWWPDA]
Friday, November 8, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Crazy Artist | Nando Costa "The New America"
You need to read the Open Culture post from whence this film was purloined. A short teaser of why this is important: Portlandia; Fred Armisen; Pacific Northwest; Laser-etched maple wood blocks and stop-motion animation; Kickstarter. Need I say more? [OpenCulture]
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
Spiderweb Software "Avadon 2: The Corruption"
To be clear: I'm posting this without having yet purchased or played this game. But I am going to purchase and play this game, and you should too. I should clarify some more: if you are a story-driven gamer that "grew up" long enough ago that you recognize retro-style genius game-play and don't need total-immersion high-definition graphics to have an enjoyable experience... like me... you should purchase and play this game.
And for the record, you probably should purchase the other games Jeff Vogel of Spiderweb Software has available. The company was founded in 1994, and I played my first game of his -- Exile -- not long after. Whenever it was included on the (now defunct magazine) Mac Addict shareware CD, whichever issue it came with, was my first exposure.
Something was fishy, because I was hooked.
I even ordered one of the "tip books" that was available to help the ess-than-brighters among us (such as me) walk through the expansive game. Call me a fanboy if you will, but I'll wear the title unabashedly.
Back to the matter at hand: Avadon 2: The Corruption has been released.
Jeff talks a bit about the release in his (always entertaining) blog, The Bottom Feeder. [BF]
It's available from the Spiderweb Software store, the Mac Game Store, Steam, Gog... and probably elsewhere soon. [SSS][MGS][STEAM][GOG]
And in case you're not totally convinced, download the demo... these are always huge, and pretty much worth the asking price on their own!
For fun, here's the game trailer:
And for the record, you probably should purchase the other games Jeff Vogel of Spiderweb Software has available. The company was founded in 1994, and I played my first game of his -- Exile -- not long after. Whenever it was included on the (now defunct magazine) Mac Addict shareware CD, whichever issue it came with, was my first exposure.
Something was fishy, because I was hooked.
I even ordered one of the "tip books" that was available to help the ess-than-brighters among us (such as me) walk through the expansive game. Call me a fanboy if you will, but I'll wear the title unabashedly.
Back to the matter at hand: Avadon 2: The Corruption has been released.
Jeff talks a bit about the release in his (always entertaining) blog, The Bottom Feeder. [BF]
It's available from the Spiderweb Software store, the Mac Game Store, Steam, Gog... and probably elsewhere soon. [SSS][MGS][STEAM][GOG]
And in case you're not totally convinced, download the demo... these are always huge, and pretty much worth the asking price on their own!
For fun, here's the game trailer:
Friday, September 6, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Crazy Dancer | Marquese Scott
The always-amazing Marquese Scott dubstep dancing. The song is Need your heart by adventure club (protohype remix).
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Respect | Happy Birthday to the Man in Black
Johnny Cash was born on February 26, 1932, and passed away on September 12, 2003. I had a weird night when Johnny Cash died. I'll tell you about it somewhere else.
This is the first time Johnny Cash played "Man in Black", on February 17, 1971. He needed cue card to help him remember the lyrics.
This is the first time Johnny Cash played "Man in Black", on February 17, 1971. He needed cue card to help him remember the lyrics.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
DangerWatch | Animals
I have been collecting odd tidbits about animals for a while... animals are odd, and interesting. And sometimes dangerous! Here's a bit of it all.
First, let's get to the scary ThreatWatch-type bits, so we are not lulled into letting our defenses down out of sheer cute-ness.
An ancient antibiotic-resistant bacteria was found in an isolated cave. Let's hope it never gets out. or breeds. [cbc]
But some may be trying to communicate, like this beluga whale [bbc] and this elephant [cbc]. In fact, animal speech may be more complex than we ever thought. [cbc]
Speaking of elephants... here is one painting a picture... of an elephant.
This video about the anatomy of an ant colony is cool.
And some mourn their dead, like these giraffe. [bbc] Some hold funerals, like these western scrub jays. [bbc] Let's hope the fore-mentioned ant colony never gets it together enough to exact revenge for pouring concrete down one of their cities.
And I find crows amongst the scariest of animals... they can reason about causes. [bbc] Wasps are right up there, but just because they're nasty. And becoming more populous. [cbc]
But don't forget the animals close to home... here is a video of a feral cat hunting birds.
Then again, they could all just be dizzy nuts, like this confused duck.
Speaking of ducks... this is totally heartwarming and cool... this is a video of ducks that had been rescued from a hoarder that kept them in pens, without access to adequate water of nutrition... and this is the first time they have ever been introduced to life in a pond.
Finally... here is a video of a squid's membrane pulsing along as it listens to Insane in the Membrane by Cypress Hill.
First, let's get to the scary ThreatWatch-type bits, so we are not lulled into letting our defenses down out of sheer cute-ness.
An ancient antibiotic-resistant bacteria was found in an isolated cave. Let's hope it never gets out. or breeds. [cbc]
But some may be trying to communicate, like this beluga whale [bbc] and this elephant [cbc]. In fact, animal speech may be more complex than we ever thought. [cbc]
Speaking of elephants... here is one painting a picture... of an elephant.
This video about the anatomy of an ant colony is cool.
And some mourn their dead, like these giraffe. [bbc] Some hold funerals, like these western scrub jays. [bbc] Let's hope the fore-mentioned ant colony never gets it together enough to exact revenge for pouring concrete down one of their cities.
And I find crows amongst the scariest of animals... they can reason about causes. [bbc] Wasps are right up there, but just because they're nasty. And becoming more populous. [cbc]
But don't forget the animals close to home... here is a video of a feral cat hunting birds.
Then again, they could all just be dizzy nuts, like this confused duck.
Speaking of ducks... this is totally heartwarming and cool... this is a video of ducks that had been rescued from a hoarder that kept them in pens, without access to adequate water of nutrition... and this is the first time they have ever been introduced to life in a pond.
Finally... here is a video of a squid's membrane pulsing along as it listens to Insane in the Membrane by Cypress Hill.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Hell in a Handbasket | The Beachings
There is a disturbing trend that I've been noting, for which I have no explanation. Sometimes, animals that live in the oceans end up beaching themselves, running themselves up onto land, sometimes in massive numbers.
Sometimes it is a lone animal, as was reported Wednesday, December 26, 2012 when an endangered finback whale was found washed ashore on the bay side of Rockaways, Queens, New York. [cbc] In these cases, I am content to believe the animal is sick or somehow already close to death.
I stopped following these cases for a while. There were too many, it seemed. The last time I made special note of such an occurance was in January, 2011, when "large numbers of dead herring washed ashore" on a Vancouver Island beach. It had both fishery officials and local fishermen looking for answers. (Unfortunately, the Vancouver Sun has an absolutely terrible online archival system and the story is no longer accessible.)
I noted a story on November 7, 2010, about 35 whales that beached and died off the coast of County Donegal in Ireland, on Rutland Island near Burtonport. (The BBC has a much better archival system: the story can be found here: [bbc]) The article notes that 60 whales died off the "west coast of Kerry" in the 1960s and "35 to 40 animals died in north Kerry in 2001."
On September 22, 2010, I noted at least 40 out of 80 pilot whales that stranded themselves on a remote northern New Zealand beach (Spirit Bay beach) had died, with officials saying more whales were joining them on land. [cbc] The article notes this was the second mass beaching in the region in a month, when in mid-August 58 pilot whales were stranded at nearby Karikari Beach. (Which I also noted: [bbc]) The September article also notes 101 pilot whales were stranded on the same beach in 2007, and that since 1840, the Department of Conservation has recorded more than 5,000 strandings of whales and dolphins around the New Zealand coast. "New Zealand has one of the world's highest rates of whale strandings, mainly during their migrations to and from Antarctic waters, one of which begins around September." Despite this, the article clearly states scientists have not been able to determine why whales become stranded.
On July 20, 2010, scientists were still trying to figure out why about 500 penguins washed up dead in the previous 10 days on Peruibe, Praia Grande and Itanhaem beaches of Sao Paulo state in Brazil. [bbc] Starvation (perhaps by overfishing or cold temperatures driving foodsources away) was a possibility, as autopsies revealed their stomachs were completely empty, though strong currents and/or colder-than-normal temperatures were also considered. The article noted in an average year about 100 to 150 penguins normally show up on the beaches (they get lost while migrating), with only about 10 of those dead. [cbc]
On May 11, 2010, marine biologists were trying to figure out why eight harbour porpoises washed ashore near Victoria, BC, Canada, in the previous week. While not unusual for harbour porpoises to wash ashore, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans said it was "strange to see so many." [cbc] The article states the animals were healthy, and suggested death was caused by the stress of being hunted by killer whales. It further noted the body of a newborn killer whale washed up near Victoria the previous week.
On Monday December 28, 2009 I noted an article about 125 pilot whales that died on Colville Beach on the New Zealand's North Island Coromandel peninsula, with rescue working managing to coax 43 others back out to sea. [cbc] Meanwhile on South Island, the article goes on, 105 stranded long-finned pilot whales died the previous Saturday.
On Friday October 9, 2009 an article mentions two great batches of Humboldt squid washed ashore, one in August then another in September, near the town of Tofino on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. [cbc] John Payne, a marine biologist with the Pacific Ocean Shelf Tracking Project (POST), said the events show that oceans are changing, and "I think we're going to see a lot more strandings."
I think this is the August event mentioned above, though I can't confirm it is the same or a different event, as it's from this terrible Vancouver Sun collection. On August 8, 2009 I noted an article with the synopsis: "Thousands of dead fish and squid have washed up on beaches in and near Pacific Rim National Park in the past week, Tofino-based biologist Josie Osborne said Friday. It was not immediately known what caused their deaths."
Though I do also have an article from Thursday August 6, 2009 that indicates the above-mentioned event is in fact seperate... the article begins "Just days after decomposing squid washed up on the beaches near Tofino, BC, hundreds of dead pilchard and herring came in with the high tide along the same beaches." [ctv]
On Saturday May 30, 2009 I noted 34 pilot whales were euthanized on Kommetjie Beach near Cape Town, South Africa, with rescuers managing to push 20 whales back into the water. [cbc]
On April 17, 2009 I noted an article from National Geographic where the synopsis states: "In the same Chilean town where 1,500 penguins had washed up a week-and-a-half ago, thousands of dead sardines mysteriously turned up on beaches. (The link also goes into a bummer-can't-find-this non-archive at National Geographic, which I am now very disappointed in as well. Vancouver Sun, New York Times, and National Geographic: I am going to stop following you.)
And that ends the events I have tracked, and I am quite certain to have missed some, probably several. I'll end with this: In February 2009 the CBC put together "FAQs: Whale and dolphin strandings and beachings."
Sometimes it is a lone animal, as was reported Wednesday, December 26, 2012 when an endangered finback whale was found washed ashore on the bay side of Rockaways, Queens, New York. [cbc] In these cases, I am content to believe the animal is sick or somehow already close to death.
I stopped following these cases for a while. There were too many, it seemed. The last time I made special note of such an occurance was in January, 2011, when "large numbers of dead herring washed ashore" on a Vancouver Island beach. It had both fishery officials and local fishermen looking for answers. (Unfortunately, the Vancouver Sun has an absolutely terrible online archival system and the story is no longer accessible.)
I noted a story on November 7, 2010, about 35 whales that beached and died off the coast of County Donegal in Ireland, on Rutland Island near Burtonport. (The BBC has a much better archival system: the story can be found here: [bbc]) The article notes that 60 whales died off the "west coast of Kerry" in the 1960s and "35 to 40 animals died in north Kerry in 2001."
On September 22, 2010, I noted at least 40 out of 80 pilot whales that stranded themselves on a remote northern New Zealand beach (Spirit Bay beach) had died, with officials saying more whales were joining them on land. [cbc] The article notes this was the second mass beaching in the region in a month, when in mid-August 58 pilot whales were stranded at nearby Karikari Beach. (Which I also noted: [bbc]) The September article also notes 101 pilot whales were stranded on the same beach in 2007, and that since 1840, the Department of Conservation has recorded more than 5,000 strandings of whales and dolphins around the New Zealand coast. "New Zealand has one of the world's highest rates of whale strandings, mainly during their migrations to and from Antarctic waters, one of which begins around September." Despite this, the article clearly states scientists have not been able to determine why whales become stranded.
On July 20, 2010, scientists were still trying to figure out why about 500 penguins washed up dead in the previous 10 days on Peruibe, Praia Grande and Itanhaem beaches of Sao Paulo state in Brazil. [bbc] Starvation (perhaps by overfishing or cold temperatures driving foodsources away) was a possibility, as autopsies revealed their stomachs were completely empty, though strong currents and/or colder-than-normal temperatures were also considered. The article noted in an average year about 100 to 150 penguins normally show up on the beaches (they get lost while migrating), with only about 10 of those dead. [cbc]
On May 11, 2010, marine biologists were trying to figure out why eight harbour porpoises washed ashore near Victoria, BC, Canada, in the previous week. While not unusual for harbour porpoises to wash ashore, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans said it was "strange to see so many." [cbc] The article states the animals were healthy, and suggested death was caused by the stress of being hunted by killer whales. It further noted the body of a newborn killer whale washed up near Victoria the previous week.
On Monday December 28, 2009 I noted an article about 125 pilot whales that died on Colville Beach on the New Zealand's North Island Coromandel peninsula, with rescue working managing to coax 43 others back out to sea. [cbc] Meanwhile on South Island, the article goes on, 105 stranded long-finned pilot whales died the previous Saturday.
On Friday October 9, 2009 an article mentions two great batches of Humboldt squid washed ashore, one in August then another in September, near the town of Tofino on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. [cbc] John Payne, a marine biologist with the Pacific Ocean Shelf Tracking Project (POST), said the events show that oceans are changing, and "I think we're going to see a lot more strandings."
I think this is the August event mentioned above, though I can't confirm it is the same or a different event, as it's from this terrible Vancouver Sun collection. On August 8, 2009 I noted an article with the synopsis: "Thousands of dead fish and squid have washed up on beaches in and near Pacific Rim National Park in the past week, Tofino-based biologist Josie Osborne said Friday. It was not immediately known what caused their deaths."
Though I do also have an article from Thursday August 6, 2009 that indicates the above-mentioned event is in fact seperate... the article begins "Just days after decomposing squid washed up on the beaches near Tofino, BC, hundreds of dead pilchard and herring came in with the high tide along the same beaches." [ctv]
On Saturday May 30, 2009 I noted 34 pilot whales were euthanized on Kommetjie Beach near Cape Town, South Africa, with rescuers managing to push 20 whales back into the water. [cbc]
On April 17, 2009 I noted an article from National Geographic where the synopsis states: "In the same Chilean town where 1,500 penguins had washed up a week-and-a-half ago, thousands of dead sardines mysteriously turned up on beaches. (The link also goes into a bummer-can't-find-this non-archive at National Geographic, which I am now very disappointed in as well. Vancouver Sun, New York Times, and National Geographic: I am going to stop following you.)
And that ends the events I have tracked, and I am quite certain to have missed some, probably several. I'll end with this: In February 2009 the CBC put together "FAQs: Whale and dolphin strandings and beachings."
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
ThreatWatch | Planet of the Apes
Apes can recognize themselves in mirrors. "The image there is a representation of the body here."
Friday, January 4, 2013
Crazy Masher | Kutiman "Thru-you 01 Mother of All Funk Chords"
Utilizing multiple found-sounds on YouTube, Kutiman creates a beautiful mashed-up tune. Nice one!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Just Crazy | Jones' Big Ass Truck Rental & Storage
Yes. I would buy anything this fella is sellin'. He seems like a good guy. Honest.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Yule | Recordings of Christmas Past
Curators at the Museum of London have discovered what they believe to be the first ever recordings of a family Christmas, made 110 years ago by the Wall family who lived in New Southgate in North London. The recordings were made between 1902 and 1917 on wax cylinders made by a phonograph machine.
Absolutely fascinating story. [BBC]
Absolutely fascinating story. [BBC]
Yule | Listverse "10 Remarkable Origins of Common Christmas Traditions"
From how Christmas itself came about to where Santa came from... another fantastic list by the fine folks at ListVerse!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Crazy Musician | Newton Faulkner "Teardrops" live Massive Attack cover
...in an elevator in Paradiso, Amsterdam...
Friday, December 14, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Crazy Musician | Modern Day Jester live on the London Underground
So... a live busker performance by Modern Day Jester on-board a London Underground subway car. His twitter: @moderndayjester
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Crazy Musician | Matt Andersen "Ain't No Sunshine"
For all my Lunenburg NS buddies out there... Matt Andersen at the Pearl Theatre on October 16, 2009, eh bah?
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Just Crazy | Jonathan Mann & Ivory King "We've Got to Break Up"
Not gonna lie. This is a bit odd. After five years a couple decides to break up, and write a song to explain why to their friends and family, and post it on youTube.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Crazy Statistician | Andrew Walker "One day of activity..."
Brought to my attention some time ago by the ever-interesting Price Tags... Andrew Walker runs transit information through home-made custom software (based on a program for satellite-tracking software) to create a visualization of the transit activity of one day (4am to 4am) in a city. He started with Vancouver:
And recently came out with New York City.
Both are quite beautiful.
And recently came out with New York City.
Both are quite beautiful.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Crazy Band | Skydiggers "A Penny More"
One of the few bands I will actually leave a comment on... truly one of the great voices recorded, with music so suited as to be almost miraculous... the Skydiggers are Canadian Musical Gold. I spent a lot of time with their Road Radio album, and it is amazing in its depth and beauty.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Just Crazy | Oppa Gangnam "Westcoast" Style parody
This was all over the tubes a bunch of weeks back... I'm "future-posting" it because I didn't bother to watch it for a week or so after it first came out... and it's surprisingly really well done. Amazing job, and I honestly didn't expect that. I love being surprised by my community's incredible talent and skill, and can't give the folks that put this together enough props. Nice one!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Crazy Band | Len "It's My Neighbourhood"
Always the best in bubble-gum pop, Len ("Steal My Sunshine") is back with new tunes, looking forward to Summer 2013! (Shout-out to Ms. Sedun for the cameo...!)
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Funny Pages | Brad Guigar "Evil Inc."
A web-comic I've been reading for a while (and enjoying) has been Brad Guigar's Evil Inc.
It's about a corporation staffed by evil superheroes.
Unfortunately, the site also doesn't have any mechanism for embedding any of the strips, as far as I can tell. So check out the Evil Inc website.
Anyhoo. Mr. Guigar has tried his luck with stand-up comedy.
It's about a corporation staffed by evil superheroes.
Unfortunately, the site also doesn't have any mechanism for embedding any of the strips, as far as I can tell. So check out the Evil Inc website.
Anyhoo. Mr. Guigar has tried his luck with stand-up comedy.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Monday, July 16, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Hell in a Handbasket | The Warlord Problem
By now quite a few people have seen the "Kony 2012" campaign, the Facebook, Twitter, YouTube meme by which Joseph Kony, war criminal and leader of the Lord's Resistance Army has been hefted into the internet limelight for the stated purpose of making him famous, to bring him to justice.
There are supporters and detractors on both sides of this issue. Much of the controversy revolves around the manipulative manner in which the subject is presented by the filmmakers, to elicit an emotional response rather than to offer good journalism.
To me, this is one of the most eloquent: Patrick Kigongo "Don't Reduce Uganda to a Meme." [good]
Mr. Kigongo writes with a healthy dose of skepticism (perhaps even resignation) that Mr. Kony's sudden noteriety will last within the Meme-Cycle to do more than scratch the surface of "American" apathy toward world events and injustices. I get the impression he feels Mr. Kony is littered across Facebook pages right now, but will quickly fall off the radar when the next 'cat-playing-saxifone' video hits the tubes.
He's probably quite right.
But the point is not that attention will shift from Mr. Kony to some other distraction, but that Mr. Kony, for a brief time, is in the consciousness of individuals previously unaware, and spoken of by individuals that perhaps didn't even know this sort of unacceptable behaviour still exists.
Though we may not agree on the method of delivery, I would like to think we can all agree that "this sort of thing" is unacceptable behaviour. Anywhere. By anyone.
A problem can only be solved by starting a discussion, and using this time to educate others as to what the problem is.
Because the problem is not Joseph Kony. We have to include practices in the DemRep Congo and other African nations, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other armed groups in the Phillipines, the... well, you get the idea... individuals within these and other groups are not necessarily even indicted by the International Criminal Court yet. But they should be. (Here's another GOOD article about who the "next 6 Konys" should be. [good])
And then, one by one, we should make a plan, if we are dedicated to avenging unacceptable behaviour in resolving conflict, to finding these individuals and bringing them to justice.
But before running off with righteousness we need to know what to do the day after that. The underlying problems that created the situation will still be there. What do we do to rehabilitate and re-introduce these children back into "normal" society?
And further questions of another line: is this our problem to solve, or are we over-simplifying the situation at the expense of African capability? The idea this may be little more than new round of "The White Man's Burden" has been circulating among the discussions.
The point of all this: take the controversial Kony 2012 video as the conversation-starter, and get into the conversation already under way. It's good to talk about things on a global basis, rather than regionalizing problems. But it's not like suddenly we know about this Joseph Kony guy, or that child-soldiers exist -- it's just that you do now. And that's a good thing. [UN]
There are supporters and detractors on both sides of this issue. Much of the controversy revolves around the manipulative manner in which the subject is presented by the filmmakers, to elicit an emotional response rather than to offer good journalism.
To me, this is one of the most eloquent: Patrick Kigongo "Don't Reduce Uganda to a Meme." [good]
Mr. Kigongo writes with a healthy dose of skepticism (perhaps even resignation) that Mr. Kony's sudden noteriety will last within the Meme-Cycle to do more than scratch the surface of "American" apathy toward world events and injustices. I get the impression he feels Mr. Kony is littered across Facebook pages right now, but will quickly fall off the radar when the next 'cat-playing-saxifone' video hits the tubes.
He's probably quite right.
But the point is not that attention will shift from Mr. Kony to some other distraction, but that Mr. Kony, for a brief time, is in the consciousness of individuals previously unaware, and spoken of by individuals that perhaps didn't even know this sort of unacceptable behaviour still exists.
Though we may not agree on the method of delivery, I would like to think we can all agree that "this sort of thing" is unacceptable behaviour. Anywhere. By anyone.
A problem can only be solved by starting a discussion, and using this time to educate others as to what the problem is.
Because the problem is not Joseph Kony. We have to include practices in the DemRep Congo and other African nations, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other armed groups in the Phillipines, the... well, you get the idea... individuals within these and other groups are not necessarily even indicted by the International Criminal Court yet. But they should be. (Here's another GOOD article about who the "next 6 Konys" should be. [good])
And then, one by one, we should make a plan, if we are dedicated to avenging unacceptable behaviour in resolving conflict, to finding these individuals and bringing them to justice.
But before running off with righteousness we need to know what to do the day after that. The underlying problems that created the situation will still be there. What do we do to rehabilitate and re-introduce these children back into "normal" society?
And further questions of another line: is this our problem to solve, or are we over-simplifying the situation at the expense of African capability? The idea this may be little more than new round of "The White Man's Burden" has been circulating among the discussions.
The point of all this: take the controversial Kony 2012 video as the conversation-starter, and get into the conversation already under way. It's good to talk about things on a global basis, rather than regionalizing problems. But it's not like suddenly we know about this Joseph Kony guy, or that child-soldiers exist -- it's just that you do now. And that's a good thing. [UN]
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Wisdom | Horace
"Pale Death beats equally at the poor man's gate and at the palace of kings."
Horace.
[wikipedia]
[project gutenberg]
Horace.
[wikipedia]
[project gutenberg]
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Monday, January 2, 2012
Crazy Driver | Austrian Freeride Bicyclists
I can imagine why there is music overdubbed, rather than the original soundtrack -- the original soundtrack must've consisted of "...omigadomigadimgonnaDIEimgonnaDIEomigadomigad..."
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Goodbye 2011. Welcome, 2012.
As we say goodbye to 2011 and welcome 2012, here is David Attenborough reciting "Wonderful World" for the BBC.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Crazy DJ | Ruth Flowers aka DJ Mamy Rock
We all know the traditional view of the "old year" as an old man, and the "new year" as a newborn baby -- ever wonder what the "old year" does after it's collected the golden watch...? I think DJ Mamy Rocks has a pretty good idea. Check this out!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Crazy Awesome Buy | Have Not Been the Same album
Desperate to get something super-cool for that awesome music-lover on your list?! Check this out!!
Or you could get it after the Big Day and be a hero for simply giving a cool gift ("...saw this and thought of you...") without being social-traditionally-bound to do so...
Have Not Been The Same commercial from Colin Medley on Vimeo.
Or you could get it after the Big Day and be a hero for simply giving a cool gift ("...saw this and thought of you...") without being social-traditionally-bound to do so...
Have Not Been The Same commercial from Colin Medley on Vimeo.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Beer | The WilliamsWarn Personal Brewery
omg. you mean i don't even have to go to the pub anymore...?
The WilliamsWarn Personal Brewery from WilliamsWarn on Vimeo.
Thanks to Beck and her fabulous becks beer blog for this enlightenment!
The WilliamsWarn Personal Brewery from WilliamsWarn on Vimeo.
Thanks to Beck and her fabulous becks beer blog for this enlightenment!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Crazy Musician | Kalle Mattson "Thick As Thieves"
Kalle Mattson - Thick As Thieves (Official Video) from Kevin Parry on Vimeo.
Thanks to Larry Cebula's Northwest History for this!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Crazy Filmsters | Side Films "Too Late"
WARNING: The makeup in this film is quite graphic! It is not for children!
Too Late from SIDE FILMS on Vimeo.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
ThreatWatch | Planet-Hacking
We've always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with Science down here in the abomb&thecorpse bunker. After all, Science gave us Reason, Evidence-based Change, and a host of technological developments that eventually led to a plethora of wonderfully nefarious devices to divert the attention of the masses. It opened up a whole new world of grey, which is absolutely magical to Our paradyme.
On the other hand, it also handed a spectrum of tools for potential mis-information and lies to Those Who Agendize. (I think this, or something to this effect, was said on The Wire: "A lie is not the other side of the story: it is still a lie.")
I have always loved Science for dreaming the big dream, for shooting at the stars, for going all-in, for doing almost any cliché you might wish to imagine for trying anything just to see how close it comes to being done.
This is one of those things I'm not sure is best to try on our planet -- after all, right now we only have one. Best not to mess that up until we've at least got another, in case we break the first one.
"Planet Hacking", more accurately Geoengineering, or manipulating natural systems to create a desired outcome, does not seem like a particularly good experiment to fiddle with. [cbc] I wonder if Eli Kintsch is the new Nero? (I tease. Obviously not. There will be nothing to fiddle to if Mr. Kintsch were to accidentally burn down the planet.)
On the other hand, it also handed a spectrum of tools for potential mis-information and lies to Those Who Agendize. (I think this, or something to this effect, was said on The Wire: "A lie is not the other side of the story: it is still a lie.")
I have always loved Science for dreaming the big dream, for shooting at the stars, for going all-in, for doing almost any cliché you might wish to imagine for trying anything just to see how close it comes to being done.
This is one of those things I'm not sure is best to try on our planet -- after all, right now we only have one. Best not to mess that up until we've at least got another, in case we break the first one.
"Planet Hacking", more accurately Geoengineering, or manipulating natural systems to create a desired outcome, does not seem like a particularly good experiment to fiddle with. [cbc] I wonder if Eli Kintsch is the new Nero? (I tease. Obviously not. There will be nothing to fiddle to if Mr. Kintsch were to accidentally burn down the planet.)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
crazy filmster | Support Your Local Video Store
I posted the first three webisodes of this a few posts back, when Videomatica was going to close down... they have since gotten together with the ever-excellent Kitsilano music store Zulu Records to share space, as this excellent post by Bob at Vancouver is Awesome explains.
Here are webisodes number 4 and 5 for you! (And check out the main SYLVS site!)
Here are webisodes number 4 and 5 for you! (And check out the main SYLVS site!)
Support Your Local Video Store Episode 4 from Red Wheelbarrow on Vimeo.
Support Your Local Video Store Episode 5 from Red Wheelbarrow on Vimeo.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
crazy filmsters | the Videomatica folks "Support Your Local Video Store"
This is a comedy web series by the fine folks at Videomatica, on West 4th Avenue in Vancouver. I can remember if they already closed down, or are closing down in future... which I guess is part of the problem, sadly. I hardly ever went to the store... but I loved that they were there.
Funny webisodes, though.
Support Your Local Video Store Episode 1 from Red Wheelbarrow on Vimeo.
Support Your Local Video Store Episode 2 from Red Wheelbarrow on Vimeo.
Support Your Local Video Store Episode 3 from Red Wheelbarrow on Vimeo.
Funny webisodes, though.
Support Your Local Video Store Episode 1 from Red Wheelbarrow on Vimeo.
Support Your Local Video Store Episode 2 from Red Wheelbarrow on Vimeo.
Support Your Local Video Store Episode 3 from Red Wheelbarrow on Vimeo.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
crazy filmster | Vita Bella: The Dogumentary
A web series mockumentary about a dog psychologist, filmed in Vancouver. Three episodes so far, as of this posting... I'll post those here, and you can find the rest!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Book Party!
Come to The Beaumont (316 West 5th Avenue, at Alberta Street) at 9pm this Saturday, September 24, 2011 for the release of Mark Loader's newest M.O.R. graphic novel! The $12 entry gets you in, and gets you a copy of the book (limited to the first 100 people)! Plus live music by Katelyn Molgard! There will always be MOR!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Crazy Filmster | Kim Pimmel "Compressed 02"
Kim Pimmel combines soap bubbles and ferrofluid liquid. Very cool.
[via Kottke]
Compressed 02 from Kim Pimmel on Vimeo.
[via Kottke]
Monday, August 29, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Respect | BC Day
In short form, we in British Columbia have BC Day to celebrate the pioneers who built the Colony into the great Province it is today. And because when it was brought in everybody else had the first MOnday in August off already.
Bob Kronbauer at the Vancouver Is Awesome site wrote an excellent post last year to explain the history of the day in more detail. [via]
Bob Kronbauer at the Vancouver Is Awesome site wrote an excellent post last year to explain the history of the day in more detail. [via]
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Respect | B.C. Women
British Columbian women won the right to vote in Provincial elections, on this date in 1917.
Last year Daniel Francis at KnowBC wrote an excellent post about this important event. [knowbc]
Last year Daniel Francis at KnowBC wrote an excellent post about this important event. [knowbc]
Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
keep on keepin' on | December Edition
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]
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]
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
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
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
Friday, December 17, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
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