Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Explanation of Absence
Some of you may have noticed I have been a bit unreliable with my posting lately and I am sorry about that. I have enjoyed working on this blog quite a bit and appreciate all of the support and kinds words I have received. However, over the weekend I had a chance to read the release of the most recent CIA and Senate Intelligence Reports and found them very troubling and discouraging to say the least. It isn't that I didn't suspect things of this sort were happening, however I always liked to give our government the benefit of the doubt and confirmation of such scenarios and the way we learned of it (Bush & co still refuse to acknowledge the reports which amazes me) was a little much. In response to these reports along with Bush's most recent Military Tribunal Proposal I have decided to put most of my time elsewhere. I have for some time been jaded by the two major parties in the US and have therefore been a member of the Libertarian Party. I try to avoid politics on this blog (sorry about today's news) and with the upcoming 2006 elections around the corner I have decided to do what I can to help. I have created a Libertarian Story & News Network to compile all news related to the party and candidates and have linked the Candidate Tracker Profiles provided by the National Party where appropriate. I will do my best to post on this blog when possible, but it is unlikely that it will be daily until at least after the elections. Thanks again for the support and enjoy today's posting.
Ragdoll 2
Site of the Day
Ragdoll 2
Maneuver a ragdoll around falling spikes using the up, down, left & right keys. The game isn't very complicated, but is quite fun with the over-exagerated movements of the doll....and I suppose the fact the doll can lose a few limbs and keep dancing is kind of cool.
News/Stories/Op-Ed - 09/13/06
Libertarians Making Headway in 2006 Elections
* Libertarians See Shot at Delay Seat
* Libertarian Finds Place In Heated 9th District
* %8 is the new 2% For Libertarians
* Libertarian Story & News Network
* Libertarians See Shot at Delay Seat
* Libertarian Finds Place In Heated 9th District
* %8 is the new 2% For Libertarians
* Libertarian Story & News Network
The Greatest Game Every Played - Beirut/Beer Pong
Video of the Day
If you have ever participated in an intense game of beer pong/beirut then you will probably enjoy this video (if you enjoy NFL Films then you will really like it). The video is a tad long but has some hillarious moments, even a Zidane headbutt!
If you have ever participated in an intense game of beer pong/beirut then you will probably enjoy this video (if you enjoy NFL Films then you will really like it). The video is a tad long but has some hillarious moments, even a Zidane headbutt!
Yo La Tengo - Sugarcube
Song of the Day
In honor of Yo La Tengo's amazing new album "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass" (great review here), I have posted one of their classic videos "Sugarcube" (off of another great album of their's I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One) for your viewing pleasure.
In honor of Yo La Tengo's amazing new album "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass" (great review here), I have posted one of their classic videos "Sugarcube" (off of another great album of their's I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One) for your viewing pleasure.
Friday, September 08, 2006
The Beach Boys Collection
Classic Band of the Day
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations - 1966
The Beach Boys - In My Room - Red Skelton Show (Instrumental Backing)
The Beach Boys - California Girls -Oct. 23, 1965
Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice - 1966
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations - 1966
The Beach Boys - In My Room - Red Skelton Show (Instrumental Backing)
The Beach Boys - California Girls -Oct. 23, 1965
Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice - 1966
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Gateway
Site of the Day
Gateway
Overcome a series of obstacles and puzzles in order to advance to the next stage. A three part tutorial teaches you the basics of the game and then you're off on your own. You control a 'block-figure' of sorts and point and click your way around each level. The challenges are very well designed and vary greatly so you never feel like you are doing the same thing over and over again. Check it out.
News/Stories/Op-Ed - 09/07/06
* New Pentagon Report Doesn't Paint Pretty Picture of Iraq War ... Why aren't any major media outlets covering this?
* Iran to Purge Universities of Liberal Teachers
* Tech Boost for Memory Power
* Scientists Map 'New Frontier' Deep Within Ocean
* Iran to Purge Universities of Liberal Teachers
* Tech Boost for Memory Power
* Scientists Map 'New Frontier' Deep Within Ocean
Day by Day - Political Strategy
Webcomic
Full Comic: Day by Day - Political Strategy
Looks like both major parties are running low on ideas. Might be time for a 3rd party to step in and make some real change.
Full Comic: Day by Day - Political Strategy
Looks like both major parties are running low on ideas. Might be time for a 3rd party to step in and make some real change.
Abandoned Russian City
Picture of the Day
Full Size:
Following the fall of the Soviet Union the Russian government lacked the necessary funds to support its vast territories. Coupled with years of artificial supply & demand there were established cities which simply lacked any anchor for Russia's rapidly declining population. For a full gallery of photos including the above image click here.
Full Size:
Following the fall of the Soviet Union the Russian government lacked the necessary funds to support its vast territories. Coupled with years of artificial supply & demand there were established cities which simply lacked any anchor for Russia's rapidly declining population. For a full gallery of photos including the above image click here.
How to Make A Bump Key
Video of the Day
Create your own master key in a little over a hour! A bump key will allow you to open any lock, anywhere. Full how-to and demonstration.
Interpol Live Performance and Interview
Song of the Day
As we near the 5th anniversary of 9/11 it's hard not look back on everything that has transpired. For me (and many others) music has always played an important role in creating a soundtrack of sorts to life. One band and album that stood out at the time for me was 'Interpol - Turn On the Bright Lights'. The overall tone of the album is dark, yet at times glimmering, beautifully crafted melodies shine through. While other artists were out there patching together sloppy 'rah rah' anthems Interpol managed to capture the unfortunate times and unfolding events. Not surprisenly Interpol hails from NYC and the album itself was recorded in Novemeber of that year. Listen to the first song perfomed in this performace/interview on the 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' show shortly following the release of "Bright Lights". The song entitled NYC describes a tired, lonely city but possesses a tranquil melody which builds throughout the song until it swells all while vocalist Paul Banks repeats 'but New York cares.' Never does the song directly refer to the event itself, yet some how it encompasses everything about it.
As we near the 5th anniversary of 9/11 it's hard not look back on everything that has transpired. For me (and many others) music has always played an important role in creating a soundtrack of sorts to life. One band and album that stood out at the time for me was 'Interpol - Turn On the Bright Lights'. The overall tone of the album is dark, yet at times glimmering, beautifully crafted melodies shine through. While other artists were out there patching together sloppy 'rah rah' anthems Interpol managed to capture the unfortunate times and unfolding events. Not surprisenly Interpol hails from NYC and the album itself was recorded in Novemeber of that year. Listen to the first song perfomed in this performace/interview on the 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' show shortly following the release of "Bright Lights". The song entitled NYC describes a tired, lonely city but possesses a tranquil melody which builds throughout the song until it swells all while vocalist Paul Banks repeats 'but New York cares.' Never does the song directly refer to the event itself, yet some how it encompasses everything about it.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Google Image Labeler
Site of the Day
Google Image Labeler
Newly released "game" from Google allows you to assist them in organizing their large database of images all while playing a highly addictive game. The way it works is Google partners you with someone at random and then begins displaying images. You and your partner then try to label the image and when the same word is entered it matches off and another picture is displayed. You play for 90 seconds and when time is up your score along with all of the images from the game are shown below with their links. Play as either a guest or login to your Google account to save points earned in the game. Two thumbs up if Google allows users to "cash in" these points for some sort of prize/reward (Google Checkout Credit?), as volunteers are essentially doing work on their behalf at no cost (also known as Crowdsourcing). The strategy could also benefit Google as it would entice some participants to sign up for an account and they would then be more likely to try their free services such as GMail, GTalk (which is badly trailing AIM) or the aforementioned Google Checkout. Guess we'll have to wait and see on that one...but in the meantime enjoy the game!
SEO Black Hat recounts a rather amusing experience with the game here.
Google Image Labeler
Newly released "game" from Google allows you to assist them in organizing their large database of images all while playing a highly addictive game. The way it works is Google partners you with someone at random and then begins displaying images. You and your partner then try to label the image and when the same word is entered it matches off and another picture is displayed. You play for 90 seconds and when time is up your score along with all of the images from the game are shown below with their links. Play as either a guest or login to your Google account to save points earned in the game. Two thumbs up if Google allows users to "cash in" these points for some sort of prize/reward (Google Checkout Credit?), as volunteers are essentially doing work on their behalf at no cost (also known as Crowdsourcing). The strategy could also benefit Google as it would entice some participants to sign up for an account and they would then be more likely to try their free services such as GMail, GTalk (which is badly trailing AIM) or the aforementioned Google Checkout. Guess we'll have to wait and see on that one...but in the meantime enjoy the game!
SEO Black Hat recounts a rather amusing experience with the game here.
Remarkable True-Color Image of the Moon
Picture of the Day
Full Size: Remarkable True-Color Image of the Moon
A Must See!!!
Link to Non-Widescreen Version
Full Size: Remarkable True-Color Image of the Moon
A Must See!!!
Link to Non-Widescreen Version
M. Ward (featuring Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes) - Vincent O'Brien
Song of the Day
Live performance on Austin City Limits of "Vincent O'Brien" off the fantastic M. Ward album 'Transfiguration of Vincent'. The song takes a moment or two to get going but when it does M. and Conor's voices blend for a haunting duet.
Live performance on Austin City Limits of "Vincent O'Brien" off the fantastic M. Ward album 'Transfiguration of Vincent'. The song takes a moment or two to get going but when it does M. and Conor's voices blend for a haunting duet.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Throw Paper!
Site of the Day
Throw Paper!
Partly to stay in theme with "the Office" video postings below and the fact it isn't always easy to get back into the work routine afer a long weekend this fun little game seemed appropriate for today. Throw Paper! is about as straight-foward as they come: click the paper and hold, take fan speed into account & then release paper at correct angle. Though simple, this game can help the time pass at a suprisenly fast rate, have fun!
Throw Paper!
Partly to stay in theme with "the Office" video postings below and the fact it isn't always easy to get back into the work routine afer a long weekend this fun little game seemed appropriate for today. Throw Paper! is about as straight-foward as they come: click the paper and hold, take fan speed into account & then release paper at correct angle. Though simple, this game can help the time pass at a suprisenly fast rate, have fun!
the Office Values - Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant
Videos of the Day
Parts 1 and 2 of this hillarious Microsoft training spoof featuring Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant of "The Office"(UK) fame.
Parts 1 and 2 of this hillarious Microsoft training spoof featuring Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant of "The Office"(UK) fame.
My Morning Jacket - Steam Engine (Jim James solo/acoustic)
Song of the Day
Jim James from the always-awesome My Morning Jacket performs a solo/acoustic version of "Steam Engine" off of MMJ's third-proper album, "It Still Moves."
Jim James from the always-awesome My Morning Jacket performs a solo/acoustic version of "Steam Engine" off of MMJ's third-proper album, "It Still Moves."
Monday, September 04, 2006
Labor Day 2006
Image Courtesy of War Production Board, 1943Well it is Labor Day today in The States and in honor of such I will be off doing something unrelated to work. However, feel free to take a look around at older posts or thumb through the menu categories in the left sidebar. I have marked a few favorites I especially liked. Be back Tuesday. Enjoy.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
littleFoot
Sunday Feature Animation
littleFoot
This is one of the most polished and visually pleasing flash animations I have ever come across. I seem to recall reading somewhere the artist (Adam Phillips) behind this series is a former Disney employee, however I am unable to verify if that is the case. In any event the presentation remains top notch and the creative fantasy world brought to life reminds me a bit of books like Where the Wild Things Are or pretty much any of Ronald Dahl's work I so enjoyed when I was young. The movie itself takes a moment to load but is well worth it. Enjoy
littleFoot
This is one of the most polished and visually pleasing flash animations I have ever come across. I seem to recall reading somewhere the artist (Adam Phillips) behind this series is a former Disney employee, however I am unable to verify if that is the case. In any event the presentation remains top notch and the creative fantasy world brought to life reminds me a bit of books like Where the Wild Things Are or pretty much any of Ronald Dahl's work I so enjoyed when I was young. The movie itself takes a moment to load but is well worth it. Enjoy
World View of Google Traffic
Picture of the Day
Full Size: Google's Daily Traffic - World View - Click To Animate
Map and Story Courtesy of the O'Reilly Radar.
Full Size: Google's Daily Traffic - World View - Click To Animate
Map and Story Courtesy of the O'Reilly Radar.
Building Demolition Gone Bad
Video of the Day
Hmm...a case for never worrying about over doing it with the TNT...
Hmm...a case for never worrying about over doing it with the TNT...
Hot Chip - Over and Over
Song of the Day
Whether "Over and Over" is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the song itself or rather, a deeper, social commetary on the often mundane routine of today's corporate work culture is anyone's guess. What is more imporant however is that the song itself rocks and has one of those melodies that you find yourself humming 15 minutes later. "Over and Over" is Hotchip's first top 40 song in the UK, but they have yet to make any real inroads here in the US. Not suprisenly the band itself is based out of the UK with its members at one time calling Leeds and London, home.
Whether "Over and Over" is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the song itself or rather, a deeper, social commetary on the often mundane routine of today's corporate work culture is anyone's guess. What is more imporant however is that the song itself rocks and has one of those melodies that you find yourself humming 15 minutes later. "Over and Over" is Hotchip's first top 40 song in the UK, but they have yet to make any real inroads here in the US. Not suprisenly the band itself is based out of the UK with its members at one time calling Leeds and London, home.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Chumby
Site of the Day
Chumby
There was plenty of buzz around this product at this years Foo Camp, a tech conference held in the fine city of San Francisco. What exactly is Chumby? Well in a sense it is a glorified alarm clock, but in actuality it is much more than that. Chumby is a wi-fi enabled, open source module which as soon as you register it on their website you can personalize it into anything you want. There are already a number of small widgets available for Chumby enabling you to turn it into anything from a cell phone, mp3 player, tv remote, air condition monitor or basically anything you can envision. Popular Tech Blog Techcrunch got a hands on preview with the product which is going to retail for roughly $150. Very cool indeed!
Chumby
There was plenty of buzz around this product at this years Foo Camp, a tech conference held in the fine city of San Francisco. What exactly is Chumby? Well in a sense it is a glorified alarm clock, but in actuality it is much more than that. Chumby is a wi-fi enabled, open source module which as soon as you register it on their website you can personalize it into anything you want. There are already a number of small widgets available for Chumby enabling you to turn it into anything from a cell phone, mp3 player, tv remote, air condition monitor or basically anything you can envision. Popular Tech Blog Techcrunch got a hands on preview with the product which is going to retail for roughly $150. Very cool indeed!
Frank Zappa the Oracle - 1986
Video of the Day
Frank Zappa was not only a gifted musician and defender of indivual rights and liberties, but it also appears he was a bit of an oracle as well. Ok, so maybe that is a stretch, but he certainly was able to acutely perceive the changes in the environment in which he lived. On this episode of Crossfire he fends off three opponents all while defending free expression and the right to create any art deemed worthy by an individual. The whole video is entertaining, but it especially gets interesting at around 9:45 when Zappa makes his bold prediction about the direction the US is heading.
Frank Zappa was not only a gifted musician and defender of indivual rights and liberties, but it also appears he was a bit of an oracle as well. Ok, so maybe that is a stretch, but he certainly was able to acutely perceive the changes in the environment in which he lived. On this episode of Crossfire he fends off three opponents all while defending free expression and the right to create any art deemed worthy by an individual. The whole video is entertaining, but it especially gets interesting at around 9:45 when Zappa makes his bold prediction about the direction the US is heading.
The Shins - The Past and Pending
Song of the Day
Perhaps a bit overshadowed by "New Slang", especially following a certain movie about a certain US state, "The Past and Pending" closes out The Shins excellent debut album "Oh, Inverted World". The Shins made the move from New Mexico to Oregon following this album and this video seems to add a bit of closure for James Mercer in more than one way. Check it out!
Perhaps a bit overshadowed by "New Slang", especially following a certain movie about a certain US state, "The Past and Pending" closes out The Shins excellent debut album "Oh, Inverted World". The Shins made the move from New Mexico to Oregon following this album and this video seems to add a bit of closure for James Mercer in more than one way. Check it out!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Space Invaders
Classic Game of the Day
Space Invaders
Along with Pac-Man and Frogger, Space Invaders ranks right up there as one of the most influential games ever created. Designed in 1978 by Toshihiro Nishikado the game was an immediate hit and went on to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue in its first year of release alone. One of the most compelling (and at the time unique) features of the game was thw way the remaining aliens sped up as more of the other aliens were destroyed. This incidently was not planned and it just so happened that with more aliens on the screen the game slowed (the original arcade game ran on an Intel 8080 processor at a whopping 2 MHz) and when they died it freed up memory. The other key feature was that it was the first game that was not timed which meant the better you were the longer you could play. So go ahead and see where you rank on this classic...
Space Invaders
Along with Pac-Man and Frogger, Space Invaders ranks right up there as one of the most influential games ever created. Designed in 1978 by Toshihiro Nishikado the game was an immediate hit and went on to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue in its first year of release alone. One of the most compelling (and at the time unique) features of the game was thw way the remaining aliens sped up as more of the other aliens were destroyed. This incidently was not planned and it just so happened that with more aliens on the screen the game slowed (the original arcade game ran on an Intel 8080 processor at a whopping 2 MHz) and when they died it freed up memory. The other key feature was that it was the first game that was not timed which meant the better you were the longer you could play. So go ahead and see where you rank on this classic...
Think In Pictures - Classic Gaming Art
Retro Picture of the Day (Frogger)
This site combines classic gaming screens with art. See the full collection here.
This site combines classic gaming screens with art. See the full collection here.
A Day in the Life of a Retro Gaming Fan - Fantastic Stop Motion Video
Classic Video of the Day
This video combines our every day environment with some of your favorite classic games. A terrific use of stop motion video.
Bob Marley Video Collection
Classic Videos of the Day
It is sometimes difficult to know where to even start when discussing Bob Marley. His music is at once both infectious and (I believe) timeless. Not only did he have a knack for writing great pop songs but his lyrical prowess mustn't ever be questioned. Whether it be the simple, reassuring message "everything is going to be alright" or something a bit more pereceptive such as "emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds. have no fear for atomic energy, cause none of them can stop the time" his words remain relevant and true today. His relentless optimism and hope in the face of poverty is something every individual should "check in" and remind themselves of from time to time. So why don't you go ahead catch up with Mr. Marley a little, now is as good a time as any other...
Bob Marley Stir It Up
Bob Marley - Redemption Song
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
Bob Marley - No Woman No Cry
Bob Marley - Buffalo Soldier
It is sometimes difficult to know where to even start when discussing Bob Marley. His music is at once both infectious and (I believe) timeless. Not only did he have a knack for writing great pop songs but his lyrical prowess mustn't ever be questioned. Whether it be the simple, reassuring message "everything is going to be alright" or something a bit more pereceptive such as "emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds. have no fear for atomic energy, cause none of them can stop the time" his words remain relevant and true today. His relentless optimism and hope in the face of poverty is something every individual should "check in" and remind themselves of from time to time. So why don't you go ahead catch up with Mr. Marley a little, now is as good a time as any other...
Bob Marley Stir It Up
Bob Marley - Redemption Song
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
Bob Marley - No Woman No Cry
Bob Marley - Buffalo Soldier
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