Happy New Year, everyone. I'm signing off until January 2, as I'll be on the road a lot until then. But I figured this time-lapse video was the perfect way to close out 2008:
One year in 40 seconds from Eirik Solheim on Vimeo.
(Via Towleroad.)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Transformers II Is Shooting!
Wired reports:
Hollywood action director Michael Bay enlisted the U.S. military to provide realistic props for his 2007 giant-robot epic Transformers. After the Pentagon helped rewrite the script, Bay got access to helicopters, warships and -- for just $25,000 an hour -- F-22 stealth fighters.
As we speak, Bay is shooting a sequel that has even more U.S. military hardware on display, according to USA Today. The director set up shop at White Sands, a test range in New Mexico, standing in for Egypt, where the new movie's climactic battle takes place. "As far as I know, this is the biggest joint military operation movie ever made," said Bay's liaison officer from the Army.
Continue reading.
Beware Of Dried Out Christmas Trees
This video is pretty awesome--so long as something similar doesn't happen in one's own home:
So make sure to keep your Christmas tree well-watered and then throw it out before it's completely dead.
(Via Boing Boing.)
So make sure to keep your Christmas tree well-watered and then throw it out before it's completely dead.
(Via Boing Boing.)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
An Environmentalist Analysis Of WALL-E And Quantum Of Solace
Climate Progress' Joseph Romm writes:
The best eco-movie of the year is Disney/Pixar’s Wall-E — easily one of the best movie dystopias ever. It ranks with Blade Runner, Brazil, A Clockwork Orange, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, the Matrix, Planet of the Apes, Soylent Green, and the first two Terminator movies.
Yes, Hollywood loves dystopias. Perhaps because it is one (okay, technically Hollywood is an anti-utopia).
The worst eco-movie of the year for me was Quantum of Solace. I had been somewhat hopeful upon learning the villain was a green-washing “eco-entrepreneur.” But as a huge James Bond fan, I was quite disappointed. The writing and directing were dreadful, among the worst of the entire series. The story line was incoherent. The characters’ motivations were opaque. And the direction of the action scenes suffered from the Jason Bourne syndrome — way too much fast-cutting.
I still like the grittiness of Daniel Craig — his Bond is much more like Ian Fleming imagined in his books than anyone since the Sean Connery of the early movies. Still, the gritty realism is undercut again and again as one guy with a pistol keeps beating a dozen guys with machine guns — not something you find much in the books.
Continue reading.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Random Goodness
First random thing:
Next Nature reports:
Unfortunately, we're no where close to building functional nanobots like the one pictured. But it is a pretty sweet picture. I suppose that's why Next Nature included it in their post.
Second random thing:
(Via Brand Flakes for Breakfast.)
Third random thing:
(Via Inspire me, now!)
Consider me inspired. To do what exactly, I don't know.
Fourth and final random thing:
(Via Boing Boing.)
Beware of snowmen with mustaches, I guess.
That is all.
Next Nature reports:
Nanotechnology isn’t just protecting your food - it’s in your food. Scientists are manufacturing nano-sized vitamins that are easier for our bodies to absorb. In the future they hope to create ‘interactive’ food - food and drink that could change color, flavor or nutrients on demand.
Meanwhile, top chef Heston Blumenthal is dreaming of Willy Wonka style sweets, with three different tastes in one. Supported by the University of Nottingham, he’s even employed a research student who will investigate how nanotechnology could improve foods’ flavour.
Unfortunately, we're no where close to building functional nanobots like the one pictured. But it is a pretty sweet picture. I suppose that's why Next Nature included it in their post.
Second random thing:
(Via Brand Flakes for Breakfast.)
Third random thing:
(Via Inspire me, now!)
Consider me inspired. To do what exactly, I don't know.
Fourth and final random thing:
(Via Boing Boing.)
Beware of snowmen with mustaches, I guess.
That is all.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Best. Street Art. Ever.
MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.
See more of this artist's work at blublu.org.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Mysteries Of American Chinese Food
This is a great exploration of how Americans have radically altered Chinese cuisine. But just because it's not authentic doesn't mean it's not tasty.
(Jennifer 8. Lee: Who was General Tso? and other mysteries of American Chinese food)
(Jennifer 8. Lee: Who was General Tso? and other mysteries of American Chinese food)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Food Is A Wonderful, Terrible Drug
(Via DoseNation.)
These women's concoction is obviously a much greater threat to public health than marijuana.
(Cross-posted at The Podium.)
Make It Rain On Me
This is a great project, bringing the idea of a rain cloud following and tormenting a single person out of the cartoons and into the real world. However, I'd prefer a sun that always kept my surroundings bright no matter how dreary the weather. That would definitely help boost my mood.
Make It Rain On Me (Outdoor) from Paul Outlaw on Vimeo.
(Via Urban Prankster.)
Make It Rain On Me (Outdoor) from Paul Outlaw on Vimeo.
(Via Urban Prankster.)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The ultimate finals playlist
Songs I'm obsessed with! As per usual! Let's hope people read it and weep!
Right now, I'm watching Wall-E (which is strangely not unlike 2001: A Space Odyssey), procrastinating going to work, and eating a lot of junk food, compliments of my mom's annual finals care package. Wall E is precious. Eve-a!
Songs to pass your finals to, or, Songs for Eve, OR, I finally updated my Facebook music interests after months of loving the same bands forever
• "Jungle Drum" — Emiliana Torrini (love the Icelandic songstresses)
• "Sleepyhead" — Passion Pit (such a catchy little ditty. everytime I play this song for someone they freak out and love it immediately)
• "If U Seek Amy" — Britney Spears (Ok, ok. So it's really cool to like Britney right now. I'm not going to feel guilty. Don't judge me.)
• "Fix Up, Look Sharp" — Dizzee Rascal ("ooooiiiii! I stay sweet as a nut, sweet like Tropicana, when the hammer hits, your head splits like a banana!".........best lyrics ever?)
• "Love Lockdown" — Kanye West (is there anyone who genuinely doesn't like Kanye? maybe. if so, they probably also don't like Wall-E.
• "White Diamonds" — Alela Diane (You hold that feather, sister. Her voice makes me melt. Like Wall E and Eve holding hands.)
• "Coffee" — Motel Motel (borderline too whiny...but it's a must-have on this playlist)
• "Brooklyn Go Hard" — Jay Z feat. Santogold (SUCH a bomb track.)
• "Gifted" — N.A.S.A. feat. Kanye West, Santogold, & Lykke Li (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaKA2HKKqZw&feature=related)
• "Everyone's At It" — Lily Allen
• "Gravity's Rainbow (Soulwax Remix)" — Klaxons (Can't believe I wasn't into these guys earlier.)
• "Mountains" — Biffy Clyro
• "Crush" — Jellyhead (Thank you so much, Ultimate Dance Party 1998! Age 12, welcome back! If you watch one video, make it this one. My favorite part is the lime green spandex jumper costume. I believe I once owned something similar.)
ACKKK! I AM SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW. Eve and Wall-E are saving all the fat people and the theme song to 2001:A Space Odyssey is playing!!! The Dawn of Man! I knew it. I am so pleased with myself that I can catch that popular reference. This movie rocks. hehe. all the fat people with no bones are having issues trying to walk. Robots holding hands is so precious.
That's it, kids. Hope you pass your finals with this playlist. oh! Also, a few movie recommendations: Mr. Brooks, and Flatliners. Just....Netflix that shiz.
—Ann, who pledges to stop eating junk food....soon.
Right now, I'm watching Wall-E (which is strangely not unlike 2001: A Space Odyssey), procrastinating going to work, and eating a lot of junk food, compliments of my mom's annual finals care package. Wall E is precious. Eve-a!
Songs to pass your finals to, or, Songs for Eve, OR, I finally updated my Facebook music interests after months of loving the same bands forever
• "Jungle Drum" — Emiliana Torrini (love the Icelandic songstresses)
• "Sleepyhead" — Passion Pit (such a catchy little ditty. everytime I play this song for someone they freak out and love it immediately)
• "If U Seek Amy" — Britney Spears (Ok, ok. So it's really cool to like Britney right now. I'm not going to feel guilty. Don't judge me.)
• "Fix Up, Look Sharp" — Dizzee Rascal ("ooooiiiii! I stay sweet as a nut, sweet like Tropicana, when the hammer hits, your head splits like a banana!".........best lyrics ever?)
• "Love Lockdown" — Kanye West (is there anyone who genuinely doesn't like Kanye? maybe. if so, they probably also don't like Wall-E.
• "White Diamonds" — Alela Diane (You hold that feather, sister. Her voice makes me melt. Like Wall E and Eve holding hands.)
• "Coffee" — Motel Motel (borderline too whiny...but it's a must-have on this playlist)
• "Brooklyn Go Hard" — Jay Z feat. Santogold (SUCH a bomb track.)
• "Gifted" — N.A.S.A. feat. Kanye West, Santogold, & Lykke Li (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaKA2HKKqZw&feature=related)
• "Everyone's At It" — Lily Allen
• "Gravity's Rainbow (Soulwax Remix)" — Klaxons (Can't believe I wasn't into these guys earlier.)
• "Mountains" — Biffy Clyro
• "Crush" — Jellyhead (Thank you so much, Ultimate Dance Party 1998! Age 12, welcome back! If you watch one video, make it this one. My favorite part is the lime green spandex jumper costume. I believe I once owned something similar.)
ACKKK! I AM SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW. Eve and Wall-E are saving all the fat people and the theme song to 2001:A Space Odyssey is playing!!! The Dawn of Man! I knew it. I am so pleased with myself that I can catch that popular reference. This movie rocks. hehe. all the fat people with no bones are having issues trying to walk. Robots holding hands is so precious.
That's it, kids. Hope you pass your finals with this playlist. oh! Also, a few movie recommendations: Mr. Brooks, and Flatliners. Just....Netflix that shiz.
—Ann, who pledges to stop eating junk food....soon.
Cute Things Falling Asleep
Yet another welcome distraction from finals: Cute Things Falling Asleep!
Examples...
Sleepy sloth:
Sleepy kitten (one of many):
(Via Slog.)
Examples...
Sleepy sloth:
Sleepy kitten (one of many):
(Via Slog.)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Flash Rave!
Urban Prankster reports:
Doing something like this at the UI would be awesome.
Students at UNC Chapel Hill organized a Flash Rave in the Undergraduate Library to blow off steam during exam week. UNC is my alma mater, so I’m proud to see stuff like this going on down there.
Doing something like this at the UI would be awesome.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Trans-Siberian sensory assault
Last night had been the night I'd been waiting for all semester long. It would serve as the grand finale, a "last blast" to an absolutely insane Fall semester at Iowa. I knew that my $50 ticket was money well spent, as this is my third time seeing Trans-Siberian Orchestra, at the I-Wireless Center in Moline, IL.
In case you're (sadly) unfamiliar with the group, TSO is an elaborate crew consisting of several guitar players, two keyboardists, scores of vocalists, an orchestra and two electric violinists, that crank out some of the most unique interpretations of classic Christmas and Classical music you've ever heard. TSO was formed in New York, by Paul O'Neill, and there are two sets of performers that tour simultaneously nationwide, usually in and around the holiday season.
Not only was this concert the end of the semester for me, it is also the perfect way to start thinking about the holiday celebrations to come.
Now, TSO is widely known for their spectacular live performances. At any given time in the nearly three-hour set, there are at least 15 people on stage, save for maybe a few simpler numbers. The first half of the show is the Christmas-themed portion of the show, blasting through songs off of their three Christmas albums, but mostly sticking to the "Christmas Eve & Other Stories" album. Complete with narration, the story of keeping the faith, in Christmas spirit, life, and humanity is ever present, and incredibly inspiring. The previously mentioned album is heavily focused on this, particularly in the song "Old City Bar:"
(Note: These are not my videos from the show I went to...but I was in the CENTER of ROW 7!!!! Sorry, I'm still kind of freaking out about it!!)
Trans-Siberian Orchestra does a remarkable job at keeping the audience engaged. Don't let the "Orchestra" bit fool you. With solos and (literally) blinding light displays, should you get bored, you might want to question how alive you really are. The second half of the concert is primarily dedicated to their more rockin' numbers, with wintry modern classics such as "Queen of the Winter Night," "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo, 12/24," and "Wizards in Winter:"
TSO does not skimp on quality in the slightest, as can be seen and heard from the video above, the musicianship and light spectacular that they present each and every night they perform, is simply stunning. Each musician puts forth all their energy and might for a fantastic performance. Being so close to the musicians, for the first time, I was able to see on their faces just how much fun they were having up there!
The show finally closed with a song from the "Beethoven's Last Night" album: "Requiem: The Fifth." This song truly is the culmination of all the tasty goodness we have been experiencing for hours (and honestly, I wish it could have gone on forever). This is where the band, crew, everyone goes all-out, complete with pyrotechnics, fireworks, every strobe light available, the list goes on and on. We were able to feel the flames shooting on stage, and actually started to sweat a bit because it was so persistent. The lights were blinding, but somehow it made the experience all the more enjoyable.
As we left the I-Wireless Center, the arena in a dense fog, all I could think of is how excited I am to see it all over again next year.
In case you're (sadly) unfamiliar with the group, TSO is an elaborate crew consisting of several guitar players, two keyboardists, scores of vocalists, an orchestra and two electric violinists, that crank out some of the most unique interpretations of classic Christmas and Classical music you've ever heard. TSO was formed in New York, by Paul O'Neill, and there are two sets of performers that tour simultaneously nationwide, usually in and around the holiday season.
Not only was this concert the end of the semester for me, it is also the perfect way to start thinking about the holiday celebrations to come.
Now, TSO is widely known for their spectacular live performances. At any given time in the nearly three-hour set, there are at least 15 people on stage, save for maybe a few simpler numbers. The first half of the show is the Christmas-themed portion of the show, blasting through songs off of their three Christmas albums, but mostly sticking to the "Christmas Eve & Other Stories" album. Complete with narration, the story of keeping the faith, in Christmas spirit, life, and humanity is ever present, and incredibly inspiring. The previously mentioned album is heavily focused on this, particularly in the song "Old City Bar:"
(Note: These are not my videos from the show I went to...but I was in the CENTER of ROW 7!!!! Sorry, I'm still kind of freaking out about it!!)
Trans-Siberian Orchestra does a remarkable job at keeping the audience engaged. Don't let the "Orchestra" bit fool you. With solos and (literally) blinding light displays, should you get bored, you might want to question how alive you really are. The second half of the concert is primarily dedicated to their more rockin' numbers, with wintry modern classics such as "Queen of the Winter Night," "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo, 12/24," and "Wizards in Winter:"
TSO does not skimp on quality in the slightest, as can be seen and heard from the video above, the musicianship and light spectacular that they present each and every night they perform, is simply stunning. Each musician puts forth all their energy and might for a fantastic performance. Being so close to the musicians, for the first time, I was able to see on their faces just how much fun they were having up there!
The show finally closed with a song from the "Beethoven's Last Night" album: "Requiem: The Fifth." This song truly is the culmination of all the tasty goodness we have been experiencing for hours (and honestly, I wish it could have gone on forever). This is where the band, crew, everyone goes all-out, complete with pyrotechnics, fireworks, every strobe light available, the list goes on and on. We were able to feel the flames shooting on stage, and actually started to sweat a bit because it was so persistent. The lights were blinding, but somehow it made the experience all the more enjoyable.
As we left the I-Wireless Center, the arena in a dense fog, all I could think of is how excited I am to see it all over again next year.
So the Kelso thing? Not just an act...
Oh, dear, sweet, hometown Homestead-Ashton. That's Kutcher, and not The Daily Iowan's beloved and oft-Rickrolled news reporter with the surname Shurson.
I'm actually watching Guess Who?, Kutcher's 2005 socially-relevant comedy of a much better socially-relevant film, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? How fated that this film is on TBS one day after Mr. Kutcher visited Iowa City, home of his semi-mater the University of Iowa, on an altruistic mission?
Mr. Kutcher was here as part of Mediacom's flood relief effort Make A Difference. He and his wife Demi attended the Iowa basketball game, before shuffling over to the Englert for a fundraiser screening of his new film, Personal Effects, a VIP fan meet and greet, and awkward press conference, which I had the good fortune to attend.
It was made very clear that the press were not allowed to see the film unless they purchased a ticket, so I decided to go the DI Wine and Cheese route instead. But I took notes, like an actual reporter, and I'd like to share them now.
Kutcher called Dan Gable a personal hero, and said that he was a wrestler in high school. But he "wasn't good enough to be an Iowa wrestler," though he wanted to be one, but he is "good enough to play one in the movies," which he does in Personal Effects.
He signed on to this particular fundraiser because it "provided the gravitas of a long-term solution." And to the haters on various Iowa news outlets' websites, who condemn Kutcher for not coming home to help earlier, he replies, "What are they doing?"
In explaining his involvement, Kutcher cited the biblical proverb about teaching a man to fish as opposed to just giving a man to fish, saying a teacher taught it to him. He said that Iowans knew how to fish, but all they needed was a "rod and a reel."
And that was only the beginning of Kutcher's kind comments to Iowans. Some even came at the expense of other natural disaster victims. He said, "Iowans like to get it done themselves," about the lack of press coverage after this summer's flooding in comparison to that other disaster, Hurricane Katrina. He said Katrina victims, in contrast to Iowa flood victims, embraced a more "give it to me" attitude about relief and rescue efforts. He then compared the flood to the 2004 Tsunami as well, saying that a "flood appears to be more gentle," and people like to see carnage, things that are more "cinemagraphic," whatever that means.
He said he's from Hollywood, so he's dramatic, and will scream for Iowans to get aid. There's a "sense of earnership" (another made up word?) and "pride" so Iowans "didn't cry as loud" when the nation's "second largest national disaster" in history hit the Corn state.
"I'm passionate about other people," he said, doe eyed and scruffy in front of the press.
The whole event boiled down to Kutcher wanting to "raise awareness" because "people forget quick," and "it's easy to forget when there's no drama."
He sounded genuinely moved when he describe Cedar Rapids as "a ghost of a town" and how "shocking" the images were during/post-flood. He saw the hospital where he was born in under water, drowning alongside the museums where he used to rollerblade on the railings.
Take from the quotes what you will, and feel free to comment or e-mail me if you want more salacious details or my personal opinions.
He's pretty cute in real life though.
-Meryn, who is now watching A Lot Like Love as part of TBS' Kutcher double-feature. She doesn't care what you say, this movie is a personal favorite, mostly because of the soundtrack and the plot. plus Kutch gets naked with Amanda Peet. HOT.
I'm actually watching Guess Who?, Kutcher's 2005 socially-relevant comedy of a much better socially-relevant film, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? How fated that this film is on TBS one day after Mr. Kutcher visited Iowa City, home of his semi-mater the University of Iowa, on an altruistic mission?
Mr. Kutcher was here as part of Mediacom's flood relief effort Make A Difference. He and his wife Demi attended the Iowa basketball game, before shuffling over to the Englert for a fundraiser screening of his new film, Personal Effects, a VIP fan meet and greet, and awkward press conference, which I had the good fortune to attend.
It was made very clear that the press were not allowed to see the film unless they purchased a ticket, so I decided to go the DI Wine and Cheese route instead. But I took notes, like an actual reporter, and I'd like to share them now.
Kutcher called Dan Gable a personal hero, and said that he was a wrestler in high school. But he "wasn't good enough to be an Iowa wrestler," though he wanted to be one, but he is "good enough to play one in the movies," which he does in Personal Effects.
He signed on to this particular fundraiser because it "provided the gravitas of a long-term solution." And to the haters on various Iowa news outlets' websites, who condemn Kutcher for not coming home to help earlier, he replies, "What are they doing?"
In explaining his involvement, Kutcher cited the biblical proverb about teaching a man to fish as opposed to just giving a man to fish, saying a teacher taught it to him. He said that Iowans knew how to fish, but all they needed was a "rod and a reel."
And that was only the beginning of Kutcher's kind comments to Iowans. Some even came at the expense of other natural disaster victims. He said, "Iowans like to get it done themselves," about the lack of press coverage after this summer's flooding in comparison to that other disaster, Hurricane Katrina. He said Katrina victims, in contrast to Iowa flood victims, embraced a more "give it to me" attitude about relief and rescue efforts. He then compared the flood to the 2004 Tsunami as well, saying that a "flood appears to be more gentle," and people like to see carnage, things that are more "cinemagraphic," whatever that means.
He said he's from Hollywood, so he's dramatic, and will scream for Iowans to get aid. There's a "sense of earnership" (another made up word?) and "pride" so Iowans "didn't cry as loud" when the nation's "second largest national disaster" in history hit the Corn state.
"I'm passionate about other people," he said, doe eyed and scruffy in front of the press.
The whole event boiled down to Kutcher wanting to "raise awareness" because "people forget quick," and "it's easy to forget when there's no drama."
He sounded genuinely moved when he describe Cedar Rapids as "a ghost of a town" and how "shocking" the images were during/post-flood. He saw the hospital where he was born in under water, drowning alongside the museums where he used to rollerblade on the railings.
Take from the quotes what you will, and feel free to comment or e-mail me if you want more salacious details or my personal opinions.
He's pretty cute in real life though.
-Meryn, who is now watching A Lot Like Love as part of TBS' Kutcher double-feature. She doesn't care what you say, this movie is a personal favorite, mostly because of the soundtrack and the plot. plus Kutch gets naked with Amanda Peet. HOT.
The YouTube Screening Room
Did you know YouTube has a section on its website called the Screening Room? It allows you to watch high quality short films that you'd probably never otherwise get a chance to see. Check it out.
Here's an interesting one about a young gay man coming out it his family--it's called Second Guessing Grandma:
(I suggest clicking through to the video's page and viewing it in high definition and full-screen view.)
Here's an interesting one about a young gay man coming out it his family--it's called Second Guessing Grandma:
(I suggest clicking through to the video's page and viewing it in high definition and full-screen view.)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Happiest day of my life
Today a genie came down from the sky and asked what two things I wanted in life. Obviously, I replied that (1) I would like Kate Walsh to be single again, as she obviously belongs with me and (2) that Jennifer Aniston also return my love her her by posing for GQ.
And that genie sure worked his/her/its magic. That, or Santa came early this year because my wish list is quickly being filled.
Wish 1: Kate Walsh
E Online reports that Kate's husband wants a divorce in an article.
Meanwhile my personal publication, B Offline, reports that I am single, available, and most certainly the perfect match for Kate. Don't worry you'll all get invites to the wedding — and tickets for Private Practice tapings, anyone?
Wish 2: Jennifer Aniston
Oh, how I love Jennifer Aniston. She's hilarious. And gorgeous. And has the best/most adorable facial expressions which the NYT Magazine shared with us last week:
And now Jen is gracing the cover of GQ for next month…nude. Okay, so I'm not going all frat-boy and *insert inappropriate reference to last week's 'SNL' digital short* just at the sight of slightly covered breasts and exposed thighs. Come on, I can't be a womanizer unless I'm talking about B. Spears! I just love that J.A. - just a few weeks before Marley and Me (you know, that cute movie my little brother wants to see?) is released - is baring it all.
But now my jealousy is kicking in:
What?!? And I can't be one of those models?? I mean, I already have the Lion King-esque hip tattoo so I should be a shoo in.
So, there ya go. A glimpse into my testosterone-filled brain for a second. If you're looking for something a little more estrogen-based, find Meryn and remind her that Ashton Kutcher will be here tomorrow.
—B. James Stewart
And that genie sure worked his/her/its magic. That, or Santa came early this year because my wish list is quickly being filled.
Wish 1: Kate Walsh
E Online reports that Kate's husband wants a divorce in an article.
Meanwhile my personal publication, B Offline, reports that I am single, available, and most certainly the perfect match for Kate. Don't worry you'll all get invites to the wedding — and tickets for Private Practice tapings, anyone?
Wish 2: Jennifer Aniston
Oh, how I love Jennifer Aniston. She's hilarious. And gorgeous. And has the best/most adorable facial expressions which the NYT Magazine shared with us last week:
And now Jen is gracing the cover of GQ for next month…nude. Okay, so I'm not going all frat-boy and *insert inappropriate reference to last week's 'SNL' digital short* just at the sight of slightly covered breasts and exposed thighs. Come on, I can't be a womanizer unless I'm talking about B. Spears! I just love that J.A. - just a few weeks before Marley and Me (you know, that cute movie my little brother wants to see?) is released - is baring it all.
But now my jealousy is kicking in:
What?!? And I can't be one of those models?? I mean, I already have the Lion King-esque hip tattoo so I should be a shoo in.
So, there ya go. A glimpse into my testosterone-filled brain for a second. If you're looking for something a little more estrogen-based, find Meryn and remind her that Ashton Kutcher will be here tomorrow.
—B. James Stewart
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tourist Snapshots From North Korea
(http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/paul_koontz_shares_his_pix_of_north_korea.html)
I would jump at the chance to go to North Korea--though being trapped there would be one of the most hellish fates I could imagine.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Print Is Doomed, Electronic Media Set To Boom
Andrew Sullivan ponders the accelerating print media apocalypse:
The solution? This:
(Via Engadget.)
Business Wire reports:
I wrote a column detailing my predictions along these lines a few months back:
The news today is particularly grim for daily newspapers, with the Chicago Tribune going bankrupt and the New York Times running out of money. Within the next several years it seems likely that most of the mainstream print media industry is going to suffer a fate similar to that of the famous Hindenberg airship:
The best way forward for primarily text-based media outlets is to move to business models focusing on making content available in as many electronic formats as possible. The flexible displays and electronic paper discussed above are going to proliferate with amazing rapidity over the next couple of years. News organizations that embrace this development and give up on wasting money squirting ink onto paper and shipping it all over the place will survive. The vast majority of those that don't will die. Sure it will be a painful process, but evolution always is.
Make no mistake, the media ecosystem that will grow up on the foundation of ubiquitous flexible electronic displays will be far better than the current print media environment. Barriers to entry will be substantially lower, opportunities for diversity will be greater, and stodgy centralized management will cease to be anything but a liability. So bring on the fiery doom as soon as possible. Only after there are ashes can a phoenix rise from them.
(Cross-posted at The Podium.)
Update:
I've written another blog post expanding on this one: Electronic Newspaper Business Models.
Take the newspaper industry. It has been faltering badly under the pressure of new media for a few years. For much of the past decade, circulation for all papers has been declining at about 2% a year. The last year has been a test case of sorts. Newspapers had the story of a lifetime: an election campaign of historic interest, suspense, drama and personality. From Hillary to Barack, from John Edwards’s love child to Sarah Palin’s Down’s syndrome child, from John McCain’s wild lunges for relevance to the first black president, it was the kind of year in which circulation should have boomed. If you live for a story, this year was an embarrassment of riches.
And yet the decline didn’t just continue. It accelerated.
Between March and September the 500 biggest newspapers in America reported an average circulation decline of 4.6%. In six months. That’s close to a 10% decline per year. No newspapers showed any but fractional gains. It is therefore a near-certainty that many towns and cities in America will no longer have a newspaper after the down-turn. And that may apply not just to small names but to some big ones as well. The Los Angeles Times, for example, has gone from a circulation of 1.1m to 739,000 since the turn of the millennium. Its staff has been halved. Morale has never been lower.
Continue reading.
The solution? This:
(Via Engadget.)
Business Wire reports:
Flexible displays are paper-like computer displays made almost entirely of plastic. This technology enables displays to become easily portable and consumes less power than today’s computer displays. Popular applications for the technology could include electronic paper and signage.
The production feat is a milestone in the industry’s efforts to create a mass market for high-resolution flexible displays. Plus, from an environmental standpoint, the displays leapfrog conventional display processes by using up to 90 percent less materials by volume.
Mass production of such displays can enable production of notebook computers, smart phones and other electronic devices at much lower costs since the display is one of the more costly components.
I wrote a column detailing my predictions along these lines a few months back:
Technology enthusiasts have predicted the death of paper for some time now but have traditionally had trouble explaining what would take its place. Despite their usefulness for many tasks, the electronic displays on present-day laptops and other gadgets remain unable to match old-fashioned paper in terms of being lightweight, flexible, and, perhaps most importantly, easy on the eyes. Thus, although many people today, especially the young, get much of their news online, dead-tree publications still serve a unique and vital function.
But those age-old compact sheets of ground-up wood pulp are about to be supplanted by a new medium. If "plastics" was the economic buzzword of the late 1960s, "electronic paper" will likely achieve similar fame in the 2010s. The name may or may not stick, but the development of the technology is already proceeding at a rapid pace. Numerous electronics manufacturers are experimenting with flexible circuits that can be embedded in rubber, producing devices such as screens, keyboards, and touch pads that can be twisted, rolled, or folded without damaging them.
Continue reading.
The news today is particularly grim for daily newspapers, with the Chicago Tribune going bankrupt and the New York Times running out of money. Within the next several years it seems likely that most of the mainstream print media industry is going to suffer a fate similar to that of the famous Hindenberg airship:
The best way forward for primarily text-based media outlets is to move to business models focusing on making content available in as many electronic formats as possible. The flexible displays and electronic paper discussed above are going to proliferate with amazing rapidity over the next couple of years. News organizations that embrace this development and give up on wasting money squirting ink onto paper and shipping it all over the place will survive. The vast majority of those that don't will die. Sure it will be a painful process, but evolution always is.
Make no mistake, the media ecosystem that will grow up on the foundation of ubiquitous flexible electronic displays will be far better than the current print media environment. Barriers to entry will be substantially lower, opportunities for diversity will be greater, and stodgy centralized management will cease to be anything but a liability. So bring on the fiery doom as soon as possible. Only after there are ashes can a phoenix rise from them.
(Cross-posted at The Podium.)
Update:
I've written another blog post expanding on this one: Electronic Newspaper Business Models.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The Lonely Island Boys Rock My World
Hey, DI Arts staff fans and friends. Meryn's here to write the sequel to last year's "Why I Love Andy Samberg" post. It goes something like this: Jorma Taccone is the cutest guy alive. Andy, Jorma, and their friend Akiva Schaeffer, founded the Internet film comedy group The Lonely Island. These guys found themselves on Saturday Night Live soon after, Andy as a performer and Jorma and Akiva as writers. Together, they took the show into the 21st Century with the groundbreaking Digital Shorts; legitimizing YouTube with the sensational "Lazy Sunday." Not all the Digital Shorts are hits, but the ones with music tend to score with viewers. Now, the Digital Shorts are a must-see feature on SNL, and the subject of frequent Monday morning office chatter. SNL's Digital Shorts, with original music often composed by nerdish sex bomb Jorma, are also a hot spot for big names like Justin Timberlake (in the insta-classic "Dick in a Box"), as well as Jake Gyllenhaal Maroon 5's Adam Levine (in "Iran So Far Away," a tribute to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad's trip to NYC).
Imagine my glee this past Saturday when I turned to the Peacock Network and saw this:
Yes, and the hottie rapping alongside Andy Samberg is Jorma Taccone. (I know, right?) He's also in Samberg's film, Hot Rod, directed by Akiva Schaeffer (who cameos in this Digital Short as the DJ). Molly Sims, Jamie Lynn-Sigler and none other than Mr. Timberlake round out the cast of my favorite Digital Short of this season. Please enjoy.
-Meryn, who is eternally bummed out to discover that Jorma Taccone is happily married.
Imagine my glee this past Saturday when I turned to the Peacock Network and saw this:
Yes, and the hottie rapping alongside Andy Samberg is Jorma Taccone. (I know, right?) He's also in Samberg's film, Hot Rod, directed by Akiva Schaeffer (who cameos in this Digital Short as the DJ). Molly Sims, Jamie Lynn-Sigler and none other than Mr. Timberlake round out the cast of my favorite Digital Short of this season. Please enjoy.
-Meryn, who is eternally bummed out to discover that Jorma Taccone is happily married.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Cable News as "Mean Girls," An Addendum
I'm not endorsing the positions of Jon Stewart and "The Daily Show" but this piece is a nice little bookend to that Medium I wrote a few weeks ago (to shamelessly plug my own work). And Stewart does it far better than I could ever hope to.
Oh, and sorry A.C. and Chuckie-T, but Jon Stewart is definitely the hottest of the cable newsmen, in addition to being the funniest by far.
-Meryn, who just can't believe David Gregory is going to be the new host of "Meet The Press."
The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c
Oh, and sorry A.C. and Chuckie-T, but Jon Stewart is definitely the hottest of the cable newsmen, in addition to being the funniest by far.
-Meryn, who just can't believe David Gregory is going to be the new host of "Meet The Press."
Monday, December 1, 2008
I love stumbling.
I found this on NetScrap. I find it accurate. Note to fellow imbibers: try avoiding Stage 5 complications.
THE FIVE STAGES OF DRUNKENNESS
Stage #1 -- Smart
This is when you suddenly become an expert on every subject. You
know all and greatly wish to express this knowledge to anyone who
will listen. At this stage you are also always right. And of course
the person you are talking with is very wrong. You will talk for
hours trying to convince someone that you are right. This makes for an
interesting argument when both parties are "smart". Two people talking,
in fact, arguing about a subject neither one really knows anything
about, but are convinced that they are they complete authority on the
subject makes for great entertainment for those get the opportunity to
listen in.
Stage #2 -- Handsome/Pretty
This is when you are convinced that you are the best looking person in
the entire room and everyone is looking at you. You begin to wink at
perfect strangers and ask them to dance because of course they had been
admiring you the whole evening. You are the center of attention, and all
eyes are directed at you because you are the most beautiful thing on the
face of the earth. Now keep in mind that you are still smart, so you can
talk to this person who has been admiring you about any and all subjects
under the sun.
Stage #3 -- Rich
This is when you suddenly become the richest person in the world. You can
buy drinks for the entire bar and put it on your bill because you surely
have an armored truck full of your money parked behind the bar. You can
also make bets in this stage. Now of course you still know all, so you
will always win all your bets. And you have no concern for how much
money you bet because you have all the money in the world. You will also
begin to buy drinks for all the people in the bar who are admiring you
because you are now the smartest, prettiest, and richest person on the
face of the earth.
Stage #4 -- Bulletproof
You can now pick fights with the people you have been betting money with
because you cannot be hurt by anything. At this point you would go up to
the boyfriend of the woman who had been admiring your beautiful self
all evening and challenge him to a battle of wits for money. You have no
worry about losing this battle of wits because you know all, have all
the money to cover this bet, and you obviously win a fight that might
erupt if he looses.
Stage #5 -- Invisible
This is the final stage of drunkenness. At this point you can do
absolutely anything because no one can see you. You can get up and dance
on a table; you can strip down to your underwear, to impress the people
who have been admiring you all evening, because the rest of the people
in the room cannot see you. You are also invisible to the person whom
you have picked a fight with earlier in the evening. You can walk through
the streets singing at the top of your lungs (because of course you are
still smart and know the tune perfectly) and no one will think anything
of it because they can't see you. All your social inhibitions are
gone. You can do anything, because no one will know.
And you certainly won't remember !
up next: the DI releases nude pictures? no. rest easy.
In the spirit of both the upcoming Fall Out Boy album, Folie A Deux (which I'll be reviewing on its release date of December 16th), and the finally-arrived Wentz baby, Bronx Mowgli (...yeah), I saw this floating around online and couldn't resist. Please feel free to join in.
This dude is someone's father now. Think about that.
01. Put your music player on shuffle
02. The first lines of twenty songs = a poem; the first line of the twenty-first song is the title
(for full Wentzian effect, which you can see on display here, along with a host of other assorted plugs for clothing and other ridiculous crap, i've gone full no-caps):
i just want to belong
the seaweed is always greener
needed some time, so i could find a little strength to redefine
i came up like everyone, they taught us all the same
dear, i fear we're facing a problem
when your eyes fall down you know you're like a crook
long ago
standing at the back door
my latest sun is sinking fast
sittin here, eatin my heart out, waitin
i wake up, my shoulder's cold
everybody knows which way you go
she turned me on, but now i'm shakin
like a moth to a flame burned by the fire
every time the day darkens down and goes away
in my place
hello?
come to my house
bah humbug, no that's too strong
it's easier to fall and harder to stand
don't want to say goodbye to you
Ahahahahahahahaha! That was awesome. And I actually swear that I didn't not put that one Christmas-themed song in there on purpose--iTunes works in mysterious ways, what can I say.
— Anna, who's a classic (like a little black dress).
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