Consumerism is not punk rock. But creativity and self-sufficiency are.
So, craftiness is uber cool. For those crafty women-folk the world over, this is not news. But crafting has met the mainstream these days, and The Felt Club is recognizing that.
Like an awesome green market in the heart of NYC in the summer, this craft fair in Hollywood, CA, brings together a mix of modern crafters and crafting suppliers.
Crafty kitties not in Southern California should visit the Web site for links to many of the vendors. Happy shopping!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Saturday, June 03, 2006
That's some sucker!
Few celebrities have done the many good deeds that Angelina Jolie has taken the time to do. This is the primary reason ~ besides her hotness ~ that she is well-liked.
So it comes as no surprise that folks enjoy doing nice things for her. When Shiloh Nouvel, her and Brad's baby girl, was born in Namibia recently, the celebrity swag began to pour in.
It included a domain name in the child's honor (shilohjoliepitt.com), courtesy of Angelina's attorneys. Also, there was a custom-designed pacifier from itsmybinky.com, a company that specializes in just such things. This is a very special binky ~ 14K white gold and 3 carats of diamonds special ~ $17,000 special.
Angelina has been generous with the people of Africa, including donating hunderds of thousands of dollars for new hospitals, schools, etc. But the folks over at TMZ.com thought it would be clever to see what that $17,000 could buy in Africa:
Of course, that money could put one Florida kid through a four-year state college. But that's crazy talk.
So it comes as no surprise that folks enjoy doing nice things for her. When Shiloh Nouvel, her and Brad's baby girl, was born in Namibia recently, the celebrity swag began to pour in.
It included a domain name in the child's honor (shilohjoliepitt.com), courtesy of Angelina's attorneys. Also, there was a custom-designed pacifier from itsmybinky.com, a company that specializes in just such things. This is a very special binky ~ 14K white gold and 3 carats of diamonds special ~ $17,000 special.
Angelina has been generous with the people of Africa, including donating hunderds of thousands of dollars for new hospitals, schools, etc. But the folks over at TMZ.com thought it would be clever to see what that $17,000 could buy in Africa:
283 girls to go to school for one year
708 school kits - with pen, pencil, slate, pencil sharpener, erasers, notebooks and transportation of the supplies to remote areas.
61,000 people to eat for a day or feed 400 families for a month.
77 families to start small poultry businesses. Each family would get 25 chickens, a hen house, feed, and vaccinations for the chickens.
1,000 families to receive a fishing kit (two packs of twine, one pack of hooks) so they can fish to feed themselves.
10,000 safe delivery kits to help women give birth in communities or in emergencies where there is no hospital or clinic. The kits contain soap, razor blades, plastic sheeting, string and instructions to help facilitate a clean, safe delivery.
Of course, that money could put one Florida kid through a four-year state college. But that's crazy talk.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Singapore for Hedonists
A cantilevered beach 50 stories in the air.
Palm trees growing amongst slot machines.
Who-knows-how-many square feet and en-suites.
All in the heart of Singapore.
As if there weren't enough reasons to visit the city already.
It isn't coming until 2009, but we should start packing now.
Visit The Gutter at Curbed.com for more pics and links to Moshe Safdie's other goofy but awe-inspiring projects. As always, the site has really cool info and pics of interesting architecture the world over.
Palm trees growing amongst slot machines.
Who-knows-how-many square feet and en-suites.
All in the heart of Singapore.
As if there weren't enough reasons to visit the city already.
It isn't coming until 2009, but we should start packing now.
Visit The Gutter at Curbed.com for more pics and links to Moshe Safdie's other goofy but awe-inspiring projects. As always, the site has really cool info and pics of interesting architecture the world over.
Another look at NYC
This is a view of the Manhattan Bridge, as seen from Houston and Suffolk streets by Forgotten-NY.com, a Web site that chronicles the lost, forgotten or otherwise often unseen parts of NYC with a camera. Take a look: there's a lot of beauty (and filth) to see and history to learn ~ even for die-hard Gothamists.
My favorite place on Earth ~ Manhattan
This is Times Square, as seen on June 2 by ChuliPichuli, whose beautiful photos of the city can be found on Flickr.com.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Are you a cheese curl or coffee ice cream cone?
You are what you eat.
Well, actually... yeah... sort of.
Neurologist Alan Hirsch, author of "What's Your Food Sign? How to Use Food Cues to Find True Love," has discovered that he can tell a lot about a person by looking at what she prefers to eat. He gave personality tests to 18,631 married people and asked them to choose their favorites from a variety of foods. He calls his theory a "food Rorschach test" and said his findings are true 95% of the time.
So, what's your favorite food?
Here's a taste of how the New York Post reported it:
ICE CREAM
Coffee ice cream lovers live life with gusto. They don't vest too much time thinking about the future. Most compatible with strawberry lovers.
Double chocolate chunkers are self-absorbed drama-queens who may be charming, seductive and flirtatious. They might be gullible and trusting, so thrive best in intimate, close relationships. Compatible with butter pecans or chocolate chips.
Vanillas are dependent, needy idealists who are most com-fortable in a secure relationship. Compatible with rocky roads and other vanillas.
SNACKS
If you like pretzels, you're over-committed, fad-following, quirky and fun. You're good with other pretzels, but may fall for chips and cheese curls.
Tortilla chips: You're a justice-minded perfectionist who's always on time. Stick with other tortilla chips.
Potato chips: You're a competitive high-achiever. Compatible with chips and pretzels.
VEGETABLES & FRUITS
If you prefer fresh apples, pineapple glaze and corn on the cob, you don't like taking "no" for an answer and have a work-hard, play-hard ethic.
If you like most of the following items: bananas, broiled fish, fruit, honey, tapioca, nuts and hot curry, you're a natural optimist who values friends and is easy to work with. If you don't like most of those foods? You're a suspicious pessimist with trust issues.
Men who favor strawberries tend to be insecure and suffer from feelings of inadequacy. They also like to be dominated.
Like spicy pickles? You're probably a pessimist.
Now, that's some food for thought.
Well, actually... yeah... sort of.
Neurologist Alan Hirsch, author of "What's Your Food Sign? How to Use Food Cues to Find True Love," has discovered that he can tell a lot about a person by looking at what she prefers to eat. He gave personality tests to 18,631 married people and asked them to choose their favorites from a variety of foods. He calls his theory a "food Rorschach test" and said his findings are true 95% of the time.
So, what's your favorite food?
Here's a taste of how the New York Post reported it:
ICE CREAM
Coffee ice cream lovers live life with gusto. They don't vest too much time thinking about the future. Most compatible with strawberry lovers.
Double chocolate chunkers are self-absorbed drama-queens who may be charming, seductive and flirtatious. They might be gullible and trusting, so thrive best in intimate, close relationships. Compatible with butter pecans or chocolate chips.
Vanillas are dependent, needy idealists who are most com-fortable in a secure relationship. Compatible with rocky roads and other vanillas.
SNACKS
If you like pretzels, you're over-committed, fad-following, quirky and fun. You're good with other pretzels, but may fall for chips and cheese curls.
Tortilla chips: You're a justice-minded perfectionist who's always on time. Stick with other tortilla chips.
Potato chips: You're a competitive high-achiever. Compatible with chips and pretzels.
VEGETABLES & FRUITS
If you prefer fresh apples, pineapple glaze and corn on the cob, you don't like taking "no" for an answer and have a work-hard, play-hard ethic.
If you like most of the following items: bananas, broiled fish, fruit, honey, tapioca, nuts and hot curry, you're a natural optimist who values friends and is easy to work with. If you don't like most of those foods? You're a suspicious pessimist with trust issues.
Men who favor strawberries tend to be insecure and suffer from feelings of inadequacy. They also like to be dominated.
Like spicy pickles? You're probably a pessimist.
Now, that's some food for thought.
Who gets a street named after them?
What committee decides whether a person deserves to have a street named after them, post-mortem? I mean, really. Come on!
Well, actually, someone must, because Peter Jennings has his own street near ABC News' studios in Manhattan.
A portion of West 66th Street is now also known as Peter Jennings Way.
I am clearly not a part of this streets-named-for-dead-folk committee, or I'd known about this way earlier. So, I will refrain from giving my opinion about whether the late, esteemed journalist should be living it up (err, wrong terminology, sorry) on the West side.
All joking aside, though, this does beg the question of who is deserving of such an honor and who makes that call.
Well, actually, someone must, because Peter Jennings has his own street near ABC News' studios in Manhattan.
A portion of West 66th Street is now also known as Peter Jennings Way.
I am clearly not a part of this streets-named-for-dead-folk committee, or I'd known about this way earlier. So, I will refrain from giving my opinion about whether the late, esteemed journalist should be living it up (err, wrong terminology, sorry) on the West side.
All joking aside, though, this does beg the question of who is deserving of such an honor and who makes that call.
Make up your mind already!
I've always been an indecisive clod, worrying too much over how any choice I make might affect my entire life. Then, after I've finally relented and made a decision, I wonder, "What if? How might things have been different if I'd gone with Door #2 instead of #1?"
When folks think about their choices too hard and for too long, the decision becomes more difficult and the more likely they are to not be happy with their final choice, according to stories recently published by Slate.com, Yahoo News and the New York Times.
The news stories state that simple decisions are more wisely made when they are pored over a bit, but the same is not true when the decision is more complex and difficult to make.
Ultimately, the study seems to say that we ought to listen to our gut instinct, our first choice, because we are more likely to be happy with it in the long run.
Some theorize that this is because our unconscious brain is better at complex reasoning or can better handle an overload of info than can our conscious brain.
There are plenty of theories and ideas swarming around this story, but my first guess, my gut instinct, is that we should trust those instincts because they are just that - part of our animal being, the way in which God or nature (you choose) intended for us to know what to do in life.
Of course, if you're a fatalist, there's always that possibility, too -- When things are meant to be, they happen. That's also known as, "God has a funny way of working things out."
And if you don't believe in fate or God, perhaps you can sum it up as, "Your heart knows better than your head."
When folks think about their choices too hard and for too long, the decision becomes more difficult and the more likely they are to not be happy with their final choice, according to stories recently published by Slate.com, Yahoo News and the New York Times.
The news stories state that simple decisions are more wisely made when they are pored over a bit, but the same is not true when the decision is more complex and difficult to make.
Ultimately, the study seems to say that we ought to listen to our gut instinct, our first choice, because we are more likely to be happy with it in the long run.
Some theorize that this is because our unconscious brain is better at complex reasoning or can better handle an overload of info than can our conscious brain.
There are plenty of theories and ideas swarming around this story, but my first guess, my gut instinct, is that we should trust those instincts because they are just that - part of our animal being, the way in which God or nature (you choose) intended for us to know what to do in life.
Of course, if you're a fatalist, there's always that possibility, too -- When things are meant to be, they happen. That's also known as, "God has a funny way of working things out."
And if you don't believe in fate or God, perhaps you can sum it up as, "Your heart knows better than your head."
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Daily Image
"flippinBird" from Cornershots.com, a collection of photographs taken by uber-talented urban photog "Jimmie of Brooklyn."
He delights all by chronicling urban architecture and infrastructure (skyscrapers, fire escapes, overpasses and such), and you'll likely see more of him here and elsewhere.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Eco-friendly Olympics
To following is today's Sierra Club Daily Ray of Hope, a daily e-mail blurb of good news regarding the Earth. To sign up for this daily ray of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy world, visit www.sierraclub.org.
The Olympic Games in Italy are expected to generate "just over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide with the main sources of emissions coming from transport and the operation of the Olympic venues," according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
The good news is that the International Olympics Committee worked with the EU's Eco Management and Audit Scheme to employ ways to offset the CO2-producing activities including: a waste-materials plan that combines recycling with an efficient system of energy retrieval; an extensive sustainable transport plan for athletes and spectators; an eco-friendly Olympic Village built using pollution-free materials; and state-of-the-art soda machines at the event that use carbon dioxide as refrigerant instead of ozone-damaging substances.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
"American Idol" vs. the Olympics?
It should not be terribly shocking that 55% of TV viewers would rather watch "American Idol," while 34% prefer the Olympics. (The remaining 11% of voters in today's AOL Sports poll don't like either one.) But I am surprised.
Perhaps my judgement is clouded by memories of having to get up and turn the dial to watch TV as a child, when "Star Search" and "Love Boat" ruled the airwaves and the Olympics and the Miss America pageant were huge events around which the week's schedule was planned.
I am surprised that the two shows are even in the same category, or, at the very least, that the modern-day version of "Star Search" was not put on hold for the Winter Games - as were all pro hockey games. (Smart and respectful of you, NHL. Thank you.)
But the poll shows that 72% of people find this year's Games less compelling than those in the past. Is this because of the serious overhyping going on thanks to 24/7 media coverage? Is the excitement of the competition overshadowed by the grand size of the build-up?
The rest of the poll findings are as follows:
55% said "American Idol" has more real-life drama
56% said the Olympic judges are the fairest
68% said the Olympic crashes are better
68% said "America Idol" is a better star-maker
55% said "American Idol" contestants have the brightest futures
Wow! I can't see "Star Search" ever beating out the Olympics in viewer ratings 20 years ago. But then, Ed McMahon is so much nicer (and, thus, less fun to watch) than Simon Cowell.
Perhaps my judgement is clouded by memories of having to get up and turn the dial to watch TV as a child, when "Star Search" and "Love Boat" ruled the airwaves and the Olympics and the Miss America pageant were huge events around which the week's schedule was planned.
I am surprised that the two shows are even in the same category, or, at the very least, that the modern-day version of "Star Search" was not put on hold for the Winter Games - as were all pro hockey games. (Smart and respectful of you, NHL. Thank you.)
But the poll shows that 72% of people find this year's Games less compelling than those in the past. Is this because of the serious overhyping going on thanks to 24/7 media coverage? Is the excitement of the competition overshadowed by the grand size of the build-up?
The rest of the poll findings are as follows:
55% said "American Idol" has more real-life drama
56% said the Olympic judges are the fairest
68% said the Olympic crashes are better
68% said "America Idol" is a better star-maker
55% said "American Idol" contestants have the brightest futures
Wow! I can't see "Star Search" ever beating out the Olympics in viewer ratings 20 years ago. But then, Ed McMahon is so much nicer (and, thus, less fun to watch) than Simon Cowell.
Which Movie Star Are You?
Ever wonder which movie star you are most like?
Well, a team of researchers got together and analyzed the personalities of movie stars. There's only 10 questions, so it doesn't take long. Answer each one with the choice that most describes you at this moment, and then add up the points that correspond with your answers.
Don't look ahead or you'll ruin the fun! And post a comment telling me which star you are!
1. Which describes your perfect date?
a) Candlelight Dinner for Two
b) Amusement Park
c) Rollerblading in the Park
d) Rock Concert
e) Have Dinner & See a Movie
f) Dinner at Home with a Loved One
2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll
b) Alternative
c) Soft Rock
d) Classical
e) Christian
f) Jazz
3. What is your favorite type of movie?
a) Comedy
b) Horror
c) Musical
d) Romance
e) Documentary
f) Mystery
4. Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given only these choices?
a) Waiter/Waitress
b) Sports Player
c) Teacher
d) Policeman
e) Bartender
f) Business person
5. Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) Work out
b) Make out
c) Watch TV
d) Listen to the radio
e) Sleep
f) Read
6. Of the following colors, which do you like best?
a) Yellow
b) White
c) Sky blue
d) Teal
e) Gold
f) Red
7. Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a) Ice cream
b) Pizza
c) Sushi
d) Pasta
e) Salad
f) Lobster Tail
8. Which is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween
b) Christmas
c) New Year's
d) Valentine's Day
e) Thanksgiving
f) Fourth of July
9. If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be?
a) Reno
b) Spain
c) Las Vegas
d) Hawaii
e) Hollywood
f) British Columbia
10. Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) Someone who is smart
b) Someone with good looks
c) Someone who is a party animal
d) Someone who has fun all the time
e) Someone who is very emotional
f) Someone who is fun to be with
Now total up your points on each question:
1. a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 f-6
2. a-2 b-1 c-4 d-5 e-3 f-6
3. a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 f-6
4. a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 f-6
5. a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 f-6
6. a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 f-6
7. a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 f-6
8. a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 f-6
9. a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 f-6
10. a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 f-6
NOW, take your total and find out which Movie Star you are:
(10-17 points) You are MADONNA:
You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun, but you may take it to extremes. You know what you are doing though, and are much in control of your own life. People don't always see things your way, but that doesn't mean that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that your wild spirit can lead to hurting yourself and others.
(18-26 points) You are DORIS DAY:
You are fun, friendly, and popular! You are a real crowd pleaser. You have probably been out on the town your share of times, yet you come home with the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are very important to you, but only after you have fun. Don't let the people you please influence you to stray.
(27-34 points) You are DEBBIE REYNOLDS:
You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free.
(35-42 points) You are GRACE KELLY:
You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy yourself. You are serious about all commitments and are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday, and never forget a Birthday. Don't let your passion for romance get confused with the real thing.
(43-50 points) You are KATHERINE HEPBURN:
You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a plan. You are very healthy in mind and body. You don't take crap from anyone. You have only a couple of individuals that you consider "real friends!" You teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in them, but don't overlook a bad situation when it does happen.
(51-60 points) You are ELIZABETH TAYLOR:
Everyone is in awe of you. You know what you want and how to get it. You have more friends than you know what to do with. Your word is your bond. Everyone knows when you say something it is money in the bank. You attract the opposite sex. Your intelligence overwhelms most. Your memory is the next thing to photographic. Everyone admires you because you are so considerate and lovable. You know how to enjoy life and treat people right.
Well, a team of researchers got together and analyzed the personalities of movie stars. There's only 10 questions, so it doesn't take long. Answer each one with the choice that most describes you at this moment, and then add up the points that correspond with your answers.
Don't look ahead or you'll ruin the fun! And post a comment telling me which star you are!
1. Which describes your perfect date?
a) Candlelight Dinner for Two
b) Amusement Park
c) Rollerblading in the Park
d) Rock Concert
e) Have Dinner & See a Movie
f) Dinner at Home with a Loved One
2. What is your favorite type of music?
a) Rock and Roll
b) Alternative
c) Soft Rock
d) Classical
e) Christian
f) Jazz
3. What is your favorite type of movie?
a) Comedy
b) Horror
c) Musical
d) Romance
e) Documentary
f) Mystery
4. Which of the following jobs would you choose if you were given only these choices?
a) Waiter/Waitress
b) Sports Player
c) Teacher
d) Policeman
e) Bartender
f) Business person
5. Which would you rather do if you had an hour to waste?
a) Work out
b) Make out
c) Watch TV
d) Listen to the radio
e) Sleep
f) Read
6. Of the following colors, which do you like best?
a) Yellow
b) White
c) Sky blue
d) Teal
e) Gold
f) Red
7. Which one of the following would you like to eat right now?
a) Ice cream
b) Pizza
c) Sushi
d) Pasta
e) Salad
f) Lobster Tail
8. Which is your favorite holiday?
a) Halloween
b) Christmas
c) New Year's
d) Valentine's Day
e) Thanksgiving
f) Fourth of July
9. If you could go to any of the following places, which would it be?
a) Reno
b) Spain
c) Las Vegas
d) Hawaii
e) Hollywood
f) British Columbia
10. Of the following, who would you rather spend time with?
a) Someone who is smart
b) Someone with good looks
c) Someone who is a party animal
d) Someone who has fun all the time
e) Someone who is very emotional
f) Someone who is fun to be with
Now total up your points on each question:
1. a-4 b-2 c-5 d-1 e-3 f-6
2. a-2 b-1 c-4 d-5 e-3 f-6
3. a-2 b-1 c-3 d-4 e-5 f-6
4. a-4 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-1 f-6
5. a-5 b-4 c-2 d-1 e-3 f-6
6. a-1 b-5 c-3 d-2 e-4 f-6
7. a-3 b-2 c-1 d-4 e-5 f-6
8. a-1 b-3 c-2 d-4 e-5 f-6
9. a-4 b-5 c-1 d-4 e-3 f-6
10. a-5 b-2 c-1 d-3 e-4 f-6
NOW, take your total and find out which Movie Star you are:
(10-17 points) You are MADONNA:
You are wild and crazy and you know it. You know how to have fun, but you may take it to extremes. You know what you are doing though, and are much in control of your own life. People don't always see things your way, but that doesn't mean that you should do away with your beliefs. Try to remember that your wild spirit can lead to hurting yourself and others.
(18-26 points) You are DORIS DAY:
You are fun, friendly, and popular! You are a real crowd pleaser. You have probably been out on the town your share of times, yet you come home with the values that your mother taught you. Marriage and children are very important to you, but only after you have fun. Don't let the people you please influence you to stray.
(27-34 points) You are DEBBIE REYNOLDS:
You are cute, and everyone loves you. You are a best friend that no one takes the chance of losing. You never hurt feelings and seldom have your own feelings hurt. Life is a breeze. You are witty, and calm most of the time. Just keep clear of back stabbers, and you are worry-free.
(35-42 points) You are GRACE KELLY:
You are a lover. Romance, flowers, and wine are all you need to enjoy yourself. You are serious about all commitments and are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday, and never forget a Birthday. Don't let your passion for romance get confused with the real thing.
(43-50 points) You are KATHERINE HEPBURN:
You are smart, a real thinker. Every situation is approached with a plan. You are very healthy in mind and body. You don't take crap from anyone. You have only a couple of individuals that you consider "real friends!" You teach strong family values. Keep your feet planted in them, but don't overlook a bad situation when it does happen.
(51-60 points) You are ELIZABETH TAYLOR:
Everyone is in awe of you. You know what you want and how to get it. You have more friends than you know what to do with. Your word is your bond. Everyone knows when you say something it is money in the bank. You attract the opposite sex. Your intelligence overwhelms most. Your memory is the next thing to photographic. Everyone admires you because you are so considerate and lovable. You know how to enjoy life and treat people right.
Vintage art to wear and hang
Wolfgang's Vault is an online warehouse of tees that were actually created for and sold at rock concerts from the 1960s through today.
A quick scan of this Web site brings you back to your college days - or at least the halcyon days you wish you'd experienced.
If Cream or the Grateful Dead are your thing, or if you are more into U2 and Nirvana, you can find a shirt on this site. And they are way cool! Sure, they probably smell a little musty and are pretty creased from being boxed up for 30 years. But, hey! That's precisely what "vintage" means, and that's exactly what keeps you out of the "poser" category.
The site also sells tees and posters that are newly made but replicate the vintage artwork; it calls this category "retro." The posters range from rock shows and stand-up comedy nights to art exhibits and films.
A quick scan of this Web site brings you back to your college days - or at least the halcyon days you wish you'd experienced.
If Cream or the Grateful Dead are your thing, or if you are more into U2 and Nirvana, you can find a shirt on this site. And they are way cool! Sure, they probably smell a little musty and are pretty creased from being boxed up for 30 years. But, hey! That's precisely what "vintage" means, and that's exactly what keeps you out of the "poser" category.
The site also sells tees and posters that are newly made but replicate the vintage artwork; it calls this category "retro." The posters range from rock shows and stand-up comedy nights to art exhibits and films.
When will you die?
I will die Dec. 30, 2072 and have about 2,110,074,120 seconds left to live.
If you, like me, are feeling a tad morbid and would like to know just how many seconds you have left to live it up, check the Death Clock.
You will answer the following questions, and a clock will pop up on your desktop to taunt you:
- Your age
- Your Body Mass Index (your height and weight ratio)
- The way you look at life (are you optimistic, pessimistic, sadistic or somewhere in between?)
As I watch the clock - my seconds dwindling to 2,110,073,000 - I consider getting away from the computer and living my life...
If you, like me, are feeling a tad morbid and would like to know just how many seconds you have left to live it up, check the Death Clock.
You will answer the following questions, and a clock will pop up on your desktop to taunt you:
- Your age
- Your Body Mass Index (your height and weight ratio)
- The way you look at life (are you optimistic, pessimistic, sadistic or somewhere in between?)
As I watch the clock - my seconds dwindling to 2,110,073,000 - I consider getting away from the computer and living my life...
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Sellouts drive for free
In Australia and some European countries (Austria, France), residents can drive for free (or cheap) a car plastered with the advertisements of some savvy companies (Coca Cola, Nike).
A small, city-friendly car (say a Citroen or Smart Car) is covered from nose to tail with a colorful, large advert depicting some well-known consumer product or service. In exchange for driving around their (usually large) city in this mobile billboard, drivers pay little to nothing for the use of a completely maintained vehicle.
Carvertising is not a bad bet for students or young professionals who need a vehicle, cannot easily afford the accompanying costs, and don't mind advertising impotency medication or cellular service while driving to the grocery store.
And now, a word to our sponsors:
A small, city-friendly car (say a Citroen or Smart Car) is covered from nose to tail with a colorful, large advert depicting some well-known consumer product or service. In exchange for driving around their (usually large) city in this mobile billboard, drivers pay little to nothing for the use of a completely maintained vehicle.
Carvertising is not a bad bet for students or young professionals who need a vehicle, cannot easily afford the accompanying costs, and don't mind advertising impotency medication or cellular service while driving to the grocery store.
And now, a word to our sponsors:
Oh, large and clever corporations of the world, please get with the program. See what a viable and powerful advertising vehicle (pun intended) carvertising could be in the U.S. Bring it, and we broke-but-brilliant twenty-somethings will come!
Seen anything worth sharing lately?
Have you ever seen something and desperately wished someone, anyone, was with you to share the experience?
A "They've just GOT to see this!" kind of moment?
See, the Yellow Arrow project is an effort to merge grassroots initiative, Internet-fueled connectivity, community interest and public art/notable sights.
Simply, you order some yellow arrow stickers from the site and keep an eye out for interesting, beautiful, horrible or otherwise "shareable" places and things in your neck of the woods.
And/or, keep an eye our for someone else's yellow arrows around town and feel instantly connected.
A way for us to share the profound and mundane moments of life with others. Progressive. Youthful. Sure, it's all of those things. But, mainly, it's cool.
A "They've just GOT to see this!" kind of moment?
1) Stick a yellow arrow to the nearest inanimate object.
2) Send a text message to the Yellow Arrow Web site with a tid bit of info about the place or perhaps a direction to action.
3) You can also take a picture of the arrow in its new home.
4) When someone sees your sticker, they send a text message to the Web site with the sticker's code number.
5) They then immediately receive your previously posted tid bit via text message (from the Web site - you need not spit out clever turns of phrase for complete strangers at all hours of the night and day).
6) Finally, you revel in the knowledge that your experience has been shared.
See, the Yellow Arrow project is an effort to merge grassroots initiative, Internet-fueled connectivity, community interest and public art/notable sights.
Simply, you order some yellow arrow stickers from the site and keep an eye out for interesting, beautiful, horrible or otherwise "shareable" places and things in your neck of the woods.
And/or, keep an eye our for someone else's yellow arrows around town and feel instantly connected.
A way for us to share the profound and mundane moments of life with others. Progressive. Youthful. Sure, it's all of those things. But, mainly, it's cool.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Beware of parking bumpers!
Watch where you walk at all times, especially in parking lots. Parking bumpers will seek you out, position themselves in front of your feet, and take you down in a thunderous fall of glory.
And, yes, it will hurt like a bugger. You will holler, consider vomiting, collect your thoughts, and thank the heavens you did not swallow your tongue. Then, you will look at your ankle, see it has doubled in size in all of 60 seconds, and again thank the heavens - this time for not seeing a bone inappropriately sticking through your skin. Then the feeling sorry for yourself begins.
It should be mentioned that ER doctors are the best of the best. Should you truly need your life saved, you will once again be thanking the heavens for their expertise. However, at the lower half of their priority lists will be those walk-in patients who are not bleeding from the ears, experiencing cardiac arrest, or suffering from a steering wheel stuck in their foreheads. And that's OK, but you will want to bring pillows (for your injured limb) and patience. It will be a while before you are seen by the doc, if you are at all. Make friends with a kindly nurse - she will be your salvation.
In some cases (and do not ask how I know these things), the ER staff will want to discharge you before you are even diagnosed or spoken to by a doctor. Be sure to mention that seeing a doctor is why you showed up. When he or she comes to your room, remember to ask all you want answered as they more than likely will not be seen again after leaving.
Be sure to follow up with a specialist as soon as humanly possible, because occasionally these superb ER doctors (no sarcasm) will miss things. After all, they specialize in being generalists, not specialists. These docs can miss breaks, especially those that are hairline fractures or otherwise not obvious.
Also not known to happen at an ER is the implementation of appropriate treatment. That is, in some cases, you will need a splint or even a cast, but you will instead be sent home with an ace bandage and some ibuprofin. OK, for now.
Of course, when you get to the specialist a week or so later (the appointment secretary says this is, in fact, as soon as humanly possible), he or she may not have the bedside manner you had hoped for. That can mean a lot of things, but often upsetting to some know-it-all patients is not having their injuries and treatments thoroughly (if at all) explained. Make sure to ask, ask, ask. And while you are at it, ask the doc to stay in the room for another minute or two and tell you some more.
Yes, casts and splints will stay on the sprained ankle for quite a while (say two to six weeks), swelling will remain for days or even weeks, and your ankle will be purple and green and ugly from bruising. So, be prepared to master crutches and hope you have some sick days left at work.
Meanwhile, feel better, and try to get used to being waited on by loved ones.
And, yes, it will hurt like a bugger. You will holler, consider vomiting, collect your thoughts, and thank the heavens you did not swallow your tongue. Then, you will look at your ankle, see it has doubled in size in all of 60 seconds, and again thank the heavens - this time for not seeing a bone inappropriately sticking through your skin. Then the feeling sorry for yourself begins.
It should be mentioned that ER doctors are the best of the best. Should you truly need your life saved, you will once again be thanking the heavens for their expertise. However, at the lower half of their priority lists will be those walk-in patients who are not bleeding from the ears, experiencing cardiac arrest, or suffering from a steering wheel stuck in their foreheads. And that's OK, but you will want to bring pillows (for your injured limb) and patience. It will be a while before you are seen by the doc, if you are at all. Make friends with a kindly nurse - she will be your salvation.
In some cases (and do not ask how I know these things), the ER staff will want to discharge you before you are even diagnosed or spoken to by a doctor. Be sure to mention that seeing a doctor is why you showed up. When he or she comes to your room, remember to ask all you want answered as they more than likely will not be seen again after leaving.
Be sure to follow up with a specialist as soon as humanly possible, because occasionally these superb ER doctors (no sarcasm) will miss things. After all, they specialize in being generalists, not specialists. These docs can miss breaks, especially those that are hairline fractures or otherwise not obvious.
Also not known to happen at an ER is the implementation of appropriate treatment. That is, in some cases, you will need a splint or even a cast, but you will instead be sent home with an ace bandage and some ibuprofin. OK, for now.
Of course, when you get to the specialist a week or so later (the appointment secretary says this is, in fact, as soon as humanly possible), he or she may not have the bedside manner you had hoped for. That can mean a lot of things, but often upsetting to some know-it-all patients is not having their injuries and treatments thoroughly (if at all) explained. Make sure to ask, ask, ask. And while you are at it, ask the doc to stay in the room for another minute or two and tell you some more.
Yes, casts and splints will stay on the sprained ankle for quite a while (say two to six weeks), swelling will remain for days or even weeks, and your ankle will be purple and green and ugly from bruising. So, be prepared to master crutches and hope you have some sick days left at work.
Meanwhile, feel better, and try to get used to being waited on by loved ones.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Who knew prison could be so stressful?
The prisoners at Gitmo have it made in the shade, living in what Dick Cheney calls a tropical paradise. But the guards, well, that's a different story.
According to DefenseLINK News, military personnel working at the camp are so stressed by their jobs and surroundings that they feel the need to drown their sorrows three times over. Living and working in what some describe as one of Dante's Seven Circles of Hell can cause a guard to increase his alcohol consumption by 300%. (Yes, you read all those zeros correctly.)
Wow! Now that's a lot of booze. Are we to assume they are doing this on their own time? Should we believe that having alcoholics watching over your every move has caused the prisoners no ill effects? Do the labels on the rum bottles tell drinkers to not operate heavy artillery while under the influence?
But, then, who cares really? As long as the guards are enjoying their party.
Here's Wonkette's recipe for the Gitmojito –
www.wonkette.com.
DefenseLINK News will likely inspire a bit more sympathy –
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2005/n02222005_2005022207.html
According to DefenseLINK News, military personnel working at the camp are so stressed by their jobs and surroundings that they feel the need to drown their sorrows three times over. Living and working in what some describe as one of Dante's Seven Circles of Hell can cause a guard to increase his alcohol consumption by 300%. (Yes, you read all those zeros correctly.)
Wow! Now that's a lot of booze. Are we to assume they are doing this on their own time? Should we believe that having alcoholics watching over your every move has caused the prisoners no ill effects? Do the labels on the rum bottles tell drinkers to not operate heavy artillery while under the influence?
But, then, who cares really? As long as the guards are enjoying their party.
Here's Wonkette's recipe for the Gitmojito –
www.wonkette.com.
DefenseLINK News will likely inspire a bit more sympathy –
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2005/n02222005_2005022207.html
Thursday, June 23, 2005
This I Believe
Now is the time to speak your mind for (nearly) all the world to hear.
National Public Radio has revived "This I Believe," a 1950s radio show hosted by Edward R. Murrow. Listeners are to tell about the beliefs they live by, and host Jay Allison will read them on the air.
The goal of each entry is three glorious minutes of air time, free of editorializing or preaching about things the writers do not believe in. The original show is said to have been positive, encouraging and uplifting, and today's version ought be no different.
In his introduction in 1951, Murrow said:
Harry Truman, Helen Keller and Jackie Robinson were contributors to the original show, and Bill Clinton, Drew Barrymore and Muhammad Ali are some of today's participants, according to USA Weekend. The magazine also wrote:
Sounds great. What could be a tenuously lofty goal for most other members of the media, seems attainable for NPR. Listen in to find out. Visit the Web site to find a local station and to submit your own belief.
FYI: An essay from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is scheduled to be aired Monday, June 27. (This is going to be interesting!)
National Public Radio has revived "This I Believe," a 1950s radio show hosted by Edward R. Murrow. Listeners are to tell about the beliefs they live by, and host Jay Allison will read them on the air.
The goal of each entry is three glorious minutes of air time, free of editorializing or preaching about things the writers do not believe in. The original show is said to have been positive, encouraging and uplifting, and today's version ought be no different.
In his introduction in 1951, Murrow said:
In this brief space, a banker or a butcher, a painter or a social worker... will write about the rules they live by, the things they have found to be the basic values in their lives.
Harry Truman, Helen Keller and Jackie Robinson were contributors to the original show, and Bill Clinton, Drew Barrymore and Muhammad Ali are some of today's participants, according to USA Weekend. The magazine also wrote:
The producers of "This I Believe" have an ambitious goal: to encourage people of different beliefs to listen to one another.
Sounds great. What could be a tenuously lofty goal for most other members of the media, seems attainable for NPR. Listen in to find out. Visit the Web site to find a local station and to submit your own belief.
FYI: An essay from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is scheduled to be aired Monday, June 27. (This is going to be interesting!)
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
To read or not to read?
I have heard good things about or otherwise stumbled upon a handful of books that are now being added to my To Read list. They are:
"Horn of Africa" - Philip Caputo
"Acts of Faith" - Philip Caputo
"The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life" - Steve Leveen
"A Lotus Grows in the Mud" - Goldie Hawn
"The Remains of the Day" - Kazuo Ishiguro
"Never Let Me Go" - Kazuo Ishiguro
"Knitting: A Novel" - Anne Bartlett
"Bangkok 8" - John Burdett
"Bangkok Tattoo" - John Burdett
To read or not read? That is the question. Have you read any of these?
"Horn of Africa" - Philip Caputo
"Acts of Faith" - Philip Caputo
"The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life" - Steve Leveen
"A Lotus Grows in the Mud" - Goldie Hawn
"The Remains of the Day" - Kazuo Ishiguro
"Never Let Me Go" - Kazuo Ishiguro
"Knitting: A Novel" - Anne Bartlett
"Bangkok 8" - John Burdett
"Bangkok Tattoo" - John Burdett
To read or not read? That is the question. Have you read any of these?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
- Create your own travel map or travel blog
- Travel Info at TripAdvisor