I could go on and on about the benefits of letting employees have access to the Internet and social media, but this is a really good post and the commenters also have some great feedback.
So rather than me ranting and raving, just check out this post by LaDonna Coy.
Monday
Life Events
There are few events in life that can really affect you.
There's the good: new job, marriage, birth of a child.
And then there's the bad: loss of job, divorce, death of a loved one.
It's easy to prepare for the expected events such as marriage or birth of a child, but often times the unexpected, bad events can really throw you for a loop.
I've learned that having an open relationship and communication along with financial planning can help you get through those unexpected events. (I would think thought that having an open relationship and communication could actually prevent one of those tragedies.)
There's the good: new job, marriage, birth of a child.
And then there's the bad: loss of job, divorce, death of a loved one.
It's easy to prepare for the expected events such as marriage or birth of a child, but often times the unexpected, bad events can really throw you for a loop.
I've learned that having an open relationship and communication along with financial planning can help you get through those unexpected events. (I would think thought that having an open relationship and communication could actually prevent one of those tragedies.)
Wednesday
7 social media lessons from Nestle's Facebook missteps
Just wanted to share this post from Ragan.com's top 5 stories on social media.
In this case study Nestle doesn't get that they no longer own or control their brand.
Your brand now is the top 10 results in Google when your customer searches your company name or your product name.
The issue and online conversation was around Nestle using palm oil in its products and palm oil being linked to environmental harm. Nestle's response was to tell people not to post their logos.
One commenter sums it up: "It’s not OK for people to use altered versions of your logos but it’s OK for you to alter the face of Indonesian rainforests? Wow!"
In the post, Ragan.com provides 7 really good lessons that any professional communicator needs to know and ensure their executives or clients know.
To sum them up:
In this case study Nestle doesn't get that they no longer own or control their brand.
Your brand now is the top 10 results in Google when your customer searches your company name or your product name.
The issue and online conversation was around Nestle using palm oil in its products and palm oil being linked to environmental harm. Nestle's response was to tell people not to post their logos.
One commenter sums it up: "It’s not OK for people to use altered versions of your logos but it’s OK for you to alter the face of Indonesian rainforests? Wow!"
In the post, Ragan.com provides 7 really good lessons that any professional communicator needs to know and ensure their executives or clients know.
To sum them up:
- You need to listen and understand both the issue and the tools before jumping in.
- It's a conversation and sharing of ideas with your clients, it's not one-way (push) like traditional advertising.
- You need to give up control of the message and take the good with the bad. You're not going to please everyone and there will be bad feedback.
- It will require time commitment and dedicated resources (people) to follow, listen and participate in the conversations.
Tuesday
By the Numbers: Internet 2010
Here's a great article with some stats on Internet use and growth in 2010.
Notably, here are some social media stats.
Twitter doubled the number of accounts and Facebook grew by almost a third.
(Although as a side note, I noticed my nephew adding Facebook accounts with reckless abandon on the weekend just so he could create more towns for some game! That's just wrong. He also pumped up the number of email users by creating random Hotmail accounts for the Facebook accounts.)
Social media
Notably, here are some social media stats.
Twitter doubled the number of accounts and Facebook grew by almost a third.
(Although as a side note, I noticed my nephew adding Facebook accounts with reckless abandon on the weekend just so he could create more towns for some game! That's just wrong. He also pumped up the number of email users by creating random Hotmail accounts for the Facebook accounts.)
Social media
- 152 million – The number of blogs on the Internet (as tracked by BlogPulse).
- 25 billion – Number of sent tweets on Twitter in 2010
- 100 million – New accounts added on Twitter in 2010
- 175 million – People on Twitter as of September 2010
- 7.7 million – People following @ladygaga (Lady Gaga, Twitter’s most followed user).
- 600 million – People on Facebook at the end of 2010.
- 250 million – New people on Facebook in 2010.
- 30 billion – Pieces of content (links, notes, photos, etc.) shared on Facebook per month.
- 70% – Share of Facebook’s user base located outside the United States.
- 20 million – The number of Facebook apps installed each day.
Monday
Always Learn and Share
I'm sharing a post from copyblogger about the new age of teaching.
He has some good points when it comes to online marketing. You can't always be shilling your wares online. People will be quick to "unfriend" you if that's all your messages are.
"Your authority and credibility no longer depend on credentials — it depends on mastering skills by practicing them in the real world. You must be sensitive to what your prospective students want to learn, instead of forcing them to learn whatever you decide to teach them. And there’s no such thing as tenure. You stay relevant and useful or you lose all your students."
Specifically Josh Kaufman is talking about his online teaching business, but the same goes for your clients. You need to know what they're interested in and provide solutions that meet their needs and desires, not push your latest product or service.
You always need to be sharing something new that people want to learn or that will benefit them. Then, as I'm doing with the copyblogger post, your followers will share and spread your message.
He has some good points when it comes to online marketing. You can't always be shilling your wares online. People will be quick to "unfriend" you if that's all your messages are.
Specifically Josh Kaufman is talking about his online teaching business, but the same goes for your clients. You need to know what they're interested in and provide solutions that meet their needs and desires, not push your latest product or service.
You always need to be sharing something new that people want to learn or that will benefit them. Then, as I'm doing with the copyblogger post, your followers will share and spread your message.
Sunday
Immortality through our online connections
I started this blog a few years ago with the greatest of intentions to write every day, but as my archive of posts shows I haven't been successful at that.
My blog title, "ego scriptor proinde ego sum," along the lines of I think therefore I am, means "I write therefore I am". In a way social media and all the self-published content is a way for everyone to achieve a bit of immortality.
Today this really hit home for me. A coworker has been battling cancer for the past year. To keep everyone up to date and I'm sure as a way to help her, she started a blog to keep track of her journey. (Thankfully she's just received the official diagnosis that her cancer is in remission.)
However, through her blog she came into contact with someone else fighting cancer and who is also blogging about her life and battle with the disease.
Today, my coworker's post was that this person who had touched her life, and yet had never met, passed away this weekend.
Until today I had never heard of Daria Maluta, and yet through these online connections I was made aware of her life and how she touched other's lives. A note of caution, when I followed the link I was left with a lump in my throat after reading the last few posts of her life.
My blog title, "ego scriptor proinde ego sum," along the lines of I think therefore I am, means "I write therefore I am". In a way social media and all the self-published content is a way for everyone to achieve a bit of immortality.
Today this really hit home for me. A coworker has been battling cancer for the past year. To keep everyone up to date and I'm sure as a way to help her, she started a blog to keep track of her journey. (Thankfully she's just received the official diagnosis that her cancer is in remission.)
However, through her blog she came into contact with someone else fighting cancer and who is also blogging about her life and battle with the disease.
Today, my coworker's post was that this person who had touched her life, and yet had never met, passed away this weekend.
Until today I had never heard of Daria Maluta, and yet through these online connections I was made aware of her life and how she touched other's lives. A note of caution, when I followed the link I was left with a lump in my throat after reading the last few posts of her life.
Thursday
Getting started in social media
To follow up to my commitment to social media and writing in this blog, I plan on working my way through these four stages.
Four stages to marketing and promotion.
1. Sign up, observe, and educate yourself (sometimes called lurking). Many people stay at this stage for a long time, simply soaking up good information.
2. Participate. Start to make yourself known. This could be as simple as making status updates, posting photos or sample writing, or creating a profile.
3. Share something and grow relationships. Focus on what you give people or what you can share that's of value. As you participate and share with others in the community, and do things for each other, relationships grow and develop.
4. Ask for help. This is when you might actually put your connections to work as a means of soft or hard marketing. Maybe you want to tell people to pre-order your book on Amazon on a specific day. Or you're hoping that your network will spread the word about an upcoming event you're hosting. So you ask.
People who know you and trust you will be more likely to help you. That's why it's important to establish relationships far before you market and promote a product/service. The relationships have to be meaningful before they have value in a marketing/promotion effort.
Note: The above is from my own notes from a workshop or seminar but unfortunately I didn't note the source when I wrote the notes. So, I don't profess to the above being entirely my own thoughts. It's probably came from Groundswell
.
Four stages to marketing and promotion.
1. Sign up, observe, and educate yourself (sometimes called lurking). Many people stay at this stage for a long time, simply soaking up good information.
2. Participate. Start to make yourself known. This could be as simple as making status updates, posting photos or sample writing, or creating a profile.
3. Share something and grow relationships. Focus on what you give people or what you can share that's of value. As you participate and share with others in the community, and do things for each other, relationships grow and develop.
4. Ask for help. This is when you might actually put your connections to work as a means of soft or hard marketing. Maybe you want to tell people to pre-order your book on Amazon on a specific day. Or you're hoping that your network will spread the word about an upcoming event you're hosting. So you ask.
People who know you and trust you will be more likely to help you. That's why it's important to establish relationships far before you market and promote a product/service. The relationships have to be meaningful before they have value in a marketing/promotion effort.
Note: The above is from my own notes from a workshop or seminar but unfortunately I didn't note the source when I wrote the notes. So, I don't profess to the above being entirely my own thoughts. It's probably came from Groundswell
.
A New Year, A New Commitment
We're already half way into January of 2011. My last post was early January 2010! :(
I've signed up for two social media courses through Algonquin Colleges distance education and renewing my commitment to take on this social media storm front on.
I'm on Twitter (@jason_clements and @moviesinlondon) and I'm on Facebook and LinkedIn but I've never fully committed to any of these and have never regularly logged in or posted to any of them.
So, there you go, I'm putting myself out there and the social media courses will be my inspiration and will make me accountable to post here regularly and hopefully dive into the other sites.
I've signed up for two social media courses through Algonquin Colleges distance education and renewing my commitment to take on this social media storm front on.
I'm on Twitter (@jason_clements and @moviesinlondon) and I'm on Facebook and LinkedIn but I've never fully committed to any of these and have never regularly logged in or posted to any of them.
So, there you go, I'm putting myself out there and the social media courses will be my inspiration and will make me accountable to post here regularly and hopefully dive into the other sites.
Tuesday
Cruisin' through new year's eve
Saw the new year in on a Carnival cruise last week.
Food was good, weather was good, but there was still a bit to be desired.
I guess the Carnival Inspiration is one of the smaller ocean going cruise ships. It was bigger than the Cristal that we sailed in last year in the Greek isles, but it was no less rocky.
The rocking ship and the hard bed made for not much sleeping.
The food however was the pièce de résistance, especially the warm chocolate melting cake. It was a favorite selection for dessert by all at our table.
Entree selections were delectable as well.
One evening the dinner menu included lobster tail and prime rib. Thinking we were limited to one selection each, I ordered the prime rib and EM ordered the lobster tail. A few of the more experienced cruisers at out table ordered two lobster tails each or surf 'n turf (lobster tail AND prime rib).
Our stop overs included Grand Cayman and Cozumel, both big tourist shopping areas.
Went for a swim with the dolphins in Cozumel. That was amazing. It's hard to believe all the amazing things they can do, and all from hand signals.
Not sure I'll go cruisin' again for awhile, but I think we'll try for a really big one next time. They say you don't feel the ocean on the really big ones.
Food was good, weather was good, but there was still a bit to be desired.
I guess the Carnival Inspiration is one of the smaller ocean going cruise ships. It was bigger than the Cristal that we sailed in last year in the Greek isles, but it was no less rocky.
The rocking ship and the hard bed made for not much sleeping.
The food however was the pièce de résistance, especially the warm chocolate melting cake. It was a favorite selection for dessert by all at our table.
Entree selections were delectable as well.
One evening the dinner menu included lobster tail and prime rib. Thinking we were limited to one selection each, I ordered the prime rib and EM ordered the lobster tail. A few of the more experienced cruisers at out table ordered two lobster tails each or surf 'n turf (lobster tail AND prime rib).
Our stop overs included Grand Cayman and Cozumel, both big tourist shopping areas.
Went for a swim with the dolphins in Cozumel. That was amazing. It's hard to believe all the amazing things they can do, and all from hand signals.
Not sure I'll go cruisin' again for awhile, but I think we'll try for a really big one next time. They say you don't feel the ocean on the really big ones.
Monday
Avatar 3-D - Awesome Movie
Rivals all the epics. Cameron didn't disappoint and lives up to his reputation after Titanic.
3-D takes a bit of getting used to, but the 30 minutes of previews (some of them in 3-D) helped to get used to them before the movie started.
Awesome effects and CGI. Love the six-legged animals. An extra set of arms would definitely come in handy.
I think the uplink to nature should have been in their tail though, not their pony tails. The hair is braided, so how does that uplink look if the hair wasn't braided.
3-D takes a bit of getting used to, but the 30 minutes of previews (some of them in 3-D) helped to get used to them before the movie started.
Awesome effects and CGI. Love the six-legged animals. An extra set of arms would definitely come in handy.
I think the uplink to nature should have been in their tail though, not their pony tails. The hair is braided, so how does that uplink look if the hair wasn't braided.
Unlimited websites hosted for under $10!
Can't believe this, but Hosting Gator will host unlimited websites for under $10 per month! That's total, not each!
And if you upgrade to an extra $5 a month you get a toll free number too!
And if you upgrade to an extra $5 a month you get a toll free number too!
Wednesday
The Green Lantern
Check out the trailer for this cool new movie.
Nathan Fillion of Firefly and Serenity fame and more recently the new TV show Castle takes the title role.
It definitely looks like it's more for the fanboy than a mainstream audience.
Nathan Fillion of Firefly and Serenity fame and more recently the new TV show Castle takes the title role.
It definitely looks like it's more for the fanboy than a mainstream audience.
I'm all a twitter
You can follow me @moviesinlondon for movie and entertainment info, including latest movies and box office rankings.
And follow me @jason_clements for tweets on technology, social media and whatever else gets my goat.
And follow me @jason_clements for tweets on technology, social media and whatever else gets my goat.
Monday
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra
GI Joe trailer from France (French subtitles) shows lots of Iron Man-esque armour, called Acceleration Suits.
Can't wait!
Opens August 7.
Can't wait!
Opens August 7.
Find a Presentation on Any Topic
This is a cool presentation sharing website and potentially a valuable source of information.
Kind of like YouTube, this shares presentation slides.
You can type in keywords for just about any topic you can think of and it will return a list of presentations on that topic.
Find presentations on anything from Writing for the Web to Twitter and Facebook to Corvettes.
You only get the presentation with the guest access, but if you sign up for a free account you can download the actual file, which could include speaker's notes as well if they were uploaded with it.
Of course the usual disclaimer for all web content is that any information has to be taken with a grain of salt and should be validated. Also, attribution should be given if any information or images are taken.
Kind of like YouTube, this shares presentation slides.
You can type in keywords for just about any topic you can think of and it will return a list of presentations on that topic.
Find presentations on anything from Writing for the Web to Twitter and Facebook to Corvettes.
You only get the presentation with the guest access, but if you sign up for a free account you can download the actual file, which could include speaker's notes as well if they were uploaded with it.
Of course the usual disclaimer for all web content is that any information has to be taken with a grain of salt and should be validated. Also, attribution should be given if any information or images are taken.
Crap In; Crap Out
Again Gerry McGovern points out that content management should be about professionally managing web content, not about the content management software:
What do you get when you personalize crap content? Personalized
crap content. What do you get when you distribute publishing
rights to people who can't write, don't care about what they
write, think metadata is a country bordering Outer Mongolia, and
will never, ever review or remove what they publish? You get the
website you deserve.
"I don't want to waste 30 minutes observing someone," Gerry quotes one engineer who participated in a workshop explaining the essential need to understand your customers by observing their behavior.
If this engineer were to waste 30 minutes observing his audience he would save 10 to 100 times that by not having to go back and fix what he should have done the first time.
crap content. What do you get when you distribute publishing
rights to people who can't write, don't care about what they
write, think metadata is a country bordering Outer Mongolia, and
will never, ever review or remove what they publish? You get the
website you deserve.
If this engineer were to waste 30 minutes observing his audience he would save 10 to 100 times that by not having to go back and fix what he should have done the first time.
Thursday
Snakes on a Plane
For real this time.
Four baby pythons escaped from a container aboard a passenger plane in Australia. And when the snakes, which can grow to one metre long, weren't found the plane was fumigated and went right on flying the friendly skys - with passengers.
Have you seen the movie? Who knows how long it would take for those four snakes to multiply and overrun the plane.
You could end up like this guy.
Gives me the willys.
Four baby pythons escaped from a container aboard a passenger plane in Australia. And when the snakes, which can grow to one metre long, weren't found the plane was fumigated and went right on flying the friendly skys - with passengers.
Have you seen the movie? Who knows how long it would take for those four snakes to multiply and overrun the plane.
You could end up like this guy.
Gives me the willys.
WILB Makes Me More Productive
WILB (or workplace Internet leisure browsing, for those acronym adverse) allows your mind to rest and makes you a more productive employee. Browsing in moderation, of course.
This is the finding from a study in Australia. Good news, eh?
This is the finding from a study in Australia. Good news, eh?
"Firms spend millions on software to block their employees from watching videos, using social networking sites or shopping online under the pretence that it costs millions in lost productivity. That's not always the case."
More Than Meets The Eye
Here's an advance intro to the Autobots and Decepticons to appear in the upcoming Transformers movie: Revenge of The Fallen.
A couple of the bad guys...
"The spy"
"The Doc"
Check out the story to read more about some of the new 'bots.
A couple of the bad guys...
"The spy"
"The Doc"
Check out the story to read more about some of the new 'bots.
Monday
World's Most Beautiful Cars
The Jaguar E-Type is always a winner in my books.
A few other beauties
Check out all 12 as judged by a panel of experts for Forbes.com.
A few other beauties
- McLaren F1 - If only I could afford it!
- 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 CSS Tear Drop Figoni et Falaschi - A mouthful of a name, but a great looking classic.
- Porsche 911 - Always has been and still is a really nice car.
Check out all 12 as judged by a panel of experts for Forbes.com.
Wednesday
OK, this is pretty weird.
It may be old, but I just came across it and thought I'd share.
They've got this pretty down. They must have been working on this and practicing for years.
I guess with all the doom and gloom in the news everyday they have to do something to keep it light on the job.
They've got this pretty down. They must have been working on this and practicing for years.
I guess with all the doom and gloom in the news everyday they have to do something to keep it light on the job.
Tuesday
Summer Blockbusters are on their way
I can't wait until May!
May 1
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
May 8
Star Trek
May 15
Angels and Demons
May 22
Terminator Salvation
May 29
Up
And they just keep coming...
June 26
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
July 17
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
May 1
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
May 8
Star Trek
May 15
Angels and Demons
May 22
Terminator Salvation
May 29
Up
And they just keep coming...
June 26
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
July 17
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Thursday
How's that working for you? Kids and smoking
Can you believe it?
Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada doesn't think making it illegal for kids to smoke is a good idea just because the tobacco companies think it is a good idea.
"Cynthia Callard, executive director of the anti-smoking advocacy group Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, says the very fact that the [The Canadian Convenience Stores Association] CCSA [and tobacco companies] supports such a ban is evidence that it won’t work. "
(Doesn't that remind of you someone? Hmm, let's see Jack Layton didn't support the budget just because the Conservatives created it.)
The article mentions a Statistics Canada survey that shows the percentage of youth aged 15 to 19 who smoke has leveled off at 15 per cent in recent years, after declining from 28 per cent in 1999.
"Callard says that there are limited resources available to keep kids from smoking, and those funds would be better spent on education, rather than trying to police the more than 150,000 underage smokers in Canada."
Sure, there has been a slight decline from education, but it's leveled off, so maybe it's time to consider something else.
It may cost money to enforce, but it will bring in revenue as well from the fines.
And if kids aren't smoking out in the open and they can't smoke in doors for obvious reasons from it's illegal to people won't let them to it's hard to hide the smell and the smoke, where are they going to smoke?
That's got to reduce the peer pressure factor if the kids that don't currently smoke aren't subjected to it everyday.
Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada doesn't think making it illegal for kids to smoke is a good idea just because the tobacco companies think it is a good idea.
"Cynthia Callard, executive director of the anti-smoking advocacy group Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, says the very fact that the [The Canadian Convenience Stores Association] CCSA [and tobacco companies] supports such a ban is evidence that it won’t work. "
(Doesn't that remind of you someone? Hmm, let's see Jack Layton didn't support the budget just because the Conservatives created it.)
The article mentions a Statistics Canada survey that shows the percentage of youth aged 15 to 19 who smoke has leveled off at 15 per cent in recent years, after declining from 28 per cent in 1999.
"Callard says that there are limited resources available to keep kids from smoking, and those funds would be better spent on education, rather than trying to police the more than 150,000 underage smokers in Canada."
Sure, there has been a slight decline from education, but it's leveled off, so maybe it's time to consider something else.
It may cost money to enforce, but it will bring in revenue as well from the fines.
And if kids aren't smoking out in the open and they can't smoke in doors for obvious reasons from it's illegal to people won't let them to it's hard to hide the smell and the smoke, where are they going to smoke?
That's got to reduce the peer pressure factor if the kids that don't currently smoke aren't subjected to it everyday.
Wednesday
Playing the Role of a Real Opposition Leader
Bravo to Michael Ignatieff.
He doesn't fully endorse the new budget, but he is putting the interests of Canadians ahead of his party and quests for power.
Canadians need another election "like a hole in the head." (His words; not mine.)
And as a true opposition leader he is making sure the ruling party keeps its promises by requesting the Conservatives provide three progress reports throughout the year to ensure the budget is on track.
Unlike some opposition leaders who will remain nameless.
"Today, we learn that we can't place our trust in Mr. Ignatieff in terms of defeating Mr. Harper," Layton said.
Again, he isn't concerned with what's in the best interest of Canadians. He's only thinking about himself and his own fruitless quest for power.
He doesn't fully endorse the new budget, but he is putting the interests of Canadians ahead of his party and quests for power.
Canadians need another election "like a hole in the head." (His words; not mine.)
And as a true opposition leader he is making sure the ruling party keeps its promises by requesting the Conservatives provide three progress reports throughout the year to ensure the budget is on track.
Unlike some opposition leaders who will remain nameless.
"Today, we learn that we can't place our trust in Mr. Ignatieff in terms of defeating Mr. Harper," Layton said.
Again, he isn't concerned with what's in the best interest of Canadians. He's only thinking about himself and his own fruitless quest for power.
Viral Video Chart
This is a good site if you want to see what popular videos are circulating around online.
A few that have been at the top this week are really good:
As the name suggests, it's where you can find the marketing videos that are going around, such as the Cadbury and T-Mobile ones.
You can also find some of the top music videos and Barack Obama has been featured on it a lot lately, including his inaugural address.
A few that have been at the top this week are really good:
As the name suggests, it's where you can find the marketing videos that are going around, such as the Cadbury and T-Mobile ones.
You can also find some of the top music videos and Barack Obama has been featured on it a lot lately, including his inaugural address.
What Happened to Democracy?
Before the budget was even released yesterday Jack Layton was giving his seal of rejection to it.
"NDP Leader Jack Layton, also a Toronto MP, has said his party will oppose the budget no matter what. Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe has said his party will also oppose the budget." (Source)
I like the comment on yesterday's FM96 morning show that the Conservatives should copy the NDPs budget proposal and put it forth as their own. Layton would then be rejecting his own budget.
And we would be well served by a coalition government that includes these guys?
Let's hope that Ignatieff at least judges the budget fairly and makes the best decision for Canadians, not his party or his own power-hungry ego.
"NDP Leader Jack Layton, also a Toronto MP, has said his party will oppose the budget no matter what. Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe has said his party will also oppose the budget." (Source)
I like the comment on yesterday's FM96 morning show that the Conservatives should copy the NDPs budget proposal and put it forth as their own. Layton would then be rejecting his own budget.
And we would be well served by a coalition government that includes these guys?
Let's hope that Ignatieff at least judges the budget fairly and makes the best decision for Canadians, not his party or his own power-hungry ego.
There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.
This is an ad running on buses in London, England, and may appear on buses in Canada.
I'm kind of leery of the "probably," that doesn't instill much confidence. I'd rather choose the side that makes a difference in the end.
And I think the majority of people who believe in God or a higher power would say that their belief doesn't preclude them from enjoying their life.
Also, if you believe that there is a reward waiting for you in heaven, then I think that would help relieve any worries.
I would think that those who don't believe are the ones that would be worrying.
Even if you believe that God doesn't exist, you can't deny that the Earth and the universe have been around for millions of years. So, in the grand scheme of things your life is pretty small and insignificant.
If it were me that would be something to worry about.
I'm more inclined to believe that God does exist and enjoy my life worry-free knowing that when all's said and done I can keep enjoying life even after I leave this world.
I'm kind of leery of the "probably," that doesn't instill much confidence. I'd rather choose the side that makes a difference in the end.
And I think the majority of people who believe in God or a higher power would say that their belief doesn't preclude them from enjoying their life.
Also, if you believe that there is a reward waiting for you in heaven, then I think that would help relieve any worries.
I would think that those who don't believe are the ones that would be worrying.
Even if you believe that God doesn't exist, you can't deny that the Earth and the universe have been around for millions of years. So, in the grand scheme of things your life is pretty small and insignificant.
If it were me that would be something to worry about.
I'm more inclined to believe that God does exist and enjoy my life worry-free knowing that when all's said and done I can keep enjoying life even after I leave this world.
Friday
Star Wars: the abridged version (from someone who's never seen it)
It's hard to believe that there are people out there who have never seen Star Wars.
But it's become such a big part of pop culture, that even those that haven't seen it know enough to retell the story (sort of).
But it's become such a big part of pop culture, that even those that haven't seen it know enough to retell the story (sort of).
Monday
What do you think of Rogers email?
Totally not impressed with all the ads that take up the screen now in Rogers webmail.
And when you send in feedback to them they say it's just like gmail and msn. They miss the point that gmail and msn don't charge for their email.
and to add salt to the wound...
I have the below as my settings and yet Rogers in their infinite wisdom has decided to over rule this setting to take me to the home tab and get a chance to show me even more unwanted ads.
And when you send in feedback to them they say it's just like gmail and msn. They miss the point that gmail and msn don't charge for their email.
and to add salt to the wound...
I have the below as my settings and yet Rogers in their infinite wisdom has decided to over rule this setting to take me to the home tab and get a chance to show me even more unwanted ads.
| When I first visit Mail: |
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Wednesday
Top 10 reasons that a coalition would be bad for Canada
- A coalition government between the NDP and Liberals, supported by the Bloc Quebecois would undermine democracy because Jack Layton, Gilles Duceppe and Michael Ignatieff would govern without the consent of the Canadian voter.
- Michael Ignatieff has walked into the leadership of the Liberal party without one vote from the Liberal grassroots. The coalition government would be led by Ignatieff as Prime Minister without earning one vote from Canadians.
- Mandates are earned not taken. Canadians ought to express their will through the ballot box, not have it tossed aside through backroom deals.
- The Bloc Quebecois should never dictate the terms of our government. Theirs is a party founded on the principle of ripping up Canada and now they want a hand in influencing its governance?
- 74% of Canadians voted against a Liberal government. Now, that's a majority!
- In a time of economic crisis, we don't need a political crisis. In the UK, PM Gord Brown and opposition leader David Cameron have put aside petty partisanship to make government work. Why did Bob Rae say he'll vote to defeat this government even without looking at its budget?
- Coalition talk is decreasing international confidence in our political and economic stability. On the first day of trading after the coalition plan was unveiled, the Toronto Stock Exchange plunged 864.41 points (9.3%). This is the biggest drop since Black Monday in 1987.
- We just had an election! Just a few weeks ago!! The Canadian people gave this current government a mandate. Now let them govern.
- The economy is the number one priority of Canadians. Most Canadians don't care about the usual day-to-day bickering in Ottawa. Canadians care about their families and their jobs. Political brinksmanship reflects how out-of-touch Ignatieff, Layton and Duceppe really are with real Canadians.
- Why would the Liberals team up with the NDP anyway? The Liberals themselves have called the NDP "economy damaging". We have an economist as Prime Minister. When you have a toothache you go to the dentist. When your car breaks down you go to a mechanic. Who better than an economist to deal with the economy?
http://www.rallyforcanada.ca/nocoalition.php
Monday
Thursday
Friday
Want a Free USB Drive?
No strings attached.
Free stuff with company logos on them for advertising purposes:
Free stuff with company logos on them for advertising purposes:
- USB memory
- Stress ball
- Beer mug (beer not included. Too bad.)
Wicked Obstacle Course for Car (complete with drifting and 360s)
This is wicked. I gotta try this.
I think the guy on the SegWay must have a lot of faith in the skills of Ken Block, the driver.
Definition of Gymkhana - "An automotive sport... where drivers skillfully manoeuvre their cars around... obstacles using extreme acceleration, braking and drifting."
I think the guy on the SegWay must have a lot of faith in the skills of Ken Block, the driver.
Definition of Gymkhana - "An automotive sport... where drivers skillfully manoeuvre their cars around... obstacles using extreme acceleration, braking and drifting."
Tuesday
John Williams is a talented musician. So is this guy.
John Williams was the composer for the Star Wars music, Indiana Jones, Superman and Close Encounters, to name a few.
This guy's taken a few of his compositions and produced them a capella style. Pretty neat.
This guy's taken a few of his compositions and produced them a capella style. Pretty neat.
Thursday
What is the largest room in the world?
The largest room in the world is the room for improvement.
I read this line in a weekly newsletter from User Interface Engineering, Failure Is Not an Option -- It's a Requirement.
Their articles are usually specific to usability testing, but this one has a broad message that's good for any organization and even for anyone personally.
It says that a company that embraces mistakes or failure is in the best position to learn and grow from them.
The article also has a list of common mistakes and provides you a chance to learn from others mistakes (novel concept).
A couple other good quotes:
I read this line in a weekly newsletter from User Interface Engineering, Failure Is Not an Option -- It's a Requirement.
Their articles are usually specific to usability testing, but this one has a broad message that's good for any organization and even for anyone personally.
It says that a company that embraces mistakes or failure is in the best position to learn and grow from them.
The article also has a list of common mistakes and provides you a chance to learn from others mistakes (novel concept).
A couple other good quotes:
"Good judgment comes from experience and experience comes from bad judgments."
"Experience is the name everyone gives their mistakes."
Wednesday
Highlights of Greece and Turkey
Here's a highlight video of our photos.
Update: This video was created with Microsoft Photo Story. It's really easy to use.
Update: This video was created with Microsoft Photo Story. It's really easy to use.
Tuesday
SegWays Are So Easy Even a Chimp Could Ride One
This is so funny, but you almost feel sorry for the little guy. He was getting the hang of it near the end though.
Friday
Digital TV Conversion Explained
If you're like most, the upcoming switch from analog to digital TV may have you wondering how it will affect you and what you need to do.
This helpful PSA explains it in easy language that even your 90-year old grandma can understand.
OK, even simpler language, basically unless you're still living in the 70s and have rabbit ears on your TV or an antenna on your roof, you should be good to go.
This helpful PSA explains it in easy language that even your 90-year old grandma can understand.
OK, even simpler language, basically unless you're still living in the 70s and have rabbit ears on your TV or an antenna on your roof, you should be good to go.
I'm back
It's been awhile since my last post, not that I publish that frequently anyway. However...
Just got back from a trip of a lifetime tour of Greece.
Just got back from a trip of a lifetime tour of Greece.
Thursday
Usability Studies help Cars as well as Websites
Whether the steering wheel is on the right or the left, there are still some common elements to all cars that allow anyone that knows how to drive to jump in anything from a Chevy to a Lamborghini and take off.
(Though it may take a minute to figure out how to turn on the windshield wipers. The good thing is you only need to know that when it's raining.)
OObject has an online collection of 17 classic car user interfaces aka dashboards.
To check out more dashboards of classic cars, check out the book, Dashboards
, by David Holland.
(Though it may take a minute to figure out how to turn on the windshield wipers. The good thing is you only need to know that when it's raining.)
OObject has an online collection of 17 classic car user interfaces aka dashboards.
To check out more dashboards of classic cars, check out the book, Dashboards
, by David Holland.
Wednesday
The Clone Wars
What can I say...
Anakin's new Padawan learner is an annoying know-it-all with an attitude.
Even though all the characters look like the actor who portrayed them in the first three episodes, the producers didn't get all the same actors to do the voices, so there's a bit of a disjoint there.
Also, Jabba the Hutt's uncle looks like a girl.
Other than that it was a good movie advancing the whole Star Wars story.
Anakin's new Padawan learner is an annoying know-it-all with an attitude.
Even though all the characters look like the actor who portrayed them in the first three episodes, the producers didn't get all the same actors to do the voices, so there's a bit of a disjoint there.
Also, Jabba the Hutt's uncle looks like a girl.
Other than that it was a good movie advancing the whole Star Wars story.
En gard and may the force be with you
Gizmodo ran a Photoshop contest asking for Ways to Ruin the Olympics Using Technology.
This was the cool, second place winner submitted by Jim Festante.
This was the cool, second place winner submitted by Jim Festante.
Monday
Superman: Birthright
Another take on the Superman story, Superman: Birthright includes some aspects from Lois and Clark and from Smallville.
One difference is that rather than the "S" insignia representing the house of El, it represents Krypton as a whole being the flag of Krypton.
This change delves into our own (Earth's) tribal differences (Navajo, Scottish kilts, etc.) and rather than Superman wearing the S to represent his family he is using it to represent an entire people and really portrays him as "The Last Son of Krypton."
Superman: Birthright, originally a twelve-issue, limited-series comic book published by DC Comics in 2003 and 2004, was written by Mark Waid and drawn by Leinil Francis Yu. (Source: Wikipedia.)
However, I think that this is best experienced in the collected version in hardcover or softcover.
Like a DVD set, a collected set in a graphic novel usually includes extras, such as author or artist commentary and extra concept art.
And this doesn't disappoint with a collection of all the cover art as well as the original plot outlines by Mark Waid that discuss his thoughts on the Superman mythology in all its various forms as well as his take as represented in Birthright.
If you're a Superman fan, this is a great book to add to your collection.
includes some aspects from Lois and Clark and from Smallville.One difference is that rather than the "S" insignia representing the house of El, it represents Krypton as a whole being the flag of Krypton.
This change delves into our own (Earth's) tribal differences (Navajo, Scottish kilts, etc.) and rather than Superman wearing the S to represent his family he is using it to represent an entire people and really portrays him as "The Last Son of Krypton."
Superman: Birthright, originally a twelve-issue, limited-series comic book published by DC Comics in 2003 and 2004, was written by Mark Waid and drawn by Leinil Francis Yu. (Source: Wikipedia.)
However, I think that this is best experienced in the collected version in hardcover or softcover.
Like a DVD set, a collected set in a graphic novel usually includes extras, such as author or artist commentary and extra concept art.
And this doesn't disappoint with a collection of all the cover art as well as the original plot outlines by Mark Waid that discuss his thoughts on the Superman mythology in all its various forms as well as his take as represented in Birthright.
If you're a Superman fan, this is a great book to add to your collection.
Thursday
Telemegaphone Dale
This begs the question, if you call a mountain top and and no one is around to hear it, did you really make a sound?
Touted as a telephonic art installation this megaphone will be installed on a hilltop in Dale, Norway. Anyone can use the loudspeakers by dialing a special phone number.
I hope for the sake of the residents of Dale that they can't hear it because I don't think they'll have the ability to hang up when a telemarketer calls during dinner time. (I'm sure they will be pretty quick to add the number to every do not call list in the world.)
Touted as a telephonic art installation this megaphone will be installed on a hilltop in Dale, Norway. Anyone can use the loudspeakers by dialing a special phone number.
I hope for the sake of the residents of Dale that they can't hear it because I don't think they'll have the ability to hang up when a telemarketer calls during dinner time. (I'm sure they will be pretty quick to add the number to every do not call list in the world.)
Monday
Mamma Mia
Mama mia, mama mia, mama mia let me go-
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me-
Oh sorry, wrong song.
Mamma mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My my, just how much I've missed you
First, I just want to say that Pierce Brosnan singing is just wrong on so many levels. I will admit he got a little better, but his first song was just really wrong.
I don't know who thought he would be good in a musical. I think they were just trying to find some middle aged guy who would appeal to the middle aged women who are the biggest demographic for this.
Yes, I will admit I did go see it in the theatre. But I want to quickly add that it was with my wife. I have to give in every once in awhile in hopes that she'll see the more action-packed movies with me. (Doesn't work too often, but I can keep hoping.)
As chick flicks go it did have some pretty funny moments. And I must say that Merryl Streep looks pretty good at 59. (Amanda Seyfried isn't half bad either :)
Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me, for me, for me-
Oh sorry, wrong song.
Mamma mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My my, just how much I've missed you
First, I just want to say that Pierce Brosnan singing is just wrong on so many levels. I will admit he got a little better, but his first song was just really wrong.
I don't know who thought he would be good in a musical. I think they were just trying to find some middle aged guy who would appeal to the middle aged women who are the biggest demographic for this.
Yes, I will admit I did go see it in the theatre. But I want to quickly add that it was with my wife. I have to give in every once in awhile in hopes that she'll see the more action-packed movies with me. (Doesn't work too often, but I can keep hoping.)
As chick flicks go it did have some pretty funny moments. And I must say that Merryl Streep looks pretty good at 59. (Amanda Seyfried isn't half bad either :)
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight definitely lives up to the hype. I won't write too much about it because I don't want to give too much away if you're one of the few who still haven't seen it.
I think all the talk of it being too violent for kids is a bit overrated, but then again I don't have kids, so what do I know. I did however see this with a friend and his nine-year-old who seemed to fair pretty well through it.
It continues to break records reaching for and possibly surpassing the infamous $600M mark held by Titanic.
Though a really great movie, most of the hype and record-breaking is being attributed to Heath Ledgers' passing, so whether all this attention can sustain a future movie is up in the air.
It's pretty certain that the Joker won't appear in any movies for a very long time as Heath Ledger's portrayal and subsequent demise pretty much ruin the chances of any other actor successfully pulling it off.
I think all the talk of it being too violent for kids is a bit overrated, but then again I don't have kids, so what do I know. I did however see this with a friend and his nine-year-old who seemed to fair pretty well through it.
It continues to break records reaching for and possibly surpassing the infamous $600M mark held by Titanic.
Though a really great movie, most of the hype and record-breaking is being attributed to Heath Ledgers' passing, so whether all this attention can sustain a future movie is up in the air.
It's pretty certain that the Joker won't appear in any movies for a very long time as Heath Ledger's portrayal and subsequent demise pretty much ruin the chances of any other actor successfully pulling it off.
Batman Beats the Bad Guys and Beats the Records
Though not sure the record-breaking weekend can all be attributed to Batman; I think he had some unlikely help from his arch-nemesis, The Joker, or rather the late Heath Ledger.
With an opening weekend bringing in $155.3M, Batman definitely tore up Spider-man 3's web, and predictions are that the numbers aren't going to slow anytime soon.
With an opening weekend bringing in $155.3M, Batman definitely tore up Spider-man 3's web, and predictions are that the numbers aren't going to slow anytime soon.
The Fairy tale that is Hellboy 2
I haven't seen Pan's Labyrinth, but from the previews for it I immediately recognized Guillermo Del Toro's work in Hellboy 2.
Very much a fairy tale story with fantastical creatures, good fighting evil, and even a bit of beauty and the beast thrown in.
Of course there is still the usual big guns, fist fights and witty comments that are Hellboy.
And not to ruin the ending, but of course good triumphs over evil and they all (or most) go off in to the sunset to live happily-ever-after (so you're lead to believe).
Very much a fairy tale story with fantastical creatures, good fighting evil, and even a bit of beauty and the beast thrown in.
Of course there is still the usual big guns, fist fights and witty comments that are Hellboy.
And not to ruin the ending, but of course good triumphs over evil and they all (or most) go off in to the sunset to live happily-ever-after (so you're lead to believe).
Friday
Terminator Salvation trailer
Another fantastic movie for next year. Don't think Arnie will be back for this one though.
Watchemen trailer
Holy freakin-fantastic.
The movie is an adaptation of the graphic novel. "Set in 1985, in an alternative history United States where costumed adventurers are real and the country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union." (Source: Wikipedia.)
The movie will be out next year. Check out the official site for more info.
Can't wait to go see The Dark Knight and now can't wait even more to see this trailer up on the big screen.
The movie is an adaptation of the graphic novel. "Set in 1985, in an alternative history United States where costumed adventurers are real and the country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union." (Source: Wikipedia.)
The movie will be out next year. Check out the official site for more info.
Can't wait to go see The Dark Knight and now can't wait even more to see this trailer up on the big screen.
Antartcitc Ice Shelf Melting on a Hot Summer's Day
The Wilkins Ice Shelf in the Antarctic is hanging by a thread. First predictions were that it only had 30 years left, but now researcher David Vaughan of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) says, "it is going more quickly than we had guessed."
Not sure, but can't we just hook up a big snow making machine and refreeze the cracks???
Not sure, but can't we just hook up a big snow making machine and refreeze the cracks???
Monday
Dramatic Shots of Wildfires in Southern California
This is a pretty dramatic shot with the smoke and fire retardant mingling in the sky.
It's hard to imagine that this is a result of such devastation.
Wednesday
Tuesday
Is Google Making Us Stupid?
Sure we no longer have to fill our brains with a dearth of useful trivia, but when has a mind full of useless facts helped anyone other than on Jeopardy.
We now have Sudoku to keep our minds active now that encyclopedias aren't around for us read and memorize cover to cover.
So, no, I don't believe as Carr and others would have us believe that those who acquire search engine skills will cease to exercise their memory and become forgetful.
Is Google Making Us Stupid? found in The Atlantic, written by Nicholas Carr
We now have Sudoku to keep our minds active now that encyclopedias aren't around for us read and memorize cover to cover.
So, no, I don't believe as Carr and others would have us believe that those who acquire search engine skills will cease to exercise their memory and become forgetful.
Is Google Making Us Stupid? found in The Atlantic, written by Nicholas Carr
Thursday
Firefox 3 available Tuesday, June 17
The official date has been announced.
Next Tuesday Firefox is launching version 3 and hoping to break a world record with the most downloads in a day.
So, mark your calendars and download Firefox 3 on Tuesday.
Next Tuesday Firefox is launching version 3 and hoping to break a world record with the most downloads in a day.
So, mark your calendars and download Firefox 3 on Tuesday.
Monday
Takes a licking and keeps on ticking
Bulova Watches may want to adopt this saying for their watches after one was found in Gibraltar Harbor.
Teddy Beacon lost it in the Harbor in 1941 while serving on the HMS Repulse.
It was found recently when the Harbor was dredged and returned to him... and it's still ticking after being wet for all those years.
Teddy Beacon lost it in the Harbor in 1941 while serving on the HMS Repulse.
It was found recently when the Harbor was dredged and returned to him... and it's still ticking after being wet for all those years.
Friday
We are the aliens
There was a post on Gizmodo.com yesterday about a press conference today that will show supposed video evidence of an extraterrestrial.
However, a story on CBC.ca today talks about 'uncontacted' tribes in the Amazon.
It's hard to believe that there are still isolated people in this world who still hunt and live off the land for their entire existence.
They depend entirely on the few people in their tribe for survival and their entire world is no bigger than a few miles circumference around their village.
Their existence is threatened by illegal logging. To them, we are the extraterrestrials. Could you imagine a logging bulldozer plowing through the trees into their village.
A construction worker in hard hat and sunglasses would appear to them as an alien with big head and saucer eyes would to us.
However, a story on CBC.ca today talks about 'uncontacted' tribes in the Amazon.
It's hard to believe that there are still isolated people in this world who still hunt and live off the land for their entire existence.
They depend entirely on the few people in their tribe for survival and their entire world is no bigger than a few miles circumference around their village.
Their existence is threatened by illegal logging. To them, we are the extraterrestrials. Could you imagine a logging bulldozer plowing through the trees into their village.
A construction worker in hard hat and sunglasses would appear to them as an alien with big head and saucer eyes would to us.
Thursday
Firefox 3: On your mark... get set... wait for it...
Much anticipated and going for a world record download day, "with more than 14,000 improvements, Firefox 3 is faster, safer and smarter than before."
Though the date has not been set yet it will be sometime next month, so watch for it and get set to go.
Not yet using Firefox, download version 2 now and upgrade to 3 on download day.
Though the date has not been set yet it will be sometime next month, so watch for it and get set to go.
Not yet using Firefox, download version 2 now and upgrade to 3 on download day.
Tuesday
Is Shia LaBeouf the next Indy?
Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull is a good popcorn flick, but as Indy movies go I was expecting more.
There were a lot of "old man" cliches in reference to Indy and now that the secrets out that his real name is Henry Jones, Jr., there's no stopping the mentions of it.
In the past movies no one knew his real name was "Junior" and now everyone refers to him as Henry Jones, Jr.
Not to reveal anything, but the whole losing his hat and finding it again hasn't grown old. In the final scene the hat blows around and lands at Mutt's (Shia LaBeouf's) feet and he picks it up. He decides to try it on and at the last moment Indy (aka Henry Jones, Jr.) grabs it.
Is this foreshadowing things to come? George Lucas has stated that he's not actively searching for a new artifact to be the object of Indy's next adventure. With Harrison Ford getting up there in years perhaps Shia will be Indy, Jr. when the next artifact is found to be the basis of a new adventure.
As an aside, and a bit of a history lesson, there is such a thing as crystal skulls. There are 12 known to be in existence - one in each of Paris and London museums, one at the Smithsonian, and nine others in private hands.
There were a lot of "old man" cliches in reference to Indy and now that the secrets out that his real name is Henry Jones, Jr., there's no stopping the mentions of it.
In the past movies no one knew his real name was "Junior" and now everyone refers to him as Henry Jones, Jr.
Not to reveal anything, but the whole losing his hat and finding it again hasn't grown old. In the final scene the hat blows around and lands at Mutt's (Shia LaBeouf's) feet and he picks it up. He decides to try it on and at the last moment Indy (aka Henry Jones, Jr.) grabs it.
Is this foreshadowing things to come? George Lucas has stated that he's not actively searching for a new artifact to be the object of Indy's next adventure. With Harrison Ford getting up there in years perhaps Shia will be Indy, Jr. when the next artifact is found to be the basis of a new adventure.
As an aside, and a bit of a history lesson, there is such a thing as crystal skulls. There are 12 known to be in existence - one in each of Paris and London museums, one at the Smithsonian, and nine others in private hands.
Monday
Cold Fusion a Reality!?!
If you've watched The Saint with Val Kilmer you'll be familiar with cold fusion and it's role in thwarting the Russian Mafia boss, Ivan Tretiak, and his plans to profit from an oil crisis.
Thought to be like the plague, the study of cold fusion has been relegated to the closet in main scientific channels; however, it has recently been taken out of the closet to air out recently with perhaps promising results.
If this isn't a hoax, this discovery of cold fusion could revolutionize the world's energy production; it's the holy grail of energy production as said by Gizmodo in their post.
Thought to be like the plague, the study of cold fusion has been relegated to the closet in main scientific channels; however, it has recently been taken out of the closet to air out recently with perhaps promising results.
If this isn't a hoax, this discovery of cold fusion could revolutionize the world's energy production; it's the holy grail of energy production as said by Gizmodo in their post.
Thursday
Prince Caspian: Chronicles of Narnia
If you like swords, and magic and the like this is a great movie.
The fight between Peter and King Miraz is great with lots of cool moves.
Though it seems a bit fantastical at times it does have a classic story line to follow keeping in line with the original chronicles.
The end seems a bit sad, but provides a bit of foreshadowing of what to expect in the next chapter, so to say.
The fight between Peter and King Miraz is great with lots of cool moves.
Though it seems a bit fantastical at times it does have a classic story line to follow keeping in line with the original chronicles.
The end seems a bit sad, but provides a bit of foreshadowing of what to expect in the next chapter, so to say.
On My Way for $25!!
I just received an e-mail from Air Canada promoting their new On My Way service. They're calling it "The new name for peace of mind."
This service offers, for a fee, stuff like:
Sure I realize that air lines are getting hit pretty hard by the high cost of gas, but I think they could be a bit more open in their marketing.
Do they really think we're that stupid that we can't see through this?!?
This service offers, for a fee, stuff like:
- Access to specialized agents who are available around the clock to address your needs
- Priority rebooking on the first flight out (with Air Canada or another airline)
- The option of a complimentary rental car, train ticket or bus ticket
- Food vouchers and a hotel room if needed
Sure I realize that air lines are getting hit pretty hard by the high cost of gas, but I think they could be a bit more open in their marketing.
Do they really think we're that stupid that we can't see through this?!?
Wednesday
Nine Inch Nails free advance release
Free Music!
You can download Nine Inch Nails latest album, The Slip, for free. They're releasing it free online now in advance of the release of the CD and vinyl in July.
You can download Nine Inch Nails latest album, The Slip, for free. They're releasing it free online now in advance of the release of the CD and vinyl in July.
Monday
The Dark Knight - new trailer
Not to leave out the other big comic producer, DC comics is also hoping for a summer blockbuster with Batman: The Dark Knight.
If not for a memorial, Heath Ledger definitely could be up for an award as one of the greatest villains as The Joker.
Although he hasn't made an appearance in the trailers yet, it appears that Two Face (aka Harvey Dent) will also be appearing this summer.
Neither villains to be confused with Jack Nicholson's rendition as The Joker or Tommy Lee Jones as Two Face in previous Batman movies.
If not for a memorial, Heath Ledger definitely could be up for an award as one of the greatest villains as The Joker.
Although he hasn't made an appearance in the trailers yet, it appears that Two Face (aka Harvey Dent) will also be appearing this summer.
Neither villains to be confused with Jack Nicholson's rendition as The Joker or Tommy Lee Jones as Two Face in previous Batman movies.
Iron Man's blockbuster performance brings on announcement of more to come
Iron Man's opening weekend grossed over $100 million prompting Marvel to announce that Iron Man 2 will be out in April 30, 2010 along with more Marvel heroes, including:
- Thor on June 4, 2010;
- Captain America the following year, May 6, 2011; and
- The Avengers on July 2011.
Friday
New Trailer for The Incredible Hulk
Iron Man is here in all his metal, gadget glory...
and the big green, raging monster is soon to join him.
Check out the new trailer.
and the big green, raging monster is soon to join him.
Check out the new trailer.
Monday
Behind the scenes of Iron Man
A recent article in USA Today includes some behind-the-scene shots on the set of Iron Man.
Apparently Jeff Bridges is quite the creative guy and doesn't leave home without his Widelux panoramic camera documenting his life and his work, including photos from the set of his most recent role as Obadiah Stane in Iron Man.
Apparently Jeff Bridges is quite the creative guy and doesn't leave home without his Widelux panoramic camera documenting his life and his work, including photos from the set of his most recent role as Obadiah Stane in Iron Man.
Tuesday
Fetch boy, Fetch
So much for getting exercise if you have a dog. This is a riot though.
The dogs going to have a heart attack.
It seems to have endless energy like the Energizer Bunny.
The dogs going to have a heart attack.
It seems to have endless energy like the Energizer Bunny.
Monday
Sunday
Monday
The Grid: The Future is Here
- 10,000 times faster than a typical broadband connection
- Capable of downloading entire feature films in seconds
- Able to transmit holographic images
- Allow instant online games with hundreds of thousands of players
- High-definition video telephony for the price of a local call
CERN, the particle physics center based in Geneva that created the web, has built The Grid, capable of the above and probably more.
Though it will be awhile (possibly a long while) before you would ever see this in your home, just imagine the possibilities.
"It has already been used to help design new drugs against malaria by analyzing 140m compounds, an undertaking that would have taken 420 years on a standard internet-linked PC."
Cool stuff.
Thursday
How cool are these? I want one
... or two or all of them. If they were bigger they would make great garden ornaments.
This is Gyro (19 inches tall).
When Gyro properly understands his assignment he is a wide-eyed and indefatigable worker. One time, though, Gyro wasn't listening closely enough and the next thing you know every lug nut from every vehicle in the Yankee Stadium parking lot had been removed and melted down.
Check them all out at Guy Robot.
Wednesday
10,000 B.C.
Great movie as far as special effects, but I think the story tries too much.
Rather than trying to portray itself as a movie of human history I think it should have picked a title such as "Spear tooth" or something else relevant to the movie.
I'm not sure where in Africa De'lays Rastafarian tribe would have actually lived.
I think the suspension of disbelief is easily achieved for most of the story; you can even stretch the imagination to think that ya maybe woolly mammoths did help to build the pyramids, but I think the final scene went too far.
Not to give away the ending, but throughout the story the most mystical it got was prophecy, but to then have the magic of old mother go across the mountains, through the rainforest and across the desert is a bit much.
Check out where and when this movie is playing in London at Entertainment London.
Rather than trying to portray itself as a movie of human history I think it should have picked a title such as "Spear tooth" or something else relevant to the movie.
I'm not sure where in Africa De'lays Rastafarian tribe would have actually lived.
I think the suspension of disbelief is easily achieved for most of the story; you can even stretch the imagination to think that ya maybe woolly mammoths did help to build the pyramids, but I think the final scene went too far.
Not to give away the ending, but throughout the story the most mystical it got was prophecy, but to then have the magic of old mother go across the mountains, through the rainforest and across the desert is a bit much.
Check out where and when this movie is playing in London at Entertainment London.
Tuesday
Traffic shockwaves are cause of traffic jams
I'm sure everyone has experienced this:
You're travelling along at a nice pace on the highway when all of the sudden everything grinds to a halt. You get a couple miles down the road and everything is moving again, but there was no apparent cause of the slow down; no accident; no busy on/off ramp; no construction; nothing that would have caused it.
The theory of "traffic shockwaves" has actually been demonstrated on a test track in Japan.
And it's all attributed to human error. As one researcher comments: "If they had set up an experiment with robots driving in a perfect circle, flow breakdown would not have occurred."
You're travelling along at a nice pace on the highway when all of the sudden everything grinds to a halt. You get a couple miles down the road and everything is moving again, but there was no apparent cause of the slow down; no accident; no busy on/off ramp; no construction; nothing that would have caused it.
The theory of "traffic shockwaves" has actually been demonstrated on a test track in Japan.
And it's all attributed to human error. As one researcher comments: "If they had set up an experiment with robots driving in a perfect circle, flow breakdown would not have occurred."
Friday
New Iron Man trailer
Computer: "Sir, the upgrade is complete" (talking about the new armor)
Tony Stark: "Tell you what. Put a little hot rod red in there."
'nough said.
Can't wait for this movie.
Tony Stark: "Tell you what. Put a little hot rod red in there."
'nough said.
Can't wait for this movie.
Monday
Rich Dad financial education
Have you heard of Robery Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad?
It's a great book and Robert has many great ideas on improving the financial education kids receive in school and also changing your own ideas on escaping the rat race.
For a RISK FREE offer to hear from some of the very best "Rich Dad" advisors Canada has to offer, check out Fast Track to Cashflow and find:
?It's a great book and Robert has many great ideas on improving the financial education kids receive in school and also changing your own ideas on escaping the rat race.
For a RISK FREE offer to hear from some of the very best "Rich Dad" advisors Canada has to offer, check out Fast Track to Cashflow and find:
- Little-Known Investment Strategies
- Business Tips from the Pro’s
- Key Real Estate Investment Concepts
- Sales, Marketing and Personal Productivity Ideas
Thursday
So... we're safe from the next asteroid impact...
????
This is the news coverage from the Pentagon on the defunct spy satellite and the U.S. attempt to control it's reentry and ensure burn up.
Looks impressive, but the general doesn't instill much confidence in his speech.
This is the news coverage from the Pentagon on the defunct spy satellite and the U.S. attempt to control it's reentry and ensure burn up.
Looks impressive, but the general doesn't instill much confidence in his speech.
Tuesday
Math mimicking art mimicking math
OK, so my nerd is showing, but this is cool stuff.
You don't normally find math and art mingling together, but the pieces in these exhibits are all generated by math modeling and formulas.
They generate some pretty neat stuff.
You don't normally find math and art mingling together, but the pieces in these exhibits are all generated by math modeling and formulas.
They generate some pretty neat stuff.
The white line above forms a single loop, dividing the page into two regions. Looked at from afar, the image forms a Celtic knot.-Robert Bosch
Friday
A Bunny Valentine
I live downtown, but there are still a few trees in the neighbourhood. Enough that a few of our neighbours include the four-legged variety, including skunks and rabbits amongst the obligatory squirrels.
So, I am used to seeing tracks in the snow around our yard, but yesterday, on Valentine's Day no less, I looked out into the snow and saw this amazing site. (Click image to enlarge.)
Bunny footprints leave heart in the snow.
So, I am used to seeing tracks in the snow around our yard, but yesterday, on Valentine's Day no less, I looked out into the snow and saw this amazing site. (Click image to enlarge.)
Bunny footprints leave heart in the snow.Monday
Don't forget to profreed your work
Someone forwarded me this YouTube video, How NOT to use PowerPoint, and after checking it out I found this one on the importance of proofreading.
It really drives home the point.
It really drives home the point.
Long live beuracracy
I think this speaks for itself and there's no need to comment further on the stupidity of the US patent office.
I mean, really, this company must think they won the jackpot by actually getting a patent on a technology already in frequent use by all mobile phone manufacturers.
If this case goes through and the patent doesn't get rescinded then we might as well just shoot ourselves now.
I mean, really, this company must think they won the jackpot by actually getting a patent on a technology already in frequent use by all mobile phone manufacturers.
If this case goes through and the patent doesn't get rescinded then we might as well just shoot ourselves now.
Gerry McGovern
I've mentioned Gerry McGovern in a couple posts before, but just wanted to reiterate what great ideas he has for web design.
His philosophy is to focus on the client (not the organizational structure) when designing a website. And he's a big proponent of continuous web improvement, not a total site redesign every couple of years.
Sign up for his free weekly e-mail from his website, www.gerrymcgovern.com.
His philosophy is to focus on the client (not the organizational structure) when designing a website. And he's a big proponent of continuous web improvement, not a total site redesign every couple of years.
Sign up for his free weekly e-mail from his website, www.gerrymcgovern.com.
Want to know what movies are playing in London, Ontario
Here's a list of sites that you can go to next time you want to catch a movie:
Thursday
Friday
Thursday
Mary er... Merry Christmas
Just wanted to do a quick post at this festive time of year and wish a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
And if you're name is Brian Christmas, as he says, he has Merry er... Mary Christmas all year long. (Brian married Mary earlier this year.)
And if you're name is Brian Christmas, as he says, he has Merry er... Mary Christmas all year long. (Brian married Mary earlier this year.)
The Most Memorable Web Videos of 2007
We are now a world of consumer generated media.
Instead of turning to CNN to see a biased, edited version of the world, we now turn to the Web with the likes of YouTube, Wikipedia and even FaceBook to find out what's going on in our community...
... our community that now encompasses the entire world.
The video on this page is a synopsis of the most memorable Web videos of 2007.
Instead of turning to CNN to see a biased, edited version of the world, we now turn to the Web with the likes of YouTube, Wikipedia and even FaceBook to find out what's going on in our community...
... our community that now encompasses the entire world.
The video on this page is a synopsis of the most memorable Web videos of 2007.
Monday
Friday
And who says birds don't make good pets...
This guys parrot has learned how to mimic his cellphone ringtones and tortures the guy by making him think his phone is ringing when actually it's the parrot.
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