Wednesday, January 23, 2002
The Lord of the Rings is everywhere at the moment - films, calendars, t-shirts, lunchboxes and even a few copies of the books. Of course you don't need me to tell you that, but I'll bet you need me to direct you to the Lego version, don't you? Thought so.
posted by Mark 1:28 PM
Having read the propaganda stuff I linked on Friday, it seems appropriate to link this one to go with it. Shown on this web-page are the leaflets the American Government have dropped over Afghanistan recently. It's fascinating to see just how they go about a real live propoganda campaign. Please be warned, this one has a lot of pictures on one page and might take a while to download on a modem.
posted by Mark 1:07 PM
Today I stumbled across Hammacher Schlemmer (great name huh?) who are a real godsend to all of us who revel in useless gadgets and toys. Among the enormous range of stuff they sell we find some absolute gems: the 1957 Chevy Go Cart; a beautiful Queen-size Library Bed; the amazing 10-Foot Diameter Floating Trampoline; a rather fun looking All Terrain Two-Person Hovercraft and a handmade Penny Farthing!
Bu that's not all; there's also the Panoramic Computer Screen for button-pushers with lots of space, and a cool Robotic Lawn mower that "trims the lawn all by itself . . . even trims edges and lawn perimeters, while avoiding flower beds, trees and other obstacles". Wow. Or maybe you're an adventurer rather than a lounger? Okay then, how about the Two Person Submarine, or perhaps the Powered Parachute.
They really do have everything, even a miniature flying saucer with handlebars. When I win the lottery, I'll just get the cheque made out to these guys.
posted by Mark 12:16 PM
Friday, January 18, 2002
Propaganda analysis exposes the tricks that propagandists use and suggests ways of resisting the short-cuts that they promote. This web-site discusses various propaganda techniques, provides contemporary examples of their use, and proposes strategies of mental self-defense.
"It is essential in a democratic society that young people and adults learn how to think, learn how to make up their minds. They must learn how to think independently, and they must learn how to think together. They must come to conclusions, but at the same time they must recognize the right of other men to come to opposite conclusions. So far as individuals are concerned, the art of democracy is the art of thinking and discussing independently together."
I firmly believe that this should be required reading for everyone. You owe it to yourself to at least have a quick look around this site - find out how they have been playing with your head all these years...
posted by Mark 10:03 AM
What is a weblog? Well, you're reading one now. If you are at all curious about this odd practise, you could do far worse than to read Rebecca Blood's History of Weblogs. Not only is it terribly informative, it has links to many far better blogs than this one. I'll miss you; all of you.
posted by Mark 1:30 AM
Thursday, January 17, 2002
The latest thing to hit my Birthday Present Wishlist is Moller's Skycar. Unfortunately pictures are a bit thin on the ground at the site, but they certainly seem serious enough about it. Then again, look at some of his previous attempts to build a working model (they are linked down the left side - XM-2 etc.)
posted by Mark 2:36 PM
Another fun toy for all you stargazers out there - an Interactive Solar System from NASA (nice chaps that they are). Unlike the viewer I linked to before, this one gives you a 3D solar system to play with; and if you click on the "More on Solar System" text (top right of the window) it has a neat set of animated facts for you.
posted by Mark 2:28 PM
I have no idea what this song might actually sound like, and I'm not sure I want to find out.
The last line sums it up nicely, I feel.
posted by Mark 1:47 PM
The N�rburgring used to be the German Grand Prix circuit until Niki Lauda's horrific accident there in 1976. Formula One was developing safety standards requiring run-off, gravel traps and tyre-walls; the N�rburgring offered only armco, trees and bloody great drops! It was never used for Formula 1 racing again.
When not being used for racing (extremely rare these days), testing or private hire, it is officially a one-way public toll-road. Buy a ticket and you can drive/ride a lap.
This sounds to me like a fine way to pass time, and I found an excellent site stuffed full of information about it by one Ben Lovejoy, an englishman who makes frequent trips over there.
A fascinating read and an interesting holiday oppurtunity. I find myself wondering how far away it is from this years German Grand Prix circuit...
posted by Mark 1:40 PM
I want to be buried in a Big Chicken. Or maybe I could get a Ferrari-shaped one instead...
Anyway, have a look at the workmanship on some of these african fantasy coffins.
posted by Mark 1:26 PM
Saturday, January 12, 2002
Well, here I am again. Sorry about the delay, but I've been on an extended trip across the internet, and I finally did it; I got right to the end!
See the lengths I go to for you? I picked up lots of fun stuff on the way, and it'll be appearing here for your clicking pleasure over the next few days.
posted by Mark 1:00 AM