OK, as those returning can see, I no longer have the domain www.maximumword.com . I may have another soon, but now I'll just use the services of Blogger.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Dick Van Dyke-- Computer Animator
Yes, I'm talking about the TV legend. And he isn't just playing around. He has been using computers to do animation for years. He even used his talent on his TV show to create a realistic wreck when they didn't have the money for it.
As amazing and cool as this is, this does lead me to a disturbing though...
Dick Van Dyke is a bigger geek than I am. sigh...
As amazing and cool as this is, this does lead me to a disturbing though...
Dick Van Dyke is a bigger geek than I am. sigh...
Friday, August 20, 2004
Ape Photographs... just like the Stars
A photographer who normally takes shots of the stars has a new hobby... apes. This isn't wildlife shots, but shots of apes just as one takes photos of the stars for People and other such media.
Apes are an interest of mine, but even I was taken by how different they look in this very different context. And besides making you think a bit, they are very lovely photos.
There is even humor... more than once I thought "Gee, that looks like ..." in referance to someone I know!
Apes are an interest of mine, but even I was taken by how different they look in this very different context. And besides making you think a bit, they are very lovely photos.
There is even humor... more than once I thought "Gee, that looks like ..." in referance to someone I know!
Monday, August 16, 2004
I'm Back!!!! sigh... again.
My computer was out for about a week. Just a power supply, but I didn't have the money to get a new one. Now I'm back, and I'm done with the normal 48 hour period of being locked to my keyboard surfing and playing computer games.
I'll be blogging soon. I have too... site visits have dropped to about 5 to 10 a day!
I'll be blogging soon. I have too... site visits have dropped to about 5 to 10 a day!
Thursday, July 29, 2004
FactCheck.org - Annenberg Political Fact Check
In this season of political ads, one needs to cut though the thick of it and find some reality. The fact is that both sides ... well, let's say they play a few games with the truth, and wouldn't let it get in the way of a nice sound bite.
Factcheck.org is a group that cuts though that, on all sides. And they just don't say "He lies! Lies, I tell you!", they source it, in detail.
I always treat all politcal ads just as I treat spam. I suggest you do the same!
Factcheck.org is a group that cuts though that, on all sides. And they just don't say "He lies! Lies, I tell you!", they source it, in detail.
I always treat all politcal ads just as I treat spam. I suggest you do the same!
The Trouble with Tethering - Features - features.engadget.com
This is an story writen by a geek writer, but it's very clear and easy to understand, and it's about an important subject... tethering.
The story explains it better than I could, but the example given was a coffee machine that was very good. They considered buying it, and it seemed like a good buy, but they didn't. Why? Becuase the machine required 'pods' of coffee to make the coffee.
So, that means they would never be able to use the flavor they wanted. They would also be stuck if the price of the 'coffee pod' (love that phrase) was raised. And most importantly, if the company went out of business, they would have a very useless nothing machine.
This is an important topic, becuase we will be seeing more and more of this in the near future. Today, we take for granted that we can get after market items like priter ink and car parts from where ever we want. That is changing. Even now, the larger printer makers are considering or already doing this, by adding chips in the ink holders that tell the printer that they are company made. And new laws make it illegal for other companies to even try work out what the chip does, making third party inks impossible.
"Hey, that is just computer stuff... I don't care!" I'm sure some of you are thinking that. But I've got news for you. Chips can be put anywhere. It would be quiet simple to make a shaving razor that only took blads from 'chipped' blades made by the same company. And don't you doubt they are considering this right now.
As computers and electronics become smaller and more flexible, some amazing things are happening. Unfortunately, some of the worst practices of the computing world are coming to the regular world right along with those amazing things. So things that just geeks like me had to worry about will soon be facing you at the grocery store.
One of these days, you may be wondering what all that 'open source' talk was about, becuase you'll be looking for an open source razor.
The story explains it better than I could, but the example given was a coffee machine that was very good. They considered buying it, and it seemed like a good buy, but they didn't. Why? Becuase the machine required 'pods' of coffee to make the coffee.
So, that means they would never be able to use the flavor they wanted. They would also be stuck if the price of the 'coffee pod' (love that phrase) was raised. And most importantly, if the company went out of business, they would have a very useless nothing machine.
This is an important topic, becuase we will be seeing more and more of this in the near future. Today, we take for granted that we can get after market items like priter ink and car parts from where ever we want. That is changing. Even now, the larger printer makers are considering or already doing this, by adding chips in the ink holders that tell the printer that they are company made. And new laws make it illegal for other companies to even try work out what the chip does, making third party inks impossible.
"Hey, that is just computer stuff... I don't care!" I'm sure some of you are thinking that. But I've got news for you. Chips can be put anywhere. It would be quiet simple to make a shaving razor that only took blads from 'chipped' blades made by the same company. And don't you doubt they are considering this right now.
As computers and electronics become smaller and more flexible, some amazing things are happening. Unfortunately, some of the worst practices of the computing world are coming to the regular world right along with those amazing things. So things that just geeks like me had to worry about will soon be facing you at the grocery store.
One of these days, you may be wondering what all that 'open source' talk was about, becuase you'll be looking for an open source razor.
Sunday, July 25, 2004
I'm a Linux Geek Now
I've been playing around with live CDs (more on this later) that turned my computer into a Linux system long enough. I've finally taken that geek step too far... I now have a Linux computer.
OK, maybe not too far... my system can still boot into Windows XP. I've set up a dual boot system. When I turn my machine on, I get an option to go into windows or linux. The best of both worlds.
I'm using the Suse disto (geek for distrobution.. it's the Linux that Suse puts out). I had a few in mind, and then though I was just overthinking it, and picked one.
Why Linux? Well, I'm a geek for one! Beyond that... it's nice. Lots of free programs. My free CD (downloaded from the net, though you can buy it too) cam with the operating system and just about every kind of program you can think of. Word processing, games, spread sheets, media playing, media editing, chat, IM, browing, web pag editing, picture editing, vector... ok, you get the idea. Usually more than one each. And I just picked the one CD one! Next time, I'll get a box version I buy which will have more, just for fun.
It's also fast. The system itself takes much less of the resources of the computer, leaving more for other stuff... like the programs you use the OS for. It was so snappy, I had to get used to it. Many things that I'm used to getting a slight delay on when doing now happen very quickly.
And, overall, it was pretty easy. The install had some issues... I couldn't boot into windows without some changes.. but once installed, it's pretty much as easy as windows to use, for the most part. When using the programs that come installed, it's as easy as windows. But installing programs are an issue sometimes. And at a basic level, some things work differently... not harder, just different. But that is enough to throw you off at times. Even me, the sort of geek. You even have to use the command line at times, like the days of DOS.
Another plus is that it's very stable. I got NO system crashes at all so far. No program crashes either. I never notices the system slowing down over use, and never had to reboot the system to clear things up. That was very nice!
Now, I'm not suggesting you all go give up windows and install Linux. I'm also not suggesting you all go though the possible headaches of setting up a dual boot system. I'm just saying you need to know there are alternatives.
Once excellent use of Linux is for older machines. They may be too old to run current programs, but most of them will have no problem with Linux. So a useless machine becomes useful again.
Again, don't go out and make any drastic changes... just think about there being options.
Later this week, I'll talk about the live CDs out there, where you can play with Linux without making any change at all. Beyond playing around, it can be very useful in many ways. And I'll also talk about some possible uses for it that I haven't seen so far, but could be a nice model for someone to make some money off a 'free' live CD.
Later, and I hope you all had a nice weekend.
OK, maybe not too far... my system can still boot into Windows XP. I've set up a dual boot system. When I turn my machine on, I get an option to go into windows or linux. The best of both worlds.
I'm using the Suse disto (geek for distrobution.. it's the Linux that Suse puts out). I had a few in mind, and then though I was just overthinking it, and picked one.
Why Linux? Well, I'm a geek for one! Beyond that... it's nice. Lots of free programs. My free CD (downloaded from the net, though you can buy it too) cam with the operating system and just about every kind of program you can think of. Word processing, games, spread sheets, media playing, media editing, chat, IM, browing, web pag editing, picture editing, vector... ok, you get the idea. Usually more than one each. And I just picked the one CD one! Next time, I'll get a box version I buy which will have more, just for fun.
It's also fast. The system itself takes much less of the resources of the computer, leaving more for other stuff... like the programs you use the OS for. It was so snappy, I had to get used to it. Many things that I'm used to getting a slight delay on when doing now happen very quickly.
And, overall, it was pretty easy. The install had some issues... I couldn't boot into windows without some changes.. but once installed, it's pretty much as easy as windows to use, for the most part. When using the programs that come installed, it's as easy as windows. But installing programs are an issue sometimes. And at a basic level, some things work differently... not harder, just different. But that is enough to throw you off at times. Even me, the sort of geek. You even have to use the command line at times, like the days of DOS.
Another plus is that it's very stable. I got NO system crashes at all so far. No program crashes either. I never notices the system slowing down over use, and never had to reboot the system to clear things up. That was very nice!
Now, I'm not suggesting you all go give up windows and install Linux. I'm also not suggesting you all go though the possible headaches of setting up a dual boot system. I'm just saying you need to know there are alternatives.
Once excellent use of Linux is for older machines. They may be too old to run current programs, but most of them will have no problem with Linux. So a useless machine becomes useful again.
Again, don't go out and make any drastic changes... just think about there being options.
Later this week, I'll talk about the live CDs out there, where you can play with Linux without making any change at all. Beyond playing around, it can be very useful in many ways. And I'll also talk about some possible uses for it that I haven't seen so far, but could be a nice model for someone to make some money off a 'free' live CD.
Later, and I hope you all had a nice weekend.
Zazzle.com - 'MaximuWord Logo Shirt' T-Shirt
Speaking of Zazzle.com, I thought I'd give it another look see. My account was still active from doing that really silly poem poster I used as an example last time (and yes, it's still there, and yes, nobody ever bought it!), so I jumpped right in.
I took a fancier version of my logo and I dropped it in on their tee shirt template. It was fairly easy, and I think anybody could do it. That's assuming you have a design already. They even drop your logo on a tee shirt so you can see what it looks like, and even let you place it exactly where you like it.
You have lots of options, and even can have front and back grahpics. And from each one, people can order all sorts of shirts, including mens and women, and even hoodie pull overs. Over all, very nice.
Now, I didn't do this becuase I expected the dozen people that will look at migh site today to go "Gee, I NEED a MaximumWord shirt... NOW!!". If it happened, I'll take the money and be happy, but I'd definately have my doubts about the general public! OK... I'd have more doubts.
I did this becuase it's a great way for small groups to make money and feel good about themselves. If you have a small group, here is a cheap way to have shirts and posters with your group logo on it, or even for events. School boosters, sports clubs, church groups... just spend 5 minutes playing around a web site, spend NO money, and pass out the web page among the group, and put a link to it on your web site.
You aren't going to make tons of money, but it won't case you a dime to set up, either.
Check it out at www.zazzle.com .
I took a fancier version of my logo and I dropped it in on their tee shirt template. It was fairly easy, and I think anybody could do it. That's assuming you have a design already. They even drop your logo on a tee shirt so you can see what it looks like, and even let you place it exactly where you like it.
You have lots of options, and even can have front and back grahpics. And from each one, people can order all sorts of shirts, including mens and women, and even hoodie pull overs. Over all, very nice.
Now, I didn't do this becuase I expected the dozen people that will look at migh site today to go "Gee, I NEED a MaximumWord shirt... NOW!!". If it happened, I'll take the money and be happy, but I'd definately have my doubts about the general public! OK... I'd have more doubts.
I did this becuase it's a great way for small groups to make money and feel good about themselves. If you have a small group, here is a cheap way to have shirts and posters with your group logo on it, or even for events. School boosters, sports clubs, church groups... just spend 5 minutes playing around a web site, spend NO money, and pass out the web page among the group, and put a link to it on your web site.
You aren't going to make tons of money, but it won't case you a dime to set up, either.
Check it out at www.zazzle.com .
Stuff...
I'm normally a 'link poster', in that I post about stuff I see on the net. I mainly see this as a blog to point towards interesting things for my family and friends to check out... and as a record of stuff I would like to save, too, I guess.
But today, I thought I'd talk about the blog itself. I've got a counter on the page, mostly to keep track of what's getting attention and where people are coming from. It's always a kick seeing where people are when they read what I say. Also, I can always tell when Mom checks out the site! I'm watching you, Mom!
I get on average 17 hits a day. CNN.com certianly isn't worried about me, that's for sure. But I'm actually surprised at it. I think it has to do with the nature of the web more than my writing skills. It also has to do with coming up in the first few pages of Google and other search engines on some odd searches.
For instance, I got to wondering why I got so many hits on my few firework related postings. Try this... type "firework movie clips" in google. As of today, I'm the number one hit! What does this amazing feat get me? Well... um... 3 hits, it seems. Again, odd searches. If you use the more normal "fireworks movie clips", I come up on the second page, with most of the sites before it being bigger name sites that would be more likely to attrack a click or two. Actually, I'm surprised that I come up even that close.
My site counter has limits, becuase I'm using the free version. I only get the stats off my last 100 visitors. Of my last 100, 80 have been from the good old USA! But I've also got 4 from our neibors of the north in Canada. And 2 from Oman... um, how did that happen?
The most popular page (of the last 100 visits, keep in mind) is the Camp Granada story. In a few different searchs on that, I'm on the first few pages of Google, sometimes even the first page. Seems to be my niche... odd stories that the huge sites don't talk about much, but which someone in Ohio (or Oman) might thing "hmm... what's up with that song? Let's Google it". The zazzle.com story is second, but Zazzle seems to be in the new more with some interesting corporate pairings, and I expect that to be less popular later on.
Seems to be lots of talk about traffic for a site that only gets 15 or so hits a day, but I'm not bragging. I find this stuff very interesting. If there is any bragging involved, it would be about the net. My little nowhere, nothing site has had visitors from Oman, Japan and other places. And the most expensive, most read big sites have to fight for google placement with me... and about a million other small time posters.
The big sites will always be big, but the cool thing about the net is that the small guys still have a chance. I'll never have an ad running in the Super Bowl, but I'll always have google...
But today, I thought I'd talk about the blog itself. I've got a counter on the page, mostly to keep track of what's getting attention and where people are coming from. It's always a kick seeing where people are when they read what I say. Also, I can always tell when Mom checks out the site! I'm watching you, Mom!
I get on average 17 hits a day. CNN.com certianly isn't worried about me, that's for sure. But I'm actually surprised at it. I think it has to do with the nature of the web more than my writing skills. It also has to do with coming up in the first few pages of Google and other search engines on some odd searches.
For instance, I got to wondering why I got so many hits on my few firework related postings. Try this... type "firework movie clips" in google. As of today, I'm the number one hit! What does this amazing feat get me? Well... um... 3 hits, it seems. Again, odd searches. If you use the more normal "fireworks movie clips", I come up on the second page, with most of the sites before it being bigger name sites that would be more likely to attrack a click or two. Actually, I'm surprised that I come up even that close.
My site counter has limits, becuase I'm using the free version. I only get the stats off my last 100 visitors. Of my last 100, 80 have been from the good old USA! But I've also got 4 from our neibors of the north in Canada. And 2 from Oman... um, how did that happen?
The most popular page (of the last 100 visits, keep in mind) is the Camp Granada story. In a few different searchs on that, I'm on the first few pages of Google, sometimes even the first page. Seems to be my niche... odd stories that the huge sites don't talk about much, but which someone in Ohio (or Oman) might thing "hmm... what's up with that song? Let's Google it". The zazzle.com story is second, but Zazzle seems to be in the new more with some interesting corporate pairings, and I expect that to be less popular later on.
Seems to be lots of talk about traffic for a site that only gets 15 or so hits a day, but I'm not bragging. I find this stuff very interesting. If there is any bragging involved, it would be about the net. My little nowhere, nothing site has had visitors from Oman, Japan and other places. And the most expensive, most read big sites have to fight for google placement with me... and about a million other small time posters.
The big sites will always be big, but the cool thing about the net is that the small guys still have a chance. I'll never have an ad running in the Super Bowl, but I'll always have google...
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
nbc13.com - News - Mystery Animal Possibly Spotted Again In Maryland
OK, let's just make this strange animal day... here is an odd beast showing up. Most likely a dog/wolf with a sickness causing hair lose, but it's strange looking reguardless.
Yahoo! News - Monkey Apes Humans by Walking on Two Legs
A monkey, after recovering from a critial medical contion, now walks on two legs. They say it might be some form of brain damage.
Love those weird animal stories...
Love those weird animal stories...
Monday, July 12, 2004
Backwards City: Our Brains Don't Work
I've always liked optical illusions, btu this one is a great one! One of the most dramatic ones I've seen. Just imagine using it for background on your computer!
Just below it is a link to another one, also good. Also at that site is one of the best presentations of the classic illusions I've seen. Check it out.
Just below it is a link to another one, also good. Also at that site is one of the best presentations of the classic illusions I've seen. Check it out.
Saturday, July 10, 2004
PCWorld.com - The Best Free Software
Some good advice about 'free' software you find on the net. Take a look.
Monday, July 05, 2004
BBC Motion Gallery - Home Page
This is amazing, folks. The BBC (the state run TV network in England) have released thousands of video clips from their decades of archives for free. You have to regester, but it is so worth it!
It's just clips. I've only just started to to explore, and I haven't heard any with sound. It's just a clip, with a bit of text explaining what you are seeing.
There is a project to get all the BBC's programing on the web for free, but that's years ahead of use.
It's just clips. I've only just started to to explore, and I haven't heard any with sound. It's just a clip, with a bit of text explaining what you are seeing.
There is a project to get all the BBC's programing on the web for free, but that's years ahead of use.
Stranded at the Airport
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Travel (Stranded at the Airport)
You might have heard of the movie "The Terminal". It was very loosely based on a true story. Only that story is much deeper and much sader than the movie. It's a very interesting read, and an interesting insight to the human condition in extremes.
You might have heard of the movie "The Terminal". It was very loosely based on a true story. Only that story is much deeper and much sader than the movie. It's a very interesting read, and an interesting insight to the human condition in extremes.
Saturday, July 03, 2004
It's Hard to Get Away From Mom...
I don't want to ruin the story, but let's just say.... even with a space ship and a whole solar system to hide in, you just can't get away from Mom's advice.
PYROSAMM'S Fireworks & Pyrotechnics Movie Clips!
PYROSAMM'S Fireworks & Pyrotechnics Movie Clips!
More firework fun. If you are tired of the virtual works, then try these clips of real fire works going off.
OK, I think I've run that into the ground... for today, at least! Have fun!
More firework fun. If you are tired of the virtual works, then try these clips of real fire works going off.
OK, I think I've run that into the ground... for today, at least! Have fun!
Fireworks Show - Shoot Phantom Fireworks Online!
Fireworks Show - Shoot Phantom Fireworks Online!
And speaking of fireworks, here are some more. These you can control if you want, and they come for other cities, too! Including Denver, but somehow Merryville didn't make the list. Sorry, Mom.
And speaking of fireworks, here are some more. These you can control if you want, and they come for other cities, too! Including Denver, but somehow Merryville didn't make the list. Sorry, Mom.
Lady Liberty Fireworks
Lady Liberty Fireworks
I pointed to this page a year ago, and I'm getting hits on it again. Seems on google I'm on the 4 or 5 page depending on how you word it. So I'll bring it up again... and for those that found me though google, thanks for reminding me of this fun bit of firework fun!
I pointed to this page a year ago, and I'm getting hits on it again. Seems on google I'm on the 4 or 5 page depending on how you word it. So I'll bring it up again... and for those that found me though google, thanks for reminding me of this fun bit of firework fun!
Friday, July 02, 2004
::anothersite.co.uk : Media Gallery
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Wednesday, June 30, 2004
MSN Search
MSN Search
The search wars just got more interesting. I doubt that Microsoft will beat Google anytime soon, but it's always good to have additional tools to search.
The search wars just got more interesting. I doubt that Microsoft will beat Google anytime soon, but it's always good to have additional tools to search.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Learning The Lessons of Nixon ? Major (Good!) Changes To This Weblog!
Learning The Lessons of Nixon ? Major (Good!) Changes To This Weblog!
I know nothing about this blog. I haven't read it, and I don't care. Whatever it is, whoever they are... they just organized their blog using the Dewey Decmial System!
I have many fond memories of using that system. And I'm sure my Mom has many fond memories of organizing books using it.
I know nothing about this blog. I haven't read it, and I don't care. Whatever it is, whoever they are... they just organized their blog using the Dewey Decmial System!
I have many fond memories of using that system. And I'm sure my Mom has many fond memories of organizing books using it.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Cherry Blossom Festival
Saturday I had a wonderful day at the Cherry Blossom Festival, even though it rain lightly all day.
I can't list all I saw, but watching the Judo team was loads of fun, and the bonsia trees and flower arranging was incredible! One of the trees was 52 years old.
Denver has a suprisingly large and strong Asian community. In the area of the fair was the downtown Asian store, with lots of odd items. It's a shame that they have to slap on USA labels, becuase some of those packages were lovely to look at. Others... well, some were kind of hard for this white boy from the south to look at too long. I mean, who needs a back full of sun dried minnows?
But a great time. It's always nice getting your head into another culture, even just a little bit.
I can't list all I saw, but watching the Judo team was loads of fun, and the bonsia trees and flower arranging was incredible! One of the trees was 52 years old.
Denver has a suprisingly large and strong Asian community. In the area of the fair was the downtown Asian store, with lots of odd items. It's a shame that they have to slap on USA labels, becuase some of those packages were lovely to look at. Others... well, some were kind of hard for this white boy from the south to look at too long. I mean, who needs a back full of sun dried minnows?
But a great time. It's always nice getting your head into another culture, even just a little bit.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
20 mph signs
20 mph signs
This... is... cool...
School children paint signs to hang on every 20 mph speed sign in town.
Simple, bold, blunt... and in strange colors. Direct messages that only kids could tell.
Enjoy.
This... is... cool...
School children paint signs to hang on every 20 mph speed sign in town.
Simple, bold, blunt... and in strange colors. Direct messages that only kids could tell.
Enjoy.
Firefox - The Browser, Reloaded
Firefox - The Browser, Reloaded
This might be too "Inside Geek" for my core readership (Hi, Mom!), but I thought I'd post it anyway. This is a fine browser. It's fast, crisp and it looks good. it has all the features you need (pop up blocking, tabbed browsing, built in google, standards compliant) and nothing you don't need (email, marketing ties, chat).
I'm on a fast DSL line, and I even notice a speed difference on loading pages. It also seems to be better at loading the text first, then the pictures... great to figure out you have the wrong page before some huge pic file loads up.
I suggest you all give it a try. It's a quick download, less than 6 megs, and there is almost no learning curve.... unless you want to use some of the more powerful features. For normal browsing, it works exactly like any other one.
And it's not like you have to give up your old one. I often have both of them going at one time.
This might be too "Inside Geek" for my core readership (Hi, Mom!), but I thought I'd post it anyway. This is a fine browser. It's fast, crisp and it looks good. it has all the features you need (pop up blocking, tabbed browsing, built in google, standards compliant) and nothing you don't need (email, marketing ties, chat).
I'm on a fast DSL line, and I even notice a speed difference on loading pages. It also seems to be better at loading the text first, then the pictures... great to figure out you have the wrong page before some huge pic file loads up.
I suggest you all give it a try. It's a quick download, less than 6 megs, and there is almost no learning curve.... unless you want to use some of the more powerful features. For normal browsing, it works exactly like any other one.
And it's not like you have to give up your old one. I often have both of them going at one time.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Topix.net - News organized by topic and location
Topix.net - News organized by topic and location
Found another news site. Nice selection of local news sources (was the only one where I saw lots of stories from our local free weekely), and lots of topics to narrow your search down.
The page disign is a bit 'old school', but I like it. not bad, just not lots of colors and graphics everywhere.
Found another news site. Nice selection of local news sources (was the only one where I saw lots of stories from our local free weekely), and lots of topics to narrow your search down.
The page disign is a bit 'old school', but I like it. not bad, just not lots of colors and graphics everywhere.
Saturday, June 12, 2004
The Undead Zone - Why realistic graphics make humans look creepy. By Clive?Thompson
The Undead Zone - Why realistic graphics make humans look creepy. By Clive?Thompson
I've been thinking about this a bit lately. I think this effect is what destroyed Final Fantasy, the movie, though it did a fine job on it's on just on plot.
As you may have guessed, I'm not thinking of this on the robot level, but on the computer graphic side of it. Right now, computer animated films are taking the place of traditional cartoon films (and to be honest, almost all animated films for the last several years, even TV shows, have had computer help). But none of the ones that worked had close to human characters. Shrek 2 comes close, but even they put a cartoon twist on very human looking faces.
I would like to think this would be a permenate problem, but I don't think it is. Computer graphic history is full of impossible tasks, each one beaten down by creativity and tech. And the human 'twinkle' that tells us that there is a real human there will be, at some point, redused to a menu option in a 3D animation program.
I look on this as sad, but to be honest, both good and bad things will result in this. As I've been negative here, let me leave you with a postive concept...
Just think what a young Steven Spielberg could have done with the ability to fully control a totally real looking movie with human looking actors when he was 16, right next to his Play Station 10.
I've been thinking about this a bit lately. I think this effect is what destroyed Final Fantasy, the movie, though it did a fine job on it's on just on plot.
As you may have guessed, I'm not thinking of this on the robot level, but on the computer graphic side of it. Right now, computer animated films are taking the place of traditional cartoon films (and to be honest, almost all animated films for the last several years, even TV shows, have had computer help). But none of the ones that worked had close to human characters. Shrek 2 comes close, but even they put a cartoon twist on very human looking faces.
I would like to think this would be a permenate problem, but I don't think it is. Computer graphic history is full of impossible tasks, each one beaten down by creativity and tech. And the human 'twinkle' that tells us that there is a real human there will be, at some point, redused to a menu option in a 3D animation program.
I look on this as sad, but to be honest, both good and bad things will result in this. As I've been negative here, let me leave you with a postive concept...
Just think what a young Steven Spielberg could have done with the ability to fully control a totally real looking movie with human looking actors when he was 16, right next to his Play Station 10.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Dozer Guy's PR Flack
Did you guys here of the guy the fortified a dozer and started to take apart a small motion town? I sure did... it happened in Colorado.
I slant my site towards normal folks wanting an insight to the geek world. After all, my core readers are my family, and I'm a geek and they aren't (though Mom is getting there).
But this is a true bridge event. You all heard about it, and this guy is a mini-example of larger trends. Any event of certain interest size will generate conspiracy theories. It doesn't matter the political slant of the item, or the reality of it... it will generate such fans.
When you read this yahoo's take on this event... before you dismiss it totally, consider how well you would accept it if he were saying something you wanted to believe in...
OK.. off my soap box today... and honestly, this reminded me that I actually need to get some soap tomorrow...
I slant my site towards normal folks wanting an insight to the geek world. After all, my core readers are my family, and I'm a geek and they aren't (though Mom is getting there).
But this is a true bridge event. You all heard about it, and this guy is a mini-example of larger trends. Any event of certain interest size will generate conspiracy theories. It doesn't matter the political slant of the item, or the reality of it... it will generate such fans.
When you read this yahoo's take on this event... before you dismiss it totally, consider how well you would accept it if he were saying something you wanted to believe in...
OK.. off my soap box today... and honestly, this reminded me that I actually need to get some soap tomorrow...
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Minibottle Showdown Is Brewing (washingtonpost.com)
Minibottle Showdown Is Brewing (washingtonpost.com)
I love weird local laws. And this one is a cool one!
South Carolina has a law (in it's constitution, no less!) a law that says that bars can only serve drinks from minibottles. And they must pour ALL of it. As the bottle has 1.7 ounces, it makes for some stiff drinks.
Aww... look at the cute little bottle! It's soooo cute!
I love weird local laws. And this one is a cool one!
South Carolina has a law (in it's constitution, no less!) a law that says that bars can only serve drinks from minibottles. And they must pour ALL of it. As the bottle has 1.7 ounces, it makes for some stiff drinks.
Aww... look at the cute little bottle! It's soooo cute!
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
DenverPost.com - BLOGHOUSE
DenverPost.com - BLOGHOUSE
I think I've talked about the Denver Post Bloghouse before. I've had an interesting email chat with the editor, a very nice fellow called Gil Asakawa.
I don't know when he did it, becuase I rarely look at it, but on the "Other Blogs" section, he listed my website.
OK... it's likely the ONLY such referance to my blog in existance, but I found it kind of cool anyway.
I think I've talked about the Denver Post Bloghouse before. I've had an interesting email chat with the editor, a very nice fellow called Gil Asakawa.
I don't know when he did it, becuase I rarely look at it, but on the "Other Blogs" section, he listed my website.
OK... it's likely the ONLY such referance to my blog in existance, but I found it kind of cool anyway.
Saturday, June 05, 2004
MagazineArt.org: The Contents Page
MagazineArt.org: The Contents Page
Magazine covers from all over. Collier's, Popular Mechanics and more. There are some lovely art in those things, folks.
Magazine covers from all over. Collier's, Popular Mechanics and more. There are some lovely art in those things, folks.
TheDenverChannel.com - News - Rampaging Bulldozer Driver Found Dead
TheDenverChannel.com - News - Rampaging Bulldozer Driver Found Dead
A stunning story here in Colorado. Channel 4 isn't my usual news station, but it has the best coverage. A man destroys 10 to 15 buildings in a fortified bull dozer. They shot at it for an hour, even sent two earth movers to trap it... but he finally got stuck in a building and couldn't get out due to his cooling system being broken.
Again, a stunning story. Gramby is a nice town, and it's scared for years to come.
A stunning story here in Colorado. Channel 4 isn't my usual news station, but it has the best coverage. A man destroys 10 to 15 buildings in a fortified bull dozer. They shot at it for an hour, even sent two earth movers to trap it... but he finally got stuck in a building and couldn't get out due to his cooling system being broken.
Again, a stunning story. Gramby is a nice town, and it's scared for years to come.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Pictures in Baghdad
Pictures in Baghdad
Whatever your take on the war in Iraq, each side should keep themselves informed. This site isn't one that will inform politics, but will let you know what Iraq is like, from the lens of people that live there. Mom at work, the fruit shop, flowers, tanks on the street, churches...
Nice site.
Whatever your take on the war in Iraq, each side should keep themselves informed. This site isn't one that will inform politics, but will let you know what Iraq is like, from the lens of people that live there. Mom at work, the fruit shop, flowers, tanks on the street, churches...
Nice site.
Sunday, May 30, 2004
ABCNEWS.com : Evening Newscast Wrap
ABCNEWS.com : Evening Newscast Wrap
Found an interesting feature at ABCNEWS.com. They summurize the nightly news casts into bullet points. This is for you, news junkies!
Found an interesting feature at ABCNEWS.com. They summurize the nightly news casts into bullet points. This is for you, news junkies!
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD?__________________________________
LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD?__________________________________
Still not playing poltics... just putting forth an oddly hypnotic amusment. It just happens to use Bush and Blair as imagies. Check it out.
Still not playing poltics... just putting forth an oddly hypnotic amusment. It just happens to use Bush and Blair as imagies. Check it out.
Sunday, May 23, 2004
CNN.com - UK Cold War?killer flock plans revealed - May 21, 2004
CNN.com - UK Cold War?killer flock plans revealed - May 21, 2004
Important news on the pigeon research front. Enjoy.
Important news on the pigeon research front. Enjoy.
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Respectful of Otters
Respectful of Otters
No, I'm not getting political! Yes, this is a poltical site, but it's the name that got me.
Politics, HIV, health care, psychology, baseball, feminism, et cetera.
"Psychologists have a duty to be fair and respectful of otters." - noble charge from a student paper.
Yes, this a left type site, but the thing that got me TO the site was the name. I wondered "Geez, what is THAT thing about?" Then, when I got there, I saw the above quote, and cracked up. They even have otter pictures up all over the site!
I'm horrible at naming things. Every once in awhile, I come up with a good name. MaximumWord was one of those.
Want to be cool? Want to be hip? Sorry, can't help you there. I can't be either. But if you want to be honest about what revs you, you have to look beyond politics, beyond view, beyond respect... and say "Geez.... cool name..."
Oh... and respect otters...
No, I'm not getting political! Yes, this is a poltical site, but it's the name that got me.
Politics, HIV, health care, psychology, baseball, feminism, et cetera.
"Psychologists have a duty to be fair and respectful of otters." - noble charge from a student paper.
Yes, this a left type site, but the thing that got me TO the site was the name. I wondered "Geez, what is THAT thing about?" Then, when I got there, I saw the above quote, and cracked up. They even have otter pictures up all over the site!
I'm horrible at naming things. Every once in awhile, I come up with a good name. MaximumWord was one of those.
Want to be cool? Want to be hip? Sorry, can't help you there. I can't be either. But if you want to be honest about what revs you, you have to look beyond politics, beyond view, beyond respect... and say "Geez.... cool name..."
Oh... and respect otters...
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Search engines take the stand | CNET News.com
Search engines take the stand | CNET News.com
Expect to see more of this... judges and police solving crimes or finding issues with Google or other search engines. I remember when the net was something I had to explain to just about everybody I talked to. Now, just about every paper, local news station and even the hot dog stand has a web site.
It's happened slowly, or at least slow enough to where it's harder to see the radical changes that has happened. Can you imagine a business card without an email address now? I remember having to explain what that funny thing with the '@' symbol on it on my cover sheet.
And next time a cop is questioning you, watch out... he may be googling you...
Expect to see more of this... judges and police solving crimes or finding issues with Google or other search engines. I remember when the net was something I had to explain to just about everybody I talked to. Now, just about every paper, local news station and even the hot dog stand has a web site.
It's happened slowly, or at least slow enough to where it's harder to see the radical changes that has happened. Can you imagine a business card without an email address now? I remember having to explain what that funny thing with the '@' symbol on it on my cover sheet.
And next time a cop is questioning you, watch out... he may be googling you...
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Google Blog
Google Blog
If you ever wanted to know some of the inside scoop of everybody's search engine of choice, check out the Google Blog. Not much there yet, but some interesting bits already.
I'll be keeping an eye on it.
If you ever wanted to know some of the inside scoop of everybody's search engine of choice, check out the Google Blog. Not much there yet, but some interesting bits already.
I'll be keeping an eye on it.
Monday, May 10, 2004
It's a Whole New Blog!!!
Blogger has upgraded their services, and added some very nice templates and added comments! And though you can't see it, they really improved the interface for posting and controling the blog.
More later!
More later!
Friday, May 07, 2004
-Vlasic Stork-Vlasic Pickles
-Vlasic Stork-Vlasic Pickles
Ever wonder why a pickle company has a stork for a mascot? The story is... Um... interesting. It also makes an interesting point about a changing America.
And boy, do I want that plush stork!
Ever wonder why a pickle company has a stork for a mascot? The story is... Um... interesting. It also makes an interesting point about a changing America.
And boy, do I want that plush stork!
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Subservient Chicken
Subservient Chicken
A chicken that will do anything you tell it. Strange new form of adult entertainment? Sick Fetish? Insane person in a chicken suit? Nope... it's an ad campain to push Burger King's new Chicken meals.
Strange, but fun. Give it a try. Then think about that poor actor that had to act out all those motions.
A chicken that will do anything you tell it. Strange new form of adult entertainment? Sick Fetish? Insane person in a chicken suit? Nope... it's an ad campain to push Burger King's new Chicken meals.
Strange, but fun. Give it a try. Then think about that poor actor that had to act out all those motions.
Sunday, March 28, 2004
What To Do When Your Friends E-mail Lies To You. - FactCheck.org
What To Do When Your Friends E-mail Lies To You. - FactCheck.org
OK, I don't play politics here, but this year nobody can avoid it. But I'm not going to take sides, I'm going to give you tools.
Both side lie, or at least have people on it that will. So don't believe any forwarded email just becuase it tars the side you don't like or makes the side you like look good.
The above site has some good advice on verifying such mail. Remember, when you are getting your mail, you are using the net, a great way to check up on things.
Reagan said one time "Trust, but verify". Me, I say "Google, Snope.come, then maybe, just maybe.... trust". Not as simple, but the net never is.
OK, I don't play politics here, but this year nobody can avoid it. But I'm not going to take sides, I'm going to give you tools.
Both side lie, or at least have people on it that will. So don't believe any forwarded email just becuase it tars the side you don't like or makes the side you like look good.
The above site has some good advice on verifying such mail. Remember, when you are getting your mail, you are using the net, a great way to check up on things.
Reagan said one time "Trust, but verify". Me, I say "Google, Snope.come, then maybe, just maybe.... trust". Not as simple, but the net never is.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Zazzle.com - Disney InkShop!
Zazzle.com - Disney InkShop!
Design your own Disney shirt! And the art is sweet, as it uses teh wonderful artists at Disney. Picke a character, a movie or a style and go wild, folks! Lots of options, and it's even fun just looking as some of the samples.
On a side note, this is a fine example of 'create on demand', where the item is created from the order, and everthing can be a custom order.
Keep an eye out on things like this popping up. It's going to be an 'on demand' world real soon...
Design your own Disney shirt! And the art is sweet, as it uses teh wonderful artists at Disney. Picke a character, a movie or a style and go wild, folks! Lots of options, and it's even fun just looking as some of the samples.
On a side note, this is a fine example of 'create on demand', where the item is created from the order, and everthing can be a custom order.
Keep an eye out on things like this popping up. It's going to be an 'on demand' world real soon...
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Mom and Pop Yahoo... from a spare bedroom somewhere in India
Koramangala - Bangalore's Most Happening Place
In this election cycle, we are hearing lots about outsourcing, and high tech jobs going to places like India. I even have some personal experience with that, having trained my replacment by phone and email who was in India.
But, as always, it isn't as simple as either side makes it out to be.
But don't worry... I'm not going to get into that today. I think a more valuble, and more interesting and informative, thing would be just to give you a taste if India. Not as we see it, but as they do.
This site is run out of the spare bedroom of a middle class, middle aged couple in India. The wife still grinds floor and rice, and there is a very large collection of her recipes, and she will even teach you how to cook out of her home. Some interesting Inidan dishes, but also Mexican, Italian and more!
There is news, reminder services, and you can send them a deposit (they are too small for credit cards), for which they will run errends for your... getting flowers, delivering gifts, and such.
Think of them as a Mom and Pop Yahoo for India, run on a shoestring budget and lots of love.
I saw this on Sunday Morning, a great news show. The reporter spent a week at their home. They bickered... the wife talked about how the husband could at least read from the prayer book before getting out, and maybe that dog wouldn't have bite him. But even when they are, you can see the love.
Sorry for the long entry... I guess I missed blogging.
In this election cycle, we are hearing lots about outsourcing, and high tech jobs going to places like India. I even have some personal experience with that, having trained my replacment by phone and email who was in India.
But, as always, it isn't as simple as either side makes it out to be.
But don't worry... I'm not going to get into that today. I think a more valuble, and more interesting and informative, thing would be just to give you a taste if India. Not as we see it, but as they do.
This site is run out of the spare bedroom of a middle class, middle aged couple in India. The wife still grinds floor and rice, and there is a very large collection of her recipes, and she will even teach you how to cook out of her home. Some interesting Inidan dishes, but also Mexican, Italian and more!
There is news, reminder services, and you can send them a deposit (they are too small for credit cards), for which they will run errends for your... getting flowers, delivering gifts, and such.
Think of them as a Mom and Pop Yahoo for India, run on a shoestring budget and lots of love.
I saw this on Sunday Morning, a great news show. The reporter spent a week at their home. They bickered... the wife talked about how the husband could at least read from the prayer book before getting out, and maybe that dog wouldn't have bite him. But even when they are, you can see the love.
Sorry for the long entry... I guess I missed blogging.
Saturday, March 20, 2004
EPICURIOUS: THE WORLD'S GREATEST RECIPE COLLECTION
EPICURIOUS: THE WORLD'S GREATEST RECIPE COLLECTION
A very powerful recipe search. Haven't really played around with it yet, but thought it was interesting.
A very powerful recipe search. Haven't really played around with it yet, but thought it was interesting.
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