January 31, 2004
Cardassian
Garak is probably my favourite Star Trek character so this works for me.
You're a Cardassian! Intelligent and devious,
you're a bit of an enigma to those around you
and scientific to the core.
What Star Trek Race Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
IKEA
This IKEA walkthrough is a great help to players having difficulty puzzling out the game by themselves. It is important to add that choosing an appropriate character name is critical to an immersive IKEA rpg experience.
IKEA is a fully immersive, 3D environmental adventure that allows you to role-play the character of someone who gives a s*** about home furnishings. In traversing IKEA, you will experience a meticulously detailed alternate reality filled with garish colors, clear-lacquered birch veneer, and a host of NON-PLAYER CHARACTERS (NPCs) with the glazed looks of the recently anesthetized.
OBJECTIVE
Your goal is to successfully traverse the five awesome worlds of IKEA before your patience runs out. On your first few tries this may seem like an impossible task, but with practice (and this IKEA Walkthrough!) you will soon be able to muster the sense of numb resignation necessary for victory.
Mouse odometer
Now I have a mouse odometer I cannot imagine life without one. I have clocked up a mile in the last few days.
Golconda
The Choas Overlord has located Golconda, a state of being heretofore thought to be transcendental which turns out to be in southern Illinois.
Golconda is said to be a mystical state of being in which the Beast and the Man no longer war with each other. The vampire has come to accept and master his Beast as a part of his soul no different than the Man, and both are considered halves of the whole. Some claim that it grants a portion of one's humanity back, while others believe that it allows a vampire to live without the all-consuming need for blood.
Harp of Ur
Three harps (lyres, actually) were recovered from a 1929 archaeological investigation of the city of Ur. Now an enthusiast is orchestrating the creation of a playable replica of these ancient instruments.
Yupana
Numerous attempts have been made to have understand Inca "quipu" recording system. Geometrical "yupana" boards have remained yet more mysterious. It is now argued these functioned like an abacus making calculations in base 40. Ingenious!
"It took me about 40 minutes to solve the riddle. I am not an expert on pre-Columbian civilizations. I simply decoded a 16th century drawing from a book on mathematical enigmas I received as a Christmas present," engineer Nicolino De Pasquale said. The drawing was found in a 1,179 page letter by the Peruvian Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala to the King of Spain. A simple array of cells consisting of five rows and four columns, the drawing showed one circle in the right cell on the bottom row, two circles in the next cell, three circles in the other one and five circles in the last cell of the row. The same pattern applied to the above rows. According to De Pasquale, the circles in the cells are nothing but the first numbers of the Fibonacci series, in which each number is a sum of two previous: 1, 2, 3, 5.
January 30, 2004
Action figures
I have a Sigmund Freud action figure thanks to a jet-setting friend but did not know just how many famous figures have been immortalized in plastic until now. Pope Innocent III is only one of a number who should make their way into the Flea's curiosity cabinet. Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is the very model of a professiorial accomplishment and so would be first on my list (via the Melbourne Truth of blogs).
We will rock you
The Flea reported a new barbaric Pepsi television advertisement two days before Entertainment Tonight. Now I am pleased to announce the ad itself is available on-line at PepsiMusic's UK site.
Galliano
I thought of adding this outfit to my extensive wardrobe but then I thought, How many wookies have to die for the sake of fashion?
Are you going to Heaven?
This quiz, based on someone's reading of scripture, places me firmly between "Maybe" and "Highly unlikely". It could be that is about right. Then again it could be my reading of scripture is right and their reading is wrong or that we both have things to figure out. But for the record, Darwinian theories of evolution hold that apes and humans are descended from a common ancestor, not that humans are descended from apes.
Visited states
I want to see Texas and Louisiana particularly but plan to visit all fifty as a matter of interest (via Chaos Central).
create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide
January 29, 2004
Up Helly Aa
I just cannot get enough of that viking bonfire action. Up Helly Aa looks like loads of fun.
Haarscherp printen?
Ah yes, a question I have often asked myself in matters concerning Double A paper.
Arctic ecology
Lake and pond sediment analysis has been used to demonstrate the effect of Thule Inuit whaling practices on Arctic ecosystems from four to eight-hundred years ago. The research is interesting in its demonstration of the potential for such analysis but is more important perhaps for pointing out the effects on non-European, foraging societies can have on the environment.
It was the decomposing bones and flesh of the whale – and probably other sea mammals such as seals – slowly leaching nutrients into a nearby shallow pond and surrounding soil that permanently altered the area’s ecology. To reconstruct this history, the team collected sediment cores from the bottom of the pond and analyzed the fossil “markers” (tiny algal cells) preserved in each layer. As sediments slowly accumulate over time, they represent an archive of past environmental change.
Witch bottle
A hidden relic of nineteenth century England has been found during building work in a Lincolnshire house. The practice does seem "a bit like voodoo" but I am not sure how Rue is going to like the Beeb's characterization of the object's place in history.
January 28, 2004
Kylie replica
The combined genius of modern science and technology could only ever reach the same conclusion the Flea did long ago: it is imperative that Kylie replicants... err... replicas be created for the good of all humanity. Even as I can only applaud the idea, I am not certain I can endorse the result.
Kylie said: "For years I have been asked about a Kylie doll. Well, she has finally arrived and I am delighted. I hope fans will agree it was worth the wait as we worked very hard to get every detail right."
Clock
Yet another useful time-keeping device courtesy of "the internet".
Supermodel meat
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance (though this takes a moment to load).
Colorguard
Ok, this is not work safe and may be a bit racy for some Flea-readers. It is also extraordinarily appealling and the best on-line advertisement I have seen yet. The music is a plus too, transforming cheeze into boys will be boys. Or maybe it is just silly. You, the Flea-reader, be the judge!
Père-Lachaise
Père-Lachaise is one of the most famous cemetaries in the world. My visits to Paris were always consumed by other activities and so I have yet to set foot in the place despite its goth-tourism appeal. Now a virtual Père-Lachaise is available on-line. The English language version of the site is not yet available but the interface is intuitive so should not present difficulties. Jim Morrison's resting place, for example, is listed under "M". I like especially the friendly navigation arrows on the pathways.
231 things
An enlightening list of 213 things "Skippy is no longer allowed to do in the U.S. Army." Number twenty-two looks especially wise to me.
January 27, 2004
Hoth and home
The Flea's spectral antennae have been wiggling in search of employment and adventure these last several months. Academic job applications are a cross between a complex, expensive lottery ticket and a reality tv ordeal so it has been fun, fun and more fun at Flea Mansions. Today's weather reminds me the process is all worth it.
Bonfire 30
Week 30 of the Bonfire is now burning with the distinct aroma of toasted cheese goodness at Southern Musings.
Sweaters
The opening page of this sweater collection may be the most astonishing marketing I have yet to see on "the internet". But wait, there's more!
Motorolus interruptus
A useful list of Latin phrases comes to you courtesy of Mike Campbell.
(Your dinosaur is ill.)
Tiberianus
University of Michigan undergraduate student Robert Stephan found some untranslated papyri in the university vault. The are now providing a window into the life of a Roman soldier. My favourite part of the story is the local Cincinnati angle.
A murder in Carlisle
Seventeen-hundred year old remains of a murder victim are to feature in an exhibit considering death in Roman Cumbria.
January 26, 2004
The end of the world
And I feel fine. House and Clan Tremere always survives through to the end no matter what White Wolf HQ has to say.
White Wolf is a publishing outfit based in Atlanta, Georgia known for role-playing games including Werewolf, Mage and Vampire. The games are set in an alternate reality known as "the World of Darkness," and, in an unusual move for any hopeful business, they promised us from the outset that one day that world would come to an end. Now the time of judgment is at hand. The first of three books detailing the end, or rather ends, of the world is "Gehenna", setting out several possible apocalyptic scenarios for the world's vampires. I confess I had stopped collecting WoD books as earnestly as I once did due to erratic storytelling and an increasingly much-of-a-muchness design. I was almost worried to buy Gehenna for fear of an anticlimax. It is with some relief I can report the book is excellent, among the best the company has ever produced. The Time of Judgment is here. Next up... Vampire: the Requiem, a new rulebook and new world of darkness featuring black and white illustrations by Tim Bradstreet. We can expect a debut in August 2004.
Sickness unto blech
Flu shot or no flu shot I am under the weather today. Some kind of cold, I expect. Time for some sweet Earl Grey cream tea and possibly garlic on toast for extra popularity points.
Hey ya, Charlie Brown!
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Monday
It's Monday. I have got some stapling to do.
Waiting in perfect silence
Dreams of loose paper
Rough clippings gather
Rustling in their loose embrace
Stapler brings order
Brand Marker
An interesting experiment in brand efficacy and Austrian drawing skills (via b3ta).
Banned
This is the Peta Superbowl advertisement that was banned supposedly. I find Peta irritating and am skeptical as to the central claim this ad makes. That said, I cannot see why the ad was banned.
Another advertisement supposedly banned is the MoveOn "Bush in 30 Seconds" spot. Again, whatever you make of the organization, its politics or its claims I am confused as to why the ad was banned. This is sane stuff in comparison with the moonbat Hitler material and makes its point in a fashion that is polemical but not overtly offensive. I would have thought this to be part of a welcome debate... or am I missing something?
January 24, 2004
Maximus poppus tottius
I do not care what this ad campaign is for, I am already sold on Pink getting ready to smite somebody. Pepsi has cast Enrique Iglesias in the part of an "evil Roman Emperor" against Pink as well as Beyoncé and Britney as somewhat less convincing gladiators. Apparently, Pepsi aims to "rock" us.
This special collaboration of the hottest names in music today will see them appear together in a commercial which is out early this year. Pepsi and the fabulous four will be encouraging consumers to "Dare for More" through a series of exciting on-pack and in-store promotions, exclusive music content and unique experiences.
Meatriarchy
Last night was a momentous occasion: the Meatriarchy cocktail was born! Some Sidecars and an Old Fashioned contributed to the creative process but the Meatriarchy leads the way to the blog-connected cocktails of tomorrow. Of course, what we enjoyed last night was only a prototype because we aim to someday make a Meatriarchy the most expensive cocktail in the world.
Details to follow...
And then... Now the ingredients of a Meatriarchy cocktail are revealed at Mondo Sismondo, home of the blogosphere's cocktail expert. We are projecting a whopping E400 price tag.
One ounce Kobe beef stock.
Two ounces Belvedere Vodka.
One half ounce of Spanish sherry.
One half ounce of Cointreau.
Shake well with ice, strain and serve into glass with the roasted marrow of a veal shank resting at the bottom. Garnish with spring onions.
Voila!
Why do people have to fight?
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Traysliding
Ok, the good thing about "the internet" is that it allows teenage stunts to be recorded for posterity. Also, that it was not invented early enough for me to leave evidence of my own teenage stupidities.
Irony
I keep telling people about this but nobody will believe me.
David LaChapelle
LaChapelle's imagery is startling in its intensity. I still love Drew Barrymore and Lara Flynn Boyle scares me. And there is Kylie on a bicycle too.
Good question
Crooked Timber asks an interesting question by way of something or other about conspiracies. I like particularly an observation on warehousing G.I. boots someone makes in the comments to the post.
That’s nigh on forty years.
And they were unused, and unissued.
And someone’s absorbing the cost of storage for 40 years. At $30.00 US a pair, I don’t think it’s the retaileres
It makes the warehouse scene at The Raiders of the Lost Ark much more believable.
There are probably cavalry saddles out there someplace.
January 23, 2004
Light Cycle
This is about right especially right now (via the Meatriarchy).
 I am a Light Cycle.I drive fast, I turn fast, I do everything fast. I even breakfast. I tend to confuse people with my sudden changes of heart. Sometimes I even confuse myself, which tends to cause problems. What Video Game Character Are You? |
The Lord of the Rings: The RPG
I read as far as Game Two and was already subject to a grim feeling of recognition. The arrival of the GM's girlfriend in Game Three struck even closer to home (via ***Dave).
The GM proposes a new game to two of his friends. They'll be unlikely heroes on an epic quest. The pair agree and work out a hero-sidekick team named Frodo and Sam. The GM introduces them to the Shire, Gandalf, the One Ring, and their quest. They leave Hobbiton.
Game Two
Frodo and Sam mentioned the game to two friends who were also interested. The GM insists that they, too, play hobbits. "These characters suck," notes the fellow playing Pippin. "They have lots of room to grow," the GM insists. "You'll get to see them become heroes." The PCs successfully evade the Nazgul, but a random encounter nearly does them in. The GM is reduced to inventing Tom Bombadil as a deus ex machina to bail them out, so the campaign doesn't end on the second night.
Game Three
The GM's girlfriend has heard of the game and wants in. Being a long-time White Wolf player, she wants a character with many important secrets in his background, an angsty romantic subplot, and the ability to kick a lot of ass. The hobbit players nearly revolt when Aragorn is introduced at Bree, correctly noting that this character is far cooler than theirs. The encounter at Weathertop goes wonderfully, with the PCs getting beat up just enough to put some scare into them.
Darque Dungeon
Yes, yes, Skinny Puppy and VNV Nation make up some percentage of my listening enjoyment. As a confirmed sad-old-goth, all I can say is that this is what you get for using LiveJournal. Hmm... I wonder what my saving throw against beatdown is?
I once heard her telling someone that Stabbing Westward was "not so bad". She deserved to die!
Penguin baseball
This is all over the place but I present it for your Friday time-wasting needs as a public service. Penguin baseball is an engaging diversion but I have yet to work out whether skimming the penguin along the ice or belting it through the air works better in purely quantitative terms.
The art of the brick
"Han Solo in Carbonite, May 2003" is an interpretation of a classic work in Lego (via Attu).
Richard Hillman
Richard was one of the most wicked characters I have even seen on television (right up there with Francis Urquhart or Flea-fav Servalan). The defunct Coronation Street character is set to turn up as another baddie in Where The Heart Is.
Lewis and Clark
Harvard has turned up an old Lewis and Clark curio at long-last.
The item had been donated to the Peabody Museum at Harvard University, where McLaughlin is the associate curator of Native American ethnography, but had been missing since the museum first cataloged it in 1899. "It's like finding a Vermeer in the attic," said Torrence, curator of Native American art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.
January 22, 2004
Andorians
These are my new favourite aliens. Andorians kick ass. I am delighted the Trek people have revived these guys from the occasional cameo appearance over the years and stayed true to the back-story of Vulcan/Andorian border conficts at the beginnings of the Federation. One minor point: for the record, most humans are not "pink skins" and it seems a peculiar term of abuse to choose on that basis.
Churchillian
Winston Churchill's parrot, Charlie is 104-years old and still swearing a blue-streek. The news makes me want to Land of Hope and Glory or possibly Rule Britannia. Huzzah!
RX8
At last it can be revealed why the InstaMan drives an RX8. InstaPundit... more than meets the eye! InstaPundit... robot in disguise!
Mars Exploration Rover
Maas Digital offers an impressive Mars Exploration Rover animation. Beatiful. The sight of the Rover trundling up overa hill brought a tear to my eye. The short brings home just how astonishing this whole venture has been thus far (and I still cannot quite believe the airbags did the trick). I hope I am still kicking around to learn about the first footsteps on Mars. What a day that will be.
-Guide Announcement, Museum of Dar-es-Balat
Witchking gauntlet
The peoples of the world should feel free to join hands in harmony, sing a song of joy and peace then pass the hat to buy me this example of gentleman's haberdashery. But wait, there's more!
Dream anatomy
The U.S. National Library of Medicine host an on-line exhibition of anatomical drawings including a gallery of Hellraisery fun.
Firearms training systems
This is fascinating. I pepper-sprayed someone in an unwarranted fashion and shot someone in a way that was appropriate apparently.
100 books
It is another of those lists, this one via Argghhh!!! I cannot say I am any more impressed with this list than the films. Ok, lots of children's literature, 19th century chick-lit and some Booker list stuff. Shouldn't Margaret Atwood be on the radar of this booklist writer? My canonical reading includes G.K. Chesterton, P.G. Wodehouse and H.P. Lovecraft amonst other with double-initial first names (and Joseph Conrad despite the lack of initials).
One book list coming up in the extended entry...
1984, George Orwell
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll
Animal Farm, George Orwell
Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
Anne Of Green Gables, LM Montgomery
Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
The BFG, Roald Dahl
Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
Black Beauty, Anna Sewell
Bleak House, Charles Dickens
Brave New World, Aldous Huxley
Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh
Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding
Captain Corelli's Mandolin, Louis de Bernieres
Catch 22, Joseph Heller
The Catcher In The Rye, JD Salinger
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl
A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens
The Clan Of The Cave Bear, Jean M Auel
Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons
The Colour Of Magic, Terry Pratchett
The Count Of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
Crime And Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky
David Copperfield, Charles Dickens
Double Act, Jacqueline Wilson
Dune, Frank Herbert
Emma, Jane Austen
Far From The Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy
Girls In Love, Jacqueline Wilson
The God Of Small Things, Arundhati Roy
The Godfather, Mario Puzo
Gone With The Wind, Margaret Mitchell
Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Goodnight Mister Tom, Michelle Magorian
Gormenghast, Mervyn Peake
The Grapes Of Wrath, John Steinbeck
Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald
Guards! Guards!, Terry Pratchett
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, JK Rowling
Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire, JK Rowling
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling
Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban, JK Rowling
His Dark Materials trilogy, Philip Pullman
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, Douglas Adams
The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien
Holes, Louis Sachar
I Capture The Castle, Dodie Smith
Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte
Kane And Abel, Jeffrey Archer
Katherine, Anya Seton
The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, CS Lewis
Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
Lord Of The Flies, William Golding
The Lord Of The Rings, JRR Tolkien
Love In The Time Of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The Magic Faraway Tree, Enid Blighton
Magician, Raymond E Feist
The Magus, John Fowles
Matilda, Roald Dahl
Memoirs Of A Geisha, Arthur Golden
Middlemarch, George Eliot
Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie
Mort, Terry Pratchett
Night Watch, Terry Pratchett
Noughts And Crosses, Malorie Blackman
Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck
On The Road, Jack Kerouac
One Hundred Years Of Solitude, Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Perfume, Patrick Suskind
Persuasion, Jane Austen
The Pillars Of The Earth, Ken Follett
A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving
Pride And Prejudice, Jane Austen
The Princess Diaries, Meg Cabot
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Robert Tressell
Rebecca, Daphne Du Maurier
The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret History, Donna Tartt
The Shell Seekers, Rosamunde Pilcher
The Stand, Stephen King
The Story Of Tracy Beaker, Jacqueline Wilson
A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
Swallows And Amazons, Arthur Ransome
A Tale Of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
Tess Of The D'urbervilles, Thomas Hardy
The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCollough
To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute
Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson
The Twits, Roald Dahl
Ulysses, James Joyce
Vicky Angel, Jacqueline Wilson
War And Peace, Leo Tolstoy
Watership Down, Richard Adams
The Wind In The Willows, Kenneth Grahame
Winnie-the-Pooh, AA Milne
The Woman In White, Wilkie Collins
Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
January 21, 2004
Callgirl of Cthulhu
Some corporate art for Flea Industries.
Plastic drum kit
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Design is war
sofake are the most professional design firm in the world.
Sidewalk
Sidewalk art makes a welcome relief from street writing.
And then... The Campblog identifies the sidewalk artist.
Bonfire
The 29th Bonfire of the Vanities has been lit at One Fine Jay.
Baltic
Archaeologists are taking a new interest in the Baltic Sea thanks in part to the discovery and reconstruction of Sweden's royal warship Vasa.
"It's hard to imagine something telling us more," said Wessman, speaking by telephone from Helsinki. "You can get a whole cross-section of a society on one ship. The only equivalent on land I can think of is if you found a whole ancient library buried intact."
Nina
A reproduction of Columbus' ship is set to sail as a touring maritime museum. As a long-winded professor I can only approve of this alternative teaching model. And for the record, ships are still built from the mind of a shipwright rather than from blueprints (though they tend to be called naval architects these days).
Ships of the Age of Discovery were built from the mind of a shipwright, instead of blueprints. Shipbuilders had to match the specifications of the designer. More details for the modern Nina's design were provided when discoveries of sail specifications were made from 15th and 16th century Spanish shipwrecks in the Caribbean.
January 20, 2004
Kylie's prints charming
I could not come up with a better tag-line than this Daily Mail article so I shall steal/rip-it-off instead. Regrettably, the Sunday Mail does not think to include an image of their dressed-up Kylie so I include the one above and take their word for it she looks smashing in Saunders.
Jonathan was snapped up by top designer Alexander McQueen just after his MA show at top London fashion college Central Saint Martin's two years ago.
"Vibrant" is a good word for Saunder's second collection and the work would certainly not be out of place in a ST:TNG episode so the sci-fi comparison works for me too. Landing a job with Alex McQueen is impressive and the Flea wishes Saunders the best of luck. That said, the colours hurt my eyes. I expect Kylie would look quite fetching in any part of the collection, however, particularly in comparison with some mannish catwalk models.
Undercover Cartman
Maybe this will teach us all to respect authority.
Oil Klash
Annual oil wrestling in the town of Borr makes for intriguing ethnographic viewing.
Omar Sharif
This Who's Alive and Who's Dead site means no more late-night bar arguments over whether a given celebrity is among the quick or the dead. Take Omar Sharif, for example.
Another one that almost brought the table to fisticuffs was the status of French anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss. Remarkably, he remains alive almost ten years after the dispute went unresolved by the time the place kicked us out.
Eyeballing
A collection of aerial photos of American landmarks appeals to the architectural voyeur.
Mysterious
And what appears to be an Iranian related note the following was left as a comment to a Flea-post on Afghan radio. I hope someone will be so kind as to translate it and let me know what it is I am currently publishing. Generally speaking I would delete materials whose content I cannot in some limited sense endorse but I am hoping this statement is worth supporting.
za staasi radio awram kho mutaasifaana pashto barkha ye deera kama da , , khabari kho bekhi pa pashto na kawai , pa dari ki 2 daqiqi wazhaghezhai pa pai ki ye seirf wawayast ho , hamdaa raaz tar pashto sandaro Iranai sandari ziyaati khparawai kho I hat Iran and Irani
da khudai pa amaan
January 19, 2004
Lacan
You are Jacques Lacan! Arguably the most important
psychoanalyst since Freud, you never wrote
anything down, and the only works of yours are
transcriptions of your lectures. You are
notoriously difficult to understand, but at
least you didn't talk about the penis as much
as other psychoanalysts. You died in 1981.
What 20th Century Theorist are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Galactica
Awesome. Terrifying. Also, belated. Canada only now gets to see the Battlestar Galactica mini-series a couple months after the U.S. broadcast. This is space opera with the grandeur of Children of Dune, as moving as the epic moments of Babylon 5 and a space battle on par with the TIE fighter swarm at the end of Return of the Jedi. More than anything I have seen to date this convinces me speculative fiction is the only context that has managed to evoke the scale of what happened on 9/11. Galactica makes multiple references to the day in the form of apocalyptic destruction, burnt fire-fighters and the grotesque immediacy of bodies tumbling into space. Hand-held shots suggest impromptu journalism rather than something scripted and acted out. The comparison is horrifying yet there is something reverential in this portrayal. It could be these stories are the best memorial and inspiration for the actions we now need to take.
The broader cosmological frame of the story is peculiar. The Cyclons appear to have some notion of deity that may be comparable to the Borg Collective's persuit of perfection. While the show lacks the Mormon back-story of the original there is a satisfying and important element of faith in the belief-system of the Colonials that is evident when they face adversity. One lesson is this: the Cylons have to be destroyed. This is clear and obvious to anyone who is sane. But Gaius Baltar is evil and I do not have words for the fate he deserves. That may be for the Lords of Kobol to decide.
Tom Bombadil
Ring ding a dello! This explains that Tom Bombadil fellow! Ha hey nonny nonny, la la!
And, in all seriousness, I think Bombadil is certainly an avatar/incarnation/metaphor for Arda, the created world. The Ring binds the great, be they Maia, Eldar or descendents of Númenor to Middle Earth. Sauron wished to tie himself to the world after the fashion of his master the corrupted Valar, Morgoth. The Ring's power to do so echoes the Ring of the Nibelung. To claim the power of the Rhinegold and fashion it into a power to rule the world the bearer must first curse love as does the ringmaker, Alberich. This is the same Faustian pact made by those who choose temporal power over eternal life and presents a temptation to any incarnate being. Hobbits present a greater challenge in Tolkien's world to the same power, and same temptation, of the Ring thanks to their love of second breakfast. Yet even Hobbits fall prey to its power given time. Arda, an avatar of the world itself, is by definition the only being that could remain unaffected by this temptation. It seems to me this is the only coherent explanation for Bombadil's total indifference to the Ring, its power and the wars surrounding it.
I have a bigger question: why does the Ring render its wearer invisible? The Ring is related clearly to Wagner's interpretation of the Nibelung myths. Wagner attributes the power of invisibility to the Tarnhelm... is Tolkien simply conflating the two (rhetorical) devices? Or is invisibility an accidental hold-over from the children's book The Hobbit? One thought is that the Ring does not render the wearer invisible to everyone. Indeed, the Ringwraiths and Sauron's eye can only properly perceive the Ringbearer if he is foolish enough to don the Ring. The Orc Gorbag described the tortures of Ringwraiths, saying "they skin the body off you as soon as look at you, and leave you all cold in the dark on the other side." So, is invisibility itself a side-effect of the Bearer stepping "sideways" into the Wraith-world?
Another thought concerns the opposition of rings and towers. The tower of Orthanc is surrounded by the ring of Isengard, both child's toys compared to the ring of mountains surrounding Mordor and its Barad-Dûr. Minas Tirith, the Tower of Guard, is ringed by seven terraces. Middle Earth itself is ringed by surrounding waters. Here the structural relationship to Wagner is more clear... the Ring of the Nibelung is the last part of the price paid by Woton in payment for the construction of Asgard.
And then... The Chaos Overlord collects further evidence supporting the contention Bombadil is in some sense Arda itself.
Egg run
It took me a minute to figure out how to move the egg at all.
Life on Mars
This is the time of year when the Flea reconsiders life in Canada. Might there not be somewhere warmer? Mars comes to mind (via the Meatriarchy).
By comparison, the lowest temperature on Mars as measured this week by the rover Spirit was -15, while midday yesterday it was -16 in Ottawa, -20 in Halifax and -21 in Moncton. Add in wind chill and it felt closer to -40 in Halifax.
I am a Windoze user myself
The Emperor reflects on Apple users in response to a Bleat.
Lack of available software? "But ours is so much better, and who NEEDS choice anyway? Apple knows what's best for us."
And then... I notice the Emperor has included a public service announcement important to the dietary needs of your whole family and the hard-working farmers of the Empire.
Food timeline
This food timeline would have been most useful to me before I taught an history course on food and culture recently. Bon appetit!
100 movies
Any suggestions for film viewing to make up for a gap in my education? The seventy films I have seen from this list are highlighted in bold (via the Raging Kraut).
1. Godfather, The (1972)
2. Shawshank Redemption, The (1994)
3. Godfather: Part II, The (1974)
4. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The (2003)
5. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The (2002)
6. Casablanca (1942)
7. Schindler's List (1993)
8. Shichinin no samurai (1954)
9. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
10. Citizen Kane (1941)
11. Star Wars (1977)
12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
13. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
14. Rear Window (1954)
15. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
16. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
17. Memento (2000)
18. Usual Suspects, The (1995)
19. Pulp Fiction (1994)
20. North by Northwest (1959)
21. Fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulain, Le (2001)
22. Psycho (1960)
23. 12 Angry Men (1957)
24. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
25. Silence of the Lambs, The (1991)
26. Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il (1966)
27. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
28. Goodfellas (1990)
29. American Beauty (1999)
30. Vertigo (1958)
31. Sunset Blvd. (1950)
32. Pianist, The (2002)
33. Matrix, The (1999)
34. Apocalypse Now (1979)
35. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
36. Some Like It Hot (1959)
37. Taxi Driver (1976)
38. Paths of Glory (1957)
39. Third Man, The (1949)
40. C'era una volta il West (1968)
41. Fight Club (1999)
42. Boot, Das (1981)
43. Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001) (Spirited Away)
44. Double Indemnity (1944)
45. L.A. Confidential (1997)
46. Chinatown (1974)
47. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
48. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
49. Maltese Falcon, The (1941)
50. M (1931)
51. All About Eve (1950)
52. Bridge on the River Kwai, The (1957)
53. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
54. Se7en (1995)
55. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
56. Cidade de Deus (2002)
57. Raging Bull (1980)
58. Wizard of Oz, The (1939)
59. Rash?mon (1950)
60. Sting, The (1973)
61. American History X (1998)
62. Alien (1979)
63. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
64. Leon (The Professional) (1994)
65. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
66. Vita bella, La (1997) (Life Is Beautiful)
67. Touch of Evil (1958)
68. Manchurian Candidate, The (1962)
69. Wo hu cang long (2000) (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon)
70. Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The (1948)
71. Great Escape, The (1963)
72. Clockwork Orange, A (1971)
73. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
74. Annie Hall (1977)
75. Amadeus (1984)
76. Jaws (1975)
77. Ran (1985)
78. On the Waterfront (1954)
79. Modern Times (1936)
80. High Noon (1952)
81. Braveheart (1995)
82. Apartment, The (1960)
83. Sixth Sense, The (1999)
84. Fargo (1996)
85. Aliens (1986)
86. Shining, The (1980)
87. Blade Runner (1982)
88. Strangers on a Train (1951)
89. Duck Soup (1933)
90. Metropolis (1927)
91. Finding Nemo (2003)
92. Donnie Darko (2001)
93. Toy Story 2 (1999)
94. Princess Bride, The (1987)
95. General, The (1927)
96. City Lights (1931)
97. Lola rennt (1998) (Run Lola Run)
98. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
99. Notorious (1946)
100. Sjunde inseglet, Det (1957)
January 17, 2004
Toxic
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance (thanks to EverythingBritney.net!).
And then... Animated gifs are not enough... Flea-readers need music to dance!
And then... New Flea-readers may want to take a dance tutorial. I recommend starting with the two-step.
Claymation
I think the soundtrack makes the film (via b3ta).
A network called "Internet"
The CBC reveals "the internet" to the amazed world of 1993.
Alphaville Herald
The Alphaville Herald chronicles crime in a virtual city of Sims. And this despite its professorial author having been booted from the system by Maxis for revealing rampant organized prostitution, racism and theft in Alphaville (hat tip to Mondo Sismondo).
What bothered Ludlow and Bolter about this was that Evangeline asserted that, in real life, he was a minor and that many of the "girls" he hired to talk dirty in his brothel were also underage. Bolter wondered whether the characters were breaking any laws or doing anything else immoral or unethical. She says she acknowledges that, because the characters weren't having real sex, it's hard to say they were involved in "prostitution."
That's the spirit
Canadian astronauts Marc Garneau and Chris Hadfield express a bold vision. Too bad there is not a prayer we will decided to pay for it.
But he warned that the federal government would have to contribute major sums of money for the dream to become a reality. "Over the next 20 years, it would be in the billions of dollars. There's no free ride."
January 16, 2004
Orac
The Flea is not normally a case-modification fancier. Of course, it had not crossed my mind someone could combine the hobby with Blake's 7 fandom. The prospect of my own Orac at home changes things.
ORAC: Surely it is obvious even to the meanest intelligence that during my development I would naturally become endowed with aspects of my creator's personality.
AVON: The more endearing aspects by the sound of it.
ORAC: Possibly. However similarities between myself and Ensor are entirely superficial. My mental capacity is infinitely greater.
JENNA: Modest, isn't he?
ORAC: Modesty would be dishonesty.
VILA: What's wrong with being dishonest?
ORAC: Is that a question?
VILA: Yes.
ORAC: The question is futile. Were I to say that I am incapable of dishonesty how would you know if I was being dishonest or not?
Going wobbly
The Campblog does an round-up of Captain Jonathon Archer's performance as captain of Enterprise NX-01. I am sorry to report signs of distinct wobbliness in this week's episode, Chosen Realm. Paramount's teaser blurb does not reveal the ending (and neither shall I) but I think Archer fails to satisfy in what may be the most blatant post-9/11 parallel plot-line to date. It might as well have been Janeway in command.
We look like two siblings?
Xinhua runs a disturbing article that looks to me to be somebody else's advertising campaign.
Face on Mars
James Lileks describes the quintessential American moment as a visor is lifted to reveal an astronaut's face. And a Navajo Marine sounds good to me too.
In other words, I’d rather that hand represent the world.
Huh? You say. Wha? A UN flag would represent the world.
No, a UN flag would represent bureaucrats and governments. When I think of an American astronaut on Mars, I can’t imagine a face for the event. I can tell you who staffed the Apollo program, because they were drawn from a specific stratum of American life. But things have changed. Who knows who we'd send to Mars? Black pilot? White astrophysicist? A navigator whose parents came over from India in 1972? Asian female doctor? If we all saw a bulky person bounce out of the landing craft and plant the flag, we’d see that wide blank mirrored visor. Sex or creed or skin hue – we’d have no idea.
This is the quintessence of America: whatever face you’d see when the visor was raised, it wouldn’t be a surprise.
To prove I am a rank sentimentalist: I say the first foot on Mars belongs to a Navajo. No: a Navajo from the Marine Corps. Just because. I can’t think of a reason why not. Can you?
Modified
Warren Ellis takes on critics of genetically modified crops and an hippie assertion that food should "have a story." The result is vulgar to the extreme, hilarious and difficult to summarize so I shall leave Flea-readers to investigate at their own risk (via Colby Cosh).
Yeah, that's the story I want to hear. Organically-reared hippie, humanely slaughtered while making wicker basket. Presented to you freshly washed of all weak-minded b******* intended to annoy the living f*** out of fragile writers first thing on a Thursday morning.
This has been a public service announcement on behalf of actual humans.
Escalators
An economic explanation for the habit of walking on moving walkways and standing when taking escalators gives me a pain in the eye (via Broken Timber).
The only down side to exposing students to this armchair view of escalators is that they may never again be able to ride an airport escalator without thinking of indifference-curve analysis.
January 15, 2004
Liberty, I Write Your Name
The Atlasphere publishes an interview with a voice of today's authentic French resistance, Sabine Herold (via Merde in France).
TA: France is?
Herold: (Laughing). Almost. I think in America, some people consider us one of the very last remaining communist countries. Some people are saying that about France.
De re coquinaria
Isicia omentata, a kind of burger described in a Roman cookery book by Marcus Gavius Apicius is only one of many antique dishes you can prepare in the comfort of your own home.
Girl Scout Cookie
Jay Solo is eating Girl Scout cookies. I confess I never enjoyed them myself. Perhaps they are better in the States.
To the dogs
Anthony posts on impressive dog breeds.
Cybergreen
A Reason interview with Bruce Sterling ranges from technology to the environment to terorrism. Sterling's prescriptions may have it wrong but the subjects at interest at least seem to be right (via Jay Currie).
Bruce Sterling: It depends on who "we" are. For the U.S., the belle époque is over. It lost its steam under this tremendous necromantic thing that bin Laden pulled, and also it’s over because this huge surge of energy that was in the dot-com world failed at the last mile. Socially, policy makers have made a series of choices very similar to what preceded the collapse into World War I. There’s the same kind of massive gung-hoism for acts of violence and the same kind of irrationality. We’re in a very dark time. It’s dark enough that it cannot lift overnight.
January 14, 2004
Ghost
My most recent vanity googling revealed the Flea has now moved up to 22 out of 9,360,000 returns for the word "ghost." I hope the blog will soon have an admirable view of an intriguing British fashion design firm parked in the 20 spot. Perhaps I should expand on the Flea as a "blogging concept" that transcends "blog".
Get high
I feel a responsibility to report on cultures of "internet" and consequently pass this on.
The Romp ran the series 'Won & Twoo', the first product of Bunsella Films. This two-headed Siamese twin Chinese cook has one homophobic head (Won), and one ravenously gay head (Twoo) . . . and only one genetalia. It was featured on 'Best of the Internet' on Channel 5 in the UK.
Babel's children
An article in the Economist suggests languages are more distinct than thought previously (hat tip to a Flea reader). The challenge to models assuming "deep structures" in language takes on the dominant paradigm in contemporary linguistic. This is a good thing in itself and not only because it might be gratifying to find Noam Chomsky wrong about this as in so much else.
January 13, 2004
Don't call me babe
This installment of the Flea Presents Great Canadians™ features the star of Baywatch, VIP and the auteur work of Tommy Lee. Pamela Anderson came to mind last night when I discovered an unrated copy of Cancon masterpiece Barb Wire on sale at Zellers for C$8.97. Reviews of the work tend to be harsh. All I can say is the critics should try escaping some future Casablanca with nothing but Canadian dollars and see how they like it.
Bonfire 28
This week's Bonfire of the Vanities burns with zealous fervour at the evangelical outpost.
Transfiguration
The Transfiguration of Harold Maines is an odd idea to begin with but an inexplicable Guernica reference sends it over the top.
Cannon Fodder
Test your ballistic skills with this game. You know you want to!
Caesar's Palace
This Las Vegas panorama reminds me I would rather be on holiday.
Monte Rosa
Swiss scientists are studying long-term climate change by examining air trapped in ice near the summit of Monte Rosa. Their particular aim is to find lead and copper emmissions from classical Greek and Roman mining activities with the broader agenda of retreiving data back to the last Ice Age. I like the look of their geodesic tent but would rather take in the view from the revolving restaurant at Piz Gloria.
January 12, 2004
Coraline
I have not read this one (via ***Dave).
You are Coraline! You are quirky, strange, and
charming. Some people may find you a little
alarming and not always get you... But they can
p*** off, right? You are the kind of person who
always needs to be entertained, otherwise you
get uncomfortable. You probably still enjoy
everything you did when you were little, such
as childrens books and Disney movies. You're fun
to be around and are usually the life of the
party.
*~Which Neil Gaiman book are you?~*
brought to you by Quizilla
1984
Apple has its famous "1984" Macintosh advertisement on-line as a twentieth anniversary commemoration. This is one of the most powerful ads I have ever seen.
Rihannsu
Yet another language I do not have time to learn.
Next was the Journey from Vulcan to the Homeworlds, a period of about two hundred years (ships’ time -- much more time elapsed for the non-relativistic universe.) The Journey’s main effect was a smoothing out of the original language, as it was put into practical and exclusive use for the first time. Additions to vocabulary related mainly to astronomical phenomena which the Travelers encountered for the first time, and to the developing religion/philosophy of the Elements and “matter as god.”
I could double-up by learning Vulcan at the same time I pick up Romulan. Of course, Klingon learners can get a leg-up with the Kor Memorial Scholarship.
Hydrogen
I love it that the hydrogen people think they need an ethereal redhead to sell their scooter.
Reverse astrology
This reverse astrology test thinks Leo (my midheaven) is my best Sun sign fit while Virgo (my Moon) is my worst. I shall leave my actual Sun and rising signs out of the equation...
Dune
All we are missing now is worm sign.
-from "Muad'Dib: Conversations" by the Princess Irulan
Black Assizes
Two Elizabethan judges, a clerk, the coroner, the sheriff and a number of jury members are among the purported victims of "a very effective curse."
More than 60 skeletons have been discovered between Oxford's former prison and its old castle. It is thought that many of them could be related to the fate of Jenks, a 'foul-mouthed and saucy' bookbinder who was convicted in 1577 of supporting the Pope. For his temerity he was sentenced to be nailed by his ears to the local pillory and responded by laying a curse on the courtroom and city.
'It appears to have been a very effective curse,' said archaeologist Dan Poore of Oxford Archaeology, which carried out the dig. Contemporary reports indicate that within several days hundreds of local men - but no women or children - had dropped dead.
January 10, 2004
Gloriana
His proposal rejected out of hand, Ivan the Terrible fired off a letter to Elizabeth I before he was added to her blocked-sender list.
"But now we perceive that there be other men that doe rule, and not men but bowers [boors] and marchaunts [merchants], the wich seeke not the wealth and honnor of our majesties, but they seeke there owne proffitt of marchandize.
"And you flowe [flourish] in your maydenlike estate like a maide," he added, insultingly.
Somebody to love
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Haggis
The Scotsman hosts a haggis hunt (and watch out for that Golden haggis!).
Campblog
Yesterday, the Campblog had its first blogiversary! Cruachan!
Killing joke
I have been looking for the English and German versions of Monty Python's "killing joke" without success. Does anyone have it ready to hand?
Sorcerer's cave
One pre-decorated cave for sale, a snip at one million "euros."
Paluzzano told AFP he had received a barrage of telephone calls from interested buyers since he posted a "for sale" sign near the entrance to his cave a few days ago.
Viking patio
This one is self-explanatory (via the Melbourne Truth of blogs).
Even the discovery of a Second World War gas mask on the plot failed to deter them from their theory that this was the first evidence ever seen of Viking homes built on mainland Scotland, reports the Daily Mail.
Viking and Pathfinder
NASA has photographed the 1976 Viking 1 lander and 1997's Mars Pathfinder at their landing sites on the surface of Mars.
The method, called image motion compensation, was developed during 2003 with the goal of photographing the Mars Spirit rover, which landed earlier this month, and its twin, Opportunity, slated to arrive later in January.
January 09, 2004
Truth, Justice & the American Way
Keanu Reeves and Viggo Mortensen are both rumoured to be in consideration for a starring role in biopic about television Superman, George Reeves. Reeves was not the first or the last to wear those noble cape and tights but he may be the best loved.
And then... The Chaos Overlord has Superman-themed plans for the state of New Hampshire.
Tatu inned
Wait a minute... it turns out tATu are not lesbians after all!Sweetest Thing
This not exactly work-safe film clip explores the hazards of motorcycles and lane-closures in combination with Christina Applegate and Cameron Diaz.
2 hours 45 minutes
Fascinating images drawn by a man under the influence of LSD.
Saint Lucia
The Flea rattles its ghostly chains in glee to discover a visitor from lovely Saint Lucia, home of a picturesque drive-in volcano. I would have added the island nation's coat-of-arms to this post but it "may not be used or reproduced in any form without the approval of the Government." Nice anthem but, respectfully, we should have a blogosphere contest to redesign the flag (yes, even the revised 1979 flag).
Gone the times when nations battled for this Helen of the West. Gone the days when strife and discord, dimmed her children’s toil and rest. Dawns at last a brighter day, stretches out a glad new way.
May the Good Lord bless our island; guard her sons from woe and harm. May our people, live united, strong in soul and strong in arm. Justice, truth and charity, our ideals forever be.
U.S. Army
A year in photos for the United States Army, a slide-show with a metal soundtrack.
January 08, 2004
Iron Man
Tom Cruise reportedly wants to star as billionaire industrialist Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man (via Attu).
Ok, Iron Man does not wear tights. But at least we are not looking at another Clooney or Affleck debacle.
The Apprentice
Best reality show ever? I will be checking this out tonight.
Quirkyalone
I had no idea how quirkyalone I am.
And then... Andrew Sullivan calls this stuff a manifesto for singles in cities, wondering if this is the real Dean base. Shuddersome.
Ashley, of course
Which Olsen twin is for you?
Hipster of Swords
 |
FIRE OF AIR. Serious and intellectual, you live in the world of thoughts and ideas. You grasp things quicker than most and are a master debater. Your verbal skills are unparalleled; your conversations are stimulating. You are concerned with issues of justice. Your standards are high, so there is danger of becoming too moralistic. While truth is generally an honorable thing, chew on this: "Why Yes Herr Strudel, my neighbor IS hiding Jews in his basement!" You're Christopher Walken in Suicide Kings. |
This Major Arcana-type card is courtesy of Abraca-Pocus!. My hipster quiz results are disclosed in the extended entry due to vulgar language content!
You are the Elitist Prick. You're so consumed with
being on top of indie trends that you've
completely forgotten how to enjoy your once-
hipster status. It may be too late for you.
What Kind of Hipster Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Fun with death rays
This baby was developed for the first Martian war in 1949. It should definitely be considered for a home in the blogosphere's arsenal.
Meditational woodland
They say left-wing firing squads are circular. I believe distressed ivy-fanciers instigating a regulatory charge against a woodland meditation group is a good example of the phenomenon.
January 07, 2004
Throne
At long last a toilet worthy of the history and traditions of Flea Mansions.
And then... I now realize I should have titled this post "The Merovingian".
Source criticism
The Lord of the Rings, a source criticism analysis (via Andrea Harris).
Times Square
This panoramic view of Times Square on New Year's Eve includes ambient noise. Beautiful, and you have got to love all that orange.
Bonfire 27
Boots and Sabers hosts this week's Bonfire of the Vanities where this week offers plenty of toasted cheese goodness to keep warm by through these winter nights.
Bog people
Any website with a link to "clothing and hairstyles of the bog people" is worth a look.
Spirit
The California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory hosts press release and raw images from NASA's Mars rover Spirit (via lgf). A Flash-animated description of the surface mission is impressive and an exploration of the rover's "body" is fun too.
Royal Navy
This is so horrifying I am going to post the same quote as Andrew Ian Dodge.
It will now have only 28 escort ships compared to the French navy's 32 and will no longer be able to mount major operations unless it is fighting alongside either the Americans or the French.
January 06, 2004
Saigon. ****. Still in Saigon (via She Who Will Be Obeyed). And my famous leader test can be found in the extended part of this post...
