September 30, 2011
Aristocracy vs meritocracy
In comic books villains earn their fortune, heroes inherit.
The news comes as no surprise to supporters of the Empire; ask self-made man Darth Vader (via Ace).
First they came for the kobolds
It isn't that Dragon*Con founder Ed Kramer has allegedly been molesting children for decades, for him the justice system will run its course. It is that so many people for so long knew exactly what was going on and said nothing for fear of losing their vendor's booths (via Five Feet of Fury).
Objection: Armored Facilities Manager writes.
The creepy factor was not obvious and in many cases the accusations seemed VERY much the case of it looks like this and so it MUST be the worst conclusion possible. Given how interpersonal-politics in business between people works and how a nominally innocent situation could be readily construed, it was the sort of thing I questioned for years when I did hear the accusations because, again, I was in the same circles and had not come to the same conclusions nor seen any convincing evidence. Just accusations that seemed spiteful from start to finish.
As Nancy states, the more blatant behavior started later but the early accusations on such tenuous evidence helped me to discount the accusations.
In retrospect, with victim testimony and corroboration, Ed's behavior was execrable, there's no doubt about that. But if I assumed that every instance of people having arrived freshly showered equated to them just having been In flagrante delicto, then EVERYONE was having some sort of salacious activity and that was simply not what I saw or thought what was obvious.
Put another way, folks would borrow showers in a hotel room because many were either short of funds to actually get their own hotel room or they were just unavailable, so using a shower or getting an offer of one was a boon (little used enough by some sadly). I myself surfed a room or two at the con when in High School (Late 80s). Some argue that the folks who don't take the time to get a shower is often an issue.
Some of my unsettled response to the "Everyone knew!" attitudes after the fact is that it bears a remarkable resemblance to the sudden and dramatic agreement after accusations of witch-craft, or similar, by a gaggle of people all too willing to confirm what everyone knew. I even saw the example that Joe Christ cites at Goth-Con and frankly, I didn't jump to the same conclusions.
I have to take some exception to the above articles salacious terminology and ridicule of the sci-fi community. It's ill mannered and ill conceived. More so the idea that Ed held the power of god over everyone. Given how much of Dragon Con is entirely run by volunteers who have ZERO financial stake in the convention itself, it stands to reason that someone who saw the obvious would have raised a flag if it was in fact that obvious.
Having been of 'that age' around Ed and having no inappropriate conduct at all ever from him aside from kindness and courtesy it was hard for me to believe or credit the accusations whispered by various people.
Hindsight is 20/20. Jumping to the obvious conclusion that everyone should have known all along is a poor logic.
Again, as it became clear the whispered accusations were in fact true, I found myself disappointed in a man that I thought was an ok fellow. whispered accusations were in fact true, I found myself disappointed in a man that I thought was an ok fellow.
Queen: We Are the Champions
Scientists say: The catchiest pop song of all time.
All power to Freddie Mercury, obviously, but I can think of a half dozen catchier Queen singles. For instance:
September 29, 2011
Kindle Fire
The Kindle Fire, full colour 7" multi-touch display, wifi tablet
I did not get a heads up through the Amazon Associate program but, given the Kindle Fire is reported to be a very similar to the BlackBerry PlayBook*, I assume this is content rights issue and not a hardware issue.
If you can make money off the back end you can afford to get your tablets out the front door as a loss leader. With Windows 8 tablets just over the horizon, it's a combination that spells serious trouble for firms dependent on hardware sales for their margins. Ahem, Apple.
It doesn't have all the iPad's features but... so what? It's one hundred and ninety-nine dollars.
Related: The birth of the Kindle Tablet and the death of the public library.
* BlackBerry just knocked $200 off all PlayBook models, btw.
American Juggalo
American Juggalo from Sean Dunne on Vimeo.
"American Juggalo is a look at the often mocked and misunderstood subculture of Juggalos, hardcore Insane Clown Posse fans who meet once a year for four days at The Gathering of the Juggalos. We went to The Gathering of the Juggalos and let the Juggalos speak their minds."
Epic Meal Time: 12 Gauge Hot Dog
On this morning's update, deadmau5 gives a shout out to "EpicMealTime raging their faces off in the middle of the crowd." It occurred to me there may be Flea-readers who have yet to be introduced to this Canadian institution.
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: Do You Wanna Touch Me
Epic: Real Wild Child.
Dear Sobey's
Dear Sobey's,
I attempted to use a coupon for two Breads of the World baked-in-store products only to discover (not at the cash, but at the customer service desk) that the two loaves I had purchased did not qualify; this despite the fact they were in baskets some of which were labeled as Breads of the World (though not in the size limitation for the coupon) and most of which were identified by country (i.e. France, Italy, etc.).
I won't bore you, or take up more of my time, with the details but suffice to say your promotion has left me feeling worse about your branding (muddled and confusing, perhaps deliberately so), your front line customer service (who first ignored me - I mean literally skipped to the next customer and refused to speak to me - and then told me it was "not a problem") and your store managemer who told me this was the first she had heard of customer confusion on the subject (your customer service staff member told the cashier lots of customers had "made the same mistake") and that she was not to blame because Breads of the World labeling all came from head office.
That would be you. Please do something to make it more clear to customers which products do and do not fall within the purview of your promotional coupons (for example, if there is a size limitation on the egg potato salad, your coupon should say so; it doesn't). Otherwise, you risk annoying the people you are trying to impress.
The next time I am short changed on my points at one of your locations, I won't take it up with store management, I will treat it as a breach of contract and take your firm to small claims court.
With best regards.
The Flea
*****
PS - Thanks for your reply asking for the store location so you could refer me to the manager I have just told you I have already talked to. But I have her card so if I need to get in touch I've got that covered.
September 28, 2011
1984 (1954)
Blazing Cat Fur has saved BBC Television's 1954 live production of George Orwell's 1984 from the memory hole.
Featuring Peter Cushing as Winston Smith. Screenplay by Quatermass creator, Nigel Kneale.
Sadly, today's audience is less likely to complain about the subversive nature and horrific content of reality.
None of the above
Quotulatiousness explains how to decline your ballot in Ontario's forthcoming election.
Vocabulary builder: Fu er dai
"In the Vancouver metropolitan city of Surrey, 13 members of a Super Sports Car Club composed of ethnic Chinese fu er dai were intercepted by police while racing on a busy highway and fined. But until now none of them have expressed regret/remorse over the matter."
Mirror mirror
Cracked considers the opportunity to live in a tv ad reality. Choose wisely, they say.
For me, it's a no brainer.
Dj Smash feat. Fast Food: Volnya
The same thing happened to me when I got that McAngus coupon.
September 27, 2011
You say bark, I say bite
Featured at this year's London Design Festival: This 3D printed bicycle.
Downton Abbey at war
British Forces News reports from "the most perfect First World War trench set you could imagine."
That's the spirit: Khaki Devil Limited.
Rather than keep complaining they decided to use their knowledge to offer a service to those Directors, Producers, Costume Designers, Art Directors and other interested parties who want to get the details right.
September 26, 2011
The Northern Indo-Europeans
It would be an eye-opener for these wandering folk to see the state of us now though I suspect our stories about them would look a bit Motel of the Mysteries
Good fun but all the interjections about the "symbolic" significance of this, that and the other thing are to over complicate the past. Copper and bronze ornamentation did not represent wealth, it was wealth; people weren't buried with symbols of their personal identity, they were buried with their favourite stuff. But such is old school archaeology.
Edel-Silmarillion
Tolkien Library hosts an interview with Benjamin Harff, upcoming Tolkien illustrator and creator of the Edel-Silmarillion, an illuminated version of Tolkien's ur-text.
A Game of Thrones - Genesis
An adaptation of the bestseller series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin as a PC strategy game by Cyanide. I would link to it but the game has yet to appear on Amazon.
"A Game of Thrones - Genesis" is also a great multiplayer game. Up to 8 players confront each others to claim the Iron Throne in intense games where alliances, betrayals, cheap shots, and pitched battles take place!
Related: Game of Muppets.
A challenger appears
Elijah Wood challenges Dominic Monaghan for Fantastic Fest 2011.
Update: Fight! FIght! Fight!
September 25, 2011
Potap and Nastya: We cancel KS
I am going to learn Russian and be a pop star.
Nastya Kamensky and Mary Berseneva: Why so silent
This blog is now about Nastya Kamensky.
September 24, 2011
Scanners
"Scientists have created a revolutionary brain imaging process which allows them to 'see' moving images inside people's minds."
Coming soon to an airport queue near you.
Planets viewed from Earth
What if other planetary bodies orbited our world (or vice versa) at the same distance as the Moon?
September 23, 2011
Philip Scott Johnson: Women in art
Nominated as Most Creative Video in the 2nd Annual YouTube Awards. 500 Years of Female Portraits in Western Art.
Music: Bach's Sarabande from Suite for Solo Cello No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007 performed by Yo-Yo Ma.
In the kingdom of words
Having belatedly read Kirill Eskov's The Last Ringbearer - I desperately wish I had written it - it is now safe for me to read the reviews.
The first return is from Salon, Laura Miller calling it Middle-earth according to Mordor. Unfortunately, the whole point of Eskov's spirited, saturnine commentary on Tolkien's masterpiece is lost in Miller's summary. She tries to appropriate Russian cynicism but in doing so shows herself to be a paid up member of the class Eskov has in his sights.
Human beings, she says. She means "Men" but can't bring herself to use the word. She goes on to parse "victors" as "history is written by the winners." Such is the pasteurization of English, an injustice both to Tolkien and to his clever Russian critic.
Jordi Savall: Rotundellus
Cantigas de Santa María - Alfonso X "El Sabio" (1221 - 1284) - Rotundellus
September 22, 2011
Monkey points
Just yesterday, I was explaining to my students you never take points on net profit (via AoSHQ).
“I get these occasional letters from Lucasfilm saying that we regret to inform you that as Return of the Jedi has never gone into profit, we’ve got nothing to send you. Now here we’re talking about one of the biggest releases of all time,” said [David] Prowse. “I don’t want to look like I’m bitching about it,” he said, “but on the other hand, if there’s a pot of gold somewhere that I ought to be having a share of, I would like to see it.”
If you adjust for inflation, Jedi is the 15th highest grossing films of all time.
Alec Guinness knew what to do. The original Star Wars production could not afford to hire him so, on a bit of a lark, he took the job anyway for 2% of gross.
The deep web
A map of the undersea cables hosting 99 per cent of global internet traffic.
Iggy Azalea: PU$$Y
A clear September morning in AD 476. I used to wonder how Rome fell, now I doubt anyone noticed at the time.
September 21, 2011
What could go wrong?
"There was a nuclear war. A few years from now, all this, this whole place, everything, it's gone. Just gone. There were survivors. Here, there. Nobody even knew who started it. It was the machines, Sarah."
The ugliest building in Stockholm
Guess the mystery building in Stockholm.
(Via The Fourth Checkraise.)
September 20, 2011
Men among the ruins
Victor Davis Hanson on life in the ongoing historical reenactment called California. It's Augustine's City of God written by Stephen King.
Deaders
Archeologists unearth evidence of zombie scare in medieval Ireland.
Chocolate covered strawberry shot glasses
That's right. Chocolate covered strawberry shot glasses.
September 19, 2011
The Emmy now has meaning
“I’ve learned to really love being on a TV show,” says Emmy winner Peter Dinklage.
Around the world in 60 seconds
"A time-lapse taken from the front of the International Space Station as it orbits our planet at night. This movie begins over the Pacific Ocean and continues over North and South America before entering daylight near Antarctica. Visible cities, countries and landmarks include (in order) Vancouver Island, Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Fransisco, Los Angeles. Phoenix. Multiple cities in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. Mexico City, the Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, Lightning in the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala, Panama, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, and the Amazon. Also visible is the earths ionosphere (thin yellow line) and the stars of our galaxy."
September 18, 2011
The Varangians
The Viking before of Russia. "Rus" is "rows."
It looks a lot like a Canadian before of Russia.
A thought: Historians who have never done a portage need to shut the hell up about what is and is not possible for a crew of determined hard asses. That goes double for estimating the trouble posed by rapids and cataracts.
Pro-tip: Moving your trading base to the convenient side of rapids and cataracts is what we might call a "good idea".
There's impossible and there's not knowing what you are about. The Vikings never had this problem.
Also: I would be grateful if anyone might recognize the uprights pictured in line along the centre of the river boat (screen capture below). I have no clue what they are for but they look exactly like conventional representations of Irminsul, the world tree. Are they purely decorative?
If these uprights have some sort of function than Irminsul designs are not abstract representations of trees but representative, uhh, representations of a central feature in longships. This would not only change the symbolism attached to Yggdrasil - the world tree as something mobile, your ship as the centre of the world and the entire universe as a boat traveling across the waters.
Or it could just be the archaeologists decided to be a bit fanciful in their ship construction. If this is the case, I guarantee you they regretted the weight at the first portage.
Update: The Father of the Flea has an answer... oar racks! "No checked baggage on this flight!"
A challenger appears: Fenris Badwulf writes:
The mast, when 'stepped down' is large and bulky, so it is just stuck up there. It can then serve as a joist and have a canvas or cloth (leather?) tarp thrown over it for the comfort of the crew and captain.
Noomi Rapace in Thomas Tait: I
"Noomi Rapace dressed in Thomas Tait, at Orionteatern, Stockholm, Sweden. The black Friesians surrounding her are Astor, Quintos, Suleyman, Joopy, Romeo and Othello. The text is from Alan Watts’ Myth and Religion."
September 17, 2011
Michael Wood on Beowulf (2009)
Featuring the Beowulf manuscript, a wave sword and Black Shuck.
We call your wolves
The lyrics: "Wir Rufen Deine Wölfe" by Friedrich Hielscher (1979).
September 16, 2011
On location: Buttercup Valley, 1982
"A more romantic, if now largely forgotten, time."
...
The photography that follows is a never-before-published archive of private shots snapped on set during the filming of Return of the Jedi.
Related: George Lucas re-edits classic movies.
Also: New scenes! More Porkins!
Yeah that's what I would do
Because there's no way you could be a Marine.
September 15, 2011
Second look at... communism!
Beauty Class teaches women in China how to be perfect.
I object to this for some reason.
The 6 Weirdest Jobs in China
Now wondering if Second Career Ontario will finance my Face Job training.
50 Words For Snow
Kate Bush is set to release a new album in November (via Quotulatiousness).
The album will be the second release from Kate's own label Fish People and comprises all new material that was recorded during the same period that Kate worked on her album “Director’s Cut”.
A 37 second teaser: Enjoy!
September 14, 2011
Windows 8
The new system has a new, touchscreen-optimized interface called 'Metro,' which looks more like the Windows Phone operating system.
I must confess, I like the look of it. The "thumbs" keyboard layout is particularly clever; at least if you are young enough to have learned to type with your thumbs.
The next generation of tablets should run Windows 8 without difficulty. Something to consider regarding your Apple/Android portfolio.
Beautifully crafted
Thanks to an impending gadget purchase, I have been watching far too many unboxing videos. This is a masterpiece of the genre.
Dear marketing people
Congratulations on your recent purchase of my email address. This blog is called "Ghost of a flea", I am based in Toronto and I don't work for the The National Post.
You can show willing by working one of the above details into your pitch somewhere. Special points if you name two "journalists" in conjunction with the Postmedia reference.
Suggestions for your consideration:
If you want me to advertise your bands you should offer me comp tickets to their gigs. If you don't, your addy goes in Google's spam filter. You're welcome.
This goes for your indie films, art openings, local theatre, books (esp by Canadian authors), games or pretty much any other product/service you want me to "review".
This goes double for your clients' brands.
Your clients are paying you for promotion. I won't do your work for you for free.
Also, no more offers to run text link ads for clients you won't name, thanks. I value my Google PR at least as much as you claim to.
Kisses,
The Flea
September 13, 2011
Prior art
Apple's intellectual property battle against Sumsung has moved to Japan. If the Japanese suit stays true to form, Apple will claim Samsung's Galaxy tablets copied the iPad.
Samsung's argument: Stanley Kubrick invented tablet computers, not Apple.
Samsung says Kubrick's future-thinking movie opens up the 'prior art' defense, which can be used to invalidate patents if the idea can be proved to have existed before the patent was issued.
Arthur C. Clarke's 2001 Newspad has finally arrived, nine years late.
In fairness to Samsung, Apple really should have seen this coming. Apple cultists enthusiasts had another comparison in mind before the iPad was even launched, Star Trek: The Next Generation's PADDs, or Personal Access Display Devices.
Ars Technica considers the technology, and its development, in detail.
The comparison cannot have escaped Apple entirely, Steve Jobs used Star Trek as a backdrop to his iPad launch.
No word on whether Michael Okuda plans to take Apple to court for infringement on Starfleet's LCARS operating system.
The cookie crumbles: Only half of potential tablet buyers say they will purchase an iPad next year.
September 12, 2011
Stillsuit
The Raincatch is a rain coat that collects rain water and uses in-built purifiers and charcoal filters to make it water drinkable via a series of tubes. No word on whether it achieves maximum pumping action use the motion of the breath.
Kudos to Hyeona Yang, Joshua Noble and the Copenhagen Institute of Interactive Design. Now an ornithopter, please.
Pro-tip: It helps to fasten the boots slip-fashion. Images and video at the link.
September 11, 2011
USS New York LPD-21
Forged from the steel of the World Trade Center.
9/11 on Film
Rick McGinnis on 9/11 documentaries.
Update: Features.
September 10, 2011
Because it isn't always bad news
Due in no small part to the existence of Felicia Day. For example, the world now includes an Official Codex Halloween Costume.
Also, Guild themed soda pop.
Who is your inner gamer most like?
The strong Warrior skills of Vork Green Apple Soda....the sexy Priestess charm of Codex Strawberry Lime...the blade slingin' Rogue skills of Bladezz Cola...the Mage like insight of Clara Berry Lemonade...the Long Rage wit of Tinkerballa Grape....or the Warlock magic of Zaboo Blue Bubblegum.
Build a house for less than $5000
As someone who will most likely never be able to afford a conventional mortgage, and was raised with Hobbits, this hole in the ground looks like a wonderfully comfortable solution.
I will believe in you if you will believe in me
The first chatbot conversation ends in an argument. Skynet may be less of a problem than I had been lead to believe.
Lavika: Eternal Paradise
I don't usually approve of saxophone. But when I do.
September 09, 2011
September 08, 2011
Today Show: Shark report awkwardly falls apart
That's it. I'm moving to Australia.
Best velociraptor impression ever
Also, Gollum and Sméagol.
He has another career waiting for him if he wants it.
Dan Balan: Chica Bomb (Chew Fu Hurt Lockek Remix)
With September blog sweeps coming up, I figure it's lowest common denominator time. This pretty much divides by zero.
September 07, 2011
Uptown Downstairs Abbey
"How common!"
"There's a precis at the beginning of each episode. For idiots."
A woman's life can really be a succession of lives
Xan Brooks reviews W.E., Madonna's second directorial effort.
That's just getting warmed up. The rest at the link. Also, video (hat tip to Mr. Jané).
Illustrative: Because.
"Here's Madonna in her British accent again being, of course ... Madonna."
Madonna replies: Madonna is entitled to hate your measly gifts.
September 06, 2011
Judging people on shallow stuff is human nature
And Alyssa Bereznak is a world champion. Her first two weeks on OKCupid were "the online equivalent to hanging out alone in a dark, date-rapey bar." Barraged with creepy messages, she was happy to meet a "normal" henge fund manager for a drink.
Until she discovered he was Magic: The Gathering champion, Jon Finkel (hat tip to Pocket War Comics).
Alyssa Bereznak puts her cards on the table in the unedited, Australian version of her article.
This was after their second date, mind you: "That’s right, even after she learned about his hobby, Googled him to confirm his professional career AND criticized his internet dating etiquette, she still went out on another date with the guy."
But then, if you can't pick up after two weeks in a dark, date-rapey bar, your options are limited.
Comments at BoardGameGeek.
Also: The Cliffnotes version.
But wait: Really, we're still making fun of nerds? Really?
For the ladies: What is Jon Finkel looking for in a woman? "Self awareness and intellectual curiosity." Hey Jon, here's a pro-tip: They're not on OKCupid (and they don't write for Jezebel).
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful
Beauty: it’s the new hate crime.
Yet again, reverse-lookism is tacitly endorsed by the establishment. That's hatrist.
Anna Kournikova at the link, btw. Just saying.
100 Years / Style / East London
"100 years of East London style in 100 seconds. Sept 13th 1911 - Sept 13th 2011."
Strangely, the latest looks on Brick Lane don't get a look in.
September 05, 2011
It's Freddie Mercury Day
In pictures: Freddie Mercury and Queen.
"To celebrate Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday, we are streaming a continuous version of Queen's legendary 1986 concert at Wembley Stadium."
Queen, Annie Lennox and David Bowie perform 'Under Pressure' live.
Related: "Freddie For A Day is a fundraising campaign for the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the charity set up in Freddie Mercury’s name in 1992."
It’s very simple. You dress as Freddie Mercury in any way and anywhere you want and encourage friends to sponsor you.
Also: Birthday greetings.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Bueller … Bueller … Edition)
With Ferris Bueller's Day Off
He can try but it won't work. Trust me on this. But not to worry, there is lots of time for them to get back together in a sequel.
Fun fact: Mia Sara has a kid with Sean Connery's son and another child with Jim Henson's son.
September 03, 2011
EdgeWalk
Something new to do in Toronto.
They say it's 356 meters up. In grown up, that's 1168 ft.
Chuck Norris disregards your fears.
Authors@Google: Penn Jillette
Interesting and engaging even if he interprets the example of Abraham and Isaac 100% backwards.
September 02, 2011
The shipping news
The Royal Navy's latest warship HMS Dragon sails into her new home in Portsmouth.
British Forces News has video.
Elsewhere: A Chinese warship confronts an Indian naval ship in the South China Sea.
Nothing to see here. Move along. Video at the link.
And ... Fight!
The five most badass things done while conquering mountains.
Warning: Concerns men.
The fewer men, the greater share of honour
"... a video that will (in the Bard's immortal words) make you hold your manhood cheap."
September 01, 2011
Noooooo...
When I get my time machine, I am not going back to kill Hitler. For one thing, there will be a line-up.
For another, this.
And George Lucas just ruined it.
On second thought, the line up to kill Hitler will probably be shorter.
History as an experimental science
Prufrock451 answers the question: "Could I destroy the entire Roman Empire during the reign of Augustus if I traveled back in time with a modern U.S. Marine infantry battalion or MEU?"
The section of Bagram where the 35th was gathered suddenly reappears in a field outside Rome, on the west bank of the Tiber River. Without substantially prepared ground under it, the concrete begins sinking into the marshy ground and cracking. Colonel Miles Nelson orders his men to regroup near the vehicle depot - nearly all of the MEU's vehicles are still stripped for air transport. He orders all helicopters airborne, believing the MEU is trapped in an earthquake.
Nelson's men soon report a complete loss of all communications, including GPS and satellite radio. Nelson now believes something more terrible has occurred - a nuclear war and EMP which has left his unit completely isolated. Only a few men have realized that the rest of Bagram has vanished, but that will soon become apparent as the transport helos begin circling the 35th's location.
Within an hour, the 2,200 Marines have regrouped, stunned. They are not the only moderns transported to Rome.
The first week at the link.
That will be the day
ST: TNG's "Yesterday's Enterprise" suggests there is something to the notion it takes until season three to get your story in stride.
Watching it again, it scared the hell out of me. Something profoundly unsettling. The technical term for the feeling is "Das Unheimliche."