I am now an even older fart: 41 is the current count. Next year it will be 42 – a very special number for me and a billion other Douglas Adams freaks.
I am now an even older fart: 41 is the current count. Next year it will be 42 – a very special number for me and a billion other Douglas Adams freaks.
I am sorry to report that my time for this poor blog is pretty limited at the moment. So keep checking back – posting will continue – although at a slower pace as usual. Thanks!
Just because more roads are built doesn’t mean the traffic will run smoother.
The Day after was one of the most influential TV dramas ever made. It shook the world – and even Presidents.
It is the dramatization of WWIII and a nuclear attack on Kansas City – and the aftermath. Although produced with a limited budget and always with the fierce American TV censors in mind – it is gory, brutal and moving.
But most of all it kicked the American public into gear to seriously discussing the current state of affairs and nuclear arms reduction (from Wikipedia):
Reagan wrote in his diary that the film “left me greatly depressed.” and that it changed his mind on the prevailing policy on a “nuclear war”. In 1987 during the era of Mikhail Gorbachev’s glasnost and perestroika reforms, the film was shown on Soviet television. Upon signing the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty at Reykjavik with Gorbachev, Meyer received a telegram from the Reagan Administration that said, ‘Don’t think your movie didn’t have any part of this, because it did.’
The nuclear arms race is still going, but with less ferocity than before. But the US and Russia still waste billions of dollars on nukes. The danger of a “Day after” is much smaller, but we still have way too many atomic bombs around – and the doctrine of a first strike or using “tactical” nukes is still in the heads of Generals and Politicians.
The danger is still with us.
More? Search Mininova for The Day after or watch the whole movie on YouTube (part 2 – part 3 – part 4 – part 5 – part 6 – part 7 – part 8 – part 9 – part 10 – part 11 – part 12 – part 13 – part 14 – part 15)
Donald Rumsfeld and his former Boss George W. Bush are the worst public speakers ever. The must me either related or suffer from the same disease. The BBC has some of the greatest moments from Rumsfeld’s war press conferences in one painful and agonizing clip. Enjoy!
CNN: Student ‘Twitters’ his way out of Egyptian jail
This is a typical high-tech non-story. If this guy simply would have called someone nobody would have cared. But because he used a high-tech gizmo suddenly it’s a story.
I think for causing such a stupid commotion he should be jailed – and all his Twitter buddies and the journalists too!
*Thanks to Edosan for not Twittering this to me*
I am a big fan of simplicity and minimalism – and this cover perfectly unites these two design principles. Great work!
Ah … rite of of renewal and fertility at the beginning of each year. The ground awakes and is ready to be fertilized … I am so ready for it!
Ah, finally you can piss on the world you have conquered. I wonder of that was designed by a male architect with a dickish attitude or someone who wanted to see if his employees can keep up the pressure, once they raise above a certain position?
This is slowly becoming a seasonal thing: a new year a new iPod. Here is my excuse for buying a new one: four gigabyte was too tiny for my favorite tunes. Plus it helped to satisfy my technolust and stopped me from buying anything more expensive.
Overall the new iPod interface sucks. I still would prefer the simple old black and white screen with a super simple menu. I don’t need all that extra smart and shiny coverflow and graphic gimmickry. The inside of my pants have no eyes and I just need to see a list of what’s on the playlist. No more, no less.
Apple is currently diminishing the iPod’s greatest appeal: simplicity. Every new version tries to add some unnecessary bells & whistles.
Crap.
Wow, isn’t it a shame that all these huge organization, these gazillions of governments and agencies didn’t do anything to PREVENT the current crisis?
I remember several articles last year warning that the bio fuel boom will drive food prices up and that our wheat and rice reserves are emptying fast.
Most governments are not spending too much brainpower to prevent such predictable human disasters. What a shame!
Here is a HIGHLY recommended article about the current food production and distribution system and how it needs to be adopted for a better future.
Like the Eiffel Tower the Atomium was built only to last for one short exhibition in 1958. Now it’s one of Brussels signature buildings and a true icon of the 20th century.
Can’t wait for someone to build a DNAnium …
More? Atomium @ Wikipedia and check out their cool website too Atomium.be
Click image for a larger center.
Click image for a larger image of the left panel.
Click image for a larger image of the right panel.
Many great paintings like this one are hard to see or show on a blog – because they are painted on walls or ceillings. “Portable” painting on canvas are a modern “trend”.
So Paul Delaroche’s painting of the ceiling of the National School of Fine Arts in Paris is literally a neck breaking piece of art. I can show you only three fragments of the semi-circular painting – you have to stitch together in your mind. Some day someone will make a 3D panorama shot of this.
From Wikipedia:
The Hémicycle
In 1837 Delaroche received the commission for the great picture, 27 metres long, in the hemicycle of the award theatre of the École des Beaux Arts. The commission came from the Ecole’s architect, Felix Duban. This represents seventy-five great artists of all ages, in conversation, assembled in groups on either hand of a central elevation of white marble steps, on the topmost of which are three thrones filled by the creators of the Parthenon: architect Phidias, sculptor Ictinus, and painter Apelles, symbolizing the unity of these arts.
To supply the female element in this vast composition he introduced the genii or muses, who symbolize or reign over the arts, leaning against the balustrade of the steps, beautiful and queenly figures with a certain antique perfection of form, but not informed by any wonderful or profound expression. The portrait figures are nearly all unexceptionable and admirable. This great and successful work is on the wall itself, an inner wall however, and is executed in oil. It was finished in 1841, and considerably injured by a fire which occurred in 1855, which injury he immediately set himself to remedy (finished by Joseph-Nicolas Robert-Fleury); but he died before he had well begun, on the 4th of November 1856.
More? Paul Delaroche @ Wikipedia
In response to a recent male-to-male-discussion: yes there is!
Are you sure you are perfectly organized to reach enlightenment or heaven in this lifetime? Only a few blessed souls are granted instant enlightenment – for the rest of us it’s hard work and a long and painful path.
So make some time and space in your life for spiritual matters. Take some time to exercise and practice your spiritual path you are following. And take some additional time to think, reflect and meditate – on a regular schedule.
Just because you marry a Prince doesn’t guarantee you “that you will live happily ever after” …
After all that bullshit – this expresses my thoughts perfectly (at the last quarter of this video). Thanks Bill!
There not much a simple soul and music lover like me can write about such a genius.
I remember when I was 16 and a coworker introduced and educated me about classical music. Since I loved symphonic soundtracks like Star Wars or Star Trek II that was easily done – and I was hooked. Loved Beethoven and his wild emotions and free spirit. Mozart – nah – that was shallow. My coworker told me to be patient – and the taste for Mozart would come with maturity. Now that I am an old fart myself I have to say he was right. Now I am very much into Mozart and much more can hear and appreciate all his subtleties and nuances.
The challenge with Mozart – for any new acolyte of classical music – is his huge volume of work. It ranges from entertaining little melodies to to breath taking requiems. There is music for almost any occasion and mood in his huge repertoire.
Click to play “The Marriage of Figaro – Overture”:
Click to play “Klaviersonate Nr. 15 C-dur KV 495″:
Click to play “Symphonie Nr. 31 D-dur KV 297 ‘Pariser’”:
So if you like what you just heard and want to dig deeper buy one of the many “Best of Mozart” CD or MP3 collections. Check the pieces and maybe pick one piece that you enjoyed in particular.
His operas range from easy to monumental, so if you want to see one go to YouTube and dig a bit deeper. The Magic Flute is always a safe choice and charming, Don Giovanni is more like Heavy Metal. 
More? Mozart @ Wikipedia
I think this excellent graphic explains it all. Too bad all this great technology is used for “funny” pictures and trivia. There never has been a golden age of knowledge, a highly intelligent and educated mass of people. But at least for those who crave knowledge live and learning has become much easier.
Let the rest blog and twitter about cats and American Idol.
What is the last thing you need on a business trip? Dental problems in the middle of the night. When I was in Stuttgart last week one of my wisdom teeth decided to fuck up. Brilliant. Thank the Gods for the intranets: I found a clinic that provides dental services at midnight with a few clicks. I spent a few days on drugs until I was back in Munich and getting a “date” with my own beloved dentist.
I really do love this guy. He is in his 50’s, very funny and relaxed. His speciality is telling nasty jokes while your mouth is stuffed with cotton, instruments and his fingers. Try laughing now biiaaaatch!
All ends well, that drills well.
I am currently in the lucky situation having loads of work. Good! Sorry that my blog has to suffer. But I try posting small stuff when I am on the road.
We might laugh today at the blunt message of this 1950’s TV commercial. But has the message really changed? Individualism has become more prominent since the 1970’s – but the method is still the same: fear. The fear of being not cool, fear of NOT belonging to the big crowd, fear NOT to doing (buying) the best for your loved ones, fear of being NOT adorable, sexy, smart … whatever.
Since most products hardly differ in quality or features – they have to get their uniqueness either through “cool design” or marketing. For example: most cell phones for €100 have the same features for that prices, but they look very different and are often targeted at different crowds (business user, kids, pussy tech, etc).
And it is still fascinating that we still reacted to finely tuned amounts of fear and associations: “Oh, no this cell phone is made for woman. I am a strong guy, I am not gonna buy this although it’s cheaper and does exactly what I want it to do!”.
*inspired by OliviaB sending me a similar coffee ad*
Just because you own an expensive vehicle doesn’t mean all the hot chicks want to play with your stick as well.
Laura Linney is a very fine actress – her performance in John Adams is just magnificent (the same compliment goes to Paul Giamatti).
I think I have a crush on her. And on Abigail Adams.
*sigh*
Where are the Burgers?
Pope Bene doesn’t seem to have the traveling bug like his Polish predecessor. But at least he made it to the US of A – and received a Presidential pickup at the airport. Something Bush has never done before.
One has to wonder how much political power is left with the Catholic Church? It certainly is much weaker in Europe, but seems to flourish in the Americas and Asia. Especially in the new capitalistic China people long for a “meaning” now that they are richer on one side and “feel” emptier in a harsher consumerist society. Weird.
I really hope Pope Bene will publicly kicks Bush’s ass for being a torturer and war criminal – and make some day a stand for Tibet.
I don’t like cars. Don’t like racing. But I do like Jet Fighters and I like the mad crew of the BBC series Top Gear. This one of their coolest ideas ever …
Yes, Americans are pissed off about the economy and being ignored by all parties. Yes, xenophobia, guns and Jesus are some reactions to that. Yes, Obama has touched an uncomfortable truth in America. Yes, and so many people don’t like to face their own anger on one side and political ignorance on the other …
Europeans always love to laugh at Americans for electing the stupid Mr. Chimp twice. Hold your laughter now Europe: it seems that Italy has elected Berlusconi for a third term. Who is laughing now?
Every country gets the government it deserves – but Berlusconi is bad. This will be the 62nd post-war Italian Government.
I love those Top Gear Guys – they always do the right stuff … they blow them up properly …
Simplicity often is the best way to let beauty speak for itself. Robert Mapplethorpe was the Master of reduction – he had a keen eye for just capturing the essence of his subjects.
Here is an excellent article about “Robert Mapplethorpe and the Classical Tradition” in relationship to Mannerism.
Most amusing side note: here we see the God Apollo – who was also the patron of the Arts.
The title General doesn’t make you a military genius, nor does it bless you with understanding or courage.
PS: That is General Custer – who made his famous last stand at the Little Big Horn.
This is one fascinating story! It would be amazing if we would battle cancer with a killer radio beam – how very SciFi!
More? John Kanzius @ Wikipedia and the CBS article
*Thanks for Sharkat for sending me this one*
Crystle Stewart ain’t your usual bimbo: she has a university degree, runs her own business and isn’t blonde.
But still the whole contest is fixated on finding the most beautiful and fertile cow in the country – bikini contest and all.
Philip Glass is one of the few soundtrack composers that is famous for his movie and classical work as well.
His style is hypnotic, often a bit weird and unusual compared to music from great soundtrack composers like John Williams or classical ones like Beethoven. But he certainly is unique – and therefore not for everybody.
I personally love his hypnotic violin waves and delicate themes. It’s an almost surreal music – I guess that is why it was chosen for Koyaanisqatsi (1983) and later for Mishima (1985).
The Mishima soundtrack is a permanent item on my play lists for now over twenty year – and I am still loving it.
Click to play “November 25: The Last Day” (which is very similar to the Main Title):
Click to play “1937: Saint Sebastian”:
Click to play “Kyoko’s House (“Stage Blood Is Not Enough”)”:
Once again this music is not “easy listening”, but it’s well worth exploring. If you only want to buy one Philip Glass CD ever – than I recommend “Mishima”.
More? Philip Glass @ Wikipedia and Philip Glass @ Amazon.com
Nevermind the Soviet voiceover.
Some gun camera footage from FW-190 attacks.
Some dramatic German Wochenschau Propaganda featuring the FW-190 in action.
The FW-190 was one of the primary German fighters during WWII and served on all fronts in many different combat roles.
The Airwar over Germany was a bloody mess – and the FW-190 was used to destroy American and British bombers. At that time airwar was almost close combat – at least compared to today’s long range missile and radar warfare.
Overall there is nothing romantic about the “good old days”, but at least the pilots had a chance to see their enemy they engaged.
One of our first steps into outer space: Yuri Gagarin made the first trip around earth and was the first human to see our blue planet like on the photography above. A lot of firsts here …
And I like his famous sentence: “I don’t see any God up here.”
He was a great hero and propaganda item for the Soviet Union. His death was less gracious and heroic.
BBC Documentary / 58 Minutes
Carlos Castaneda is certainly one of the most controversial and influential spiritual teachers of the last century. His books about the teachings of the Yaqui Indians was an international bestseller and still a must read for many esoteric’s out there. This documentary gives you an excellent insight in his tragic life and all the controversy surrounding his teachings.
Once again it shows that so called Gurus can turn grains of truth into madness – instead of spirituality and enlightenment you get distortion and lies.
I guess the temptation to abuse the power that some spiritual insights give you are too much for many Gurus.
Money, fame, admiration, sexual offers and power over large groups of people are a challenge most gurus fail to overcome. Instead of resisting temptation they fail to withstand the temptations of leadership and power.
Most terrible of all: he damaged the cultures he studied, he put wrong ideas in millions of heads (and therefore caused a lot of confusion and pain) and he did it all for mostly materialistic reasons.
Like L. Ron Hubbard he used his superior mind and excellent insights into the human psyche for his personal advantage.
Once again that phrase “If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him!” is a very good guide to your own spirituality. Don’t follow any illusions! Don’t follow other Buddha’s – be your own teacher and take responsibility!
Follow your own road …
Some stuff might not be rocket science, but some instructions can totally confuse us poor consumers and make simple stuff really complicated.
“And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.” Friedrich Nietzsche
