Utopia-X

Relax and Put Your Flippers Up

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

In December 2011, a baby seal strolled into a cat door in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, and put his flippers up.

After hearing a lot of "racket", she went downstairs to see what the cats were up to because she thought the cats had brought a rabbit or another animal into the house. She thought she was hallucinating when she saw a seal pup lounging on her sofa.

After taking a few photos and video, she called the SPCA and they called the Department of Conservation. The conservation representative netted and boxed the seal to return it to the ocean. During the vehicle transport, the seal got out on the box, sat in the front seat and accidentally turned on the radio.

Listening to: The Go-Go's - Our Lips Are Sealed

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

2011-12-13T06:40:00.000-08:00

Crayon Scultures

Artist Diem Chau carves beautiful detailed animals on crayons.

Geometric Light Sculpture

Beautiful geometric light sculpture by Dev Harlan.

Dev Harlan - "Parmenides I", 2011 from Dev Harlan on Vimeo

Starry Night Photographs

Ten incredible slow exposure starry night photographs.

Listening to: Michael Jackson - Human Nature

2011-11-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

Prairie Dogs Riding Roomba

Nyan Cat Scarf

Link via Neatorama

Long Exposure Photography

Moonlight Shadow by Paul Bica

Link via Neatorama

Adorable Disabled Pets

Any living being deserves to live their life comfortably. Disabled animals always hold a place in my heart. Here is Carli Davidson's portraits of disabled pets.

Link via Neatorama

Men Pole Dancing

The North American stereotype for pole dancing has only focused on women, but what about men who excel at this talent?

Link via Neatorama

Bob

An animation by Jacon Frey.

BOB from Jacob Frey on Vimeo

RGB Wallpaper

The Milan based Carnovsky Group have designed wallpaper using RGB colours that changes the image depending on red light, green light, or blue light.

Link via Neatorama

Everything Is A Remix: Matrix

This a great series that shows how contemporary art forms are merely remixes of previously intriguing works.

Everything Is A Remix: THE MATRIX from robgwilson.com on Vimeo

Stray

Beautiful animation by Guy Collins about a stray cat in Australia. This was my favourite video last month.

Paper Haunted House Silhouettes

Craft Magazine how-to create paper silhouettes for windows.

Link via Neatorama

Dog Saves Dog

An amazing and brave dogs risk its own life to save an injured dog on a busy highway.

Amazing Opera Stage Designs

Wow does not even begin to appreciate these amazing, intricate stage designs for Bregenzer performing arts festival in Austria.

Listening to: Kavinsky ft Lovefoxxx - Nightcall

2011-11-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

Toe Mistakenly Sewn In Place of Thumb

Bristol resident James Byrne accidentally sawed off his thumb last December. After an attempt to reattach his thumb failed, plastic surgeons replaced the thumb with a big toe instead. Byrne stated he need his thumb back for his job as a paver, thus, he is grateful to have it back.

Link via Arbroath

Australia Offers Transgendered Passports

Australia now offers passports with the genders F, M, and X. Australian Senator Louise Pratt, Australia's first parliamentarian with a transgendered partner, who was born female but now a man, stated the change was a huge step forward.

Robert McClelland, the Attorney General, stated the new changes allow transgendered people to find traveling much easier. "Most people take for granted the ability to travel freely and without fear of discrimination," he said. "This measure will extend the same freedoms to sex and gender-diverse Australians."

Link via Arbroath

Police Sting Captures Burglar

Birmingham police were baffled when a rash of apartment burglaries that showed no forensic evidence, no surveillance or signs of forced entry. So, Birmingham police setup a sting with a flat monitored with video cameras. After setting up the sting, the monitoring alerted the police several hours later to the intruder. Police caught teenager Bubba Ambala red handed.

Link via Arbroath

Zombie Cupcakes

Betcha can't eat just one!

Link via Neatorama

Graeme the cat visits railway station twice a day to drop off and pick up his owner

Graeme, the cat, of Melbourne, Australia, meticulously walks along to the station, uses the subway to cross the tracks, drops his owner off, and returns in the evening to pick her up. He carefully waits behind the yellow line and knows exactly which train she will be exiting from. Graeme is popular with many train riders, who generally know him by name.

Link via Neatorama

Osaka Water Clock

An waterfall art installation in Osaka, Japan's train station shows the time, announcements and pictures in a waterfall.

Link via Neatorama

Leeches save woman's face after dog attack

Physicians in Sweden have used leeches to save a woman's face after her own dog bit off a chunk of it. A total 358 leeches were used in the operation to continually suck blood and to increase healing in her face. The woman will need some reconstructive surgery in the future.

Link via Arbroath

Team Canada builds TRTL Solar Shell Home for the Solar Decathlon

Team Canada has built a sustainable residence with a solar roof, energy efficent systems with sustainable materials. TRTL, which stands for Technological Residence, Traditional Living, was designed closely with the first nations communities of Treaty 7 with respect to their traditions and culture. The modular home is specifically designed for Southern Alberta and hopes to help alleviate housing issues. The design will be submitted by Team Canada for the Solar Decathlon.

Link via Inhabitat

Sleepboxes for Sleep On the Go

Russian-based Arch Group has designed structure for private, safe sleeping for two in only 4 square metres. This unit can be placed in any bus station, train station or airport.

Link via Inhabitat

A to Z

A creative video by artist Alessandro Novelli.

The Alphabet 2 from n9ve on Vimeo

Trike Racing

Yep. Trike racing... Seems insane, but kind of cool.

Dogs In Schools to Curb Bullying

Kansas educators have implemented a creative solution to bullying in schools--dogs. Dogs teach children social responsibility and compassion. When teaching school-aged children about internalizing feels about being treated poorly, children can easily related to an animal being treated poorly. I hope this strategy works to curb bullying in schools.

Link via Neatorama

Listening to: Sarah McLachlan - Fallen (Gabriel and Dresden Remix)

2011-10-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Cows Like Jazz

Letter Birdhouses

Artist Nishant Jethi decided to help the declining sparrow population by building smaller birdhouses in letter shapes.

Link via Neatorama

10 Weirdest Championships

Ever wonder what the most weirdest skill for championship events would be?

Link via Urban Savior

30 Gifts to 30 Strangers

Brazilian Lucas Jatoba has been living abroad in Australia. He was so greatful for all the wonderful gifts in his life, he decided to give out 30 gifts to strangers when he turned 30 years of age. The video is very beautiful and inspirational.

30 Gifts to 30 Strangers in Sydney from Lucas Jatoba on Vimeo

Weird and Wonderful Slides

Weird and wonderful slides in places you would expect and some you would least expect.

Link via Neatorama

NYC's Bike Share System

Next summer, New York City and Alta Bike Share will provide bikes for public use. Annual memberships will be cheaper than monthly MetroCards and the first 30 minutes of bike use is free. Way to go New York City!

The Phenomenal Success of Capital Bikeshare from Streetfilms on Vimeo

Link via Neatorama

2011-09-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Sand Art

Japanese artist Ako Tsubaki creates beautiful sand art in a vase. Can you guess what the sand art will become?

Cat With Two Legs Learns To Walk Again

A cat found with its two hind legs missing is learning to walk again. He can balance steadily for a brief moments. Originally, vets believed Deuce was attacked, but later decided he probably lost his legs in a farming accident.

Deuce has since gone to a humane society with hopes for adoption.

Link via Arbroath

100 Years of East London Style

Amazing Whale Rescue

Earlier this year, Michael Fishbach and his friends were boating in the Sea of Cortez when they found a humpback whale floating in the water. It appeared to be dead, having been trapped in a fishing net for a long time. Fishbach discovered that she was still alive — but only barely. They worked hard for an hour with only one knife to cut the net away and free her. Once freed, the whale showed its appreciation to her rescuers.

Link via Neatorama

Recycled Paper Art

Jennifer Collier of Unit Twelve creates every day objects out of recycled newspaper, maps and paper patterns.

Link via Neatorama

Rope Sculptures

Brazilian-born, Parisian artist Mozart Guerra creates sculptures out of nylon rope and styrofoam.

Link via Neatorama

Steampunk Octopus at Burning Man

Artist Duane Flatmo's flaming octopus Art Car titled El Pulpo Mechanico. It is made up of recycled parts with moving eyes, mouths and tentacles.

Muppet Dr. Who

Anything Muppets is marvelous. Dr. Who Muppets believed to be by artist Amy Mebberson.

Link via Neatorama

Simon's Cat & Mouse

Artist Simon's latest Cat cartoon.

Link via Neatorama

Listening to: Nu Shooz - I Can't Wait

2011-09-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Bridge Wind Chimes

Artist Mark Nixon made a wind chime sculpture under a bridge with 600 50mm diameter gold anodized aluminum pipes ranging in length from 120 mm up to 3750 mm. The art installation recently exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea in Aarhus Denmark.

Link via Neatorama

Man Sets House on Fire While Cremating Dog

A man grieving the loss of his Rottweiler accidentally set his house on fire while cremating his dog in Dale City. He had requested the authorities to pick up the dog's remains, but they informed him to bring it in. His car was too small, so he decided to cremate it on the property. After pouring gasoline on the remains, the flames transferred up the side of the house and on to the roof. The house suffered extensive fire and smoke damage. The dog's remains remained on a tarp next to the house. The animal control authorities eventually came to remove the dog's remains from the property.

Link via Arbroath

I Wear Fur

Link via Arbroath

Five Classic Movies that Seemed Terrible at the Time

Can you guess the huge blockbuster films that seemed like potential flops during production that grew to make millions of cashola?

Link via Cracked

Owl in Slow Motion

Baboons Kidnap and Raise Dogs as Pets

Groups of baboons kidnap, train and raise dogs as pets. Bizarre and difficult to watch at times. Nonetheless, it kind of makes sense when you think of how humans do the exact same thing.

Around the World In a Minute

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo

Link via Neatorama

Grover's Smell Like A Monster

What A Helpful Kitten

Loving Owner Tries to Keep Pet Sheep

A Melbourne man, Vu Ho, 54, has paid upwards of $60,000 to keep his beloved companion home after the Greater Dandenong City Council threatened to remove his pet Baa. The Greater Dandenong City Council local laws officers hit him with a $220 fine on February 25 for "keeping livestock on land under half (a) hectare". Baa has lived with Mr. Ho for over 10 years. Mr. Ho says Baa is a close member of his family. If he loses the case on September 7, he faces $30,000 in legal costs plus a similar bill for the council's lawyers. The council updated the laws late last month, exempting cats and dogs from the term "livestock"

Link via Arbroath

Cat Donuts

Link via Neatorama

The 25 Greatest Unscripted Movie Scenes

I am a huge film buff, so it was interesting to see this video montage of the best 25 greatest unscripted movie scenes.

Link via Neatorama

10 Disturbing Ads Featuring Kids

Link via Neatorama

Story of Two Elephants: Shirley and Jenny

Shirley and Jenny were two circus elephants that were chained up most of their circus days except when they were forced to perform for audiences. Shirley adopted Jenny when she was calf and become her surrogate mother. Soon after, Shirley was moved and Jenny was forced to continue performing for next 23 years of her life until she sustained a leg injury. After she was injured, she was dumped on an animal welfare's doorstep. The animal welfare organization was barely equipped or funded to care for an injured elephant. An animal activist contacted an elephant sanctuary and had Jenny transferred there.

Jenny's first days at the sanctuary were spent in isolation. Because she was miserable without company of her kind, she was urged to spend more time with the herd. Coincidentally, Shirley was sent to the same elephant sanctuary years earlier. Upon recognizing each other, both Shirley and Jenny trumpeted as they bumped their ample bodies together in a typical gesture of affectionate camaraderie. Both elephants were happy to see each other after so many years apart. Immediately, the old friends were inseparable and soon were joined by another duo, Bunny and Tarra.

Unfortunately, Jenny's leg injury become critical and she worsened. When she became too weak, Shirley led her to a shaded valley area to lay down. Shirley used her truck to help Jenny stay comfortable. When the situation became to unbearable to bear, Shirley left to mourn the loss of her friend. Bunny and Tarra stayed with Jenny, trumpeting and easing her comfort, until she passed away.

Link via Arbroath

Jack Layton's last letter to Canadians

Jack Layton's last letter to Canadians dated August 20, 2011.

A Chalk Tribute in Toronto, Ontario.

Link via CBC News

2011-08-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Peculiar Animal Sculptures

Artist Kate Macdowell creates animal sculptures with human accessories of war or human body parts. Quite intriguing.

Link via Neatorama

Illustrated History of Johnny Depp's Career

I am a huge fan of actor Johnny Deep. His character roles are diverse and delightful to watch. Artist Derek Eads has created a poster with each of Depp's characters.

Marine Sculptures Using Ocean Plastic Debris

Oregon artist Angela Pozzi was frustrated by the waste debris that washed up on the beaches near her home. So, she decided to create art sculptures of marine life out of the ocean debris. The exhibit is titled Washed Ashore Project.

Link via Inhabitat

Tesco Virtual Store in Korean Subway Station

Jesse and Joy's Chocolate

Jesse & Joy "Chocolate" from Carlos Lopez Estrada on Vimeo

Three Girls Win Google Science Fair

Three girls are the winners of the Google Science Fair, a co-ed science competition. Lauren Hodge studied the effects of different marinades on the level of carcinogens in chicken, Naomi Shah studied indoor air quality and asthma, and Grand Prize Winner Shree Bose studied ways to improve ovarian cancer treatment for women who have built up a resistance to chemotherapy drugs. Way to go girls of science!

Link via Geek Feminism

The Mountain

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Chicken Adopts Ostriches

Link via Arbroath

Depressed Ferret Flees Circus with Monkey and Parakeet

A ferret, monkey and parakeet have run away from a circus in East Siberian city of Chita apparently due to "depression from the bad weather." The monkey was found in a doghouse cuddling with the dog. The whereabouts of the ferret and parakeet are unknown.

Link via Arbroath

Why Google + is Superior to Facebook

Listening to: The Black Keys - Tighten Up

2011-08-11T19:19:00.001-07:00

Goose, Goslings and Their Escort

A mother goose and her goslings were monitored by I-90 Seattle, Washington traffic cameras and a police cruiser as the walked down the highway.

Link via Neatorama

Paper Art

Paper art is quickly becoming an art world phenomenon. Artist Calvin Nicholls is a wonderful up and coming talent in in the paper art world.

Link via Neatorama

New York Bike Lanes Are Not Safe

New York cyclist Casey Neistat consistently received tickets for biking outside the bike lane. He created this video to prove it is not safe to bike in the bike lanes in NYC.

Terminally Ill Owner and Dog Reunited

When homeless Kevin McClain was found by paramedics living in a Wal-Mart parking lot with lung cancer, he was moved from a hospital to a hospice. His beloved dog Yurt, whom he raised from a pup, was transported to an animal shelter. Mr. McClain yearned for his beloved companion as his health worsened. Paramedic Jan Erceg, who also worked at the animal shelter, arranged for one last visit before McClain passed away. Yurt has since been adopted by a loving family.

Link via Neatorama

Jerusalem rabbis sentence canine reincarnation of lawyer to death by stoning

A Jerusalem rabbinical court sentenced a dog to death by stoning after determining the dog was the reincarnation of a famous secular lawyer, who insulted the court's judges 20 years ago. Thankfully, the dog managed to escape.

Link via Arbroath

World's oceans in 'shocking' decline

Link via BBC News

L’Homme Chat

Bela: L'Homme Chat from Paul Trillo on Vimeo.

Bela: L'Homme Chat is short documentary shot during Cannes Film Festival 2011.
"Bela" follows the day in the life of a street performer named Bela Erdei or "the cat man". Bela, a recognizable face to some, travels hours by train throughout the south of France to perform with his affectionate house cats. An affable and eccentric character who has a real passion for what he does.

7 Literal Cat Theives

Link via Mental Floss

Genderless Preschool in Sweden

Do we influence genders to be masculine or feminine? What if we allowed children to choose what colour they prefer or what toys to play with. A preschool in Sweden addresses all children as friends, not "him" or "her", allowing each individualistic child to define their gender role and preferences. But will the genderless programming create a more neutral and equal dynamic between boys and girls?

Link via Neatorama

B-Movie Title Generator

Link via Neatorama

Rubber Ducky You're the One

This lioness really wants her rubber ducky.

Link via Neatorama

Unusual Signs

Caption: Do not feed your baby as Crocodile dinnah! (Chomp Chomp)

Link via Neatorama

Listening to: Alanis Morisette - Crazy

2011-07-17T14:42:00.001-07:00

Farmer Requires License to Remove Fish from Flooded Fields

Martin Reid of Sabrevois, Quebec, was previously fined $1,000 for fishing with a license to remove fish from flooded fields of his farm in 1993. He is concerned he may be fined a second time up to $100,000. Each permit obtained only lasts 2 weeks. Reid explained. "I have to transport them so as not to damage them, by containers with water inside. If some of them die, I have to bury them." Canadian bureaucracy at its best.

Link via Arbroath

Vogue Italia's Cover with Plus-Size Models

Viva Italia! There has been a lot of controversy the past few years regarding the fashion industry exclusively using waif-like, anorexic-looking models. Interestingly, maybe 1% of the women on the planet are a size 0. Nonetheless, Vogue Italia published a stunning cover with three plus-size models (I loathe this term) of Tara Lynn, Candice Huffine and Robyn Lawley, who all look absolutely stunning.

Link via TheFrisky

Ninety-Year-Old Tortoise Becomes Mother For First Time

A 90-year-old tortoise of the Dubbo Western Plains Zoo in Australia has given birth to a baby tortoise for the first time. The father could one of 2 tortoises in their 40s.

Link via Arbroath

Nighthawks of the Living Dead

Artist Alex Eylar's Lego interpretation of Boulevard of Broken Dreams with Lego.

Break Out

Clever cartoon on legal pad.

Link via Neatorama

4D Art Show

Link via Neatorama

Shape-Shifting Cuttlefish

Apparently, some cuttlefish can replicate the shape of objects around them for camouflage purposes.

Neatorama

Cheerleader Booted for Refusing to Cheer for Rapist

A Texas cheerleader Hillaire was axed from the team when she refused to cheer for her date-rapist. She is trying to fundraise funds to fight her case. When she decided to come forward with her statement, high school officials at Texas’ Silsbee High School told her to keep quiet. When the case was taken to the appeals court, it was dismissed, and her family is now required to pay $45,000 to cover the school’s legal fees. Basketball player Rakheem Bolton pleaded to the charge of misdemeanor assault, and was allowed back on the basketball team. After she was kicked off the cheerleading team, she was publically branded a slut. The allowance of Rakeem Bolton to continue to play basketball with the full support of the high school, as well as the way the court system and high school officials have behaved in Texas, reinforces that an alleged sexual assaulter can get away with date-rape. Truly a sad tale indeed.

Link via Mary Sue

Does the Internet Make Us Creepy?

A new opera titled Two Boys at the ENO London Coliseum, highlights the Internet culture (or lack there of) developing online. Social networking (Facebook, Twitter) is watering-down communication style to low levels. “Do you want to be my friend? Can I poke you? What’s your comment?”

Link via Neatorama

Mind Your Step

Milk Crate Sea Dragon

Woman sues ex-fiance after being impaled on fence while urinating from his veranda

An Australian woman is suing her ex-fiance after impaling herself from falling from an unsecured veranda. The woman has sustained extensive injuries to her urinary system, as well as her lower abdominal and pelvic regions. She claims she was urinating off the veranda that was not secure nor appropriately lit.

Link via Arbroath

Listening to: Swing Out Sister - Breakout

2011-07-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

Cat Raising Baby Chicks

Niu Niu, a cat, has taken a fondness to helping in the raising of chicks in China.
The owner, a farmer, caught the cat getting into the chick's box and fear the cat was going to eat them. The cat frozen red-handed, then until the owner noticed the chicks playing with the cat. Now the owner lets the cat chick-sit while he is at work.

Link via Neatorama

Hampshire Police Mobilize Capture Tiger

Someone in Hampshire, UK reported a tiger relaxing on a golf course and the police were mobilized to capture the dangerous beast. (Un)fortunately, the wild tiger turned out to be stuffed.

Link via Neatorama

Dog Fights for Recover After Being Shot and Buried Alive

A dog is slowly recovering after being discovered buried alive, bound and shot that was accidentally discovered by animal welfare officers investigating neglected dogs in a field. They heard the muffled whimpering of an animal. After looking under a wooden plank, they discovered "Star".

Link via Arbroath

Couple Sentenced to Stand In Wadding Pool Wearing Life Jackets

A young couple who were swept away in a river without wearing life jackets have been sentenced to stand in a wadding pool with life jackets and hand out boating safety educational pamphlets.

Link via Arbroath

New York School Plants First Green Roof

NY Sunworks, a non-profit organization, has teamed up with Manhattan School for Children to build the first green roof in the city. The collaborative team plans to building over 100 green roofs on schools.

Link via Inhabitat

Pretty Girls Get Free Perks

Do pretty girls get more free perks than girls who do not make an effort to wear pretty clothing, wear makeup and coif their hair? Perhaps.

Documentary : Sexy Girls Have It Easy from Bright Hand Pictures on Vimeo

Link via TheFrisky

Dog Becomes Surrogate to Ligre Cubs

Four liger cubs born in Xixiakou Wildlife Zoo were at risk when their tiger mother stopped nursing them. A dog that recently nursed some puppies was enlisted to help.

Link via Arbroath

Cat Hugs Kitten

Canadian indie ISP owner recounts how corrupt monopoly drove her out of business

ISPs are dirty, but regulators refuse to investigate

The Canadian CRTC has received numerous complaints regarding ISPs' net neutrality and throttling bandwidth services, but fails to investigate complaints.

Link via BoingBoing

Man Proposes To Girlfriend Via Mural

Jeff Gurwin, 28, proposed to his girlfriend, Caitlin Fitzsimons, 27, both of New York by commissioning graffiti artists to create a Scrabble-themed mural.

Link via TheFrisky

Cat Plays Shell Game

German Cat Frida is quite good at the shell game. Paw-rific indeed!

2011-06-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

3D Pencil Drawings by 17 Year Old

Artist Fredo creates 3D pencil drawings that are so intense and surreal.

The lizard and elephant drawings are my favourites.

Link via Neatorama

Underwater Explosion

Link via Neatorama

Victorian London

An interesting collection of photographs from 1800s London.

Link via Neatorama

Magnet Boy

A six-year-old Croatian boy has an apparent ability to attract metal to his body. Health professionals have investigated his special abilities and have not been able to find a scientific explanation for his unique gift.

Link via BoingBoing

Community Bakery Promotes Pay What You Can

Imagine a bakery where it suggests its customers pay what they can afford or deem reasonable for fresh baked goods. Would this business model work? Could the little bakery that could survive? Apparently so.

Panera Bread has adopted this model in three of its 1500 stores in the United States. During the first year, sixty percent of customers pay the suggested amount, twenty percent pay more and twenty percent pay less. One customer even paid $500 for a meal. Sometimes pay it forward really does work.

Link via BoingBoing

Science of Cheese

Link via BoingBoing

2011-06-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

Dog Tries To Play Fetch With A Sculpture

Link via Neatorama

Sci-Fi Themed Ikea Manuals

Link via BoingBoing

Legless Chinese man has planted 3,000 trees in 10 years

A retired veteran Chinese man has planted 3,000 trees in 10 years in northern China. Every morning, the 62-year-old rises at 5:00 am, puts on his prosthetic legs and climbs mountains and plants trees. Truly inspirational.

Link via Arbroath

Rainbows of Trash

Australian Liz Jones collects colourful pieces of fabric, metal, plastic and rubber to create Rubbish Rainbows.

Link via BoingBoing

Going West

Wonderful animation featuring art with books by Maurice Gee.

Modular Apartment

Could you live in a tiny apartment? Christian Schallert lives in an apartment of 258 square feet in Barcelona. With some creative, innovative design, he has created all the necessities of city living in this small space.

Link via Neatorama

100 Years of World Cuisine (War Casualties)

Artists Clara Kayser-Bril, Nicolas Kayser-Bril and Marion Kotlarski have created a mock-culinary art piece that compares the casualties of war.

Link via Neatorama

The Count Censored

Recently, I saw this censored Sesame Street segement with The Count. It is amazing how your brain fills in the omitted dialogue. I could not stop laughing while viewing it.

2011-05-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hug of the Century

Link via Neatorama

Eco-Friendly and Fabulous!

2011-05-26T15:24:00.001-07:00

The Greenest House in Chicago is a Self-Sufficient Clean Tech Showcase

The Smart Home designed by Michelle Kaufmann was showcased at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The house features numerous environmental design initiatives including energy-efficient heated radiant subfloors, Low-E windows, mechanized shading, recycled flooring and tile, and a green roof.

When I saw the Smart Home in an online article a few years ago, I knew I wanted to eventual live in it. The only drawback is the real estate in Vancouver is exorbitant.

Link via Inhabitat

Wasara Japanese Compostable Tableware

Designer Shinichiro Ogata of Wasara has created beautiful, compostable tableware out of tree-free biodegradable composite materials bamboo, reed pulp and bagasse (an agricultural waste byproduct). Starter kits start at $20.

Link via Inhabitat

Pantene Launches Sugarcane Packaging

Pantene is launching plant-based packaging in Western Europe. Len Sauers, Vice President of Sustainability, the new packaging is expected to cut the company's fossil-fuel consumption by 70 percent and reduce their greenhouse-gas emissions by 170 percent.

Link via Habitat

LEED Platinum Vancouver Convention Centre Takes Home Top Ten AIA COTE Award

The new Vancouver Convention Centre has won an AIA Cote Award for its LEED Platinum sustainable design integrating ecology, habitat restoration, energy efficiency, and integration into the urban environment. Bravo LMN Architects, Musson Cattell Mackey, DA Architects + Planners, the Province of British Columbia, and the City of Vancouver.

Link via Inhabitat

Listening to: Joni Mitchell - Big Yellow Taxi

2011-05-25T17:45:00.001-07:00

I am Maru 3

2011-05-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Joe the All-Terrain Bunny

Joe the bunny was born paraplegic. His owner built a mobility device to allow him to move more easily.

Link via Neatorama

Zombie-Proof House

A house that converts into a fortress just incase of a zombie apocalypse.

Link via Neatorama

Laughter Yoga With Clowns

A Calgary teenager, who was born with a rare liver disease and became paralyzed three years ago, received some therapy through laughter. Two therapeutic clowns, Jumpa (Fif Fernandes) and Sparkle (Cheryl Oberg) at the Alberta Children's Hospital
assisted Micaela in yoga laughter classes to help reduce pain and stress and increase oxygen intake through breathing and laughing. These exercises helped exercise slowly speak again and gain some mobility back. Laughter is indeed the best medicine.

Link via Arbroath

Dog submerged herself in bathtub to survive raging fire

A Belgian Malinois named Mia survived a house fire for six hours by seeking refuge in a water-filled bathtub in the basement of a burning house. The Southern Carolinian family insists the dog had always been smart. The dog had learned to open doors and would have had to open four doors to get to the bathtub in the basement.

Link via Arbroath

Factory workers forced to pledge not to commit suicide

At least 14 works in Apple's factor in China have committed suicide in the past sixteen months. This number does not include failed suicide attempts. Staff members are being forced to sign written promises to not commit suicide.

In addition, the staff members must also promise that if they did end their lives, their families would not seek damages beyond the legal minimum. One executive accused victims of committing suicide to win compensation payouts for relatives.

Link via Arbroath

I Want by the Animal Humane Society

2011-05-09T23:41:00.000-07:00

Unclaimed Baggage Center

Where does one's unclaimed baggage go? Apparently, it goes on a final trip to Alabama.

Link via Neatorama

Shelties Rescued From Radiation Area

Several shelties were rescued from a radiation area in Minami Soma, Japan. The group of dogs were waiting for their breeder owner. A group of volunteers managed to rescue about twenty of the dogs and transport them to a veterinarian.

Link via Neatorama

Symmetry

Symmetry from Everynone on Vimeo.

Ocelet Takes First Steps

Few months old ocelot kitten, Evita, took its first steps close to its mother, Bella. She is slowly taking in her new surroundings. The Woodland Park Zoo has posted some wonderful photos on their blog.

Link via Woodland Park Zoo

Defiant

Link via Arbroath

Tiger Plays With Dogs

Link via Arbroath

Chinese Activists Save Dogs

In China, hundreds of dogs were saved from cooking pots by about 200 animal-rights activists. A truck transporting 430 to 520 dogs was forced to stop by a swerving motorist. Many of the dogs had been stolen from owners. After a 15-hour stand-off, the animal-protection group purchased the dogs for 115,000 yuan ($17,600).

Link via Arbroath

2011-04-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

Beavers Build A Lodge

BBC Animals shows how beavers build a lodge.

Robin Sparkles

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Canadian 90s pop singer Robin Sparkles has her own LastFM channel.

Time-Lapse of San Francisco-Paris Flight

A photographer captures time-lapse on a flight from San Francisco to Paris.

Link via BoingBoing

Is Sugar Toxic?

Link via Neatorama

J. Crew Ad Controversy

Some Americans are in an uproar over a J. Crew ad in the new catalogue. Apparently, a photo showing the CEO and her son enjoying an afternoon painting their toe nails is promoting transgender children. Really what is wrong with a boy liking pink and nail polish? Can only girls like pink and nail polish?

I know growing up, I liked to wear pants and sneakers, ride my bmx bike, build tree forts and play with Legos. It is such a double-standard in North America for acceptance of females to be tomboyish, but males can never be feminine to any degree.

Link via Neatorama

1 in 4 Meat Contaminated in US

A recent study funded by the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming has revealed that meat and poultry tested throughout the United States is infected with drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. I do not understand why the average person tolerates and accepts these low standards for quality and assurance of their food supply. Yet, people wonder where cancer, disease and congenital defects arise from.

Link via Neatorama

Congresswoman Poetry-Slam

Congresswoman Donna Edwards (Democrat of Maryland) delivers her message via poetry slam.

Link via Neatorama

Word Clouds Show Gender Bias In Toys

Ever since I was a young child, I have always been fascinated and frustrated how toys are marketed to be gender-specific. Anyone can easily divide and separate toys marketed to girls and boys.

The colours, the dolls vs. cars, the delicate vs. action, the nurture vs. creativity, the feminine vs. masculine. I loathe how advertising and toys directed at young girls portrays a stereotypical messages of being submissive, reining in personalities, being delicate and demure. Whereas, advertising and toys directed at young boys promotes stereotypes of strength, adventure, success and sports.

It is no wonder that girls and boys grow up to be such polar opposites of each other and do not know how to communicate or compliment each gender, not too mention that women are so submissive and insecure.

These word clouds by Crystal highlight these stark gender biases.

Link via Neatorama

The Doctor Is In

Cartoonist Adam Koford made this wonderful cartoon featuring Doctor Who and Peanuts.

Link via Neatorama

Poptart Cat

Awesome 8-bit animation of a poptart cat pooping rainbows. Perfect for Friday!

Link via Neatorama

Listening to: Danko Jones - First Date

2011-04-26T21:25:00.001-07:00

Cat Confused by Fish Under Ice

Sleepy Penguin

Cat Detects Cancer

Cancer survivor Barrie Gardham, of Hornsea, believes he is alive because his cat detected his prostate cancer. Whiskey the cat had always been a rough animal, but one day he was cuddly and tender. Gardham decided to go see a doctor and, after testing, found out he had cancer. Since recovery, Whiskey has gone back to being his disdainful self.

Link via Arbroath

Dog Rescued After 15-Days In Mountains

A British Columbian search and rescue team rescued a Bernese Mountain Dog after it was lost for fifteen days in the North Shore mountains. A family had placed Hurley in a kennel service while away on vacation. The dog got lost on a daily hike in the woods. The kennel company was supposed to use a GPS collar, but neglected one that particular day. The rescue team air-lifted the dog out to safety to be reunited with his family.

Link via Arbroath

2011-04-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

Futurama as an 8-Bit Video Game

I am a huge fan of Futurama and I am so happy that the tv show has been brought back from the dead. This is an animated hommage to the Season 2 episode The Lesser of Two Evils.

Link via Neatorama

Midnight's Prosthetic Leg

A miniature horse, in Texas, was born with only three legs. After being neglected by his original owner, the horse was close to being euthanized before being adopted by Ranch Hand Rescue. The organization fitted the horse with a prosthetic leg and the horse can now stand and run naturally.

Link via Neatorama

Aurora

Terje Sorgjerd of Norway captured Aurora Borealis near the Russian border. He has created a time-lapse video of the beautiful natural occurrence.

The Aurora from Terje Sorgjerd

Link via Neatorama

Staypuff Marshmallow Legoman

Who ya gonna call?

Link via Technabob

Hobbes In A Box

How To Ask A Girl To Prom

Jason asks Lianna to the prom during third period with a little help from his friends.

Link via Neatorama

Baboon Criminal To Be Killed

A Cape Town baboon that has been terrorizing people by opening car doors and robbing tourists is to be killed. He is motivated to enact a crime when he sees food. The baboon prefers human food to a natural diet. In 2010, he physically attacked three individuals. The city has tried several attempts to deter his behaviour, but feel euthanisation is the only course of action.

Link via Neatorama

Sponge Atlas Conveys Water Use

Artists Matthew Laws and Hal Watts created an art installation to convey countries water use by 2030 using kitchen sponges. But can the planet support the Western world's increasing water usage, while other areas of the globe go dry?

Link via Neatorama

Warmth and Competence:

Do You Perceive Warm Person as Less Competent?

Social psychologist Amy Cuddy, of Harvard Business School, and her colleagues in a study about warmth and competence discovered that people prefer warmth when assessing others, but choose competence when assessing ourselves.

Link via Neatorama

Subway Stair Art

An artist painted a optical illusion in a Toronto subway of floating stairs.

Link via Neatorama

Word Map of Dating Profiles

Do you ever wonder what words are used most in dating profiles across the United States? I wonder more so what words are most popular and marketable in Canada, but this map by R. Luke DuBois is very interesting.

Link via Neatorama

Stingray X-Ray

Link via Neatorama

Ice Fishing Kitty

Listening to: Nik Kershaw - Wouldn't It Be Good

2011-04-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

Red Pandas Frolic In Snow

Two red pandas play in the snow. So darn cute.

Link via Arbroath

Cat vs. Internet

The Oatmeal has created another cat comic titled Cat vs. Internet. Guess who wins?

BBC's Human Planet - Showdown In Elktown

Every summer, male elk invade Estes, Colorado. Not my first choice for summer vacation, but if I was invited to a stag party, I may reconsider.

Go Outside

Go outside? What? But I would rather procrastinate on (insert lame web site here)...

Link via Neatorama

BBC's Amazing Snow Fox Dive

A Yellowstone Park fox stalks and listens to prey six feet beneath the snow before making move.

Australians Stealing Penguins For Pets

Poachers are scaling fences near Granite Island off of Adelaide to stealing penguins for pets. These penguins are endangered because only 146 exist compared to 1,500 only 10 years ago.

Granite Island Penguin Centre co-ordinator Dorothy Longden, who has worked for the centre for seven years, started a petition to close the causeway leading to the facility. However, she has only collected 1,000 signatures but hopes to have the required 2,000 to protect the birds.

Link via Arbroath

Orange You Cute

The Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, celebrated the birth of an orange baby monkey to the Francois langur monkey family last month. Keo-co (pronounced Key-co) was born to mother Saigon and father Hanoi, is very curious, but stays very close to his mother. When he was born, his mother was afraid of him, but his fur will change to black in six months time.

Link via Arbroath

Plastic Content of a Sea Turtle

You may have heard about the plastic island floating in the Pacific Ocean, but what about all the plastic debris marine animals ingest? I know when I see litter in parks, beaches or waterfront areas it makes me cringe. I always think: is an animal going to eat it thinking it is food?

Here is a sample of plastic items found in the stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal) tract of a juvenile sea turtle. The turtle had an obstruction and could not pass waste. In a period of one month, the turtle passed 74 foreign objects. Would we let a child eat a piece of plastic? I think not.

Link via Neatorama

The Art of Stir-Fry

Ever wondered about the science of a wok? This cooking method has been practiced for many years and this cutaway photo is fantastic.

Link via BoingBoing

Listening to: Def Leppard - Photograph

2011-04-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

Chinese Girl With Fingers on One Hand Plays Piano

A Chinese girl who only saw a piano three years ago plays a beautiful piano concerto for an audience.

Link via Arbroath

Gorilla Accounts His Mother's Death

Michael, a silverback gorilla, learned sign language over ten years ago at age 27. In sign language, Michael recounts the horrifying witness of his mother killed by humans for bush meat.

Link via Arbroath

Companion Pigs for the Elderly

Most people have heard of cats or dogs as companions as therapy for elderly people. But what about pigs?

Link via Arbroath

Woman Found With 71 Balls of Heroin in Her Vagina

A woman was arrested in Poland by boarder guards with almost half a kilo of heroin in balls hidden in her vagina.

Link via Arbroath

Disabled Janitor Wins Against Abusive Collection Agency

A collection agency was ordered to pay $311,000 by a court for consistently harassing a disabled janitor for a $3,800 debt. Sometimes the good guy wins.

Link via The Consumerist

Dog Rides Bicycle

A dog rides on the back of a bicycle in China (of course!).

Link via Neatorama

Police Raid Home More Than Forty Times

Matt Jillard, a poor chap, in England has had his home raided forty times in 18 months because the West Midlands Police confuse Repton Road, Birmingham with nearby Repton Grove.

Link via Arbroath

Slash Hospital Budgets, Not CEO's Salary

Even after the financial crises in America, CEO salaries and bonuses are still untouchable. A CEO can slash budgets for a hospital in crisis-management, but do not every consider touching the CEO's salary or bonuses.

Link via BoingBoing

Dog Busted Sneaking Treats

Link via Neatorama

Tattoo To-Do List

A fellow had a notepad to-do list tattooed on his arm.

Link via Neatorama

Children's Playground Replaced With Brick Wall

Two years ago, a children's playground in England was dismantled by a municipality to make way for a brand-new playground. Then, the city installed a brick wall.

Link via Arbroath

Woman Found With 54 Bags of Heroin in Her Vagina

There seems to be a trend with using your vagina as a purse. Scranton police have arrested a 27-year-old woman for hiding 54 bags of heroin, 31 empty bags, pills and money in her vagina.

Link via Arbroath

Stolen Statue Returned with Travel Journal

A statue of Stan Laurel stolen from a Scottish hotel has been returned seven years later with a travel journal. The six-foot-tall statue was stolen in 2004. The owners put out a reward for its return, but were never successful in recovering the statue. Several years later, the statue showed up by the back door one day. The owners have no idea where the statue went or how the statue was returned.

Link via Arbroath

2011-03-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

St Matthews Island

Artist Stuart McMillen created an online comic about a small herd of reindeer introduced to an isolated island with natural resources and no prey. An interesting read if you are concerned about green living and the planet.

Link via BoingBoing

Tiger Nurses Piglets

From Animal Planet, a adult tiger nurses piglets.

Painted Trees

Artist Curtis Killorn gives new life to dead trees by painting dead trees bright colours.

Link via Neatorama

Smartest Dog in the World

A short animation by Graham Annable about an owner, a dog and a cat.

Link via Neatorama

Cat Dreams

What do cats dream about? Eating fish, chasing mice or cuddling with their owners? Artist Theresa Knudson created a series of portraits with a sleeping cat.

Everything Important about London

Artist Nick Patchitt creates wonderful spherical wall prints with iconic images and symbols. I think I like the Animal one the best.

Link via Neatorama

Monster Landscape Paintings

Artist Chris McMahon buys mediocre second-hand landscape paintings and paints monsters to them. Rather awesome indeed.

Link via Neatorama

Listening New Order - Regret

2011-03-10T21:24:00.000-08:00

Tiger Cub and Piglet

Last Breakfast

Artist Bryan Stuckey adapted the painting of the Last Supper featuring breakfast cereal characters titled The Last Breakfast.

Link via Neatorama

Murder of Eagles

As salmon season approaches in Alaska, thousands of bald eagles descend upon Dutch Harbor. This video is a little eerie.

Link via Neatorama

Passive-Aggressive Office Notes

Some of my favourites from the 40 Office Notes:

Link via Neatorama

Before I Die...

Artist Candy Chang created a great interactive art installation in New Orleans.

Link via Neatorama

New Smithsonian Wildlife Photos

The Smithsonian has created an online database, http://www.siwild.si.edu), that presents more than 202,000 wildlife photos to the public. These photos were captured with camera traps--automated cameras with motion sensors.

Here is the query for a giraffe.

Link via BoingBoing

Listening to: Rising Appalachia - Scale Down

2011-03-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

Yosemite National Park

Horsetail Fall is a waterfall in Yosemite Valley that appears to be on fire during two weeks in February when the setting sun strike it.

Immigration Patters in Lego

Artist Samuel Granados created a 3D Lego map to show immigration patterns in North America.

Link via Neatorama

Monkey Pirate Confiscated

In Louisiana, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confiscated four monkeys from an autistic 64-year-old woman. The Department claims the primates are illegally owned. The woman likes to wear a pirate costume and also dress her "service monkeys" in pirate costumes. She claims the monkeys assist her with her disability.

Link via Arbroath

I am a recent fan of Big Bang Theory. I am only starting Season 3, but I love the show, the characters, style and zany plots. I heard there was a crazy cat episode involving Sheldon (I have yet to see it).

2011-03-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

Hamster Mansion

Katja modified her Ikea expedit bookcase into a mansion for her hamster Fred.

Link via Neatorama

Ecuador: court rules Chevron guilty of polluting the Amazon, fines oil giant $8 billion

Chervon was on of the top 10 biggest polluters of the 1990s. Now a court in Ecuador has ruled Chervon is guilty of polluting the Amazon and has fined Chervon $8 billion. Chevron (formerly Texaco) abandoned open toxic pits in the Ecuadorean Amazon rainforest near Lago Agrio.

Since the late 1960s, the Cofán people have suffered numerous health and environmental problems due to oil production on their lands. The health issues continue as the water and soil are polluted and the Cofán people have new illnesses and cancer.

Link via BoingBoing

Dave the rottweiler plays mother to orphaned bunnies, birds and kittens

One day, Amanda Collins brought home an abandoned French rabbit only to discover her 6-year-old rottweiler affectionately became its guardian. The Dave the dog continued to adopt a nursemaid role, when Collins also brought home ducklings, geese, rabbits, kittens and puppies. Dave came from an abusive home, his first owner chopped his tail with a cleaver, but continues to be a calm and loving guardian to stray animals.

Link via Arbroath

Muppets LCD Soundsystem cover Dance Yrself Clean

People Are Awesome

Hooked

An animation by Character Matters Animation Studios about a little fish and a baited hook.

Hooked from Character Matters on Vimeo

Extreme Underwater Ice Hockey

Austrian polar divers play underwater hockey.

Cats with Thumbs

Listening to: DeVotchKa - How It Ends

2011-03-01T10:04:00.000-08:00

Cat Purrs Loud

Imagine if your cat purred as loud as a Boeing 747? Deafening yes. Smokey just wants to show his family that he is happy.

Link via Arbroath

Whatever

Link via Arbroath

Laser Cat Bowling

A strike!

Billboard Swing Set

Architect Didier Faustino built a swing set out of an old billboard frame in New York. A great, random interactive art installation.

Link via Neatorama

Listening to: Sheryl Crow - Every Day Is A Winding Road

2011-02-16T13:17:00.000-08:00

All Thrifty States

Jenna, an out of work journalist and Earth lover, created a web site to showcase her journey into Thrift Stores around the United States. Her goal is to discover what Americans consume and throw away.

Link via Inhabitat

NFB/Interactive's Welcome to Pine Point

Imagine growing up in a small mining town only to have that town disappear. What happens to your childhood memories? Will the residents continue to have any sense of belonging? In a collaborative effort by Adbusters creative team Paul Shoebridge and Michael Simons with former resident Robert Cloutier, and funding from the NFB of Canada, produce an online interactive web site to bring the history and culture of Pine Pointers, a former small town in the Northwest Territories.

It is a beautiful and interactive documentary of Pine Point.

Klepto Kitty

This kitty likes to scavenge and collect items. Lots of different items including clothing, shoes and toes. This kitty looks like my kitty.

Friendly stingray slaughtered in front of screaming children

In Hamelin Bay, Australia (I have actually visited this Bay), a friendly stingray named Stumpy was hunted in front of screaming children. This stingray would approach children and tourists in the shallows of the Bay and allow itself to be petted.

Hunting stingrays is not illegal in this area of Australia, but it is shocking that it was done to this particular sea creature in front of children. Sad story indeed.

Link via Arbroath

Sea Turtle Objects to Underwater Wedding

A couple's underwater wedding ceremony in the London Aquarium was crashed by a sea turtle.

Link via Arbroath

Take Me Home Tonight Cast Reenacts Every '80s Movie

Link via Neatorama

Simpsons house as a Quake III level

Link via BoingBoing

2011-02-16T13:15:00.000-08:00

RMR: Rick at Heavy Equipment School

RMR: Rick and Concrete Toboggans

Friendship

2011-02-14T15:27:00.000-08:00

Thirteen stories about surprising animal friendships. The story about the Lion, Tiger and Bear is probably my favourite.

Link via Neatorama

Cats Play with iPads

Sustainable Wind Bridge

A bridge designed by Francesco Colarossi, Giovanna Saracino and Luisa Saracino to generate wind power is still on paper. But if constructed, it will generate 40 million kWh per year.

Link via Neatorama

Kitten In Slow Motion

Stray dog saves boy in Siberia

A stray dog in Siberia saved a young boy who was feeding ducks and had fallen into a frozen pond. The dogs barking alerted Tatiyana Balashov, a volunteer who feeds stray dogs, who alerted utility workers close by. The dog, Naida, has since been adopted by a loving family in a village nearby.

Link via Arbroath

Processed Food Linked to Lower IQs

Researchers discovered a link between children eating processed foods aged three and under to lower Intelligence Quotient (IQ). These findings sounds reasonable because children development is so critical in the early years. I can not fathom feeding your little one garbage full of chemicals and additives.

Link via The Consumerist

Children Swim with Polar Bears

I was a bit skeptical when I read this article, but apparently at Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat near Ontario (a family resort) children can swim next to polar bears separated by a 25 cm (10-inch-thick) glass wall. I only hope this bear habitat is a natural, eco-friendly habitat that is not merely a cheap, tourist attraction.

Link via Arbroath

Cheetah Cam

The Smithsonian Zoo has a new Cheetah Cam. The cam shows a female Cheetah and her new cubs.

I am fond of their Octopus Cam.

2011-02-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

Corgis Playing Tetherball

These two Corgis playing tetherball is rather amazing.

Link via Neatorama

Luxurious Bird Mansions

John Looser, of Ontario, designs and builds buildings for birds. These structures cost upwards of thousands of dollars and take a week to a month to build. Some buildings have swimming pools.

Link via Neatorama

Animal Friendships

These stories always melt my heart. Why can't two different species defined by stereotypes to be enemies be best friends?

Link via Neatorama

Wine Store Mishap

Link via Arbroath

22 Ways to Reuse an Altoids Tin

I am a big fan of reinventing new uses for old products. But an Altoids Tin? Apparently, The Art of Manliness discovered many things an Altoids Tin can be reused for.

Link via Neatorama

Top 10 Superbowl Ads

I am not a fan of American football, but I do watch the halftime show (which was Meh this year) and the Superbowl commercials. My favourite to this day is still the Cat Rancher commercial. Oddee has selected the Top 10 Best Superbowl Commercials.

Link via Neatorama

Listening to: Natalie Merchant - Wonder

2011-02-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

Dog gets prosthetic paw

A Tennessee couple's 9-year-old Siberian husky, Polo, was run over in the drive-way and the couple was faced with limited and expensive decisions regarding the pet's crushed paw. Expensive surgery costing upwards of thousands of dollars or amputate the leg and hope Polo could continue as a three-legged dog. Another alternative was to fit him for a prosthetic leg.

Link via Arbroath

Squirrel vs Obstacle Course

Link via BoingBoing

Google Autocomplete

Have you ever tried experimenting with Google autocomplete? You can come up with some very interesting (and surprising) searches. It also is funny how Google chooses to censor certain searches (illegal content, children, sexuality, etc.). But did you know it can be used to find out how to create meth, kidnap a child or make mustard gas?

Link via BoingBoing

Frozen Bubbles

I have seen a YouTube video of a women who throws a cup of boiling water in -30C air and the water instantly turns into snow. But what about frozen bubbles?

Photographer Tom Falconer

Link via Neatorama

Bob Staake's Look! A Book!

I am a huge fan of children's books every since my parents read me bedtime stories or took me to the local library. I am a huge fan of Richard Scary's books.

Bob Staake, a New Yorker illustrator, has published a new children's book titled Look! A Book! full of beautiful illustrations that any child would love as a gift.

2011 Best Picture Nominee Posters in Lego Form

I still a huge fan of Lego and thanks to the Internet I get to view and praise Lego animations and designs. Old Red Jalopy has created Lego revisions of the Best Picture Nominee posters for 2011. I think my favourite is the one for Winter's Bone.

Link via Next Movie

Simpsons Action Hero: The McBain Movie

I am a huge Simpsons fan. Recently, I watched the Simpsons Movie with director Matt Groening's and voice actor's commentary and it was fantastic. Their comments were full of insights, interesting facts, and original thoughts on the production of the movie.

Another fun fact about the Simpsons television series is if you arrange all the McBain clips together, you can form a four minute McBain movie.

Link via Neatorama

Listening to: Cyndi Lauper - Change of Heart

Happy Lunar New Year!

2011-02-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

Link via Flickr Blog

2011-02-01T13:42:00.001-08:00

Day Without Chemistry

The American Chemical Society produced a video to raise awareness of the many ways we depend on chemistry in our daily lives. The International Year of Chemistry (IYC) officially begins on February 1st.

Link via Neatorama

United States Map of Shame

A few United States map have been created: United States Food by State and The Economist's Comparing US states with countries.

But what is the embarrassing overall shame of each individual state in the United States? Some issues are expected, others are very surprising to discover.

Link via Pleated Jeans

Turkey Attacks Mail Truck

For some reason, a wild turkey in Cape Cod decided to chase and attack a United States mail truck. He proudly displays his masculinity by banging the side of the truck and chasing it down the street. The mail carrier is cautious and tries to speed up when the turkey stops. But the persistent turkey continues to follow him down the road.

Link via Arbroath

Dog found 18 miles out to sea adopted by rescuers

A dog rescued at sea over a year ago by a Polish sea vessel has celebrated his one-year anniversary gaining his sea legs aboard the ship with the crew that adopted him. He lives on the ship, but continues to dislike rough waters.

Link via Arborath

German Tiger Receives Artificial Hip

An eight-year-old German tiger received an artificial hip, the first tiger in the world to receive a prosthetic hip designed for dogs. The tiger has been suffering from arthritis, so the zoo asked the operation was performed by vets from the University of Leipzig.

The vets donated their time to perform the operation free of charge. Malaysian tigers usually live to about 20 years.

Link via Arbroath

Listening to: Veruca Salt - Seether

2011-01-31T16:45:00.000-08:00

Kangaroo kicks man into water

Crazy Contraband

One can imagine simple examples of confiscated contraband by authorities. But what about live animals and just plain weird items?

Link via BoingBoing

Cat lives in tree

A cat gave birth to some kittens in a Maple tree in Wisconsin. One of the kittens stayed in the tree when the mother cat and kittens left. A friendly neighbourhood man decided to make the tree more comfortable for the kitten and feed it milk and meatloaf. Thus, the kitten has decided to remain living in the tree.

Link via Arbroath

Slacklining at the Totempole

Slacklining at the Totempole in Tasmania. It´s a 65m high and only 4 m thick spire that connects the totempole with the mainland. Length of the slackline is 17m, climber is Jens from Saxony.

Little Big Planet One Take

A live-action video by talented performers of my favourite game on Play Station.

2011-01-23T12:39:00.001-08:00

Ollie

Ollie the stray cat who lives in Manchester Airport is being sent postcards from around the world. Ollie first received a hand-written postcard from Egypt a year ago and continues to receive postcards from Rome, Belgrade and Venice.

Link via Arboroath

Serial Killer Barbie

What if American girl-next-door Barbie was actually a serial killer? Artist Mariel Clayton has created a series of dioramas to explore Barbies darker alter ego.

Link via The Frisky

Link via Neatorama

Book Origami

El Paso-based artist Isaac Salazar folds and cuts pages of books to create word-inspired art. Salazar's creations are available on Esty.

Link via Neatorama

Mom Unplugs Teens For Six Months

I don't know how she managed to do it, but Susan Maushart took away television, iPods, cell phones and video games from her three teenagers for six months. The transition was dramatic for some of children more than others, but gradually school grades improved, family dinners, movie and board game nights become common and fun again, and hobbies and interests developed. The social-networking and technological experiment proved insightful, but Maushart learned limited access improved family quality and lifestyle fulfillment.

Cult of Less

Chris Yurista, a Washington DC resident, says digital technology has replaced his need for a home filled with materiel possessions. The 27-year-old left his apartment a year ago and has not looked back. Kelly Sutton decided to downsize his material possessions and live out of a backpack with a laptop, an iPad, an Amazon Kindle, two external hard drives, a "few" articles of clothing, bed sheets, and a bike. The 22-year-old software engineer, who founded CultofLess.com, now lives in a tiny, minimalist apartment.

I worry about the cultural shift to increasing social interaction only by technology. There is less personal and physical interaction and more frequent short, burst communicative bites that are of less quality and empathy. People are becoming so sensitive to Facebook statuses, walking and driving while texting, and checking emails at dinner. People do not even hesitate as to whether to engage in these behaviors.

Link via BBC News

Listening to: Queen - Radio Gaga

2011-01-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

An Austrian woman hacked her Ikea expedit bookshelf to create a five star Hamster resort.

Link via Boing Boing

Fire Hero

Chris Marion of New Jersey built a propane fire art installation that choreographs fire to AC/DC's Back in Black

With all the natural disasters and political strife in the world, one wonders if the Mayan prediction of the world coming to end has some street cred. Nah.

Canoeing in McDonalds

A reporter canoeing through a McDonald's in Brisbane. Can I get fries with that?

Listening to: Way Out West - Mindcircus (Gabriel & Dresden Mix)

2011-01-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

Say, Can You See

At a Norfolk Admirals hockey game in Virginia, 8-year-old Elizabeth Hughes was doing a good job singing the United States anthem when her microphone stopped working. Nonetheless, she got a little help from her friends.

Link via reddit

It Gets Better Canada

A group of famous, literary and media GLBT Canadians share their personal experiences for the It Gets Better campaign.

TED Talk: Arianna Huffington

Arianna says the simplest way to be more successful is to get more sleep.

Two and a half years ago Arianna Huffington fainted from exhaustion, hitting her head on the way down. She had to get five stitches near her eye. Shortly after the accident, she became an advocate for getting more sleep.

Here she is at the TED Women conference telling attendees about the benefits of sleep.

A great Should I Work For Free chart by Jessica Hische.

Listening to: Goldfrapp - Ooh La La

2011-01-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

8-Bit NES Lego Animation by Andrew Jive

Fluorescein

Recently the Goldstream river on Vancouver Island turned green. Investigators determined that the river was contaminated with Fluorescein is a synthetic organic compound soluble in water and alcohol and now harm would come to plants or animals.

Children are Introduced to Vintage Technology

Lion and tiger cubs heard sheep in South Africa.

Link via Arborath

Listening to: Metric - Gimmie Sympathy

2011-01-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

Life is New

From BBC Earth.

Kitty vs. Spinning Spider

Kitty is a deaf kitten who loves to play with a robotic spider.

Jack Tripper the Amazing Eyeless Kitty

A spayed cat somehow gave birth to a single kitten she was unable to nurse. The kitten, Jack, was born without eyes. Jack was adopted by a neighbourhood family.

Jack is able to run, jump and play like any other kitten. What a great story.

Cat Who Likes To Fetch

Listening to: MGMT - Kids

2011-01-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa

Maru's Christmas Stocking

Maru plays with a Christmas Stocking, fishes and catches a cat nap.

RMR: Rick and Habitat for Humanity

Rick Mercer goes to Regina, Saskatchewan, to volunteer with RCMP cadets to build a house for Habitat For Humanity.

RMR: Bear Tagging

Rick Mercer visits Algonquin Park to help a Park Ranger and students tag a mother Black Bear and weigh her cubs.

Listening to: Metric - Gold Guns Girls

2010-12-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

Canadian Bison Pet Rides Shotgun

A Canadian couple in Alberta has a pet bison who rides shotgun and drinks beer.

Santa Stops By

A Santa in Winnipeg gives out presents to random strangers.

Simon's Cat in 'Santa Claws'

2010-12-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

The Cat Diaries

Funny photos of cat snowmen.

A cover of the Song of Healing from The Legend of Zelda with wine glasses.

Natalie Time Lapse: Birth to 10 years old

Santa Sleighs Rain or Shine

2010-12-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I went to Victoria with great friends to sleigh ride with about 80 Santas for the annual SantaCon. It was great fun! It was lovely to reconnect with wonderful Slacktorians I had not seen since the summer. I also got to get to know some new friends a little more. Always wonderful to spread merry cheer and feel red-n-white fuzzy.

Prior to Santa, we got to try a delicious Pig BBQ joint for lunch. The pulled pork poutine is amazing! Little did we know an undercover Santa was giggling at us from the kitchen.

I love walking around and wishing families Happy Holidays and giving the little ones candy canes. After going for 14 hours through 7 international destinations, this Santa pulled her sleigh into the Bunny B&B to take off her big black boots and rest her weary feet. Surprisingly after many years, Santa was allowed into the Bengal Lounge at the Fairmont Empress. It was so elegant and lovely.

Listening to: Amy Grant - Sleigh Ride

2010-12-06T21:56:00.000-08:00

I am a huge fan of classic video games. So when I saw these video game bento box lunches, I melted in a tee-hee fashion.

What were these people thinking? I can appreciate anyone wishing to permanently ink their skin for life with creative artistry, but a bacon tattoo? Believe me, I am one of the biggest fans of bacon worship, but really.

My friend Jesse's question was selected to be answered by the Old Spice Guy. It's rather awesome.

Listening to: Tiësto feat. Tegan & Sara - Feel It In My Bones

Thanksgiving

2010-12-01T10:47:00.001-08:00

A 28 year old Sydney fellow named James West has been receiving annual Thanksgiving emails from a family in Florida. After three years, James decided to try an online plea to track down the Tran Family and attend their annual Thanksgiving family dinner. He is also trying to track down the actual James West family member.

This is the first video of a three-part series.

Talented hoop performer Ethan Law.

Yesterday Didn't Happen

2010-11-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

A cartoon by Dan Meth about Early Adopters of Technology.

This week, I was inspired by my girl friend's boyfriend's talented vegetarian cooking finesse, I made whole wheat pasta with Yves sausage, eggplant and peppers. Surprisingly delicious! Even the leftovers were hearty and comforting during the temperature drop sprinkled with snow flurries.

Recently, tried Wii Sports Bowling. I scored 212 on my first try. I love Wii and the console games because the design gets you off the couch and is so interactive. Brilliant! I particularly enjoy the karaoke games.

I started watching the Tudors. An amazing Canadian produced show that has beautiful set design, costumes, wonderfully written and acted.

Listening to: Hall & Oates - Adult Education

2010-11-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

Cat vs. Gator

Seriously. Amazing and brave cat. What was he thinking?

Robot Penguin Causes Mutiny

Only in Japan.

Listening to: Matthew Good - Weapon

2010-11-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Beautiful toilet paper roll art. Is it possible? It is.

6 year old skateboarder Asher Bradshaw at Venice Beach Skatepark.

Inhabitat Halloween Costume Finalists using only recycled materials. Don't forget the kids costumes. I like the Lego ones the best.

It Gets Better

2010-11-09T14:54:00.001-08:00

Even Kermit says it's not easy being green.

2010-11-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

Conan O'Brien's new show debuted on TBS on Sunday. Recently, I watched an old interview by Conan with the late Hunter S. Thompson. Thompson invites Conan to his ranch to shoot some guns.

A few weeks ago, Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas was showing on the tv. Johnny Depp is fantastic as Hunter S. Thompson. The movie does the novel justice. I have seen the film a few times and it still mesmerizes me to this day.

Dr. Popsicle teaches Rick Mercer how to escape a submerged car.

Some good tips just in case you are ever in a car being filled with icy, cold water.

Chris Roth was selected for jury duty. Here are some of his doodles while in court.

Seacompression

2010-11-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I went to Seattle for Seacompression's regional decompression. It was a sold out event with many art installations, theme camps, art cars, live music, performances and community-spirited people. It was great to reconnect with many beautiful people and it filled my heart with joy to further bond with new friends.

I also had the lovely experience of connecting with alumni and new members of Costco.

Some photos from the event:

Luke Me Up

Espresso Buzz and his amazing Panoramic Shot

Michael Holden

I also went to the Freemont Market for Tandoozy and Ebelskivvers. Delicious as always. We also went to visit the Troll.

I tried two new coffee houses that were both deeply savory Espresso Vivace in South Lake Union and All City Coffee in Georgetown, and Smarty Pants for lunch (tasty sandwiches) also in Georgetown.

I also had the pleasure of finally going to the the Seattle Art Museum with a lovely friend from San Francisco. The main exhibition was the Picasso exhibit showcasing many drawings, paintings and sculptures from the famed artist. The exhibit is on until January 17, 2011.

Some of us also visited the beautiful architectural Smith Tower in downtown Seattle. The building opened in 1914 and was the tallest building in the west for almost 50 years. For a small fee, a visitor can ride a historic elevator to a top floor to see sweeping views of the harbour and downtown Seattle. The penthouse floor ceiling is also decorated with ornate hand-carved wood imported from China.

This past Halloween weekend, I was estatic to participate as a pirate in the return of Public Dream's Parade of Lost Souls. A walking route was planned where community homes decorated, played music, created art and performed for people. It was so much fun! Some friends also performed a beautiful forest-themed fire show.

Listening to: Tonic - If You Could Only See

Baby I'm Amazed

2010-10-29T12:14:00.001-07:00

A blind German dog uses his echo to navigate around. Rowan was born without eyes and was visually challenged until the leaves fell of the trees and discovered he could use his bark echo to figure out where he was. Since then, he has used his hearing to follow his owner on walks and at play.

Misery Bear - Dawn of Ted

Difficult

2010-10-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

Uffie - Difficult

Katie Makkai's Pretty

Thoughts

2010-10-26T12:39:00.001-07:00

So, I received an email message from Blogger (Google) that I was violating DMCA copyright protection law in my last blog post. I wrote and included links to 109 Cats in Sweaters and an Oatmeal comic. I asked for clarification from Blogger (Google) and received no response.

Here is the email message. I asked for a second opinion and was informed it was probably a scare tactic to promote chilling effects. So I am debating moving my blog to another server and network within my own country.

(Start of Email Message)

Blogger DMCA takedown notification

Blogger has been notified, according to the terms of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), that certain content in your blog is alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others. As a result, we have reset the post(s) to "draft" status. (If we did not do so, we would be subject to a claim of copyright infringement, regardless of its merits. The URL(s) of the allegedly infringing post(s) may be found at the end of this message.) This means your post - and any images, links or other content - is not gone. You may edit the post to remove the offending content and republish, at which point the post in question will be visible to your readers again.

A bit of background: the DMCA is a United States copyright law that provides guidelines for online service provider liability in case of copyright infringement. If you believe you have the rights to post the content at issue here, you can file a counter-claim. For more information on our DMCA policy, including how to file a counter-claim, please see http://www.google.com/dmca.html.

The notice that we received, with any personally identifying information removed, will be posted online by a service called Chilling Effects at http://www.chillingeffects.org/. We do this in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). You can search for the DMCA notice associated with the removal of your content by going to the Chilling Effects search page at http://www.chillingeffects.org/search.cgi, and entering in the URL of the blog post that was removed. If it is brought to our attention that you have republished the post without removing the content/link in question, then we will delete your post and count it as a violation on your account. Repeated violations to our Terms of Service may result in further remedial action taken against your Blogger account including deleting your blog and/or terminating your account. If you have legal questions about this notification, you should retain your own legal counsel.

Sincerely,

The Blogger Team

(End of Email Message)

2010-10-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

I saw the Female Character Stereotype Chart the other day while waiting for my turn to sing karaoke on the Wii. One of the best charts I have seen in awhile.

Banksy created a Simpsons intro that aired last Sunday. It was very controversial, mainly because Simpsons animation cells are now being outsourced in Korean. The intro nearly missed being produced, but the animators threatened to walk out. I do not know which freaked me out more: the Panda or the Dolphin.

Imagine

2010-10-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 70th Birthday John Lennon

OK Go

2010-10-03T22:19:00.001-07:00

OK Go's new music video for White Knuckles is filmed with rescue dogs. Man, these guys rock.

Apparently, the secret to happiness includes the following list:

Hours of uninterrupted sleep: 6hr 15min
Commute to work: 20min
Home-cooked meals: 5
Exercise a week: 2hr 45min
Time spent outdoors: 2hr 49min
Play with children each day: 2hr
Time with partner: 3hr 58min
Watching TV: 2hr
Nights out a week: 1
Alcoholic drinks a week: 4
Takeaways a week: 1
Weekend breaks a year: 3
Holidays abroad: 2
Hours at work a day: 7hr
15min Meals out a month: 3
Shopping trips a month: 4
Get home from work: 5.42pm

Cat's Meow

2010-09-29T22:20:00.001-07:00

Simon's Cat "In A Box"

Shanghai World Expo

2010-09-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

RMR: Rick at Expo 2010 in Shanghai

EXPO 2010 - Canada Pavilion

Circle of Life

2010-09-20T22:12:00.000-07:00

The Life Cycle of A Plastic Bag, Majestic Plastic Bag narrated by Jeremy Irons

I Am the Walrus

2010-09-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Walrus recently published the article Burning With Desire about the gifting, no commercialism culture of Burning Man.

Some of my favourite art installations this year were:

The Heart Machine by the Toronto Burners (see article above).

Ein Hammer, Flower Garden, Syzygryd,

and of course Bliss.

The Double Rainbow was fun too!

Burn night was fun, but I always prefer the Temple (Flux) burn.

Sorry, Flickr will not let me embed photographs from its web site anymore.

Listening to: Muppets - Lime In the Coconut

I Am Getting Excited

2010-08-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

13 of the Coolest Art Installations in the History of Burning Man

Listening to: Télépopmusik - Breathe

Nora the Cat

2010-08-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Previously, I was fascinated by Nora the Cat who could play piano. Apparently, lithuanian conductor, composer and artist Mindaugas Piecaitis was too. Piecaitis has composed and directed a Catcerto for Nora. Nora, the soloist, was brought in by video.

Smash

2010-08-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Things being destroyed very slowly

Free Hugs in Sondrio, Italy

2010-07-14T11:49:00.001-07:00

Bob Craig makes beautiful collages out of clippings from National Geographic magazines. I remember making collages as a kid with a paste made out of flour and water. His vision begins with imagination as he cuts out and organizes clippings by hue and texture. What begins as a rough drawing slowly grows into a beautiful mural.

Elmo interviews Neil Patrick Harris

"

Baby gets Excited Over Silly Dog

excited dog and baby @ Yahoo! Video

GPS Guided Walking Tours

2010-06-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was contacted by GPSmyCity.com to use my photo of the Black Swan Pub in York, England. The company wanted to use my photo in their GPS walking tour of York. Too bad the app is only available for use with an iPhone.

Today, I looked at some photos from the G20 Summit in Toronto. I did not realize how violent and intense it was. It seems a small group of anarchists have escalated the peaceful protest to violence. Kind of makes me think the 1 billion dollars spent for security was a good move. I do not know all the details of what is occurring during the summit, and some of the money could have been better spent helping homeless or poverty, but it reminds me of the WTO protests during the Battle In Seattle.

70 days later and over 75 million barrels of oil release in to the Gulf of Mexico with no recourse in sight.

Listening to: Icicle Works - Whisper To A Scream

2010-06-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

University of Victoria in Australia (?) performs a beautiful interactive performance to Train's Soul Sister.

A tiny teacup pig plays piano and dances:

The Viral Video of last week:

Fort Rod Hill

2010-06-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Last Friday there was a huge celebration at Ford Rod Hill in Victoria, BC. The city celebrated the 150th birthday of the Fisgard Lighthouse and Canadian Navy's 100th Anniversary. The city was swarmed with over 10,000 sailors from around the world.

At Ford Rod Hill, the Luminara group placed lights and lanterns throughout the historical park and a Victoria fire troupe Poi Pixies performed a fire show on the walkway to the lighthouse. After the fire show, there was a beautiful fireworks display over the ocean. Luminara also setup lit art installations featuring jelly fish and salmon schools.

2010-06-15T08:24:00.001-07:00

Would you drink water that is processed from the polluted ocean? Would you consume marine life harvested from the polluted ocean? An art exhibit titled Plastic Century: a tasted of the polluted oceans is showing at the California Academy of Sciences in honour of Jacques Cousteau's 100th birthday.

A map of the world showing the surface area required to power the whole world with solar power. You may be surprised--I was.

On May 5th it's Mukhtar's birthday, a bus-driver in Copenhagen. In 2010, he had no idea that a large group of people had planned to celebrate him. How wonderful!

Happy Friday

2010-06-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Kitty, and her human companions, are walking across the American continent to the South American continent from Miami to Ushuaia for a 3 year trek.

Kitty started traveling the 9,000-mile journey when he was a kitten.

Electric Daisy Carnival Auditions featuring Nigel Ficke who shows how to do it better, faster, stronger, harder, unicornier.

I recently came across some vintage and sexist advertisements for products from the nuclear family era. Did you know that Lysol used to be promoted to prevent pregnancy and STIs?

Not too mention how to avoid a Booby Trap and not get an STI.

Listening to: INXS - Suicide Blonde

Goodbye Winter, Hello Future

2010-05-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Dog Snow Sliders

Proposal in Washington Square Park

Listening to: Massive Attack - Daydreaming

Banksy In Toronto

2010-05-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Previously, I wrote about Banksy new film Exit Through the Gift Shop. For the Toronto premiere of his new film, he created some art in Toronto.

Near near 4th and La Brea

Near 9th and Broadway

I wonder if he will leave his mark on Vancouver.

The CBC gallery of Banksy's work around the world.

A Sweet Reunion

2010-05-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Conservationist Damian Aspinall raised gorilla Kwibi for five years in England. He released into a conservation park in West Africa. After being apart for five years, Kwibi was attacking humans. Aspinall decided to go to Africa and see if Kwibi would remember him. The reunion is amazing.

I Am A Gleek

2010-05-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

I think I am officially a Gleek. I recently watched the clips from Madonna episode the Golden Globe winner Glee and was hooked. Jane Lynch's rendition of Madonna's Vogue is outstanding.

The show features a passionate talented group of performance artists (outcasts) in a high school. Each of the show's character's and actors are an inspiration to nerds, geeks, misfits and outcasts everywhere. It is interesting to hear about their high school experiences, usually of being outcasts because they were part of choir or drama clubs.

The Glee cast was also on the Oprah Winfrey show. The cast also performed at the White House for Easter.

Creator Ryan Murphy says the show is about "celebrating the difference in you". He continues to say that at that young of an age you think that's the worst in you, but as you grow older and wiser, you realize it's one of the best things about yourself.

Recently, there was a Glee flash mob in Seattle.

Listening to: Glee Cast - Don't Stop Believing

Urban Art Is Here

2010-05-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

Finally, Vancouver is starting to showcase and magnify the landscape with temporary and permanent urban art installations. The previous week, I walked with J across the Cambie Bridge and along False Creek North to English Bay. Along the seawall, we saw many art installations and the new park by Granville Bridge.

By Sunset Beach, there is a beautiful aluminum art structure in the shape of a man consisting of letters and symbols from many languages. Another installation is a group of bronze statues laughing at English Bay. The metallic structure at Vanier Park titled Freezing Water is another installation.

These art installations are part of the Biennial Exhibition.

This week, I walked with J again over the Cambie Bridge, past Chinatown, through Gastown, around Canada Place and around the new Convention Centre. The interior of the Convention Centre is stunning. The new center has a living roof, seawater heating and cooling system, on-site water treatment (recycles washroom water) and a fish habitat in the foundation.

The art installations consist of a gigantic blue teardrop (maybe a raindrop) and a Digital Orca by Douglas Coupland.

Listening to: Gorillaz - Stylo

2010-04-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Frisky reviews eleven questionable Barbie releases by Matel. I remember having the Barbie MacDonald's restaurant, however, I do not ever recall seeing the Poop-n-Scoop version with dog Tanner.

To celebrate hard-working, under paid Administrative Professionals everywhere for Administrative Professionals Day, here is a list of the best ten movie and tv shows with secretaries, receptionists and personal assistants.

In a society where the spread of germs and viruses is a growing concern, always remember to never try on make-up samples until they have been sterilized. Personally, I always just try it on my finger and wash my finger afterward.

Oh, la la! Where did you get that gorgeous roadkill accessory bag? I would die to have one just like it! Just kidding.

Listening to: Bjork - Big Time Sensuality

2010-04-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Banksy's Exit Through The Gift Shop

President Obama mandates visitation rights in hospitals for same-sex couples.

Crimson Collective builds a gigantic solar-powered crane art installation for the Coachella Music Festival.

Adam Savage's speech to Harvard students titled Food for The Eagle.

Listening to: Steve Miller Band - Fly Like an Eagle

Some BS

2010-03-26T15:24:00.001-07:00

Breaking News: Some Bullshit Happening Somewhere

The Story of Bottled Water

2010-03-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

I personally donate monthly to Oxfam because one of the organization's primary initiatives is to provide clean water for developing countries.

Another organization H20 Africa Foundation was co-founded by Matt Damon.

Thank You Canada

2010-03-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of the Daily Nightly sends Canada a thank you note.

Olympic Gold

2010-02-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, became the first Canadians and North Americans to win Olympic gold in ice dancing.

Watch the video of their exquisite and flawless performance.

We Are More by Shane Koyczan

Olympics Fever

2010-02-23T14:09:00.000-08:00

What a week! Last week I trekked, laughed, gazed and socialized all over the 2010 Olympics bonanza. Last Monday, we saw DJ Spooky from New York mix-mash it up with violinist Daniel at the Yaletown stage.

DJ Spooky provided an amazing performance showcasing his mixing talents off his new album. We avoided the corporate pavilions. After the show, we wandered up to Davie Street for some French Canadian poutine at La Belle Patate.

On Wednesday, Yonderboy and I met at the Olympic Station and walked over the Cambie Street bridge on a beautiful sunshine day. We could see the sea of red at China Creek Park next to Science World for the taping of Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert. I wanted to be at the taping, but I did not want to line up at 7 am for 6ish hours. Although, from the photos online, I see he rode a moose, hoisted up a stuffed beaver and sang O Canada to the music of the Star-Spangled Banner.

We checked out all the live shows and zip trek at Robson Square. It was incredible to watch people zip trek across the square. The ice skating rink looked awesome too. It was so great to walk around the crowds of people from all over the world excited and wearing their nations' colours with pride.

We walked down to the Olympic Flame (Cauldron) and took some photos. We also queued for 30 minutes to see the Cauldron from the viewing platform. The mountains were majestic behind Stanley Park. We also went into the movie theatre housed in double-stacked shipping containers to watch a short-film.

On Friday, I rode the new Canada Line train to Yaletown. I was very impressed with the signage and announcements to assist passengers to their destinations. The train felt like a high-class form of transportation. I met Nic in Yaletown. The streets were humming with young folks. I heard that fans has been lined up for the Deadmau5 evening show since 9 am in the morning.

We walked over the Vancouver Library to meet Y. Her mate has been VJing in the Aboriginal Peoples Pavilion all week. You could see the video displays from the exterior next to Queen Elizabeth Theatre. We went to Roxy Burger on Granville Street for dinner. Granville Street was a mad-house full of youths and people wear the flag as capes. A few more friends joined us as we cheered on Manitoba's Jon Montgomery win gold in skeleton.

We met up with a few more friends on Georgia Street and walked around Granville and Robson Streets. The art installations on Granville Street looked fantastic lightened at night.

Then, we went to see the cauldron at night. It was so beautiful. It was around midnight and the streets were still jammed with people. We headed over to Steamworks Pub to have some beers and bites. The pub was adjacent to Germany House, but the cover was $20. Needless to say, the Germany House was empty and the music played was terrible.
On the way home on the Night Bus over the Burrard Bridge, the male youths broke into song singing O Canada.

On Sunday, we tried to go to La Belle Patate for brunch, but the potato cutter broke and the shop was closed. Plan B was Japadog on Burrard and Smithe, but there was a huge lineup. I like Japadog, but not for a half an hour wait. We ended up with grilled panini sandwiches at IGA Marketplace.

We checked out Robson Square. I cheered as the zip trekkers went overhead. We were lucky enough to see the Squamish Nation's Eagle Dancers perform their songs and dances at the stage. Wow, their performance was so mesmerizing. Then, we watched a bit of the Mascots on Ice. Sumi is my favourite.

The naysayers may still be griping about the Olympics in Vancouver. But they are here, so why not enjoy the special events, live performances, showcasing our beautiful city and welcoming International visitors?

Someone Like You

2010-02-11T19:57:00.000-08:00

A survey resulting with the top 10 annoying things at work.

Funny signs from the Flickr Blog.

Funny commercial featuring a Japanese Business Cat (thanks JD!).

Panda Attack

2010-02-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

Shiba Inu Puppy Cam.

Listening to: Naked Eyes - Promises, Promises

Starry Starry Night

2010-01-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a very cool online art exhibit that features Fashion Faces Clothing Sculptures.

This Lego Pop-up Kinkaku-ji (Temple) is amazing.

Also, the Flickr Blog's feature of starry photographs is lovely.

Listening to: Fleetwood Mac - Say You Love Me

Black Friday

2009-12-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

“Too many of us now tend to worship self-indulgence and consumption. Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns.”

As quoted, by President Carter’s in his Crisis Of Confidence speech made on July 15, 1979, in Michael Moore's film Capitalism: A Love Story.

Matthew Good's review on Michael Moore's film.

I was wondering how Black Friday unfolded in the United States. Black Friday is typically the first Friday after American Thanksgiving that kicks off the Christmas shopping season. Corporations and economists debate whether or not it reflects how the economy is going and how high is consumer confidence.

Overall, it was general mayhem. There were no deaths, injuries and significant property damage, but there was a lot of fighting and disrespectful behaviour.

In Labour News, Walmart was forced to pay former employees in Massachusetts $40 million in back wages in a class-action lawsuit. The suit was filed eight years ago and claimed the mega-corporation owes the employees fourteen years worth of unpaid overtime, missed breaks, and other uncompensated work.

Listening to: Trooper - The Boys In the Bright White Sports Cars

Wal-Mart: The American Dream

2009-11-23T20:09:00.001-08:00

I recently read on the Consumerist a story about a couple printing photos for the wife's father's funeral at Wal-Mart. The photo lab wouldn't give her several of her photos because the employee believed the photos may be copyrighted. The woman held back tears as she watched her deceased father's photos be shredded.

The article started whirling my brain to several other media stories I have read that cast a dark shadow on Wal-Mart's polices and practices. I do not shop at Wal-Mart because of all the employee labour laws it violates and all the pending class-action lawsuits.

However, even when Wal-Mart looses a class-action lawsuit for paying women less than men, or paying illegal immigrants less than minimum wage, it can pay the judgment easily because it makes $20,000 profit every minute, and a annual profit of $12 billion.

Articles:

Mother Charged by Police Courtesy of Wal-Mart for Child Pornography

Walmart To Pay $7,000 OSHA Fine In Worker Death

11 Things Banned By Walmart

Listening to: Crosby, Stills & Nash - American Dream

Meet Kami

2009-11-17T19:39:00.001-08:00

Kami is a new 5 year old HIV-positive girl Muppet on Sesame Street South Africa. She also an orphan and is teaching her neighbours and friends some harsh realities of life. She is the new role model for 28,000 HIV-positive children and 1.4 million orphans in Africa.

Kami talks with President Clinton.

2009-11-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

Colbert Report with Woody Harrelson.

I love Stephen Colbert's mock-journalism news show. Colbert is delightfully hilarious.

He recently started fundraising for the U.S. Speed Skating Team. His campaign raised over $40k. When the site crashed from overwhelming response, he blamed it on Canadian hackers.

Rick Mercer Report

2009-11-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

Rick Mercer and Rick Hansen Bungee Jump

Listening to Trooper - Here For A Good Time

Happy 40th Sesame Street

2009-11-10T18:20:00.001-08:00

Happy 40th Birthday Sesame Street! I was a huge fan of Sesame Street when I was a young kid.

Adam Sandler sings about Elmo

Feist sings 1, 2, 3, 4

Neil Patrick Harris

The Mad T Party

Yip Yip Martians

Pinball Number 4

A La Pink

2009-11-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been going every weekend since the beginning of summer and I have finally hit the wall. What I mean to say is I have been socially engaged butterfly almost every weekend for four months straight. I am officially tired. Just in time for winter too. Tis the season for puzzles, good books, movies, board games and sheer lazy weekends.

About a month or so ago, I went to Victoria for the Slacktoria Family Reunion. We enjoyed reuniting over brunch and photographs of how we spent our summer vacation.

A few weekends, I went to the Pink Party. This party was also a Bon Voyage to Benj. I never would have thought that pink would be such a great theme for a party. The vibe was so juicy energetic, but serene.

The previous weekend, I went to Victoria for Halloween. I spent about a day helping decorate the house and had a blast staying up until dawn. Some really fantastic costumes. The house was way too crowded, deafening beats and blitzkrieg. I'm definitely not 20-something anymore. Unfortunately, most ghouls and witches only posted their photos on FaceCrack.

I just created a new Rain-themed playlist. I will add it to the sidebar.

Listening to: Bruce Hornsby & The Range - Mandolin Rain

Animals Are Amazing

2009-10-25T21:26:00.000-07:00

Husky says "I Love You"

Thanks for JD for reminding me the cat zen of relaxing Maru style.

Silly Cats Video

Ideas For Change

2009-09-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

William Kamkwamba’s Malawian parents couldn’t afford the $80 yearly tuition for their son’s school. He sneaked into classes anyway until he got caught. He continued his education by teaching himself through books from the school library. He found a Grade 5 Science textbook titled Using Energy. William harnessed the power of the wind by creating his own windmill from discarded items and scraps. His life changed forever.

My friend Dave is biking from Vancouver to Tijuana. He quit his job and sold almost all of his possessions. After two weeks, he has biked down through Washington, Oregon and is now in Northern California.

Everything Is Going to Be Alright

2009-09-24T21:57:00.000-07:00

Apparently, artist Martin Creed's work is on display in Vancouver. Friends have mentioned seeing it over the rooftops from Chinatown.

Saturday is Earth Dance. Previously, it was at Stanley Park, but this year it is at Spannish Banks. The event usually features a lot of DJs, dancing, hugging and good vibes. I am hoping to attend, weather permitting.

I am still reeling in awe from an incredible Burn. One of my favourite art structures from the event is Holding Flame. I have been meaning to post about my Burn, but I had to think of all the things I did on my trip to the desert. It was chalk full of extraordinary fun.

Last weekend, I did nothing but relax. My sweetie dropped by my work last Friday with a surprise rose and mini cheesecake. We spent most of the weekend relaxing and watching movies, such as Get Smart. The movie was funny and entertaining, more so than I thought it would be.

On Sunday, we went over to Yv's for waffles and bacon. There was a lovely group of people gathered and we chilled over mimosas and great conversation. JD's dog Chester was there, so I got some doggy lovin'.

I spent most of this week nursing a mild cold and headaches. I think I have turned the corner though. I am not looking forward to flu season and all this chatter about H1N1.

I am loving the autumn season though. It finally feels like a good autumn with warm and cool weather, and changing leaves.

Listening to: Kevin Rudolf - Let It Rock

Canadian, Please

2009-09-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Goodbye Patrick Swayze

2009-09-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

I heard this afternoon Patrick Swayze passed away at age 57 after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. It was a little eerie for me when I found out. I thought he had beat cancer and was on the road to recovery.

My mum passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 57.

I think of Robin, who is participating in a 3-day Breast Cancer Walk this weekend. She is 17 years cancer free. She walks for those who fought, survived and those who will battle cancer in the years to come.

Listening to: Patrick Swayze - She's Like the Wind