Le Graphique de Lance

A couple of excellent doubletruck graphics on Lance Armstrong's last Tour de France, which starts this weekend. PDF files availble for your download pleasure.

Le Graphique de Lance - Newsdesigner.com

Keeping it Cricket in the City of Compton

Yo Dog! That wicket is fo shizzle!

NPR : Keeping it Cricket in the City of Compton

Greasemonkey

"Greasemonkey is a Firefox extension which lets you to add bits of DHTML ("user scripts") to any web page to change its behavior. In much the same way that user CSS lets you take control of a web page's style, user scripts let you easily control any aspect of a web page's design or interaction."



mozdev.org - greasemonkey: index

From the Ike Turner School of Anger Management

Rangers pitcher threatens and confronts cameramen

"Kenny has had a short fuse dealing with the media," Hicks said. "I've heard stories about what may or may not have happened. He has issues. It's directed at the media and I don't know why."

'Ya think so?? What an asshat...

ESPN.com - MLB - Cameraman files police report after tussle with Rogers

Tops Vegas - File Magazine

"Bombarded by the glitter, bells and styrofoam of the the Vegas strip I needed to look out to catch my breath as the artificiality and materialism was suffocating my being; the superficiality justly convicted me as an accomplice in this horrid engagement. Despite this nausea I found the tops of the casinos on the strip elevated by the desert sky. And the spring sky kept me grounded."

file: apatrick - tops vegas

Why Scrushy Won His Trial And Ebbers Lost

Yes, justice is indeed "blind" when you've got $25 million to spend on your defense team. Puhleaze! Bring on the civil lawsuits from the shareholders.

WSJ.com - Why Scrushy Won His Trial And Ebbers Lost

The Need for Heed

An examination of the useful and the tremendously heeded, along with the useless and the completely ignored.

Attack of the College Republicans

I'd like to chock it up to youthful indiscretion for these folks, however....

Wonkette - Attack of the College Republicans

Crisp, Complex and Refreshing

Mmmm, beer. However, I'd argue that India Pale Ale is even crispier with tangy citrus overtones. Some of the best in the nation are Harpoon IPA & Boulder Beer's "Mojo IPA". But the hometown Boulevard Pale Ale gets my vote ( and $$) every time for American Pale Ale...

Crisp, Complex and Refreshing - New York Times [email reg. req'd]

BusinessWeek Design Award winners for 2005 (kottke.org)

Sweet stuff...

BusinessWeek Design Award winners for 2005 (kottke.org)

The Court Has Ruled So Enter the Geeks

Amen to the mother of invention...

The Court Has Ruled So Enter the Geeks - New York Times [email reg. req'd]

The New McCarthyism

Looks like someone else feels like we're heading down the same rabbit-hole (see earlier post).

The New McCarthyism

Cameraphone Sand Sculpture

What happens when techies go to the beach...

Hold 'em blog

James McManus is the author of "Positively Fifth Street: Murderers, Cheetahs and Binion's World Series of Poker." Pretty quick & easy read and pretty entertaining with regards to telling the history of the rise of Hold 'Em and some of Vegas' colorful characters.

James McManus on the World Series of Poker - New York Times

Europe on 600ccs a Day

Nice little European (Czech Republic) travelogue via motorcylce this week on Slate...

Europe on 600ccs a Day - Prague without a plan. By Elisabeth Eaves

Proof that God exsits...

See you in hell, Lerach.

WSJ.com - U.S. Pushes Broad Investigation Into Milberg Weiss Law Firm

The Star Maker of the Semipopular

Sorry for all the NYTimes.com posts today, but KCRW is incredible and a this is a must read!!

The Star Maker of the Semipopular - New York Times

High-tech focus on local news

"Today, Lawrence, KS is a regional anomaly, anchoring a Democratic county in a solidly Republican state. Its large student population brings spunk to Lawrence, the university adds academic sophistication and sports fanaticism, and the town, dotted with funky restaurants and boutiques, has become a favorite of artists and activists."

Say what you will about the control factor of the Simons family, but it could be a heckuva lot worse.

The Newspaper of the Future - New York Times

Big squeeze by big oil

Wow. This is one of the best articles I've seen the hometown rag do in quite sometime.

Kansas City Star 06/26/2005 Big squeeze by big oil

The Race to Alaska Before It Melts

Remember according to our Prez, he's unconvinced the globe is warming. Alaska says otherwise, Dubya...

The Race to Alaska Before It Melts - New York Times

Cruise Clashes With Lauer on 'Today' Show

Good for Matt for not throwing softballs at him like Letterman did last night. That was a joke of an interview and shame on Dave for pandering to this method-actor midget. Tom Cruise is the biggest cheese-dick I've ever seen. I just don't get the appeal. He's got about as much range as a Daisy air rifle. And who knew he was an expert in clinical psychology? That and a $1.50 will get you a small coffee at McDonald's Tommy Boy. Take your L. Ron Hubbard and jam it. Just come out of the closet and put this charade to rest.

For true train wreck TV, how about Tommy goes on Dr. Phil and let's see who can blather on more about expertise in psychiatric treatments? My vote goes to big Phil. That would be the hot-air/wind-bag 'fest of the year...

Cruise Clashes With Lauer on 'Today' Show - New York Times

.Mac's shortcomings

"Among the problems - the measly 256MB of iDisk storage space, iCards, hompage and bookmarks."

What's wrong with .Mac (TUAW)

Google Cheat Sheet

Make your Google life better/easier with this hand-dandy guide. Tip 'o the virtual hat to David Pogue for posting this on his NYTimes.com blog.

Google Guide Quick Reference: Google Advanced Operators (Cheat Sheet)

Caddy Hacks

Uh, is this really news to anyone, either Repulican or Democrat??

Not sure if I like this anti-golf slant.

Caddy Hacks - Golf, the ultimate symbol of Republican corruption

Rove Questions Liberals' Sympathies

To paraphrase, "Have you no deceny, Mr. Rove?!!" What a load of crap.

Rove Questions Liberals' Sympathies

The Shins Will Change Your Life

Sort of an aggregator of all that is related to high & mighty reviews of indie bands.

The perfect companion for the indie-rock police out there, You know who you are....

The Shins Will Change Your Life

Images of two music festivals

WTF?? No coverage on Wakarusa??

;-)


CNN.com - Images of two music festivals - Jun 23, 2005

Great ongoing collection of old mall photography (kottke.org)

Great ongoing collection of old mall photography (kottke.org)

I'm Bobby Brown, bitch.

Proving once again that:
1. TV is sometimes a big cess-pool (although not as bad as the Internet)
2. There's no such thing as bad PR....

Wonder if we'll get to see the happy couple getting high together??

Bobby Brown Is Back, in Reality TV - New York Times

Supreme Court Rules Cities May Seize Homes

Mmmmm, eminent domain... This is really, really sad

Supreme Court Rules Cities May Seize Homes - Yahoo! News

The Road to Riches Is Called K Street

The Road to Riches Is Called K Street - washington post.com [email reg. req'd]

Who's Who at 1600 Pennsylvania

In case you were wondering who to send letters complaining about the demise of our country's future, see this handy-dandy list of who has the Prez's ear...

Who's Who in the White House (washingtonpost.com - email reg. req'd)

Cell Phones Face the Music

"Napster has big plans for digital music on cell phones. Is this the end for the iPod?"

Don't bet on it...
Wired News: Cell Phones Face the Music

NRCC Hosts Hot Rich Person-on-Rich Person Action!

Much to my chagrin, the RNC might want to start monitoring the guest list. "Hmm. let's see, Mary Carey, you'll be at Table 5 with Ed Gillespie, Tom DeLay, and a 'Mr. P. North'. This way ma'am..."

Wonkette - NRCC Hosts Hot Rich Person-on-Rich Person Action!

Shooting Down the Breakfast Club

"There is an alternate—and perhaps more compelling—explanation for why breakfast-eaters do relatively well in school while breakfast-skippers may have a tough time: The skippers are also the ones whose bodies rebel against early-morning activity."

Interesting piece debunking the conventional wisdom.

Shooting Down the Breakfast Club - Why you shouldn't wake your kids up to eat their Wheaties.

flag on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The best stuff on earth

"A 25-foot, 17-ton ice pop made of the supposed "best stuff on Earth" melted in the New York sun yesterday - turning Union Square into a river of Kiwi-Strawberry Snapple."

New York Daily News - Home - Gooing, gooing, gone!

Real Simple | Surprising Expiration Dates

"Certain items in your house practically scream “toss me” when their prime has passed. That mysterious extra white layer on the Cheddar? A sure sign it needs to be put out of its misery. Chunky milk? Down the drain it goes.

But what about that jar of olives or Maraschino cherries that has resided in your refrigerator since before the birth of your kindergartner? Or the innumerable nonedibles lurking deep within your cabinets and closets: stockpiled shampoo and toothpaste, seldom-used silver polish? How do you know when their primes have passed?"

Now this is news you can use!!

Real Simple | Surprising Expiration Dates

You don't get it, do you

Perhaps other than the airlines, no other industry besides the recording industry manages to alienate their customers and continues to cling to outdated business models regarding distribution, content and royalties. Come on guys, get it together, would you? Moreover, shame on DMB for allowing their new CD to be formatted in this fashion. They of all artists understand how to chnage the business model to work in the artist's favor while keeping the label suits fat & happy. Sad.


washingtonpost.com - Burners' Bummer [email reg. req'd]

A Wireless World, Bound To Sockets

I couldn't agree more. The battery is the achilles heel for most new devices -- especially the iPod.

washingtonpost.com - A Wireless World, Bound To Sockets [email reg. req'd]

Rob Galbraith DPI: Alex Majoli points and shoots

Proving once again that it's the photographer, not the gear...

Rob Galbraith DPI: Alex Majoli points and shoots

Duh!

Executive Summary:
College towns have a higher (pun intended) usage of MJ and rural areas have a higher alcohol usage rate. Thank you Professor Obvious.

Next up from this stellar group of gov't researchers - Sky is blue when clouds are absent and Sunrises are confirmed coming from the East according to latest data.

Yet another fantastic use of taxpayer dollars...

Gov't Finds Highest, Lowest Marijuana Use - Yahoo! News

Cruise proposes to actress Holmes at Eiffel Tower

Whoa! This is one helluva publicity stunt...

Cruise proposes to actress Holmes at Eiffel Tower - Yahoo! News

Queen Elizabeth II buys an iPod

Mass saturation has been achieved. Short your AAPL shares now!!

The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

Irving Penn: Platinum Prints Exhibit

"From the darkroom, Mr. Penn has conducted his own enshrinement project. In the end, this exhibition's main subject is not so much his achievement as how he wants it represented. "

The Photographer's Eye, Transformed by His Hands - New York Times [email reg. req'd]

King Tut to Tour

No word on when the VH-1 "Where Are They Now" series will throw-in...

King Tut, Museum Trailblazer, Begins Encore - New York Times [email reg. req'd]

Some College Jocks Find Their Pro Careers Are in the Nascar Pits

"A pit coach studies videos to hone their footwork and hand speed. A trainer has them lift weights and run sprints."

Gone are the days of the beer bellied guys doing this part-time.

WSJ.com - Some College Jocks Find Their Pro Careers Are in the Nascar Pits

The Mortgage Trap

"Lenders are cranking out an ever-growing array of financing schemes and lowering standards to keep the housing boom going."

I'm not so sure this is a bubble, but the regional over-heated real estate markets are due for a major "correction". Look out when it hits. See also.

The Mortgage Trap

Bands in Matching Outfits

Plenty more where this came from. Click the photo to witness the horror..

Like Steve McQueen

"With McQueen, it's hard to decide whether you hardly notice him, or you hardly notice that you never take your eyes off of him. What brought his features alive on-screen were his wide cheekbones and a narrow tapering chin—the kind of triangular bonework more commonly associated with female beauty. Shot from certain high angles, McQueen could resemble an extremely macho elf."

So there you are...

An Extremely Macho Elf - Reconsidering Steve McQueen.

I yield to my deep-pocketed colleague

I was surprised to see that Sen. McCain had listed between $100k - $300k in credit card debt. Man that movie gig this summer better pay off in spades or he'll be pimping hard for MBNA in some type of bartering arangement. Also, let's not overlook the $8k that Orrin Hatch made in music royalties. I can only dream that he was paid this amount NOT to sing anymore...

Philadelphia Inquirer 06/15/2005 Disclosure forms offer glimpse of senators' personal finances

Debating the Role of Celebrity in the System

"'Having a lawyer who not only demands a fair trial but has the resources to assure it has become a precious thing in the United States. We really do, unfortunately, now have two systems of justice, but it has nothing to do with how famous you are.' "
Debating the Role of Celebrity in the System - New York Times [email reg. req'd]

iPod's Revolution

"Even more than its astounding success in the marketplace, the iPod has become a true cultural and social phenomenon—it's influencing lives in a way that consumer marketing types usually only fantasize about."

Street Life - It's iPod's Revolution: We Just Live in It - FORTUNE

Next Generation of Conservatives (By the Dormful)

Yes, the new crop of "Karl Roves" have arrived for the summer. Eager to help legislate morality, deconstruct the Constitution, cut services and taxes and push the supply-side religion, they bring a tear to my eye. Literally. God help us all....

Next Generation of Conservatives (By the Dormful) - New York Times[email reg.req'd]

Lucas vs. Spielberg - The worst best friends in Hollywood

Fun little read for the movie geek in all of us...

Lucas vs. Spielberg - The worst best friends in Hollywood

Inside the Real West Wing

See who sits where based on hay points...

Inside the Real West Wing (washingtonpost.com - email reg. req'd)

ESPN Classic's "Cheap Seats: Without Ron Parker"

My new favorite TV show. OK, so I'm a little slow as this has beenon for over a year, but hey cut me some slack, I just got the DVR cable-box last week, so I'm playing catch-up.

For the uninformed, this show is basically like a sports version of Mystrey Science Theater 3000 (MST3K), where 2 guys provide running jokes and snarky commentary while watching some really bad sports programming from the 70's, 80's & 90's from the ESPN library. They recently did a spelling bee from 1996 that was one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time.

Watch it - you'll be glad you did. ESPN Classic channel, Monday - Friday at 10 pm ET, 9 CT.

Cheap Seats: Without Ron Parker

Katie Holmes embracing Scientology

As if she had a choice in this arranged relationship?

CNN.com - Katie Holmes embracing Scientology

Triumph, pt. 2

Priceless

Triumph goes behind the scenes at the freakshow Michael Jackson trial (Requires Windows Media Player.)

Triumph's Best (to poop on)

No, not the 80's hard-rock power trio, rather the late-night insult comic dog. The "Star Wars" bit is one of the funniest hings I have ever seen.

Best Week Ever Blog: Classic Conan Clip time

Pitch Camp - Urban camping in Times Square - a photoset on Flickr

Pitch Camp - Urban camping in Times Square - a photoset on Flickr

Anatomy of a Google Price Target

Can Analysts Justify Targets at $350 a Share?

Woe be thee who buys - these multiples are bubble-rific...

WSJ.com - Trading Shots

BlogKC - Have camera-phone, will report

Yet another Blog KC post. This was too rich not to pass on.

I swear, the news coverage of summer (and winter for that fact) storms is sooo bad. I mean we live in the Midwest for Pete's sake!! It's not as if we don't know about tornados and blizzards. Major event when even the slightest hint of bad weather is apparent. The mothership empties out like a hurricane warning has been posted if these things even look like they're going to hit during office hours.

“Yes, Katie, as you can see by this grainy two inch photo, it’s still raining out here at 200th and BFE.” The camera phones and Katie “SEEK SHELTER” Horner’s sage advice actually carried 5 to a ratings win last night. Apparently KC viewers like to see professional broadcasters inaccurately report a tornado in the suburbs and then scream at the people off-camera to check on her husband and kids.


BlogKC - have camera phone, will report

Anchorman - KC

"I'm Larry Moore. You stay classy Kansas City." Wonder if Larry also plays jazz flute...

Will Ferrel or Larry Moore? You make the call...

The Onion | Infograph

God bless The Onion...

The Onion | Infograph - "Unhealthy Online Support Groups"

Gogel's 63 Sets Course Record at Booz Allen

Local boy does good!! Matt lives in Mission Hills, KS

Gogel's 63 Sets Course Record at Booz Allen

What's the Worst Ad Song Ever? - The results are in.

What's the Worst Ad Song Ever? - The results are in

Happy Birthday Frank Lloyd Wright

Google Search: birthdate for frank lloyd wright

Aromatic newbies

Americans are warming up to the white wines of South Africa

Food and Drink - Aromatic newbies [email reg. req'd]

The New Yorker: Shouts and Murmurs

TURBULENCE
by DAVID SEDARIS
When it’s time to change your seat.

The New Yorker: Shouts and Murmurs

Celebrities Playing Table Tennis

This is why I love the Internet! A site of nothing but pictures of celebrities playing Ping-Pong... (thanks to kottke.org)

Celebrities Playing Table Tennis

In Hurricane Forecasting, Science Is Far From Exact

"Researchers' methods may be complex and rigorous, but their results over the past six years -- at least for the total number of hurricanes -- haven't been much better than an educated guess."
WSJ.com - The Numbers Guy - In Hurricane Forecasting, Science Is Far From Exact

Bush - No Worries?

It's official - Dubya is Alfred E. Neuman!!!

Dan Froomkin: White House Briefing - "No Worries?" - Washington Post.com [email reg. req'd]

The Apple... hotel?

I guess a Linux Super 8 isn't out of the question...

The Apple... hotel? - Engadget - www.engadget.com

Metroblogging DC: No Filming!

What a racket!! My wife & I ran in to the same "issue" at out daughters' recital last month. Ours was even more strict as they allowed no still photography whatsoever. I understand the need to make a couple of $$, but don't go throwing "copyright infringement" around when I doubt they seriously cleared all the rights for each song for each DVD/VHS tape sold. Although it was nice to just sit back and watch the various performances and not worry about playing camcorder jockey..

Metroblogging DC: No Filming!

Free Beethoven on mp3

Download all nine of Beethoven's symphonies here the day after they are broadcast. All the symphonies are performed by BBC Philharmonic, conducted by Gianandrea Noseda.

BBC - Radio 3 - Beethoven Experience - downloads

The Photojournalist: Which Camera Does This Pro Use? It Depends on the Shot

Great article. Reinforces my latest trolling on eBay looking for an old (but still very functional) 35mm rangefinder - say a Yaschica or Canon 17Q.

The New York Times > Technology > Circuits > The Photojournalist: Which Camera Does This Pro Use? It Depends on the Shot

Into the Gildercosm

A conversation with one of the dot.com era's techno-luminaries.

Into the Gildercosm

Finland Diary

The Washingon Post takes a detailed look at Finland. They have been talking to Finns of all ages and exploring why Finland has one of the world's best education systems, produces such talented musicians and architects, and why Finns appear to be so technologically savvy.

Finland Diary [email reg. req'd]

Boing Boing: Joan Baez-esque cover of NWA's Straight Outta Compton

Boing Boing: Joan Baez-esque cover of NWA's Straight Outta Compton

Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette

"Penn Jillette names daughter Moxie CrimeFighter"

Geez, sort of makes "Apple" look like Gertrude...
St. Petersburg Times: Entertainment news and features

Wal-Mart won't print photos that look professional

Great. Wally-world has decided photo standards for folks who can take a decent shot. I say, let it go. There are so many other alternatives to getting your digital photos printed, either via other on-line sites or at various local retailers, I'm not sure why this person just didn't go that route. Of course, that would not make for interesting news/blogging, now would it? ;-)
SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Technology -- Snap judgments

Wired News: Hollywood Orders: Apple Wed Intel

Wonderful theory about DRM's role in the chip switch to appease the movie/music industries. DRM rears its ulgy head yet once again...


Wired News: Hollywood Orders: Apple Wed Intel

Going to: Charleston

One thing the reviewer left off (thankfully, for those of in the know) is the rooftop bars atop the Vendue Inn and the Plantation? downtown. Harbor views and great atmosphere at the Vendue. I've yet to have a bad meal in downtown Charleston over the last 8 years I've been going there.

The New York Times > Travel > Going to: Charleston

The Case Against Coldplay

Ouch. About the only criticism overlooked by this review was the naming of "Apple" to Chris & Gwenyth's daughter....

The Case Against Coldplay - New York Times [email reg. req'd]

Extereme Dieting

An actual lock to keep yourself (or others) out of the pint of Phish Food..
Cool Hunting: Ben & Jerry's Euphori Lock

Apple's Home Page - a photoset on Flickr

Various screen scrapes of the Apple.com home page starting in 1996

Home Page - a photoset on Flickr

Delivr Digital Postcards

The endless ideas & apps being written and used for Flickr continue to blow me away.

Digital postcards for the people by the people...just select an image from the most recent below, or search all 600,000 images to create a unique custom postcard.

Delivr Digital Postcards

How to do the Star Wars trilogy in 58 minutes

This is so wrong on so many levels...

How to do the Star Wars trilogy in 58 minutes | csmonitor.com

Noise Reduction Software Keeps Older Cameras Current

Noise Reduction Software Keeps Older Cameras Current

Nikon D2X Review

I'm a Canon guy all the way, but this looks really good - especially at this price point compared to the 1Ds-Mark II. I've always thought the full size 35mm sensor (vs. the typical 1.6x crop factor on my 300D and most DSLR's) would be the Holy Grail of my digital photography - maybe not.
"The advantage of only using the 'sweet spot' area of the lens is clear, full size 35 mm sensors may have long been the dream of the digital photographer but they do place much bigger demands on the lens."
Phil likes!!

Nikon D2X Review: Digital Photography Review

The Great DSLR Shoot-Out

Interesting read for the digital shutter-bug looking to upgrade/change-out to DSLR.

Popular Photography Magazine: The Great DSLR
Shoot-Out

2005 Hurricane Names

Today starts the "official" Hurricane season, give or take a few weeks depending on weather patterns. The names don't exactly read like the top baby name list which is nice; because really, who wants to get wiped out by Hurriance Maddie or Hurricane Austin or Cody? I'm sort of partial to Gert, Wilma, and Vince. Yo Vince!

2005 Hurricane Names
Arlene
Bret
Cindy
Dennis
Emily
Franklin
Gert
Harvey
Irene
Jose
Katrina
Lee
Maria
Nate
Ophelia
Philippe
Rita
Stan
Tammy
Vince
Wilma

2005 Hurricane Names