[ This Space Intentionally Blank ]

Rose City Redux

2007-06-16T16:46:00.000+10:00

Back in Portland now, and it feels wonderful.
I couldn't have had a better welcome! (More on that in a minute.)
I've been busting tail for the last couple weeks trying to catch up on all the Mexican food and micro brews that I missed out on for the last 2 years. Oh that, and moving into a house and trying to get a business going.

First the trip home: Had to abandon my original flight due to high heat and the complications that causes when flying with a dog...and ended up having to try and fly early early morning standby in order to get to PDX before the temperatures rose. Huge thanks to my parents for delivering Oskar and I to the airport at a ridiculous hour. Got lucky and the gamble worked - otherwise, we could have been stuck in Charlotte for a week, judging from the weather report.

Because of the flight shenanigans, I called John & Julie, who generously offered to pick Oskar & me up, and canceled - because I had no way to predict if and when an arrival would occur. I did call from Chicago to let them know all had worked out, but that I was going to find my own way since I was arriving now in the middle of a workday. No flight info was exchanged.

Upon arrival in Portland, I was just cruising along toward the baggage area, thinking that I was on my own, when I encountered a welcoming party of 8 or so people! Totally unexpected. I was completely floored, in fact. Couldn't believe it, or for that matter form a sentence. It couldn't have made me feel any better about my decision to return. Thanks y'all, you are the main reason Oregon is my home; friends just don't come any better. Oskar arrived safely too, and got the greeting of his life also, and an Oregon duck chewtoy as well.

I've been here now for three weeks, and they have been a crazy blur. Sorry for taking so long to confirm my arrival, but there has been just so much to do. And of course, wanting to see everybody and everything again too. I am still trying to see a good friends for the first time upon return even now, weeks after arrival! How busy we all have become. If I haven't tracked you down yet, please know that it's not for a lack of want.

The business is now alive, if not quite airborne. I had my first real client interview yesterday for a house remodel project that involves... moving one wall. I don't even think I'll get the project. She was shopping around for architects, and I'm fairly sure my portfolio full of large commercial projects didn't really seem applicable to the job at hand, in her mind.

The same day that I was begging this lady for her humble job, Ernest sent me this article about designing an entire city from scratch. Talk about a design practice on the complete opposite end of the spectrum!

Meanwhile I am assisting my good friend Calvert with her house remodel project - not because she needs help (she's an Architect), but because she's generous and pretends I can help.
I've also been hired for a bit of work by my friends the generous and talented Keyan and Alexia of eM|Zed Design, who are so awesome that they are currently overwhelmed in work. Thanks also to all of my other friends who are generously assisting me in many many ways - advice, referrals, encouragement, etc.

Additionally, I just spoke to my old Portland employer, and they are going to hire me freelance for 20 hrs a week for a few months, so at least I know I can pay the rent now for a bit.

Actually, my first official job is probably one that has been kicking around for some time now: a house for Steve and Kate in Baja, Mexico. After a couple years of dreaming about it, the project is finally starting to shape up! It's still at least 6 months away, but I am so looking forward to it.

The business now has a name...Lyons Hunter Williams : Architecture.
We now have a domain (thats a royal "we", there's really just me...shhh), a (crude) website, email addresses (even for nonexistent people like our "accounts" department), a phone line, a yellow pages listing, multiple licenses, an accountant, a lawyer, business cards being printed, and the start of a reference library.

I also have a new car. It was a hard slog on Craigslist to find a decent car, and then manage to get there ahead of the pack. Huge thanks to Francis for letting me borrow his truck while I was wheel-less. The new car is perfect though - a fun-to-drive VW golf, complete with bike/surf racks included.

I've made it back into the Oregon surf, and crikey that's some cold water. Even the air felt cold to me - while changing in the parking lot I'm wearing about 5 layers and a hat; everyone else is barefoot, in shorts, and no shirts. I guess I have some re-acclimating to do.

Had a great Portland experience this evening: went to watch a Roller Derby match. Yep, just like you remember from the seventies. Better yet, I know someone on one of the teams! I'm not sure she wants the world to know her secret identity, so I'll just give her roller-name: D. Konstructor. The savvy will get a clue to her profession from the name. She turned out to be the star of the night, coming from behind and scoring the winning points in the final minutes. I had a blast, and I practically screamed myself hoarse. Silly, campy fun, and actually quite intense sport. Pure Portland in spirit.

So now that I'm back Stateside, I just can't imagine feeling too inspired to blog much anymore - I'll be putting most of my energy into just trying to earn enough to eat, and somehow I don't expect that what I'll be doing will be all that unusual or gripping. Most of you live in Portland with me anyway! So thanks for reading along, all half a dozen of you, but don't expect much more at this address.

And to close, an explanation of the horse pictures above. Throughout Portland you will see those metal rings set into curbs - the story being that they are left over from the days of horse drawn carriages, and were to provide a place to tie one's mount. In typical Portland fashion, someone has taken it upon themselves to tie up little plastic horses to these rings, all over the city. These two are right near my house. Man I love Portland.

Cheers Everyone!

Southern Living

2007-05-28T10:35:00.000+10:00

As my visit to Black Mountain, North Carolina (the belt buckle of the bible belt) draws to an end, here are a few random observations.

The weather has been beautiful. Warm and sunny, with plants blooming and lots of meals on the deck. Weather like this makes you want to live here.
This country here in the hills is beautiful and scenic. Mountains, rivers, lakes.

hummingbirds on the backporch

People here are generally friendly and open. Nice vibe where people ask and actually want to know how you are doing. They ask in a thick drawling accent without much regard for grammar, but that's aiight.

nearby Jonesborough, Tennesee

Motorcycles have enjoyed a renaissance here to the point of taking over. Harleys in particular. Bikers everywhere. Swannanoa - a tiny country town near Black Mountain - has a Harley Davidson store that is the size of a Wall Mart. There is also no helmet law here; I guess this is Darwin's way of thinning the Redneck population.
Monster Trucks are as popular as ever.

The "Pork Chop"

One local business advertises: 100% USA Hillbilly Owned
The Wall Mart is always packed. The parking lot is full every time I have passed, morning or evening.
The food here is seriously rich. No healthy options. Huge portions, cooked in grease, covered in sauce. Even the few veggies on offer.
The average person's size is proportional to the uber-caloric nature of the food.
Went on a jetboat ride with my family. We did 360's in the lake. Yee Haw, coo coo coo.

Goin' native.

Visited great old college friend Mike Knoblauch and wife Barbara Jane and family in Atlanta for a very nice weekend. Mike has his pilot's license and took me up for a cruise around in the Cessna.

Pilot Mike

Lake Lanier from above.

Also in Atlanta, I also got to see other great old college friends! David Fowler and his wife Amanda hosted a very nice BBQ at their lovely David-designed home. Anne (Blakely) Sciarrone and her husband Chris were there, as well as Mike and BJ, and a wild roaming pack of child-like creatures. Brigitte Birk made an appearance by phone from Montana, and was sorely missed.

(l to r) David, Chris, Anne, BJ, me, Mike

Great to see my family again! It has been wonderful. Thanks for everything.

Sweep the Kitchen

2007-05-26T09:55:00.000+10:00

A great list of Diner Slang.
Use it as much as possible.

And send over an order of cackle fruit, and burn the british.

Darth Koolhaas

2007-05-23T13:27:00.000+10:00

Look what Rem ~~and Stimpy~~ Koolhaas has designed for the United Arab Emirates.
Does this look familiar to anyone?
Somebody warn Yoda.

(via Wired)

When you care to send...something

2007-05-19T12:38:00.000+10:00

Having trouble finding a card to address the unique situations in your life?
Try Someecards.

Horses on the Hooch

2007-05-17T02:55:00.000+10:00

Take advice from Latawnya the horse: just say neigh

Gotta love the illustrations of drinkin' and druggin' horsies.
I'm guessing their flavor of choice is Colt 45.

You can read the whole book here: Link

(Something Awful via Boing Boing)

Living Large

2007-05-16T01:07:00.000+10:00

World Fatness Chart

(Wellington Grey via Neatorama)

Back in the USA

2007-05-11T04:17:00.000+10:00

Quick update -
Flew in to Los Angeles and spent a great week with Steve Jacobi and Kate Turning.
Steve and I escaped across the border into Mexico for a few days a got in a little bit of surfing and a good bit of dust storm.
Got pulled over and searched by a lesbian Federale in Tijuana and released without any bribery involved!
Flew to South Carolina, where I am now, to visit my parents.
Caught up with Ward Reynolds last night.
Drive to North Carolina tomorrow to my parent's Mountain House for the rest of May.
Will be flying to Portland finally on May 30.
Ciao fer now,
H

Intercontinental Oskar

2007-05-11T04:01:00.000+10:00

Oskar in Oz

Oskar in Mexico

Oskar East Coast

Oskar West Coast

There are black and white hairs in all these places now...

Over Down Under

2007-05-02T12:17:00.000+10:00

I'm sitting at the gate waiting to board my flight out of Australia.
It's been a good two years - Australia is a beautiful and unique place blessed with great weather, stunning coastlines, and a good attitude. I'll miss this place, and many people.

However I am very excited to be returning to the U.S.. It has been hard being away from friends and family, and it won't be long before I'll be driving you all nuts in person again. Plus, two summers in a row isn't a bad thing either. Mmmm...Portland summer BBQ's with, gasp, decent beer! Almost as good as Mom's cooking.

Oskar was picked up by the Pet Carriers yesterday, and I'll be seeing him today in Los Angeles. His Iams food went with him, so he will have had better inflight food than I am expecting. Luckily, no quarantine awaits for him - he's had enough jail time and swears he's on the straight and narrow now.

Ciao fer now - see you soon stateside.

A rogue by any other name...

2007-05-02T11:54:00.000+10:00

Upon reestablishing myself in Portland, I plan to attempt the practice of architecture under my own shingle.
Exactly what will be printed on that shingle is still up in the air, however, so along with the standard "Hunter Williams, Architect" I will be actively considering something with more pizazz. So...feel free to chime in with your suggestions, serious or not, in the Comments link below or email.

Merit Badges for the Scientifically Inclined

2007-04-30T21:11:00.000+10:00

There are some pretty nice merit badges on offer by the
"Order of the Science Scouts of Exemplary Repute and Above Average Physique".

For example the five pictured here are (l to r):

The "Dodger of Monkey Poo" badge
The "World's Foremost Expert on an Obscure Subject" badge
The "Will Gladly Kick a Sexual Harasser's Ass" badge
The "Rejected by The New Yorker" badge
The "Works with Very Large and Potentially Dangerous Organisms" badge.

And plenty more.
If only my scouting troupe had worked to "Increase the N".

This Old House Hackjob

2007-04-30T17:13:00.000+10:00

I've been having fun scrolling through 4 galleries of pictures titled "Home Inspection Nighmares" on the TOH website. Heh.

This Week in the Bush Administration (sex files)

2007-04-30T08:52:00.000+10:00

- Deputy Secretary of State Randall L. Tobias, a senior official, was responsible for such programs as AIDS relief "in which he promoted abstinence and a policy requiring grant recipients to swear they oppose prostitution." He has just resigned after admitting that he has hired prostitutes. (washington post) Ah, the familiar stench of the hypocrisy of the people swinging a moral sledgehammer.

- on a similar subject, Bush's $176 million dollar program to promote teen abstinence in lieu of safe sex education has bonked in the face of the published results of his program: teens who pledge abstinence were equally as involved in sexual activity as those that hadn't. (CNN) Big surprise there...duh. Too bad no one taught those kids how to prevent disease and pregnancy instead.

DSIRE

2007-04-23T16:38:00.000+10:00

Useful website:
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)

A "a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency".

Exploring the NSW North Coast.

2007-04-20T15:41:00.000+10:00

(Big Prawns)

There is no shortage of stunning coastline and good surfing in Australia, but the north coast of New South Wales is particularly blessed. Surf magazines and surf movies have made the names of these places and their waves familiar to surfers the world ‘round. Surfing these breaks over these last couple of weeks has been something like the fulfillment of a high school fantasy for me.

I traveled these shores once before almost 16 years ago as a part of a much larger trip – but I had no surfboard and no money, and could only achingly watch the waves from the shore. I still clearly remember a day at Angourie with big perfect peeling lines, the legendary Nat Young out surfing (and screaming at people), and the refusal of everyone to loan me their board for ‘just a few minutes’. There was no way I could allow myself to leave the country this time without paddling out at a few of these classic locations.

I’m not sure how these two years managed to pass before I made it up the coast to these places. Timing is everything – you can’t go during the summer (no waves), you can’t go during standard holidays (insane crowds - everyone else goes too), and planning special time off of work might not coincide with a swell. But the timing was right this trip, and except for the Easter holiday weekend, there were no serious crowds and as luck would have it there were actually very good waves.

I’ll save the long-winded detailed descriptions of each break for discussions over beers with friends who surf and might actually care. But here are a few of the highlights.

Boomerang Beach: Not a “classic break”, but a good right pointbreak none the less. The surf was overhead and pretty good, though a bit chaotic. What distinguished this place was the experience of staying at a house rented for the Easter Weekend by my ex-coworker Marc and his friends: huge place with a pool and a spa located on the point directly above the surf break. One night of luxury before weeks of tent sitting. One of the guys broke his board that day.

Angourie: This one was personal…after watching it from the shore many years ago, I just had to go back and surf it. A classic right point, I scored waves head high and larger – some of the sets on the third day approaching double overhead. Those larger drops felt a bit skittish on my 6’-3” board. Occasional hollow sections, but mostly big carveable walls. Mellow crowd, no hassle from the locals. Voted #8 top surf spot in Australia.

Lennox Head: Another fantastic right point break. Long sweeping rocky coastline meant even longer peeling waves. Known for handling quite large waves. I surfed it twice at a consistent head-high +. Surprisingly not too mean at that height and plenty of water below, but the entry and exit involves scrambling on barnacle-encrusted rocks; have a few new scars on my feet now. Not too crowded, but one local gave me a hard time anyway for no good reason. Voted #4 top surf spot in Australia.

Superbanks: This one is the crown jewel. The name “Superbanks” is a term given to encompass a number of formerly individual breaks (Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, and Kirra) that now generally link together to form a single, insanely long, peeling, perfect wave. A continuous dredging project from the river mouth around the point deposits sand in a mile long sweeping arc that works the waves with machine-like precision. Catch a wave here, and your ride can take you a very, very long way. While the other breaks mentioned are somewhat remote in the countryside, this one is smack dab in front of the Gold Coast highrises, so avoiding the crowds is impossible. I went at first light, last light, mid-day, mid-week, and always had aggressive crowds to contend with. Got a precious few waves, but there is always someone dropping in on you. Still…wow what waves. Hollow and fast, and the caliber of surfing I witnessed was the very highest. The waves were head-high at the jacking Snapper Rocks take-off, and barreled for much of Rainbow Bay before backing off a bit and becoming a waist-high long-board wave that peeled the rest of the beach – and this was considered poor surf. Voted #1 and #2 surf spot in Australia. Kirra, sadly, at the end of the long sandbank line is now just a shadow of its former glory as the best wave in Oz – but apparently when conditions are right can come alive again.

Back in Sydney now, selling the car and the camping schtuff. Departure looms...

Happy Easter

2007-04-07T20:35:00.000+10:00

Christchurch Art Gallery, art by Michael Parekowhai

I Pity the Foo

2007-04-07T19:22:00.000+10:00

Check this most-ultimate of all foosball tables.
It's a limited edition 'Good vs. Evil' version of the Opus table by The Eleven Forty company (through 20ltd.com).

This beautiful table is a mere $28,800. Get two!

Here's the team lineup:

Team GOOD:
Strikers: M. Poppins, God, Ghandi
Midfielders: Jekyll, Christopher Robbins, St. F. Assisi, Flash Gordon, Ma Teresa
Defenders: Sir Thomas Moore, Bobby Moore
Goal: Santa

Team EVIL:
Strikers: Vlad the Impaler, Lucifer, Caligula
Midfielders: Hyde, Pol Pot, Hitler, Idi Amin, J. the Ripper
Defenders: Rosa Klebb, Lady MacBeth
Goal: The Child Catcher

Which team are YOU?

Rock, Paper, ...Turnip?

2007-04-07T17:22:00.000+10:00

The classic way of resolving disputes - the game Rock, Paper, Scissors - has a far more complex version available.

101 hand signals to be exact.

The hand signals devised are creative, and the interface and graphics impressive.

I've been trying to play "Dynamite" for some time, but no one ever accepts it when I try to play it. So good luck with throwing a "Satan" or a "Sponge". And even better luck trying to remember what beats what.

(via kottke)

This week in the Bush Administration...

2007-04-05T22:15:00.001+10:00

You've heard about the White House aide that lied to a Grand Jury;
you've heard about the FBI's abuse of the Patriot Act;
you've heard about the firing of U.S. Deputy Attorneys that prosecuted crimes regardless of political affiliation (as one should);
and no doubt you've heard about the poor treatment of wounded Iraq War veterans.

But here's a few more that you probably didn't hear (Ruth Marcus, Washington Post):

-The President's choice for the director of federal family planning was a guy who was also the director of a group that finds contraception "demeaning to women" and refuses to distribute it. Oh, and this guy just resigned amid wrongful billing inquiries.

-The President's choice for the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, who protects consumers from dangerous practices of manufacturers, was a top official of the National Association of Manufacturers.

-The President's choice for the head of the Fish and Wildlife Service has no academic background in biology, but has been overriding the recommendations of the scientists. She has also been sharing internal documents with industry and lobby groups on the side of lesser environmental protections.

- The number 2 guy at the Interior Department is an ex-coal lobbyist named Griles. He plead guilty in the Abramoff scandal.

- "Griles's new significant other, Sue Ellen Wooldridge, who helped him fend off ethics charges when they both worked at Interior, resigned as head of the Justice Department's environmental section. Wooldridge and Griles bought a $1 million beach house with the top lobbyist for the oil company ConocoPhillips; then Wooldridge -- supposedly with the blessing of ethics officials -- signed off on a move to ease up on anti-pollution requirements imposed on ConocoPhillips as part of a settlement."

- "Lurita Doan, a GOP mega-donor turned head of the General Services Administration, ...asked GSA employees how they could "help 'our candidates' in the next elections.""

Ruth's closing is also nice:

It's wrong to paint with too broad a brush here: Most administration officials are decent, honest and hardworking; the Clinton administration, like others before it, had its share of scoundrels and hacks. But there is something in the "loyal Bushies" mind-set of this administration and its fundamental scorn for government that contributes to this arrogant misbehavior.
If your faith is more in the operations of the private sector than in the capacity of government, if you have scant commitment to the laws you are pledged to enforce, if you see government less as a trust to be administered than a force to be used for the benefit of political and ideological allies, then this kind of behavior is the inevitable result.
In short, if you identify so completely with the foxes, it's no wonder that you end up with a henhouse that is so thoroughly, tragically trashed.

(link)

LATE EDIT - And then there's this, which I just ran across:

- Wolfowitz, the Bushie chickenhawk who was the "architect" of the Iraq War, who was then given the favoritism prize position of Head of the World Bank despite no prior banking experience, is up to no good again. He had a romance with an employee, which is against the rules. To resolve this breach of rules, he got her set up in a new job at the State Department where her salary was mysteriously inflated beyond all precedent to make her the SINGLE HIGHEST PAID STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL. Yes, his girlfriend makes more money than Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
(Murray Waas, Huff Post)

LATER EDIT - and this:

- Karl Rove uses a private email system for "about 95%" of his emailing, thus bypassing the White House mail servers which record everything, as required by law by the Presidential Records Act. Now why would someone who is operating within the law and for the good of the country need to keep his dealings off the record?
(Kathy Gill, About.com)

McDonough Video

2007-04-04T20:12:00.001+10:00

Here is an inspirational talk from architect and eco-designer William McDonough that is well worth the 45 minute listen. Reminds me of another slide show that has gotten much attention lately - but this one is more about solutions.
This talk is from 2000, but still current if not more so.

(via treehugger)

BoKlok - the Ikea House

2007-04-04T11:02:00.000+10:00

No. way.
Ikea now offers houses. I give up.

Can't wait to see someone try to assemble these things with that funny little tool and a tome of pictograms.

Uh Oh...

2007-04-01T12:11:00.000+10:00

More details to follow, but real quickly:
I am having entry visa problems with the U.S., which may prevent my return to the States as planned.
Apparently, DHS was made aware of some anti-Bush/Iraq war content on my blog, and it seems I am no longer welcome. How Orwellian is that?

I have a hearing in 2 hours - more later.

prilay oolsfay

Doesn't Measure Up

2007-04-01T09:58:00.000+10:00

Note to the United States of America: get off your backwards butts and switch to the metric system.

Do you know who else still uses the Imperial System? Nobody. Just you...and a few third world Caribbean islands. Not even the bloody Brits who invented the ponderous system use it anymore. None of their other ex-colonies either. Except you.

I acknowledge proudly that the U.S.A. is at the leading edge of many, many things. Thus it is especially surprising when one observes such a reluctance to do things that just make better sense.

Aren't you sick of having two sets of tools for everything? Sick of adding sixteenths to sixty-fourths? Really, what's easier - adding by tens, or adding by twelves with fractions?

Ok, I know change is scary. I was a bit worried when I moved and had to start working in the metric system. My whole career up to that point was all about Imperial measurements; it was what I knew. I was even a bit proud of how many arcane measurements I was able to recall. How was I going to re-learn all those little unintuitive bits of knowledge that I needed to do my job like "a 2 x 4 is really 1-5/8" by 3-5/8"?

After one day on the job, I was no longer nervous.
"Oh a metric equivalent 2 x 4 in metric is a 50 by 100? I can remember that. But how big is it really? Oh, its really 50 by 100."
See, not hard. In fact its much easier. Stack a few and you can add it immediately in your head. Stack a few 3-5/8" and unless you're Rain Man you are going to be reaching for some paper.

So of course the argument is going to be "...but the Industry! Their machines are all set up in Imperial. It will cost a fortune to change them all over!"

To this I say: so what? Do what everybody else did - keep using them, but just call 'em by the metric measurements. So what if certain mills produce lumber studs at 44 by 92 for a few years? Its still easier to add up. And when the equipment needs replacing - replace it with metric. Plus it will help with international trade; you can buy and sell goods and supplies without trouble. Half the stuff in the U.S. has both Imperial and Metric screws anyway, might as well simplify.

They promised me when I was in grade school in the seventies that the metric system was coming. Well, it did come, and it made sense, and the world got on board. Except, of course, for the United States of America.

Other examples where the U.S. is backwater:
- Cell phone standards: U.S.A = CDMA; Rest of the World= GSM (superior technology)
- DVD standards: U.S.A. = NTSC; Rest of the World = PAL (superior technology)
- Shipping Channel Markings: U.S.A. = red means right; Rest of World = the opposite (oops... *crash*)

Build Safe

2007-03-31T13:51:00.000+10:00

I think DCP's title adequately sums up the contents of this video: "Dumbass Construction"

Future Perfect

2007-03-30T15:34:00.000+10:00

I am officially unemployed.

Today was my last day at work.
Now begins the slow, and not-so-slow, drain of my financial reserves and mental stability until I can figure out how I can support myself in the future.

But, in true coastal fashion, I will go surfing first and worry about that later.

Here’s what’s coming up in the near future for me:

Tomorrow: Moving Sale Extravaganza!
You too can take over my life…my apartment is available, my boss is hiring, and you can have just about everything I own here…get your own dog.

Then Oskar and I drive up the coast for a last bit of camping and surfing. Kirra, Angourie, D-Bah, Snapper Rocks…gotta check them all out before leaving.

Oskar and I then fly out of here on May 2, arrive in LA, and spend a couple days with my good friends Steve & Kate.

After that short breather, it’s back in the flying tube for Oskar and me for a nice long visit with my beloved family. It’s been too long! Can’t wait to see you all again.

Finally: Back in Portland in time to reclaim my house from the tenants on June 1.
At this time I will be launching my own architectural practice…um, got any work?

An Oskar Art Moment

2007-03-27T21:50:00.000+10:00

Oskar the Giant has a Posse.

Maher to Think About

2007-03-25T23:06:00.000+10:00

From Bill Maher:

New Rule
Liberals must stop saying President Bush hasn't asked Americans to sacrifice for the war on terror:

On the contrary, he's asked us to sacrifice something enormous: our civil rights.

Now, when I heard George Bush was reading my emails, I probably had the same reaction you did: George Bush can read?! Yes, he can. And this administration has read your phone records, credit card statements, mail, Internet logs. I can't tell if they're fighting a war on terror or producing the next season of "Cheaters." I mail myself a copy of the Constitution every morning just on the hope they'll open it and see what it says.

So when it comes to sacrifice, don't kid yourself. You have given up a lot. You've given up faith in your government's honesty, the goodwill of people overseas, and six-tenths of the Bill of Rights.

Here's what you've sacrificed: search and seizure, warrants, self-incrimination, trial by jury, cruel and unusual punishment. Here's what you have left: handguns, religion, and they can't make you quarter a British soldier. If Prince Harry invades the Inland Empire, he has to bring a tent.

...after 9/11, President Bush told us Osama bin Laden could run but he couldn't hide. But, then he ran and hid. So, Bush went to Plan B: pissing on the Constitution and torturing random people.

Conservatives always say the great thing Reagan did was make us feel good about America again. Well, do you feel good about America now? I'll give you my answer, and to get it out of me, you don't even have to hold my head underwater and have a snarling guard dog rip my nuts off. No, I don't feel very good about that.

They say evil happens when good men do nothing. Well, the Democrats prove it also happens when mediocre people do nothing.

(via WWdN via Daily Kos)

Too many NZ photos

2007-03-25T08:01:00.000+10:00

Bunches of New Zealand photos for my fellow travelers and anyone else who has an interest:

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=9QbN3Lhm1ZA4

Farewell Oz... G'day USA

2007-03-21T18:23:00.000+11:00

Monday I gave my notice at work, and informed my Landlord of my intent to move out.
Yes, after two years on these bronzed aussie shores, I am returning stateside.

I expect to be back in my house in Portland, OR by beginning of June.

First, though, a couple weeks in the car with the dog to see a bit more of Australia before departing, and then some time on the U.S. east coast to see my wonderful family.

Hope to see many of you again soon.

New Zealand Trip Photos

2007-03-20T20:30:00.000+11:00

The trip to New Zealand's south island was fantastic. Five people in a minivan for six days, and everyone still likes each other! How awesome is that? I believe we achieved the magic combination of excellent people, stunning scenery, mostly good music, and plentiful stubbies. I'll let a few photos tell stories:

A nice hike to the glaciers on Mt. Cook.

The mind blowing road to Milford Sound. Someone looked at this wall of stone and thought..."lets put a road in that". Look closely and try to establish a scale reference.

Milford ~~Sound~~ Fjord (the captain told us the truth). Pictures just don't even come close to the experience. Especially the part where the captain pulls the boat under a raging waterfall of ice water, soaking you, and you still don't mind somehow. Ok, maybe you begin to mind an hour into to the drive out with wet jeans...

The morning's snow had a few thousand waterfalls working for our viewing pleasure.

The front of the boat, prior to the deluge.

These guys say: jump in, the water is fine. We tasted it - it is fine.

Aren't motels a drag?

Queenstown. The scenery makes you forget to notice the tour buses.

So do the Sassy stubbies.

Crazy hoons about to hurtle themselves down something.

The Beatles "Paul is Dead" photo. Francis is Paul. I'll let you choose which Beatle is represented by Lisa, Jason, and Jen.

Lisa rides for Rohan.

Jason and Jen fording the Great River on the way to Helms Deep.

Lady Elliot Island

2007-03-11T13:42:00.000+11:00

Real quick post before we head to the airport for the flight to New Zealand:

Francis, Lisa, Jason & Jen are all here from Portland, and we just spent a wonderful few days on a little dot in the ocean off the coast of Queensland, on the Great Barrier Reef.

It was all about the snorkeling and the relaxing. Oh, and the birds...90,000 of them according to the island staff. I think the count was a bit low, personally.

Really good sea life of all sorts, including up-close and personal with a couple sharks. Harmless, they tell us, but the blood still quickens. Did my first wreck dive, complete with plastic skeleton lurking in the cabin. Nesting turtles are common on the island, including one that picked a spot right in front of our room. Hatchling turtles making the scamper down the beach for the sea are just too adorable. They tell us that 1 out of 1000 make it to adulthood, but then can live for 300 years if they don't end up in a soup pot.

This lil' guy wouldn't make much soup.

More in a week...

PDX in Sydney

2007-03-01T15:16:00.000+11:00

Jason, Jen, & Francis have arrived in Sydney!

Unfortunately, their luggage did not.

A couple days in Sydney already, they left today for Ayers Rock. Hopefully their baggage will catch up with them there, per Qantas' promises.
They look pretty fetching in their hastily purchased budget surfwear though, so what's a few more days?

One other thing though:
Beware of the Purple Wiggle.
That is all.

In Russia, subway rides YOU!

2007-03-01T15:00:00.000+11:00

Now that's some subway station detailing! I'll have to start specifying more chandeliers in my work.

Picture is from an article titled "11 Top Underground Transit Systems in the World" (Virgin Vacations, via Fark). This baroque extravaganza in Moscow is only #3 on the list, though they appear to be judging with criteria other than just sheer weight of decorative plaster.

~~Surprisingly~~ NOT surprisingly, Sydney's trains don't make the list.

안녕히 가세요! Kim-Wrong-il

2007-02-23T21:46:00.000+11:00

Goodbye Kim-Wrong-il. Really good getting to know you these last 5 months...wait- I don't know you, actually.

I've been living with a flatmate for the last 5 months, with which I have had about 10 sentences worth of dialogue. He just moved out tonight. Obviously, his name is not really Kim-Wrong-il, but names have been changed to protect the ~~weird~~ innocent.

Backing up 5 months, I had a spare bedroom to fill. The first week of advertisement brought a suitable candidate. Great, this will be easy, I thought. This person expressed an interest, I pulled my ad, an then they backed out. The second week was a poor batch. The third week had a promising candidate, but since my place was the first they'd seen, they couldn't commit. (They did call back weeks later...)

Pretty much the entire time I was getting gaggles of backpackers who were looking for short term accommodation for multiple people, despite the fact that my ad clearly stated 6-month minimum, one person only. The three Brazilian girls were tempting flatmates, but common sense bathroom math put a stop to that fantasy.

Rent on this place runs pretty high, so each week was costing me a good bit. After 3 weeks of party-packers turning up, Kim-Wrong-il (KWi) was a relief. He was an extremely nice visiting student from Korea who was studying Hotel Management. He didn't speak English very well at all, but you could tell he was a Nice Guy. He called 10 minutes after his visit and expressed a definitive interest. No suitable candidates arrived in the next few days, so I gave it to KWi.

It immediately became apparent that he doesn't speak English well at all. How he manages in Australian school I'll never know. Maybe if I spoke more Aussie he'd do better with me? But what made conversation so hard was his extreme shyness. Every bit of body language indicated that he wanted to get away from a conversation AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. And indeed, when you broke off conversation, he would almost literally run away. He would get very frustrated at trying to find an English word he was searching for, and would start smacking himself in the head pretty vigorously and stammering. This had the effect of making me want to cut the conversation short out of concern for his well being.

All this time, and in fact all 5 months, he almost never came out of his room. I tried to coax him out by indicating over and over that he could use the living room and television any time. No luck. I offered him food when I was cooking meals - always declined and fled the scene. I offered him a beer, and he accepted after a long pause looking scared to death (you could just see the calculations taking place in his head...is it rude to decline? is it rude to accept? is this a cultural thing? do I decline once and accept the second - or is it third - time that it is offered?). He accepted the beer, bowed a very deep thank you, turned on his heel and went into his room shutting the door.

After about a week, when he had figured out my general schedule, I ceased to even see him. He timed his trips to the bathroom and his comings and goings to avoid any contact whatsoever with me. If we did actually see each other, a "good morning/evening" and a bow was all I ever got.

He didn't cook at all, so there was no meeting in the kitchen. Eventually I noticed that he bought a full gross of ramen noodles, but I never saw him cooking - I would only get the whiff-o'ramen lingering in the kitchen as I made breakfast.

He kept extremely odd hours. I would get home after work, and his light would be out. Gone, I'd assume. Then, around midnight as I went to bed, I'd see that his light was now on...he'd been in there in the dark the whole time, and was now getting up. Some weekends I'd wake up late, make breakfast, read the paper, etc. all with no sign that he is home. Clean the house, run the vacuum, read a bit (obviously there's no surf), and then suddenly at two o'clock, his light comes on, and the first sounds of movement. Crap, thought he was gone. Sorry bout the vacuum bro, but I thought noon was a safe bet.

I considered that KWi might have a secret exciting life elsewhere, but he was ALWAYS home. Didn't leave.

I pay for internet access, and when he moved in I offered to let him use it for free. On occasion I'd get up in the middle of the night to stagger to the toilet, and would find him there in the living room at 4:30am on the computer, looking up at me like I just caught him eating my cookies. He would immediately unplug his laptop and run for his room. I'd say "please, internet ok, please use" but he would be in his room again.

He came to me once when his light bulb burned out. I considered telling him to go buy his own dang light bulb, but I had a few so I got one for him. I handed it to him, and he held it gingerly with a panicked look. After some of his stammering I deduced that he didn't know what to do with it. There's just gotta be a lightbulb joke that fits this scene...

So basically I've been living alone, but with free rent money and ramen air freshener. Not such a bad thing, as far as things go. I'd have preferred a friend, but this was far better than a jerk or thief.

Well its over now. He told me Wednesday by text message that he was leaving on Friday. I just returned his deposit - well most of it...minus the broken lamp (trying out his new bulb skills?) and that's that.

Alone for real this time - I wonder if I'll notice the difference?

Public Service Announcement

2007-02-23T18:12:00.000+11:00

Thought you all should know.
(thanks Jege!)

Couple 'a Queens

2007-02-20T22:13:00.000+11:00

Not since Priscilla Q.O.T.D. has a couple of queens created such a stir in Sydney.

Today the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise ships arrived in port on the same day, and Sydney went mental. People lined the Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, and the shore in all directions, rows deep. The ferry to Manly was packed with all kinds of extra people who rode it just to get out into the harbour and see the boats. People on the ferry swarmed to the windows and decks, first to one side, then the other, literally climbing over each other - and me.

The fire boat paraded around shooting plumes of water. Fireworks exploded in the sky. And the boats...there was watercraft everywhere. I think I could have skipped to shore from deck to deck. The ferry, which has traffic priority in the harbour, was stopped dead in the water for a good 15 mins because there were too many boats to move.

Cruise ships dock at Circular Quay on a regular basis - I hardly notice them on my way to work anymore. And why was Sydney so ga-ga? Your guess is as good as mine. I guess that ex-colonials have a weak spot for royalty.

Map of the Critters

2007-02-20T17:05:00.000+11:00

Prior to practicing Architecture in Australia, I've never had to check a "Little Penguin and Bandicoot Map"for planning purposes.

Now I have.

This Protest Intentionally Blank

2007-02-18T19:55:00.000+11:00

So much to protest, sometimes its hard to choose.

(NodeBerlin via VVORK)

A Challenging Retirement

2007-02-14T13:53:00.000+11:00

Here's a new concept in Retirement Homes:
Make them "anything but comfortable and calming".

Leave it to wacky Japan.
The concept is to continually challenge and stimulate the mind and body, to help prevent decline.

To that end, this building has:
- bright colors and odd shapes (like a kids toy)
- erratically sloped and or concave floors (can you say 'broken hips'?)
- electric switches in odd places to make the user search for them (so you have to think about it)
- no closets (to present a "challenge")
- a door to the veranda that is so small that one has to crawl to get through it.

Perhaps even stranger than the design concept is the reality that these are actually selling - for twice as much as a normal apartment in that area.

(via Sushi & Sensibility)

Etcetera

2007-02-13T22:57:00.000+11:00

Video where the 3 guys from the British car program Top Gear paint slogans on each other's cars and attempt to drive through Alabama without getting beat down.
Slogans include:
"Hillary For President"
"Nascar Sucks"
"Man Love Rules"
(Good-ole-boy-Linkage)

Remember Reverend Ted Haggard?

This guy has crusaded against gay people for years-- including while he was going down on a hooker named Mike. He had President Bush's little pink ear while his community equated homosexuals with murderers and thieves. He told his wife he was going on spiritual writing retreats while he was getting laid in Boys Town, dreaming about twinkie-orgies and scoring meth. His sex worker couldn't take it anymore when the Good Reverend started campaigning against gay marriage for the Colorado state ballot, and came forward to spill the beans. (Susie Bright - Huff Post)

Well he has recently taken a 3 week "homosexuality cure" and is now, by his claim, perfectly straight.
Believe it? Great.
And for those skeptical, here is the Ted Haggard Betting Pool.

Bush on Health Care Reform - follow the logic in this:
In order to provide health care to uninsured very low income people - yes, people poor enough to fall below the threshold so that they don't pay taxes - he proposes...giving them a tax cut!
Well you gotta cut him slack, its the first he's thought about a domestic agenda.
(Healthy Link Insurance)

Bunny Trifecta, le tiers

2007-02-07T15:19:00.000+11:00

Bunny Beuys: (thanks Forest!)

Stop Them! (thanks Jason!)

The Fearsome Skvader

Australia Day in Perth

2007-02-07T13:04:00.000+11:00

A friend sent me this picture, and I was instantly skeptical. It's just too good to be true. That's apparently a comet there in the middle between the fireworks and the lightning...

However, I looked around online a bit and found it published on the NASA "Astronomy Picture of the Day" website. (But then again, they faked the moon landing, right?)

Hmmm...can't help it. I'm still skeptical. But its an awesome picture, even if fake.

Click here for full size. (j kemppainen photography)

Tactoo You

2007-02-07T10:08:00.000+11:00

I don't tend to wear rings much, but after seeing some of these exquisite titanium numbers, I may have to start.
Rings by Tactoo

(via Core77)

Forget the Colonel's, Go with The General

2007-02-06T22:00:00.000+11:00

General Tso's Chicken.
The NYT has the story, and the recipe, for this most delicious of earthly delights.

Something for our military men and women to strive for.
(via digg)

Load Bank

2007-02-06T13:41:00.000+11:00

Ever find yourself involved in something that turns your stomach?

Here’s one of mine - the very short version of a long saga:

Project I worked on is way out in the country (two buildings).
The power company tells us initially that plenty of power available from nearby substation, but midway through construction decides that there is not enough capacity in their lines to support the buildings.

[Insert disparaging remarks about power company here.]

Big hubbub, spare you the details, but basically no power available for the buildings for many months after completion date of building.
Owner's solution after consultation with engineering professionals: install a very large diesel generator - 200kVa.

Generator uses 45 litres per hour of fuel; approximately $7000 a week's worth of fuel.
Generator must run all day and night to support minimal but important electric load: locks, freezers, fire and security system, etc.
Generator only needs to idle to supply the night time power, BUT must be kept running at a minimum of 30% capacity or it will void warranty and eventually fail.

So at night we are supposed to just leave everything on and running in two empty buildings.

But we responsibly designed environmentally-minded systems to monitor and shut down the buildings to prevent waste.

So the solution is to install a "load bank" – a piece of equipment whose sole purpose is to consume electricity.
It just burns fuel to blow useless hot air into the sky, all night long.

And it was my job to make this happen.
I’m so sorry, Planet.
Ooof.

Moon or Reef?

2007-02-05T10:08:00.000+11:00

Very cool photograph of Saturn's moon Hyperion. From NASA (via Warren Ellis)

Reminds me of coral formations I've seen.
It fascinates me to no end when the micro and the macro seem to be following similar rules.

Lately

2007-02-03T16:12:00.000+11:00

Cool and crazy Soviet bus stops. Cyrillic Link (via SprayGlue)

Boston freaks out over glowing cartoon figures. Arrests 2 people and presses charges. Meanwhile, two pipe bombs (non-functional) are found attached to bridges - perpetrator identified but NOT arrested. Huh? Boing Boing has it all in lurid detail, including the press conference about 70's hair styles. L(ink)EDs: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Conservative pundit O'Reilly is not so conservative in the bedroom, or when it comes to harassing female subordinates. O'Linkage

Teacher preaching in classroom is recorded by student. School board responds by...banning recording devices. Linky

This week in Bush Ridiculousness: White House forbids Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte to use the phrase "global warming". Becomes a game on Capitol Hill to get him to say it.
Globally-Warm Link

And similarly: "Scientists and economists have been offered $10,000 each by a lobby group funded by one of the world's largest oil companies to undermine a major climate change report due to be published today. Letters sent by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), an ExxonMobil-funded thinktank with close links to the Bush administration, offered the payments for articles that emphasize the shortcomings of a report from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)." From The Guardian

A Song of Ice and Fire

2007-02-03T11:37:00.000+11:00

I like castles. That is all.

Lots more in HDR photography surrealness here.
Lots of writing with castles in A Song of Ice and Fire.

VW Phaeton Factory

2007-02-03T10:35:00.000+11:00

Who knew a factory could be such a nice place?
Heck, I can't even keep my house this clean and I'm not doing any manufacturing.

This is the Dresden, Germany, factory for Volkswagen's Phaeton top-of-the-line automobiles.

Awesome rotating car lift.

Lots of light and space on the manufacturing line.

Check the maple floor. The maple floor that moves, rotates, and lifts, that is. I'd sure hate to be the guy who spills the bucket of grease.
Note the factory workers wearing WHITE.

Glass boxes in the landscape. This factory is apparently near the center of Dresden, and on a light rail line for commuters. Is this what Detroit looks like too?

More great photos and descriptions and info at VWvortex.

Very very impressive. The logistics of putting these buildings and custom machinery together is simply mindblowing. A simple auditorium is almost enough to send me over the edge...this is nuts.

I'm keeping these photos to show to Contractors who tell me something "can't be done". (...in response to those totally unrealistic requests like "please make the corner straight")

Trailer -Treasure

2007-01-28T22:20:00.000+11:00

The trailer, or "caravan" is a popular way of getting out and about in Australia. In fact, this country seems ideally suited to them - pull up on a piece of coast and park it for awhile. While pitching a tent is easy enough and perfectly adequate, I can't help but drool over particularly sweet bits of trailage.

Basecamp (airstream)

It's the little ones that appeal the most to me. Towing a trailer is reason enough not to get one - slow, ponderous, gas guzzling, limited to reasonable roads. Driving behind someone towing a behemoth is reason to hate them.

But some of the little ones don't require an SUV to move 'em, and can be quite nimble. I've seen a few Oz-engineered versions that are even jacked up with off-road tires and suspension.

Other Oz versions are custom creations of remarkable ingenuity that fold out like origami and create much larger structures plus have mounts for the BBQ and all the toys. I really should photograph some of them on my next outing.

For the time being, here are some slick looking mini campers that I wouldn't mind parking for weeks at a time beside a perfect left on the remote west coast.

Deseo
This Deseo is a bit large, but it is niiiice... all sorts of modular multi-useage practical bits and check this scan-design interior.

The Bambi CCD (airstream)
Timeless classic.
See the Basecamp above and in this link for a more aggro-kid trailer.

Teardrop (desert tears)
Compact, but functional...if you are short.

BIOD 1969 Extase (via biod.net)

A few more:
the T@B
the Squidget
the Concord
the Puck

Shaolin Black Crane Style

2007-01-28T21:46:00.000+11:00

Here's a cool Architecture Geeky fabric print from Fokus Fabrik.
This print could really give your room a lift. Start with this and build on it.

(via Spray Glue)

Robo-Builder

2007-01-28T19:45:00.000+11:00

I, for one, welcome our new robot overlords.

Inhabitat has an interesting piece on this 3 dimensional contour crafting machine, developed by Behrokh Khoshnevis at USC. It's basically a CNC machine similar to those used in milling processes, only this one extrudes material.

Apparently they plan to build a house soon with this method.

This is inspiring to see, but like most developing ideas much remains to be worked out before the final product is market ready; if ever.
I see a number of positives and negatives to comment on, some of which have been already mentioned in the reader comment section, some not.

Positives:

- Forming concrete in this way will certainly save tons of formwork material- a costly, time consuming, and environmentally wasteful practice.

- Building with concrete is durable, which may begin a trend away from “disposable” architecture that is so common.

- Concrete provides great thermal mass, which if used well, provides excellent passive climate benefits.

- Potentially very quick way to build.

- Decrease costs of building with labor savings.

- Material and method makes complex forms easy to create.

- For openings, the machine can be programmed to leave gaps in the walls, and then a steel angle lintel could be laid in place by workers as the machine returns across the top of the opening to form the wall above.

Negatives:

- Concrete placed by this machine is not reinforced, which excludes it from use just about anywhere the States. Non-reinforced masonry is common in Australia and non-seismic zones, so there is likely still an application internationally.

- Concrete as a material has a relatively high embodied energy cost (mining, processing, transportation) - unless the buildings built of solid concrete remain for a very long time, it’s eco cost is likely higher than if built with a renewable resource.

- Weight of structure may not be suitable for some locations with poor bearing capacities.

- Insulation required for most climates means that framing and wall linings are still necessary.

- Solid walls do not accommodate concealed services; either live with exposed pipes and conduit or see note above.

- Setting up a solid and accurate framework to support the machine on site so that it can build accurately will be difficult and will likely require large clearances beyond the building perimeter, and likely foundations of its own. Must be a pretty beefy framework to support not just the machinery, but the heavy wet material being placed, and must be able to handle the rapid changes in direction that the machine makes without distortion.

- Same concerns stated by others about material in lower courses compressing from weight of courses above, or an incorrect "slump" mix wreaking havoc.

- Same concerns about keeping the machine working properly during use, and the potentially huge cost of having it break when a couple dozen full concrete trucks are standing by.

- An interruption in the flow of material causes a problem.

- Concrete is more expensive (initially) than most alternative building materials. Though this may be more than offset substantially by elimination of the formwork cost and labor, putting this in the plus column.

- Arranging furniture in a curved room is difficult. Ok I’m just kidding.

Well that’s what comes to mind right off.
Regardless, I love to see people pushing the boundaries of building technology.

And I knew all along that Play-Doh was more than just a toy.

Everyone Wants to be a Duck or a Tarheel

2007-01-28T16:21:00.000+11:00

With a foothold in one of these states and family in the other, I found the following article interesting:

from re:PDX

United Van Lines released its 2006 study on migration and finds Oregon at #2 overall in the nation for inbound moves. At 64%, only North Carolina tops the Beaver State for overall ratio of inbound to outbound moves. Over 62% of moves involving Oregon were inbound.

Last year, Oregon topped the study. It was the 19th straight year for Oregon to have more entrants than exiters.

Quick! Spread more rumors of rain or something!
...but its good for property values!
I'm so conflicted.

Mmmm...pork

2007-01-26T20:09:00.000+11:00

"One eats with pleasure and without fatigue" (Caffeine Sausage?)

Appetizing, huh?

And if you think that is a scary pig, try this.

Design-isms

2007-01-26T11:16:00.000+11:00

For you Architects and Designers out there, Core77 has an amusing collection of quotes, sayings, jokes, and "isms" from the design professions. Link-tastic

A small selection:

Talking about design is like dancing about baking
(variation on a common one in Arch school)

If you try to polish a turd, all you get is shit on your hands.

Q. How many designers does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A. Why does it have to be a lightbulb?

"You're not paid to think kid, you're paid to design"

"If I give you approval, what can I still change?"

Seats for Tubby People

2007-01-24T21:44:00.000+11:00

A couple unique items for the ~~bath~~ living room:

by Flavour Design

by Reddish

These should be a hit with all the people feeling drained out there; I expect the designers are really gonna clean up.

Inspiring adaptive reuse - not that we know...um... anyone...that would have an extra bathtub in their back yard or anything.

via Treehugger

Ninja-rific Japanese Gameshow

2007-01-21T23:24:00.000+11:00

Very impressive. Makes Olympic gymnasts look like wooses on their lil' pommel horses.

Niagra's Hidden Innards

2007-01-21T23:00:00.000+11:00

Tailrace tunnels beneath Niagra Falls. A very daring bit of urban exploration by the boys at Sleepycity.

Bunny Trifecta - The Hare Raising Sequel

2007-01-21T21:37:00.000+11:00

A bunny to speak to you:

The Nabaztag wi-fi rabbit companion. This lil' bunny will read RSS feeds, emails, and other things to you. While wiggling it's ears. And blinking lights. Oh, and it does Tai Chi.

Bunnies that kick, uh, tail. Soft furry tail:

Kung Fu Bunnies! 'nuff said.

and Devil Bunny Hates the Earth:

The board game. By Cheapass Games.

Devil Bunny hates the Earth.

And so he has decided to wreak his revenge upon the Globe by manufacturing a very unsatisfying brand of saltwater taffy.

(Not to be confused with this, this, this, this, this, this, or this Devil Bunny.)

Left Behind. To Slaughter Infidels.

2007-01-21T19:37:00.000+11:00

A common criticism leveled at Muslims is that they don't do enough to speak out against the radical elements of their religion which are warping public perception against the whole religion. Fair enough.

Likewise, Christianity has some radical elements that I don't see the mainstream Christians doing much to reign in. A prime example is the Left Behind series, and the new Left Behind video game.

Based on a perception of biblical end times this game advocates, in the developer's own words, to "Conduct physical & spiritual warfare : using the power of prayer to strengthen your troops in combat and wield modern military weaponry throughout the game world." and "Command your forces through intense battles...fighting in China Town, SoHo , Uptown and more!"

Basically, the aim of the game is to "convert" (to Christianity) as many people as you can, and kill those that you can't.

Does this sort of thing sound familiar?
Does the word "jihad" ring a bell?

Some Christians are speaking out against this game, but so far surprisingly few.
From an MSNBC article:

“Part of the object is to kill or convert the opposing forces,” said the Rev. Tim Simpson of Jacksonville, Fla., who heads the Christian Alliance for Progress. “It is antithetical to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

and

"Frederick Clarkson..."The message is. ... there will be religious warfare, and you will target your fellow Americans, people from other faiths, people who you consider to be sinners.”"

Shockingly, many Christian organizations generally thought of as mainstream, have come out in support of this game. Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family gave the game a positive review (which they have now taken off the web). The game and/or books are also endorsed by Promise Keepers, Women of Faith, Concerned Women for America, and "numerous others" according to their website. I personally know people who are members of these organizations.

This is not just a fringe phenom.
The book series, on which the game is based, has printed a shocking 50 million copies, and the 10th book debuted at #1 on the New York Times best seller list. At one point in 1998, this series simultaneously occupied the top four slots on the NYT list. (source)

Also notable in the article linked above from Catholic.com entitled "False Profit - Money, Prejudice, and Bad Theology in Tim LaHaye’s Left Behind Series" is the author Tim LaHayes close affiliation with Rev. Sun Moon - the self proclaimed "new messiah" and head of the Moonies. Now that is getting WAY beyond the bounds of Christianity.

Also the fact that LaHayes was one of the founders of the Moral Majority, which lobbied for legislation against many things, including violence in video games. Ironic that he is now marketing a shoot-em-up game.

So why has the Christian church supported these people and this kind of a warped message? Or of those that have not supported directly, been reluctant to come out against it and defend against the damage it is doing to public perception of the religion?

The parallels with the situation regarding extremists the Islamic world are plain. Interestingly, I find Christians to be the ones most vocal in their criticism of the Islamic situation. Perhaps they should be checking their own eyes, if you know what I mean.

Carter vs. Apartheid

2007-01-20T10:23:00.000+11:00

Ask anyone "are you for or against Apartheid?" and the answer is almost sure to be a vehement "against". We remember clearly the injustices of South Africa and the heroes like Nelson Mandela who sacrificed everything for reform.

Yet Jimmy Carter points out that a form of Apartheid is being practiced by a major world government and supported by our own government.

Why is this tolerated/supported by the U.S. and much of the international community?

A brief article about Carter's book and the firestorm of controversy here.

Carter's book is here.

Zilla Building

2007-01-19T14:32:00.000+11:00

Great architectural suggestion from Ironic Sans

Of course Tokyo is the preferred location for this building, but I wouldn't mind seeing it on the banks of the Willamette River. Or stomping Michael Graves' Portland Building.

A Bunny Trifecta

2007-01-14T19:43:00.000+11:00

Lately the subject of bunnies has come up in some emails with friends. And once I have rabbits on the mind, I get hare brained ideas like this all-bunny post.

First, GIANT bunnies:

Apparently North Korea plans to breed these to alleviate food shortages. Says the article:
"Each of Karl's 'German Grey Monsters' weigh about 7kg and can be used to feed 8 people."
Hare-link (via Boing Boing) believe it?

Then, Footy Bunnies

Sydney has a rugby team whose mascot is the fearsome...bunny.
Their name: South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Recently bought by Russell Crowe.
I can't make this stuff up.

And Finally, Suicidal Bunnies

A whole gallery of bunnies trying to off themselves.

The Songlines

2007-01-13T23:46:00.000+11:00

The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin (also sold as just Songlines)
Beautiful and descriptive prose about Aboriginals and Australia certainly, but also about much larger themes of humanity. The overall story and the intermixed tales that populate the book are often humorous, always engaging, and illustrate ideas and conclusions culminating from Chatwin's wide travels and scholarly musings.
An Oz classic, I just recently read it and liked it so much I went immediately upon completion to get another of his books.

Francis, Jason, Jen & Lisa - might want to check it out prior to your Oz trip. Would add a rich level of meaning to your Uluru experiences.

Exxon Moves to Re-Position.

2007-01-13T23:22:00.000+11:00

After a long history of funding the dis-information campaign against scientific evidence of human effects on climate change, Exxon has moved to distance itself from the coming backlash. Treehugger reports:

"According to the Wall Street Journal, Exxon has stopped funding the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CO2: We call it life) and "five or six" other groups active in the [anti] global-warming debate, Kenneth Cohen, Exxon's vice president for public affairs, confirmed this week in an interview at Exxon's headquarters in Irving, Texas.

...he added, "we know enough now -- or, society knows enough now -- that the risk is serious and action should be taken." "

Political Jumbalaya

2007-01-13T16:16:00.000+11:00

Leeroy Jenkins = G.W. Bush
I don't play any video games at this point, and if I did, I'm not sure I would spend my time on World of Warcraft. Regardless, I was able to appreciate the humor inherent in this clip from a WoW game, which has become a widely circulated meme that is working its way into everything from Jeopardy! to South Park. But it was Wil Wheaton who connected the dots for me to see that Leeroy Jenkins and George Bush share some similarities.

Condoleeza Rice on Capitol Hill today:

"It's bad policy to speculate on what you'll do if a plan fails when you're trying to make a plan work."

Huh? Even criminals in the movies have a plan B. Is she really telling us that they are not thinking about what to do if their brilliant plan doesn't work?

Apparently so:
Pressed on why he thought this strategy would succeed where previous efforts had failed, Mr. Bush shot back:
“Because it has to.”

Rice is Foxy:
Thursday she was recorded saying:

"My Fox guys, I love every single one of them."

Not that we didn't know this, but it is nice to see it put right out there.

Bush Hearts the Environment:
From the NY Times (via Tree Hugger)

"The Bush administration yesterday withdrew a proposal to change the way federal agencies assess environmental hazards, health threats and other risks, after an expert panel declared that it was so scientifically flawed that it “could not be rescued.”"

Finally some good politics:
From CNN:

"The Senate on Friday approved a measure stripping taxpayer-funded pensions from members of Congress who are convicted of serious ethics offenses, such as bribery and conspiracy."

Now that's a bill that makes some sense. More:

"If passed by the House and signed into law by President Bush, the bill would eliminate pensions only for future members of Congress convicted of ethics offenses. Ex-congressmen such as Randall "Duke" Cunningham -- collecting an estimated $64,000 a year although he pleaded guilty to charges of accepting bribes"

Sure sounds good to me; too bad it doesn't mention stiff criminal charges for these slimeballs.
I hope this makes it past the House.

Psychology of Political Stance
Here is a fascinating study in Psychology Today (via Kottke). A snip:

"We tend to believe our political views have evolved by a process of rational thought, as we consider arguments, weigh evidence, and draw conclusions. But the truth is more complicated. ...The fear of death alone is surprisingly effective in shaping our political decisions—more powerful, often, than thought itself."

"Asking people to be rational was enough to neutralize the effects of reminders of death. Preliminary research shows that reminding people that as human beings, the things we have in common eclipse our differences—what psychologists call a "common humanity prime"—has the same effect."

Getting Grass on High

2007-01-09T23:18:00.000+11:00

Those of you who have designed (or tried to include) green roofs in a project have encountered the three big obstacles:

1. Depth:
Plants need soil to grow, and plants of any size need even more soil. The thinnest systems ("extensive" type) that can support grasses or sedums are generally recommended to be 3 to 4 inches of soil. Additionally, the soil sits on a thick multi-layered system beneath: a filter fabric, a drainage/water retention eggcrate, a moisture mat, a root barrier, and finally the roof membrane - give or take a few layers depending on system.

2. Irrigation:
You went to all that effort - you want to keep it alive. The thinner the system, the quicker it dries out. Designing an irrigation system is necessary. Integrating it can be a challenge.

3. Weight:
You can imagine that the soil and plants will weight more than an average roof; now imagine it all wet and holding moisture. The added weight of a green roof needs to be accommodated from the start of the project, and translates into a beefier structural system with its added expense.

While most agree that a green roof is an excellent idea - slows storm water runoff, decreases urban heat island effect, looks nicer, absorbs CO2 and creates oxygen, increases wildlife habitat, filters contaminants, provides natural insulation, etc. - the effort and expense involved often sees a green roof disappearing midway through the design development.

Enter this new product (picture at top).
As Inhabit writes:
"the folks from Toyota Roof Gardens (a subsidiary of the Prius-creating car company) have solved your green roof installation qualms with a tile-based system that’s as easy as laying down carpet. The TM9 self-watering turf tiles measure twenty inches square, and connect directly to irrigation systems, making them entirely self-watering. And at a slim 2 inches thick, the tiles lightweight and do not require any additional structural upgrading to your existing roof."

While a grass lawn isn't necessarily as appealing as the variety of plants one can grow in a thicker system, it's still nicer than a roofing membrane. My follow-up questions would be:

Does the super thin system then mean that it dries out very quickly requiring a whole lot more water than usual?
How water intensive is the grass variety itself? Sedums planted in traditional systems can survive dry periods and require little water; must the grass be always kept moist?
If a small patch dies, how difficult is it to replace?
Does the grass require fertilizers or other special food or chemical products to keep it happy?

Now the next challenge comes in the form of designing in the fall restraint system for you and your lawn mower...

More about Pat

2007-01-09T10:39:00.000+11:00

This guy is just too much.

Pat Robertson is also selling an “Age-Defying Shake”, which he claims has given him the ability to leg-press 2000 pounds. Link

Here is what others say about this claim:

CBS Sportline: There is no way on earth Robertson leg presses 2,000 pounds. That would mean a 76-year-old man broke the all-time Florida State University leg press record by 665 pounds over Dan Kendra. 665 pounds. Further, when he set the record, they had to modify the leg press machine to fit 1,335 pounds of weight. Plus, Kendra's capillaries in his eyes burst. Burst.

In response to the skepticism of this claim, Robertson's website has claimed that his doctor is able to leg press 2,700 pounds, and that "It is not nearly as hard as the authors of these reports make it out to be."

Wikipedia also points out the improbability of finding a machine to hold the 2000 pounds,

(That is 44 of those big 45 lb plates)

and also points out that the picture on Pat’s website shows a 45 degree machine that effectively reduces the weight significantly [ sin(45°) ], as well as him pressing his knees with his arms, and other things.

This is kinda like me claiming to have bench pressed 3000 pounds because I push-started a car.

Snake-oil.

That must be one of the ingredients in the shake.

Previously: Pat Preaches Destruction for 2007

NYC Powerwash

2007-01-08T14:08:00.000+11:00

Here's a picture of what a simple powerwash can uncover in New York's Lower East Side.
If they keep that up, I'm not going to be able to afford to buy a building or two like I had planned.

Link (Gothamist via Kottke)

Pat Preaches Destruction for 2007

2007-01-08T12:41:00.000+11:00

~~Trusted~~ Wacko religious leader Pat Robertson made a chilling prediction for 2007:

Happening in the U.S. during "the second half" of 2007, "there will be some very serious terrorist attacks," and there is "a definite certainty ... chaos is going to rule." Robertson added: "I'm not saying necessarily nuclear -- the Lord didn't say nuclear -- but I do believe it'll be something like that. They'll be a mass killing, possibly millions of people -- major cities injured."

And this is not just his prediction, he is saying "the Lord told me". And he makes this claim several times. Watch the video.

But don't head for the fallout shelters just yet. Remember this is the same man who has previously had his discussions with God and predicted:

2006: "President Bush is going to strengthen."
2006: "The fall elections will be inconclusive, but the outcome of the war and the success of the economy will leave the Republicans in charge."
2006: "the war in Iraq is going to come to a successful conclusion. We'll begin withdrawing troops before the end of this year."
2006: storms and possibly a tsunami were to crash into America’s coastline
2005: Bush will have Social Security Reforms approved
1996: predicted that U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller would be elected president
1988: "God" wanted Pat Robertson to be President
1981: predicted a global economic collapse
1980: predicted that the USSR would invade the Middle East.

Here are a few more of his jewels - and there are lots more of them:

christians & jews are the only ones qualified to be in government (700 Club - Jan 11, 1985). "...I never said that." ( afterwards, Time Magazine) "yes they (christians & jews) are more qualified to be in government" (p218 New World Order)
"You say you're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that, and the other thing. Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist. I can love the people who hold false opinions but I don't have to be nice to them."(700 Club Jan 14, 1991)
Recommended assassination of Milosevic, Saddam Hussein, and Hugo Chavez
"The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians." (1992 fundraising letter)
"I think "one man, one vote," just unrestricted democracy, would not be wise. There needs to be some kind of protection for the minority which the white people represent now, a minority, and they need and have a right to demand a protection of their rights." (700 Club March 18, 1992)
He took credit for steering the course in 1985 of Hurricane Gloria, which caused billions of dollars of destruction in many states along the U.S. east coast. He made a similar claim about another destructive storm, Hurricane Felix, in 1995.

Is it not obvious that this guy is off his rocker?

Actually, by making many of his failed predictions in God's name, he fits the biblical qualification for a false prophet:

Deuteronomy 18:20-22: "But the prophet who presumes to say in my name a thing I have not commanded him to say, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. You may say in your heart, 'How are we to know what word was not spoken by Yahweh?' When a prophet speaks in the name of Yahweh and the thing does not happen and the word is not fulfilled, then it has not been spoken by Yahweh. The prophet has spoken with presumption. You have nothing to fear from him."

Hmmm....

Art Served Up

2007-01-07T20:18:00.000+11:00

Dad, the boys at the club are tired of you winning every match, and have installed a new court for your exclusive use - you get the right side.

Art by Laurent Perbos (via VVORK)

Asheville

2007-01-07T19:39:00.000+11:00

Asheville, North Carolina came in number ONE in Home Magazine's List of America's Best Eco-Neighborhoods.
Suuh-weet! That's right in the heart of the South and the Bible Belt - whooda thunk that progressive living could grow in those environs? There is hope for the country.

That's also where my sweet sister lives! Girl, go ride that bike lane to the farmer's market and get 'chu some organic veggies to celebrate.

Amazingly, there is no mention of Portland on the list at all. Looking at their criteria and their comments about each of the winners, I'm having a hard time finding anything that Portland doesn't have - in spades. Harrumph.

Eco-link

Additional thought: Could this all be Greg & Kelly's doing...?

Happenin's

2007-01-06T17:02:00.000+11:00

I just received the best news of the year.
(Yeah, so there has only been 6 days of it, but this is a contender for the remaining 359.)

Jason & Jen & Francis & Lisa are coming to visit!

They are coming at the end of February to take in Sydney & surrounds, the Great Barrier Reef, possibly Uluru, and also the south island of New Zealand - all in an ambitious 3 weeks. Personally I think they should just go ahead and make it 2 months.

Also, Forest sent me this interesting article on the political situation in the Maldives - apparently there's a little unrest over President Gayoom and cronies profiteering at the expense of the citizens. (Sound familiar?) It is the richest country in SE Asia (by per-capita GDP) but a very large number of the citizens live in very poor circumstances. Link-fu.

(complete with mask marks still on face)

And speaking of "...dives", I had a couple of nice scuba dives this morning at the North Head. Among the usual schools of fish, I saw lots of Nudibranchs, a puffer fish that was at least 2 feet long, a 2 1/2 foot lobster-like creature that the Aussies call a "crayfish", and a 5 foot Angel Shark.

Speaking of places that are not dives, here is a little building that is a favorite of mine.
It is a remodel/addition to a nice old electrical substation. While its detailing could be resolved a bit better, it certainly makes the most out of a tiny little site by going vert. Note the lil' cafe that serves directly out the side of the building - no indoor public space. The units above, though small studios, must be pretty sweet with windows on 4 sides.

Urban Gnomes

2007-01-04T11:30:00.000+11:00

A modernist gnome for you Urban dwellers.
Kinda miss the red hats, but then city dwellers always have had their own fashion sense.

More variations and other cool products here at Vitamin.

Radium Girls

2007-01-04T10:35:00.000+11:00

File this one under "Corporate Malfeasance" (in the worst way).

Here is a fascinating and horrific story about the radiation poisoning suffered by the employees of US Radium. The early glow-in-the-dark watch dials were in fact radioactive, and the women who painted those dials paid a heavy price.

While it is terrible that this happened at all, what is truly horrific is how the company tried to cover up the problem, fake medical results, modify safety reports, ruin the reputations of the sick women, and continued to poison their employees even after it was brought to their attention.

It is these kind of stories - and there are far too many of them (examples: James Hardie asbestos, Monsanto, Enron, Pfizer, etc.) - that prove to me that greed knows no bounds and that health, safety, and welfare of people (employees and/or general public) often takes a back seat to profit. Despite some of my Libertarian leanings I am convinced that responsible "self-regulating" corporations are as rare as honest used-car salesmen. For some reason people are willing to contribute to, or defend, deeds performed by a corporate avatar that they would never accept from an individual.

Link again.

Chickens with Teeth and other Old Year Revelations

2007-01-02T17:46:00.000+11:00

Here are a couple "2006 summary" articles I came across that are pretty good:

Top 10 Green Stories of 2006
excerpts:

And Oregonians have a serious case of buyer's remorse, lamenting the erosion of some of the nation's most progressive land-use policies.
More Republicans like this, please.
Hi. My name is the United States of America, and I'm an addict.
Despite the braying of dinosaur corporations and think-tank nitwits to the contrary, going green is not a drag on the economy. It's the 21st century's biggest moneymaker.
In April, support for the cause of fighting global warming came from a surprising source: conservative evangelical Christians.

What we learned in 2006.
excerpts:

Cheese consumption in the United States is expected to grow by 50 percent between now and 2013.
The U.S. government has paid about $1.5 billion in benefits to thousands of sick nuclear-weapons workers since 2001.
Just 30 minutes of continuous kissing can diminish the body's allergic reaction to pollen, relaxing the body and reducing production of histamine, a chemical cell given out in response to allergens.
Sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday can disturb your body clock, leaving you fatigued at the start of the week. (uh oh...)
Researchers from the University of Manchester managed to induce teeth growth in normal chickens - activating genes that have lain dormant for 80 million years.

Wollongong View

2007-01-02T14:42:00.000+11:00

This is the view I enjoyed as I spoke to my family on the phone Christmas Morning.

Industrial factories look better than the music sounds

2007-01-02T14:40:00.000+11:00

Oskar Achieves Enlightenment

2007-01-02T14:28:00.000+11:00

Unknown to me, Oskar has been training with the Shaolin monks. Not only has he achieved enlightenment, but he has gained other useful skills such as the ability to bend spears on his neck, tow train cars with his teeth, and lay down without turning in circles.

Here is his master, who is so enlightened as to stand here all day and night without moving. Advanced enlightenment sure looks boring.

Happy New Year 2007!

2007-01-01T03:10:00.000+11:00

~~This picture is from last year.~~ Updated to show this year.
(Picture from SMH)

I just rolled in from this year's similar scenic bridge explosion, and wow what a fireworks show and wow what a mass of humanity that turns out for it. The crowd-control barrier industry is cashing in on these sorts of events. It took some doing, but I managed a great spot for the full ooo-aah experience.

This year was the 75th anniversary of the bridge, so they apparently tried even harder to blow the bridge up colorfully.

I happened to be coming across the bridge in a train when the 9pm "childrens" fireworks went off. This is also quite a large fireworks display by most standards - 4 fireworks barges on each side of the bridge. The train stopped in the middle of the bridge, and color exploded on all sides of us. Great timing! Best seat in the house.

Those of you still in 2006 should know that so far, 3 hours into it, 2007 is just great!

...and may your New Year's have fewer sloppy drunken singing Pommies.

Smart-mods

2006-12-29T21:46:00.000+11:00

By chance I came across the perfect thing to follow Mr. T ...

an A-Team Smartcar:

(thanks Smarts R us!)

But would Mr. T even fit? And can this wee car smash through fences?

Here is the original - as a reminder:

And to take the Smartcar theme a bit further...

Here is the Smartcar stack that was at Circular Quay last year (previously posted on Southern Latitudes):

Smartcars are pretty prevalent here in Sydney, and their owners can choose to make some cash as they drive. Advertisers have noted that the little cars catch one's eye, and have decided to capitalize on this:

You can, if you qualify as a "young, fun and socially connected urbanite", actually be supplied with the car for a mere $5 a day. (Oh, and your soul, signed over to Advertising.)

Urban dwellers should expect for these little cars to become a common site (if they are not already), given their ease of parking, great mileage, and advertising potential.

But that doesn't mean that you rural dwellers need to feel left out...here's a Smartcar that would be at home in South Carolina:

(thanks again Smarts R us!)

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-24T11:41:00.000+11:00

Video Proof

2006-12-21T00:21:00.000+11:00

As I mentioned before, Paul took a video camera on the Maldives trip, and was editing a movie. I know Paul to be a solid and capable guy, but given the difficulties of filming surf from a distance with a hand-held, not to mention from a constantly moving boat, I never expected the result to be nearly so good!

His movie, titled "Exodus", really captured the feel of the trip, the people, the place, and of course some great surf. All edited into an excellent production with chapters, narration, titles, and soundtrack.

The inaugural viewing took place on a projector & screen, and met with rave reviews. I have to say, it is actually kinda disturbing to see one's own head 3 times normal size for the first time. But I think I'm ready for my closeup now, Mr. DeMille.

Here is one of a custom batch of beer we chipped in on as a token thanks to Paul for all his hard work - Pete went the extra mile with the labels:

And here is a little clip I raided from his movie, to give you a taste. Of course I couldn't resist grabbing some of my own surfing footage - that's me in white with the hat.
The best wave in this clip however is the maestro Paul getting barreled at Sultans.

I give "Exodus" two-thumbs-up (with pinkys extended Hawaiian style).

Barney Cam

2006-12-19T23:25:00.000+11:00

Watch the video here and shake your head in disbelief.
Yes, that is the real White House website. And yes, that is the President of the United States having a conversation with his dog.

Excerpt:
"View of the Oval Office from South Lawn outside the Rose Garden. Transition inside the Oval Office where President Bush, seated at his desk, talks with Barney who is sitting on a chair across from him.)

President Bush: Barney, it’s time for BarneyCam. Are you ready for it this year? Say, what’s the plot about? (Close-up of Barney, blank look.) I can see from the look on your face, Barney, that you haven’t even thought about the plot. Hey Barney, you better get started and you better run along right now!"

Also "acting" in this video is Karl Rove. And the Press Secretary. And the Secretary of Education. And the Secretary of the Treasury. And the Director of OMB. And Laura Bush, who is especially wooden. And the list goes on, all the way to...Dolly Parton?? Didn't realize she was on the staff.

All talking to a dog about organizing a Christmas Extravaganza.

~~Sometimes~~ Usually truth is stranger than fiction.

At least this time the White House is just "scary Huh?" and not their usual plain "scary scary".

A Night in Tatooine/Tunisia

2006-12-18T22:01:00.000+11:00

Les Troglodytes:

Recognize that?
Most have seen this place before in the movie Star Wars and know it as Luke Skywalker's home.

It is a residence in Tunisia (now a hotel), and it is well suited to living in the climate of the desert - be it on Tatooine or in North Africa. Sustainability a la the future, or the past.

Isn't it great that we don't even have to leave our own planet to experience life across the galaxy?

More pics here. (via WorldChanging)

In another example of the Other-worldly on our own little Earth, I give you Dublin, Ohio:

There can be no explanation for this without involving tin foil hats. Or misplaced 1% for art. Or both.

Ahhh...

2006-12-15T21:58:00.000+11:00

And here is a soothing image to help stop the shudders from the preceding spider story.

This pelican is about 3 times the size of the little ratty gray ones we have in South Carolina.

New Dance Craze: The Spider Spaz

2006-12-15T18:47:00.000+11:00

Australia is known for it's spiders, many of which have particularly nasty venom. When I first arrived in Australia I was wary of any and all spiders for this reason. Seeing huge webs with quite large spiders everywhere, certain death seemed imminent and Australians remarkably cavalier about it.

I soon determined that the ones to worry about were not the ones hanging across the sidewalks. Still, they were big. Real big. And a little too interactive.

One particular type likes to string their webs between objects approximately a sidewalk width apart, and at face level.
They build them in the evenings, very quickly, so that a night time dog walker is suddenly plowing through webs that weren't there earlier in the evening, and now it is too dark to see them.
A couple feet up and they wouldn't have to rebuild every night, but try telling that to a spider.

This from a spider website: "The orb weavers are one of the largest spiders found in Australia. Their webs can be found hanging off sign posts, in or between trees and can even be spotted driving 100 km/h in a vehicle. The web is extremely strong. So strong that even small birds stick in the net."

Yes, a face full of web is quite common for this dog owner, especially this time of year. I don't like it one bit, but I've gotten quite accustomed to it. I have learned to identify the narrows where they are likely to be, and I swing my arm up to proceed my face and break the web first. Web on arm - much better than web on face.

So far, I'd always hit web, not spider.
It was inevitable. I was due.

Well the other night I got not only the full web head-wrap, but a big mutha spider running around on my head.

Had a neighbor been lucky enough to be within view they would have been treated to a dance the like of which has never been seen before. This thing was scurrying around on. my. face.

I punched myself pretty good in the eye during my swatting frenzy, did several pirouettes and strange contortions, and emitted bestial sounds of surprising range.

I didn't like the idea of squishing this rather large presumably juicy thing on my head. I just wanted to fling it away. With vigor.

But then, as though in slow motion, I saw the spider either leap or get swatted (hard to tell which) out away from the front of my face. "Yea!" Thinks me, for a split second...and then the web strand that the spider is using as a bungee stops it's outward movement, and the spider begins a swing right back at...my mouth.

No choice at this point but to do a reflexive catch-and-squish (with my hand, luckily), followed immediately by the don't-bite-me-in-your-death-throes fling and wrist flap.
Followed quickly by the is-it-still-swinging-from-me check (and check again. and again). Followed by the epileptic shudder-walk for the next half a block as I pick at web strands with the hand that is not spider gooey.

That dance had YouTube internet hit potential.
Some of my best work.
If only.

Having a Golden Gaytime

2006-12-11T22:06:00.000+11:00

My coworker has started asking me fairly regularly if I want a golden gay time. I figured he was just putting me on - "pulling my leg", "giving a razz", "taking the piss", "sending me up", "taking the mickey" - a great Australian tradition.
But after this went on for a while, and Marco's smile got creepier, I started to get a bit weirded out.

The conversation usually went a bit like this:

"Hey Hunter, come with me, I'd like to give you a golden gay time!"
"Uh...I bet you would, but you're not my type, big boy."
"You don't know what you're missing, mate - have an open mind."
"I'm not opening anything around you, punk. What does your girlfriend think about this activity of yours?"
"She doesn't mind at all. Whatever makes me happy. Are you sure, mate?"
"I'm sure."

Well he finally convinced me.
I gave in.
I had a Golden Gaytime...and I have to admit, it really is quite a nice diversion on a warm summer day!

And to think of all the offers of free ice cream I have turned down!

Kudos to some daring (oblivious?) marketing exec.

Wrap with Furoshiki

2006-12-10T11:10:00.000+11:00

The Japanese are the undisputed masters of wrapping. Each purchase, no matter how plebeian, is likely to get wrapped and wrapped again, with great skill and beauty. Sometimes the value of the presentation exceeds the value of the item.

While this creates a most enjoyable aesthetic experience, it is the source of enormous waste. Mountains of discarded packaging threaten to overwhelm the landfills, and exact a heavy toll on the world's forests.

Now someone in the Japanese government's Ministry of Environment has a great solution that maintains the tradition with all the beauty and skill, but with reusable cloth wraps called Furoshiki.

Here is a great illustration of how just about anything can be wrapped with a simple square cloth. [link to full-size illustration]

Chocolate Apple

2006-12-09T10:10:00.000+11:00

An older photo illustrating that:
1. Apple laptops live up to their reputation for getting overly warm during use.
2. They are not a suitable resting place for your chocolate cookie.

(and also: 3. Ben crumbs all over the place.)

Chemistries of Korea

2006-12-05T20:23:00.000+11:00

A month ago I rented the extra bedroom to a very nice Korean guy, Sungwon. Never see the guy - he is like living with a ghost. Stays in his room with the door closed. Conversations are few, since he speaks almost no english, and I'd need to actually see him to attempt conversation.

Today I came home early from work - I've gotten some nasty bug - and passed out on my bed. When I awoke, I found some pills set out in the living room with the following note:

To. Hunter
I think you caught cold.
(Maybe very strong)
This medicine is anti-cold from Korea)
After you must eat something,
(after finish-eat, 30 minutes)
DO taking this medicine please)
(each once two capsules)
It's good for you.
From. Sungwon.

The pills are 500mg capsules with Korean writing on them.

My usual approach to colds and such things is to let the body do it's work, and don't slow the process down with semi-effectual symptom treatments. Yet I'm intrigued about the prospect of taking some mystery cure from Korea. And nervous.

So do I take them?

High (trans-fat) Tide

2006-12-03T10:21:00.000+11:00

Ahhh...the bountiful sea.
Thursday in North Carolina the ocean offered up nacho libre. Cool Ranch seafood. Mexican man-o-wars. Tortilla of the sea - salted of course.

NC residents can be seen here participating in a most enthusiastic beach clean-up. Many were seen scanning the horizon, hopeful for flotillas of salsa and Miller Lite.

Republicans were heard muttering about the "mexican invasion" and border security; yet their misgivings did not prevent them from filling the Hummer with snack-packs. One was said to have even given a couple bags to her gardener.

So far, all we ever get washing up on the beach here in Manly is jellyfish and Japanese tourists, but I'm watching more closely from now on.

Pillow Talk

2006-11-30T18:45:00.000+11:00

A roundup of pillows that knock the stuffing out of your average upholstery.

These pillows rock.

These pillows pick you up.

These pillows lull you into a false sense of security then rip your heart out and stomp on it.

These pillows are a sight to see.

Any other personal favorites to add to the cushion collection?

Pack Your Bags

2006-11-28T23:11:00.000+11:00

Considering a visit?
Consider this: Jan 6 - 27 is the Sydney Festival
Performing Arts of all flavors - from Lou Reed to Mamootot.
Music, Theater, Dance, Physical Theater, Visual Arts & Cinema.

Additionally, it is deep summer - hot and sunny. Think about that in a month.
There is outdoor cinema at the Botanical Garden directly across from the Opera House (and elsewhere).
Jan 26th is Australia Day - watch the Aussie Pride swell to dangerous levels, scream "Oi, Oi, Oi" at acrobatic jets, and enjoy a cold schooner of VB under the fireworks.

Surfers may want to consider a different season...waves are flattest at this time of year.
It is fortunate how that works out though...otherwise scores more British backpackers would be lost to the sea.

I know you are thinking about it...do it!

King of Blight

2006-11-28T18:19:00.000+11:00

Good to see that Portland remains strongly opinionated about beer.

The side of Dante's, Portland, OR.
Billboard Liberation Front

Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T21:40:00.000+11:00

Do I look thankful to you? oh yes...I certainly am.

(my first recognizable surf photo ever...thanks Pete!)

My feast tonight is merely pasta - the real feast will be going down on Sunday at Tom & Ania's. Turkey chops on the barbie?

Happy Thanksgiving!
Most of all I am thankful for you - my family and friends.

Indexed

2006-11-22T20:57:00.000+11:00

"Depends on who you ask, of course"

Smart Food Smartly

2006-11-22T20:37:00.000+11:00

Eat Fish. Just not THAT fish.
Here's how you know - pick your region (USA only): Link-fu

What You Can't Say

2006-11-22T20:34:00.001+11:00

Paul Graham writes a compelling piece about taboos, morals, and social customs. Linky