Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:22:52 GMT

Can You Find This Place?

There's a new game in town and it's using Google Earth as it's playing board. If you're good at finding places on a map, a world map, and you have a lot of time to waste, you may want to give Google Earthing a try.

First there is an image of somewhere in the world posted to the website. Then, using clues you see in the image, you need to try to find the image somewhere on Google Earth. When you find the location of the image somewhere in the world you post the longitude and latitude of the image to the board.

Good luck! Posted by: Linda Roeder      Read more     Source

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:15:47 GMT

Vanity Fair Brings the Supermodel Back for September

Grunge isn''t the only 90’s trend making a comeback…the "Supers" are too. Fashion Week Daily reports that for their September issue Vanity Fair will be featuring six supermodels in a glossy fold out cover spread. It’s no secret that we’re fans of the supermodel era, and to show our appreciation we’ll be doing some serious digging of blast from the past videos of our top 20 supermodels in their hey day, which we’ll feature daily over the coming weeks. To kick things off here’s a video from MTV documenting the beginning of the end of the supermodel - “Supermodel vs Superwaif”. Posted by: Michele Obi      Read more     Source

July 14, 2008, 5:06 PM CT

Gear up before revving up ATVs

Fourteen-year old Cristian Avina knows all too well the devastating injuries all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can cause. Four months ago, Cristian and his sister, Rociel, hopped on an ATV for a little innocent fun in the desert near their home. Cristian was riding tandem with his sister when a bird flew into them causing him to lose control. The ATV crashed, sending Cristian and Rociel flyingneither was wearing a helmet. Cristian suffered serious head injuries, including an amputated ear.

This has been a nightmare, said Martha Avina, Cristian and Rociels mother. Rociel was not badly hurt and went for help. Upon her return, she saw that her brother had been pecked at and his severed ear had been partially eaten by vultures. Cristians ear could not be reattachedreconstructive plastic surgery to rebuild it started this summer.

Whether on vacation or out for recreation, a number of adults and children are hopping on ATVs for some warm weather fun. But ATVs are not toys. They can go more than 60 miles per hour, weigh more than 700 pounds and tip over easily. In fact, more than 135,000 Americans are injured in ATV-related accidents each year, 30 percent of them children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports.

The American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) are urging ATV riders, particularly parents and children, to be more cautious and follow safety tips to help reduce the occurence rate of ATV-related injuries......... Posted by: Gina      Read more         Source

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:48:08 GMT

All in This Tea

"All in This Tea dips effortlessly into a half-dozen modes - travelogue, biography, nature ode, business story, nerd profile - sustaining a flexibility of tone that allows for both keen insights into the rapidly evolving Chinese economy and drunken raptures on the ability, in one especially prized blend, ''to taste the mountain.''" Nathan Lee in the New York Times.

"Here partnered with filmmaker-editor Gina Leibrecht, [Les] Blank''s first feature in over a decade (and his first to take advantage of the portability of DV) visually recalls [Burden of Dreams] in a couple ways." Aaron Hillis explains in the Voice. Posted by: dwhudson      Read more     Source

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:05:38 GMT

And the winners are…

Its nearly that time again. With London Fashion Week round the corner, we’ve been keen to find out which designers were lucky enough to receive New Gen sponsorship this season.

The announcement has been made and in total, twenty talented designers made the cut and will get the opportunity to show their SS09 collections either in the BFC New Gen exhibition area sponsored by Topshop or on the catwalk at London Fashion Week in September. Posted by: Michele Obi      Read more     Source

Sat, 24 May 2008 22:39:11 GMT

Singer Sheena Easton rebrands as gay icon

© Close to Spectacular Scottish born singer Sheena Easton is inundated with bookings for gay events. The Bond theme chanteuse big in the 1980s with hits such as "Modern Girl" went down a treat at the recent Phoenix Gay Pride Festival. Imminent events include the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride and a gay and lesbian cruise departing from New York.

However the idea of Sheena Easton performing at gay events such as Glasgay in her native Scotland is meet with ridicule with the event organiser describing Easton as a "washed up has been". Easton is seen as having betrayed her Scottish heritage by becoming a American citizen and adopting an American accent.

Well you can't win "em all and North America is a more lucrative market than Scotland. Posted by: Karen Bryan      Read more     Source

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:19:52 GMT

Cannes: Lion's Den

"In his breakthrough film Crane World (1999), Pablo Trapero displayed his mastery at depicting wide open urban spaces and liberating patches of sky in his native Buenos Aires," writes Howard Feinstein for Screen Daily.



"Then, in Born and Bred (2006), he created a parallel world in nature, capturing the endless, intoxicating landscape of Patagonia. Now, with Lion''s Den (Leonera) he successfully and gracefully shifts in the reverse direction, creating a suffocating, claustrophobic environment within women''s prisons - specifically those that house mothers and their young children."

Updated through 5/16. Posted by: dwhudson      Read more     Source

Fri, 09 May 2008 01:48:01 GMT

Fests and events

New Yorkers headed to the Walter Reade this evening to see Joachim Trier present his highly regarded Reprise may want to stick around to see Trier introduce Remonstrance, made by his grandfather in 1972. As the L Magazine''s Mark Asch notes, "Erik Løchen was perhaps Norway''s premier modernist filmmaker."

At Twitch, Blake Ethridge reports from the Marfa Film Festival. Lots and lots here on the making of There Will Be Blood.

The cinetrix says look here: Chantal Akerman: Moving through Time and Space, at the MIT List Visual Arts Center through July 6.

Kristi Turnquist wraps PDX Fest for the Oregonian.

Not Coming to a Theater Near You looks back to Boston: Victoria Large on Intimidad and Katherine Follett on Meadowlark. Posted by: dwhudson      Read more     Source

May 5, 2008, 8:25 PM CT

Moms have few interactions with their infants during TV time

Infants who are exposed to television and video in low socio-economic households tend to have limited verbal interactions with their mothers, as per a new study led by Alan L. Mendelsohn, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Clinical Research for the divisions of General and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics at NYU School of Medicine.

The study, reported in the recent issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, is the first to assess parent-infant interactions as they relate to specific media content. Overall, parent-infant verbal interactions across broad media content were limited. When the programming was educational and co-viewed by both mother and infant in each others presence, interactions increased. However, the study showed that educational programming did not promote co-viewing, which is a factor that contributes to verbal interactions.

Our conclusions are particularly significant because parent-infant interactions have huge ramifications for early child development, as well as school advancement and success during adolescence, says Dr. Mendelsohn, MD.

Because of its findings, the new study supports the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics that television should be off limits to children under the age of two. Earlier data on this topic include a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation which cited that 61 percent of children younger than two years of age are exposed to television on a daily basis. In the new study, 97 percent of mothers with 6-month olds reported their infants were exposed to television or radio at the median rate of two hours a day......... Posted by: Gina      Read more         Source

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 01:14:24 GMT

The Flight of the Red Balloon

"Like his 2004 film Cafe Lumière, Hou Hsiao-hsien''s sublime new movie The Flight of the Red Balloon finds the director in a foreign country paying homage to another filmmaker," writes Chris Wisniewski at indieWIRE. "With Lumiere, Yasujiro Ozu was Hou''s reference point and Tokyo his canvas; here, Hou reimagines Albert Lamorisse''s classic 1956 short The Red Balloon as a Parisian family melodrama."

"A remarkably rich, rewarding, and restful experience, Hou''s latest is a film like no other - in the simplicity of its lines, colors, and framing, and in the complexity of how those elements compound and contextualize its emotional subject matter, The Flight of the Red Balloon can, in my mind, be compared to the works of Matisse," writes Michael Koresky in Reverse Shot. "Despite this elevation, the film, miraculously, doesn''t feel like an artist''s grand summation, but rather just another in a long line of purely wrought canvases; it never calls attention to its own technique or turns its endless flow of lovely, complicated compositions into recognizable set pieces, and instead allows its three principal characters to navigate its spaces with ease."

Updated through 4/5. Posted by: dwhudson      Read more     Source

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:29:47 GMT

Eyebeam's Feedback Show

Currently ongoing at digital art institution Eyebeam is Feedback, which is a collection of experimental green design. As compact fluorescent light bulbs and solar powered patio lights continue to become more mainstream, Feedback reminds us that there are still boundaries to be pushed in green design. The show explores issues concerning topics such as natural resources, ecology, energy use and climate change. The forms of work run the gambit from visualization of data to working prototypes to theoretical architecture and design.

A highlight of the show (no pun intended) is the piece called "The Revolution Door" by Fluxxlab, which was founded by two Columbia architecture design school graduates, Jennifer Broutin and Carmen Trudell. As you turn the door, this working prototype powers the "Feedback" sign on the main panel explaining the exhibition. (Thanks to Stephanie Pierce who was at the opening and agreed to operate the door while I took the picture.)

Fluxxlab''s project demonstrates how our daily activities, such as pushing a door, generate energy that can be converted into something useful, instead of being lost. As good experimental design does, The Revolution Door leads to further questions. In this case, the next logical query is: How can these kinds of designs be implemented on a mass scale?

The Feedback show closes on April 19, 2008, so there is still time to get to it if you''re in the New York City area. Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:40:48 GMT

TV Show's Best Couples

Wow, even the state of TV couples is in a sad state of affairs if the couples chosen by "MSNTV" are really considered the best.

Perhaps art imitates life where, in reality, as time passes, fewer and fewer couples stay as couples long enough to be considered "best".

Now I know that when MSNTV made their selections the criteria was entertainment value, and not longevity or quality of the relationship, but still, couldn't at least one of the top choices be from a current show.

"The Simpsons" are the top choice, and not far behind is "Mork and Mindy", almost from pre-color TV days.

Anyway, here's MSNTV's ideas on the best TV couples, check it out, and see if you agree.

Image Source:www.msntv.com Posted by: jim      Read more     Source

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:06:43 GMT

Saturday Matinee

I just keep trying on this old Saturday Matinee feature here at Roundrock Journal. Today’s is a short, seventeen-second offering that I call “Shadowplay.”

I hope you enjoy it.

Missouri calendar:

• Spotted salamanders move to breeding ponds this week.

Today in Missouri history:

• McGee College was founded on this date in 1853. Through years of war and financial turmoil it has survived to be known today as Missouri Valley College.

Posted by: Roundrockjournal      Read more     Source

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:46:33 GMT

Fabric at O2

Fabric was already a mega-club in London, but they've decided to expand their boundaries beyond their warehouse setup and take advantage of the next best thing- a full-on arena. The former Millenium Dome location will be boasting plenty of space for all of us- 2,500 to be exact.

This superclub offers more than just the novelty of being a "Fabric 2," and will actually provide a different experience than the traditional Fabric. You'll still get DJs like Carl Sox, Sasha, and Digweed, but you'll also get the benefit of live events and very possibly theatre.

Fabric 2 will be opening up soon. Check out the site for more details.

Photo (c) Fabbio Posted by: Meieli Sawyer Detoni      Read more     Source

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:50:15 GMT

Kelly Rowland's mature record

Kelly Rowland says making her record ''Ms. Kelly'' helped her "grow up".

The former Destiny''s Child singer released her first LP, ''Simply Deep'', in 2002, but was able to reveal her more mature side with the second record.

She said: "Writing and recording the album has been a learning process, but I needed to prove something to myself - that I can make great music and be my own woman. I think most of us hold ourselves back and I have to admit that on my first record I was scared. Making ''Ms. Kelly'' made me grow up."

Despite being part of one of the most successful girl group''s of all time, 26-year-old Kelly insists she has always made sure she stays grounded.

She said: "It''s really important to remember where you come from. If I start saying where I''ve been and who I have met, my friends and family tell me to get real - fast!" Posted by: Melissa      Read more     Source

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:40:35 GMT

DLO Portable Speakers for iPhone

DLO makes great products, their neoprene iPod cases are at the top of my favorites list (indestructible!). That aside, DLO''s newly released, compact and powerful, DLO Portable Speakers for iPhone provide an awesome experience.

Music and videos can be enjoyed in stereo sound without worry of TDMA interface. The compact units feature an extra-wide sound stage and bass vents for delivering powerful sound. Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

January 28, 2008, 10:53 PM CT

CNN in high definition comes to Canada

CNN HD, a high-definition (HD) simulcast of the 24-hour news channel CNN is now available in Canada on Rogers cable in Ontario.

The American news channel was first launched on September 1, 2007 in the United States but has only recently been added to a number of cable and satellite line-ups around North America.

CNN HD's program line-up is the same as CNN's main channel, with high-definition versions of select programming.

The bulk of programming on CNN-HD is upconverted standard definition eventhough some shows based out of CNN's New York City studios such as American Morning, Lou Dobbs Tonight, Anderson Cooper 360 and In The Money are in HD......... Posted by: Gina      Read more         Source

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:35:28 GMT

iTunes to lower download price

Apple is reportedly lowering the price of music downloads for UK users. Soon UK iTunes users will be able to download tracks for 99 euro cent, the same price as other European iTunes users. Apple justified charging UK users more for their music because the company paid more to record labels for distribute music there. UK users currently pay close to $.20 more than US users per song. Look for the price change to happen the UK in the next 6 months.

[via Crave] Posted by: Emily Price      Read more     Source

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:03:59 GMT

Growing in 2008

What changes do you have planned for the New Year?

The Freelance Folder has four things to do in 2008 to change your business. Take a look at each one of them and see what you can apply to your business.

The first tip is to learn that new skill you have been putting off. Learning never stops and you should always be looking for ways to not only grow in business but also in your own personal life. Zig Ziglar suggest reading at least one good non-fiction book per month. In addition see what extension classes you can take whether it's to help you better manage your business, operate your computer software better, or taking better care of yourself.

The second tip is to raise your rates. If you're in consulting like I am you may say that is easy but if you're in a competitive retail environment you may say that it is impossible for you to raise prices or else your competitors will kill you. While it may be impossible to raise prices on existing items, look for new a new item or items to carry that have better margin but still fit into your niche.

Tip number three says let someone else do the selling for you. Their suggestion is to find complementary business that can refer customers to you. Say for instance you sell appliances; you can refer customers to the repairman when they need maintenance and they can refer customers to you when the person's appliances are not fixable.

Tip number four is a fill in the blank. You figure out what tip number four should be.

I am sure you can come up with several on your own. Remember you must be growing not only your business but yourself to move ahead in the future, you never stop learning or growing. Posted by: John Dornoff      Read more     Source

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:30:56 GMT

The Best Bloopers!

While we have to wait for the 10th episode of House, MD (Season 4), I share two funny videos featuring the best bloopers with you. Enjoy! Posted by: Bertalan      Read more     Source

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:58:22 GMT

Four Hands Guitar

Jerry''s Breakdown composed by Jerry Reed, played by Antoine Dufour and Tommy Gauthier on a single guitar.



(via J-Walk Blog) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 05:14:30 GMT

Hip Hop Grannies

Wu Ying was in her sixties when she fell in love with hip hop music and started dancing. She then organized a group of 30 women in China to learn and perform hip hop dance moves. The youngest is 48, but most are in their 60s. Now Wu is 71 years old, and the group has won numerous awards and will perform at the Olympics in Beijing.



(via Neatorama) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

December 18, 2007, 8:11 PM CT

Research could give the Beach Boys a new surfing song

Blacksburg, Va. Surfers in Hawaii had better beware. Four Virginia Tech engineering science and mechanics (ESM) students have completed Surf Green for their senior design project, and conclude that they can technically improve the surfboards performance.

The Beach Boys may have sung about surfing but this team of ESM students decided to quantify the feel of surfing, something only engineers would try to do.

Michael Porter and Stephanie Salmons, both of Virginia Beach, Va., Matthew Dunham of Pleasantville, N.Y., and Nandan Shah of Midlothain, Va., worked with their faculty adviser, Jack Lesko, professor of ESM, for a year, submitting a final report at the end of 2007.

Mike Porter lead the effort and completed most of the work this summer while living out of his van and driving up and down the east coast this summer in search of waves, Lesko smiled. He added that the project lasted beyond the spring semester because the surfboards were in his lab in Norris Hall and inaccessible to the students for weeks after the Virginia Tech tragedy last April.

So, beyond the very good technical work, there is a good bit of character and fortitude exhibited by these students that I would like to acknowledge. I am just honored to be a small part of the lives of these talented students, he added......... Posted by: Kevin      Read more         Source