More OK-ness

Here is a more detailed link concerning the history, brief as it was of the beverage known as OK.

First New Penny of the Year

I noticed my first 2005 penny today, March 31. I don't know where I got it, I just noticed it as I was going through my pocket change during a boring point in the day. There isn't much to distinguish this penny from any other minted in Denver in 2005, but curiously there is already a noticeable scratch in front of Lincoln's nose. I think around this date is about average for my first cogniscent receipt of new yearly currency.

Einstuerzende Mommy

No matter what, Mommy is still a hipster.

Friends in Kyrgyzstan

We heard from our good friend Aigul in Jalal-Abad (or Jalalabat) Kyrgyzstan that things were relatively calm and well. That's good to know. Hopefully more of our friends will be in contact soon.

Dr. Strangelove, I presume?

Kristan Horton is using household objects to replicate scenes from the 1964 film DR. Strangelove or: How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Bomb. I find it absolutely fascinating how well the groupings fool the eye.

Banksey, the impostor

A British artist known as Banksey has surreptitiously installed his own work in famous art galleries. Absolutely terrific.

Possible Apple designed products

Designers have imagined where Apple may venture next. I can't wait.

Akayev is Out

The recent parliamentary elections have been declared invalid and groups of opposition protesters in Kyrgyzstan apparently forced President Askar Akayev to flee the country, reportedly to Russia. Although details are sketchy at the moment, it seems as though the opposition has no clear replacement for Akayev and intends to hold elections within the next couple of months. It is difficult to know how tumultuous recent events have been in Kyrgyzstan, but hopefully the good nature and sensibilities of the Kyrgyz people will ease whatever transition lies in store.

Kyrgyzstan

There are frightening events afoot in Central Asia. Apparently Askar Akayev, Kyrgyzstan's leader has gotten a little greedy with the already lopsided politics in his country and wants a constitutionally disallowed third term. Opposition is rising up to attempt to repulse Akayev's party's effort to stack the parliament in a crooked election to change the constitution in his favor. Hopefully the Kyrgyz people, who are by and large peaceful and decent will be able to bring the turmoil under control before something even more dangerous occurs. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Kyrgyzstan nearly ten years ago, I was well aware of the ethnic tension and corruption that existed in the country and feared such an event as this could happen. Although he is essentially a Soviet-style technocrat, hopefully Akayev will come to his senses and realize that the best interest of his country does not lie in his acceptance as president for life. My thoughts are with my friends and their families in Kyrgyzstan and the desire for them to traverse these difficult times.

OK Cola

Does anyone remember or miss this? The demise of OK may be why there is a certain amount of ok-ness lacking in our society today.

Just a reminder...

War is Peace.
Freedom is Slavery.
Ignorance is Strength.

Mid-Century Modern Architecture

Several years ago I came upon Arapahoe Acres, a distinct neighborhood of Mid-Century Modern style homes. At the time, I knew nothing of the architectural ideals represented in their design. As an amateur architecture buff, I frequented walks through this neighborhood, admiring the angles and contrast of materials, as well as the clean and precise look of these structures. Frank Lloyd Wright among others and the Usonian school of thought set about recreating the modern home to be simple and inexpensive to build, efficiently using newly available materials and resources. At the core of developer, builder and designer Edward B. Hawkins' idea of Arapahoe Acres was to provide well designed, high-quality and affordable homes for post war America. It is unfortunate that traditionalist designs seem to have triumphed and that Usonian designs remain rare and nearly unattainable today.

Curiously, the US government fronted by the Red Scare era apparitions of Hoover's FBI and the Federal Housing Authority are the likely culprits behind derailling Wright's intentions and instead backing the homogeneously boring ranch houses which surround us now. Read an insightful article about Frank Lloyd Wright and Usonian design and how The Man beat down a genius.

USA Soda

Everything you could hope to know about designs on cans of Coke, Pepsi and various other brands.

Great Free Photo Site

Upload your own or just browse this rights-free photo source.

Tummy Update

Though not quite a celestial object, it is possible to experience an eclipse when this orb passes in front of a light source. The moon-like glow is actually reflected light cast from the LCD monitor of an iMac. If you have exceptional vision or squint your eyes a bit, you may see a little kicker.

iXi Bike

This is a neat, simple urban-use bike that could be a great supplement to train commuters. Unique chainless design.

Saturday Night

I recently saw a rebroadcast of the first Saturday Night Live episode (which by the way was called just 'Saturday Night' at the time. I unfortunately missed the original airing because my parents didn't let me stay up that late. George Carlin, at his best and most caustic, was the host. The format seemed to be more of a variety show with an appearance by Andy Kaufman, two musical performers and a standup comedian in addition to Carlin's act. Squinting my eyes and trying to imagine how the show may have been perceived at the time, its revolutionary nature was apparent. The local NBC affiliate has recently been airing old episodes of the show late into Saturday night/Sunday morning. The superior quality of the old shows over the current version is worth the penalty paid the next morning. One of the funniest items was a spoof campaign slogan for then President Ford: "If he's so dumb, then how come he's president?" Maybe things haven't changed so much after all.

Last Photos...

...of tsunami victims. These photos were recovered from the memory card of a digital camera.

Gunner Palace

Looks to be a rare and fascinating insight into the experiences of soldiers on the ground in Iraq. See the trailer.