June 29, 2005
I Can See My House From Here
This is easily the most fun I've had with a computer for a looong time. Google have put their mapping technology to work to create 'Google Earth', a piece of software you can use to 'virtually fly' anywhere on earth.
Seriously. You start with a view of the world, and you can keep zooming in to anywhere. For example, there's a satellite photo of my place. Then I can tilt the camera so I can see perth in the background. Then I can fly to New York. Then back to Rottnest. All with fairly high-resolution images of each location.
The interface is slick, if you have a computer to handle it, and it's dead easy to understand. And (drumroll)... it's free.
I'm happily recreating all my last few years of travelling. It's so nice not to have to fly economy.
Posted by bonwag at 11:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 24, 2005
Things Kids Do
I love this story; about a kid taking the law into his own hands and climbing into the prize vending machine to claim his loot. I find the mother's reaction interesting: she got a camera to record the incident. But the big issue is in the last line.
Saddest. Ending. Ever.
Posted by bonwag at 11:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 02, 2005
Redaction Continued
When I wrote this piece about how people inadvertenly reveal the truth while trying to hide it, I thought I was picking up a small, cute example as an exceptional occurence.
Seems the problem is not small, is not cute, and could be endemic to the US bureaucracy (via Slashdot). Seems if you want the full story on the shooting of an Italian Spy by US Troops in Iraq, you can reveal the censored sections with a little cut and paste. Will people get the message, soon?
Look! Your secrets aloft on the wind of your arrogance! - Cook
Posted by bonwag at 12:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 07, 2005
Let Loose The Dogs Of Ware
Is there a website out there that ticks you off? Here's a great therapeutic exercise; with Netdisaster you can besiege your target with a multitude of plagues, including various forms of spilled breakfast goods.
Go nuts. Just don't hammer BONWAG too hard.
Posted by bonwag at 01:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 13, 2004
Name That Song
This is really quite brilliant (and. once again, an idea I had ages ago but never got around to fulfilling). An online music quiz with a difference. Just like Mastermind, you can choose your own band to customize the questions. Here's a link to my favourite game.
Posted by bonwag at 10:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 24, 2004
Shall We Play A Game?
I don't normally go for this "I gotta get this new, latest game right now" caper, but David Weller settled it for me: I gotta get this new, latest game right now.
Posted by bonwag at 01:45 AM | Comments (0)
September 03, 2004
i knew this internet thing would catch on eventually
Have you noticed a strange blending of your online and offline social circles? Blame the Blog. I keep discovering old (Real World) friends with new online diaries. Mark has popped onto the blogosphere with the beautifully designed lowercase. Great to 'see' him again.
In many ways, you find out so much more about people through reading weblogs than the regular 'itsgreatweatherheymate' converations you seem to find scattered in hallways and elevators. I wish more of my friends blogged.
Posted by bonwag at 10:48 PM | Comments (2)
July 16, 2004
What If I Stumble? What If I Fall?
(Warning - this item contains the word 'paradigm'. You have been warned.)
I don't normally jump on Internet bandwagons this quickly, but I think this hayride is well overdue. I've been playing with this thing for a while, and I think the 'StumbleUpon' folks are onto a winner. Here's why.
I've really enjoyed using my Launchcast radio station (since introducing it a while back), mainly because it responds quite well to my listening habits. When you hear a song, if you like it, you click a button and then you'll hear more songs like it, or (and this is the good bit) more songs suggested by people who like similar music to you. It's that second bit I find the most intriguing - the idea that you're not whittling your choices down, but expanding them based on the world-wide experiences of People Just Like Us. It's the basic concept of the hugely successful Amazon.com, and well outside the paradigm of 'non-net' businesses and communities. It's fascinating.
That's why I think 'StumbleUpon' is on a winner. It's not just a links list with an 'add' button. It actually suggests websites for you to look at, based on your previous rankings, and (wait for it) based on the experiences of people who've ranked things similarly to you.
In fiddling about with it today, I found quite a few sites which were interesting, and even a few I'd forgotten to specifically look for at some time in the past (like the 'pen-spinning' site - man, I wish I knew how to do that. It'd look so cool in meetings.)
It's a more organic version of BONWAG - normally, I see a site, and if I like it, I dump it in a bucket here for posterity. With StumbleUpon, it's more of an organic, growing, unpredictable process. You (figuratively) stumble over stuff which other people throw in your path.
If you're a more-than casual surfer, I'd recommend giving it a try. I've seen other versions of this idea in the past, but I believe the concept, and the simple execution, mean this'll be around for a while. While you're there, look me up (under bonwag, of course) and we can compare site lists. Make sure you give BONWAG a good ranking.
And watch your step!
Posted by bonwag at 05:59 PM | Comments (0)
February 09, 2004
What's In A Name?
Looks like the guys at Mozilla have been battling through the same problems I have sometimes - trying to market and invent names which people will find interesting, and which aren't like anything else.
I reckon the Firebird/ Firefox browser they've developed is brilliant, and is on the verge of replacing Microsoft's effort on my desktop real soon now.
Posted by bonwag at 01:49 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 21, 2004
The Cat Revolt Has Started
Regarding: You Can't Trust Cats: It's no coincidence that Darren over at LivingRoom has noted the same trend in his Blogathon.
Don't be fooled by those humans who are complicit with this creeping evil ('Cat Empire' had a hit single recently. Coincidence? I think not - it's part of the plan.)
Rise Up.
And I don't mean in the cheesy Australian Idol-type way.
Posted by bonwag at 10:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Another Reason Not To Trust Cats
Cats will one day take over the world. They're already keeping weblogs. And look at the LiveJournal users who are also into meowing.
You can't trust them, I tell you. NoSireee.
Posted by bonwag at 12:03 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
November 07, 2003
Space... The Final Frontier
Our latest bed-time activity in the Cook house is to keep an eye on the skies for the International Space Station. It's passing right over Perth, and we've been able to catch sight of it a few times in the last few days. It's quite bright and easy to see - if you know where to look. The information at the Heavens-Above site is very accurate - if you know your local co-ordinates. Enjoy!
Posted by bonwag at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2003
Language Removal: "What The ..."
I'm certain this is a fairly elaborate joke, but even if it is, it's an interesting exercise for people interested in the way people use speech patterns and 'non-language' in their communication. Language Removal Services offers a 'service' to remove langauge from speech, so all you're left with is the sound of breathing, stammering and stuttering. It's interesting to see what people sound like when their words are taken out of their speeches.
It's a cute idea, but I don't think it's meant to be taken seriously....
Posted by bonwag at 10:27 PM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2003
The 'Any' Key - Retro Style
And hot on the heels of the 'any key' item; an new take on an old theme: converting a typewriter to work as a computer keyboard.
Posted by bonwag at 10:58 PM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2003
Press "Any" Key to Continue
Are we living in an episode of The Simpsons, here? In one episode, Homer - at the computer - asks 'Where's the 'any' key?
Posted by bonwag at 12:49 PM | Comments (0)
September 24, 2003
The Best Accident Ever
Ananova - Children danced in liquid chocolate after lorry overturned
Children in Brazil thought Christmas had come early when a tanker lorry overturned and lost its cargo of liquid chocolate.
Youngsters - and some adults - feasted on the chocolate which covered three lanes of the Pinheiros highway in Sao Paulo.
Some of the more excited children stripped to their underwear and rolled about in the road, covering themselves in chocolate, Jornal Nacional reports
Posted by bonwag at 04:11 PM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2003
Cna Yuo Raed Tihs?
Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteres are at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a tatol mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.
An interesting exercise; discussed at good old Snopes
Posted by bonwag at 08:09 PM | Comments (0)
May 20, 2003
You Know You're Dependent on Your Palm When...
Being the owner of a Palm Tungsten, I'm looking for new software every now and again: having a fairly powerful computer in your pocket means you can use it for certain situations where you'd never take a full computer (I've never understood why people keep their main phone book on a desktop computer where you can't get to it unless you're sitting at the desk).
It's pretty much taking the place of my short-term memory at the moment; all my schedules, phone numbers, birthdays, things to remember... Were I to lose this thing, I may as well stay indoors for six months, because I wouldn't be able to function in polite society without it.
I thought I was pretty heavily Palm-reliant until I saw some of the amazingly anal-retentive-friendly programs people are churning out for this device:
Shoes Rack 1.0 helps you organize your family's shoes. You can store all the information about them: their type, colour, owner, some notes about where you bought them, and even - get this - current location. Presumably, you'd have to update this database pretty frequently, especially in wet weather.
There are plenty of others, too. Databases for remembering when to take the videos back to the video store (even with a setting for 'overnight hire') and programs for keeping track of what shape the moon is right now, even if you can't see it.
But I think the best example of an application which goes a little too far in the brain-replacement stakes is "Parents +". It starts well, keeping track of little details about your kid which are hard to remember, like their medical records and wish lists... but it lost me when I got to the screen called "My Child's Details". It records the child's height, weight, hair colour and eye colour - just in case you forget - as well as marks and scars (poor kid), ostensibly as a way to make it easier to report them to the police or shopping center manager when they are lost. I can almost understand why that information might need to be recorded somewhere. Almost.
But what about the section on that page marked 'Currently wearing'? How would I use that? Update it every morning? Ask the kids to wait and hold still while I updated the Tungsten with today's police report just in case?
I don't know what scares me more; that people feel a need to record that information in a handy place these days, or that I have actually spent 5 minutes of my life seriously considering a use for that function.
Posted by bonwag at 04:25 PM | Comments (0)
May 07, 2003
404: Be Alert, but not Alarmed
The things you see: Error 404 is usually known as a 'file not found' error on a website, but these guys have turned the error message into something more revealing...
Posted by bonwag at 08:22 AM | Comments (0)
April 12, 2003
Pictionary; without the cheating
If you've ever attempted to open up a game of Pictionary around me, you'll have recieved the benefit of my fulsome opinion that it's one of the most interesting, but most cheat-worthy games of the last 10 years. Maybe it says more about my chosen competitiors than the game itself, but I've never been a part of a Pictionary game which hasn't dissolved into rampant cheating after about the 4th round. I don't enjoy it. It's a great example where the laws make sense, but they're impossible to enforce.
That's why I like iSketch so much. Ever since the demise of the brilliant 'Acrophobia', I've been looking for a decent, fun internet game to get stuck into. iSketch is an online game of Pictionary, where people from all around gather to try and figure out what squiggle means what. The scoring system, timing, everything is set up just right.
It's also pretty hard to cheat, which is the best thing. I'll see you there (name is, naturally, 'bonwag')
Posted by bonwag at 03:49 PM | Comments (0)
February 15, 2003
The Canyonero is Here
There's an episode of The Simpsons which deals with a massive car they called The Canyonero. (12 yards long, 2 lanes wide, 65 tons of American Pride!).
You may be pleased to know that Cadillac has built a real one. You may not. Either way; this review of the EXT is one of the better car reviews I've read in a while.
It's a truck that's hard to miss. Plus, you can frighten small children and suburban livestock with it.
The article says it the best: Only in America could something like the Cadillac EXT be built.
Posted by bonwag at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)
January 28, 2003
Pretty Fly For a White Guy
I won't describe the brilliance of this idea; you just have to see it.
Posted by bonwag at 02:05 PM | Comments (0)
January 21, 2003
Wheeeere's JOHNNY
In a pretty feeble (but funny) political stunt, the Labor Party has launched an online competition to find the Holy Grail: The Email Address Of The Prime Minister.
I say feeble, because I could imagine what a spammable and flameable target John's actual email address would be. However; how much trouble would it be to set up a public and a private email address for John to use? Make one public, get the secretary to monitor it, and everyone's happy.
Just another sign of how clueless this government is about technology, and why we're constantly missing or botching opportunities in this country. (Internet regulation, online gaming and digital TV being three examples of what Luddites we have in Canberra at the moment)
Posted by bonwag at 10:40 AM | Comments (1)
January 20, 2003
One Of Those Games
Nice to find a net-game which you can call 'addictive' which isn't like Tetris or any of those darned block games. Interface Escape is a great game; once you've figured it out..!
Posted by bonwag at 09:34 PM | Comments (1)
November 08, 2002
Technology: What Is It Good For
Okay, so there've been a few people questioning whether or not all the computers we have at our disposal are making a difference. Fair enough; most of the projects I've been involved with have been, well, less than socially constructive. It's not that they're useless, its just that big computer installations are usually hidden away behind doors processing funds or mining data or processing orders for other computers.
That's why it was refreshing to stumble across this story, about the system which some say has helped New York get out of its crimestorm of a few years ago. For once, computers are getting information from the real world, processing it, turning it into information which in turn has an impact on the real world. No 3D graphics, no virtual reality, just a simple idea well executed.
Don't you wish they were all like that?
Posted by bonwag at 01:20 PM
Music Videos: Whatever Happened to Band/Eye Coordination?
I've never really believed that a music video absolutely has to reflect what's going on in the song; weird interpretations have been there since Abba's days... but the latest offering from Shania Twain is just plain bizarre.
Listen to the song first. I like it. Lots. It's sort of a typical upbeat 'Baby Baby' track which has enough sugar in it to make it interesting.
Then, watch the video with the sound down. Great video; nice visuals - very expensive.
Then watch them together. Huh?
I really don't understand what went on in the production meetings for this effort, but I think, perhaps, the video was put together long before the music was written, in a completely different part of the country. Either that, or they've run out of mid-west barns, hay and salt-flats to shoot feel-good music clips in and they wanted to do something up-to-date.
Boy, these country music types are insecure about their place in popular culture.
I think the premise of the video is that a big alien is trying to 'catch' the heroine, but the song is all about how the girl is going to catch a guy. Even the basic premise is flawed.
I'm so annoyed, because I thought the song deserved better. I think I need a lie-down.
I'm gonna write a song about kittens and see whether I get to ride a motorbike in the video, too. That would be cool.
Posted by bonwag at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2002
Can't Talk... High Score
I've just found a new toy which I encourage you, strongly , to consider buying me. It's a cross between a game-boy and a mobile phone and sounds like the sort of thing I'd like. Go on. I'll be your friend.
Posted by bonwag at 12:13 PM
November 05, 2002
For The Trophy Bride Who Has Everything
If you have a little room on your credit card, you may wish to consider Victoria's Secret's suggestion for a holiday gift. At $US10Million, you may wish to read the washing instructions very carefully.
And before anyone comments, I was sent there by a friend. I did not find this by myself. Honestly.
Posted by bonwag at 11:13 PM
October 29, 2002
The Net Is Not A Place
An interesting court case in the US has decided what a lot of people might have thought was obvious; that a website is not a 'public place'. This means that laws concerning access for the disabled don't apply: SouthWest airlines don't have to redesign their site to make it able to be read by technology assising blind people. It's one of those weird internet-vs.-real world debates which will continue to crop up in the future.
Posted by bonwag at 10:32 AM
October 26, 2002
Pick Your Face
Here's internet viral marketing at its best; this photography house is on a winner with it's ever-so-cool Face Game.
Posted by bonwag at 06:06 PM
October 24, 2002
Pong For the New Millenium
I don't know why 'Pong', the first video game, has started a revival, but in the last day or so, I've found two new versions, both with their own charm. Pong, the text based game brings all the thrills of the old Scott Adams adventures, and Pong... not just a game has a whole new way of looking at it (rated MA - coarse language)
Posted by bonwag at 01:28 PM
October 11, 2002
Lego, Largo, What's the Difference?
I had something up about the Lego VCR a whle back; here's another worthy project; the Lego Harpsichord
Posted by bonwag at 10:57 PM
Hurlstone in The News
I don't know if this is based on any actual case, but it seems Hurlstone has hit the The Chaser News headlines in a fake news item about the debating team I used to be part of!
Posted by bonwag at 01:39 PM
October 10, 2002
Everybody! Everybody!
It's kind of hard to explain the appeal of Homestarrunner.com, so I'm glad Washington Square News decided to do the job instead.
It's probably worth noting that the only people who understand this site in this family are David, Caleb and Charlotte. Ainslie and Allanah just don't get it.
Posted by bonwag at 11:27 AM
October 04, 2002
If you want to tell a funny animal joke, make it a duck.
The search for The World's Funniest Joke is finished, and has turned up some interesting differences between what different nations find funny. I refuse to believe the Stick Joke is unfunny.
Posted by bonwag at 11:18 PM
September 14, 2002
Talk Like A Pirate Day
Mark it in your diaries: September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Arrr.
Posted by bonwag at 12:30 PM
September 13, 2002
Where in the World Are You?
I'm interested to find out where people visiting BONWAG are coming from: there's a new 'Guestmap' up, so please sign on and say hi!
Posted by bonwag at 10:46 AM
September 06, 2002
Show Me The Money
This on has been in the Australian media a little lately; FIDO is a site put together by the Securities commission so you can see if there's any unclaimed money owing to you from old bank accounts or insurance policies or the like. If you find any, can I have some too? Go on.
Posted by bonwag at 10:12 AM
August 21, 2002
Pie.
weebl and bob is an interesting little online cartoon which makes absolutely no social commentary whatsoever.
Posted by bonwag at 10:29 AM
August 09, 2002
The Future's Not Here, Yet
PC Magazine has a great series on some of the not-so-far-fetched goodies we can expect to be seeing not-so-far-away. This is a great set of articles which will either light up your eyes or scare you silly.
Posted by bonwag at 12:03 PM
August 02, 2002
Life, Chunky
I need this, but I'm saving up for a DVD.
Posted by bonwag at 12:12 PM
July 31, 2002
Strong Bad Good
I'm not sure what caused this site to happen, but I'm glad it did. Happen. You know.
Posted by bonwag at 12:22 AM
July 30, 2002
When Geeks Attack
I've written before about the naff new name of PriceWaterhouse's new-look consulting company: Monday (gaaah), but there's been a development; in the hubbub, they forgot to register an important domain, and now some poms are rubbing their noses in it. (Warning: contains donkeys)
Posted by bonwag at 06:04 PM
July 17, 2002
Overblown? Moi?
Every now and then, I keep an eye out for references to BONWAG out there (so I can complete the circle and confirm what a self-serving, sometimes-pointless medium this internet thingy is. Or maybe I'm talking about myself there.) A gent called Kafkaesqui blogged us, with some nice comments, despite the use of the word 'overblown'. Sounds like he's had as much trouble understanding what BONWAG is as we have. I'd like to return the favour by calling his site 'underblown' (which is also a compliment).
Posted by bonwag at 01:19 PM
July 16, 2002
The Black Stripe Blues
Getting several of my plastic cards rejected recently froced me to look up this site for information. As informative as it is, it advises against putting the cards in my wallet and carrying them around in my pants. Silly me.
Posted by bonwag at 03:54 PM
July 08, 2002
Green Striped Shirts
Nice to see that there's life after Blue's Clues.
Posted by bonwag at 11:49 PM
June 26, 2002
It takes a computer to mess up this big
If you've ever messed up the chequebook or tax return, you'll be heartened by this report: the beancounters at WorldCom are responsible for an accounting glitch worth 3.8 BILLION dollars. Oopsie.
Posted by bonwag at 02:08 PM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2002
Tetris: Livin' Large
While strolling through the sordid tales about heavy handed lawyers, I came across a couple of cool installations which bring gaming to a new level. A while back, some nerds decided to take over the uni library as a tetris game arena, and has documented the results. Talk about your 'high scores'. La Bastille at Brown Universityhas photos (but the biggest was at Delft University in 1995)
Posted by bonwag at 01:48 PM | Comments (0)
June 19, 2002
Marketing Gone Mad
I'm sure they thought it was a cute idea, but the idea of naming a consultancy company after a day of the week is just insane. And of all they days, they had to pick the most dreaded and loathed one: Monday. Whuh?
Posted by bonwag at 03:32 PM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2002
TV 21st Century-Style
It's a scary thought; TV On Demand. This article discusses (using fairly unexciting techno-speak)the potential of a whole new form of our addiction (link)
Posted by bonwag at 01:13 PM | Comments (0)
June 17, 2002
Giving Fingerprint Security the Gummi Bird
Just like the X-Wings against the Death Star in Star Wars, it seems the bigger Big Brother gets, the easier it is to slip in under his radar. Hot on the heels of the news that you can break CD copy protection with a felt-tip pen, comes the news that finger-print recognition technologies can be easily thwarted with materials no more advanced than a jelly baby. (link)
Posted by bonwag at 02:03 PM | Comments (0)
May 30, 2002
Small Things to Amuse You
Here's a small intro for guimp: the world's smallest website. Heh.
Posted by bonwag at 11:44 PM | Comments (0)
How To Rob A Bank: Think Unhappy Thoughts
You know the old advice: "Smile; people will think you're up to something."? Well, don't. (link)
Posted by bonwag at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2002
Take Two and See Me In The Morning
Ainslie and I have been waiting for these cool 'tablet' gadgets to arrive; it now seems that they'll start rolling off the conveyor belt in the US in October. (link) Yeah, right.
Posted by bonwag at 02:51 PM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2002
Geocaching
Geocaching is a new 'sport', sort of like a global treasure hunt, where you're given some instructions on where to find a 'cache' near you; sometimes you have to use a GPS. I've found a few around Perth, which I'll have to check out, but you might have some near you, as well.
Posted by bonwag at 02:54 PM | Comments (0)
May 20, 2002
Wash Your Hands Before Typing
Another US Study, which I suspect amply applies to Australians as well, discusses the relative cleanliness of the office desk. Verdict; you'd be 400 times safer eating your lunch off a toilet (link)
Posted by bonwag at 01:31 PM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2002
Eleven Things
Remember all the crazy emails that floated around last year about the numbers 9 and 11 in the WTC attacks in New York? Well, take that idea to an extreme and then beat it to death and you get this nonsense.
Posted by bonwag at 03:37 PM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2002
Stick Figure Warning Man
I'd always been a fan, but I never appreciated the artistry behind those warning signs. (link)
Posted by bonwag at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)
May 07, 2002
IE On Steroids
If you've been wanting to get Internet Explorer to do a little more work, here are some cool downloads to make your surfing a little lest treacherous. (link)
Posted by bonwag at 02:11 PM | Comments (0)
Hamster Thrown From Remote-Control Monster Truck
It's silly, but I found myself giggling at this one from The Onion today. Shouldn't I be working? (link)
Posted by bonwag at 12:39 PM | Comments (0)
May 06, 2002
Why Won't They Learn?
The story of businesses offering stupid offers on their websites by accident is nothing new. 5 years ago, it was the main message of a lot of my eCommerce presentations. Why can't big business get its act together? link
Posted by bonwag at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)
May 02, 2002
Sweet Revenge
A sweet hacker-tracking initiative called 'HoneyNet' is already tasting success; the concept involves parking 'honeypots' around the net to attract the vermin, and then catch them in the act. Who says the net wasn't a self-healing system? (link)
Posted by bonwag at 11:24 AM | Comments (0)
April 19, 2002
Why Does Google Work So Well?
If you've ever used the Google search engine, and wondered why it works so well, here's an explanation about how it works. (link) (note: I think this was posted about three weeks ago)
Posted by bonwag at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)
April 10, 2002
The Gang just ain't what it used to be
I don't know what they're playing at, but it looks like the The Kangaroo Creek Gang has gone out for a little plastic surgery, now that they're cartoon stars. The new looks aren't too bad (it was impossible to do *worse* than the old character designs), but will Kenny Kidnarecognise his old friends?
Posted by bonwag at 12:32 PM | Comments (0)
April 02, 2002
Hunt The Boeing
I'm always a sucker for conspiracy theories; I think this one rates pretty well, for what it's worth. 'Hunt the Boeing has a few photos it claims disprove the official version of events of September 11 at the Pentagon. I've always had a few questions about it, but the implications of this are a little hard to fathom. Nonetheless, it's an interesting exercise...
Posted by bonwag at 10:42 AM | Comments (1)
March 28, 2002
Not Only, But (Also)
In a sort-of tribute to the passing of Dudley Moore, I found myself researching the schools of opinion on the sentence structure which talks about "not only (a) but (b)" and whether an 'also' should be in there (Not Only, But Also was the title of a TV series which Mr Moore produced with the brilliant Peter Cook.) (link to the discussion)
Posted by bonwag at 03:49 PM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2002
Absurd Essays
Here's a challenge for wordsmiths; construct a narrative using only words which contain both 'S' and 'A'. (SA - Essay - Geddit?) Although it sounds pretty bizarre, some of the entries are sheer brilliance. (link)
Posted by bonwag at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2002
Whack that Google
Another one of those crazy internet pastimes for the collection: a 'Googlewhack' is when you type two words into the 'Google' search engine, and get exactly one match. A pointless, friutless exercise, but an exercise in Zen. (link)
Posted by bonwag at 03:45 PM | Comments (0)
Anything is Possible
They said it was annoying and told me to stop it. Many times. But it seems that drumming the table with your fingers might be part of your job description Real Soon Now. Here's a cool invention which is going on my Christmas list *today*. (link)
Posted by bonwag at 09:42 AM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2002
The Car That Hated Vanilla
When I found out this was an urban legend, I was a little sad, but it's a great lateral thinking question for your next quiet night in... (link)
Posted by bonwag at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)
March 18, 2002
Yours Is A Very Bad Hotel
As a traveler, I can relate to the frustrations of these guys; they had a guaranteed room, which wasn't ready for them when they arrived late at a Houston hotel one night. Normally, the hotel would be apologetic, and bend over backwards to help. They didn't, apparently, and through some creative PowerPoint and the virtues of the internet, the weary travelers got their point across. With style.link
Posted by bonwag at 01:41 PM | Comments (0)
March 10, 2002
What Maketh a Mr Man?
I think this game - to create your own Mr Man or Little Miss - has the opposite effect they intended. Although it's fun to piece one together out of various garishly-coloured components, I couldn't help thinking that it confirms what a formulaic no-brainer the concept was in the first place.link
Posted by bonwag at 01:27 PM | Comments (0)
Cyberbegging at its best
This is the internet at it's most limp; some poor tool sets up a website to take donations to buy himself a car. Shameless. In an interesting twist, people are apparently donating amounts like 1 cent, which doesn't even cover the cut which the payment service takes. link
Posted by bonwag at 10:36 AM | Comments (0)
March 03, 2002
The Ultimate Analog Clock
Here's a nice simulation of a truly organic clock. Great eye candy :-) link
Posted by bonwag at 09:16 PM | Comments (0)
March 02, 2002
Signatures of the Times
If you've ever wanted to get a global audience for your worthwhile cause, you can create a petition online here. Some of the causes we humans pursue are amazing.
Posted by bonwag at 07:19 PM
January 30, 2002
Various Cute Fluffy Kittens
Sometimes, when the weight of the world has ground you down, you need time to reflect on baby cats. link
Posted by bonwag at 12:55 PM
January 29, 2002
Sometimes, all just *seems* lost
Normally, falling off a horse would severely dent a jockey's chances. It ain't necessarily so: link
Posted by bonwag at 10:16 PM
January 25, 2002
Man sued after strapping pork chops to his feet
Would You Sue Too? link
Posted by bonwag at 02:55 PM
How the Kiwis do what Australia Can't
This goes to show that resettling refugees doesn't have to be all that hard : link
Posted by bonwag at 02:53 PM
Summoner Geeks
If you've ever played D&D, this short film is a must-see. link
Posted by bonwag at 02:51 PM
I Spy With My Little Mouse
Ever wondered what everyone *else* is seraching for on the web right now? link
Posted by bonwag at 02:50 PM
Advertising Spyware
It's pretty scary what gets put on your computer while you're not paying attention: link
Posted by bonwag at 02:43 PM | Comments (0)
Astronomers say space is turquoise
Proof that there's definitely something fundamentally wrong with the universe: link
Posted by bonwag at 01:32 PM | Comments (0)