The Yes Men Strike Manhattan

New York Times Special Edition Video News Release – Nov. 12, 2008 from H Schweppes on Vimeo.

Was that unfit for print?

When the Treadmill Just Doesn’t Thrill

In the spirit of bringing the most ridiculous things into a post:

If you’re anything like me, you only made it through 15 seconds of the video. Because honestly, you can get the idea from the first 2 seconds. This is the most unnecessary, meaningless, superfluous, weirdest invention in a long time.

A treadmill that moves? Really? It doesn’t take much common sense to realize that that’s the same thing as just running. So why would anybody pay to go running outside?

I don’t believe anyone ever will. Making this one of the most useless creations ever…runners should be ashamed.

*After some research and googling, I don’t see this for sale anywhere. Breathe a sigh of relief*

-Ryan

Today’s Eye Candy

From the BBC:

German cyclists Robert Bartko (R) and his teammate Iljo Keisse enjoy a victory beer in Munich after winning a six-day tournament.

An Indonesian man affected by a mud volcano, which erupted in May 2006 displacing tens of thousands of people, takes part in a protest in Jakarta demanding government compensation.

People in Japan continue to weather the economic storm, as share prices fall amid concerns over the weak global economy.

A wooden sculpture by Arne Quinze is completed outside the Flemish Parliament in Brussels.

From The Guardian:

London, UK: A man dressed as a city gentleman walks a tightrope

New York, US: A man walks past an American flag

Gretna Green, UK: Starlings flock over the town

Closed Wide Web

Apparently, down in Australia there is a movement to try and censor the internet.  As it already happens in China, it’s surprising to see it happen in a democratic country, compared to communism.  The idea is that pornography and online gambling would be barred, along with acquiring files illegally.  I’m glad that this is just a campaign promise by a party hoping to get into power and not a law being tossed about in the land down under.  The internet is unique and interesting because it is a free exchange of ideas from anyone around the globe.  The very fact that I can post this web blog and say what I want (for the most part, WordPress does have a TOS) is amazing.  If I wanted to say things that were hateful or distasteful, I could buy my own domain and host it there.  The simple matter of the fact is this : if people want to access the content that would be restricted will find some way to do it, so it only serves as a waste of the Government’s time and the tax payer’s money.  Censorship should not be tolerated in any country, communist or not.

Emotional Robots

Most people think of humanoid robots and they’re flooded with images of The Terminator.  A walking machine of death that feels no emotions, no remorse, and can’t be stopped.  For some people, there is a fear that this is what we as humans will create.  Perhaps we have taken a step in that direction.  Except this robot is able to change facial features and show human emotions.  Now, instead of a stoic robotic killing machine mowing us down, there’ll be a smile plastered on that face.

Technology and robotics has been moving in a direction to create artificial life.  But for what purpose?  Will we suddenly understand more about ourselves if we can create it from scratch?  Or are we just looking for invincible war machines to do our hard labor.  Whatever the case, I hope I’m not around to see it.