Wednesday 29 April 2009

anarchy + alcohol

"Drink, like caffeine or sugar in the body, only plays a role in life that life itself can provide for otherwise. The woman who never drinks coffee does not require it in the morning when she awakens: her body produces energy and focus on its
own, as thousands of generations of evolution have prepared it to do. If she drinks
coffee regularly, soon her body lets the coffee take over that role, and she becomes dependent upon it. Thus does alcohol artificially provide for temporary moments of relaxation and release while impoverishing life of all that is genuinely restful and liberating.

If some sober people in this society do not seem as reckless and free as their boozer counterparts, that is a mere accident of culture, mere circumstantial evidence. Those puritans exist all the same in the world drained of all magic and genius by the alcoholism of their fellows (and the capitalism, hierarchy, misery it helps maintain) – the only difference is that they are so self-abnegating as to refuse even the false magic, the genie of the bottle. But other “sober” folk, whose orientation to living might better be described as enchanted or ecstatic, are plentiful, if you look hard enough. For these individuals – for us – life is a constant celebration, one which needs no augmentation and from which we need no respite.
...
When one or two persons cease to drink, it just seems senseless, like they are ejecting themselves from the company (or at least customs) of their fellow human beings for nothing. But a community of such people can develop a radical culture of sober adventure and engagement, one that could eventually offer exciting opportunities for drink-free activity and merriment for all. Yesterday’s geeks and loners could be the pioneers of tomorrow’s new world: “lucid bacchanalism” is a new horizon, a new possibility for transgression and transformation..."

Wasted, indeed.

dee pee are kay

ever wondered what North Korea looks like? you have, huh? Ok. Cold and empty seems to be the order of the day . brrrr. just don't be takin' no early mornin' walks at the Kumgang tourist zone, y'hear?!

so they continue to try take over the world

google, bless its little megalomaniac heart, now wishes to turn the global population into self-obsessed ego-maniacs. latest advice from google? "go on...google yourself. do it. do it. DO IT!"

Sunday 26 April 2009

history is a weapon

History isn't what happened, but a story of what happened.

"We must choose whose interests are best: those who want to keep things going as they are or those who want to work to make a better world. If we choose the latter, we must seek out the tools we will need. History is just one tool to shape our understanding of our world. And every tool is a weapon if you hold it right."

Sunday 19 April 2009

a criminal's guide

to surviving prison. I hope I never, ever, end up in gaol. However, like this site says, you never know what may happen. So, perhaps it's best to at least be prepared . I think the one piece of advice that stood out for me was "find one of the few dedicated to self-improvement. they will stand out. and they can help you"

and now for something completely different

the obama administration is bringing the issue of torture closer to the surface - and it seems to be agreed that torture ain't a good thing. this article addresses the fascinating question, is solitary confinement a form of torture?" it's thought-provoking stuff. and scary.

Saturday 18 April 2009

poo paper

seems the credit crunch of '08 and the global dissolving of '09 will at least have led to the creation of one much-needed product in these trying and difficult times. Paper made from wombat poo .

Sunday 12 April 2009

guess what happens next

All these talent shows on TV, and just not enough talented people to fill the airtime. In this cynical world, it's easy to write someone off. See if you can guess what happens when this lady gets on stage in Britain's Got Talent . Did you get it right?

Wednesday 8 April 2009

"Scotland's Number One Male Barbie"


"orange or darker is one of the best skin colours you can have"

Friday 3 April 2009

troping

this brilliant sort-of-wiki explains the plot devices, terminology and errors that keep coming up over...and over..oh, and over again whether it be movies, music, advertising or TV.
for example, the French continually being referred to as "cheese-eating surrender monkeys",
a character being easily identifiable as British from their slightly obsessive devotion to a cup of tea ,
how in the Caribbean, no-one works - nope, they sit on beaches drinking cocktails out of coconuts
when you watch something and think, did they really just not care?!
and finally, the practice of "Lampshade Hanging"...

how to upset the video game nerds

it's easy really. become a director or producer, make movies, TV, animations. and no matter what game the characters are supposed to be playing, simply have them mash all the buttons on the game controller and use Pac Man 2600 Music. Repeatedly.

Wednesday 1 April 2009

and who says the Swiss are humourless....


absolute. genius.

diet tips from old people

it's a simple question to ask people who have managed to make it past the big 1-0-0. "What's the key to getting as old you?" This article will get you started . However, a rather important answer is missing. "A large pension".