randomilicious

Milorad Pavic

2009-01-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

Summer 1998 Review of Contemporary Fiction has a bunch of articles on Serbian author Milorad Pavic, whose work I am enjoying. And attempting to read some of his short stories in Russian because a) it's presumably closer to the original Serbian than an English translation and b) there isn't an English translation.

Trashed oceans

2008-12-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

Yikes.

Do penguins fly?

2008-12-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

I don't speak French, so I could readily believe that the question asked at the beginning is "do penguins have a wicked sense of humor?"

Via Watching Our Water Ways

Thai Temple Made of Glass Bottles

2008-11-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

Now, that's what I call reuse!

Wicked Problems

2008-10-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Climate change is a wicked problem.

Marine habitat creation

2008-10-02T20:03:00.000-07:00

A sewage outflow pipe has created an artificial reef area in the strait of juan de fuca. Read it.

Latte art

2008-10-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

Maybe I would drink coffee if it came with representations of bunnies more often!

Homeless polar bears in DC

2008-09-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

Greenpeace and DC artist Mark Jenkins worked together to create several homeless polar bears around DC.

If Sarah Palin were your mother...

2008-09-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

She might have named you something like Wrangler Tractor.

Former uses for walrus

2008-09-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

From "The Unnatural History of the Sea,"
Walrus hide, one of the strongest leathers known, was used for high-performance rope. To make rope, a walrus would be skinned in a spiral, winding from tail to neck. A large animal might produce an unbroken strip 28 miters long (90 feet). Walrus ropes powered seige catapults in the sixteenth century. In the nineteenth century, the leather was used for drive belts in industrial machinery, but by the twentieth century, walrus hide found a more mundane role as billiard cue tips.

Cool Zones

2008-09-08T16:34:00.001-07:00

Denser population = greater efficiency. Check the map!

Wonders of the internet

2008-09-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought the internet was tapped out (did you? you're so naive!) there are still sites like this: Cats in Sinks

Nature is amazing

2008-06-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

So, a Sub-Antarctic Skua swallowed an octopus. A small one, in its entirety, still alive. The octopus, not happy with the state of affairs, managed to partially chew its way out, causing the bird to die. The octopus, unfortunately, was partially digested in the process and also succumbed. Further details.

"Blue Gold"

2008-05-31T04:58:00.000-07:00

The Christian Science Monitor reports on the coming global water shortage.

Stupid Pig's China Blog

2008-05-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

He's captured something very accurate about China, in two sentences:
"However, at the same time, foreigners in China would say that there needs to be more traffic laws and rules regulating spitting. I would also agree with this since I almost got run over by a car on my way to work today while spitting in the middle of the road."

Panda-pet

2008-05-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted a dog that looked like a Panda? Take your Chow-chow to the hair salon!

A softer world

2008-05-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

or is it?

Gender-blind housing

2008-05-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

At Wesleyan's Russian House. They started the whole gender-blind housing thing the year after I graduated.

Ogden Nash is my favorite

2008-04-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Dog

The truth I do not stretch or shove
When I state that the dog is full of love.
I've also found, by actual test,
A wet dog is the lovingest.

Rubbish - Short Film with Martin Freeman and Anna Friel

2008-04-25T18:27:00.001-07:00

What this world needs...

2008-04-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

Is more love! Un-Hate a Turk Today!

Credit card buddy

2008-04-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Something to store your credit cards in, and think about what you're buying.

What to wear, what to wear?

2008-04-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's an interesting question, in consideration of sandstorms.

Beijing Natives - Chinese Rap

2008-04-14T10:02:00.001-07:00

I'm super proud of myself for recognizing Dashan.

Mischevious Monkeys!

2008-04-14T09:11:00.001-07:00

I think I'm in love with Jerry Reed

2008-04-13T10:03:00.001-07:00

But what is the show's host wearing?

Implicit Associations

2008-04-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Think you're really righteous? Think you're pure in heart? Well, you can test yourself for racial or gender bias here.

Snow in Thailand

2008-04-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

Bemused residents suspect anthrax attack, scientists, climate change.

Political contributions

2008-03-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

Fascinating google maps mashup -- see where political donations come from. Searchable by name, place, and occupation.

Monkey playing with tigers

2008-03-26T23:36:00.001-07:00

I do believe this confirms that my boyfriend is related to monkeys

Basketball

2008-03-25T18:15:00.001-07:00

...it's from Canada!

Origami spacecraft

2008-03-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Oh, those wackily innovative Japanese!

No water left but the dirty water....

2008-03-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

I'm writing a twenty page paper on water issues in China. PBS has a nice little dealie that summarizes most everything.

The Four Eternal Beauties

2008-03-13T00:35:00.001-07:00

Number 1: Xi Shi

KAJUKENBO Catalunya

2008-03-12T14:45:00.001-07:00

At 2:15 is the craziest takedown I have yet seen. I mean -- damn!

More graphs than you could shake a stick at

2008-03-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

From UNEP: high-resolution copies of many interesting information charts, graphics and visual data representations.

The Mango Lassie

2008-03-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

A foodie blog from a girl I knew at the old alma mater.

Jiu jitsu Suffragettes

2008-02-23T07:48:00.001-08:00

Cool!

72 Virgins

2008-02-18T20:12:00.001-08:00

Comfort food

2008-02-11T22:34:00.000-08:00

In a fit of Finnish nostalgia, I spent an evening making Karjalan pirakkaa.

The Hundred Families

2008-02-11T22:31:00.000-08:00

If you, like me, are trying to come up with a Chinese equivalent to your last name, you might look at this list. Actually, there are more than one hundred...

FYI, I'm looking at calling myself 'River Rock' or 'Star Rock'...

Eco-power

2008-02-10T14:19:00.001-08:00

Ted Turner is Captain Planet.

Very much out of season

2008-02-07T17:24:00.001-08:00

But I liked it :)

!

2008-01-31T17:21:00.001-08:00

Now that's a powerful pro-environmental message.

Dig a hole to China

2008-01-29T20:14:00.001-08:00

Someone's set up a map to show where you would end up if you tunneled straight down from anywhere to the other side of the world.

Quote from A Word A Day

2008-01-23T19:41:00.001-08:00

Our heads are round so that thoughts can change direction. -Francis Picabia, painter and poet (1879-1953)

Amy Tan is a rhythm dominatrix

2008-01-21T14:52:00.001-08:00

The Rock Bottom Remainders are a group of best-selling authors who get together once a year to do a rock concert for charity.
Steven King, Matt Groening, Dave Barry, Amy Tan, Scott Turow, Mitch Albom, Ridley Pearson, Greg Iles, Kathi Kamen Goldmark, Roy Blount, Jr., James McBride

Jimmy Carter says YES!

2007-12-27T23:45:00.001-08:00

Our 39th president!

Knit tits

2007-12-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

For the breast cancer patient in your life. No, really.

Or maybe you know someone who needs replacement for other parts.

Public Transportation

2007-12-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Yay for mass transit!

...oh, snap!

Tree Fish!

2007-12-02T23:18:00.000-08:00

Fish! in trees! Wow!

Captain Planet!

2007-11-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

The power is yours!

Also, the Climate Crisis Jam

Выборы! Выборы! Кандидаты - пидоры!

2007-10-28T21:05:00.001-07:00

Leningrad's take on Russian politics. (Putin, of course, isn't technically a candidate.)

Putin's plan

2007-10-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Putin has a plan. There are billboards up all over Moscow, I hear. Some say it's a sinister plan. Others are pretty sure it has to do with трава.

But hey, maybe we should leave the poor guy alone.

Public Service Announcement

2007-09-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Keep America Beautiful!

Bikes!

2007-09-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart. -Iris Murdoch, writer (1919-1999) [World Carfree Day is Sep 22: http://www.worldcarfree.net/wcfd/]

Recycled from A Word A Day

Helpful helmets?

2007-09-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Theory: Helmet will protect your head.
Effect: You feel/look safer, so drivers and cyclists take more chances.

Article

I'll keep wearing mine, though!

The Earth Needs Friends

2007-09-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

"Bagonaut" of Texas spends 24 hours inside a giant canvas bag to raise awareness of reusable grocery bags. Youtube video, website.

Siberian Ice Maiden

2007-09-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

Archeology is fascinating!

Best line: "Soviet scientists were experts at preserving dead bodies, especially those of revered Communist leaders."

TV Climatologist

2007-08-29T08:47:00.001-07:00

NY Times interviews Heidi Cullen, who has a climatology show on The Weather Channel, and a PhD.

Recipes

2007-08-27T12:28:00.000-07:00

Delicious Organics. Yum!

Linguistics

2007-08-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Go team USA!

The Big Nada

2007-08-24T08:40:00.001-07:00

There's a hole in the universe, dear Liza.

Eating Safe/Green/Cheap

2007-08-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Grist has an advice column on what to buy organic if you can't afford to buy everything organic, and another column about how to make zucchini blueberry bread, with batter that looks like dragon snot. Sadly, no photos of dragon snot are included.

Ideal Gas Laws

2007-08-20T17:54:00.001-07:00

Totally fascinating applet to play with gas, temperature, pressure and volume.

Cow burps

2007-08-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

Reducing methane emissions by cows. The news is so interesting today!

Lake Tahoe

2007-08-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Article: not as clear as when seen by Mark Twain, who likened it to boating on glass.

America Loses Its Stature as Tallest Country

2007-08-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

From the Washington Post:
"Komlos and others noted that the contemporary American diet, while plentiful, has become less nutritious in some ways, especially in recent years, which has helped fuel the obesity epidemic, particularly among children. So while Americans are no longer the tallest, they are among the widest."

Uncle Ted in Trouble

2007-08-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

And Uncle Don and our new Aunt Lisa, too. Read the news.

More chem

2007-08-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

Also, a fairly sensible explanation of oxidation and reduction.

Plus, best chemistry word so far today: Zwitterion.

Atomic orbitals

2007-08-13T12:40:00.001-07:00

Explained. Quite clearly. Unlike in the chem book I've been reading.

Man vs Woman vs Planet

2007-08-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Earth mamas and eco-warriors. Or are gender differences just junk? I'm never entirely sure, but here's a Grist piece anyway.

Space Beer

2007-07-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

New Scientist has the low down on alcohol in space.

HS Teachers Rap

2007-07-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

There were no teachers like this at my high school.

Kitten Care

2007-07-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Want to take your kitty outside? How about in a stroller!
Or maybe kitty should stay inside and play with a motor mouse in a bubble, or the whack-a-mouse ball. And if you get tired of holding the laser pointer, why not try the hands free version?

My kitten is perfectly happen at the moment sitting on the back of the couch and playing with my hair...

Good enough for government work

2007-07-30T15:54:00.001-07:00

--- and it's real news!

Seafood

2007-07-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Double check if it's really okay to eat. And I'm not talking about smelling it!

South African Blogosphere

2007-07-23T11:04:00.001-07:00

Globalization at work: Amatomu.

WOW Russia!

2007-07-23T11:03:00.001-07:00

Everything you ever needed to know about the world's largest country. Serious.

getting down with global warming in Vermont

2007-07-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

I hope these kids get awesome grades on this video as a senior project, or that it gets them into the colleges of their dreams.

Summer Explosives Camp

2007-07-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

You know, for the kids!

film

2007-07-05T12:49:00.001-07:00

15 environmental movies

that's no moon. it's a melon!

2007-07-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

Cuke Skywalker says 'eat organic!'

Watch out for the Squirrels

2007-06-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

They're mean!

US Falling Behind

2007-06-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Not only do we suck at math & science, our internet connection is lame, too.

Kitty Questions

2007-06-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Surely you must have something better to worry about than this?

Limerictionary

2007-06-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

It seems that some folks have enough time
To write dictionary definitions in rhyme
Does the world need 'em?
Someone will read 'em--
The net's all about fascinating waste of your time!

More education is always better

2007-06-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

Since we are destined to live out our lives in the prison of our minds, our one duty is to furnish it well. -Peter Ustinov, actor, writer and director (1921-2004)

Bad News for Kyoto

2007-06-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

China overtakes US as world's biggest CO2 emitter

Geology

2007-06-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Plate tectonics, explained with oreos!

Strange News

2007-06-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Man in wheelchair takes ride on semi's grille
PAW PAW -- A young man has quite the story to tell after his wheelchair got lodged in the grille of a semi truck, which pushed the chair and the man inside for five miles down a road.

Quote

2007-06-05T20:42:00.001-07:00

I get up every morning determined both to change the world and to have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning the day difficult. -E.B. White, writer (1899-1985)