7.28.2008

Twilight of the Bobblehead

Swedish viking death metal band, Amon Amarth, are releasing a limited edition bobblehead set with their upcoming release "Twilight of the Thunder God". Awesome. It's always healthy to see a band that has some sense of humor when they write lyrics like this...

I drop the shield and grab my axe,
A weapon in each fist.
The first blow makes the helmet crack,
The axe cut to the teeth.

I rip the axe from the head,
covered in blood and brains.
Leave the body lying dead,
Ready to strike again.

My sword cuts through clothes and skin,
Like a hot knife cuts through snow.
I smile as the bastard screams,
when I twist my sword.

7.23.2008

Google Image Game

It doesn't seem very well advertised, but Google has a little game for improving the labels associated with images for better search results. When you login, you are paired with a random partner in cyberspace and you both type in keywords for describing the picture, without using the words already listed. It is the exact premise of the game Taboo. Once you get a match, then you both get points and you are ranked against other competitors.

Hey... why not outsource these mundane tasks in a fun way? Good stuff.

foto phavorites #6

(the branches are going down into (and back out of) the ground. crazy, right? the tree is in Orlando near the science center. click to enlarge)

7.21.2008

The delectable Erin Andrews... only a 5/10?!

... At least according to Adam Carolla on his radio show last week when comparing her to other girls at the University of Florida. Ace Man had Erin Andrews (ESPN) on as a guest and (unbeknownst to me)... she is a UF alum and a former Dazzler! He recalled a trip to the O-Dome during his Loveline days, when he had a memorable show for 9,000 college students and gorgeous Gator girls! So smitten with the "talent" at UF, Carolla gave Erin a backhanded compliment in saying that she was only a 5 when compared to her co-ed peers (but a 12 off campus). More proof that it's great to be a Florida Gator... indeed.

Not Carolla at his best... but the download can be found
here.

While I'm here... I should comment that Carolla's radio show is absolutely fantastic. He gets some great guests, and has far more improv and unique comedic genius than most other shows. I listen to the podcasts daily. He also has a decent independent flick that just came on DVD called The Hammer. It's worth watching and I have it... so, let me know if you want to check it out.

7.19.2008

ESPN-NFL Network merger approaching?

I had an interesting discovery this evening on ESPN.com. Below is a screenshot of the video listing on the ESPN homepage, which includes the "Top Ten Luckiest Plays in NFL History". What's surprising is that when I clicked to play it, I was redirected to the NFL Video site and greeted by Rich Eisen (NFL Network's go-to guy). Uncharacteristic of ESPN or NFL Network, no? It was reported last month that the bigwigs were meeting to discuss a joint venture, but nothing was official. Perhaps this slipped before an official press release? Perhaps ESPN is giving the NFL some love to make the deal happen? Anyone who watches the NFL knows that this is a good thing. Let's wait and see!

7.16.2008

IMAX, anyone?

I'm a little excited... I rarely get like this about a movie. I'm going to go to a regular theater this weekend, but I will promptly go to a showing at an IMAX when I return to Florida in August. Come join me!

foto phavorites #4

7.13.2008

Charlie highlights

I've sadly spent the majority of the weekend watching episodes of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" on hulu. It's really grown on me, and a big reason for that is the character Charlie, played by Charlie Day. He's truly brilliant... he comes off as a drug-addled crazy person with the physical comedy of Kramer and the frustrated rage of George. Here are a few of my favorite scenes. Enjoy.





7.10.2008

Why I want YOU to use Google Reader...

Use Google Reader. It's that simple. If you read any news, headlines, blogs, or listen to podcasts... you need to use it! And if you use it properly, it will benefit both of us! Here are a few reasons why:

  1.  Reader uses RSS feeds to automatically collect and organize news sources, blogs, and podcasts. You don't have to jump all over the internet to see what new is happening in the world, sports headlines, or coupons. You can combine them all to one reader.
  2. Easily subscribe to any RSS feed - Just click on the feed icon and Google is usually an option.
  3. Browse other existing blogs - Maybe you'll find something interesting you never knew existed... like LifeHacker, Seth Godin, or Boing Boing.
  4. Share items with friends - While you are using Reader and you find an interesting story, you can simply push a button to share with other Reader users. It's essentially like showing people newspaper clipping or using digg. It also stores your shared feeds on a separate site, which has its own RSS feed. Or you can display your shared feeds on a widget, as I have in my sidebar. So add me as a friend and share what you think is cool!
  5. Add notes to shared items - As I do on this site occasionally, it is common for bloggers to have a list of links with some comments. Google Reader lets you add comments to items you want to share, so you can explain their relevance. Perhaps even more excellent, they have a note tool that you can store in your bookmark toolbar, which lets you share and add notes as you browse the web.
  6. Reader trends - If you want to track your Reader stats, there are also some options for that... this is very helpful in addressing your addiction to Reader and taking steps to control your urges. I'm a recovering GReadaholic too... you're not alone.
  7. Embed in you iGoogle homepage - I personally don't use Reader in iGoogle because it doesn't have all of the features and it isn't efficient enough... but if you want to do it, you can.
  8. Friends' blogs - I know asking everyone to create a blog is a stretch too, but I really would enjoy that. I'm willing to bet that more people than you realize care about your opinions, hobbies, or observations. Subscribe to mine and I want to subscribe to yours!
It should be noted that other feed reader sites exist, such as Bloglines. But I am just infatuated with Google products and I prefer it to Bloglines, so I suggest GReader.
Getting back to why I want YOU to use Google Reader... mainly it's because I can't read everything on the web everyday. It's just not possible. And I would rather take the time to read a few select items from people I know, rather than whatever jackholes are out there on digg. If you want any suggestions on good blogs that I already read, just ask! I really would like you to subscribe to my shared items and then we can exchange interesting things we read. I value all of my friends' opinions, so I would greatly value everyone using the share function on Google Reader. I mean it.

You really really need to try Google Reader...it's so wonderful, it's worthy of singing about!