Time Machine Ballistics
On the other hand, things that take next to no time at all can be powerfully revealed with a still photograph. This site features the work of Harold Edgerton. He was a pioneer in high speed photography. If you're ever in Boston, stop by the museum at MIT: The Edgerton Center
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Noah K Everyday
Noah K Everyday
I'm interested in things that are elemental. Things that come from first principles. Basic measurements of physical quantities that can not be distilled down into anything more real are interesting to me.
Running marathons teaches you a lot about distance. You learn a lot about time as well as more complicated qualities such as power and energy. The funny thing is, I'm more awed by the distance when we're driving back to the hotel room after the marathon. During the event, I'm experiencing the thing, and it's going by too slowly to really understand, especially at the paces I usually run (~10 or 11 minute miles.) But having to drive for half an hour or so to get back to the start of where you ran from... well, that's pretty sobering. "Hell, I ran this biatch," I usually say, or something to that effect. Everybody in the car agrees that it is a long way, but only those who ran it really feel that distance. We usually feel the distance even more in the next couple of days, then it fades and the mind glosses over and saves the good memories and blots out the pain. You don't remember what it means until about the 22nd mile of the next marathon you run. That last three or four miles is a beautiful hell. It's drug-like. Your life will never be simpler than when you're done with the preparation and the running of the first 4/5ths of the marathon. You only have one thing to do, and two physical quantities to think about: time and distance. Sure, you might be concerned about your energy level or your heart rate or the temperature or wondering where your friends are or something else... but ultimately it boils down to "how far is it, and how long do I have to get there?"
This photography project shows time in a completely different light. While not on a geological timescale, it's definitely closer when compared to the usual time-lapses we see (see my earlier posting about the movie Baraka.)
I'm interested in things that are elemental. Things that come from first principles. Basic measurements of physical quantities that can not be distilled down into anything more real are interesting to me.
Running marathons teaches you a lot about distance. You learn a lot about time as well as more complicated qualities such as power and energy. The funny thing is, I'm more awed by the distance when we're driving back to the hotel room after the marathon. During the event, I'm experiencing the thing, and it's going by too slowly to really understand, especially at the paces I usually run (~10 or 11 minute miles.) But having to drive for half an hour or so to get back to the start of where you ran from... well, that's pretty sobering. "Hell, I ran this biatch," I usually say, or something to that effect. Everybody in the car agrees that it is a long way, but only those who ran it really feel that distance. We usually feel the distance even more in the next couple of days, then it fades and the mind glosses over and saves the good memories and blots out the pain. You don't remember what it means until about the 22nd mile of the next marathon you run. That last three or four miles is a beautiful hell. It's drug-like. Your life will never be simpler than when you're done with the preparation and the running of the first 4/5ths of the marathon. You only have one thing to do, and two physical quantities to think about: time and distance. Sure, you might be concerned about your energy level or your heart rate or the temperature or wondering where your friends are or something else... but ultimately it boils down to "how far is it, and how long do I have to get there?"
This photography project shows time in a completely different light. While not on a geological timescale, it's definitely closer when compared to the usual time-lapses we see (see my earlier posting about the movie Baraka.)
Brave New Workshop's Christmas Show
The fetal support unit and I went to see the opening night of BNW's "Christmas- The Other White Holiday" last night.
More on the show in a bit. We got there a little late, as I had to get in my workout. I'm closing in on a year of Crossfit, so I'll post my thoughts in a couple of weeks.
Back to BNW. They had food, which was good, because I was starving. So I found some munchies and commenced munching. An older gentlemen walked up, picked up a bag of tortilla chips, then inspected one of the small round tubs on the table. It was full of green avocado-ey goodness. He asks, to nobody in particular, "What's this stuff?"
You know you're in Minnesota when people don't know what Guacamole is. "Put it down sir, you wouldn't like it. It's probably too spicy for you, and it's never been near a cow, it's not made from fish, it's never been fermented, and there's no way you can make it into a hot dish. It's not for you."
Mind you, we weren't out-state... we were in Uptown. I could tell because everybody that was good looking was dressed in black, ill-fitting, frumpy clothes. Yup, these clothes said "I'm so good looking, I have to dress badly and wear clunky glasses."
I mean, I could understand if we were just west of Cowfuck, WI. Not knowing what guacamole is could be something of a badge of cheesehead/outstate pride in some areas. But in Uptown? Wow.
After that, I waited in line for the bathroom. BNW is strangely egalitarian. There are two one-holers, and one line forms for both of them. I was standing behind a black guy, who clearly needed to go because he was dancing around. He asked me "is there just the one bathroom?"
"No, there's two, but there's just one line. I guess it's fairer that way."
"What? Since when is this country fair? Since the election we're all into equal rights? Man, if this was the 1940's, I'd be finished by now!"
I couldn't much argue with him there. Given the demographic makeup of the crowd, he'd have had time to read the paper and catch up on the news, and nobody would have much cared.
The show itself was great. There was a lot of swearing, pretty much nothing was sacred, and even the Muslims got a few friendly pokes, along with the Jews, the whites, the Lutherans, the Catholics, politicians, UPS, and all of our standard Christmas stereotypes.
I laughed so much my cheeks (the ones on my face) hurt today. If you get the chance, go see the show. Last year's effort was good, but this year it's obvious the cast has matured and grown.
More on the show in a bit. We got there a little late, as I had to get in my workout. I'm closing in on a year of Crossfit, so I'll post my thoughts in a couple of weeks.
Back to BNW. They had food, which was good, because I was starving. So I found some munchies and commenced munching. An older gentlemen walked up, picked up a bag of tortilla chips, then inspected one of the small round tubs on the table. It was full of green avocado-ey goodness. He asks, to nobody in particular, "What's this stuff?"
You know you're in Minnesota when people don't know what Guacamole is. "Put it down sir, you wouldn't like it. It's probably too spicy for you, and it's never been near a cow, it's not made from fish, it's never been fermented, and there's no way you can make it into a hot dish. It's not for you."
Mind you, we weren't out-state... we were in Uptown. I could tell because everybody that was good looking was dressed in black, ill-fitting, frumpy clothes. Yup, these clothes said "I'm so good looking, I have to dress badly and wear clunky glasses."
I mean, I could understand if we were just west of Cowfuck, WI. Not knowing what guacamole is could be something of a badge of cheesehead/outstate pride in some areas. But in Uptown? Wow.
After that, I waited in line for the bathroom. BNW is strangely egalitarian. There are two one-holers, and one line forms for both of them. I was standing behind a black guy, who clearly needed to go because he was dancing around. He asked me "is there just the one bathroom?"
"No, there's two, but there's just one line. I guess it's fairer that way."
"What? Since when is this country fair? Since the election we're all into equal rights? Man, if this was the 1940's, I'd be finished by now!"
I couldn't much argue with him there. Given the demographic makeup of the crowd, he'd have had time to read the paper and catch up on the news, and nobody would have much cared.
The show itself was great. There was a lot of swearing, pretty much nothing was sacred, and even the Muslims got a few friendly pokes, along with the Jews, the whites, the Lutherans, the Catholics, politicians, UPS, and all of our standard Christmas stereotypes.
I laughed so much my cheeks (the ones on my face) hurt today. If you get the chance, go see the show. Last year's effort was good, but this year it's obvious the cast has matured and grown.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Sunday, July 09, 2006
YouTube - airgun tactical shooting
YouTube - airgun tactical shooting Who says the Japanese have renounced military ways? These fuckers will have our backs in North Korea someday.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
*HA* I always knew it
The Official History and Manual of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows in America
Monday, April 24, 2006
Oh yes.
Bra producers bust out D cups as breasts grow
Proof that nutrition and athleticism is good for everybody, even the spectators.
Proof that nutrition and athleticism is good for everybody, even the spectators.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Monday, April 10, 2006
Drugs companies 'inventing diseases to boost their profits' - World - Times Online
Drugs companies 'inventing diseases to boost their profits' - World - Times Online
Exactly. Meaning you'll be healthier with less exposure to commercials.
Next on Fox News at 9: Your local news may be killing you by making you afraid of anything and everything. Watch the chilling footage at 10 o'clock... or else.
Exactly. Meaning you'll be healthier with less exposure to commercials.
Next on Fox News at 9: Your local news may be killing you by making you afraid of anything and everything. Watch the chilling footage at 10 o'clock... or else.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Amazing Rally Video
Watch all the way through- look how close he gets to the edge near the top of the run.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Monday, April 03, 2006
http://www.runningmap.com/
This is one of the coolest things for runners I've ever seen. It's basically a way of measuring distances on Yahoo maps. Not just point A to point B, but: run to this corner and turn left, then turn right, etc.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Messing about on bicycles...
Well, Wife #1 and I just returned from our maiden voyage on a tandem. I bought the bike this week, sight unseen, from a Reverend in Iowa. I'd read a lot about tandems, and it looked like the ideal solution for me to get more mileage in, and for Megan and I to enjoy something athletic together.
We bought a forest green Burley Rumba Softride. I haven't got any pictures of it yet, but I'll post some soon. The bike is practically brand new. Fits like a glove. It's not a sexy oversized tube aluminum jobbie, just a simple, sturdy steel frame. Run of the mill components, but serviceable. Even came with one set of clipless pedals, which actually work surprisingly well.
Megan was a bit trepidatious at first- she generally approaches these things with apprehension. I would if I was married to me- I mean, I'm known to be a gung-ho idiot about lots of things... "Detangling a kite in below zero weather on the middle of a Minnesota lake? Sounds like fun!" "Running a marathon? Sign me up!" "Camping in February in Northern Minnesota? I'm there!"
So I figured I'd do what I could to make it as stress free as possible. I left the bike in the porch until the weekend, so she could see it, sniff at it, and get comfortable. Zoe and Stanley did this as well. When the weekend came, I suggested that we go for a ride, and then let that sit for a couple of hours while I helped clean up around the house. Then, once it had warmed up enough, we took the dogs for a walk.
It was time. Megan makes this cute noise when she's nervous about things, and I heard that noise a few times today. We did a dress rehearsal in the driveway, holding onto the railing on the deck for stability.
Then we went out into the road, got on the bike, and rode away. Just like that. It was sketchy for about the first 5 feet, but after that, we both settled down and and started enjoying the ride. It wasn't that different to riding my Kingpin with Megan on the back, except that things happen faster on a tandem.
After a mile, I downshifted and started spinning like I would on my single. I became aware of nearly uncontrollable giggling from the peanut gallery. I look back, and she's bouncing up and down in rhythm with the pedal strokes, and has the best grin on her face. What a hoot. Guess she's never had to develop a round pedal stroke before, and it was causing the bounce. It wasn't moving the bike at all, but every time I looked back she was bouncing. I started finding bumps on purpose to set her off, and once downshifted maliciously just to see if I could make her bounce more.
We didn't go far, as somebody forgot to wear appropriate butt-shielding and found the stock seat a little uncomfy. However, the stoker is always right, so we called it a day after about 3 miles. I can't believe how well we did as a team, and how much fun it was. Now we just have to find a way to tow the dogs along...
We bought a forest green Burley Rumba Softride. I haven't got any pictures of it yet, but I'll post some soon. The bike is practically brand new. Fits like a glove. It's not a sexy oversized tube aluminum jobbie, just a simple, sturdy steel frame. Run of the mill components, but serviceable. Even came with one set of clipless pedals, which actually work surprisingly well.
Megan was a bit trepidatious at first- she generally approaches these things with apprehension. I would if I was married to me- I mean, I'm known to be a gung-ho idiot about lots of things... "Detangling a kite in below zero weather on the middle of a Minnesota lake? Sounds like fun!" "Running a marathon? Sign me up!" "Camping in February in Northern Minnesota? I'm there!"
So I figured I'd do what I could to make it as stress free as possible. I left the bike in the porch until the weekend, so she could see it, sniff at it, and get comfortable. Zoe and Stanley did this as well. When the weekend came, I suggested that we go for a ride, and then let that sit for a couple of hours while I helped clean up around the house. Then, once it had warmed up enough, we took the dogs for a walk.
It was time. Megan makes this cute noise when she's nervous about things, and I heard that noise a few times today. We did a dress rehearsal in the driveway, holding onto the railing on the deck for stability.
Then we went out into the road, got on the bike, and rode away. Just like that. It was sketchy for about the first 5 feet, but after that, we both settled down and and started enjoying the ride. It wasn't that different to riding my Kingpin with Megan on the back, except that things happen faster on a tandem.
After a mile, I downshifted and started spinning like I would on my single. I became aware of nearly uncontrollable giggling from the peanut gallery. I look back, and she's bouncing up and down in rhythm with the pedal strokes, and has the best grin on her face. What a hoot. Guess she's never had to develop a round pedal stroke before, and it was causing the bounce. It wasn't moving the bike at all, but every time I looked back she was bouncing. I started finding bumps on purpose to set her off, and once downshifted maliciously just to see if I could make her bounce more.
We didn't go far, as somebody forgot to wear appropriate butt-shielding and found the stock seat a little uncomfy. However, the stoker is always right, so we called it a day after about 3 miles. I can't believe how well we did as a team, and how much fun it was. Now we just have to find a way to tow the dogs along...
Saturday, February 25, 2006
My favorite boredom erasers.
Tactic 1:
Go to Ebay.
Click on "All Categories."
Click on "Other stuff."
Click on "Totally Bizarre."
Pull down Sort by: to "Price: highest first"
Voila, instant reinforcement of your self worth:
Ebay totally bizarre.
...and now this. Cragslist has a "Best of" section:
Hot Dekalb Police officer pulling into QT off Ptree Industrial
Go to Ebay.
Click on "All Categories."
Click on "Other stuff."
Click on "Totally Bizarre."
Pull down Sort by: to "Price: highest first"
Voila, instant reinforcement of your self worth:
Ebay totally bizarre.
...and now this. Cragslist has a "Best of" section:
Hot Dekalb Police officer pulling into QT off Ptree Industrial
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Engadget BBS, ca 1985
Engadget 1985 - I love this. It's a good reminder of how far we've come in 20 years.
Wonder what we'll be laughing about in 2025?
Wonder what we'll be laughing about in 2025?
Friday, February 17, 2006
Big Train: W**nking In The Office - YourDailyMedia.com
Wanking In The Office - I think we'll need to implement this policy at work.
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