Darren's shared items in Google Reader

Fire from the Mission

2008-07-04T04:33:23Z

Click on the above to dig one of the best photosets I’ve shot in a while. I was driving to a Radio Shack to pick up a volt-ohm meter, so we could monitor the browning out of electrical service, when I saw the sun setting through the smoke from the fire, and knew instantly that I could get a good angle on that through the Mission in silhouette. So I turned the corner, and sure enough. Got it.

Any blogger or news service that wants to use any of those shots should feel free to grab any of them. Give me photo credit if you like, but it’s not necessary. Just here to help.

(tag: sbgapfire. Hashtag: #sbgapfire)

Unmasking Rental Scammers: One Prick at a Time

2008-07-03T15:39:21Z

So, while looking for an apartment in the West End, I tried my hand answering a couple of Craigslist ads. I’ve emailed about eight so far. Here are the results:

1 - They already rented the place out and were just too lazy to take the ad down.
3 - Haven’t replied, after a week’s time.
4 - Are clearly scam artists.

Why do I think they’re scammers? Take, for instance, this email thread I’m currently engaged in. (I’ll keep it updated as it continues.)

——————–

Hi, I’m interested in your one-bedroom apartment. [I go on to describe how wonderful and stable a person I am.]

I’d love to know what the square footage is and how much natural light it gets. Also do you have photos of the suite? I’m looking for Aug 15 and am prepared to sign a long-term lease.

Thanks for getting back to me for the details of the flat.. I am a wedding Planner and i travel a lot so i often stay in my apartment. [Wow, for a wedding planner, you really need to upgrade yor email/typing skills.] But for now i am not in the state [uh… what state?! You posted an apartment in Canada] now i jut secure a new job here in England,so am willing to rent out, a charming and sophisticated apartment well furnished and well equipped..two-rooms apartment is offered for rent fully furnished. Surfacing about 44sq meter for a room [very generous — a 144 sq. ft. apartment] , it has been totally renewed and it is close to the main shopping areas and public transports…

EQUIPMENTS
Cupboards, US kitchen fully equipped [good, I hate those Canadian-kitchens] ,and a bathroom with shower are some of the assets of the flat. Autonomous heating, secure door, code, inter phone ..with fast internet connection Equipment in the flat, fridge, washing machine, antique ven[…ding machine?!],microwave, tv, desk, spacious closet, and tons of storage space all around, all zone dvd player, Each bedroom has its private Bathroom and Toilet… [Uh. your ad said there was only one bedroom. Does the foyer have a toilet too?]

COST
Two bedroom flat will cost you $700 with a security deposit of $1150 and a single Bedroom flat will cost you $350 with a deposit of $700 refundable [actually, it’s illegal to charge more than 50% of one month’s rent for deposit] t the end of your stay if nothing is reported missing or damage in the flat during your stay…..if you are okay with the price of the apartment then get back to me and mind you ,i will not be around for the viewing of the apartment now [surprise, surprise] ,but i can attach the pictures of the place for you to have a look at what you are renting from me.. Get back to me for the other details of the apartment…..

My reply:

Hi Matthew,

What part of the city is it located in, and do you have any photos? I’d like to secure this as soon as possible and I have no problem with the money arrangement.

You MUST be in England, because nobody here uses the word “Flat.” And also, maybe you’re thinking of another apartment you own, because you said you weren’t in “the state” Does that mean you don’t live in Canada? I’m not clear what you mean by a “U.S. Kitchen.” Can you clarify?

He replies, quickly:

I mean Canada when ever i say am not in the please do not be mistaken okay, i have attach the pictures of the apartment.

And also Thanks for your interest in my offer for the apartment,the apartment is located at No 480 Robson St Vancouver, BC Canada The total cost for the renting of the apartment is $700 utillities permonth and a deposit of $1150 which is refundable at the end of you stay if nothing is damage or returned after 30 days if i am satified with the way you manage and care for the apartment,if you are renting only one room out of the apartment the cost will be $350 per month with utillities and also a frefundable deposit of $700.

so if i have answer your questions,so here is the next step for the reservation ,you will make the reservation for the apartment and sign the rental agreement contract after this,i will post the spare keys of the apartment to your address .the money will be transfer to my name and address in London,Uk,via western union money transfer,i would have ask you to wire the payment to me via Bank Account but am new here,and i have not open any Bank Account ,but it will be essay for me to claim the money from you via this mothod… so for the contract to be prepared,i will be nedding this details from you

your full name and addressssssss
passport id number
date of birth
date of moving in and out

Get back to me with this details for the contract to start.

Thanks! The apartment looks great. I’d like to move in beween Aug 15 and Sep 15. I’m afraid I can’t give you my passport number since that’s a government document that’s not required in this transaction.

Do you have a friend or relative whom I can tour the apartment with this week and hand over the cash?

This is an article from Tod Maffin, a social media strategist, national broadcaster, and leading keynote speaker.

Making Old Bikes New for Post-Katrina New Orleans

2008-06-30T17:54:40Z

I love discovering an occasional gem of a Website during minutes (hours?) of random Internet browsing, and today I found a real diamond: RUBARB, which stands for “Rusted Up Beyond All Recognition Bikes.”

Started by volunteers in March 2006 — about a half-year after Hurricane Katrina and the levee-failure flooding of New Orleans — RUBARB was inspired by a much-repeated experience of hurricane cleanup crews: pulling bicycle after unused, flood-damaged bicycle from the mountain

original news source

Homebase: More Like Freebase

2008-06-29T21:46:00Z

Neo: Whoa, furniture.
Trinity: What did you just say?
Neo: Nothing, but the furniture is half-deleted.
Morpheus: Uh oh.
Neo: What is it?
Trinity: Semi-deleted furniture is usually a glitch in the Matrix. It happens when they change something.

Thanks to Ryan R! Original is here.

Stonehenge Lite

2008-06-30T21:53:25Z

This was taken near Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. I felt a deep need to chant and perform some pagan rituals. My druidic tendencies were satiated, albeit briefly, by the beauty of the stones.

There was no time portal/event horizon. Even with the lensbaby. o

ShareThis

Add to del.icio.us | digg

Posted in image.

Stunt Fail

2008-06-29T11:01:28Z

Thx Marcel

Editor’s Note: never let the fatty do the stunts…

iPhone pre-orders, mandatory Value Packs, and other iPhone rumours squashed

2008-06-27T19:47:01Z

espite this morning’s long-anticipated release of the Canadian iPhone plans, there are still many unanswered questions out there floating around, stirring up rumours.

Did you hear? You can’t buy an iPhone east of Montreal!!
I just heard the plan rates are only “introductory”!
My buddy at a Fido kiosk says they’re taking pre-orders!!
You have to buy a value-pack to get Call Display!

I thought I’d ask Rogers directly about some of these rumours and common questions being asked this morning. Here are the real answers:

BUYING THE iPHONE

Are Fido/Rogers stores taking pre-orders now?
No. Not true. If you’ve heard that rumour, it’s wrong.

Will I be able to buy the iPhone at Apple Stores?
No. They will be sold at Rogers/Fido stores only.

Will I be able to buy an iPhone at a Rogers/Fido reseller or agent?
Undecided at this point. News on that will be coming out prior to July 11.

How many iPhones can I buy at a single location on a single visit?
Undecided at this point. News on that will be coming out prior to July 11.

RATES

Are these rates only “introductory” only and increase after the first three months?
No. These are the rates you lock in for three years. And, incidentally, you have no choice in that term — it’s three years’ lock-in or No iPhone For You!

For billing purposes, what time will “evenings” start on the iPhone?
On Rogers, “evenings” start at 9:00 p.m. On Fido, “evenings” start at 7:00 p.m. No change there from their existing rates. However, if you buy the $15 value-pack (Call Display, Visual Voicemail, etc.) and pay an additional step-up fee of $5, you can move the definition of evening to 6:00 p.m. on Rogers and 5:00 p.m. on Fido.

BUNDLES, PACKS, AND SERVICES

What if I don’t want a Value Pack. What if I only want Call Display?
You can buy services a-la carte at the rate they are currently offered (e.g., $7 for standalone Fido call display).

Are all regular call services available on the iPhone?
No. Some network-based functions available on other handsets will not work on the iPhone. (Of course, if they don’t work on the iPhone, they’re not bundled in the “Value Package.”) On existing first-generation iPhones in Canada, the “Name Display” function didn’t work. It’s likely that it still won’t work on the iPhone.
DATA

Can I get warned when I’m nearing my 3G data limit?
Yes. When you have used 80% of your allotted data, you’ll now get a SMS text message warning you that you are getting close. Then, when you’re at your cap, Rogers/Fido will send you another one letting you know you’re now using data on a per-Kb basis. After that, you’ll get two more “Hey, you suuuuuure you want to be using data right now?” messages (I’m paraphrasing). This is included in the plan — you don’t have to pay extra for it, nor pay for the text message.

TRANSFERRING OVER

If I have an existing Fido/Rogers phone, can I keep my phone number?
Yes.

If I have use another provider and switch to iPhone, can I keep my current phone number?
Yes. The same rules for number portability apply. Be sure to NOT cancel at your existing provider, though. Sign up with Rogers/Fido and ask them to transfer your existing account from the other provider. If you cancel it first, you’re SOL.

Can I switch from an existing Rogers/Fido plan to the iPhone without paying a penalty?
It ain’t that easy. A Rogers official told me there are “thousands” of different plan permutations out there. Really, the only way to know how it affects you personally is to call the customer support centre and ask an agent. Contrary to rumours, there are no specially trained “iPhone reps.” All CSRs should have been briefed on the phone and plans by now. They should be able to tell you if you can switch, how much it’ll cost, etc.

Do existing Fido/Rogers plan-holders have to wait up to seven months to be able to buy an iPhone?
No official answer yet, but the good money’s on that there won’t be any kind of waiting period. Officially, a Rogers spokesperson told me “I have not heard that,” adding “People have been speculating and speculating. It’s like that game of ‘Telephone’ where the rumour bigger and has a tendanncy to get more innaccurate [as it moves along].”

This is an article from Tod Maffin, a social media strategist, national broadcaster, and leading keynote speaker.

Don’t worry, media: Old people love you

2008-06-26T15:34:13Z

Amid all the doom and gloom about the decline of the traditional media business, whether it’s books, magazines, television or newspapers, it’s nice to see a ray of hope like the one contained in a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers analysis of the industry, which boils down to (and I’m paraphrasing here): “Old people still like you.” According to a description of the report from MediaPost, while the “Net generation” is focusing on digital and online forms of media:

“consumers over the age of 50 are creating a balance in the industry by devoting significant amounts of attention to the more traditional media of their generation.”

And while the number of media consumers under the age of 25 amounts to as much as 40 per cent of the population of some countries such as India, China and Brazil (it’s 34 per cent in the U.S.), the consulting firm says that the number of older consumers continues to grow, thanks to the demographic bubble created by the Baby Boom. PricewaterhouseCoopers says that the 50-plus population:

“will see double digit growth rates and globally, this population will increase from 1.1 billion to 1.25 billion, a 13.1% rise through 2012. This growth will help sustain traditional formats.”

So there’s your business model for traditional media in a nutshell: the growing population of geezers. In other words, lots more ads for — not to mention feature stories about — hip replacements, adult-incontinence products and luxury cruise vacations. Hurray.

Bikini Food Fight Video (comedy) [del.icio.us]

2008-06-25T16:24:08-05:00

"We can promise exposure". Well, naturally.

Giant wind/solar powered cell phone charge station at Glasto

2008-06-25T20:21:18Z

The Recharge Pod at Glastonbury will power 100 cell phones an hour, generating the equivalent energy of running a dj booth for 88 hours!

original news source

The Gentleman’s Guide To Tipping

2008-06-25T05:36:12Z

A gentleman knows when and how to tip those who serve him. The unmannered and uncouth do not. Tipping an individual, while not mandatory, should always be done. The only occasion you should not leave a tip is if the service was completely horrendous and the person providing the service made no attempt to remedy the situation. When tipping, you should do so discreetly. Showing off how much you tip does not impress people, but only shows you are a shallow cad. Nonetheless, gray areas in regards to tipping often exist. So read on gents, as The Art of Manliness answers all your tipping questions.

Why Tip?

The difference between regular jobs and many jobs that require tips is that they are service jobs, and they are called service jobs because they are directly serving you. They personally and intimately affect you. You do not need to always tip people like tow truck drivers or baristas, and you do not have to tip people for doing their job per se. But you might think about tipping people for the following reasons:

1) If the person went above and beyond regular service. It is just a way of showing gratitude for a job well done and going the extra mile. Some people say, “Why do I have to tip people for doing their job?” To them I respond, “Does the company you work for give bonuses after a project is completed successfully?” And what is a bonus if not just a very large tip? When bonuses are offered, people do not generally say “There is no need to give me a bonus. I was just doing my job.”

2) To show your gratitude. Another word for tip is “gratuity.” Many people in service jobs are overworked, underpaid, and unthanked. At your job when you do something right, your supervisor says “thank you,” and “job well done!” Who says thank you to the trashmen? Many service jobs are jobs we don’t want to do, and we are grateful people are there day in and day out doing them for us. Our trash gets taken away, our mail gets delivered, our food is served to us. Their pay often does not match their effort. Who thinks that teachers’ pay is commensurate with the work they put in? Tipping is a way to say “thank you” to those who rarely hear it.

3) Tipping ensures great service. This is especially true of people who perform service for you regularly. If you tip a barista at a coffee shop you frequent, or a waiter at your favorite restaurant, they will give you even better service next time. For example, I used to work at a pizza place and when an order came in, if the pizza delivery guy recognized the name, and remembered they were a big tipper, they would bust their butt to get the order out. They would even take the tipper their order BEFORE orders that had come in earlier. If an order came up for a name they recognized as a bad tipper, they would deliver that order later. Similarly, when I worked at smoothie place, this one customer would tip us very heavily every time she came in. So during her visits we were practically falling over ourselves to get her order out. We would start making it even before she paid. And we would always throw in extra goodies. So in things you do regularly, generous tipping is certainly not essential, but can guarantee you better service.

4) That person’s livelihood depends on our tipping. An unsettling number of people don’t seem to realize that many service workers in the US, like waitresses, do not get a regular hourly wage. They get paid something like $2.50 an hour. If you don’t tip, they could end up making less than minimum wage. Tipping in these cases is not optional, but necessary. I know our non-American readers will criticize a system that doesn’t pay everyone a decent wage with benefits. But such criticism will not change the current reality. Plus, if companies were to start paying everyone a living wage plus benefits then the cost of goods and services would rise. Thus, you would end up paying out of your pocket anyway. So if you deeply believe in everyone receiving a fair wage, then why not do your part to make it a reality now?

“What money is better bestowed than that of a schoolboy’s tip? How the kindness is recalled by the recipient in after days! It blesses him that gives and him that takes.” ~William Makepeace Thackeray

How Much Should You Tip?

(Note: Tipping guidelines differ from country to country. This guide is intended for those who will be tipping in the United States.)

Traveling

Housekeeping at the hotel. A good tip for housekeeping is between $2 to $5. Don’t just leave cash on the nightstand. It might not be clear to your maid that the money is for her. Make sure to leave the tip in an envelope marked for housekeeping.
Tour guide. Tip between $1 to $5 per person in your group.
Skycap or bell hop. $1 to $2 per bag they lug for you. If you’re running late and the skycap books your luggage to your plane so you can get there on time, bump up the tip.
Doorman. Only tip the doorman at a hotel if he gives you a hot tip on the best places to eat or visit while in town.

Personal Services

Massage Therapist. Give 10 to 20 percent of the total cost.
Nurses. Usually tipping nurses at hospitals is not permitted, but don’t tell that to my wife’s Italian grandma. She’s a retired nurse and believes you should definitely tip nurses and other health assistants. Any time she’s at the hospital you can guarantee she’s getting the best service because she gave her nurse “la boost.”
Garage parking. $2 for your car. When you valet park, tip the person who brings you the car, not the person who parks it.
Baristas/Smoothie Makers/Ice Cream Scoopers. It seems like all these types of establishments have tip jars nowadays. Spare change is always appreciated. If the barista starts making your order as soon as you walk in so that its ready for you by the time you get up to pay, tip a little extra. If they sing a song when you give them a tip, ask them to not sing it or you’ll take the tip back.
Hairstylist. Tip 15% of the cost of the haircut.
Takeout. If you order takeout from a restaurant make sure to tip the cashier a bit. While they weren’t waiting on you hand in foot, they did have to bust their butt to get your order together and ready. If they help you take your order out to the car, tip a bit extra.
Car washer. $3 bucks is good for a basic car wash. If they take extra time in when detailing it, give 10% of the cost of the wash.
Tattoos/Body Piercings. 15% of the total cost. If the tattoo artist does an amazing job of capturing the image of your mother on your arm, tip extra.
Tow Truck. It depends on what services the person provides. If they jump your car or change your tire, tip about $4. If they tow it, $5 is good tip. If they are towing you away from a no parking zone, give them the finger.
Bagger at the grocery store. Typically, people no longer tip grocery baggers. It’s not necessary, but definitely a nice gesture. $1 is a good tip.

Delivery Services

Newspaper deliverer. During the holidays, give them a card with $20. My in-laws do this every year and as a result, they have their paper delivered straight to their door instead of just thrown on the driveway.
Pizza/Meal delivery. 15% is customary. If the weather is bad, i.e. there’s snow and ice or a tsunami, and you’re risking the delivery guy’s life so you don’t have to risk yours, tip extra.
Furniture/large appliance delivery. $5 per person. If they stick around and help you assemble or rearrange your furniture, tip extra.

Out on the Town

Waiters. 15 to 20% is customary. If they do an exceptional job, pay more. If you come in with a large group make sure to ask if gratuity is added into your check so you don’t tip them twice. (Of course, as a former waiter, I always appreciated it when someone gave me a little extra in addition to the gratuity.) Be extra generous when you’re on a dinner date with a new lady; she’ll be sure to steal a glance at the tip line of your bill to see if you are a cheap loser or a real gentleman.
Bartenders. 15 to 20%. Again, if they do an excellent job give more. If you come during happy hour and down 20 $.99 cent draws, don’t just leave 15%. Bartenders have to bust their butt to get those things poured for you and deserve more than just your change.
Casino. There are lots of people you could be tipping at a casino. First, you have cocktail waitresses. 15% is customary. Many people tip dealers when they have a successful run, ensuring the continuation of good karma.
Taxi. Standard tip is 15%. If they get you to your destination quickly, tip extra.

Holidays

During the holidays, it’s customary to give a little more for the everyday services we receive. Here is just a short list of people you should consider giving “la boost” to during the holidays.

Mailman. It’s against federal law to tip federal employees, but they can accept gifts of less than $20. But most will probably look the other way if you give more.
Garbage/recycling man. These guys have a dirty job, recognize their work around the holidays by giving them a tip. $10 per person is nice.
Teachers. If you have kids in school, it’s usually customary to give their teacher a small gift at Christmas time. It doesn’t have to be big. Here’s a tip: teachers get box loads full of body lotion, candles, and various apple themed knickknacks (no, you’re not the first person to think of giving them an apple-shaped paperweight). Give them something they’ll really enjoy like a gift card to Borders or Target.
Babysitter. A gift in addition to their normal pay is nice. Gift cards are always appreciated.
Cleaning person. An extra week’s pay or a nice gift.

Download Your Free Guide to Being a Gentleman in 2008.

The $25 Outback Gift Certificate Father's Day Giveaway Password: manup45

Overlay.TV - Watch it. Click it. Get it. [del.icio.us]

2008-06-24T15:46:57-05:00

Quite interesting--YouTube gone meta.

Border yoga event stretches boundaries at U.S.-Mexico fence [del.icio.us]

2008-06-24T14:28:18-05:00

Games without frontiers. Sort of.

MakeMeBabies Predicts What You and Your Lover’s Kid Will Look Like [del.icio.us]

2008-06-24T13:30:13-05:00

Really smart Facebook app. Money in the bank. Assuming, you know, they figure out how to monetize it.

The Stalled Server Room - The Daily WTF [del.icio.us]

2008-06-24T11:12:05-05:00

This just seems like a recipe for social disaster.

YouTube - LSU Fake FG vs South Carolina [del.icio.us]

2008-06-23T17:40:38-05:00

Watch the replay. That's the cheekiest hand-off ever.

MTSS Episode #17 (The Penis) at Midwest Teen Sex Show [del.icio.us]

2008-06-23T12:30:49-05:00

Pretty funny. Not safe for work or prudes.

YouTube - Simpsons Map for Quake III Arena [del.icio.us]

2008-06-23T11:55:10-05:00

The level of detail is remarkable.

Wild times for sports blogs may be nearing an end - Los Angeles Times [del.icio.us]

2008-06-22T17:35:49-05:00

Features the wrongest prediction of the year: "What's the shelf-life for a website that only has women in bikinis?" Uh, I think we can measure that shelf-life in decades.

YouTube - Birthday Greetings from Joe Cocker [del.icio.us]

2008-06-21T20:41:23-05:00

Quite funny. Still an exceptional performance, but excellently meta.

His hands are still on the wheel [del.icio.us]

2008-06-20T11:34:15-05:00

But, then, where else would he put them?

Surviving the Hits - Measure for Measure - New York Times Blog [del.icio.us]

2008-06-19T09:00:04-05:00

Revealing and honest article by Suzanne Vega, about being a 'two-hit wonder'.

Trailer Tails - Commercially Available Device to Make Trucks 6-12% More Efficient

2008-06-18T21:27:27Z

Suction drag at the tail end of a trailer causes the greatest amount of aerodynamic inefficiency still unaddressed by modern trailer designs. The worst shape to pull down the highway at 65 mph is a big rectangular box.

original news source

2008 NBA Champs - Celtics Rolling Rally

2008-06-19T20:19:50Z

The Boston Celtics took their 2008 NBA trophy on a victory lap through downtown Boston today, a rolling rally in Duck Boats from the TD Banknorth Garden to Copley Square. Their 131-92 win against the L.A. Lakers on Tuesday brought home the 17th championship for the Celtics, the first since 1986. (16 photos total)

Boston Celtics parade to honor the Boston team (David L. Ryan Globe staff photo)

Record industry becomes broken record

2008-06-18T19:45:08Z

The global music agency known as the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (hey guys, how about updating the name?) has come out with what it says are some depressing numbers for worldwide music sales for 2007, and — perhaps not surprisingly, given the group’s history — it is using the new figures to lobby ;for legislation that would force Internet service providers to nab illegal music downloaders.

According to a report in the Times of London, the agency said that sales of music last year fell to their lowest level since 1985. That year, total sales of recorded music hit 1.8 billion units (i.e., albums). In 2007, the IFPI says that the equivalent of 1.86 billion units were sold, down from the previous year’s 2.09 billion.

According to the industry group, last year’s numbers include paid-for downloads of individual tracks, with 10 downloads equivalent to one traditional album. CD sales fell by 13 per cent last year, the IFPI says, although it’s not clear whether that number refers to actual sales or to the decline in shipments to music retailers.

Naturally, the IFPI blames rampant file-swapping through peer-to-peer networks such as BitTorrent for the decline in sales (despite the fact that several studies, including one sponsored by Industry Canada, have shown that downloads don’t lead to a sharp drop in music purchases, and may in fact lead to an increase in music buying by downloaders). Although the industry group mentions the rise of paid downloads — which climbed by almost 35 per cent on average — it seems almost like an afterthought.

As it has for the past year or so, the IFPI used the sales announcement as another opportunity to push ISPs to police the downloading of music files, and lend their support to the idea of a “three strikes” law — which would see Internet customers cut off after three cases of illegal downloading. Virgin Media, one of the largest ISPs in the UK, has already started voluntarily sending its customers letters when asked to by the British Phonographic Industry (the British version of the IFPI).

According to the Times story, IFPI head John Kennedy said that the group “wants ISPs to reveal details of their customers who illegally share music and possibly cut off any subscriber who breaches copyright three times [and said that] providers should engage constructively, before the tools of legislation or litigation were invoked to require them to act.”

Team Fortress 2: Meet the Sniper [del.icio.us]

2008-06-18T09:21:48-05:00

The latest in a series of terrific promotional videos for Team Fortress 2. "One's a job. The other's a mental illness."

Fireman Fail

2008-06-15T16:00:52Z

Thx to: Ryan L.

SECRET

One Perfect Day with IGT

2008-06-12T07:17:15Z

Storyline: Gaming company sends corporate plane to bring nerd to Vegas to speak to casino execs. Don't get the impression that this is my usual lifestyle--I'm only blogging about this day because this never happens to me.

The first stop: Executive terminal of SFO. This is north of the airport. Never been there before.

There's a Hertz office there, and it must rent a lot of Priuses. Either that or the Gores were conveniently flying in.

You walk down this hall through no security checkpoint. There's not even a Clear card in sight.

Then you tell the kind folks at this lineless checkin counter who you are.

And the pilot takes to your waiting Piaggio P180--also known as "the Ferrari of the sky."

It's a turbo-prop plane that seats up to nine people. It can go 737 km/hr (458 mph), and its range is 2,595 kilometers (1,613 miles).

This is the plane's all-important snack bar.

A glimpse at the plane's avionics. This is a computer-generated map of the SFO area.

This even beats Cathay Pacific.

Mono Lake from the sky.

Death Valley from the sky.

When I arrived, a limo was waiting for me on the tarmac.

It took me to the Mirage.

Where I spoke to the IGT users conference. IGT is a casino games and networking systems company out of Reno.

These photos shows the state of the art of slot machines.

Then I got back in another limo.

And went to the Atlantic private plane terminal at LAS.

Where another Piaggio 180 picked me up.

It was an older model as you can tell by the cockpit.

This is the view from the co-pilot's seat when we took off.

When we landed at SFO, there was a Nike plane parked on the tarmac.

Holy cow, what a day! But it's back to commercial travel now for the rest of the year.

When Candy Design Goes Terribly, Hilariously Wrong [del.icio.us]

2008-06-12T15:18:20-05:00

Nobody turned these things sideways?

For the Prom... [del.icio.us]

2008-06-10T15:55:56-05:00

I only looked this way after the prom.

players

2008-06-10T05:29:01Z

Chess players at Dundas Square.

WARNING: The video below has audio, check your system's volume before playing!

653 frames were shot within about an hour and put together to make the video. To watch the HD version check out the vimeo page
Music selected from The Photographer by Philip Glass. (Track: A Gentleman's Honor)

Creative Way to Drive Traffic from YouTube [del.icio.us]

2008-06-10T00:02:05-05:00

Cheeky, but I clicked.

Lancome: Ooh You Poor Man

2008-06-09T21:13:00Z

Hmm, for some reason these pictures of craggy tough-guy real-man Clive Owen look a little unfeminine. Could you please run the Donna Summer filter over them a few times? Ta!

Next week: Patrick Stewart for Head and Shoulders.

Thanks to Rebecca J and Matt M. More Lancome-Owen outrage here.

The Varying Impact of Gas Prices - NYTimes.com [del.icio.us]

2008-06-09T14:03:34-05:00

I loves me some infovis.

June 9, 2008: Wedding Cake

2008-06-09T13:54:15Z

This was described as a "Redneck Wedding Cake", but the spikes makes me think it's two bucks.
Maybe a NAMBLA cake?

Cheeky Google Ad [del.icio.us]

2008-06-08T21:53:30-05:00

See for yourself.

New Wearable Feedbags Let Americans Eat More, Move Less [del.icio.us]

2008-06-06T22:37:27-05:00

"Hot steamy food in your face, right now."

If we install everything proposed by Internet Explorer... [del.icio.us]

2008-06-06T22:34:25-05:00

That's quite a few taskbars.

Donna Summer: This Time I Know It's For Real!

2008-06-06T20:51:00Z

Mmm hmm.

Thanks to Emma W!

The Shirt You’ve All Been Waiting For

2008-06-07T05:18:11Z

…er, the shirt for which you’ve all been waiting.

So, a while back I mentioned that I bought the coolest shirt EVER. And now it has arrived!

Hooray for Torsopants!