For many years, we've heard amazing stories of people surviving for extended periods of time during hypothermic conditions. A new experimental treatment for extreme trauma patients will attempt to use the same principles to save people previously thought lost. Article
Last weekend the UK experienced the barbaric practice of changing the clocks for daylight savings time. Computerphile takes a look at the issues with timezones. Video
It was difficult to make it through this video entitled The Expert. This was my life for 15 years. Video
Last week I shared The Pen Company's blog post on removing ink stains from carpet and hardwood flooring. This week they have a follow up on removing ink stains from leather and silk. Article
Good tutorial on how to make an accurate planet cake. Article
It's sad to see watchmakers retiring with nobody to replace them. Article
If you've ever wondered about how a slapshot differs from a regular shot in hockey, here's and excellent video. Video
If you're reading my blog there's a chance you are keen on pens. If you are, you should be listening to the Pen Addict podcast. Episode 100 came out this week, and is worth a listen. Podcast
It's sad how little reaction there is from the media when a white guy gets arrested for terrorism. Article
Week three with something related to the game Threes. This week it's a computer playing Threes. Video
Matt Schofield will be in Kitchener for their blues festival in August. That makes it a very tempting trip this summer.
I'm the last person to judge if this is accurate, the science behind what women want on the dance floor. Article
These maps showing mobile platform use of twitter are fascinating. Article
I've never been a fan of Rolex watches, but the Cellini collection looks great. Article
I'm always keen to find new ways to make a great burger. The smashed burger looks like it has some potential. Article
I'm impressed these guys can paint lettering on the road by hand. Video
We've recently lost a few of the classic voice over guys for movie trailers. Here is a great look at the history of the movie trailer. Video
The conservators at the Staffordshire Hoard are working on making a few replicas of some pieces from the collection. They are providing a great look at how they are doing it. I wonder if they would be willing to made that 3D model available to those of us studying these pieces… Article
A voice actor demonstrates some of the accents of the UK. Video
Here's a great promo video for a stone setting class in the UK. It gives a great sense of the skill and detail involved in stone setting. Video
Doublespace give us a bit of an architectural tour of Shinzen. Article
Jack is trying to make the rest of us look bad…
What to watch and play
I recently watched the 2013 movie 47 Ronin staring Keanu Reeves. What a horrible mess. For those unfamiliar with the story of the 47 Ronin, it is a true story about a daimyo being murdered, and 47 of his retainers taking revenge. It is a perfect story, and gives a window into Japanese culture (it is said that to understand this story is to understand Japan). Some idiot at the movie studio decided it would be a good idea to turn the movie into a fantasy film and ruin a perfect story. Instead of supporting and rewarding this insulting attack on Japanese culture, here are some alternatives.
The best rendering of the 47 Ronin is a recent comic published by Dark Horse. It is available on the iPad using the Dark Horse app, and looks great. Article
While looking into a few of the Japanese actors in 47 Ronin, I found out about the 2003 film Twilight Samurai. This film is stunning. The look and feel of 19th century Japan is perfect, and the story is beautiful. Find a copy of this film. It may be the best thing you watch this year. Video
Speaking of beautiful and stunning, the guys at Ustwo Games released Monument Valley this week for iPad and iPhone. I don't normally recommend games to non-gamers, but this is one you need to play even if you're not a gamer. It is a short game (it should only take a few hours to finish), but each and every screen could be turned into a gallery print. The game play is also inovative, using optical illusions to alter the game environment. As close to a perfect game as I've ever played. Article
One of my favourite films from the 70's is on iTunes at a great price. The Conversation with Gene Hackman is worth a watch if you've never seen it. Video
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