QotD: In Case Of Emergency
Who is your Alert In Case Of Emergency person?
Why, the science pixie, Dr Evil herself, Lorna.
This isn't just squishy sentimentality, either. I would trust her more than anyone else to actually do whatever was needed should anything go horribly wrong.
Podcast of The Day: Media Talk
I commute for about an hour each way right now, depending on traffic and the time of year, and I use that time productively by catching up on podcasts. On Mondays I liste to The Guardian's Media Talk podcast, the latest episode of which is below:
Pretty much essential listening for anyone working seriously in media. You can subscribe in iTunes.
Anti-Ginger Nuts
Gingerism: is it racism? - Styledash:
According the BBC, red-head hating is still going strong around the world, but especially in the UK. Based on anecdotal reports, nearly every natural red-head has faced at least some kind of discrimination ranging from childhood taunting, to sexual rejection to violent hate crimes. (The most extreme case of anti-red-head sentiment, of course, being the 2003 stabbing of a red-headed 20-year-old man.)
Personally, I think this is all about lingering cultural prejudice against the Celts. They were the one-time rulers of the British Isles, who eventually got pushed to the very edges of the islands, and their distinctive characteristics became undesirable, as it marked you as one of the losers.
However, i have to be careful here, as my wife is very much a redhead…
Which reminds me, does anyone else think that there's something missing from this? In particular, that female redheads actually get an easier ride than male redheads? Certainly in much of the US, and the UK too, a red-headed woman is seen as an attractive proposition.
Why is it cool for women to be redheads, and embarrassing for men?
The Mystery Of Food
Brits in the dark over food production | Food | Guardian Unlimited Environment:
"Farmers produce 60% of all the food consumed in this country, yet many adults questioned didn't associated everyday foods with British farms.According to the survey, 35% did not know that porridge comes from a British farm.This is just depressing beyond belief. That our understanding of the link between food, farming and plant and animal life has broken down so badly is very worrying.The origins of bread were a mystery to 23% of people, and 22% did not believe that sausages and bacon came from British farms."
Today's Office Nostalgia
I used to love this when I was a kid, before I became a teenager and realised just how painfully uncool it was.
Looking at it now, I can see why I liked it so much.
Terry & June look disturbingly like my Mum & Dad did back then...
Explaining Volcanicity
About a year ago, Jo (my sister-in-law) had scribbled "explain volcanicity" in her big book of lists as one of her objectives for 2007 in her job.
This, I suspect, is the result:
Vox Hunt: Villainous
Video: Show us your favorite TV or movie villain.
Submitted by Felipe Anuel.
He was the single best thing in the movie. Never has Christmas been cancelled so stylishly.
QotD: I Turn My Camera On
What kind of camera(s) do you own?
Most of my photography is done with a Canon EOS 300D, which I believe is known as the Digital Rebel in the US. Which is a bit sad.
I also own a film Canon SLR, but that's hardly ever used. I must get around to flogging it on eBay.
I have a couple of digital compacts, but they've been neglected of late for the camera built into my mobile phone, expecially given that I can upload pics straight to Vox with it.
Commute From Hell
The traffic this morning is hell. Locked solid from Beckenham onwards, I've spent more time checking email on my phone than driving.
Spot the car
At Gatwick. Looking for the car in the car park.
Note to self: it's the one covered in Cornish mud…
QotD: Search Me
How well does your name Google? Who are you up against? (Celebrities, etc.)
Submitted by Matt Blank.
Pretty well, thank you. Mind you, I don't do nearly as well for just "Adam".
Alanis and Her Humps
Alanis Moristette covers "My Humps" by the Black Eyed Peas in her traditional style:
Genius.