Monday, November 29, 2010

Hand on Heart!




 Can you genuinely say that you love doing what you do?
He can:


DARK SIDE OF THE LENS from Astray Films on Vimeo.

This wave photographer discusses how grateful he feels to be able to do what he loves - photograph and surf.
He marvels that he gets "to do something worthy of a photograph or a scar."

...God, he's inspiring. So many thumbs up!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Friday, November 12, 2010

Let's Fry 'Em!




While nothing is quite like the beach, this added luxury is getting the prisoners one step closer! The disreputable jail has long been known for its harsh conditions and poor sanitation. A report earlier this year indicated that just under half of Russia’s total inmate population is sick with either HIV or tuberculosis due to outdated medical equipment.

But the recent death of jailed lawyer Sergel Magnitsky has sparked reform in the system. Magnitsky was allegedly held in custody illegally an refused medical treatment despite several requests. Breaking from the norm, Russian officials accepted partial blame for the lawyer’s death, and pledged to improve conditions in the notorious jail starting this year.
To the amazement of some, their first step was to order Butyrka prision to install tanning beds! Sunbeds for inmates should improve health if used correctly, but some think the devices are too much of a luxury. But that’s not all, officials say plans are in the line for mud bath spas to be set up, and prisoners will be allowed access to Skype to contact loved ones.
“We are developing additional medical services … and even sunbeds will be put in place,” said Butyrka’s head Sergei Telyatnikov.
While the move by Russian authorities will certainly deal with complaints of poor health conditions in the country’s jails, most think the knee jerk reaction has gone way too far the other way. With access to facilities that most of the country’s population would consider as “perks,” will the new additions really be worth the investment? What do you think of Russian officials ordering Butyrka prison to install tanning beds? Sunbeds for inmates may have some positive health benefits, but why not just provide much cheaper vitamin D supplements instead? Let me know what you think in the comment section after you check out pictures and video on the story below!

Take Me With You!



This is an original video of the song Portugal from Eleven Pond, an Upstate NY band that recorded and played live from 1986-1987. The song is from a rare LP called 'Bas Relief'. Only 500 copies were made. The album was recorded in an abandoned swimming pool called the Hamster Cage. Dark Entries Records has re-released the LP in 2009. Eleven Pond was Jeff Gallea, James Tabbi, Dan Brumley, Jack Schaeffer and Tim Massick.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Yippee Ki-Yay...




or as I would say, "B-A-N-A-N-A-S!"

It's Simple!

Thats What I Like About You

shot less than a month ago....
R.I.P. Andy Irons






Andy Irons "i surf because" short film from Billabong on Vimeo.

Andy Irons was one of the world's greatest ever surfers. A 3 times world champion made famous by his epic battles with Kelly Slater. But outside all the victories Andy's life started to take a turn and his fire was starting to go out. He left the sport in search of himself and took it all back to basics. "i surf because... it keeps my life at an even keel, without it I would tip into oblivion"- ANDY IRONS. Watch this revealing and haunting clip of one of surfings most colourful dynamic characters.

http://www.isurfbecause.com/

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

STD? There's An App For That!



Got a funny feeling in your nether-region but too embarrassed to ask your doctor what it might be? If a group of British researchers have their way, your mobile phone will soon be able to tell you if you've got an STD.
According to a report in The Guardian, British researchers are working on a kit for phones and personal computers that will be able to diagnose sexually transmitted diseases.
The device will be small and similar to pregnancy testing kits. According to The Guardian, it will work like this:
People who suspect they have been infected will be able to put urine or saliva on to a computer chip about the size of a USB chip, plug it into their phone or computer and receive a diagnosis within minutes, telling them which, if any, sexually transmitted infection (STI) they have.
It will be able to diagnose a range of infections, such as herpes, chlamydia or gonorrhea.
British health experts hope the testing kit will help slow the rising rate of infection, which is highest among the nation's young and tech-savvy people
.
"Britain is one of the worst [countries] in western Europe for teenage pregnancy and STIs. That there's a major embarrassment factor here, especially among young people, makes the situation worse," said Dr. Tariq Sadiq, a senior lecturer and consultant physician in sexual health at the University of London and the person leading the project.
With this new device, "your mobile phone can be your mobile doctor," Sadiq told The Guardian.
The project has significant financial backing. Seven funders have put the equivalent of more than $6 million into developing the technology, according to The Guardian.
"The required technology is very close to becoming a reality," Sadiq told the Daily Mail. But first, he said, they are working to address issues of confidentiality and data protection.
The researchers expect these devices to be sold for as little £1 each (about $1.60) in nightclub vending machines, pharmacies and in supermarkets.

The Tipsheet adds:
The good news:  This new development may slow the spread of STD's, especially among sexually active and less responsible young people
The bad news: There is a substantial market and a societal need for this technology.
If morality arguments don't do the trick for the kids, science also shows that sexual intimacy is best enjoyed within the confines of a committed, faithful relationship.

"...Our time's up!"






Francis Farewell Starlite: Tap The Phone from Benedict Evans on Vimeo.

...Oh, my heart!

RockHer!

Looks like I'm not the only one who adores her.
Congratulations, Emily!  ...You go, gurl!!

















Best female vocalist
MUSIC

Emily Haines

The Metric frontwoman and solo artist is known to provoke strong reactions in listeners, both good and bad. Sure, she might prefer that everyone loved her unconditionally, but any rock star who doesn’t piss off a few people isn’t really doing her job. She’s the kind of performer who rules any stage she steps on, and her voice sounds stronger each year.



Seriously?!

To Sir, With Love


Christopher Walken
Sir Michael Caine
It seems,  impersonations of Sir Michael Caine in the UK are the equivalent to Christopher Walken impersonations in the US...

FantASStik!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Monday, November 1, 2010

Stay Classy!


Wow...seriously?

This Is The Stuff Movies Are Made Of

TWO MINUTES OF PERFECTION IN THE ITALIAN TRAILER FOR ALEX DE LA IGLESIA'S LAST CIRCUS (BALADA TRISTE DE TROMPETA)

No dialogue. Just image after glorious image. Iglesia's Venice winner may very well go down as the maverick director's master work and when you get a gander at how he manages to make a clown in drag with a machete into a tragic figure you'll begin to understand why. Take a look below!