The LAWW Review

My ankle is a nasty shade of purple...

2012-01-10T17:06:00.002+11:00

No, this blog post is not about some obscure joke or reference. My ankle is a nasty shade of purple - I bruised it yesterday running down stairs at the station. I managed to hobble home, and I'm still sore, but right now, I can only say, it looks a lot worse than it actually is.

Anyway, I'm coming back now to just remind people that my absence from the blog for around a month does not mean I have stopped. Rather, I have found a job (at least temporarily), and while I was remiss in the past in keeping my habits of posting, I am hoping to get back to posting once I've settled back into routine.

Though, frankly, twisting your ankle doesn't help when you love to run. Oh well. Maybe I should begin cello lessons.

They come in threes...

2011-12-19T20:17:00.003+11:00

It seems that the old saying that "Everything happens in threes" has come true for this year, as we account the deaths of Osama bin Laden, Muammar Gadaffi and most recently Kim Jong Il. I really must wonder, what were their last thoughts? What were they thinking about as far as what the end would be for them, and the end of all things past that?

Did they ever ask themselves "What have I done?"? Did they ever wonder if there was something more?

I can't help but wonder now. I feel no joy at their passing, and no real sadness either. I feel no joy because to wish death on another and rejoice in it is to rejoice in something apart from God, which is what death is (even as He entered it on the Cross, we still shouldn't wish it on anyone). And I feel no sadness because I know that, whatever happened, justice, Divine, complete and perfect, has come to pass upon them.

And that's where those questions above come from - if any of them flicked into their minds, it was God, calling them in the midst of His longing for them. And a part of me hopes, in spite of all they did, they heard the call. The miracles of God are His alone to fathom, and who but Him knows what grace and mercy He might give us.

All I know in the end is this - their time has now ended, and they have passed from this world. They have no assurance of salvation as they had not trodden the path that was laid in the form of the Catholic Church. That is all I know, and all I can say. All else is mere possibility and conjecture, as what would a man know of the full Will of God?

I also note that Christopher Hitchens has died. I don't list him with the above three as Hitchens was an avowed atheist, and I honestly and truly get the feeling, he would have pondered those questions, and ignored any that suggested God. I don't list him with them as he was also a man of principle and something of a wit, however, partial and misguided his views on religion may have been. He had plenty of guts, especially in his confrontation with Islamofascism (his term), and in the many political positions he took that were and are unpopular, but no less right for them.

So I shall leave us with another reminder of our mortality with a poingnant piece from On Her Majesty's Secret Service, the song where James and Tracy fall in love, and whose theme plays when she is tragically murdered. We have all the time in the world.

The Hungarian Heroes Medley - The Weekly Feature

2011-12-05T18:07:00.002+11:00

For this week's feature, I have decided to feature a favourite composer of mine - Paul Anthony Romero. You may recall that a while ago, when I was still doing tracks of the week, I posted several of his tracks from Heroes of Might and Magic 3 (Rampart, Stronghold, Neutral, Good, and Menu). In the meantime, he has travelled to Hungary, where he gave a concert, from which the recording below (with thanks to HeroesHun for Youtubing it).

This particular medley is one of my favourites, and is featured here for good reason too - while I have posted elements of the soundtrack of Heroes 3, I haven't posted anything from the other games in the series, and tracks from those games make up the entirety of this medley, including the famed Sorceress' theme (from about 5:15) and the Academy theme (from about 7 minutes in).

It isn't for nothing that Paul Romero is adored by Heroes fans, myself included. Whatever the quality of the game itself, so long as his name is attached, much aural joy is certain to ensue.

For those interested, the track list runs as follows:
- Heroes I Menu Theme
- Heroes V Biara's Themehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
- Heroes II Grass Theme (Heroes VI Summer Theme)
- Heroes IV Dirt Theme
- Heroes II Sorceress' Theme (Heroes V Academy Theme)
- Heroes IV Academy Theme

And I shall bear you up no more. I bid you enjoy (you'll have to watch on Youtube I'm afraid - embedding is disabled). To fail is against the LAWW (pwahaha!).

Tron Fortress - The Weekly Feature

2011-11-28T22:46:00.004+11:00

Well, since I've finished doing the Retrospective, I might as well get off my bum and get back to bringing the best of today's internet culture.

Now, during my brief experiment with news reporting, I became rather enamored of a little film that you may have heard of called Tron Legacy. I have since gone and watched Tron, the original film that has proven surprisingly influential in the representation of cyberspace. While interesting, it suffers heavily from being made in the 1980s (it really hasn't dated well). However, Legacy is incredible, a visual feast, and can be fully enjoyed without reference to the original film.

I don't think I really need to make much more comment on my enjoyment of Team Fortress 2 (it's a very enjoyable game, and all the videos people make are incredible to watch).

But what happens when you combine the two? You get Tron Fortress. Orignally made by Torn Productions (www.tornproductions.org), this video has been blocked by WMG on copyright grounds in Australia. Fortunately, it was reuploaded by MMGN Australia, and that is the copy I present to you tonight.

I personally quite enjoy it when Daft Punk makes what I call symphonia electronica, and the song Derezzed a fine example of this. It is available on iTunes for download as part of the Tron Legacy soundtrack or individually.

And so, without further ado, I present to you Tron Fortress 2. Greetings Programmes!

Team Fortress 2 is Copyright Valve.
Tron Legacy is Copyright Disney.
Derezzed is Copyright Daft Punk.
No Copyright infringement is intended in the presentation of this derivative work.

The Final Retrospective

2011-11-25T13:33:00.002+11:00

Good afternoon and welcome to what will be the last edition of The Retrospective. I am discontinuing this series simply because, on reflection, I cannot fit it into this blog's aim of presenting cultural commentary and ideas. No sir, and other news sites do it far better than I do, so rather than continue my lame attempts at it, I shall leave the stage to those far more suited to it. I will still post news items, especially following up on the Copts, but my intent is to cease a general weekly roundup.

But you do have to endure one more from me, OK?

Starting once more in Egypt, protests have once again engulfed the country, with the military crack down involving what is believed to be nerve gas. In the maelstrom, Christians demanding justice for their martyred brothers and sisters were attacked, and on that issue, footage has emerged of police and army units encouraging assaults on Christian protesters.

Hopping over to Libya, it has emerged that Saif al-Islam, one of Muammar Gadaffi's sons, has been arrested. The Libyans want to try him there, while the Hague wants him in the Netherlands, and I would probably say that a few retired politicians might just want him dead. Interesting times, indeed.

Moving on to Europe, a Swedish principal has told a student who was raped that rape was "boys being boys." I only wish I were making this up, and if I might address said principal and anyone who agrees with the sentiment (ie life is all about sex) - No it is not!

Dropping down to Germany, the German government has decided to create a register of neo-Nazis in the wake of the capture of several neo-Nazis who had gone on a murdering spree over a decade ago. To be honest, my only objection to this is the definition of a neo-Nazi, because to some, I would fit in that definition (said definition being George Orwell's "anything I don't like").

In the UK, Benetton has been forced to withdraw a poster showing the Pope kissing on the mouth an Al-Azhar cleric as part of their unhate campaign. Might I just ask - what's wrong with a hug?

It has also emerged that England is the 6th most crowded country on Earth (that's Earth, not Europe), which is honestly quite surprising, all things considered.

Additionally, a Muslim teacher who was caught on tape beating children has been gaoled for 10 weeks. While I am pleased at a custodial sentence, I must wonder why only ten.

Jumping quickly down to Spain, the conservatives have won the latest election in a landslide, and are looking to act decisively to try and repair seven years of socialist rule that saw the Spanish economy fall into deep trouble along with the rest of Europe.

On the EU in general, Niall Ferguson has written that the break up of the EU is more likely than the Eurozone's collapse. His points are interesting and well made, and it shall be curious to see. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that unless the European Central Bank steps in, Italy and Spain could default on their debts and bring this economic train wreck to a head.

In a microcosm of the EU, suggestions have been made regarding the breakup of Italy. Yet another curious comment, and certainly one that could bear interest in watching.

Moving across the Pond to Canada, Stepher Harper's conservative government is moving to scrap the hated hate speech laws that have allowed the Canadian Human Rights Commissions to prosecute people for "hateful" remarks. As Tom Lehrer so amusingly put it, I know there are people who do not love their fellow human beings, and I hate people like that!

This week however truly belongs to science, for several great discoveries have been reported. To begin with, the theory that empty space is not empty but full of virtual particles (that are created and then immediately annihilated) has been confirmed, while an earlier CERN experiment where neutrinos have been found to exceed the speed of light has been successfully repeated in the original setup. However, it has yet to be replicated in another laboratory, and there are still several objections to the experiment's validity that must be answered before it is accepted.

Continuing with particle physics, we have drawn closer to learning why there is something instead of nothing at the LHC, with new physics producing some surprising results. And finally, the University of California has announced that it has developed an extremely light, extremely strong material. I wonder, could this be used in a space elevator?

And that concludes this little experiment in news broadcasting, and so now I truly get to say that that is the end of the news.

The Weekly Retrospective

2011-11-18T10:29:00.002+11:00

Good morning, and welcome to the Retrospective. Contrary to perception, I have not died, and any rumours to the contrary have been greatly exaggerated. Rather, I have had quite a bit on my plate over the past week at the critical times of posting.

But enough excuses. What's new? Well, two weeks work is.

To begin with, I'm sure you may have heard that yet another Afghan soldier went rogue and shot at his erstwhile Australian allies. Words fail to describe this level of strategic incompetence and thick-headed stupidity, and while I know the soldiers want to do the job they have been given and volunteered for, I cannot think that this is worth all that blood and treasure.

While on the topic of Afghanistan, it would appear that the Afghans have no idea how to use the equipment that we give them. Words once again fail to describe my dismay.

Moving around the Muslim world, it appears that Libyan militias are still fighting, though this time they're fighting each other, with violence erupting on Sunday around Tripoli. In Egypt, security forces have begun to arrest Copts in a post-facto attempt to justify their brutal repression of Coptic protesters, which has recieved international coverage (though has yet to recieve high-level condemnation from those who have power. In Turkey, the Church that was used as the base for the last Ecumenical Council of a united Christendom is once again prepared for use as a mosque, following up on a similar report regarding the Hagia Sofia Basilica.

In Malaysia, common sense has prevailed and a book published by the notorious Islamic Wives' Club has been banned. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the mayor who has been blocking construction of the Yasmin Church has been rebuked by his own party but holds firm in his attempts to prevent the church's completion.

In other international news, Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy have both agreed that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, is a liar. And then they both apologised to him. So much for principles like honesty, I suppose. Or even just manners.

In Italy, Silvio Berlusconi has been forced into retirement, along with his Greek counterpart George Papandreous. Both have been replaced by EU Commission preferred appointments, though their ability to save the Euro is decidedly slim to a layman like me. But letting it die would require an admission of failure, and such is unthinkable for the technocrats of the EU. They can never be wrong, right?

Alas, it appears that news is already getting away from them, with France beginning to falter, and even the Netherlands considering a return to the Guilder, which, while rejected swiftly, is still an enormous development, all things considered.

But they still believe in themselves, at the very least. Their friends in Malta have declared their country to be insufficiently multicultural. Might I just ask - what about Saudi Arabia? China? Japan? Oh, right, not European. And dear Aunty in Britain has pondered the thought of other ways to "enforce" diversity onto the House of Commons.

One should not think that the UK is completely unaffected though, having a border security scandal unfolding as we speak. The head of the UK Border Agency ordered that no passports be checked on private flights into Britain, and he claims he acted on police orders. Theresa May's run as Home Secretary may be coming to a close if the scandal ends up being linked to her.

In America, a Christian prayer summit in Dearborn, MI, has unnerved the Muslims of that city, fearing that their prayer services may be interrupted and boosting their security. I can assure them that, at the very least, they will not be interrupted by bombs. A pity they don't share our distaste for such unseemly interruptions.

They needn't be worried about prayer much at all, considering that invocations of Jesus' name at any public gathering was recently declared unconstitutional. The American flag has also been censored, specifically on occasions that might lead to harm for those who wear it (as in an Old Glory t shirt) or fly it. I believe it was the Holy Spirit who said in the Bible that "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Methinks a few more should read The Book then.

However, in brighter news, a Muslim member of Westminster Parliament has suggested that the UK should rediscover its Christian heritage and be more Christian. Surprising but welcome words of wisdom, especially considering that it's coming from A - A muslim and B - A Member of Parliament.

The good news continues in Sweden, with men suing in firefighting and policing cases where there was a bias towards ethnic minorities and women which the plaintiffs said discriminated against them. And they won. Perhaps we might see some restoration of the idea of equality of opportunity, rather than this absurd idea of equality of outcome.

However, in a curious twist of fate, in Croatia, the Catholic Church has been given a former school that Communist apparatchiks attended. A sign of the great reversal that is to come, perhaps? We shall indeed see.

In news of science, India and China have begun working on thorium driven systems. I know a bit about thorium systems, given that the head of my research group at Uni, Reza Hashemi-Nezhad, has been advocating for this for a decade (and in all his undergraduate and postgraduate lectures as well).

Additionally, in theoretical fields, scientists believe that it may be possible to spot alien cities on alien worlds. I guess we'll have Superman's eyes in no time. Additionally, aliens may also have no need for a moon the size of Earth's. You may be aware that a moon of the size that we are lucky enough to have here on Earth is actually quite rare, almost freakishly so in fact. However, scientists have found that it may not be necessary for life to develop.

And in a simple case that belongs on Good News Week, a Russian man is suing the UK Metropolitan Police for assault after two "dwarfs" supposedly took samples of his DNA at a bus stop. Surely this Russian knows that any dwarfs would be Scottish, no?

The Weekly News - 4-11-2011

2011-11-04T14:32:00.004+11:00

Good evening, and welcome to this edition of the Weekly News.

Headlining tonight is the death of three Australian soldiers in Afghanistan after a rogue Afghan army soldier opened fire after a routine parade. I covered this last Sunday when I heard about it, and while my tongue has calmed somewhat, my soul still seethes at this betrayal and our concomitant stupidity.

There was also some brief issue about a Qantas lockout, but I'm sure if you're interested, you can look it up yourself.

Moving to international news, we start in the United Kingdom. As Britain faces a population explosion from immigration over the next several decades, interest is rising on a parliamentary debate on immigration policy to reduce the immigration intake. Considering, however, the way the EU debate was handled, I wouldn't hold my breath for there to be any great action on the part of Westminster and the bureaucracy.

However, according to Professor Lynn, the decline of the UK has quite a bit to do with the mass immigration of the past 60 years. If only the world were so nice as it was back then - I certainly couldn't call running a business almost entirely on trust to be "boring".

It would seem, however, that the British government is quite trusting of other nations though, given that there was no Royal Navy ship specifically designated as a first response vessel for at least the past month. Brittania ruled the waves, but alas, no more.

In the EU, the Eurozone crisis has itensified as the Greek Prime Minister promised a referendum to his people on the adoption of the latest austerity package, simultaneously baffling Eurozone leaders and enraging them and the Europhiles. It emerged today that the PM is now backtracking under pressure from the Eurocrats and it appears pressure is being placed on the conservative opposition. One must wonder how much longer the farce will play out, and how much more money will be spent and lost, before the Euro finally expires.

Meanwhile, in France, a satirical magazine that had been assembling an issue on the "Arab Spring" and had declared Mohammed of Arabia a guest editor was firebombed. Additionally, a Catholic celebration for All Saints Day in southern France was attacked by Muslims, with members of the congregation having stones thrown at them. Now remind me again, which is the religion of peace?

Of news of Muslims, let us start in Turkey, where news has emerged that the Patriarchal Basilica of Holy Wisdom, better known as the Hagia Sophia, is under renovation for reopening as a mosque after nearly a century being a museum. Undoubtedly, the beautiful Orthodox iconography that was uncovered after being plastered over in the 15th Century will once again be covered up. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Moving now to Egypt, murder and oppression are the order of the day. The murder was of a seventeen year old student who had the audacity to show a cross to his Muslim classmates who beat him to death. The news has only recently come to light about the circumstances surrounding his death, and the Copts have subsequently declared Ayman Nabil Labib a martyr.

The general fate of Copts in Egypt, and Christians in the Middle East in general, is still under a significant cloud, and the geopolitical implications could be quite alarming. With the recent massacre of protesting Copts, along with possible implications of regime members inciting and provoking violence, the situation looks, frankly, awful.

In an incident that's sure to turn some heads though, Salafists in Alexandria have veiled ancient Greek siren statues. The political party they represent claims to be against the statues. If they go the way of the Bamiyan Buddhas, one must wonder just what sort of destruction would provoke the West into defending the past.

On matters cultural, it has emerged that the father of a near-victim of Anders Breivik in Norway wants the video game Call of Duty to be banned as it "promotes violence". Stop me if you've heard this one before.

And now, a reiteration of a plain home truth - we must study the narratives of our culture in order to know ourselves.

To conclude, I shall merely state that people must be quite desperate if they intend to steal this sort of thing.

And that is the end of the News.

The Weekly Feature - Hugging the Cactus

2011-10-31T23:04:00.001+11:00

All I can say is watch and learn. Watch and learn.

A thousand cuts in Afghanistan

2011-10-30T18:40:00.005+11:00

I recieved a message this morning from my sister-in-law telling me that my brother was safe in Afghanistan and was not among the dead or wounded (it was a different section). When I recieved the message, I had not heard anything about what had happened there as I had literally just woken up. I've since learned what has happened, and while I am (naturally) relieved for my brother, I'm angry about what happened.

For those unaware, an Afghan soldier who had enlisted six years ago opened fire on Australian forces after a routine parade at about 3pm AEST (8.30am local Afghan time). He killed three soldiers, a captain, a lance corporal and a corporal, as well as an interpreter. Seven other Australian soldiers were injured, as well as two other interpreters and two other Afghan soldiers. Of the wounded, one is in a life-threatening condition and is to be evacuated to Germany, while four have serious injuries and two have minor injuries. The level of injury sustained by the other four is not known. The Australian and the Herald have more information.

First of all, I'd like to note something about the coverage of this event. It has placed a very distant second to the industrial dispute within Qantas. Certainly, that's important, but does it really need to occupy fifteen minutes of ABC News and the entire afternoon coverage on Sky? Are we so vacuous as a society that we view the loss of money, plays at politics and an ultimately mild inconvenience as more important a story than the betrayal and murder of our soldiers by an erstwhile ally?

Well, apparently, we are, but I digress somewhat.

I might also jog your memory - this is not the first time that this has happened. You may recall Lance-Corporal Andrew Jones who was shot by an Afghan soldier, who fled and was later killed by the Americans, but his is not the only case, and Australia is not the only nation whose soldiers have been betrayed. The Americans and the Italians suffered an attack with one fatality in 2009 (an American). The British have suffered five dead at the hands of a policeman (see previous article) as well as three Gurkhas in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Two civilian trainers from America were gunned down last year, and there have been additional reports of marines being shot from November last year.

One doesn't need to be Sherlock Holmes in order to see that there's a problem here. The Afghan soldiers and police have repeatedly turned rogue. These people aren't sent in as agents of the Taliban. They defect ideologically to the Taliban, and then enact the ideas of the Taliban. The Taliban certainly doesn't spare them praise when it comes to such betrayal.

So we have this repeated occurance taking place, that Coalition troops have been murdered by Afghans trained as soldiers who have essentially become Taliban agents. We then have repeated apologies and investigations, and then we continue to work with them. Oh, sure, it's only one or two soldiers in each incident. But ten incidents is a section, a fifty easily makes a troop, and a hundred a company. This is death by a thousand cuts, and we keep letting them cut us, and we present them our wrists too.

The incidents above are the ones I easily found on the Herald's website. I don't know if that's the full extent of the problem or if it's even larger than those disparate news reports might suggest. However, I must say that the Armed services of all the Coalition countries are being phenomenally stupid in the fact that they can't remember a simple statement - fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

We are refusing to see that there is a serious loyalty issue as far as the Afghan armed services are concerned. We refuse to fully consider the how and the why of this descent into madness on the part of those traitors, and we refuse to take proper and effective preventative measures about this issue, like complete segregation. What good is training people who end up becoming your enemies, and not only that, but gain an advantage of surprise with which to attack us?

Our reasons for being there grow ever more fatuous by the day. We're trying to stop it from being a terrorist hub? Well what about Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Iran and Yemen? We're trying to build a pluralistic democracy? Then explain why there are no churches left in Afghanistan, and the election of Islamic supremacist parties in Tunisia and their rise and rise in Egypt and Libya. It just doesn't add up.

We're spending our blood and treasure to build something that the locals (or at least those who matter) don't want and won't stand to have. They won't let our ideals and charity stand in the way of their power, and they will keep on betraying us, attacking us and otherwise draining us. Their country is broken - that is beyond dispute. But they don't want to fix it, and will not accept our attempts to force a fix on them. That is an insult to their pride and their sense of self-superiority.

So I say we bring the troops home now. The waste of our blood and treasure has gone on long enough. Let's keep the money and the men at home.

As for dealing with terrorists... well, I've been drafting and redrafting this for a while, so I'm just going to say it - if they bomb us, I say we bomb them back. Oh yes, I know all that stuff about turning the other cheek and an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. They're noble sentiments (even if the former is completely wrong when viewed in its original context), but not ones being played with here. Enough about "making peace". You can't have peace without justice, and there's not justice in what we're doing. Let them first learn the consequences for being unjust, and then, maybe, we might be able to reconsider.

And now as I step off my fiery horse of rage, I ask you to pray for the souls of the dead soldiers and the health of those still alive. And pray also for peace. Coming from someone who just said "bomb them", I know that sounds rich, but peace requires justice, and justice requires consequence, and the consequences here are not understood.

The Retrospective - October 22 - 28

2011-10-28T22:23:00.003+11:00

Good evening, and welcome to this week's Retrospective. There has been little brought to my attention this week that I have deemed fit to report, so either my standards are becoming impossible or it's just something of a slow news week.

Well, it's almost All Hallow's Eve. I should not be surprised by a few more zombie walks and the like.

But let us begin. And the big news this week?

Stop the presses - Muammar Gadaffi (or however our (deceased) glorious leader wished it spelt) is dead. This paves the way for Islamic law to play a greater role in Libya to the point of another Islamic Republic, and further cements the leading position of the Islamists as they win elections in Tunisia and gear up for the Egyptian elections. Democracy is certainly compatible with Islam. Just like communism, you know. It's perfect when everyone chooses right, now isn't it?

Moving up to the EU, the British PM has demonstrated that he has no common sense, and has faced down a good chunk of his party ignoring him and voting for a referendum on the EU. More democracy in Westminster probably won't help much if this is the sort of representation that occurs.

But in a rare attack of common sense on the part of EU ministers, revisions to the Schengen Agreement are being considered, including the limited reestablishment of border controls. This is probably in response to the refugee crisis that developed in Italy over the past year.

Remaining in the EU, with yet another attack of common sense, a Frenchman has been acquitted of racial incitement after burning a Koran. Had he burned a Bible or a copy of Battlefield Earth, this wouldn't have even gone to trial. I guess even the French know when not to surrender. And to stand up.

Moving on to China, it is now becoming apparent that the One Child Policy, while successful in its aim of reducing China's population growth, has had the unintended side effect of possibly breaking society by producing a generation of narcissists. There was, of course, another option, namely space colonisation, but of course, being somewhat communist, I'm not sure they care about that.

And coming home to Australia, it has been reported that high levels of trust in local government means that they are the most corrupt level of government in the country. And people want to replace the states with these guys?

In Sydney, an Occupy Sydney protestor attempts articulation. I would suggest she might be better served to sit in on basic English considering just how cringe-worthy her statement was. (For the record, a human being and a person are synonymous in common usage).

Also, the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting has been addressed by Her Majesty the Queen, who has urged bold reforms to be undertaken to ensure that the Commonwealth remains a relevant body in the modern world. One should hope she might one day have a British PM who agrees.

And now, in two points of curious interest, Prince Charles has revealed a blood relation between himself and the infamous Vlad Tepes (the Impaler), the inspiration behind the famous vampire Dracula. All things considered, I'd hope that blood might come through a bit more soon.

And in an act of "Why bother?", it has been revealed that American soldiers are being told to eat, urinate, sleep and otherwise orient themselves with regards to the position of Mecca, so as not to inflame Muslim opinion. Given that we're dealing with the Koran (sorry, Holy Quran, general) with the same level of respect that we give our regimental colours, I have to wonder how much further we have to go before we get to the bottom of that particularly odious barrel of stupidity.

And that is the end of the news.

The Weekly Feature - A Parliamentary Deathmatch

2011-10-24T20:47:00.001+11:00

This video was released in 2009. I must ask them where they keep their time machine.

The Retrospective - 15-21 October

2011-10-21T23:20:00.002+11:00

Good evening, and welcome to this week's retrospective. Looking back, we find this to be a somewhat curious week, as the constrictor plot thickens about the asphyxiating Copts, the Catholic Church continues to get its act together, Pakistan demonstrates how its justice system is anything but, and a new world record on calculating the number of digits in Pi (mmm... delicious).

Headlining the Retrospective tonight, the Copts of Egypt continue to demand justice from the military that murdered their compatriots, the television station that inflamed opinion against them, and the Muslims who have consistently targeted them and the symbols of their faith. While I personally hold little hope of proper justice and restitution based on past form, I would be very happy to be wrong on this one.

While on the matter of Islamic justice, we also now see that Pakistan has removed the judge who presided over Mumtaz Qadri's trial. Qadri was a bodyguard of Salman Taseer, the Governor of Punjab and an outspoken supporter of Asia Bibi, until he was murdered by Qadri. Judge Pervez Shah was moved by the Lahore High Court under pressure from Islamic puritans, and it would also appear that Qadri may yet be acquitted, or be forced only to pay blood money to the Taseers rather than forfeit his life. Words fail me to look at this injustice.

It would also appear that Sudan is now preparing to become Africa's first Islamic State, with the northern part of the country already moving to demolish churches now that the South of the country has decided to leave. I should not be surprised to see Sudan fall even further behind its southern offshoot with this development (given that's where a lot of the oil is).

And now we have two tails from Islamic Indonesia. The first involves, once again, Muslim intolerance, as a Muslim mayor prevents Christians from finishing a church that federal courts have given approval of and committing libel in the process. The second, far happier story, is about Flores, and the possibility of conversion out of Islam without any repurcussions. If only all Muslims were so. For more information on Flores, you can start with Wikipedia.

To end our look at the Islamic news tonight, we shall look at a story with a salient lesson for ourselves. A crash in the BlackBerry network in the UAE has seen the number of car accidents drop by 40%. The lesson here is not to text and drive, lest one be caught a twit and send your face into space.

In Catholic news, the bishop of Kansas City has been indicted on misdemeanors regarding a slow response to allegations of child abuse by a priest in his parish. The bishop has vowed to fight the charge, though I have enough faith in the American justice system to trust its judgement. It's certainly better than Pakistan.

Additionally, this year's Peace Pilgrimage to Assisi, led by Pope Benedict XVI, will end the practice of John Paul II who had celebrated a combined prayer service at the events in 1986 and 2002. And it's a good thing too, as far as this Catholic is concerned. To do otherwise is to give far too much credence to moral relativism, and if there's one thing Papa Benny hates, it's relativism.

In news of science and nature, the previously polluted river Koshon in Israel is to be turned into a nature reserve and a clean waterway. It has also been suggested that the Himalayas could become the Saudi Arabia of solar energy.

And in two new records, the world's population has or is about to reach 7 billion souls. Considering that two people have calculated the value of Pi to 10 billion digits, I'd say we'll have enough slices to go around for a little while yet.

And that is the end of the News.

The Retrospective - 14 October 2011

2011-10-14T17:18:00.004+11:00

Hello, and welcome to the Retrospective. And the big news?

Starting in Israel today, it has been confirmed that Sgt Gilad Shalit of the Israeli Defence Forces, held captive since 2006 somewhere in Gaza, will be released, in exchange for over 1000 Palestinians. Caroline Glick has a few points on this, but my major one is - why do Muslims say one Jew is worth a thousand Muslims?

In Germany, left-wing groups have been implicated in the placement of bombs, raising fears of a possible return to the terrorism perpetrated by the Red Army Faction from the 1970s. Now, if that's the case, why then are the internal security services planning on looking at more conservative blogs that don't engage in terrorism? Non sequitur, ladies and gentlemen.

Moving over to the Netherlands, a Dutch Socialist MP has written that mass immigration is a right-wing policy. This is an Obi-Wan Truth - big business loves immigrants, but cultural conservationists (i.e. conservatives) do not. And since big business is often confused for conservatives, then it's no surprise where he's coming from. So, yeah-but-no.

Coming down to France, it appears French history books wish to spend more time on one obscure African kingdom as opposed to the historically important French Revolution. Whatever one thinks of the Revolution, to simply ignore it is to permit its repetition, and I for one have no desire to be shaved by Madame la Guillotine.

In Egypt, the Copts have been suffering for attempting to use the revolution to actually usher in an era of peace and justice that has not truly existed for over 1300 years. I would await with baited breath the condemnation of the country's military junta (a spade's a spade) by the West were I not so convinced of our permissive complicity in this affair (which has been termed a pogrom by some).

At home in Australia, a Melbourne council thinks traffic complaints and failure to find a parking spot might lead people to terrorism. I'd say that paranoia and political correctness have led Darrebin Council to stupidity.

Additionally, the Federal Parliament has passed legislation for a Carbon Tax, to segue into a cap and trade scheme some time over the next few years. They also failed to pass a bill permitting them to overturn the High Court's decision on the Malaysia refugee deal. And Kevin Ruydd is back at the dispatch box. I believe that Madame la Gillardine may need to be sharpened again.

On matters of cultural and fabrical importance, the Harris Tweed fabric is making a comeback. I don't have an actual tweed jacket (though I do have a very similar one), but it is good to see the traditional industry is enduring in this modern age of sweatshops and cost-cutting.

In science news, a fossil has been discovered in Germany that could be perhaps the best-preserved fossil in the entire world. In space news, it has been found that Saturn's largest moon, Titan, is far more Earth-like than we had previously thought. Additionally, proposals have been made to send a probe to Uranus. Let the alien abduction jokes now commence.

And that is the end of the News.

Pining for Fjordman

2011-10-10T22:54:00.002+11:00

Fjordman is, unsurprisingly, being forced to relocate himself. Alas, it is expensive going, especially without a job. VladTepes has the details, and certainly I'll send some cash, even just a token amount (I am, at present, not very well employed).

Hat tip - Gates of Vienna

The Weekly Feature - Want You Gone

2011-10-10T21:56:00.003+11:00

I failed to mention in the last retrospective that Valve has completed the release of the Portal 2 OST. In similar fashion to Still Alive, this little tune is once again sung by GLaDOS as she sends Chell on her merry way.

So, I probably should mention that this contains massive spoilers. But if you haven't played Portal 2 yet, you are missing out.

This week's feature is thus - Want You Gone.

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The Retrospective - 25/9 - 9/10

2011-10-09T18:51:00.002+11:00

Hello, and welcome to the Retrospective. And the big news?

Steve Jobs, founder of Apple and sometime inventor of the Enterprise has died. While he might resent me saying it, I say it anyway - AVE MARIA, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.

I'm Catholic. Sue me.

In other news this last fortnight, the economy has been of some concern. China may be teetering on the edge of its own bursting bubble, while at least one commentator believes that Greece and Italy should convert themselves into theme parks for Asian tourists. Perhaps he has yet to travel to Rome.

Moving to news from Europe, Jose Manuel Barrosso declares that national governments cannot be trusted to solve the debt crisis. Alas, he fails to realise that supernational governments are even more inefficient. In France, students riot at a rumour that the President may take away their summer holidays. My question is less that than - "Why are these kids unionised?"

In the continuing "reform" of British passports, "Mother" and "Father" are being replaced by "Parent 1" and "Parent 2" on the passport. One wonders whether the child is now being asked to rank his or her parents. Crossing to Serbia momentarily, the gay pride parade there was called off due to protests, in spite of US pressure for it to go ahead. And people doubt the White House's anti-Christian message.

Crossing to the north in Sweden, a Swedish theologian suggests the demolition of unused Swedish churches. Better to hold them and be prepared, sir - revivals are to be expected in a Church all about resurrection. In Switzerland, a fierce war of words has erupted over immigrant calls to revert from the iconic Swiss Cross to the bland Helvetian tricolor. They say it's a joke, but only after they find out that people actually (what horror!) like the flag.

Staying in areas of race, British education theorists consider white paper to be racist. Unfortunately, black paper is not conducive to drawing, demonstrating that this is more about stupidity than it is about equality. Interestingly, in spite of all the attempts of the media to not make us racist, it seems they do anyway. Perhaps they should not think of an elephant on that one.

Speaking of stupidity and racism, Mahmoud Ahmedinijhad has declared that Muslims should "return" to "Palestine", and the Jews return to their place of origin too. Alas, he does seem a little scratchy on history because that, ladies and gentlemen, is ultimately Israel.

On to more news of Christianity, the United Kingdom continues its war against the Bible. A schoolteacher in Northern California penalises students marks for the common Christian courtesy of saying "Bless you" to someone sneezing. Additionally, the UK has banned prayers in council meetings. I know, I know, separation stuff. But suppression is not separation, much as some might wish it was.

In Egypt, the Coptic Pope has made a fool of himself declaring that the Jews can no longer claim to be God's Chosen People. Doesn't stop Jesus being a Jew, so I'd suggest you stop trying to make Muslims stop hurting you and start to grow a spine and stand up for Christ. In America, a bunch of theological amateurs questions what the existence of aliens will do to Christianity. I can tell you one thing though - it won't kill it. Look at the Magisterium if you want to see the pros have a go at it.

In matters of some historic scope, a 2nd century Gnostic tombstone has been effectively translated and dated. A curious thing indeed, to say the least. Additionally, it has been determined that the Catholic Church is shrinking as the Cafeteria Catholics continue to leave. It is also noteworthy that the sky is blue.

Moving to matters cultural, it is becoming ever more common for Australian girls to request to be placed on airport watch lists to prevent them being taken overseas and married. This seems to only affect Muslims who, it seems, just don't find living in Australia quite as satisfying as they thought. Everyone else seems happy enough to stay.

Of course, the locals may be the problem, considering what Perth schoolgirls think of as a "prank". Humour, this most certainly is not.

Additionally, Andrew Bolt has been convicted under racial vilification laws. While economists suggest letting racists get dealt with in the marketplace, Bolt writes in his own defence, not that any of his critics would possibly consider listening.

This dovetails aptly with commentary on the debate regarding the repeal of the UK Human Rights Act. Theresa May's mistaken example does not invalidate her thesis if other examples can be established as fact, though certainly it is rather silly that politicians, with so many staffers these days, do not even have the ability to ensure a basic fact check. What are they paid to do, I wonder?

Talk of moving beyond the idea of left and right has been ongoing for some time, but perhaps it is pertinent to note that there is still right and wrong. Alas, such a thing cannot ovvur in multicultural relativism, but wishing doesn't make it so.

And perhaps the most curious thing - Muslim superheroes based on the 99 names of Allah. While certainly an interesting innovation, I have one question - would an Arab writer ever create a non-Muslim Arab superhero and market it as a role model to Muslims in the Middle East? Much as I'd love to see one, I shall not be holding my breath.

And now, for science. By 2030, it has been suggested that the trip from London to Sydney could take only 2 hours in a sub-orbital spaceship. Sign me up. For those with safety concerns, scientists have also discovered that the inner solar system is not the shooting gallery we previously thought, and for those wishing to go further, a completely reusable rocket is being developed by SpaceX. I guess rumours of NASA's demise aren't really all that exaggerated.

In other space news, Mercury has been determined to be partially covered in brimstone. Does this mean the gates of Heaven are in Jupiter somewhere? Also, ALMA, a new telescope in Chile, has commenced operations and, when fully operational in 2013, will be able to detect newly-formed stars that have previously been obscured.

And now, for the truly bizarre, Magic Mushrooms plus a "spiritual experience" can induce a lasting personality change in people. Sounds more like Greenskin magic to me, though magic mushrooms means goblin fanatics (stay away from my knights!). And topping that, the Ig Nobel prize has been awarded to the man who researched the reason why the jewel beetle finds a stubby a worthy mate. I am not making this up.

Oh, and it is of some note that Australia has made it into the semi-finals (most probably against New Zealand) by a whisker against South Africa. I have no fingernails left.

And that is the end of the news.

Please note, from this week, Retrospectives will be occuring on Friday.

We now return you to your usual programming.

A little word on Bulgaria

2011-10-05T15:48:00.003+11:00

I was perusing the Gates of Vienna news feed to try and assemble another Weekly Retrospective (I must apologise once agian for being tardy in my posting. I do have an excuse for not posting much more than this today - my eye is irritated and I don't want to spend too much longer on the computer). Anyway, I came across this article about the Bulgarians rioting a local incident involving Roma basically being careless idiots.

The reason I'm bringing this up is because of Jock Palfreeman. Jock was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Bulgarian courts for going to the defence of two Roma who were under attack from a group of Bulgarian soccer fans who were drunk. It descended into a fight, and the son of a prominent public servant was killed. The charge against Jock is "violent hooliganism", and the entire thing is a judicial farce, with evidence being misrepresented, lost, ignored or barred from court that would acquit Jock. His younger brother was in my year at school, and I knew him fairly well.

I bring this story up because the two Roma boys that Jock went in to defend were never found and never testified in his defence. And now this. I cannot let it pass without comment.

I've had some contact with Roma in Rome (funny that), and their sense of entitlement and their arrogance (I do not use that word lightly) is galling. These people have no shame and afford themselves no dignity or independence. They march around in Piazza Nirvona and put their collection tray in your face, or play music on the train and finish as the train pulls into the station (that one was my father, who ran them over with my nephew's stroller). And then they run you over and don't care.

One cannot avoid the conclusion that Jock went to the aid of people who took full advantage of his generosity and then left him behind. Should that drunken mob have attacked them? No, of course not. But in retrospect, while Jock's sense of social justice has been brought up many times, I think this is a case where a bit of Divine Judgement needs to be indulged in. With a hat tip to Ann Barnhardt, here is David Berlinski. Watch from 27:15 - 29:10 on the Holocaust, and how Berlinski said that it reminds him of a Divine adjudication from the Old Testament.

That's more what I'm talking about here. If either of those Roma boys had a lick of integrity, they would have come forward years ago. As it stands, their abuse of the tolerance and hospitality of their hosts has pushed things enough that the hosts are starting to push back.

I will not deny the Roma that undeniable independence, that each is his or her own person, and that some Roma re actually successful and choose to make something of themselves. Alas, I'm sad to say that they are not the public face of the Roma, and the majority of thefts and other petty crimes in Bulgaria are committed by Roma (according to the article linked above). Much as said article tries to limit the damage this does to multicultural ideas, it stands absolutely fast and true - those whose culture is parasitic will eventually be treated as parasites. If we're talking cultural diets, then you are what you eat.

I'm sad to say it, but Jock will probably spend the next decade at least in a Bulgarian prison. With a well-connected bureaucrat in a corrupt country against him, his key witnesses too morally vacuous to even come forward and repay the debt they owe Jock, and being half a world from home, the options for him are slim indeed.

Alas, such a cruel fate for a man with the knowledge of Good and Evil, and the guts to act on it. His support site is www.freejock.com. If nothing else, pray for him. And his family.

The Retrospective - 19-25 September

2011-09-25T20:34:00.002+10:00

Well, it seems I've been busy enough to completely neglect bringing anything else in. Let's see if next week might be better shall we?

And now, the news.

A previous news item regarding Australia allowing a transgender optihttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifon has subsequently been topped by the United Kingdom actually deciding to wholesale remove the requirement of having a gender on your passport. Perhaps they hope for a reduction in passport fraud as a side effect.

Building on another previous article, the Pope has again expressed great sorrow at the pain inflicted upon those who suffered sexual abuse from the hands of their local priests and the inaction of their bishops. Alas, I'm not holding my breath for any sudden upsurge in a thirst for justice (of the Divine, which is to say True, kind rather than the social) on the part of the victims. Punish the abusers, yes. Punish those who simply served in the same organisation, no way.

Speaking of justice, it would seem that there are smart people in the world today who complain when the world doesn't listen to them, thinking it an injustice. Alas, when it does listen, they sound like they have a degree from the University of Smartarse. Sounds like simple common sense to me.

In France, it seems to actually be possible to make that most hedonistic of societies cringe at something's inappropriateness. There's hope for their salvation yet!

Across the border in Germany, the government has discovered that eliminating nuclear power is a rather expensive option. Alas, such is the price of principle when conditions half a world away that have no bearing on Germany bring to light just why nuclear reactors are so rediculously over-designed with safety features (it's defence in depth, if you wish to know).

Flying over to America, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy of the US armed services has been officially repealed now, allowing openly homosexual men and women to serve in the various services. You have to wonder when the American government might just accept that calling itself a "Christian nation" is something of a whopping great lie.

In news of science, it has been determined that bugs can be a great source of nutrition. Take my advice though - eating while running is a good way to gag.

Also, Australia and New Zealand have made a joint proposal to build the biggest radio telescope ever and to use the fastest computer ever to look at the results. South Africa is the only competition, and I'm not entirely sure, but Springboks versus both Wallabies and All Blacks sounds less like a rugby match and more like road kill.

Additionally, Neil Armstrong has said what pretty much every boffin knows - Washington's stupidity has left NASA without anything to get into space. One has to wonder what the bureaucrats think the "S" stands for. Superman?

Also, in news from Sweden, a sperm bank has declared that rangas simply aren't wanted in the world, and outside of their native habitat of Ireland may thus become an endangered species. Now why are you looking at me like that?

Coming to interests of fashion, the Racing Season once again puts rather rediculous hats back onto the fashion agenda. One has to wonder if they realise a hat can be sunsmart and stylish at the same time.

Additionally, photos of beheaded people seems to have become the latest fashion in social media photography. Don't hold your breath for me to do this though - mine's firmly screwed on and not going anywhere.

And to demonstrate the poor journalistic standards of "newsworthy" items, here's a story about a South American monkey having babies. Also, if one wishes for a demonstration on how to misrepresent a story with a headline, the Independent provides a good example here. Npinkpanther, this article on the many new words may be of interest to you.

Finally, with regards to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Australia's next visit, the Herald seems to suggest it to be her last. Professor Flint seems more on the money though, as previous rumours of dear Queen Lizzy's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

And that is the end of the news.

The Retrospective - 12-18 September

2011-09-18T17:39:00.002+10:00

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The Retrospective, a look back at the week's news and events of some note and curiosity.

Our first story deals with sex abuse victim group SNAP snapping at the ICC to charge Pope Benedict XVI with crimes against humanity, betraying a complete lack of understanding of the Church's application of subsidiarity. A sure disappointment, though I wish them well in demanding justice (though I reserve the right to demand the Church be justly treatedhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif too).

Moving to the east, it would appear that Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan is sabre rattling for war with Israel. Considering the way previous wars have ended for the Muslims against the Jews, I'd say history will be stuttering again in the near future, what with anti-Semetic sentiment being given free air by the Arab Spring.

Continuing on the theme of war, the UK continues its war against itself, criminalising childish directness as racial hatred. Such a pity that children aren't allowed to be so, while they aren't taught enough to be adults either.

Moving North-East, we have those Russian revolutionaries reminding us just who nations are supposed to look out for. For once, a revolution I am entirely comfortable with.

Coming to the antipodes, Carnita Matthews, Mrs Burqalicious, has decided to sue for costs after being acquitted of the charge of filing a false complaint. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised to see her win, though I would finally realise that common sense is rather a bit dead in our judiciary.

Additionally, the UN Human Rights chief has praised Australia for including a "transgender" option for one's passport. I'd like to know when the option to declare oneself a Martian might be placed there, because I certainly know, either I'm not from this world, or they're not.

In news of science, NASA promises to build bigger rockets with greater thrust, but only if they get your money (does this sound familiar?), the Platypus' strangeness has been further confirmed by its genetics, and it might be possible to have a Tatooine sunset if the right forces are with you.

And in sport, the Leprechauns got the jump on the Wallabies in an embarrassing display of incompetence. A reflection on society, perhaps?

And that is the end of the news.

Growth and change

2011-09-12T16:45:00.003+10:00

Yesterday was September 11, the tenth anniversary of the atrocities in New York and Washington DC, and the 328th anniversary of the first September 11. While I didn't post, as I've rather moved away from my computer since my return from World Youth Day, the thought still struck in my mind, especially from my parish priest's homily. Do I love Muslims? Do I love them enough that I will preach to them, even if it kills me? Will I do all I can to get them to Heaven?

The answer is no. And the reason I say that is simple - I do nothing to build it up. I have ideas, but I don't develop them and follow them through. I would relish the chance to run argumentative rings around the Muslims (and, incidentally, anyone else who thinks the Church isn't the Truth). But the actions speak louder than the words, and my actions scream in their silence.

The obvious solution then is to change. Change usually involves some sort of growth and discomfort. It can lead to a lesser physical stature but of greater purity (such as coal into diamonds), or to greater stature and scope (like a seed into a tree).

And as with all things, this blog is also changing. I've decided that, as I intend this to be something of a culture blog, I should actually make it a blog, and prep some proper posts and be a blogger (in my spare time, of course).

In light of that, there are a few changes that are going to be made. To begin with, the Track and the Video of the Week are going to be merged into a single weekly audio-visual feature, simply called The Weekly Feature. This will span music and video, and I will generally prefer original internet productions just to highlight that not everything out there is a "This! Is! SPARTA!" dance remix.

The Weekly Tale will remain, though its scope will be expanded to also include some original poetry. I haven't done much writing, but I probably should get to it.

Finally, a new segment will be introduced, namely The Retrospective, which will look back on the news, particularly the cultural news, of the previous week, with some commentary.

I will also leave room for a Weekly Review, wherein I review a book, movie, television series or something of that sort of variety that may need rating. However, at present, I'm not reading too much, so bear with me until I get myself in order.

This isn't too much of a re-tooling, and more just a refinement of the LAWW Review's purpose and perspective. Eventually, I'm sure, I'll find something I'm happy with, and I am absolutely blessed to have this opportunity to work.

So, to begin with, I'd like to offer you all a taste of the news retrospective by going through a few items I've retrieved from the past few days.

From the UK, Jersey Post believes that the Gospel of Mark might be offensive to some people. To those people, should they exist, I say they offend me by being so immoral. To those who presuppose their existence, I say their presumption of omnipotence is offensive. They might want to learn about a certain thing called humility - it's the virtue from which all others flow.

Also from the Daily Mail, the Pope suggests that the lack of a shared morality led to the English riots. If one should doubt this, see the previous piece on the Gospel.

Additionally, a man shows up in a UK court dressed in a burqa to protest his being arrested for simply wearing a balaclava. The convicted thief has a point - either we allow the balaclava and other masks (Superheroes rejoice!), or the burqa goes too.

The Telegraph reports that the anti-EDL clique are a bunch of snobbish middle-class twits. I guess the upper class twit is now a zombie horse trope, having been resurrected in bastardised form for the arrogant and self-righteous middle-classes (who generally aren't Christian or conservative... go figure).

This is rather UK-heavy, but considering just how utty the Old Country has become, it is easy to poke fun at. Yes, some may not consider this "cultural", but a culture is built on a worldview, and what gives a better worldview than religion?

So, I'll be starting that over the next week or two. Keep an eye out - I intend to post up on my trip to Rome and World Youth Day in Madrid.

PS - I will be accepting any tips one wishes to give me (my email is on my profile page).

Back and front

2011-08-31T18:03:00.002+10:00

I've been back a bit over a week, and I must apologise for not putting this up sooner. However, I feel it's worth reconsidering what I've been doing with my blog. I haven't been able to do as well as I'd hoped, and so I want to reflect and see just what it is I should take the Review.

I will be back relatively soon with a wrap up of my time in Europe, including photos from Rome and Madrid (I got a good one of the Pope at the Via Crucis, which was easily the highlight of the week for me).

Don't worry - I intend to pick up the fight for the best of the culture. I'm already determined this will be a spotlight for the highlights of the culture today (the better corollaries of Sturgeon's Law). I just need to consider how to do that best.

Well, stay safe and, in the words of a somewhat famous Austrian robot, I'll be back.

The Weekly Tale - Procrastination

2011-08-07T17:09:00.003+10:00

William had always wanted to be revolutionary. It had been a dream since he was a boy, a tender child enraptured by dreams of engendering vast and lasting changes to society, his name becoming a blessing.
And at last, here he was at university, and able to start that change he wanted to bring. He had looked through all the groups and had joined the most radical of them all. He sought to ensure that all could receive all that they needed, and that no one would have to give up what they wanted.
He joined the protest marches, manned the stalls, signed the petitions, all for free education, free healthcare, open borders, and on it went.
And then he committed his greatest mistake.
He started to think.
He began to think, and found he quite liked it.
So he thought about many things. About birds and trees and flowers and bees and about all the things he’d do in his new world.
And then he thought about doing them now. He could play games, sleep until whatever hour he chose, and play and laugh and be merry through all the hours of day.
It would be a beautiful world.
And so he stopped manning the stalls, marching in the streets, signing the petitions and all his activism. He became a revolutionary procrastinator.
And it was magnificent.
Or, it was, until reality came to bite. As he played his games and slept to his heart’s content, he failed to buy any food, and no one came to give it to him, so he got very hungry. And he got no water, so he became very thirsty. And no work got done, and so he got no money and lost his electricity, his phone, his unit, and what marks he had earned at university.
And worst of all, with no activism, there was no change.
And so William thought about everything on the street. As he wandered about in the rain, he wondered where he had gone wrong. He had wanted to play his games and sleep, but wasn’t able to because the food and water and money he needed simply wasn’t there. But he knew that would be the perfect world, where everyone could just do what they wanted and all their needs were provided for.
It would be just like when he was a boy.
But there was no change. No one would give him money so he could do what he wanted. And so he couldn’t do what he wanted because he had no money.
William thought about this, and wondered if he should perhaps do something he didn’t want and get some money. And when he did, he found himself enjoying some of what he did, which seemed a strange thing.
But then he realised that this meant he wanted to work, because work gave him life and life was enjoyable.
And so he stopped being a revolutionary procrastinator.

Final word count - 492

Have a guess who this is talking about (yeah, I did that today. I haven't been too good at this).

Anyway, you do have some time to be spared my foolishness and procrastination. I'm off to Europe tomorrow morning, and I shan't be back until the evening of August 24. I'll be in Madrid for World Youth Day, and in Italy for my brother (on leave from Afghanistan), and I shall not be posting over that period of time.

So, enjoy the break from me (familiarity breeds contempt, I do believe), and adios and God speed until I'm home.

Toodle-oo.

LDS

Track of the Week - The Turret Opera

2011-08-05T14:37:00.002+10:00

Spoilers ahead - pass on this one if you don't want the ending of Portal 2 Single Player spoiled for you.

And with that out of the way, I present, as this week's Track of the Week the Turret Opera from the end of Portal 2 after Glados decides to just let you go from Aperture Science. So, just remember, Portal 2 ain't over 'till the fat turret sings.

The track has yet to be released, but keep an eye on the official Portal 2 website for part 3 of the soundtrack.

Portal 2 and associated soundtrack are copyright Valve 2011. All rights to their original owners; no copyright infringement intended.

LDS

Video of the Week - Starcraft: First Contact

2011-08-01T22:28:00.004+10:00

I came across this video some time ago, and was quite taken by the well-done animations. Frankly, I think it is a fine example of the possibilities when it comes to science fiction, especially with modern computer animation. If amateurs can do this, imagine what professionals could do.

You can find out more about the video from the Starcraft Legacy website.

And without further delay, witness the first contact between Terrans and Protoss.

All rights to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

LDS

The Weekly Tale - Android Hell

2011-07-31T22:51:00.003+10:00

Joshua sat down on the hilltop and just breathed. He enjoyed the fresh air. Unfortunately, he seemed to be perpetually followed, so he enjoyed the brief moment of solitude. He lay back and just listened to the world around him.
Eventually, he felt the vibrations in the ground. He knew it – it was too good to last, but still good while it lasted.
He got up and turned to see the robots coming towards him. It bore him a pair of boots that he had been testing all day. Joshua sighed.
“Again?!” he cried.
The robot made no response. Joshua knew it wasn’t meant to. He pursed his lips, but decided against running.
“Fine, fine, just take me to the test chamber.”

With boots attached, Joshua dropped into the test chamber. He looked around, and followed the corridor he was in.
The door at its end swooshed open, admitting him to the test chamber proper. Wide chasms separated the over a dozen platforms, some of which moved vertically up and down. He looked down to the floor below the platforms, and saw a spiked floor that would kill him if he landed on it.
So, Joshua leapt. And he leapt from platform to platform. Higher and higher, the boots allowing him to leap beyond the powers of a normal human.
As he reached the top of the test chamber and walked through the door, a voice played over the intercom.
“Congratulations Joshua. You are doing very well today. But I think it is prudent to remind you that Android Hell is a real place and you will be sent there at the first sign of defiance.”
“Oh please,” said Joshua. “I’m not an android.”
With that, Joshua walked through the door, and only narrowly avoided falling straight down into a burning lava pit a hundred metres below.
“You were warned, Joshua. Goodbye.”
The door closed behind him, and Joshua was out of options. He looked around and up, and spied a large ventilation grill above him. Joshua leapt up onto the wall above the door, and then from the wall onto the grill. Many months of testing had made him strong and agile, and Joshua easily kicked his way through the grill and into the shaft.
“What are you doing Joshua?”
He didn’t reply. He just moved.

A short while later, Joshua stood at the core of the complex that had imprisoned him. He walked into the core building, and within it, he saw the pillar that had pushed him through all these tests.
“Joshua, what are you doing?”
Joshua ignored the robot as he walked over to a small panel. He turned.
“I guess it’s worth reminding you – android hell is a real place, and it’s where you’re going for all your disobedience.”
With that, he pressed the button.
“No! You cannot. I – am.... the .......... masterrrrrr.”
And with that, the pillar shut down.
Joshua sat down outside the core. “Free, at last.”

Final word count - 494

Yeah, I'm not particularly original on this one. But who knows where this could lead, hmmm?

Track of the Week - Two Shots of Happy

2011-07-29T21:11:00.002+10:00

I first heard this track about two years ago, and was instantly dazzled. U2 is one of my favourite bands of the modern era, and while other singers and bands get a lot of attention, U2 has quietly made music since well before I was born.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is durability, and the sign of greatness.

This particular song was written by Bono as an 80th birthday present for Frank Sinatra, and the video shows his performance for Frank. The track is available on iTunes.

So, I present forthwith, Two shots of Happy, One shot of Sad.

Two shots of Happy... is Copyright Bono and U2. No copyright infringement is intended by this featuring.

Oh, and by the way, I have no idea what the German dub said.

LDS

Video of the Week - The Lost Planet

2011-07-25T22:18:00.002+10:00

Looks like someone's planet's gone for a wander. Oh dear.

All rights to the original animator (markjgrundy).

LDS

The Weekly Tale - Speaking to Aliens

2011-07-24T22:36:00.004+10:00

“It has been suggested that the absence of evidence for the existence of extra-terrestrial life must be taken as the evidence for the absence of such life,” said Dr G. Neus. “Now, however, we have definitive evidence that these extra-terrestrials exist.
“Twenty-seven hours ago, we received a transmission from deep space on the Hydrogen Band. Its strength exceeded the Wow signal of 1977, and lasted a significantly longer period of time. We have been able to determine it was a directed transmission of information, and are presently extracting the full data set.”
President Johnson smirked. “What do we know of these aliens, genius?”
Dr Neus cleared his throat in annoyance. “Very little, Mr President.”
“So, you don’t know if they’re giant mantis men?”
“That is correct sir.”
“Or what they plan on doing to us?”
“Mr President, I think it is worth pointing out that we have only just made contact, and that they do not speak English.”
“They’d better start learning then,” said the President.
Dr Neus sighed.
President Johnson looked at the scientist. “So, is that all you’ve got?”
Dr Neus frowned. “We’ve been puzzling over this one, Mr President, but we have been able to extract one complete formula.”
Dr Neus clicked a button on his slideshow controller, and an equation spread across the screen behind him.
“It appears that it is the mathematical equation describing the chemical composition of something that is analogous to a lemon, but which, according to preliminary chemical analysis, would be highly prone to combustion.”
“In English please,” said Mr Wheatley, the Secretary of State.
“He means that I can burn your house down with the lemons these aliens have sent us!” said the President. “I think we’ll get along just fine with these aliens.”
“Yes, Mr President, because combustible lemons are precisely what we need,” said Mr Wheatley.
Caroline, the President’s secretary, placed a coffee in front of the President. “He’s just saying what we’re all thinking.”
“OK Genius,” said the President. “These people were kind enough to send us their combustible lemons. It’s only right we send something back. Send... the banana phone!”

30 years later
On a small planet orbiting a star 30 light years away, a transmission arrives.
“Hello. I’m Cave Johnson, President of America. You will find attached to this message the designs for a banana phone. This will permit you instant communication with us here on Earth, and will also provide you with a delicious snack in a tight spot, which is exactly what you’ll be in if you piss us off.
“But thank you for your interest and the lemons. We really do appreciate it. Alright, we’re done here.”
The aliens just stared at each other, and even a human could tell, they had no idea what they had just received.

Final word count - 466

For those interested, I just mashed up Red Alert 3, Portal 2 and SETI. Which is kind of what this video does..

LDS

Track of the Week - Right Behind You (Koolfox)

2011-07-22T20:45:00.005+10:00

I have previously posted the main Team Fortress 2 track remixed by Koolfox. He's done it again, this time with the Spy's signature theme, Right Behind You. He's done plenty of other good work, some of which may feature here in the future.

In the meantime, just make sure no backstabbing spies are behind you. They can make quite a mess of things.

All rights for this remix go to Koolfox. Team Fortress 2 and its music Copyright Valve. No Infringement intended.

LDS

Video of the Week - Homeworld - The Best Game Ever

2011-07-18T23:51:00.004+10:00

I think the title is quite explanatory. This video is set to a track called Newborn by Muse, and all the images come from Homeworld 2. I'm absolutely blown away by the talent in editing and assembling this video. The visuals are nothing short of inspiring, and what with the excellent choice of soundtrack, I really couldn't fault it (remember - I'm an editing layman, so that doesn't count for much).

So I present to you Fizznfire12's Homeworld 2 tribute video, The Best Game Ever.

The Weekly Tale - The Time Travelling Tea Party

2011-07-18T00:18:00.003+10:00

Legends tell of the Time Travelling Tea Party, a place of eternal tea time. It goes through all the passages of time, and stops at morning tea time, afternoon tea time, and every other tea time known to man at some point in time.
Let me tell you son, those legends make it out to be a place of magic and wonder and never ending fun. But I joined it. And I barely escaped.
Oh, it was great at first. All the tea you could want, and any flavour to boot. All your breakfast teas were up, the Greys were there, Mint and Myrtle and Rose and Lemon were blossoming in the party, and the Afternoons were passing through too.
Any tea you wanted and the table flowing with milk and honey and sugar. That’s the tea party.
But, oh, my boy, having tea with the Tyrannosaurus Rex was not to be remembered for its courtliness, given that you had to worry about not being eaten by them as well as not spilling a drop.
Oh yes, the legends never told you that – spill a drop and it’s as though the roof falls down on you, like Samson just knocked the whole building on top of you. And there’s no way to get rid of that feeling, except to drink more tea.
And I can tell you what – I wept at Boston when they threw that tea into the river. All that fine tea. I was there, you know. It happened near enough to tea time for us to see it flow into the sea.
I think you can tell, I still love my tea, but the Time Travelling Tea Party made the tea seem like the sole purpose of our existence. There was always time for it, but never time for anything else. And after so many decades and centuries of talking about the weather, many of the Party goers were as flat as a pancake to talk to. Not that they had pancakes either.
It turns out their flatness of personality came through being squashed so frequently into the fourth dimension, and was compounded by their becoming enormously bloated bladders. All full of piss and wind, as I see it.
Turns out, that was what saved me – the toilet stop. I wandered away from the Tea Party to follow a little white rabbit that went down a hole, not that I could really follow it. I felt the overwhelming urge for relief, and relief I had by the nearest tree. By the time I got back, the Party was gone, but frankly, it was for the best.
I’ve no idea how long I actually spent in there, son, but I tell you, I wasn’t born in this time. So, a word of warning – don’t fall for the promise of the Time Travelling Tea Party. You’ll start out a human and end up nothing more than a flat, water-filled bladder.

Final word count - 491

My apologies for being so late with this. The actual picture is from here, from the old cartoon Samurai Jack.

Now, can anyone guess what political idea I'm talking about in the Time Travelling Tea Party (I can assure you - it is not the Tea Party).

LDS

Track of the Week - Concerto for Harp and Orchestra, 3rd Movement

2011-07-15T14:31:00.003+10:00

While he is a mere footnote in today's musical history texts, Boieldieu was once phenomenally popular in Paris and achieved great success in theatric works, among them the opera "La dame blanche".

Written at the tender age of twenty, Boieldieu's Concerto in three movements betrays the composer's operatic roots, similarly to Mercadante's flute concertos. It opens with a long allegro section of some charm, but I decided to post only two following sections, as they are truly the work's highpoint, making the opening section almost seem a warm-up. The second movement, marked Andante lento, sounds for all the world like a dramatic cantabile for soprano transcribed for harp, and it is as beautiful as any such scene. The strings' sighing lines provide a slightly oppressive backdrop for the harp's gentle plucking but the piece settles for a much lighter mood in its' central bars, before returning, though, to the original sombre atmosphere which serves as a perfect transition for the next movement. The third section is marked as Allegro agitato, and the name does not lie: the harp abandons the lyricism of the second section for confused, richly ornamented lines but this musical idea is used to flank the central cadential sequences, set to a sunnier melody of tantalizing virtuosity (special mention should be given to the extremely brilliant cadence at 2:08 in the second posting). A superbly rich musical experience, all in all.

Thus goes the description of this little piece. I heard it on the radio on Tuesday, and was absolutely entranced. I'm glad I've found it, and I hope you all get enjoy this fine piece of Baroque music by Francois Boieldieu.

LDS

Video of the Week - Translating Freestyle

2011-07-11T11:34:00.003+10:00

One of the things that I aim to do with the spotlights on videos and music that I feel worth considering is to draw attention to that which is worthy of consideration. Thus, the question must be asked as to why I'm posting up a freestyle rap battle. The answer is quite simple - the battle itself may be awful, but this translation into erudite English serves not only to demonstrate the absurdity of this... peculiar institution, but also provides a great deal amusement to anyone with the intellectual capacity for human and a slight desire to enjoy some degree of classy behaviour.

So, in the interests of demonstrating how to demonstrate the interests of modern society to be not very interesting, I present Ben and Ryan's Freestyle Rap Battle translation.

Warning - contains strong sexual references and violence.

LDS

The Medic and the Spy

2011-07-10T12:50:00.003+10:00

The RED Team was preparing to move out. BLU was well entrenched, but nearly everyone was there. The Engineer had done his work well, and the staging point he had set up had every other member of the team, save the Pyro and the Medic.
“Right you maggots, prepare to move out!” barked the Soldier.
“But Medic is not here,” said the Heavy.
“He’s too late; we’re going without him.”
The Heavy wrinkled his nose. “Not good, but I go. Killing baby men is job for real man.”
The Soldier nodded, and the team moved to their places.
As they moved, the teleporter exploded into red light, and from the light appeared the Pyro.
“You’re just in time, Pyro,” said the Soldier. “Now, let’s go!”
The Pyro nodded, and joined the team as they charged out. But as the team charged out, the Pyro lagged behind.
Then the facade began to shimmer, and the BLU Spy revealed himself, his knife at the ready.
“Surprise,” he whispered.
Metal met flesh.
“Oh... merde...” said the Spy. The rest of RED turned around to see the BLU Spy, his eyes rolling back into his skull as he collapsed, revealing the RED Medic behind him, syringe in hand and a gleam in his eyes.
“Oops,” said the Medic, “Zat vas not medicine!”

The BLU Spy woke up in a strange room. The table he lay on was cold, and large. Large enough for him to be held down by his wrists and ankles and still not be near the table’s edge. Before him was a large device, not unlike the Medic’s medigun, but much larger and obviously more powerful and versatile.
He pulled against the restraints, but he was dubious that he could pull away. RED would have been too smart for that.
Behind him, he heard a door open, and then close loudly, and loud footsteps grew ever closer.
The Spy craned his neck, and caught sight of the Medic walking calmly towards him. He puffed on the cigar in his mouth.
“I hear smoking is bad for your health,” said the Medic.
“No worse than you, doctor,” answered the Spy.
The Medic simply laughed as he started up his equipment and focused them on the Spy.
“Oh please,” said the Spy. “Do you expect me to talk?”
The Medic picked up his bonesaw and turned to the Spy, his glasses gleaming and his smile queasing.
“Nein, Herr Spy – I expect you to scream!”
And scream he did.

A while later
The Spy puffed on his cigar. The Medic at least let him have that, but it was cold and dark in his holding cell.
Suddenly, the door opened and the light came on. A bloodied hand reached in and grabbed the massive heart in front of him.
“Perfect!” said the Medic.
“Kill me,” begged the Spy.
“Later.”
And the door closed and it was dark once again.
“Merde,” said the Spy.

Final word count - 489

The Medic, The Spy and Team Fortress 2 are Copyright Valve, and no infringement is intended by this.

LDS

Track of the Week - Elite Force

2011-07-08T13:50:00.003+10:00

A few weeks ago, I posted the introduction to Colony Wars Vengeance. The music to the introduction is called Elite Force by Ian Hughes. An edited track appears in the introductory sequence, but the full track is available on Youtube.

For the legalistas such as myself, though, I'm afraid that the legitimate way to download it and support Mr Hughes is doing a damn stupid thing and only selling to people in the UK and Ireland (though licensing may come into effect... ugh, thank God I'm not a lawyer). For those of you there, here's the site.

And for all of us, I present Elite Force as this week's track of the week.

Elite Force and The Big Picture are copyright Ian Hughes. All rights to their respective owners, and no copyright infringement is intended.

LDS

In Memoriam - HIRH Otto von Hapsburg 1912-2011

2011-07-05T20:28:00.002+10:00

I have just learned of the passing of Archduke Otto von Hapsburg, eldest son and heir to HIRH Karl of Austria-Hungary. I had heard of some of his exploits, including that of giving Ian Paisley a knuckle sandwich on the floor of the European Parliament, as well as the fact that the prospect of a restoration in Austria might well have prevented the monstrosity of WWII, or at least reduced its horror.

But alas, as with all things, there is a close to the curtains, and the good Archduke and doctor (the latter was his preferred title) had ensured that the line of Hapsburg succession has been maintained in an orderly fashion, unlike other deposed families that have thus split.

I pray for the peaceful repose of his soul into the Heavenly Kingdom, and that he shall be an example to all the European monarchs, reigning and deposed, in his conduct, his attitude, and his everlasting devotion to his homeland. Archduke Otto certainly deserved to be Emperor, and even without the title, he lived up to the lofty expectations that come from being the temporal head of the Christian world.

I add my condolences and prayers to those already offered to the Hapsburgs and to God, and I declare my respect and admiration of him to the whole world, but most especially his family.

Requiem in pacem. Amen.

Hat tip - The Mad Monarchist. See his site for a full obituary.

Alternate obituaries:
The Local
The Telegraph
The Courier Mail

LDS

Vido of the Week - Radical Christians

2011-07-05T01:16:00.002+10:00

Isn't it interesting that the nun is the one who gets the virgins? No matter your opinion, this is a hilarious result of the fallacy of relativism.

Enjoy.

All rights to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

LDS

The Truth will set you Free

2011-07-03T22:50:00.005+10:00

Cathy tumbled down the slope, rolling towards the cliff face. She could hardly see it, but she knew it was coming.
She tried to stop her rolling, but it was too late.
She tumbled over the edge.
Cathy threw out her arms, and just managed to catch a tuft of grass.
She began to fall.
The grass went taught.
She stopped.
The grass held.
She struck the cliff.
Her grip remained.
Cathy gasped in pain. He reached up to try and pull herself up and back over the cliff’s edge, but found her arms too weak to bear her weight up like that.
“Help!”
It was all she could think to do.
“Help me please!”
Cathy waited for an answer, but none came.
She kicked herself. She loved this area precisely because it was remote. The chances of help arriving were virtually nil.
Cathy despaired. And she looked down.
Two hundred feet.
Hard rocks and crevasses.
I’m going to die, aren’t I, she thought.
And, in spite of her atheism, she decided it was worth a try.
“God, if you’re there, could you please help me?”
“If I’m here? My dear, you need a bit more faith than that.”
Cathy was so astonished at the reply that she almost let go.
“Well, since you are here, could you please help me?”
“Sure, but I need you to do something first.”
“And what’s that?” asked Cathy.
“Let go of the grass.”
Cathy’s eyes widened in horror.
“Seriously,” said God.
“Is anyone else up there?” she squeaked.
“I’m afraid not.”
Cathy moaned in despair.
And then the grass began to slip.
“Look, you’re going to fall if you hold on to the grass,” said God. “I’m asking you to trust me.”
“By falling to me death on your orders? No thanks.”
“Look, I actually have some plans for you, and they don’t involve you dying yet. So, how about that trust, hmm?”
Cathy shook her head, all in a panic.
“Very well. I guess it is plan B.”
And the grass finally gave way.
Cathy screamed as she fell.
And a pair of hands caught her.
“Don’t worry Miss, I’ve got you,” said a young man in a posh accent.
Cathy looked at the man, and then looked down to see the ground was still a hundred feet away, and then back at the man.
“You’ve got me? Who’s got you?!”
“God, of course,” said the young superhero. “When He said the Truth will set you free, He really meant it.”
Cathy’s stared blankly at her saviour, before promptly fainting.

Final wordcount - 428

Disclaimer: In spite of any appearance to the contrary, becoming a Christian will not in any way guarantee your becoming a superhero.

LDS

Track of the Week - Hell March

2011-07-01T18:34:00.001+10:00

The original and the best - Frank Klepacki's Hell March from the original Red Alert (I still have that game, you know). It's been redone, but I'm still a sucker for the first.

Enjoy

Hell March composed by Frank Klepacki. Red Alert is copyright to Westwood Studios and Electronic Arts. All rights to their original owners. No copyright infringement intended.

LDS

Video of the Week - Meet the Medic

2011-06-27T17:36:00.003+10:00

It's been two years since Meet the Spy was released, and finally, Valve has delivered Meet the Medic (it's called Valve Time for a reason, you know).

Is it worth the wait. Haha, I have no idea.

Now, let's go practice medicine!

Mot of the Week - Originality

2011-06-26T17:45:00.004+10:00

Well, there's nothing new under the sun, but I'm particularly bad at this.

So, in order to help me out, I'm going to change things around a bit. Instead of just a slapdash mot thrown out on Sunday depending on what sort of mood I'm in, I'm going to really start to torment you by subjecting you to my writing.

OK, I'm not that bad, but I'm not that good either.

So I'll be practicing my writing by writing flash fiction (i.e. no more than 500 words), and I'll generally just be accentuating a mood, thought, or news item, most probably in a somewhat amusing way. All I want you to do is to read it and give me some feedback, preferably constructive. The Mot will generally try and sum it all up.

So, keep me honest here, and pillory me if I miss a week.

LDS

Track of the Week - Poker Night

2011-06-24T17:42:00.002+10:00

I happen to own the game Poker Night at the Inventory, and the trailer was what ultimately clinched it for me. The music is especially cool, and that is what I present to you for this week's Track of the Week.

Enjoy

Poker Night at the Inventory published by TellTaleGames. All rights, music and characters belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

LDS

Video of the Week - Colony Wars Vengeance

2011-06-20T17:32:00.004+10:00

We now return to the normal broadcasting schedule, and this means that I'm pulling up some old ghosts. Namely, Colony Wars.

I think you all know I adored the original Colony Wars. Colony Wars Vengeance, its sequel, takes the ending Sol was not negotiable and running with it. Picking up a hundred years later, it follows you as the Navy pilot Mertens, who helps the Navy's new leader Kron break out of Sol and wreak bloody vengeance on the League of (not-so) Free Worlds. The game is much more linear than the first one, and ends up leaving you with some impossible missions to boot.

It doesn't mean the story or the cutscenes are any less awesome though. So enjoy the introduction to Colony Wars Vengeance.

Elite Force by Ian Hughes (soundtrack).
Colony Wars and associated titles by Psygnosis.
No copyright infringement intended. All rights to their respective owners.

LDS

Don't Speak, Supanova and Taking Over the World

2011-06-19T19:02:00.005+10:00

I apologise for not getting the Track of the Week up sooner, but here it is - No Doubt's Don't Speak, a big hit from the early 00's.

Why Don't Speak? Well, I've spent the last two days at Supanova Sydney, and I've been moving around as Superman. I've uploaded my pictures to ImageShack (Saturday album; Sunday album), so feel free to browse (my camera is unfortunately prone to being fuzzy. Mea culpa).

And finally, this week's Mot is simple. What are we going to do? Take of the world (Of course!).

The original can be found here.

All rights to their respective owners. No copyright infringements intended.

LDS

Video of the Week - The Lonely Robot

2011-06-13T22:50:00.002+10:00

I was debating whether to show this charmingly simple Machinima from Portal 2, a winner from the Team Fortress 2 Saxxy Contest, a TF2 machinima, or some Interstella 5555. I think I'd like to stay a bit clear of TF2 for a while, and I haven't done too much on the fine work of Portal 2, and its many, many fans (of which I am one).

So enjoy this simple search for friendship amongst the great testing chambers of Aperture Science.

Soundtrack by Robot Science.
Machinima by Edje.
Portal 2 by Valve.
All rights to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

LDS

Mot of the Week - Simplicity

2011-06-12T17:06:00.002+10:00

I've been doing a lot of tutoring in physics this week just past (First Year Uni. The mechanics lecturer sounds like he was pretty poor). So I'm a bit math'd up (if aliens would like a chat, I'd be happy to start talking. 1-1-2-3-5-8-13...).

Incidentally, you might be interested in the New Maths of Tom Lehrer.

Regardless, simple solutions can often be unspeakably clever. Of course, they can also be quite wrong. Which is what happens here.

Track of the Week - Act on Instinct

2011-06-10T18:12:00.003+10:00

I remember playing the first Command & Conquer as a small boy. Literally, I was 5. They got me early.

And I've fond memories of this game. Especially when I realised how to beat a level my brother got really stuck on.

Anyway, this is the track Act on Instinct, which plays on the first level as you set up and assault the terrorist group Nod (as the GDI - Global Defence Initiative). It's worth remembering that the world is being eaten by alien plants that kills humans, and Nod is a bit more pseudo-religious.

Regardless, it's a fine track, and well worth keeping in mind. Sometimes, ass must be kicked, and usually, we instinctively know that time.

Composed by Frank Klepacki. Command and Conquer Copyright: Westwood Studios/Electronic Arts. No infringements intended; all rights to their respective owners.

LDS.

Video of the Week - Thunderbirds are Go!

2011-06-06T19:18:00.005+10:00

Good God, does anyone remember this? Hell, I've still got all my Thunderbirds and a full Tracy Island to boot!

Good times! So enjoy this little trip into 60s cool.

Topics, guns and mots

2011-05-26T22:09:00.003+10:00

To start with, I was referred by a friend on Facebook to an article that is a transcript of a report for ABC's Lateline. I only bring it to your attention to demonstrate how not to report something. I'm sorry Tom, but staying on topic would do you credit.

On a somewhat less entertaining note, I am going away to Townsville tomorrow, and will therefore not have too much of a chance to post. My brother is leaving on deployment to Afghanistan next Tuesday, so we're going up to see him off. Please pray for his safety.

So, this week's track of the week is Team Fortress 2's More Gun, from the soundtrack of the Meet the Engineer Trailer. If only they'd let our armies use their guns...

And finally, a mot. This one on Chivalry, appropriately enough. My brother is married, and I think it played a part.

HT - Ann Barnhardt.

All rights to their respective owners.

LDS

Video of the Week - The Restoration of Erathia

2011-05-23T22:47:00.003+10:00

My apologies for not posting this video earlier, but I do present forthwith the introduction to Heroes of Might and Magic 3: The Restoration of Erathia. Don't worry, I'm not going to follow my egregious example and post the entire story (given that much of it unfolds in-game, and is unavailable online, practicality also prevents me).

Anyway, a bit of backstory may be required. The events of Heroes of Might and Magic 2 occur in the kingdom of Enroth. The Succession War that occurs between brothers Roland and Archibald sees Roland as the victor. In time, Roland is betrothed to and marries Catherine Griffonheart of Erathia, a great ally of Enroth.

However, the death of King Griffonheart forces Catherine to return to her homeland in order to secure the succession of her throne.

I won't say too much more than this - epic fantasy doesn't come better than this, and the entire game of Heroes 3 comes with my highest recommendation. Alas, that the series has taken such a poor turn since. But at least we have 3.

So enjoy.

All rights to their respective owners.

LDS

Mot of the Week - Stupidity

2011-05-22T18:10:00.002+10:00

Some people don't know about backwards "b"s. Others don't know how the weather works. All we know is, they're referred to as "stupids".

Track of the Week - Heroes 3 Title

2011-05-21T00:30:00.003+10:00

This is a lovely piece, with a fantastic work of art (one wonders if St Michael the Archangel had anything to do with it). Again, composed by Paul Anthony Romero for Heroes of Might and Magic 3, it's a very pleasant piece to listen to with the harpsichord going as it does.

So enjoy.

Video of the Week - To be or not to be

2011-05-16T21:14:00.003+10:00

I thought that a bit of Hamlet might be appropriate this week. I've seen bits and pieces of this rendition by Kenneth Branagh which came out in 1996, and I've read through this soliloquoy a few times too. To live and die, or to survive, is fundamentally what is being asked here, and the answer pondered greatly.

In commentary, Branagh states that he is slow with the first line in order to ensure that everyone can whisper it with him. He also remarks that they should set up a bouncing ball on subtitles so everyone can play along. Just as a by the by, if you will.

So which would you take - the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or the winds to bear you in arms against a sea of troubles? Either way, enjoy (though I would like to say the latter, I'm not quite sure I'm ready and faithful enough yet).

To be, or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die, to sleep,
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache, and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep;
To sleep, perchance to dream – ay, there's the rub:
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause – there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life.
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of disprized love, the law’s delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscovered country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will,
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pith and moment,
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action. Soft you now,
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remembered.

-- Hamlet, Act 3 Scene I, by William Shakespeare.

All rights to their respective owners.

LDS

The Blogger Bother - Track and Mot of the Week

2011-05-15T15:02:00.003+10:00

Because Blogger decided it wanted to die for all of Friday, and I was setting up my laptop yesterday, I've been somewhat neglectful of posting, and haven't done any track for this week.

Since Portal is a simple and fun game, I'm going to field the credit song Still Alive by Jonathon Coulton (and sung by Ellen McClean, who plays GLaDOS in Portal, and reprises her role in Portal 2). I don't think I'm spoiling much by saying that the end of Portal sees GLaDOS killed by you (she's the only other character in the game, so it couldn't be that much of a surprise). And this song plays just after you've killed her.

Still, beats being killed by her with a deadly neurotoxin.

Now, for the Mot of the Week, I've found that it might be good to remind you that cake and grief counselling are available at the end of all Aperture Science testing courses.

All rights to their respective owners.

LDS

Video of the Week - A Capella Turrets

2011-05-09T14:39:00.003+10:00

The Turrets are having quite a bit of fun in Portal 2. They sing, they shoot, they get blown up by lasers.

Ah, good times. I don't blame you.

Oh, and if you don't mind me spoiling it (in a non-spoilerish way), Portal 2 ain't over 'till the fat turret sings.

Mot of the Week - Ninja Tea Party

2011-05-08T19:21:00.003+10:00

Well, this Mother's Day, I hope you've all gone and done something special for your dear mother. I know te ninjas have - they've had tea.

Isn't that just sweet?

[Click on the picture for a full-size image]

Track of the Week - Money's too tight to mention (Reggie Watts)

2011-05-06T17:04:00.002+10:00

Reggie Watts appeared on Good News Week a while ago, and this is what happened for his Strange But True musical clue.

True awesome. He should do a full cover.

In other news, ACM reports that a Russian has mooted putting Prince Harry on the Russian throne. I know the Romanovs can't agree amongst themselves who their leader is. What are your thoughts?

Some comments on the news

2011-05-03T13:21:00.003+10:00

I have two bits of news I'd like to discuss today. The first, I shall provide no link because it is common knowledge

Osama bin Laden is dead.

Great. Good job.

Only problem is, we still have a problem. The problem never was bin Laden himself, but rather what he embodied. He was a jihadist, a mujahid fighting against the West and its "corrupt" and "decadent" ways.

OK, he has a point, but his idea of a pure society and mine are about as different as the Sun and the Moon (given that one is an exploding ball of gas and the other a lump of dusty rock).

The beast we are fighting is Islamic-inspired terrorism, and it's a hydra. Bin Laden was its most prominent head, and now that it's gone, so much the better. It ate our dog, as it were. But the rest of the hydra's heads are still yapping at us and trying to eat us.

The only way to slay the mythological hydra (a multi-headed dragon) was to pierce its heart. In this case, the eart of Islamic-inspired terrorism is Islam itself, and the faith it engenders. By destroying that faith on a massive scale, one would eliminate the hydra of mass terrorism along with it.

Unfortunately, it's going to take some getting to, given all the armour of Sharia and everything else around it, but at least, if we were to try to get to it, there'd be some hope of success. As it is, I'd be willing to wager that many Western leaders are thinking "A snake with no head cannot strike".

A true pity they can't see that little truth.

The other piece of news I wanted to bring up is one of the more absurd points I've seen in the coverage of the Royal Wedding. Julia Gillard was summoned to Buckingham Palace for a meeting with the Queen. Now, as is usual, no minutes are taken and no press conference held afterwards. The meeting is strictly confidential (remember the fury of the Palace after Blair basically stole lines from the movie The Queen for his memoirs, false as they probably were?).

Still, that doesn't stop the website Independent Australia (remember them?) from posting that the audience involved the Queen "ordering" Julia Gillard to make Australia a republic.

Irony of ironies, that royal legitimacy is required for the republican movement. I guess it's like the Age still being published under the Royal Arms. Life imitating art or art imitating life?

Even more absurd is posted in the comments from Barry Everingham. Read it for yourself:

One of this site’s many redeeming features is that our readers and subscribers can say what they like – no holds barred – about the content of our reports. Unlike David Flint’s personal website only “registered“ readers have the right of reply. This is part of the absolute control he and the failed cleric hold over ACM. Why only last week an ACM person contacted me to correct what I have been saying – that there are only two members of ACM. I was reminded there are twelve and they include Flint and Father Flynn. The hapless hundreds of others who pay annual fees are treated as ciphers; they are called “supporters” and have absolutely no rights at all. Flint is the manager of the ACM website; he’s the editor, the “journalist” the copy boy and the general dog’s body. Sometimes he gives himself a by- line, other times he is known as “written by ACM”. So I’m sure I speak for David Donovan and the others here at IA when I say to “Colin” (we know who you are mate) and our other regular correspondents: keep up your good work, we appreciate your feedback and keep talking about us… the “hits” get bigger and bigger.

Hypocrisy, thy name is Barry Everingham. Considering my lengthy rebuttal of an earlier piece was dismissed as "idiotic drivel", I'm very much more sceptical of IA than I am of ACM. And I wonder if Barry ever bothered trying to sign up for the ACM site. It doesn't take long, dear boy.

But the absurdity of the situation is truly breathtaking. A republican website quotes two "sources" who would not have been in the room and would be breaking protocol and confidence by revealing any of this, in order to legitimise their push for a republic with a royal "order".

My personal reading is that Tess Lawrence has let her political imagination get ahead of her journalistic integrity, and has put words in the mouth of the Queen that go against her very clear statement that the matter of a republic is for the Australian people to decide at referendum, and that, regrdless of the outcome, she will still love Australia.

So come and laugh with me. There's no real point getting angry about their stupidity and hypocrisy. I laugh at them, and shall taunt them for my amusement, and perhaps their enlightenment.

After all, with all that's going on these days, I need a laugh. So how are you holding up? Because I'm a potato.

Video of the Week - John Paul II

2011-05-02T12:54:00.002+10:00

Considering that HH Bl. John Paul II's Beatification Mass was last night (AEST), I think it is appropriate to look back on the man who was Pope fo my birth nearly through to the end of my time in school (I was 17 when he died).

Now he has eternal life, blessed be him, the Good Shepherd, the 264th Pope of the Church, Bl. John Paul II

A Royal Wedding Special - Mot of the Week - Fairy Tales

2011-05-01T23:08:00.003+10:00

After such a wonderful day on Friday, I don't think I can quite let it go just yet. So here's a Mot on the matter. A proper one.

After all, we all love fairy tales. Especially those of us who refuse to grow up (myself included... or didn't you notice the cartoons I like?)

The image is from the Royal Wedding Album by Hugo Burnand.

A Royal Wedding Special - Track of the Week - Mendelssohn's Wedding March

2011-04-29T22:14:00.003+10:00

In celebration of the marriage of Prince William and (now Princess) Catherine, I believe this to be appropriate. I've also added God Save the Queen there as well, for patriotism's sake.

Hope you all enjoyed the wedding! I wish all the best to Their Highnesses, and a lifetime of bliss for them both.

Video of the Week - ANZAC Tribute

2011-04-26T17:36:00.002+10:00

Well, I'm a bit late in posting, but I'm not losing sleep over it. Too tired to do that.

Anyway, here is an ANZAC tribute (what with Monday itself being ANZAC Day). This year's ANZAC Day is particularly poignant for me, because my brother is preparing for deployment to Afghanistan. Please, keep him in your prayers that he can return safely to his wife and little son.

Lest we forget

Mot of the Week - Irony

2011-04-24T15:26:00.002+10:00

I observed on the Mad One's blog that the entirety of the Christian faith is built on irony. That in dying, we come to life primarily. That Jesus did it leaves the joke on us.

So, perhaps we should take from St Thomas More's book and be merry, for life is too short for seriousness.

Track of the Week - Will you love me?

2011-04-22T19:12:00.003+10:00

As a Good Friday Special, I'm posting Brian Boniwell's hymn Will You Love Me as the track of the week this week. You may recall that he also wrote a popular version of The Lord is my Shepherd, and this is another good one. It is also equally difficult to find (this is the only version I could find on Youtube).

Regardless, I bid you enjoy, and perhaps you might meditate on the lyrics too (below the video).

Will you give me your life forever?
Will you carry my cross every day?
Will you walk in the light of my presence?
Will you follow the truth of my ways?

Will you love me as I have loved you?
Will you live with me the darkness as I die?
For the moon and the stars will be gone like
the night,
And the sun will be shining on you.

Like the purest of gold in the furnace,
Is your love strong enough to endure?
Does your faith carry on through the shadows?
Does it shine in the night for the world?

Can you walk in the footprints of silence?
Through the wilderness sands in the sun,
From the desert of doubt and temptation.
To the glorious mountain of fire?

All rights to their respective owners. Used under Fair Use.

Video of the Week - Who are you?

2011-04-20T00:21:00.002+10:00

Well, it seems life continues to get in my way, but better late than never. This week's video is from Babylon 5, one of the finer science fiction series to emerge from the last 20 years. Plotted in its entirety by J Michael Straczynski (who would also write every script for the third season), it is one of the earliest examples of large-scale arc television, breaking from previous science fiction shows like Star Trek, Quantum Leap, Battlestar Galactica and others like it. It paved the way for modern science fiction series such as the reimagined Battlestar Galactica, later seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Heroes, The 4400, and many, many more.

While few have matched the success of Babylon 5, its influence is felt throughout modern science fiction television.

Today's video is presented from the episode Comes the Inquisitor, and happens to be exceedingly psychological. In the leadup to the Easter Triduum, it seems appropriate to reflect on our truest, deepest name, by which God calls every one of us.

Mot of the Week - Tardiness

2011-04-18T22:20:00.002+10:00

Well, I've been running rather late. Normal programming should be resumed by Good Friday.

And because I like to point out my own failings when they are mildly entertaining, here's a mot for this.

Track of the Week - Warcraft Orc 3

2011-04-16T20:17:00.003+10:00

My apologies for not posting this yesterday. I was a little distracted, and missed that particular boat.

But, better late than never. I reckon this track from Warcraft 2 is among the best from the Orc side (just hear that harpsichord go... and yes, I know it's probably more synthetic, but hey, we can dream).

So enjoy. My life for Aiur... I mean, the Horde!

Video of the Week - A Better World?

2011-04-11T21:55:00.003+10:00

In the Justice League two-parter A Better World, an alternate universe's Justice League goes rogue and takes over the American government after President Luthor kills that universe's Flash.

Let two years pass, and they find a way to travel between universes into the main universe of the series, where the Flash is still alive. They decide to surreptitiously seize control of the main universe, while the heroes are trapped in the alternate universe.

Cue this interesting little scenario, where the Flash outwits Batman. I might also point out that the former is nice, fun loving, live-in-the-moment, while the latter is the world's greatest detective. Go Flash!

So enjoy it. Seriously, who says cartoons are for kids?

Mot of the Week - Discretion

2011-04-10T23:17:00.004+10:00

Keeping things to yourself seems a mite bit harder these days.

Track of the Week - Over the Sky

2011-04-09T00:03:00.004+10:00

This week's featured track is a quieter track, called Over the Sky, sung by Hitomi. This is the closing song for the anime Last Exile, an anime series by Studio Gonzo set in a world where gigantic battleships duke it out in the air in a steampunk-themed world, watched over by the highly advanced (and equally nihilistic/psychotic) Guild. In typical Gonzo fashion, it is quite spectacular. Atypically, however, its story is passable at the very least. A bit rushed towards the end, but it's better than many of the other works that I've sampled.

The lyrics dwell on the companionship of the protaganists as they fly among the clouds, and could be applied to several combinations of characters. The quiet tune is refreshing too.

So therefore, I bid you enjoy Over the Sky.

An alternate version is also available, which begins with a longer instrumental introduction (this is played over the final episode of the series), and for yor entertainment pleasure, has been posted here as well.

All rights to their respective owners.

Book burnings, Islam, and the Crisis of Western Civilisation

2011-04-07T00:14:00.003+10:00

The Mad One has had a little rant at the blatant hypocrisy of the media who not only publicised Pastor Tony Jones' Quran burning, but who now declare that all those who have been slain by the rampaging Muslim crowds in Afghanistan and Pakistan (as reports have filtered in) to have been slain by Pastor Jones' act.

Now, I will recap the point is as blunt a summary as I can manage. In short, the talking heads of the media are declaring that Muslims are excused responsibility for their sins because their actions were "provoked" by a sin by the West. It doesn't matter how great the sins of the former, or how small the sins of the latter, the logic always stands.

Of course, this is utter bunk. If I were to murder your sister or wife, would that justify you in murdering me? If I were to call your sister or wife a whore, would that justify you murdering me (we shall leave duels to one side in this case)? In both cases, the answer is "Of course not!". And the simple point to remember is - one sin can never justify another. Two wrongs don't make a right. Ever.

Now, the Mad One rightly laments that this simple logic has been buried under the mush of warm gooey politically correct multicultural dogma, to the point where General Petraeus, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, President Barack Obama and God only knows how many others are basically saying "This should not be covered as free speech."

If only such stunning compulsion was enforced for Christian symbols too, then we might be able to take them a bit more seriously. But alas not. I guess they're concerned about empty art galleries or something.

But the Mad One fails to realise an important point - by merely not being ruled by Muslims, we offend Muslims. By refusing to reserve them special respect that is not due to Muslims through any merit of their own, we offend Muslims. Jews, by virtue of simply existing, offend Muslims, as do all those who aren't Christian (apparently, we're OK. Except when we say "We believe in our religion, not in what you believe our religion should be". Then it's blasphemy).

In short, we offend Muslims by not submitting to Sharia.

Now, none of this would actually be a problem without the perfect storm that has engulfed the West. With the massive bloodletting in the first half of the last century, and the exhaustion that has followed, we have become party to fads and fashions that pass in and out of our lives. We have decided that wearing pants isn't a good idea, and instead want to wear skinny jeans and expensive hairdos.

The idea of a civilisation worth defending is sadly forgotten, because we have forgotten what it is our civilisation is about. Few read the Bible (I've made something of a start, but hardly enough), few know anything of Shakespeare outside of trying to interpret it by 20th Century theories (as opposed to actually looking at what he's saying. To be or not to be is Hamlet asking whether or not to simply go through his natural life and not fight for anything, or to charge forth and risk death. And yet, how many would know that?), and so much of our culture involves denigrating our culture that it's a wonder we've survived as long as we have.

And, just to show how rediculous everything has become, a Swedish Church (Lutheran, I believe) has told its pastors not to christen anyone (I expect that they mean baptism here).

This Crisis of Western Civilisation is multi-faceted, and far beyond the scope of this post. However, it has provided the golden opportunity for Islam to infiltrate the West, and, in their own words, to sabotage our miserable house from within, that the West as we know it and once knew it (democratic and monarchically Christian respectively) would pass from the world to be replaced by a new Islamic caliphate.

Frankly, I'd let that happen over my dead body. And others feel the same way. Now, while I am probably a bit too intellectually inclined to burn a book (I'd rather debunk it, frankly), I can fully understand and lend my full support to those who have no such qualms or qualifications. Like Mrs Ann Barnhardt, who burns a Quran she bookmarked with bacon after reading relevant verses and absolutely shattering Senator Graham's utter lack of logic and moral standing. The kicker is this:

If you want to pick a fight, sir. You go right ahead but understand that if you pick a fight with me the only way it ends is with you sobbing in the men's room.

The only way that could have been more awesome was if she cooked the bacon on a barbeque started by the burning pages of the Quran. And yes - she did basically invite people to come and try and silence her. She has guns. She says she will use them. I believe her.

Frankly though, we already know what the Muslims would do to us. And, in the words of Martin Luthor as he burned a copy of the Canon Law of the Church, as they would do to us, so we shall do to them (for those interested, I'll be looking to burn Mohammed's battle flag. No greater insult to an enemy in war than to capture his colours and destroy them).

Video of the Week - Set007

2011-04-04T19:03:00.002+10:00

I first saw this AMV a fair while ago (is in two or three years ago), but unfortunately, it vanished from YouTube. However, it's back, it's now it's here.

Yes, it's Yu-Gi-Oh, an anime about a children's card game that may cause serious injury (try starting that up in a modern nanny state). But it's so well edited, and focuses on Seto Kaiba (who has plenty in common with Bond), that I can see no reason to deny it.

Plus, Moby's remixed 007 Theme is an extra bonus.

So here it is. This is how an AMV should be done and thus I present Set007. Enjoy.

All rights to their respective owners, and due credit to the creator and uploader (Freakoffire) as well.

Mot of the Week - Scientists

2011-04-03T22:12:00.002+10:00

Well, I graduated with my Masters in Applied Nuclear Science on Friday, so this seems appropriate. I'm getting there.

Track of the Week - The Pink Panther

2011-04-02T00:13:00.002+11:00

I'm tired. It's late. I need something quiet, and this is it. So enjoy Henry Mancini's The Pink Panther.

Video of the Week - Yoda wins

2011-03-28T22:14:00.001+11:00

A little whimsical aside for you, I have. How the fight between Yoda and Sidious could have ended, this is. Enjoy.

Mot of the Week - Rocket Recliner

2011-03-27T22:06:00.001+11:00

Good Lord I could use one of these. Windchill might be an issue though.

Track of the Week - On Her Majesty's Secret Service (Remix)

2011-03-25T23:43:00.003+11:00

How have I managed to avoid posting anything James Bond for all this time? Naturally, David Arnold's On Her Majesty's Secret Service is on the cards for today. While the original is already a pleasant early electronica track, this simply ups the ante to pure win.

So enjoy!

Video of the Week - G-Police

2011-03-21T23:41:00.002+11:00

Another old game, another personal favourite. Made by the same people who made Colony Wars, G-Police is set after a near-apocalyptic war destroyed the power of central governments. Multinational corporations step in to fill the void, but allow the new government to establish a force to keep order in the colonies - the G-Police.

You play as Slater, a man looking to work out who murdered his sister on Callisto. The story is surprisingly twisty for a game like this, with plenty of chessplay and backstabbing. I'll let it speak for itself - it fills you in on the history of the universe and the character's motivation, something that indicates excellent writing. Not to mention the gameplay was pretty fun.

So, without further ado, I present the inroduction to G-Police as this week's video of the week.

Mot of the Week - Warhammer 40,000

2011-03-20T21:37:00.002+11:00

Well, my internet seems to have magically repaired itself, which has brought to mind the mysterious workings of the technology of Warhammer 40,000, which, of course, brings to mind the God Emperor of the Imperium of Mankind, and thus, the following Mot.

Track of the Week - Another Point of View

2011-03-18T23:20:00.002+11:00

DB Boulevard's Another Point of View is a catchy tune, to say the least, accompanied with lovely lyrics that suggest we look at things from another point of view, and find what's good in life.

I'd post more, but my internet is being quite a trouble at present. I'll post as best I'm able, but things may come late or even not at all.

Regardless, I do want you to enjoy this. See all the colours of the world, so beautiful, if you consider things from another point of view.

Japan and the atom

2011-03-15T21:25:00.003+11:00

I had been thinking about whethr it would be a good idea to make a post on the Fukushima Nuclear Reactor crisis, but MIT's Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering has a few posts that are of great relevance, and far more eloquent than I could be here. A quick summary though is that the reactor itself has shut down, but the coolant systems have failed, and that this is the cause of concern.

A brief summary of developments at present in the Fukushima Nuclear Power Reactor (15/3/2011):
- A fire broke out in the spent fuel pool in reactor 4. However, that fire has now been extinguished. The fire began due to a build up of hydrogen and its mixing with oxygen (2+1 with heat makes water). The actual containment and cooling appears to be working fine.
- The suppression chamber of reactor 2 has lost pressure as well. As of writing, the fact of whether the breach has caused damage to the reactor containment unit is unknown.
- Reactors 1 and 3 have had their roofs blown off by hydrogen explosions. At present, there does not appear to have been any leaks from those containment units, aside from controlled releases of steam as mentioned by the MIT group.

I'll add further points as they arise.

Video of the Week - Brilliant Bloopers

2011-03-14T19:06:00.001+11:00

I've ripped me trousers!

Mot of the Week - The Phoenix

2011-03-14T00:06:00.006+11:00

Considering the recent devastation inflicted upon Japan (my thoughts and prayers are with them all), and those that have befallen Christchurch, Queensland and Victoria in the last four months, makes me put a genuine motivational poster up here again.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust; from the dust we were born, and to the dust we shall return

It does not matter that we fall to dust, from whatever heights we attained, for our heirs rise up again, to heights greater still.

Amen.

Track of the Week - Lord of Lords

2011-03-12T00:23:00.002+11:00

I may not agree with Hillsong as far as turning Mass into a rock concert (and plenty of theological issues, I'm sure), but damn can they do good hymns (yes, I first heard this in a Catholic service. You expect me to attend others?). Here's a favourite to usher in Lent. Lyrics are below the video.

Beholding your beauty is all I long for
To worship You Jesus with my soul's desire
For this very heart you've shaped for your pleasure
The purpose to lift your name high

Hear and surrender in pure adoration
I enter your courts with an offering of praise
I am Your servant come to bring you glory
As is fit for the work of your hands

Now unto the lamb who sits on the throne
Be glory and honor and praise
All of creation resounds with the song
Worship and praise him the Lord of Lords

The spirit now living and dwelling within me
Keep my eyes fixed ever upon Jesus' face
Let not the things of this world ever sway me
I'll run 'till I finish the race

Singing unto the lamb who sits on the throne
Be glory and honor and praise
All of creation resounds with the song
Worship and praise the Lord
Now unto the lamb who sits on the throne
Be glory and honor and praise
All of eternity echoes the song
Worship and praise him the Lord of Lords

Holy Lord
You are Holy
Jesus Christ is the Lord

Now unto the lamb who sits on the throne
Be glory and honor and praise
Call all the saints to join in the song
Worship and praise him the Lord of Lords

Lord of Lords
Lord of Lords
Lord of Lords

It has also been my position that in this Lenten season, I need to get away from my computer. I've decided that my sacrifice for the season is to stop using my computer during the day (i.e. not between 6am and 6pm). Given that my employment occurs in the evenings, I don't have much to do during the day. This is just a way of killing what is an unhealthy addiction (it's 4 weeks to break a habit), and getting back to what's important in life.

Anyway, I will try and keep up, but I thought you'd like to know.

Video of the Week - The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

2011-03-07T18:02:00.002+11:00

I've been a bit hesitant, but I have finally come to realise... THE VIDEO IS NOW DIAMONDS!

Mot of the Week - Booth-ism

2011-03-06T14:03:00.002+11:00

Since I was all dressed up last week, it's only right I put this up (no, that isn't me, much as I'd love to do a MMPR. I'd probably be Green though. He was awesome).

Track of the Week - The Lord is my Shepherd

2011-03-04T14:34:00.005+11:00

Given that NPinkPanther's grandfather passed away this morning (Correction - last Friday, February 25), I think a track that reflects this is in order. Thus, I've chosen The Lord is my Shepherd.

But this isn't your grandfather's version of the hymn. It's hard to find because it would appear only to be sung in Australian churches. But I grew up with it, and prefer it to the older version.

So this one's for you NPinkPanther. May your grandfather rest in peace.

The Lord is my Shepherd, and I want to follow, wherever he leads me, wherever he goes.
Over the mountains, the waters and by-ways, valleys and highways he’s waiting for me.

I want to go to meet him there, to lay myself down in his love.
The Lord is my shepherd, and I want to follow, wherever he leads me, wherever he goes.

And while on the journey to where we are going, he promised to be there to help us along.
And over the mountains we’ll walk on together, to know all the wonders he’s given to me

Video of the Week - Riverdance

2011-02-28T19:12:00.002+11:00

Riverdance was originally conceived in 1994 as an interlude in that year's EuroVision music contest (the exception that proves the rule that what's there is absolute garbage). It was re-tooled into a full stage show when it proved to be extremely popular, and Wikipedia reports it's popularity to be a watershed in the history of Irish culture.

I haven't actually seen the whole thing, I'll admit, but I'm pretty mesmerised by the dancing that I have seen. The following video is from the New York show (it appears that the titles are in Korean for some reason), featuring Colin Dunne and Jean Butler as the lead dancers. I bid you then enjoy!

Servant of the Chief, you've been rather critical of the various political parties for starting to downplay the native Irish (Gaelic?) language. I just wanted to get your feelings on Riverdance and Irish dancing.

Oh, and I did see the Daily Telegraph was stupid and forgot that Ireland became a Commonwealth Realm from 1921 until 1948, and was thus a monarchy. Hell, even I facepalmed at that!

Mot of the Week - Another Crisis

2011-02-27T21:54:00.003+11:00

You know them - the one where the comic universe crosses over and the timeline is streamlined, only to diverge again and ensring another is needed.

PS - I'm the Superman on the left. Conveniently, I'm blocking my face. Here are some other photos of me, if you're interested.

Track of the Week - The End of Plain Words

2011-02-25T16:07:00.002+11:00

This little track is taken from the Le Chevalier D'Eon soundtrack, and is titled in its original Japanese as Owari ni mata kotoba ariki, which appears to translate as The end of the vanilla words, or, in better English, The End of Plain Words. Considering the final conclusion to the series, and the bittersweet end to D'Eon de Beaumont's service to his King, and the results that come from his exploits, it is a gentle piece, reminding one of the heyday of European splendour that has now been surpassed by the drabness of consumerist fashion.

Alas, that Gandhi's quip in 1947 that Western Civilisation would be a good idea is now so true is a sad thought to come to.

But, enough of that. Let us enjoy what culture there is, and so forthwith, I present Michiru Ooshima's The End of Plain Words.

All rights to their respective owners. If you feel you can do a better job on the translation, send me an email and I'll change it.

Video of the Week - Brilliant Guinness!

2011-02-21T16:32:00.001+11:00

I remember these ads, and there's only one way to describe them - Brilliant!

Mot of the Week - A good fight

2011-02-20T14:18:00.002+11:00

And the gnomes lived happily ever after...

Track of the Week - Neutral Theme

2011-02-18T22:23:00.002+11:00

I know some of you don't really like me dwelling on the same series over and over and over again, but this track is being chosen because of my mood. Yeah, I'm upset (don't worry - no one's dead), and it's something I'm going to get a bit of for a while (namely, rejection. Story rejection). Don't worry though; I'll try and time it so it doesn't happen on a Friday in future.

Anyway, regarding the track in question, this is Paul Anthony Romero's Neutral Theme from Heroes of Might and Magic 3. It is interesting that the opportunistic neutral countries in that game are represented by such a mournful tune, almost funereal in pace. Like I said, it matches my mood.

So enough waffling and self-pity for me. Here's the track of the week, and I hope you enjoy it. I'll probably enjoy it myself tomorrow.

Video of the Week - Inconceivable!

2011-02-14T12:13:00.002+11:00

"You keep on using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

The Political Zoology Field Guide Index

2011-02-13T15:23:00.002+11:00

The Political Zoology Field Guide is intended as a reference for all interested humans in the weird and wonderful fauna of our political wilderness. In order to afford easier access to this marvelous pigeonholing device (that we might all assert our places as members of the Invisible Pigeonholing Council), I have therefore arranged this index to be developed. I trust you will use it for your enlightenment, and perhaps your entertainment.

For those in search of further information and possible other entries, I direct you to Non Sequitur.

-- LAW Wells.

The Tone-Deaf Bloviator
The Venomous Blotoad
The Couching Tiger
The Imperious Oneway
The Meandering Panda
The Preconclusive Bullsheep

All rights to their respective owners.

The Political Zoology Field Guide - The Preconclusive Bullsheep

2011-02-13T14:47:00.004+11:00

The final entry into the Political Zoology Field Guide is the Preconclusive Bullsheep (noneedus factus). This will result in a resumption of normal Mots from next week.

Identifying Characteristics
Having the head of a bull and the body of a sheep, this strange beast is both an aggressive leader and a passive follower. Once it latches onto an idea, nothing will stop it from running with it. This helps in the natural selection process of other species too, as the weak-minded are attracted to its obstinate absolutism and unquestioningly follow along in their simplistic stampede.

Habitat
Found mostly in the extreme parts of both political polar regions.

Natural Enemy
Critical thinking.

All rights to their respective owners.

Track of the Week - The Avengers Suite

2011-02-12T14:11:00.003+11:00

You may recall that I have previously declared my love for The Avengers, both as the television series made most famous by the pairing of Diana Rigg and Patrick Macnee and as the movie starring Ralph Feinnes and Uma Thurman. I truly feel that Joel McNeely's sondtrack for the movie is one of the standouts, and a great deal of fun.

Now some nice chap has gone and put together a suite of the major themes and posted it on Youtube, and so I present that as this week's track of the week.

The list goes:
0:00 - 0:18 - The Avengers Theme
0:19 - 2:41 - Opening Title
2:42 - 3:16 - Avenging Crimes
3:17 - 4:10 - Emma's Balloon Escape
4:11 - 5:45 - Flight of the Mechanical Bees
5:46 - 5:52 - Flight of the Mechanical Bees
5:53 - 6:38 - Avenging Crimes
6:39 - 7:32 - Chasing Teddy Bears
7:33 - 7:46 - Flight of the Mechanical Bees

Video of the Week - For Science

2011-02-07T15:02:00.001+11:00

Well, my computer decides it hates me and doesn't want to start, so it's just a short video for this week, another Dr Weird/Heavy mix up. Enjoy.

The Political Zoology Field Guide - The Meandering Panda

2011-02-06T13:39:00.003+11:00

This week's entry into the Political Zoology Field Guide is the Meandering Panda (lackus convictionus), a curious beast that's savagery is belied by its benign appearance.

Identifying CharacteristicsThe markings on this unscrupulous beast make it difficult to tell just which end you're dealing with and whether it's coming or going. This, coupled with a lack of principles, allows it to take any position that will gain the favour of any other grop of political animals. It will then devour everything the group has to offer, and moce on to adopt the agenda of another group.

Habitat
Everywhere.

Natural Enemy
Scrutiny.

All rights to their respective owners.

Track of the Week - The Theme of Heroes

2011-02-04T17:26:00.001+11:00

I've termed this track The Theme of Heroes, but the track title is simply GoodTheme when viewed on the OST of Heroes of Might and Magic 3, and it plays during the mission selection/briefing screens. It's quite a pleasant theme, though not as long as the Rampart or Stronghold themes (for the obvious reason that you won't be spending much time there).

And the animation has angels (and to think this was a 1997 game!).

So enjoy another work of Paul Anthony Romero.