Chris' Linkjockey blog links to unique, fantastic sites on the web that you haven't seen before.

Friday, December 31, 2010

NYTimes: 10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Technology

10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Technology

Two hours of work on improving your technological life will pay off handsomely in both increased free time and diminished anxiety and frustration.

http://nyti.ms/glBYJz

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Cracking the NYT Popularity Code

How To Crack The New York Times Most-Emailed Articles List

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-12-20/how-to-crack-the-new-york-times-most-emailed-list/full/

It was easier than expected to game this watched list of top NYT articles.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Murder Music

Guernica mag: Murder Music

Article on extreme anti-gay messages in Jamaica's dancehall music

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Metrodome roof collapses because of too much snow

http://kottke.org/10/12/metrodome-roof-collapses-because-of-too-much-snow

And the Metrodome has/had the exact same design as BC Place. This footage is incredible!

Lonely Planet's Top 10 best value travel destinations for 2011

Top 10 best value travel destinations for 2011: Lonely Planet

Where to plan a vacation for 2011 without breaking the bank.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

NYTimes: Oregon's Speed-Freak Football

Speed-Freak Football

Oregon has raced to the top of the rankings with a brand of football that's all about speed and a nonstop assault of offensive firepower.

http://nyti.ms/dZcCyK

Monday, December 6, 2010

BC Hydro Holiday Card

BC Hydro Holiday Card

 

Test your maze skills and help support the BC Hydro Power Pioneers' Miracle Million Campaign. Each time you play, BC Hydro will make a donation (up to $25,000 in total) to BC Children's Hospital, helping to create a better future for children.

 

This year’s e-card involves a simple and enjoyable maze game where players get to share the warmth by unravelling and knitting sweaters.

 

Oddly enough, the game reminds me of the light cycle races from the original Tron movie…

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Captain of a Cocaine Submarine

True story of Columbian drug smugglers using homemade submarines

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,732292,00.html

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

NYTimes: A Bully Finds a Pulpit on the Web

A Bully Finds a Pulpit on the Web

Vitaly Borker welcomes customer complaints, saying they vault his business higher in Internet search results.

http://nyti.ms/hKLDUo

Monday, November 22, 2010

How slow is the SR-71 Blackbird?

The SR-71 is a Cold War era spy plane, and is the fastest plane in history.  It was also a thing of engineering beauty.  One of its pilots answers the rare question, “What is the slowest speed possible from the SR-71?

 

Video of Sufjan Stevens performing on Jimmy Fallon

Sufjan Plays Fallon

Sufjan Stevens plays "Too Much" on Jimmy Fallon's show, with some "out there" outfits and a full band with dancers, trombonists and a clarinet.  Wow!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Gordon Campbell resigns

Gordon Campbell resigns Globe and Mail 

The Grizzlies still suck


A scathing opinion piece on the Memphis Grizzlies- a franchise that continues to be a train wreck, even after leaving Vancouver.  
Michael Heisley, "the carpetbagging boob who came to town and bought the team and promised not to move the team until he did a whole year later," continues to meddle in player personnel, and continues to make disastrous decisions.

For the record: Vancouver would support a competitive, professionally-run NBA team, but was never given the chance.  The Grizzlies played for 6 seasons in Vancouver, and in their best season won 28% of their games.  

Monday, November 1, 2010

Michael Jordan's final shot

From kottke.org (@kottke)
 
Michael Jordan's final shot http://kottke.org/x/4p6a


NYTimes: Study Finds Concussions in Hockey Underreported

Scary stuff!!

Independent medical observers found that the incidence of game-related concussions was seven times higher than a study the N.C.A.A. conducted.

http://nyti.ms/cvvxkt

Friday, October 22, 2010

Why NHL players shouldn't have to tolerate fan abuse

Bourne Blog: Why NHL players shouldn't have to tolerate fan abuse

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Tom Larscheid retires tonight

After 33 years as the Canucks colour commentator, Tom Larscheid is broadcasting his last game tonight. 
Although sometimes he drove me crazy ("Bingo, bango, bongo..."), Larscheid deserves a lot of respect.  Iain MacIntyre and Tony Gallagher have good tribute pieces on his retirement here and here, respectively. 

Monday, October 4, 2010

Free 2010-2011 NHL Hockey Pool Guide in Excel (not mine)

I've been creating my own hockey pool predictors for the past five years, and just didn't have the time or energy this year to keep going with "Chris' Hockey Pool Picks and Stats Guide".  The 2010-2011 Ultimate Pool Preview (UPP) is an excellent substitute, and it's free.

The UPP includes the predictions from 10 of the major NHL hockey pool predictors (e.g. TSN, ESPN, McKeens, Rotowire, The Score Forcaster, etc.) side-by-side in an Excel spreadsheet, and the analysis of how well they did last year (Hint: the best predictions last year were from CBS Sportsline).  There are skaters and goalies, salaries, draft trackers, player links, and more.  These guys did their homework!

The only other thing you'll need is a list of the most up-to-date player injuries (from CBS).  Let the 2010-2011 Regular Season begin!  Good luck in your pools!!

Friday, October 1, 2010

San Francisco says "It Gets Better!"

The It Gets Better project is a series of video postcards from happy, well-adjusted LGBT adults to isolated queer teens who think that they're they only "different" people in the world. No matter what your sexuality, these are wonderfully uplifting -- and "it gets better" is a great message for kids everywhere, queer, straight, or undecided.

It Gets Better: Dan and Terry

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Michael Lewis goes to Greece

Beware of Greeks Bearing Bonds- Vanity Fair

Michael Lewis (the author of non-fiction The Blind Side and Moneyball) goes to Greece to find the roots of the recent Greek economic crisis... in a monastery.  

Michael Lewis is one of my favourite non-fiction writers at the moment.  I really like the way he is able to humanize and explain complex topics, such as baseball's sabermetrics, the recent stock market collapse and explaining why the left tackle is one of the NFL's top paid positions.


Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Canucks Open Practice, Sun Oct 3rd

 

If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view

CANUCKS OPEN PRACTICE

The Vancouver Canucks announced today that tickets for the Oct 3rd Open Practice, presented by BC Hydro Power Smart, will be available beginning Fri, Sept 17th at 10am. The club will invite fans to attend an NHL practice at Rogers Arena on Sun, Oct 3rd at 2pm. Doors open to the public at 1pm.

Full Press Release

Canucks Open Practice at Rogers Arena

Fans will have the opportunity to watch Canucks players take to the ice in preparation for their Opening Night matchup vs the LA Kings. Attendees should arrive early to participate in the pre-practice concourse activities and opportunities. Check out canucks.com/openpractice for more info.

 

 

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Inside the secret world of Trader Joe's

Inside the secret world of Trader Joe's

What makes the quirky American supermarket chain appealing and successful?

Friday, September 10, 2010

Nightfire! A 3D public art installation event tonight and tomorrow at the VAG!




Vancouver Opera E-News

Nightfire! A 3D public art installation event tonight and tomorrow at the VAG!

Join other Vancouverites and witness the iconic Vancouver ArtGallery digitally transform right before your eyes in a one-of-a-kind animation-meets-public-art installation event.

Nightfire is a 3D building manipulation piece that uses the boundaries of an architecturally interesting building to tell a compelling and beautiful narrative. The Vancouver Art Gallery is the canvas. Rival Schools (a strategic design and content firm) has created a story of a fallen angel. Broken, she's found by a lone man who, with love, takes her on a  journey back to her home.  Set to the music "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot (courtesy of EMI Music Canada) audiences will be wowed as light, shadow and colour are projected on the Vancouverlandmark to create illusion and transform its appearance.

Vancouver Opera is pleased to support this event with logistical assistance.

See you there!

Friday Sept. 10th and Saturday Sept. 11th at 9:00 pm.  
Vancouver Art Gallery on the Georgia St / Water Fountain side

Canucks Training Camp Tickets (Penticton) - Free!

Canucks main camp tickets available Sunday

The Vancouver Canucks announced today that tickets to access the Vancouver Canucks Main Camp will be available Sunday, September 12th at 10am, and they’re free.  Training camp runs from Sept 18 to 20 in Penticton.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Vancouver Canucks Regular Season Pre-Sale


If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view

As a Vancouver Canucks E-News member, we are pleased to offer you an exclusive pre-sale opportunity to purchase tickets to the Vancouver Canucks regular season games. Follow the instructions listed below to purchase your tickets:

Please note that the pre-sale date is Thursday, September 9th, and not today.

EXCLUSIVE PRE-SALE PERIOD:
START: Thursday, September 9 @ 2pm
END: Thursday, September 9 @ 10pm
PASSWORD: WXP01Z
PRICES:  Prices range from $62.25 - $243.25 for regular games and $82.25-$297.25 for premium games (bolded).

All prices include HST but are applicable to service charges.
*Limit of 2 tickets per game, per E-News member

Sat. Oct. 9th vs Los Angeles KingsThu. Jan. 20th vs San Jose Sharks
Mon. Oct. 11th vs Florida PanthersSat. Jan. 22nd vs Calgary Flames
Sun. Oct. 17th vs Carolina HurricaneMon. Jan. 24th vs Dallas Stars
Fri. Oct. 22th vs Minnesota WildWed. Jan. 26th vs Nashville Predators
Tue. Oct. 26th vs Colorado AvalancheFri. Feb. 4th vs Chicago Blackhawks
Mon. Nov. 1st vs New Jersey DevilsMon. Feb. 7th vs Ottawa Senators
Sat. Nov. 6th vs Detroit Red WingsWed. Feb. 9th vs Anaheim Ducks
Sat. Nov. 20th vs Chicago BlackhawksSat. Feb. 12th vs Calgary Flames
Sun. Nov. 21st vs Phoenix CoyotesSat. Feb. 19th vs Dallas Stars
Wed. Nov. 24th vs Colorado AvalancheTue. Feb. 22nd vs Montreal Canadiens
Fri. Nov. 26th vs San Jose SharksThu. Feb. 24th vs St Louis Blues
Sun. Dec. 5th vs St. Louis BluesSat. Feb. 26th vs Boston Bruins
Wed. Dec. 8th vs Anaheim DucksTue. Mar. 1st vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Sat. Dec. 11th vs Tampa Bay LightningThur. Mar. 3rd vs Nashville Predators
Wed. Dec. 15th vs Columbus Blue JacketsMon. Mar. 14th vs Minnesota Wild
Sat. Dec. 18th vs Toronto Maple LeafsWed. Mar. 16th vs Colorado Avalanche
Sun. Dec. 26th vs Edmonton OilersFri. Mar. 18th vs Phoenix Coyotes
Tue. Dec. 28th vs Philadelphia FlyersThu. Mar. 31st vs Los Angeles Kings
Wed. Jan. 5th vs Calgary FlamesSat. Apr. 2nd vs Edmonton Oilers
Fri. Jan. 7th vs Edmonton OilersThu. Apr. 7th vs Minnesota Wild
Sat. Jan. 8th vs Detroit Red Wings

********************************************************

TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS**:
1. Click on the link above based on the game(s) of your choice, and follow the instructions to select your seats during the EXCLUSIVE ORDER PERIOD.
2. When prompted, enter the following password in pre-sale section and proceed with your order: WXP01Z
3. Select your delivery type and make your payment to complete your purchase.
4. You may also purchase by phone starting Thursday September 9
@ 2:00pm by calling Ticketmaster at 604.280.4444.
5. Once your order has been processed, a confirmation number will be provided. Keep this number on file for reference.

*********************************************************

**Specific seats have been assigned to this exclusive sale during the Internet Order Period.
**This pre-sale is available THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th @ 2:00pm to THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th @ 10:00pm
**Limit of 2 tickets per game, per E-News member
**Availability of seats is based on a first-come, first-served basis, and is restricted to areas defined by the promoter.
**Ticket prices, service charges, and availability of seats may be subject to change.

*********************************************************

This offer is not transferable, tickets may not be re-sold, and ticket availability may be limited
If you require assistance with your order please call 604.280.4444 and a Ticketmaster service representative will be available to help you.
Please note, events that are offered to E-News Members are selected by the promoter and are based on the type of event, seat availability, and timing. In order to purchase tickets to these events, you must have access to the internet and hold a major credit card. All seat locations are subject to availability and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket limits, prices, and service charges may be subject to change at any time. Events are chosen at the sole discretion of the promoter with no involvement from the Vancouver Canucks.
NOTE: This offer is a benefit of being a Vancouver Canucks E-News Member. The Vancouver Canucks take your privacy seriously. 












Tuesday, September 7, 2010

New street food vendors in Vancouver

Food-cart program reaches full steam ahead 
I just enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich from Georgia and Hornby. Thinking about a street crepe from Georgia and Granville. 

Sunday, September 5, 2010

The woman who passed her driving test on the 960th attempt

From The New York Times:
At First She Didn't Succeed, but She Tried and Tried Again (960 Times)

Cha Sa-soon, 69, has become a national symbol for perseverance in South Korea — and she can legally hit the road.

http://nyti.ms/98KnMK

Monday, August 30, 2010

Creative, interactive web music video: Arcade Fire

So this is what very creative people can do with the web these days.  Very, very cool interactive web video, and I'm sure it would look better on a bigger screen than my laptop.  
It's an innovative use of the web and the internet to make a compelling music video.  And hey, the music is by Arcade Fire.



Why all 30 teams will miss the NHL playoffs

We're All Doomed - Battle of California

At this time of year, everyone comes up their NHL preseason predictions. Battle of California looks at why all 30 teams will miss the playoffs.



Thursday, August 19, 2010

Thursday, August 12, 2010

The Ketchup Conundrum

The Barenaked Ladies wondered about dijon ketchup.  Mustard has many different varieties.  Why has ketchup stayed the same?

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Do Gadget Allergies Really Exist?

Do Gadget Allergies Really Exist? : Wired magazine

What's the truth about "electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome"?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Athletes are different from you and me

From Kottke, some thoughts about what truly make elite athletes different than other people... other than their physical skills.

http://kottke.org/10/08/athletes-are-different-from-you-and-me

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Perfection in the Horseshoe Pit

From The New York Times:

Perfection in the Horseshoe Pit

Alan Francis, widely considered the best horseshoe pitcher in history, has won 15 world titles, including the past seven.

http://nyti.ms/9OyUwT

Get The New York Times on your iPhone for free by visiting http://itunes.com/apps/nytimes


Cheers, Chris (via iPhone)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Douglas Coupland Teams Up with Roots for Clothing Line


North Vancouver's famous writer, designer and artist, Douglas Coupland, has collaborated with Roots to produce a line of colourful, hip clothes.  They also have a temporary pop-up store in Gastown at 36 Powell St.  

I'm a big fan of Douglas Coupland's nonfiction books, such as: the Souvenir of Canada books (that I read in Japan), Terry Fox, and the one about Vancouver City of Glass.  Coupland's non-fiction work really connects with me.


Saturday, July 10, 2010

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Translink Monthly Pass? Take 5 Friends for Free on Sundays and Holidays!

Translink.ca Monthly Pass:  Take a Friend for Free!

Happy Canada Day!!!  On Sundays and Statutory Holidays (like Canada Day) you can use your FareCard to take five other riders with you for free! A total of six riders is allowed: Two adults (14 and older) and up to four children (13 and under) can ride on a single Adult FareCard, West Coast Express 28-day Pass, or Annual Employer Transit Pass. (Does not apply to Concession Passes.)



Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Lenny Kravitz crashes choir in New Orleans for "Fly Away" - Youtube

Lenny Kravitz crashes the VOP Choir in New Orleans for "Fly Away" - Youtube

Let's say that you're Lenny Kravitz and you're relaxing on a balcony in New Orleans when you hear someone singing one of your songs. What do you do? Join in! 

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Video Technology Confirms England Are Very Bad At Football

Video Technology Confirms England Are Very Bad At Football

"The operator sits in front of the screen and if he or she sees one set of players concede goal after goal after goal after goal, the video images then help them to decide whether or not those players are good at football."

Also: “The use of television has been a source of controversy in the sport, but experts insist it offers a fool-proof method for determining whether a team is good at football or whether it is simply a collection of absurdly over-compensated, second-rate commercial brands with ghastly, vulgar wives(sic).”  Yikes!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Reykjavik taken over by anarchist punk rocker | Beyond The Beyond


"A polar bear display for the zoo. Free towels at public swimming pools. A "drug-free Parliament by 2020." Iceland's Best
Party, founded in December by a comedian, Jon Gnarr, to satirize his country's political system, ran a campaign that was one big joke.". Then he won the election. 

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which people reach erroneous conclusions and make unfortunate choices but their incompetence robs them of the metacognitive ability to realize it." (Wikipedia)

 

There’s an article written by documentary-maker, Errol Morris, about the Dunning–Kruger Effect in an NY Times blog.

 

 

 

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

A intelligent, well-written, American blog about soccer?

"Life is too short to miss any games to be played this summer in South Africa. A sad fact of human existence is that an average life seldom contains more than 20 World Cups—our games are tragically numbered."  

A well-written, intelligent American blog on soccer?  Although it is difficult to conceive of something that would appear to be such a mass of contradictions, it does exist.  It's the World Cup blog from The New Republic Magazine, featuring: 
- passionate articles on MessiAnyone but Brazil, and The Austere Beauty of Italy
- and a twice daily round-up of World Cup soccer links.

10 Things Your Internet Provider Really Doesn´t Want You To Know

10 Things Your Internet Provider Really Doesn´t Want You To Know

http://www.highspeedinternet.net/uncategorized/10-things-your-internet-provider-really-doesn
´t-want-you-to-know.asp

Study: Lesbian Parents Raise Better-Behaved Kids

Study: Lesbian Parents Raise Better-Behaved Kids

From Metafilter

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Microsoft's Plan to Take Over the Internet Revealed in a New Phone for Teens

How a Silly Phone for Teens Reveals Microsoft’s Plan for Us All – Wired.com

 

The author posits that the new Microsoft phone is the first glimpse at Microsoft’s plan to overtake Apple and Google.  Imagine all your information can be stored on a Microsoft server, and you’re able to access your content on your mobile phone, your computer AND your TV/Xbox with one login and password, anywhere in the world.

 

It sounds like what everyone else is trying to do, except that Microsoft already has access to your information from: Hotmail, Microsoft Office, Xbox Live, your contact list, calendar info, Windows Mobile, and unlimited streaming music from the Zune servers. 

 

 

NYTimes: How a Soccer Star Is Made

How a Soccer Star Is Made: NYT
http://nyti.ms/a7xjvN

On the eve of the World Cup in South Africa, a story from Holland on
Ajax's cutting-edge talent factory training elite soccer players
starting at age 7.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Best summary of Canucks' playoff disappointment

Forty Years, No Cup in B.C.Toronto Star

It might be the Curse of Steve Moore, but that would only cover the playoff failures that have occurred over the past seven years.

In all, the Vancouver Canucks have hit the 40-year mark in terms of unsuccessfully trying to capture the Stanley Cup. So many good players, two Cup final appearances, one horrific incident that stained the game forever in 2004, a lifetime of disappointments. From Orland Kurtenbach to Henrik Sedin, the Canucks have tried it every which way and have yet to come up with the winning formula.

The 2009-10 season ended exactly the way last season ended, with a one-sided blowout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks last night at GM Place by a 5-1 score. Just as Roberto Luongo couldn't deliver top-notch goaltending last spring, he couldn't do it again this spring, outplayed by Finnish rookie Antti Niemi in Game 6 with the Canucks facing elimination.

The Hawks go through to the Western Conference final for the second straight year, and will face the San Jose Sharks as the two best teams in the west have pushed their way into the Final Four. It should be a terrific series, with two big lines - Joe Thornton between Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau for the Sharks, Jonathan Toews-Patrick Kane-Dustin Byfuglien for the Hawks - set to go head-to-head.

Chicago's blue-chip defensive pair of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook made a huge difference against the Canucks, and they'll need all the rest they can get before the Western Conference final begins in California.

For Vancouver, a blueline that some experts warned last fall was too brittle proved to be just that. Willie Mitchell was lost before the playoffs began, Sami Salo was hobbled before last night and Alexander Edler went down in the first period after a big hit by Byfuglien. GM Mike Gillis chose to spend his big dollars on Luongo - whose 12-year extension kicks in next season - and forwards Henrik and Daniel Sedin, leaving the club without anything like a Keith or a Seabrook on the back end. Kevin Bieksa, Christian Erhoff and Shane O'Brien were all game last night, but that's not an elite blueline.

Head coach Alain Vigneault could be faulted for not dressing seven D-men last night, and after four years on the job without getting out of the second round, he may find his time in Vancouver is up.

None of the Canucks big stars came through, yet the club is married to all of them for the long term. Luongo is no longer considered one of the best goalies in the game and will make $10 million next year, the first of his $64 million pact. The Sedin twins, probably signed to below market value at $6.1 per season each, have four more years on their deals. Ryan Kesler, who didn't score a goal against Chicago or do much at all, sees his six-year, $30 million contract kick in next season.

The blueline is thin, although Edler looks like a comer. You might wonder if a good puck handler like the very available Tomas Kaberle could benefit the 'Nucks. Kyle Wellwood did his best but isn't a consistent point producer and Pavol Demitra was a huge disappointment based on how well he played for Slovakia at the Olympics in Vancouver. In the end, this was a team that couldn't win in the pressure cooker of playing on home ice. Team Canada may have won Olympic gold with Luongo in net at GM Place, but the Canucks were 0-3 there against the Hawks, surrendering 17 goals in those three games.

The tragic flaw of this team is that it was completely built around the belief that Luongo was one of the greatest goalies ever to play. They made him captain, and gave him a monster contract, and the result is a netminder who couldn't handle the weight and at 31, isn't as good as he was three years ago.

Now the franchise enters its fifth decade, still waiting for a championship.

 

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Why do "conservative family values" states have higher divorce & teen pregnancy rates?

Do 'Family Values' Weaken Families? -National Journal Magazine

An interesting study on the differences in family values and practices between conservative and liberal states, a theory on what it all means, and what has changed about American society, and American families, in the last 30-40 years.  I found it to be fascinating reading.  
http://www.nationaljournal.com/njmagazine/st_20100501_5904.php

"The paradox is this: Cultural conservatives revel in condemning the loose moral values and louche lifestyles of "San Francisco liberals." But if you want to find two-parent families with stable marriages and coddled kids, your best bet is... the liberal, bicoastal, predominantly Democratic places that cultural conservatives love to hate."

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Luongo shaves playoff beard; I'm next.

The Vancouver Canucks face elimination from the playoffs in tonight's game against Chicago.  Canucks' captain, Roberto Luongo, shaved his playoff beard yesterday to "Change things up a little bit,"  presumably with the intention of winning tonight's game.  The move could also be interpreted as Luongo giving up, or being distracted by the media and focussing on things that have absolutely zero impact on the outcome of tonight's hockey game, but I'm going to be optimistic.  

Most importantly, if the Canucks' superstar goalie shaves his playoff beard, why should I keep mine?  

Incidentally, I just found an article about Bangkok's triving ice hockey scene.  Maybe I can still go semi-pro after all!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Dancers in NYC

Dancers Among Us series features photos of dancers from the Paul Taylor and Martha Graham Dance Companies doing everyday things in New York while dancing.  

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Pictures from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano

Iceland's disruptive volcano & More from Eyjafjallajokull - Big Picture blog

Two sets of amazing pictures of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano from the Boston Globe's "Big Picture" feature.  I love the lightning in the second set.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Free Starbucks Coffee today

Today only (April 15), get a free drip coffee at Starbucks when you
bring your own mug.
http://www.starbucks.com/thebigpicture

Monday, April 12, 2010

Guess who won Luongo's Autographed puck?

Scavenger Hunt Winners

 

Canucks.com is running a 3 day scavenger hunt for Canucks playoff tickets.  I won a Roberto Luongo puck as one of the preliminary prizes.

Are you ready for the 2010 Playoffs?

 

 

 

 

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Chris' Playoff Hockey Pool site is up!

2010 Stanley Cup Fantasy Hockey Pool Stats

The NHL Playoffs are approaching, and I've updated my website, and uploaded the hockey stats for those annual playoff pools.
It's a labour of love.  
Please let me know if you find any free playoff pools on the interwebs, and I'll post them on my site.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Carolina to Host 2011 All-Star Game

Carolina to Host 2011 All-Star Game
Gary Bettman announced that the NHL's 2011 All Star game will take place in Raleigh, North Carolina. It will have a hard time competing with 2010's Olympic Hockey tournaments.
Get ready for playoff hockey!

How Lady Gaga Became The World's Biggest Pop Star

How Lady Gaga came to be

The origin story of Lady Gaga, from NY Magazine.  Hint: She didn't start out by trying to be... different.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

jónsi (from Sigur Ros)

Just came from the first jónsi tour stop in Vancouver, and was blown away. I didn't know what to expect, with the jónsi album released today, but it was up to the very high creative standards of a Sigur Ros show.
It was a musical and visual tour-de-force, with lots of stunning original effects.

If you haven't experienced Sigur Ros, I'd describe jónsi as a combination of Radiohead, Phillip Glass and "Where the Wild Things Are". Check it!


"jónsi kicks off his north american tour in vancouver tonight. he will be joined by a four-man band (alex, úlfur, þorvaldur and ólafur björn) and as you may have gathered from the previews on jonsi.com , the live show experience of this tour promises to be something special. jónsi has teamed up with the stage show company 59 productions to put together the most amazing live experience possible, bringing together the worlds of theatre, animation, art installation, film and music."

Sunday, April 4, 2010

10 years after Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential," the bad-boy chef is an endangered species

Why kitchens stopped being like pirate ships - Salon.com

The days (and nights) of testosterone-fueled chefs restaurant kitchens, as described in Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" are apparently on their way out. 
Yarr!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Earth Hour Pictures from Around the World

I love the before and after pictures of people turning off the lights.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

How A $500 Craigslist Car Beat $400K Rally Racers

How A $500 Craigslist Car Beat $400K Rally Racers - Jalopnik

Not sure if you’ve heard about this story that’s making the rounds.  It’s about a guy with a 20-year old, $500 BMW competing in the Mexico race of the World Rally Championship. 

Monday, March 22, 2010

Chinese Netizens Use "Human-flesh Search Engines" for Mob Justice

China's Cyberposse - New York Times

Internet culture in China varies greatly from western net culture, according to an article in the New York Times.  Using the popularity of message boards and forums, netizens are connecting with others online to track down people in the real world, and pursue mob justice against offenders with "human-flesh search engines".

Friday, March 19, 2010

Alternatives to Google Products

How I Became (Mostly) Google-free in About a Day (Zen Habits)

Google’s products are wonderful, but what alternatives exist? 

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Stunning Vancouver Paralympic Photos

Big Picture - 2010 Paralympic Winter Games
The Boston Globe's Big Picture has a great images from Vancouver's
Paralympic Games.
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/03/2010_winter_paralympics.html

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Eastern European Chic hits Shibuya

Grimoire Shibuya

If you happen to be in Shibuya, consider checking this place out. 

"I like how this Japanese goth-Loli store gets its outre effects through the simple expedient of importing clothes from Eastern Europe." -Bruce Sterling

http://tokyofashion.com/grimoire-shibuya-japanese-dolly-kei-vintage-fashion-wonderland/


Monday, March 15, 2010

Cooking Steak Sous-vide


Sous-Vide 101: Prime Steak Primer
http://mobile.seriouseats.com/2010/03/how-to-sous-vide-steak.html

I enjoy cooking and eating a good steak as much as anyone, and dare to say that I'm pretty good at cooking steaks too.
 
This article is good at introducing the concept of cooking Sous Vide, and how restaurants (and home chefs) use the technique to cook the perfect steak.
Perfect steak? Yep, the article also explains what that means. 

Cooking Steak Sous-vide

Sous-Vide 101: Prime Steak Primer
http://mobile.seriouseats.com/2010/03/how-to-sous-vide-steak.html

I enjoy cooking and eating a good steak as much as anyone. I dare to say that I'm pretty good at cooking steaks too. 
This article is 

Sunday, March 14, 2010

NYTimes: For the Dishwasher’s Sake, Go Easy on the Detergent

For the Dishwasher's Sake, Go Easy on the Detergent

Go easy on the detergent in dishwashers and washing machines, and
never clean your oven the day before a big family dinner.

http://s.nyt.com/u/x1b

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Profile of Paul Krugman, Nobel Economist (New Yorker)

The New Yorker interviews Nobel economist and NYT columnist Paul Krugman about his career and the impact of politics on his work.  
 http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/03/01/100301fa_fact_macfarquhar

Sunday, February 21, 2010

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Friday, February 19, 2010

Free 90-Day Subscription to Globe and Mail

I picked up a free newspaper yesterday, and received this offer from the Globe and Mail.


No strings attached.  Offer expires March 31, 2010.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

NYTimes: Olympic Torch Visits White Rock and U.S.A.

Rules Are Bent a Little, and Olympic Torch Visits the U.S.

The Olympic torch visited my hometown (South Surrey/ White Rock), my
street in New Westminster, and for the only time in the 2010 Olympic
Torch Relay, the flame dipped into the United States. I'm catching the
spirit.

http://s.nyt.com/u/eUh

Friday, February 5, 2010

Zero Rupee Note Fights Corruption

Paying Zero for Public Services

http://blogs.worldbank.org/publicsphere/paying-zero-public-services

In India, citizens resist public corruption by paying bribes with a
zero rupee note.

Olympic Transportation site

The Travel Smart 2010 website    http://travelsmart2010.ca/

 

Travel Smart 2010 is the official transportation website for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and has crucial information on road closures, trip planning on transit, transit advisories and transportation to the Olympic venues.  The website will help you plan ahead, and relates to safety by reducing unnecessary detours and speeding (due to lateness).

 

Thursday, February 4, 2010

YouTube: Vancouver City Time Lapse Video (HD)

Stunning video of the 2010 Olympic city, with waves of fog and panoramic time lapse shots. Gorgeous!