Archive for In the News
April 12, 2007 at 11:57 am · Filed under In the News
Arnie says that environmentalism should be sexy. I see what point he is trying to make. The guilt trip doesn’t work all the way and actually some of us, on disgruntled and anti-society days, might find our channels of guilt and revolt against them…until we feel even more guilty.
But consider what sexy currently motivates people to do. Consume, consume and consume. Fashion, beauty products, substance abuse, toys, the bigger the better, the more the merrier. Is it possible that a campaign to make concern for the environment hip could increase some areas of consumption and in effect cancel out any gain in environmental consciousness? OK maybe not but…it doesn’t sound like this effort will include making it square to drive an SUV and own 20 purses.
October 26, 2006 at 11:58 am · Filed under In the News
I track a news feed in my bloglines and everyday there are around 100 new headlines from around the world. My bloglines is set to only show the headlines, not the article text. I scroll down the list and an average of 5 headlines per day will really catch my eyes and I will go read the article. Regularly, I try to keep up with the “big stories” but during busy times – like now – I only use impulse when making my selection.
Today my impulse selections were:
Model Campbell released on bail
Brazil ‘serial killer’ convicted
Bee fossil, DNA generate a buzz
I almost selected Blaze at refinery ‘under control’ but at first I had read “Blaze at refinery ‘outta control’” and during the moment between my impulse being fired and my finger clicking on the mouse, I reprocessed the title and thought “oh no wait, it’s ‘under control’ now, I don’t need to read that”.
So…what do these impulses say about my subconsciousness. I cannot say that consciously I am that interested in Naomi Campbell and serial killers. The bee thing is kinda cool. Are the impulses based on the (possible) topic of the article…or on single words that stand out. Like…chocolate.
I want to do an eye tracking test to get more information on how I scan headlines. Just for some understanding of how I generally absorb information. What do I tune out and what catch me?
August 24, 2006 at 7:49 pm · Filed under In the News, Random Thoughts, Technology & Effects
I don’t post many pictures of myself. Maybe because I also don’t take many pictures of myself. But other people might have some of me like Kelvin seen below:
He is another intern from Vancouver…SFU I think…but different company. Click on that pictures if you want to check out his flickr account. He is young and energetic so gets around Japan a lot and has taken some good photos. This was taken when we went to a festival at the temple in Kawasaki Daishi. (Update: I meant to add…if you want to see me in yukata then you can explore his photostream.)
So what am I thinking today…? Well, did you hear about the Report Abuse button for Windows Messenger? I like that they are looking for ways to solve the predators problem, but I wonder how the button model will work. Buttons are so easy to press. 9-1-1 is easy to press but a real person answers your call and you have to either hang up or say something. What happens when people abuse the abuse button?
On the lighter side of the news is the Llama on the loose in the Vancouver area. The article picture is gold:
I might have to print and frame it. Put it by my bedside. Llama on the loose…heh…album name.
August 4, 2006 at 10:39 am · Filed under In the News
CBC News: Vancouver police target noisy motorcycles
“I figure I annoy them for maybe 30 seconds in a day. I figure my safety is a little more important than that,” he said, explaining that he modified his muffler in January so that drivers would notice him more. He was noticed by police last weekend, and was ticketed.
Oh gawd common…did he think of noise pollution at all? I loathe loud vehicles…especially when they are enhanced to be loud on purpose. Does he not realize that he’s not the only one with a roaring muffler and when it adds up you get more than 30 seconds of annoyance a day? I wish I could back this up with a statement on other safety measures he could take but I can’t. If anyone has an opinion / idea, please comment.
July 10, 2006 at 5:00 pm · Filed under In the News
Sure some people wearing hoodies look threatning but not because of the hoodies. I guess we all generalize in different ways.
Mr Cameron will say teenagers who hide under hooded tops are trying to “blend in” rather than appear threatening.
In a speech on Monday he will describe them as “a response to a problem, not a problem itself”.
And he will argue that while teenage criminals must be punished, they should also be shown “a lot more love”. (BBC link)
I like the bit about a lot more love. When I was younger we called hoodies “bunnyhugs”, that term is full of love isn’t it? Maybe if these “teenage criminals” were wearing bunnyhugs they would think of hot chocolate and roses more than guns and money. Right?
The interesting thing this article made me think of though, is how we choose our clothes to a) fit in but also for b) security. When I pull the hood up on a sweater or jacket I am entering my “comfort zone” which may or may not be to get away from the things around me.
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