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10-27-04
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
The discovery of the skeleton of a tiny hominid on an island in Indonesia has led researchers to coin an interesting nickname for the species. They're calling them "Hobbits". Quite apt, since the species stood about one metre (or three feet) tall. According to the report, they probably hunted the island's other native inhabitants, which at the time included large rats, pygmy elephants, and even Komodo dragons. Even more interesting is the fact that the local folklore includes ancient legends of a diminutive people who inhabited the nearby islands. Perhaps leprechauns aren't so far fetched after all.
10-19-04
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
My fellow Canadians,
If you live in Canada, you probably know about the CBC competition "The Greatest Canadian". Fifty prominent Canadians were listed on CBC Monday night, as nominated by the Canadian public over the past few months. The "Greatest Canadian" will be chosen from the top ten nominees list, which is as follows:
 There are many fine choices on this list. Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau; Tommy Douglas, who established medicare in Saskatchewan; Frederick Banting, the inventor of insulin; Terry Fox. Sorry, but Don Cherry has no place on this list. :-P No, the person I'm pulling for is Dr. David Suzuki. This world-renowned geneticist, academic and broadcaster has been teaching me about nature and science for as long as I can remember. I've watched his CBC program The Nature of Things since I was a wee lad. I single-handedly credit the good doctor with founding my interests in science, protecting the environment, and exploring the natural world. David Suzuki isn't just a good choice, he's the geek choice. So as they say, vote early, and vote often. ? ;-)
10-17-04
Sunday, October 17, 2004
I went to see Team America: World Police on Friday night. I was not disappointed by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, whose trademark sense of humour established by South Park has not faded or worn out in the slightest. Iain practically bust a gut laughing so hard. Seriously, the guy's gonna hurt himself if he sees it again (he's already seen it twice). The movie is a hilarious comedy that manages a brilliant social commentary without getting terribly political. Mat and Trey pull no punches here: everyone is equal fodder for their creation. Be prepared to see marionettes do things that you only thought God or Satan (or maybe both) could empower them to do. As you can see by my new stalker, the limited music from Team America is already firmly embedded in my brain. Such favourites as "America: %*#& yeah!" and Kim Jong Il's ballad "I'm so Ronrey" will surely be heard in our house once Iain gets his paws on the soundtrack. Go see it. NOW.
10-07-04
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Time to prove your geekiness...
Two actors who had roles in Tron went on to become members of the main cast of Babylon 5. Who were they and what roles did they play? E-mail me if you can find the answer. ;-) Update: My friend Susanne from Germany wins. Bruce Boxleitner played the character Tron in Tron, and Captain John Sheridan in Babylon 5. Peter Jurasik played the bank program Cron in Tron, then went on to play Centauri ambassador Londo Molari on B5. Susanne gets 5 geek points and a cookie for her answer. ;-)
10-04-04
Monday, October 04, 2004
Just in case you're a lazy bum who doesn't pay attention to the news, living your life like the proverbial ostrich with it's head in the dirt, here's some background. Mount St. Helens has been blowing off steam again, and it looks like another eruption is close at hand. Unlike 1980, we live in the magical era of the webcam. It just so happens that Mount St. Helens has a webcam. So maybe if you keep your eyes peeled and shun all human contact you might just catch the frame where the volcano blows its top. Doom, doom, DOOOOOOOM!!!
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