Monday, August 31, 2009

One Devonshire Place

One Devonshire Place is a building in Boston, Massachusetts. It was built in 1983 and is the 28th-tallest building in Boston.

I must say I'm surprised at how many buildings Wikibloogia has brought me to. This is the fifth building in Wikibloogia history, moving it among the leaders in all-time Wikibloogia topics, tied with such pillars of society as religion and football.

I don't blame people for finding buildings important. After all, we spend most of our time in buildings. Then again, we also spend most of our time in clothes, but I don't see clothes among the leading topics of Wikibloogia. Now that I think about it, buildings are sort of like clothes. People get inside them. They keep people warm in the wintertime. They are often stylish, yet always functional. You have to wash them sometimes.

Pockets are like storage closets. Shirtsleeves are like hallways. Zipper flies are like garage doors. Hats are like roofs. Shoes are like basements. Pant legs are like elevator shafts. Button holes are like windows. Buttons are like window panes. Collars are like observation decks. And ties are like fire escapes.


I rest my case.
Photo: I like via Flickr (CC)

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Still Life (Annie Haslam album)

Still Life (Annie Haslam album) was a solo album from Annie Haslam, who had previously been the vocalist in the 1970s English prog rock band Renaissance. Still Life was released in 1985. According to Wikipedia, the album sold well. I'm glad for it.

Here's a video of the title track. It's good for relaxing and being contemplative and wondering what life might be like if you lived near a majestic mountain or by a reflective body of water or in a canoe. Still. That's what life would be like. It would be a still life. Now I get it. I just had to think it through.

But there are many other ways to live the still life. Sitting alongside a bowl of fruit. Or sleeping. Sleeping is still life. Or sitting in a chair without moving. Still life. Waiting at a traffic light too. Or staring at clouds. Or at a person with a deformity. Or at someone you love. These are all ways to live the still life.

And in the end, we die. And death is the ultimate still life.

Or is it?


Chicken wings still life.
Photo: thatcanadiangirl via Flickr (CC)

Friday, August 28, 2009

Patrick William Forbes

Patrick William Forbes was a British military man in colonial Africa in the late 19th century. Forbes's most notable quality was his indecisiveness, which led to the deaths of many British men at the hands of Ndebele warriors in something called the Shangani Patrol. The Shangani Patrol was the British version of Custer's Last Stand.

In the context of the Shangani Patrol, Wikipedia treats Forbes's indecisiveness as a tragic personality trait. Interestingly, I bet it would have been lauded as a totally awesome personality trait if Wikipedia were written by 19th-century Ndebele warriors.

Sometimes I'm pretty indecisive myself, but my indecision has never led to the deaths of many British men. It's usually more about things like what I should order at a Chinese restaurant. It affects fewer people than Forbes's indecision (me, the Chinese cook), and it usually ends up with some combination of chicken and rice.


Hamlet was indecisive. He also had staring contests with skulls.
Photo: placbo via Flickr (CC)

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Don't Waste Your Time

Don't Waste Your Time is a Kelly Clarkson song. As you read on, you can listen to it.

I think this Wikipedia article was written by an Australian. There are a number of references to Australian CD releases and airplay on Australian radio. But more importantly, this Wikipedia article taught me a word I didn't know before: eventuate. ("A CD single did not eventuate.")

Great word. I had to look it up to make sure it was really a word, and it is. Even if it had not been a real word, I would have respected the writer for using it. The purpose of language, after all, is to communicate ideas. And there's no better way to do that than by using words that aren't real but sound like they might be.

As for "Don't Waste Your Time", I think that's great advice from Kelly Clarkson. Then again, I am wasting my time by writing this. And you're wasting your time reading it. And Kelly Clarkson is wasting her time singing songs. Everybody's wasting their time doing whatever they're doing. Maybe we should waste our time after all. I'm gonna go get a burrito.


Kelly Clarkson tries to get her mouth unstuck from a microphone.
Photo: kwalk628 via Flickr (CC)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Symphony No. 1 (Enescu)

Symphony No. 1 (Enescu) is a symphony that was composed in 1905 by a Romanian named George Enescu. But Wikipedia never comes right out and clearly states that. Wikipedia sort of jumps right into the middle of a thought, as if we had already been talking about it. Sometimes I feel like Wikipedia has me confused with someone else.

Anyway, take a listen.

Soothing, yes? I like classical music, but I don't listen to it as much as I should. Of course, there are a lot of things I like that I don't listen to as much as I should. Like the sound of ocean waves. Or the call of the loon. Or John Tesh's live performance of the 1990s opening theme song from the NBA on NBC.


After getting stuck in the future, George went a little crazy.
Photo: Carlos Lorenzo via Flickr (CC)

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

T. G. Richards and Company Store

T. G. Richards and Company Store is the "first and oldest brick building" in Washington State. First and oldest are the same thing. It was built in 1858.

What can you say about bricks? They're great. If I were to build a building, I think I'd build with bricks. Strong, sturdy, aesthetically pleasing. When I think of bricks, I think of the three little pigs, which brings a smile to my face. But then I think of "Brick" by Ben Folds Five, which makes me want to cry. But then I think of Wrigley Field, which makes me feel neutral. Finally I think of "Brick House" by the Commodores, which makes me think of Lionel Richie.


Bricks.
Photo: Joriel "Joz" Jimenez via Flickr (CC)

Monday, August 24, 2009

Natalie von Bertouch

Natalie von Bertouch is an Australian netball player. I don't think I knew what netball was until now. For some reason when I read the word "netball" it made me laugh.

Netball, as it turns out, is like basketball. It was invented in 1895, when a lady named Clara wanted to figure out a way that girls could play the recently-invented game of basketball while still wearing their restrictive clothing. She came up with netball. There's no dribbling in netball. You have to pass it to get the ball down the court. And then you try to get the ball in the net. That's why it's called netball.

Natalie von Bertouch plays the centre position for the Adelaide Thunderbirds and the Australian national team. Many fans consider her the best netball centre in the world. I haven't seen her play, so I will hold off judgment, but she does seem friendly.

Natalie has just had a wonderful weekend away in Victor Harbour.


At the crucial moment, she realizes she's wearing her teammate's sock.

Photo: photoeditorvision via Flickr (CC)

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Bayou Bucket

Bayou Bucket is an award given to the winner of an annual football game between Rice University and the University of Houston. When I first read that the game is between "the Houston Cougars and the Rice Owls" for a moment I misunderstood and thought there was something called a rice owl, and I was very excited to hear that.

Rice is one of my favorite foods, and the owl is a great bird, and the idea that there was something called a rice owl made me very happy. I quickly realized that it was just the Owls from Rice University, but for about a half-second of my life I thought there was such thing as a rice owl, and no one can take that away from me.


Rice owls. Rice owls.
Photo: fossilmike via Flickr (CC)

Friday, August 21, 2009

Casimir pressure

Casimir pressure is created by the Casimir force of virtual particles. Casimir force is the physical force that arises from a quantized field. I don't know what that means.

Wikipedia says that Casimir pressure can be associated with the density of the zero point energy of empty space, which some scientists believe is what is causing the accelerated expansion of the universe. This sounds very important.

In some ways, this makes me think that Casimir pressure is more significant than Jeff Feagles. But in other ways, I feel like Jeff Feagles is more significant than Casimir pressure.

This got me thinking about another question. Which is more significant, Casimir pressure or Hendrik Casimir, the man who discovered it? You and I might say Casimir pressure. But Hendrik's wife Josina might say Hendrik. And their children might say Josina. And I might say Chinese food.

Hendrik Casimir died in May of 2000, which means he never saw American Idol.


According to quantum mechanics, giant books can eat girls.
Photo: travestyalpha via Flickr (CC)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Jeff Feagles

Jeff Feagles is a storied NFL punter. He holds many NFL career punting records, including most punts, most punts inside the 20-yard line, and most punting yards. Some even consider him the best punter of all time. I beg to differ.

But more importantly, Feagles twice sold his jersey number to incoming teammates. When Eli Manning was drafted by the Giants, Feagles agreed to give up his #10 if Manning paid for Feagles's family vacation to Florida. Then, a couple years later, newcomer Plaxico Burress wanted Feagles's #17, so Feagles gave it to him under the condition that Burress pay for his outdoor kitchen construction.

Isn't that weird?

Last November, as many of you know, Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg. I wonder if Feagles thinks about Plaxico's shot leg every time he eats in his outdoor kitchen.


Jeff Feagles's shadow was born with a deformed hand.
Photo: jacorbett70 via Flickr (CC)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Tom Arthur

Tom Arthur was a Welsh rugby player known for his aggressive play. He played in the 1920s and 1930s, a time when men were men and Welsh rugby players.

In one game, Tom Arthur was involved in a particularly memorable on-field skirmish. I will simply let Wikipedia do the telling, because it's so entertaining. At times I thought I was reading a Mad Lib:

"The trouble started when Welsh full back Tommy Scourfield cleared a loose ball to touch only for the chasing French player to run over and punch him. Arthur and fellow second row, Aberavon's Ned Jenkins had to pack down in the front row due to the oversized French props, and after one scrummage, Welsh hooker Hubert Day was kicked in the mouth by a French lock and required nine stitches. Arthur retaliated on the French pack, but mistook one of the props for the offending lock. This escalated into running fist fights throughout the match, and when Wales left the pitch, they were pelted by rubber cushions from the crowd."

Sometimes I love Wikipedia.


Caps! Caps for sale! Fifty cents a cap!
Photo: Frederic Humbert via Flickr (CC)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Wikibloogia - Three months

Hello.

I just noticed that today marks the three-month anniversary of Wikibloogia. So instead of clicking on an article, I will take this opportunity to reflect on Wikibloogia's first three months. Here are some things I've learned, in order of importance:

1. When you leave it up to fate, more often than not Wikipedia is pretty boring. I had expected to come upon fascinating subjects I didn't know about; instead I have tended to arrive at detailed articles about the pilot episode of Babylon 5.

2. According to my random clicking, the majority of Wikipedia articles are about people. I find this interesting, considering that the majority of things in the universe are not people. This shows how much humanity loves itself.

3. Another look at the topics (right side) reveals that entertainment—music, TV, sports—captures most of the population's attention. This is not surprising. What is surprising is that there have been two separate articles about Cleveland, Ohio.

That's all the reminiscing for today. I'll do it again in three months.

Adam

Monday, August 17, 2009

Babylon 5: The Gathering

Babylon 5: The Gathering was the pilot episode for the Babylon 5 television series.

It aired on February 22, 1993. This was my dad's birthday. I don't remember how we celebrated that night, but I do know that it wasn't by watching Babylon 5: The Gathering. I imagine we went out to dinner. Maybe to a movie. Maybe we went to Chuck E. Cheese.

It was also George Washington's birthday. George Washington turned 261 that day. It's amazing he lived that long. When your face is printed on the dollar bill, you never die. Just like Wilford Brimley in Cocoon. Wilford Brimley reminds me of George Washington. Do you think consumers would spend more or less money if Wilford Brimley were on the dollar bill?

Speaking of the dollar bill, look what I learned today: what I learned today.


Washington has mixed feelings about Babylon 5: The Gathering.
Photo: SqueakyMarmot via Flickr (CC)

Friday, August 14, 2009

Gia Ventola

Gia Ventola is a fashion designer from Ipswich, Massachusetts who added a Wikipedia article to advertise her boutique in Peabody between the North Shore and Liberty Tree Malls.

Gia grew up in Topsfield, and played on the varsity field hockey team at Masconomet High School. She had dreams of playing field hockey in the Olympics, but she got injured and decided to pursue fashion instead.

Gia's big break came when Britney Spears wore one of her pleather outfit designs during the opening act of her 1999 tour. One wonders what Britney would have worn had Gia become an Olympic field hockey player instead of a fashion designer.

The universe is a mysterious place.


Gia's latest design makes you ethereal.
Photo: iko via Flickr (CC)

Thursday, August 13, 2009

AT Tower

AT Tower is a building in Cleveland, Ohio. It is of the "brutalist" architectural style. I've never heard of the brutalist style before. But I like it. The term. Not the style.

I'm not of the brutalist style. Some people are of the brutalist style. Those people could beat me up if they wanted.

The AT Tower used to be called the Cleveland Trust Tower. I've never been to Cleveland.


My favorite people from Cleveland.
Photo: Marilyn M via Flickr (CC)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Wadi Hanifa

Wadi Hanifa is a wadi in central Saudi Arabia. Wadi is an Arabic term meaning a valley or a dried-up riverbed. Sometimes wadis fill with water, I think. WADI is also a radio station in Mississippi that plays country music.

Wadi Hanifa goes through Riyadh. It's an important wadi.


Wild Wadi in Dubai is the world's most fun wadi.
Photo: lloydi via Flickr (CC)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Mariano Prado

Mariano Prado was a four-time Chief of State of El Salvador in the 1820s-30s. His dad's name was José. The guy who owns the laundromat I go to is also named José. Nice guy.


In El Salvador, some boys are the size of a soccer ball.
Photo: adobemac via Flickr (CC)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Dragonball Evolution: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Dragonball Evolution: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is self-explanatory. Dragonball is a famous anime franchise about dragons and balls.

My favorite song title on the soundtrack is "I Dream of Chi Chi." When I was a youth, I would sometimes come home from school and eat ramen soup while watching "I Dream of Jeannie." I was captivated by the mysticism of the show and the length of the noodles.


Not-particularly-enthusiastic Dragonball fans.
Photo: mikemol via Flickr (CC)

Saturday, August 8, 2009

King Cypress

King Cypress is the oldest tree in Tibet. It stands near the village of Bajie. The Tibetans call in "the God of Tree." It is 2,600 years old and 50 meters high and 5.8 meters in diameter.

That's a big tree.


Many cypresses were killed to make these wedding invitations.
Photo: Sarah Parrott via Flickr (CC)

Friday, August 7, 2009

Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008

Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was a disappointment.

Eurovision is sort of like American Idol, but it's full of European people. It started in 1956. All the different countries compete against each other to see whose country has the best singer(s). Romania's entry in 2008 was Nico and Vlad Miriţă. They lost.

But that's okay. Everyone lost. Except for Russia.


Furious about Romania's loss in Eurovision 2008.
Photo: bryanh via Flickr (CC)

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Howard Gittis

Howard Gittis was an attorney. According to Wikipedia, he was the right-hand man of Ronald Perelman, who is a billionaire.

Howard was married twice, and died once.


Howard was also a sign.
Photo: lukemontague via Flickr (CC)

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Thomas C. Kinkaid

Thomas C. Kinkaid was an admiral in the U.S. Navy during World War II, as part of a long and eventful military career. Thanks for the liberty, Thomas.

Thomas graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1908, the last year the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. He eventually had a ship named after him called the USS Kinkaid.


They named a boat after me too.
Photo: sunface13 via Flickr (CC)

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Sula Sgeir

Sula Sgeir is an uninhabited Scottish island in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most remote British Isles, and it is most known for its population of gannets. Gannets are birds. I was happy to read that "the flesh of the young gannet" is a regional delicacy.

But this was my favorite sentence:

"St. Ronan's sister, Brenhilda, is supposed to have stayed here for some time, leaving him on Rona, only to be found dead in a bothy with a shag’s nest in her ribcage."


Gilligan just farted.
Photo: showbizsuperstar via Flickr (CC)