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Archives: January 2008
On the way back
We are actually on the way back from (almost) 10 days of an (almost) internet free vacation.
It felt great!
(Btw, for the first time in an airport where the wifi isn't costing loads of money, moreover, is FREE. Long live Istanbul!!)
Posted on January 8, 2008
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links for 2008-01-08
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Wat is de wat - Dave Eggers
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The Landscape Group started blogging... :) Way to go guys.
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Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography (Paperback)
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The City of Lost Children (1995)
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On Photography (Paperback)
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Samsung 22" TFT scherm wide Syncmaster 2232BW (2 ms)
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Solio Classic Solio™, the Universal "Hybrid" Charger is powerful enough to charge all of your handheld electronic products at home or on the move, anywhere under the sun.
Posted on January 8, 2008
in linklove
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links for 2008-01-09
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interesting
Posted on January 9, 2008
in linklove
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Counting down
We weren't half of our trip when C. mentioned: in 7 days the LWord will be on.
So yesterday we looked for some possibilities to download the thing. We were given a nice P2P link, but it would have taken us 6 hours to get it. Something nor I, nor C were ready for.
So I looked a little further and was glad to see this thread: a direct link to the new episode...
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FOZAVQM8
Pass: lwordtalk.com
15min later we were watching.
Enjoy ;)
Posted on January 10, 2008
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Internet free for 5 days
We decided to travel to Egypt without computer. And when we arrived at the eco-lodge, we knew we'd be totally off line for quite some days.
I didn't miss it a second. Moreover, I was happy to be unreachable by mail, msn, or phone. Such a relief. No blog-posts to write, no emails to answer.
I just read this nice book, where somewhere it said 'This activity is al just to keep yourself convinced you are working. In fact you'll see, after you come back, that nothing bad happened. No earthshaking things changed your life unknowingly. No. Most of the time, people will call you back, problems will be solved without you, and life just goes on.'
I knew the writer was right.
I had mobile connection, my mom knew the phone of the place we were staying, and if something terrible would have happened in the family, I am sure I would have known.
Clients you ask? All my stuff was checked profoundly, and the only one who called was a new client who wanted an appointment. All the others sent emails, got an auto-reply they'd be answered as quick as possible. Which turned out 5 days later.
Of course it helped it was christmas and anyone was going slow anyway due to vacation, and the slow beginning of the new year.
Yet in other circumstances I would have had similar outcome, I believe. SHort term assignments wouldn't be possible anyway. And for long time, people very often call back.
Internet free vacations?
Heaven I tell you.
I predict a future for stress (read wifi free) places. Where women take there husbands off the computer, because it simply isn't possible. Where internet junks will suddenly realize internet free places are livable. And where people, so attached to their work, cut the strings for a few days, and notice that the world keeps on turning.
So what do you think of wifi/internet free places? Heaven or hell?
Posted on January 10, 2008
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Eco-lodge
So we stayed in this eco-lodge for some days.
No luxury, only the basic stuff. For food, one night fish, one night veggie, and simple huts on the beach.
You wake from the sun, and at dawn, when night falls, few lamps enable you to read a book, talk with people. In your hut, there is no electricity. Only candles, or pocket light can do the job. So you go to sleep.
Cold showers, unless you're able to wait a little until the solar powered boilers give you enough warm water.
And sun, sun, sun.
A quiet pace falls upon everybody over there, and you can't help but notice that people, upon arrival loud and busy, shift, to using soft voices, and a slower rhythm.
It's not an everyday vacation, but it surely helps you to rest , and look at life from a different perspective.
Posted on January 10, 2008
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links for 2008-01-10
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Lword episodes
Posted on January 10, 2008
in linklove
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Lecture on photography
I am giving a lecture on photography tomorrow.
Pre-release on my blog :)
Posted on January 10, 2008
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Pecha Kucha Vol2
The next Pecha Kucha is on its way...
The last was interesting, and in the scene of presentations and events it turned out to be an excellent mashup of existing concepts.
"20 slides, 20 seconds per slide, (20 speakers, though that's an awful lot for one evening)"
We are going. And you?
Starts
January 20, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Location
iMAL - interactive Media Art Lab
30 Quai des Charbonnages - Koolmijnenkaai 30
Brussels, 1080
Belgium
Hosted By Architempo
Pecha Kucha Brussels is organised by Alok Nandi, Architempo, as part of the {creativy*conversation} series
Posted on January 11, 2008
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links for 2008-01-11
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which VA?
Posted on January 11, 2008
in linklove
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links for 2008-01-12
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After all, I rely heavily on slides. When they tell me something without making me read a book and give me an idea of what the speaker is saying (keeping me on cue if I am able to understand the speaker), then it’s moost likely a great presentation.
Posted on January 12, 2008
in linklove
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There is something out of the air...
Apple asvertises their Macworld with 'something in the air'.. Meanwhile Twitter goes down. And the Apple store.
There is certainly something out of the air...
Posted on January 15, 2008
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Vrtnieuws still online?
Since the launch of deredactie.be, vrtnieuws is forwarded to that site. Unfortunately, I'd day, since I liked the simple yet clear design of the first better.
I was nicely surprised yesterday when finding out that vrtnieuws.be still popped up in old layout. But my luck didn't last long. When clicking, immediately it shows that that mirror site isn't working properly anymore. A pity...
Meanwhile you can enjoy the try-outs of freelance designers at de.red.actie.be, with a nice design of Lode.
Posted on January 15, 2008
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Keynote's over, so?
So, I admit, I am a little disappointed... The one above is what i was looking for...
The Macbook Air looks wonderful, but I cannot but think, the way I handle my computers, the thing will be bend, or worse, be split into 2 in no time. On top of that, it lacks a cdwriter, and a networkport, 2 things I use rather often in my job.
I don't see myself going back to a portable cdwriter, or passing on data wirelessly to another computer when in need to write a dvd of 4gb. Just tried to transfer 700mb over the (802.11 n) network yesterday, and it took already 10min.
No, the 12inch was heaven compared to that, robust, but still very mobile. I took it everywhere. Once a scooter drove into me, or rather my 12 inch, and afterwards it still works. Don't see that happen with the Air.
There will be oohs and aahs when I see it though, and I will be tempted, and maybe, when a second version is released (*never buy first roll-outs), maybe then...
But now, with the upgrade to Leopard (and its fixes) and CS3, native support, this machine actually runs pretty smooth these days (compared to the beginning)
The only thing lacking indeed is Microsoft Office 2008. (Hey, look, they released it yesterday!!! :) )
The Airport with NAS sounds interesting, a pity we just bought a new Airport 2 months ago.
I like the idea of wireless backups, yet, still, I doubt the speed factor. And, if I would get the HD on the usb of the airport working, that would turn it a similar thing I think.
As for the iPhone, I like the GPSfunction a lot, a whole lot... I wonder if it works in Belgium... Updates in the comments are welcome, as I might order one now. Pity of the useless cam though.
Opening the software was a necessity after Google's release of their open mobile platform, and the true power of the iPhone will show of in the next months I guess, when nice useful apps appear for free.
iTunes Movies Rental was predicted, and it will definitely start the era of online renting. Slowly, yet steady...
After the big downfall of local cd-stores, now DVD-stores (hey these were former cd-stores ;) ) will have to slowly start to prepare for another market to explore...
I will be trying this out in the next weeks, as I still have some iTunes credit on my American account.
And you, anything you'll buy? Or disappointed too?
Posted on January 16, 2008
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Shopping
Ha!, found myself the sweetest leather jacket for a mere 130 euro (the last one in my size and right under the nose of another women, same size) instead of 225.
Managed to find a pair of shoes at 50 euro instead of 85, new collection though, they wrongly put them on sales. Ha!
Shopping turned out splendid this year (especially for someone who hates shopping) :)
Posted on January 16, 2008
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Alain Gilles: playground redesign
Alain Gilles is a Belgian product designer who created a new playground concept.
Pretty futuristic, yet organic.
'Children acquire a lot of social behaviours through playing. So, what they play with greatly matters. In cities, the playground is often one of the few outside places children ave free access to. It is time to redefine te functions a playground should offer in ten years from now, by 2015. Considering that most social needs of children age 3 - 8 will not have significantly changed. They need to exercise, but they must also acquire self-confidence, and social values. Too often, playgrounds are seen as boring and deserted. Hence, the idea to have a solid structure allowing for different games to be rotated between playgrounds.'
Posted on January 16, 2008
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links for 2008-01-16
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ik ben blij dat ik terug naar mijn heimat kan waar ik me hopelijk terug goed zal voelen. Laat ik mensen in de steek? Ben ik mislukt? Ik voel het niet zo aan. Iedereen neemt al eens een foute beslissing. Misschien is de politiek wel mislukt.
Posted on January 16, 2008
in linklove
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Isabel Allende on Ted's talk
Witty, yet serious.
Go here on the TED site to join the discussion about this presentation topic.
Posted on January 17, 2008
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links for 2008-01-17
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Girlports is a website for lesbians and bisexual women, published in English by Girlports Services Inc. Its purpose is to entertain and inform its users about travel and events of importance to lesbian and bisexual women
Posted on January 17, 2008
in linklove
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Grumblll
In the framework of our html newsletter (Grumbll) for school, I am testing some software (Grumblll).
After registering the trial, I get a login and get an 'User Agreement'
Online, without scrollbar... So no way to get to the bottom of the page, to mark the 'yes I accept'...
Unless... Making the font miniscule
Marking yes, and next (in the right button)
And finally being able to start the app.
Emailgarage, you might have to check some stuff...
Posted on January 18, 2008
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Concrete Rings
From part of the ever-changing cadre of designs available from Designboom, these concrete rings are a great buy and actually come in wearable sizes.
[From Concrete Rings by 22 design studio, Taiwan]
Posted on January 18, 2008
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The Venturo Prefab
Just found this prefab of the seventies. Way too cool!
There is really nothing new about many of the modern prefabs that everyone is going gaga over; back in the 70's Finnish architect Matti Suuronen designed the Venturo, a bit less extreme than his wonderful Futuro House. It appears to have been used primarily as gas stations for BP....
[From Wayback Machine 1971: The Venturo Prefab]
Posted on January 18, 2008
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Send A Message
Have you ever wanted to travel to Palestine just to write a message of love in graffiti for your sweetie? Or perhaps you wanted to tell that buddy of yours that he owes you $20 bucks and just wanted it to be visible on something as divisive as a wall to illustrate the rift the debt has caused between the two of you? Well now you can do both of those. At Send A Message you pay and Palestinians Spray! For a mere 30 Euros, you can have your message of love or debt collection spray painted on this 620 Kilometer fence. In return, you get 3 digital photos to share with those who the message is aimed at.
All kidding aside, the wall is a great project, a collaboration between Dutch advertising professionals and creative Palestinian youth, each message posted reminds Palestinians trapped inside the Wall they have not been forgotten, helping to keep hope alive. The project also allows those inside those wall to send one single, simple message: “we are human beings, just like you, with sense of humor and lust for life.” That’s why they do this, and enjoy it.
[From Send A Message]
Posted on January 20, 2008
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Innertube bags
Dutch bag designers krejci produces bags and accessories all made from recycled inner tubes and
felt. The rubber tubbing is sourced from bike tires and air mattresses and makes their bags extremely durable.
The company uses environmentally conscious production methods, having each bag hand-made at a sewing shop in Warsaw, Poland.
[From innertube bags by krejci]
Posted on January 20, 2008
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Bottomup
Ever since I read somewhere that it takes more than a bottle of water make that bottle itself, I am very conscious and I hesitate each time when buying PET bottles. Yet, I admit, I still do.
Contrary to belief, city water nowadays is quite safe and clean to drink. What you smell and taste are trace minerals in pipes. It won’t kill you but the stigma is damning. The BottomsUp concept is a portable water purifier. You fill any PET type bottle with water, screw on the top and like Brita (or Pur), what comes out is a whole lot better tasting.Designer: Samgmin Bae
Samgmin Bae
[From You Want Me To Drink City Water?]
Posted on January 20, 2008
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Activism?
Posted on January 20, 2008
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links for 2008-01-20
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Benodigdheden: 125 gram pure chocolade, 4 eieren, 1 eetlepel water en zout. Bereiding: Breek de chocola in een kom, doe het wat erbij.
Posted on January 20, 2008
in linklove
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Pecha Kucha
We went to Pecha Kucha last night.
Like last time, it turned out an interesting event, especially due to one speaker.Jean Paul van Bendegem, logic and philosophy of science, turned out to be a splendid 'pechacha' person. His presentation 'Wunderkammer' was light and interesting, yet so well presented. He's the reason why next time I'll be going again.
And you?
Posted on January 21, 2008
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Life 2.0?
via Bart
Posted on January 21, 2008
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The first Flemish online soap is a fact...
Piloot 2000antwerpen - MyVideo België
Posted on January 21, 2008
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Sustainable Writer’s Retreat
It’s easy to see how inspiration takes hold in ‘Watershed’ - a 100 square foot writer’s retreat in Oregon that is as sustainable as it is engaging. Commissioned by a well-known nature writer and designed by FLOAT architectural research and design, this small-scale project fulfills its intention of revealing the surrounding ecology while allowing observation without disturbance. Completely recyclable and constructed with an ultra-light footprint, ‘Watershed’ does well by its name.
I wouldn't mind sitting in this shed for some days... I might end up with some interesting blog posts... ;)
[From PREFAB FRIDAY: ‘Watershed’ Sustainable Writer’s Retreat]
Posted on January 21, 2008
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Manned Cloud by Jean-Marie Massaud
Here’s another designer dirigible: Manned Cloud is a flying hotel proposed by French designer Jean-Marie Massaud.
Mmmm sheer poetry.
[From Manned Cloud by Jean-Marie Massaud]
Posted on January 21, 2008
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Philip Henderickx
Philip Henderickx is not an artist.
At least that is what he likes to claim. But maybe we’d better not take his word for it. After all, it is rather strange that we should hear this from a man who paints every single day. A strangeness similar to Margritte painting a pipe and saying that “this is not a pipe”.
‘I’ d rather have someone else play the artist,’ says Henderickx.
So what indications for this vacant role can we find in his work? What life story could we make up for this fictitious person who ís an artist? What characters does he incorporate?
I still did't figure out if he's real or ot, ad who is behid him. I requested an art book ad received one. Strange thing.
Anyone knows?
Read on or check his works on his website
Posted on January 22, 2008
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Aanrijding in Moscou
I remember years ago, when being one of the first times in Ghent, seeing a tram with destination 'Moscou'.
Only much later I discovered Moscou is a part of town in Ledeberg.
Still makes me smile when jumping on the tram.
Today a new Flemish movie is being released 'Aanrijding in Moscou' (Watch the trailer until the end ;P)
Posted on January 23, 2008
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links for 2008-01-23
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Anyone can enable a Google AdWords campaign and start showing their ads within hours. Exciting, right? But if you don't get it just right, all you're doing is putting money in Google's pocket, not yours.
Posted on January 23, 2008
in linklove
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A love to hide
Stunning story on gay love in the war. A mere 60 years later we can get married, adopt children.
THis movies however shows how difficult it once was. Worth seeing.
Posted on January 26, 2008
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Support the indigenous people of Peru
Party for a good cause...
More at www.putumayo.be
Posted on January 27, 2008
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Toots
We went to see Toots Thielemans today. (He played in the Brussels Sheraton.)
I can't say anything but 'wow'. Being 85 and playing so charismatic and happy is just amazing...
A little video to show his humor :)
Posted on January 27, 2008
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Tile+Light
Tile + Light is a series of five differently configured customizable light fittings that is designed to be adaptable to different environments. Their modular configurations enable the user to arrange them to relate to the spatial qualities of particular environments, or according to the user’s preference. Without the need for exposed cables or difficult wiring, Tile + Light is easy to install. Tile + Light can be used as a decorative feature in public spaces, such as parks or pools, or serve as directional lighting to line corridors to exits.
Designer: Hyomi Kim
[From Your Style, Your Taste, Customize!]
Posted on January 28, 2008
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Ring House
Recently on Wallpaper- it looks amazing.
"When architects Makoto Takei and Chie Nabeshima (TNA) were asked to design a weekend house 185 miles from Tokyo, they came up with an ethereal, glass and wood mini-tower. Standing three storeys tall amid thick vegetation, it offers uninterrupted 360-degree views, its transparent skin flooded with light during the day and glowing at night when lit from within." [via Wallpaper Awards '08, Best New Private House.]
Posted on January 28, 2008
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On Cotton
Rare work on cloudformations ...
[From ExtendingGrapplica]
Posted on January 28, 2008
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Onme Belt
For those days when you need your cell phone, keys and wallet but don't feel like carrying a purse, the onme bag is a perfect companion.
These were being carried in Fred Segal for a while but the designer has them made by hand and couldn't keep up with orders, so I'm thrilled to see them available again.
It's made in downtown LA of sweatshop free labor from a super soft leather.
[From Onme Belt]
Posted on January 28, 2008
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links for 2008-01-28
Posted on January 28, 2008
in linklove
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TED Talks: Richard Dawkins: The universe is queerer than we can suppose
Posted on January 29, 2008
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links for 2008-01-29
Posted on January 29, 2008
in linklove
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iWork 08
I am a happy user of Keynote. Always have been.
It hasn't been until weeks ago, I discovered Pages. Perfect for what I need. And now an excel sheeting.
I eagerly downloaded the 08 version of all of this.
Yet, I am pretty curious to compare the new iWork 08 with the new Mac Office. I am pretty convinced about Keynote, yet Word and certainly Excel are so advanced, I cannot imagine Apple is able to beat them.
Which is perfectly ok. Both Keynote and Pages seem to be designed with designers as audience: people who like images more than charts, and Lay-out more than utility. Their templates already are proof for that.
Yet sometimes we do need charts, and excel sheets.
More on that soon.
Posted on January 29, 2008
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Waking up early
I do understand cultural differences, and I'll be the first to say I like these 'exchanges'.
Except...
Except when the neighbour women is screaming to her neighbour on the other end of the street at 7AM.
Hell!
Posted on January 29, 2008
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links for 2008-01-30
Posted on January 30, 2008
in linklove
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Lomo LC-A Buy-out.
They're taking old broken cams back, for 100 euro, to be spent in their shop.
Knowing that htese cams costed a 150 euro back when, it's a good bargain for a broken camera I think.
And a perfect way to show your customers that you're addicted to your own stuff, and eco friendly on top of that. (And probably able to make a lot of money out of it too...)
Posted on January 31, 2008
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Remote buddy
Ha, let's wait for the iPhone now...
Posted on January 31, 2008
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