Cheesedog

Planklantis

Steve Bowbrick found the video, The Electroplankton Quartet played the music at Interesting 2007, I suggested putting the two together, which Steve did. A true web collaboration.

Vimeo redesigns

Vimeo Log In Screen (Version 5 Re-Design)
Originally uploaded by Laughing Squid

I love the new Vimeo - and have always been a fan of their design. Check it at www.vimeo.com. I'm Garret on there.

New York Times on the iPhone

Silly, fawning but still interesting video review of the iPhone

Link: The iPhone Challenge: Keep It Quiet | New York Times Video.

London Market Madness

Went to read this article on Londonist and then realised THEY USED MY PHOTO! Yay!

Link: Londonist: London Market Madness In Madrid.

New Will Ferrell on Funny Or Die

Muse give Wembley a baptism of fireworks

A review of the gig we went to the other week:

"They put on a dazzling show, with flames, fireworks, glitter and graceful dancers spinning below suspended balloons, but their most impressive achievement is making such a vast venue feel so intimate. Bellamy, swapping between guitar and piano, is especially keen to reach fans at the back of the stadium, dedicating Starlight to them. He need not have worried. Every song is a mass singalong and when Bellamy asks everyone to hold up their mobiles, Wembley turns into a twinkling constellation of lights."

Link: Live reviews | Guardian Unlimited Music.

The Opaque Value Problem

"In a larger sense, this opaque value problem affects most social software. Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, most social software is built around providing personalized, socially-focused conversation. It’s person-centered and as a result is difficult for anybody but that person to really appreciate: the value becomes opaque in this way."

Link: Bokardo - The Opaque Value Problem (or, Why do people use Twitter?).

Lunch over IP

"SMS is to tell you I miss you, Email is to organise our dinner, Voice is to say I’m late, and IM is to continue our conversation"

Link: On the specialization of communication channels.

The Emperors's Children

One of the good things about my slightly longer commute each day is that I'm reading more. This week I finished Claire Messud's The Emperor's Children, a modern tale of cosmpolitan intellectuals set in NYC in 2001. Yes, it deals with the bombing of the World Trade Centre but in a very clever, effective and moving way. The characters are so well written that they really come to life and there are all so intrguing that the whole book leaves you wanting more. I really enjoyed everything about this book and recommened it to anyone looking for a riveting, intelligent and entertaining read this summer.

"She excels at depicting the neurotic uncertainties of people who know they are privileged but feel sorry for themselves anyway. But it is the finesse with which she satirises these people but still leaves you caring what happens to them that is the book's great achievement." - The Economist

Link: New Statesman - All that glitters.
Link: Interview in The Observer
Link: Window on the world - The Economist

Audio slideshow from The Guardian

I imagine this is pretty much what it's like at Glastonbury this weekend

Link: Audio slideshow: Rain at Glastonbury