Gefilte Fish Tale: I come from a long line of carp mavens. My grandmother used to soak the little buggers in her bathtub to soften them up and then grind them into the best gefilte fish you've ever tasted.

Not once during that process did she ever report hearing the fish utter a single word -- not even a cough, a snort or a sigh. So you can imagine my skepticism when I read today's report in The New York Times about the alleged talking carp from an Hasidic community in upstate New York. Whether truth or fiction, it's got Jews worldwide buzzing with excitement.

"The story goes that a 20-pound carp about to be slaughtered and made into gefilte fish for Sabbath dinner began speaking in Hebrew, shouting apocalyptic warnings and claiming to be the troubled soul of a revered community elder who recently died."

There are believers: "This is one of those historical times when God reveals himself for a reason. It has sent spiritual shock waves throughout the Jewish community worldwide and will be talked about throughout the ages," said Matisyahu Wolfberg, a lawyer who lives in the New Square, N.Y. area where the fish was said to have mouthed off.

There are doubters: "Listen to what I'm telling you: Only children take this seriously," said Rabbi C. Meyer of the New Square Beth Din of Kashrus, which administers kosher-food rules. "This is like a U.F.O. story. I don't care if it is the talk of the town."

The fishmonger and his assistant (who is not Jewish) are absolutely sure they heard the fish talk. Unfortunately, we may never know the truth since it was subsequently cut up and sold. Is this a Purim prank or a sobering sign of pending doom? My only hope is that I get the real story in the National Enquirer. (via NYT)



© 2003 Canadian Museum of Nature

Overheard: This is what I heard while in line today at The Public Theater to buy tickets for a play.

A graying, straitlaced gent approaches the ticket window and says nervously:

"I'd like two tickets for 'Fucking A.' With all due respect."

Don't Call Us: By July, Americans will be able to sign up online to be included in the Federal Trade Commission's new "Do Not Call Registry." Telemarketers will be required to check the registry every 90 days and remove names that appear on that list from their call lists. (via ZDNet)

I'm sure it's just a matter of time before direct marketers figure out another way to interrupt my dinner, but I'm going to enjoy the peace and quiet while I can.

As a public service to consumers, I've provided this helpful information on the Spanish language version of Nuggets, aka Pepitas de Howard Sherman. I just hope the literal translation of "Nuggets" in Spanish isn't something best left unsaid.

CNN Warblogger: Kevin Sites, a foreign correspondent for CNN, has just launched a Weblog he'll be using to cover any war with Iraq. Sites writes that he is in Iran and is leaving today on a ten hour trip to the border of Kurdish-controlled Northern Iraq where he hopes to enter Iraq. Yesterday he used his mobile phone to post an audio message to the Weblog about the scene at the border of Iran and Kurdistan. (via Boing Boing)

Talk about a compelling use of Weblogs. Can you imagine the reports Ernie Pyle would have filed if he had this technology?

Talk The Talk (Part 2): Jimmy Kimmel is going to have a hit talk show on his hands sooner rather than later. The highlight of this week (so far) -- a visit from felonious rap impressario Suge Knight who showed up just after being let out of jail. Kimmel greeted him wearing a bulletproof vest and conducted the interview wrapped in kevlar.

Talk The Talk: Now that David Letterman is out sick with the shingles, The Late Show has never been better.

Don't get me wrong. I love Dave, wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the air soon. I can't go too long without my share of Letterman irony.

That said, having a different guest host every night has given Late Night a crackling energy that every talk show would die for. This week's guest hosts are Whoopi Goldberg, Vince Vaughn, Elvis Costello, Will Ferrell and Megan Mullally.

There's no doubt that the show's producers have pulled out all the stops to find great guests but regardless, it's been interesting watching the celebrity hosts try to get through an hour of interviews and monologues. Vaughn used his "Swinger" swagger to keep the show moving while Costello's tete-a-tete with comedian Eddie Izard was like eavesdropping on two hysterical blokes cracking wise over pints in a pub.

I'm sure that part of my fascination with the show this week is an interest in seeing if the train comes off the track. Yet every time one of the celebs started making a fool of himself/herself, I found myself rooting for them to pull out of the dive.

So, here's an idea for a new late night talk show. You get a different person to host the show each week. Of course, we'll need our share of celeb hosts but my idea is bigger, much bigger than that. Stay with me now. The show would be hosted by -- are you ready for this -- a cab driver, then a grocery store clerk, then a lawyer (preferably an ambulance chaser), then a doctor (preferably a plastic surgeon)...you get the point.

It's an evolved version of Wayne's World and the Michael Essany Show. It's a guaranteed smash. You can take this to the bank. Don't thank me. I do this for the love of entertainment.

Elbow Grease For Peace: As international tensions continue to rise, let's leave no stone unturned in our quest for peace, ok? Here's a technique for settling disputes that seems to be catching on.

Arm-wrestling duel ends telecoms battle

School Touts Arm Wrestling As Remedy

The Pen Not The Sword: A group of graphic designers are producing anti-war posters for "copyright-free" distribution to people protesting war with Iraq. (via Boing Boing)




The Time Is Now: The Wall Street Journal editorial board says the U.S. can no longer afford to delay military action against Iraq.

"We could support further delay in starting the war if there were any hope at all that U.N. inspections might disarm Saddam short of costing American lives. The trend is in fact the opposite."

"As each day passes, the evidence mounts that the U.N. inspections regime is not about containing Saddam; it is about containing America. Messrs. Bush and Blair went to the U.N. in good faith to build international support, and perhaps in the process to rescue the U.N. from irrelevance. The U.N. is proving daily that it is in fact another League of Nations. Mr. Bush's obligation is not to the reputation of the U.N. but to the safety of American soldiers and citizens." (via WSJ)

The Name Game: Congressman Barney Frank thinks it's the height of silliness to rename french fries "freedom fries" in protest of the pending veto by France of a U.N. resolution authorizing force to disarm Iraq.

"If China vetoes it," said Frank, referring to the UN resolution, "what are we going to call Chinese checkers?" (via NYT)

Online Bullies: Technology facilitates constructive behavior (Smart Mobs) but it can just as easily enable bad behavior:

"Sly and manipulative, bullies who once plagued their victims in the school playground are now causing grief with abusive text messages and vitriolic Web Sites." (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

There's a wonderful Web site (based in the UK) with information on how to combat cyber bullies. According to the site, students and their parents might actually have some tools to put the fear of God in bullies using cell phones to terrorize kids since such harassment violates British telecommunications laws. I'm pretty sure similar laws exist in the U.S. but I tried to find them on the FCC site and got a headache in the process.

The bullies who took their schoolyard swipes at me when I was young, did it the old fashioned way -- verbal taunts and a few jabs. I can remember one who pushed me just a bit too far. I slugged him in the stomach -- knocking the wind out of him and ending the torment. If I were a kid today, I'd befriend a hacker.

When The Smoke Clears: Despite Mayor Bloomberg's public smoking ban (which goes into effect in April), some NYC smokers are not giving up without a fight. (Gawker)

Will hookah bars become New York's new hot spots?



Gawker.com

Click Here
For Howard's Away Message

What is This?: Blogger has a new service that lets you post audio messages to your blog using your cell phone. Another twist on mobile blogging. I posted through a free trial they're offering. Wonder if they'll make any money with the paid service? This could be used for radio-style news reports while you're on the move, an audio diary, a travelogue, etc.

What To Wear: Soon you'll be able to wear cotton sateen dress shirts and silk ties just like your favorite N.J. mobsters. HBO is working with an apparel maker to license and market shirts and ties under "The Sopranos" brand. A spokesman for the apparel company doesn't think that James Gandolfini's (aka Tony Soprano) contract problems with HBO will affect the clothing line.

"Industry watchers, though, say a Sopranos fashion line presents a curious disconnect, as many viewers recall images of a disheveled Tony Soprano going out to get the paper in his bathrobe."

"But as long as interest surrounding 'The Sopranos' remains high, the show's macho fashion look is likely to attract men who like the retro, Las Vegas-kitsch of the characters (said Robert J. Thompson, a professor of media and pop culture at Syracuse University)..."

"In this age of irony, you can see this working: Some wisecracking accountant expressing his solidarity with the show and showing he has good taste and a sense of humor," Thompson said.

I'm meeting with my accountant in a few weeks to prepare my taxes. If he showed up looking like Paulie Walnuts, I'd get a new accountant. (WSJ via Yahoo! News)



© 2003 Home Box Office

What Not To Wear: Haven't we given the Raelians way more than their 15 minutes?

"The federal building in Westwood became a focal point for anti-war demonstrators, with a few women stripping to their thongs...The women who shed their clothes Saturday were followers of the Raelian sect, who believe life on Earth was created by space aliens."

"Whenever everybody undresses, the ego goes away and then we can make decisions," said protester Nadine Gary. "Imagine President Bush nude addressing the state of the union. Imagine Saddam Hussein nude." (AP via Yahoo! News)

Now that's an image I didn't need swirling around in my head.

March Gladness: My wife thinks it’s cute whenever I "act like a guy." That usually includes watching the Discovery Wings cable channel or going into convulsions on the couch when my favorite sports team loses a close game.

In a little more than one week, the most exciting U.S. sporting event begins – the NCAA Men’s Division I college basketball tournament (March 18th) and the NCAA Women’s Division I tournament (March 22nd). Aka: March Madness.

What makes these games so compelling? Unlike the Superbowl (where the commercials are often more riveting than the contest) or the World Series, the basketball tournament pits teams from across the country in sudden death elimination games over several weeks. Even people who don’t care much for sports, seem to get behind their alma matter.

Also, there’s always the chance that an underdog will make it to the final round (Final Four) or win it all. The supreme underdog was Villanova, which beat Georgetown by two points for the 1985 national championship and nearly gave their coach Rollie Massimino a heart attack in the process.

Regardless of which of the four teams is left standing, the championship game is often close. Since 1982, the margin of victory for the men’s championship game has averaged eight points. Between 1982 and 1989 the spread averaged only three points.

So sign up for your office pool and fire up your Great Escape Shiatsu Massage Lounger. This is a show worth watching.



© 1999-2003
HomeOfficeSolutions.com, Inc.

Ron Popeil Would Be Proud: The Miramax juggernaut to land a bucket-full of Oscars for their movie Chicago reached new heights yesterday when I saw an infomercial for the film on a New York City television station. It must have been 20-30 minutes long.

What was most interesting about the pitch was its focus on the film's serious social message about corruption, celebrity and the power of the press. It's as if Miramax thinks the best way to get the gold is to remind people that this movie is more than fancy clothes, snappy songs and big production numbers.

Ron Popeil would be proud.

The Sweet Smell Of Success: I was speaking to a friend this morning who was preparing for an open house this afternoon in hopes of selling her Brooklyn apartment. When she told me she had to run so she could babysit the cinnamon buns in her oven I thought it was awfully nice of her to bake snacks for the potential homebuyers.

What I didn't realize, until she told me, was that filling her apartment with the sweet smell of baked goods was part of an elaborate and time-honored ploy to put apartment shoppers in a good frame of mind. Don't believe me? I found the smoking gun.

Had I known this was what she was up to, I could have saved her some time by pointing her in the direction of a good scented candle.



Candleberry Square

Dueling Petitions: Here's an online antiwar petition promoted by actors, writers, and public figures who oppose doing battle with Iraq. Here's an online petition criticizing those behind the first online petition.

Gauging Terror: "Someone's actually gone and built a meter which gauges the world's level of terror by connecting to the Internet and continually analyzing the appearance of certain terror-related keyworks in global news feeds." (via Gizmodo)

As the creators of this device point out, we can now regularly check time, temperature and terror.



(c) 2003
Junkfunnel Laboratories

Military Dictionary: The Department of Defense has a Web site with hundreds of definitions for the type of jargon we could hear as we watch war with Iraq unfold on television. What struck me, was how nonchalant some of the descriptions of mass destruction sound when taken out of context. Of course, this definition is something no one would ever want to hear.

"Nuclear Bonus Effects -- Desirable damage or casualties produced by the effects from friendly nuclear weapons that cannot be accurately calculated in targeting as the uncertainties involved preclude depending on them for a militarily significant result." (via BoingBoing)

A Blow To Airport Security?: The case of the missing peanut butter sandwich has been referred to the federal Transportation Security Administration. (via The Smoking Gun)



Gymamerica.com

Ask The Starbucks Oracle: As if you weren't cranky enough in the morning, now you have to get lip from a cup of coffee.



Buttafly.com

Eminem's Guide To Consumer Brands: There's been a slight disturbance in the blogosphere as people try to figure out whether the use of Weblogs by Richards Interactive (an Internet marketing firm) to promote commercial products is disingenous -- especially if it's not clear to the user that the Weblog is shilling for a product (in this case a milk brand produced by Dr. Pepper).

My take: identify the Web site's tie-in to the product and company in a way that doesn't mislead the reader and then do whatever you want. That won't stifle creativity. I don't think we give consumers enough credit. Once the word got out about product placement in movies, I never looked at a can of Coke the same way again. What I find more interesting is how music -- hip hop lyrics in particular -- is not only a major source of product promotion but might also be a barometer of teen consumer buying habits, at least according to some product pundits.

A recent issue of Snark Hunting reports that Eminem's latest album "features 15 brand references, compared to an average of 25 for his previous two albums." Among the other "startling conclusions:"

"Eminem is losing his interest in auto and apparel brands. Eminem has an increased interest in kitchen/household products; including Saran Wrap. Weapons and pharmaceutical products are Eminem's top brand preoccupations. Thirty-nine percent of all Eminem's pharmaceutical references are to Tylenol." (via Popbitch)

Citizen Reporters: I've written about digital newsgathering by the average joe and also about the effect the Internet is having on Korean soceity. This piece in the NYT about the popular Korean "OhmyNews" Web site brings the two together. (via Scripting News)

"Although the staff has grown to 41, from the beginning the electronic newspaper's unusual concept has been to rely mostly on contributions from ordinary readers all over the country, who send dispatches about everything from local happenings and personal musings to national politics."

"Only 20 percent of the paper each day is written by staff journalists. So far, a computer check shows, there have been more than 10,000 other bylines."

"The newspaper deals with questions of objectivity and accuracy by grading articles according to their content. Those that are presented as straight news are fact-checked by editors. Writers are paid small amounts, which vary according to how the stories are ranked, using forestry terminology, from 'kindling' to 'rare species.'"

The Web site's founder has set out to change the nature of Korean journalism:

"My goal was to say farewell to 20th-century Korean journalism, with the concept that every citizen is a reporter."

Don't expect major news organizations to fold their tents in fear but I wouldn't be surprised if they promote more and more experiments with online user submissions. Done right, it could extend the reach of news organizations and offer access to information not otherwise available. It will also give site visitors a vested interest in the product. Maintaining the quality and editorial integrity of such submissions will be the challenge but not a reason to shy away.

Freedom Of Dress: When I saw the following headline, I figured it was reporting news from some backwater dictatorship:

"Man Arrested for Wearing Peace T-Shirt"

Think again.

"A lawyer was arrested late Monday and charged with trespassing at a public mall in the state of New York after refusing to take off a T-shirt advocating peace that he had just purchased at the mall." (Reuters via ABCNEWS.COM)

Stephen Downs, was reportedly asked by two security guards to remove the t-shirt which read "Give Peace A Chance" or leave the mall. When he refused, the police were called and he was eventually arrested.

Here's what makes this even worse. I think we're talking about someone who understands the importance of abiding by the law.

“Downs is the director of the Albany Office of the state Commission on Judicial Conduct, which investigates complaints of misconduct against judges and can admonish, censure or remove judges found to have engaged in misconduct.”

Yes, malls are considered private property but what possible threat could this gentleman have posed to other shoppers? And remember, the shirt was sold in that same mall. This is not the time to overreact to either a public show of support for or criticism of war with Iraq.

By those sartorial standards of free speech, Alexander McQueen better watch his step. He's getting away with murder.



Alexander McQueen
© 2002-2003 New York Metro


Update (3/6): "Mall Wants to Drop Peace T-Shirt Charges" (AP via Yahoo! News)

Love Euro Style: According to an AOL survey of Internet users in Germany, France and the UK:

46% have been asked out on e-mail or instant message
49% sent or received an e-mail party invitation

“...excuses such as 'I lost your e-mail' are increasingly being used to avoid unwanted attentions.” (via BBC News)

Gives all new meaning to the “Dear John” letter.

Furniture Porn: I promised my wife that I wouldn’t let this weblog degenerate into a collection of my prurient interests but I had to make an exception in this case. (via GMSV)

Anti-Terrorism Gadgets & Gizmos: The Wall Street Journal has an interesting article today about a little known government agency charged with encouraging the development of devices that the military, law enforcement and -- at some point -- the general public can use to combat nuclear, biological and chemical terrorism.

"Americans worried about terrorism on their home turf will soon be able to buy a $3 sensor the size of a credit card that will show whether they have been exposed to a dirty radioactive bomb."

"Behind the development of the tiny dosimeter, which features a baby blue or pink stripe that blushes deeper the greater the radiation exposure, is a tiny government agency that labored in obscurity -- until now."

"The 70 employees of the Technical Support Working Group are the nation's talent scouts for antiterrorism gadgets. Their job is not to build the stuff but to fund it and ensure that gizmos find their way out of the laboratory, onto the market and into the hands of those who may need them."

Among the other devices under development, according to the WSJ, a self-cooling undershirt and a laptop that can be decontaminated by running it through a dishwasher.

By the way, the warning splash page you reach before entering the site scared the stuffing out of me.

A Google Royale: Stumbled into a new site today called Googlefight -- thanks to Search Engine Watch -- that lets you pit one search term against another to determine which word or phrase appears more often in Google search results. Many factors influence a subject's Web popularity so I'm not taking this too seriously but it's still an interesting way to do some Web popularity polling.

Should the U.S. go to war with Iraq? The answer is here.

Eminem vs. M&M? And the winner is....

Lizzie Grubman vs. Jack Grubman? You may be surprised.

NTW: "An English essay written by a British teenager in text messaging short-hand has reignited concern among teachers that literacy standards are under threat." (Reuters via
Yahoo! News)

The teenager’s essay began:

"My smmr hols wr CWOT. B4, we used 2go2 NY 2C my bro, his GF & thr 3 : kids FTF. ILNY, it's a gr8 plc."

Here's the translation:

"My summer holidays were a complete waste of time. Before, we used to go to New York to see my brother, his girlfriend and their three screaming kids face to face. I love New York. It's a great place."

According to Reuters, "Judith Gillespie, of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council, told the (Daily Telegraph) newspaper a decline in grammar and written English was partly linked to the text messaging craze."

Not to worry (NTW). Teenagers have been using slang forever as a way of separating themselves from the totally stupid rules (TSR) imposed by the powers that be (TPTB). Text messaging is just another form of slang that many adults have adopted as well. It's not a substitute for good writing and I can't imagine teenagers think it is. This kid was just tweaking her teacher a bit.

Talking about slang, a linguist from the University of Sussex put it this way:

"These days it is fairly clear that one of the functions of language is to demonstrate one's allegiance to a social grouping. Each generation of teenagers needs to develop its own slang to mark themselves off from their boring parents' generation, yuk. This may well be one of the main factors driving the evolution of languages over decades and centuries which ultimately leads new languages to emerge in different places from a common ancestor language."

In my humble opinion (IMHO), concern over this essay is much ado about nothing (MAAN -- I just made this one up). Just let the kid know you wouldn't want to write this way for a job application and move on. While they're at it, the teachers should get their hands on a good dictionary.

Jewelry That Makes A Statement: Will the American flag pin, AIDS ribbon or 60's peace symbol make way on some people's lapels for a new public statement? If you were watching Meet The Press today, you may have noticed that actor Mike Farrell, co-chairman of “Artists United to Win Without War,” had a piece of duct tape stuck to his lapel.

How We See Ourselves: NASA acknowledged this past week that they had received the Pioneer 10 spacecraft's last signal from billions of miles in space. A plaque had been attached to Pioneer 10 with information identifying its launch time and place of origin for anyone or thing that found the hearty collection of nuts and bolts as it floated through the galaxy (for more than 30 years).

In 1977, two Voyager spacecraft began their flights through space with an even more detailed calling card -- "a phonograph record -- a 12-inch gold-plated copper disk containing sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth."

The time capsule was put together by a NASA committee chaired by Carl Sagan. It offers a fascinating look at how we viewed ourselves, or at least how we wanted any extraterrestrials to view us.

Among the images from around the world -- a picture of a supermarket and rush hour traffic in India. BTW, Boston was the U.S. city picked for the intergalactic photo album rather than New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. Among the missing -- Marilyn Monroe and a picture of any world war.

Among the music from across the globe -- lots of classical (very "Old Europe"), a Pygmy girls' initiation song from Zaire and Chuck Berry singing "Johnny B. Goode." Among the missing -- The Beatles and John Coltrane.

Among the sounds from far and wide -- a volcano, an earthquake, thunder, mud pots, wind, crickets, birds, a wild dog, a heartbeat, laughter, morse code, a horse and cart, a train, an automobile, an F-111 flyby, a kiss and greetings in 55 languages. Among the missing -- an orgasm and any sound made by Grocho Marx. (via Ken Layne)




NASA

It's Not The Buildings: Some opponents of Daniel Libeskind's design, which was selected last week as the winning blue print for rebuilding the WTC site, are missing three important points. The Libeskind design won because it was more appealing to the families of 9-11 victims, it was easier to build and it went further in creating a vibrant public space that could re-energize downtown with people, culture and commerce.

"Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg focused on economics at a briefing on the two finalist plans for the site, favoring the street life that the Libeskind plan would create, including a vibrant public plaza that would form a new crossroads of commerce and culture on the site, said people who attended a briefing for the mayor and others."

"The governor has long said that the memorial was the most important element of the designs, and he has listened closely to the desires of family members of those killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Family members told him that the Libeskind memorial sent the message that those victims would be remembered by a symbol of strength — the slurry wall — rather than by what they characterized as a pair of skeletal towers that recalled how their loved ones had died, said the participants in the meetings." (via NYT).

I think it was inevitable that this process would result in a product shaped by economics and politics. I'm not so sure that's a bad thing if you define economics as a real sense of what is doable (financially and engineering-wise) and politics as the pull and tug of opinion that will always leave people feeling the plan was not ideal.

To me, the most important part of the rebuilt site is not the buildings or even the memorial -- although the later is significant and can't be screwed up.

In the end, if the WTC area becomes a gathering place not only for those in mourning but for people who want to listen to a concert on a summer night, play catch with their 6-year-old or read a book, it will be a far more fitting memorial to lost lives than a majestic shrine visited only by tour buses.

I'm hoping that's why the Libeskind plan was selected. I'm also hoping they can pull that off.

Take A Hike: "American actress and singer Jennifer Lopez used six limousines to travel from one top-class hotel to another equally swish hotel -- a distance of about 100 yards, British newspapers reported." (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

Jenny from the block needs a pair of comfortable shoes.

Massachusetts Municipalities: Here are some "easily confused municipalities in Massachusetts." (S. Michaels via McSweeney's).

Malden
Mansfield
Medfield
Medford
Medway
Melrose
Mendon
Milford
Millville
Milton

Only thing that's more confusing is Queens street addresses.

Ali G: Don't know why this guy is getting so much attention. Stuttering John has been doing ambush interviews for years and Danny Hoch has been doing Hip Hop send ups even longer. But what do I know, I'm hooked on "I'm A Celebrity -- Get Me Out of Here!." This is a British import I can get behind.

Too Old To Fight?: "An 80-year-old British retiree has been called up by the Ministry of Defense for possible action in Iraq, the Sun newspaper reported on Thursday."

"I'm a bit past my prime," the Sun quoted him as saying. "It's too high-tech today. I'm used to rifles and machine guns, not missiles." (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

$20,000 Cell Phone: To see it, is not to believe it. (via Gawker).

Rice Bath: Wonder what this feels like? Is it good for you? (via Tokyo Tidbits)

Scented Clothes: Have you ever been hit by one of those fragrance tsunamis that rolls of the page of a magazine perfume ad? It may be just a matter of time before those same noxious scents cover our clothing.

“The technology, called Sensory Perception Technologies (SPT), will allow firms to weave particles of moisturizers, deodorants, fragrances and even anti-tobacco agents into fabrics.” (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

ICI, the chemical and consumer products company that has developed this technology with The Woolmark Company, paints a picture of a sweeter smelling world.

“...imagine a sense-enriched world where your sportswear cools you on the move. Your shirt shrugs off the smell of tobacco or repels mosquitoes. You sink into fields-of-flowers on your sofa, catch the smell of success in a boardroom or hit a 'cool' note in a chic hotel lobby.”

“This can all become reality thanks to innovative new technology which incorporates fragrance into textiles. Sensory Perception Technologies (SPT) is the way to weave well-being back into our clothes and lives.”

I don’t mean to sound like a Luddite. This technology could actually have some interesting applications if, for example, people with dry skin will be able to buy clothing that moisturizes or a shirt will really repel mosquitoes. But you know as well as I do that some company will also start selling clothing that makes you gag if you get too close to it on the subway.

ICI says these scents won't conflict with the other fragrances we dress ourselves up with each day but they also promise that this technology:

“...heralds an extraordinary new era of 'smart' clothes which soothe, stimulate, protect and cosset you!”

Maybe we’re just asking too much of our underwear.



©Copyright 1996-2003
Imperial Chemical Industries PLC

Uncivil Liberties: Everytime I read another news report about the Patriot Act, I get a knot in my stomach.

North Korea's Secret Weapon: Maybe we have less to fear from North Korea than we think.

"Forget nuclear bombs and other weapons of mass destruction, North Korea says it has something in its arsenal to fill the enemy with mortal terror -- the million-strong army and the rest of the country singing."

"The daily newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, said if North Korea was attacked, the country would resound to a song that had the power to fill "imperialists and enemies with mortal terror." (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

I didn't realize they had the rights to the Starlight Express cast album.

It Pays To Be Pissed Off: "Are you an angry male?" All that venom and vitriol could cost you your stomach lining but it could also make you some money. (via craigslist)

Internet President: If you're a politician who wants to connect with young voters, just learn HTML. Well, not exactly but in Korea -- a country where approximately 70% of all homes have a broadband connection -- the Internet appears to be having a growing influence on politics and public opinion. Is this a harbinger of greater Internet influence in U.S. politics?

"South Korea will stake a claim to be the most advanced online democracy on the planet tomorrow with the inauguration of a president who styles himself as the first leader fully in tune with the Internet."

"Polls showed that the victory in December of (Roh Moo-hyun) - who claims to be the world's first president to understand HTML website coding - came from a huge surge of support from twenty- and thirty-somethings. In South Korea, where elections are usually decided by regional rather than generational loyalties, this was a dramatic development."

"'The Internet is so important here,' a western diplomat in Seoul said. 'This is the most online country in the world. The younger generation get all their information from the web. Some don't even bother with TVs. They just download the programmes.'" (The Guardian via Poynter Online)

Radiant Baby: My problem is that I compare all musicals to West Side Story. That's unfair. How can anything compete with Leonard Bernstein’s music and Stephen Sondheim's lyrics? Now that I'm done showing my age, I'll go on.

I saw Radiant Baby at The Public Theater last week and was grabbed by its energy. The music wasn’t the memorable kind you find yourself humming days later but it wasn’t the soulless drivel that always seems to find its way to Broadway. Can anyone think of a musical in the last 10 years that's really moved them?

What I found most compelling about Radiant Baby was what I learned about Keith Haring and the 1980s street/club world that influenced his life. The path to his sexual awakening, the pulse of the Paradise Garage, the pressure of life as an art-world darling and his relationships (with children, confidants, mentors and lovers) were convincingly told in song and dance.

So see this play if you want to learn more about one of the original hipsters (and I mean this in the best way) and not if you're looking for a tune to whistle in the shower.


Update (2/25): A reader writes in -- "Yes, Howard, I can think of a musical in the last ten years that really moved me. Rent. Listen to 'Seasons of Love' sometime."

Update (3/1): Another reader writes -- "I agree with your remarks about this wonderful show. I think, however, that the press will not take this one under its wings: it is emotionally manipulative (a la Rent) and that does not appeal to the literati of the press. Its limited run has been extended to 3/27, owing to good word of mouth. One good review will give it a life, but I don't look for a move to Broadway, in the manner of Bring on the Noise, Bring on the Funk.

Update (3/3): NYT review. Not good.






© 1997-2003
The Estate of Keith Haring

Homeland Insecurity Part 3: Parodies of ready.gov. (via Buzz Machine)



Do not lie in smoking rubble.
(Idlewords.com)

E-Tithing: "FAIRBANKS - In parishes and congregations here, electronic tithing is growing. People are making contributions to their churches by credit card, debit card or automatic withdrawal."

"'It's the wave of the future,' said George Bowder, director of finance for the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks. 'People can sit down and plan their gift-giving so once they plan it, it doesn't become a cumbersome project. People are actually going to our Web site and, under a secure process, pay a donation to their church by credit card or debit card.'" (AP via Yahoo! News)

Upwardly Mobile: By Eric Drooker



© 2003 Eric Drooker

A Word From Our Sponsor: Two lawsuits have been filed against movie theater operators by patrons who say that "The practice of showing commercials before the start of movies defrauds the public and should be stopped." (via Scripting News)

I used to hate commercials in movie theaters. I was the guy behind you booing and hissing. What was even worse, were those damn slides they put up on the screen advertising some tacky bar around the corner from the theater where you could get 25% off your watered down drink if you brought in you ticket stub.

So what's the solution? Don't sue the movie theater operators. That's silly. Let them advertise for three minutes before the movies so long as it guarantees that they won't increase ticket prices.

You want to make the experience bearable? Make commercials I'd actually want to see. Good commercials can be entertaining. Really good commercials can make you think, smile and even get all sentimental. No, I don't work for an ad agency. I just think there's a better solution than going to court.

Is It Safe?: In addition to their sophisticated detection equipment, the U.S. Marines plan to use two less hi-tech approaches to decide if it's safe to remove their gas masks after a chemical attack in Iraq.

One tactic: "Wednesday, division headquarters delivered to the regiment 43 chickens and a supply of feed. The chickens will be in cages in armored and other military vehicles. If any should drop dead crossing into Iraq, the Marines will know there might be something foul in the air. The division has even come up with a military designation for them: Poultry Chemical Confirmation Detectors, or PCCDs. The 7th Marine Regiment's chem-bio specialists prefer Kuwaiti Field Chickens: KFC."

A second tactic: "The harsh reality of chemical and biological warfare is that, despite all the sophisticated testing equipment the Pentagon has deployed to defend its troops, the only way to be sure the air is fit to breathe is for some brave -- and possibly unlucky -- soul to take his mask off." (via WSJ)

A Missed Opportunity: On 9/11 cell phone service was either knocked out or overloaded in many areas of NYC. The only way I knew that my brother (who worked in the World Financial Center) was safe was the text message he sent from his Blackberry to mine. The nonstop busy signal on my hardwired telephone made it impossible for me to reach my parents out-of-state. Fortunately, my father was online so I was able to use AOL Instant Messenger to tell him that my wife and I were ok.

Guess we haven't learned a heck of a lot about communicating with each other in times of crisis. At least that's the impression I got when I looked at the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security Web site -- www.ready.gov. There was only one reference (that I could find) to using e-mail to communicate and only one reference (that I could find) -- repeated over and over again -- to using the Internet to stay informed. BTW, www.ready.gov should have an emergency news section that will (along with major news organizations) be an important spot on the Web to get the latest information and instructions. With streaming video technology as good as it is now, every White House press conference could be seen by millions of Web users (they are already available on major news sites) even if the broadcast networks were disrupted. While it's not a bad start, there's certainly room for building out the list of "useful links" on ready.gov as well.

Tech Central Station has a timely and thoughtful article about how "smart mobs" (a term coined by Howard Rheingold to describe groups of people who can use communications and computing technology "to act in concert even if they don't know each other") could play a crucial roll in handling communications during the next terrorist attack.

Given that the Internet and wireless networks (other than those used for cell phone traffic) were about the only form of two-way communication that worked flawlessly during the attack on the World Trade Center, it's foolish that the Web, e-mail, text messaging and similar forms of communication don't get their due on www.ready.gov.

Slight-Of-Hand: Here's a site devoted to pictures of toy cars placed next to real cars. I know, I wondered the same thing you're wondering right now so here's an FAQ from the site that answers the question. (via Kottke.org)



Dubster.com

Talk To Me: No doubt your 12-year-old is spending hours on AOL Instant Messenger. Want to bond? Now you can learn how to talk the talk. Or should I say type the type. Click here to see what I mean. (via GMSV)

Update (2/21): A reader's 12-year-old daughter had a thing or two to say about the accuracy of this translator.

"...according to MY 12 year old, the translations aren't quite right...for example, when you ask 'do you have a boyfriend?' it comes back with 'do u haev a boeyfrend (or something like that)'...EVERYONE knows that boyfriend is bf and girlfriend is gf...and best friend is bff (best friends forever)...your referenced translator is not hip to wats ^. "

Feed Me: Even celebs have to eat. (via Popbitch)

Ask The Cosmo Kitty: In these trying times we're all looking for answers to questions that keep us up at night. These answers, unfortunately, are hard to come by. In a last-ditch effort to get some comfort and clarity about the world's problems, I sought advice from an organization that has been dispensing pearls of wisdom for years -- Cosmopolitan Magazine.

I thought I'd pose a few questions to the Cosmo Kitty. After all, the Web site promoting this Internet oracle sounded convincing:

"Dying to know if your guy's a keeper? Will you get that promotion you so rightfully deserve? Just ask the Cosmo Kitty -- the online feline who dares to predict the future."

The following is a transcript of my "conversation" with the Kitty.

HS: Will the United States go to war with Iraq?
Kitty: "Meow! (Translation: Probably not.)"
HS: Will France agree to a U.N. resolution allowing use of force against Iraq?
Kitty: "This one's as certain as me landing on my feet."
HS: Will Joe Lieberman be the Democratic presidential candidate in 2004?
Kitty: "I'm not sure... let me sleep on it."
HS: Will Osama bin Laden be captured alive?
Kitty: "Fur sure."
HS: Should I buy duct tape and plastic sheeting to protect against a chemical or biological attack?
Kitty: "Of course. You don't need me to tell you that."
HS: Is John Galliano a great designer or just a product of clever marketing?
Kitty: "I think not."
HS: Is John Galliano a great fashion designer?
Kitty: "Fur sure."
HS: Should marijuana be legalized?
Kitty: "I'd bet every one of my nine lives on it!"
(I skipped one question here)
HS: Will Michael Bloomberg be re-elected?
Kitty: "I'm in the middle of painting my claws. Try again later."
HS: Are you ignoring me?
Kitty: "My Meow Mix spells Y-E-S."

Don't you think the Kitty is being just a bit catty?

Your Business Is Important To Us: Clive Thompson has found what may be the best telephone on hold message ever created. It's not surprising that it would be the work of JetBlue Airways, the discount airline making a name for itself with great rates and clever marketing. Here's an excerpt:

"You know, everyone seems to think being on hold is a bad thing. Let's re-examine this, shall we? Don't look at it as being on hold. Look at it as being held! Because we all like to be held -- don't we?" (read more via Collision Detection)



© 2003 JetBlue Airways

$1 Million Per Inch: Every inch of snow that falls in NYC costs the city about $1 million to clean up, according to CNN. With the National Weather Service reporting total accumulation in Central Park of 19.5 inches as of 6 pm, I can only imagine how big a bite this storm is going to take out of the NYC budget.

Guess if the snow is going to cost us a pretty penny, we might as well enjoy every inch.

Eyes and Ears Part 2: Wireless devices with built-in cameras are making it easier for people to provide their personal snapshot of the world around them by posting photos to the Web as soon as they take them. Covering today's blizzard is just one example. This gallery of user-submitted photos of last weekend's anti-war demonstrations from around the world (screened and selected by editors of the BBC) is another example.



© 2003 keithwj
via Hiptop Nation

President's Day: Happy President's Day. Huh? It just seemed like the right thing to say. Wonder if there is room on the rock for any other worthy presidents? Who would you suggest? Let me know.

High Times: Read this advertisement in today's NYT Job Market section:

Publishing
Editor For High Times

"High Times seeks an editor w/5+ yrs consumer mag exp to help establish a fresh editorial direction. Knowl of the subject matter essential."

I imagine firsthand knowledge is preferable.

Behind The Duct Tape Craze: The New York Times -- as only it can -- highlights the social and historical significance of duct tape, now that the silvery adhesive is an integral part of our homeland security strategy.



© 2001-2003
Dr Zags Mountain Tools

Watch Out For Wesley: Interesting appearance on Meet The Press today by retired General Wesley Clark, the former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. He sounded like a potential candidate for President in 2004 (as an independent or Democrat would be my guess) but was making no commitments or tipping his hand. Who knows if he's serious or just trying to promote his new book "Waging Modern War." Can he raise any money? What does he know about domestic policy?

A candidacy by Clark, who directed the NATO bombing campaign in Kosovo, would be one way for the Democratic Party to counteract the image some have of top Democratic leaders as lacking the resolve to wage war. Yet Clark is also expressing serious misgivings about war with Iraq, which separates him from hawks on the Republican Right. Could he be the Democrats' Colin Powell? This article from Slate on a Clark candidacy is worth reading.

Google Gobbles Pyra: Google just bought weblog pioneer Prya (they launched one of the first weblog software and hosting companies -- Blogger). Good collection of coverage at megnut.com. This is definitely a good thing for weblogs - more exposure and more reliable hosting and software services. As Jeff Jarvis mentions, Google is way too smart to favor Blogger sites over other Web logs in their search results. Expect to see more consolidation in this part of the blogsphere.