Block the Pops

9 out of 10 people hate pop-ups, and the 10th person is the advertiser responsible for the ad. Argh. Some blocking software is actually worse than the cure, but good news is around the corner as Microsoft is saying that the new verions of IE will block those pesky things by default. Then ad spammers will have to find another way to bombard us with life insurance and airline travel ads.

Two Towers Extra Stuff

If some is good, more is better… right? Here’s a review of the Two Towers extended edition DVD that backs up this theorem. Spoilers alert! [via Dead Parrot]

Cool Christmas Cards Made Easy

I’m quick to tell my friends about websites that I like. Just today I used Club Photo to get some custom Christmas cards made. Pick the style, upload the photo, customize and viola! Simple! They should be arriving in the mail in less than 2 weeks. Yeah, I know… I’m cutting it close on time.

Amazon Search Explodes

Amazon already had a fairly gargantuan database of products. Then they come out with this. Now you can search all the words within each book! Un-freakin’-believable. Unfortunately, there might be a (greedy) fly in the (ecommerce) ointment. Some folks are saying it’s not the publisher’s right to allow full-text searching. Oh come on, it would probably help sell more copies, wouldn’t it?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is not a holiday devoted to turkeys, or eating, or even football. It’s a holiday designed for people to stop and take some time to celebrate the blessings we have in this great country of ours. Be thankful for everything good that you do have and don’t let materialism put your focus on things you don’t have. In related news, despite the risk Bush flew to Baghdad to spend some time with the troops and let them know how thankful we all are for their incredible service.

The Right Thing To Do

Is it so rare these days that people do what’s right, even if it costs them something in the process? It’s tempting to become the cynic but with people like Carmen Williams and Jake Jensen, maybe there is hope after all. [via Positive Press]

Photoshop Masters

Photoshop masters are pushed to their limits as they alter, modify and sometimes complete re-create photographs. Some use their powers for good, others for evil. In some of these contests, it’s hard to tell which motive was chosen? In any event, there is no doubt these artists have mad skillz. [via Presurfer]

They’ll Collect About Anything

Some collect stamps, others coins or even pokemon cards, but only Dr. Val collects toothpaste. And yes, he is a dentist. Maybe his parents gave him Hermey stuff growing up.

Innovation: Exhibit

Another example of what can be done on the Web with Flash, a bit of ingenuity and some solid design sense. Here is Oscar Mulero’s website.

Women Rebuilding Iraq

There is not enough postive news coming from Iraq. Not that there isn’t any, it’s just not being reported. Here’s something quite remarkable. Iraqi women are learning from the West what it takes to defend a democracy.

WTC Memorial Finalists

I’ve studied architecture in years past and love reflecting over the new designs, that have been put on display, for both the new World Trade Center and the Memorial. Here are some brief thoughts on each of the 8 finalists for the Memorial Competition.

1. Votives in Suspension
   After initial review, this might be my favorite. Each light represents a life lost in this intimate, muted environment. The lights are suspended as if moving up, reminding us the human souls eternal significance.
2. Lower Waters
   I found this entry to be weak and unimaginative, neither address the magnitude of loss or giving us a message for the future.
3. Passages of Light: Memorial Cloud
   Another one of my favorites as the victim’s individuality is represented in a creative and appropriate way all exposed for all to see—iberating and victorious.
4. Suspending Memory
   Representing life lost with life living rings true to my ear. Simple concept but powerful still.
5. Garden of Lights
   Probably my least favorite, as it leads me to a Hollywood-conclusion which is hollow and most-often pointless. Technology overshadows.
6. Reflecting Absence
   Interesting concept but is better implemented in other submissions, as the cold style leaves little to inspire.
7. Dual Memory
   I believe the intent of these designers might be pure but the eventual perception might not enhance the memory of those who died as well as say, the Votives or Cloud concepts. It’s also leaves a bit of the sour taste of advertising.
8. Inversion of Light
   Another interesting concept that the single image doesn’t adequately communicate. Could be nice but I’m unsure.

The Fan Belt’s Connected to the Fly Wheel

Jiffy Lube has a slick Flash demo on How Cars Work. Pictures communicate so much better than words. Can you imagine how boring this stuff would be without them?

Sentenced to Die

There is nothing more important than life, so it could possibly sound strange for you to hear me to say it’s a good thing that the jury recommends the death penalty for John Muhammad. This is true because now no additional innocent lives can be snuffed out by this disturbed individual.

Camara Phones are Hot, Hot, Hot

Camera phones can sing, “We are the champions!” Since their introduction three years ago, estimates say 80 million camphones have been sold. That makes them the fastest-growing consumer technology ever. Pretty impressive when you think that most of the people who bought one already have a cell phone and a camara.

The Writing on the Wall

Yesterday an etching of Luke 2:25 was found on an ancient shrine in Jerusalem’s Kidron Valley. The verse talks about Simeon who held Jesus as a baby. The question archeologists are now debating is whether Simeon, Zachariah and James are buried in this tomb as some believe.