Metacafe is a professional online video clip page I was introduced to (and hooked on) a week ago. Unlike most pages these days, you are actually able to download the movies to you computer if you want to. Here comes the first compilation of clips from the page I consider time well spent viewing.
See an inspiring magazine ad, watch a bunch of morons or more skilled people with remarkable talents.
The last three clips deals with basketball: Top ten (NBA) dunks, a series of far far away three-pointers (is this real?) or just once in a lifetime (or history) shot.
Did you miss part 1, 2 and 3 in the Online Clips series?
Monday, March 27, 2006
Saturday, March 25, 2006
E: Aussiewealth Games
The 18th Commonwealth Games is currently blossoming in Melbourne. From March 15 to 26 (this Sunday), 4500 athletes from all the 71 Commonwealth nations compete against each other in 16 sports in a total of 24 events, including netball, mountain bike cycling, lawn balls, shooting and the various events in track and field. An estimated 50,000 interstate and 40,000 international visitors add to the 3.3 million inhabitants for these weeks of sports and festivities.
Personally I have briefly watch a few moments on TV, including parts of the opening ceremony. The only actual event I attended was the Rubgy7s with Darshini last Thursday, watching 12 teams playing 16 games to qualify for the playoffs (see pictures). Amongst them where the nations which a few days later proved to finish on top: New Zealand, England, Fiji and Australia. I mainly came to see Fiji playing, after being inspired by their enthusiasm when visiting.
Coming from a school of criticism (journalism), I have a few reflections to make.
¤ The Commonwealth of Nation is a organization based on the former British, imperialistic empire. 53 states plus some 18 territories make up an English speaking group of nations scattered randomly all over the world. In spite a population of numerous 1.8 billion, I struggle to see why the colonist history should be such great grounds for athleticism. It’s not regional, nor is it worldwide.
¤ The assemblage of countries, The Commonwealth Games Federation, leaves out many of the biggest sport powers in the world and will not really measure who is good or bad in the carefully selected sports, other than within the geopolitical construct. There are only a few countries with athletes in these certain sports to really content each other. And by the looks of the medal tally, this is more Aussie games than anything else. The people and the media love it though.
¤ Except the ability to compete in the wealthier countries every four years, the poorest countries did not then, nor now, really benefit much from belonging to a compilation of some Western powers. Except, of course, when athletes from the poorest country, Sierra Leone, decides to suddenly (illegally) “disappeared” on Australian soil.
¤ I also appreciate the inclusion of the “Elite Athletes with Disabilities” (EAD).
I struggle a bit to understand the motivation for the event walk (Norwegian: kappgang), where the athletes compete with a constructed moving handicap: “Walkers are expected to maintain good form and are penalised for bending the knee as it passes under the body or having no foot-to-ground contact.” It is not natural, it doesn’t look healthy, it makes the races last longer and it just looks funny.
¤ I must say though, sport is a fun way to get together, and people seem to enjoy themselves in spite increased traffic and crowded streets. It’s good for the city and the country.
Personally I have briefly watch a few moments on TV, including parts of the opening ceremony. The only actual event I attended was the Rubgy7s with Darshini last Thursday, watching 12 teams playing 16 games to qualify for the playoffs (see pictures). Amongst them where the nations which a few days later proved to finish on top: New Zealand, England, Fiji and Australia. I mainly came to see Fiji playing, after being inspired by their enthusiasm when visiting.
Coming from a school of criticism (journalism), I have a few reflections to make.
¤ The Commonwealth of Nation is a organization based on the former British, imperialistic empire. 53 states plus some 18 territories make up an English speaking group of nations scattered randomly all over the world. In spite a population of numerous 1.8 billion, I struggle to see why the colonist history should be such great grounds for athleticism. It’s not regional, nor is it worldwide.
¤ The assemblage of countries, The Commonwealth Games Federation, leaves out many of the biggest sport powers in the world and will not really measure who is good or bad in the carefully selected sports, other than within the geopolitical construct. There are only a few countries with athletes in these certain sports to really content each other. And by the looks of the medal tally, this is more Aussie games than anything else. The people and the media love it though.
¤ Except the ability to compete in the wealthier countries every four years, the poorest countries did not then, nor now, really benefit much from belonging to a compilation of some Western powers. Except, of course, when athletes from the poorest country, Sierra Leone, decides to suddenly (illegally) “disappeared” on Australian soil.
¤ I also appreciate the inclusion of the “Elite Athletes with Disabilities” (EAD).
I struggle a bit to understand the motivation for the event walk (Norwegian: kappgang), where the athletes compete with a constructed moving handicap: “Walkers are expected to maintain good form and are penalised for bending the knee as it passes under the body or having no foot-to-ground contact.” It is not natural, it doesn’t look healthy, it makes the races last longer and it just looks funny.
¤ I must say though, sport is a fun way to get together, and people seem to enjoy themselves in spite increased traffic and crowded streets. It’s good for the city and the country.
Friday, March 24, 2006
E: Instant Chinese
In between all the serious work e-mail today, there was a humorous crash course in the greatest mother tongue. Read and laugh.
(1) That's not right: Sum Ting Wong
(2) Are you harbouring a fugitive: Hu Yu Hai Ding
(3) See me ASAP: Kum Hia
(4) Small Horse: Tai Ni Po Ni
(5) Did you go to the beach: Wai Yu So Tan
(6) I bumped the coffee table: Ai Bang Mai Ni
(7) I think you need a face lift: Chin Tu Fat
(8) Its Very dark in here: Wai So Dim
(9) I thought you were on a diet: Wai Yu Mun Ching
(10) This is a tow away zone: No Pah King
(11) Our meeting is scheduled for next week: Wai Yu Kum Nao
(12) Staying out of sight: Lei Ying Lo
(13) He's cleaning his automobile: Wa Shing Ka
(14) Your body odour is offensive: Yu Stin Ki Pu
(15) Great: Su Pah
(1) That's not right: Sum Ting Wong
(2) Are you harbouring a fugitive: Hu Yu Hai Ding
(3) See me ASAP: Kum Hia
(4) Small Horse: Tai Ni Po Ni
(5) Did you go to the beach: Wai Yu So Tan
(6) I bumped the coffee table: Ai Bang Mai Ni
(7) I think you need a face lift: Chin Tu Fat
(8) Its Very dark in here: Wai So Dim
(9) I thought you were on a diet: Wai Yu Mun Ching
(10) This is a tow away zone: No Pah King
(11) Our meeting is scheduled for next week: Wai Yu Kum Nao
(12) Staying out of sight: Lei Ying Lo
(13) He's cleaning his automobile: Wa Shing Ka
(14) Your body odour is offensive: Yu Stin Ki Pu
(15) Great: Su Pah
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
X: Lip block/Anti-kyssesyken
Yesterday I read about how dangerous it can be to kiss a person with allergies if you have eaten something she/he cannot handle. Even mouthwash, chewing gum, brushing your teeth or waiting several hours will not remove the socalled “allergens”. Darshini can fortunately confirm she doesn’t have any allergies.
However, Monday there were dotty sores forming underneath my nose, which today was diagnosed to be herpes mild (cold sores). Recent flu and stress may have been the contagious combination. The disease is now regressing, but I still have to keep my lips on a distance to my dear for some days ahead.
Life can be tough :D
Although I may should have been a little more worried (or disappointed) that I have a non-treatable (yet not dangerous, and very common) bug in my system.
---
I går leste jeg om hvor farlig det kan være å kysse en allergiker om du har spist noe han/henne ikke tåler. Selv tannpuss, munnvann, tyggegummi og flere timers ventetid vil ikke fjerne de såkalte ”allergenene”. Darshini kan bekrefte at hun er allergifri.
Mandag dannet det seg en form for prikkete munnsår under nesen min, som i dag ble konstatert til å være mildeste form for herpes. De siste dagene med hektisk program og influensatendenser kan være årsaken. Sykdommen er på vei tilbake nå, men jeg må likevel holde leppene på avstand til min kjære (eller tunga rett i munnen) noen dager fremover.
Det skal ikke være lett, selv om kanskje det faktum at jeg har en uhelbredelig (dog ikke farlig, og nokså vanlig) sykdom i systemet kanskje burde bekymre meg mer :)
However, Monday there were dotty sores forming underneath my nose, which today was diagnosed to be herpes mild (cold sores). Recent flu and stress may have been the contagious combination. The disease is now regressing, but I still have to keep my lips on a distance to my dear for some days ahead.
Life can be tough :D
Although I may should have been a little more worried (or disappointed) that I have a non-treatable (yet not dangerous, and very common) bug in my system.
---
I går leste jeg om hvor farlig det kan være å kysse en allergiker om du har spist noe han/henne ikke tåler. Selv tannpuss, munnvann, tyggegummi og flere timers ventetid vil ikke fjerne de såkalte ”allergenene”. Darshini kan bekrefte at hun er allergifri.
Mandag dannet det seg en form for prikkete munnsår under nesen min, som i dag ble konstatert til å være mildeste form for herpes. De siste dagene med hektisk program og influensatendenser kan være årsaken. Sykdommen er på vei tilbake nå, men jeg må likevel holde leppene på avstand til min kjære (eller tunga rett i munnen) noen dager fremover.
Det skal ikke være lett, selv om kanskje det faktum at jeg har en uhelbredelig (dog ikke farlig, og nokså vanlig) sykdom i systemet kanskje burde bekymre meg mer :)
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
X: Name memory/Navnehukommelse
Although I tend to be able to pronounce people’s names, I have been good with remembering then. Especially not in new environments (like moving to Melbourne) with stacks of new faces. “Everyone” remembers my name as it is different and I am one of the few new ones to most, while I on the other hand time and time again am ashamed of not connect the appearance (which I immediately recognize) to proper names. Often you rather challenge your creativity, than surrender by admitting that you cannot remember someone’s name. There is like an unspoken rule that after a certain number of attempts, you cannot ask a person's name anymore.
Why is it like this? The personal name is the most universal way of identifying a person. It is possibly also the simplest and most unique word to use for distinct a specific individual from a larger group. The name is one of the first, and therefore ranked as one of the most important, piece of information that are exchanged between new acquaintances. Names are most often short, and should therefore not be too hard to keep in mind. If you don’t it is (sadly) almost synonymous with that you have not paid interest or don’t think much of the person in question.
Personally I believe that personality and life foundation are far more important points of remembrance than both name, education and age. Some people have better “name memory” than others. Besides, the expanding name database is on of which it is gradually tougher to keep track. You hear thousands of variations after “my name is” throughout a life time, especially in regards to traveling and moving.
I guess this reflection is primarily an excuse and apology to those out there who I cannot remember by name.
---
Navn har jeg aldri vært en kløpper på, særlig ikke i stadig nye omgivelser med haugevis av nye ansikter. ”Alle” husker ditt navn fordi det er annerledes og du er en av de få nye, mens du til stadighet skjemmes av å ikke kunne koble ansikt (som du gjenkjenner umiddelbart) til egennavn. Ofte foretrekker jeg å utfordre kreativiteten, enn å måtte innrømme at navnet ikke engang ligger på tungen. Det er som en uskrevet regel sier at man etter et begrenset antall repetisjoner ikke lenger kan spørre om en persons navn.
Hvorfor er det slik? Personnavn er den mest universale måten å identifisere en person på. Det er, om mulig, også den enkleste og mest unike ordet man kan benytte for å skille ut et bestemt individ fra en større gruppe. Navnet er noe av det første, og dermed rangert som noe av det viktigste, biten av informasjon som utveksles mellom nye bekjentskaper. Navn er som regel ikke lange, og burde være greie å huske ganske lett. Husker man dem ikke, er det nærmest synonymt med at man ikke har vist interesse eller synes noe særlig om personen.
Personlig mener jeg at det å huske personligheten du har og hva du står for er mye viktigere enn både navn, utdanning og alder. Og enkelte har bedre ”navnehukommelse” enn andre. Dessuten blir det stadig vanskeligere å holde styr på navnebanken, for hver ny person man eksponeres for. Man hørerer flere tusen varianter etter ”jeg heter” i løpet av et liv, særlig i sammenheng med reising og flytting. Denne betraktningen er vel i grunn primært en unnskyldning og beklagelse til de der ute jeg ikke husker ved navn.
Why is it like this? The personal name is the most universal way of identifying a person. It is possibly also the simplest and most unique word to use for distinct a specific individual from a larger group. The name is one of the first, and therefore ranked as one of the most important, piece of information that are exchanged between new acquaintances. Names are most often short, and should therefore not be too hard to keep in mind. If you don’t it is (sadly) almost synonymous with that you have not paid interest or don’t think much of the person in question.
Personally I believe that personality and life foundation are far more important points of remembrance than both name, education and age. Some people have better “name memory” than others. Besides, the expanding name database is on of which it is gradually tougher to keep track. You hear thousands of variations after “my name is” throughout a life time, especially in regards to traveling and moving.
I guess this reflection is primarily an excuse and apology to those out there who I cannot remember by name.
---
Navn har jeg aldri vært en kløpper på, særlig ikke i stadig nye omgivelser med haugevis av nye ansikter. ”Alle” husker ditt navn fordi det er annerledes og du er en av de få nye, mens du til stadighet skjemmes av å ikke kunne koble ansikt (som du gjenkjenner umiddelbart) til egennavn. Ofte foretrekker jeg å utfordre kreativiteten, enn å måtte innrømme at navnet ikke engang ligger på tungen. Det er som en uskrevet regel sier at man etter et begrenset antall repetisjoner ikke lenger kan spørre om en persons navn.
Hvorfor er det slik? Personnavn er den mest universale måten å identifisere en person på. Det er, om mulig, også den enkleste og mest unike ordet man kan benytte for å skille ut et bestemt individ fra en større gruppe. Navnet er noe av det første, og dermed rangert som noe av det viktigste, biten av informasjon som utveksles mellom nye bekjentskaper. Navn er som regel ikke lange, og burde være greie å huske ganske lett. Husker man dem ikke, er det nærmest synonymt med at man ikke har vist interesse eller synes noe særlig om personen.
Personlig mener jeg at det å huske personligheten du har og hva du står for er mye viktigere enn både navn, utdanning og alder. Og enkelte har bedre ”navnehukommelse” enn andre. Dessuten blir det stadig vanskeligere å holde styr på navnebanken, for hver ny person man eksponeres for. Man hørerer flere tusen varianter etter ”jeg heter” i løpet av et liv, særlig i sammenheng med reising og flytting. Denne betraktningen er vel i grunn primært en unnskyldning og beklagelse til de der ute jeg ikke husker ved navn.
Monday, March 20, 2006
X: Travel contemplations/reisebetraktninger
¤ Generally I am fairly tough when it comes to bargains and equal treatment with the locals when traveling – especially in developing countries. Lately though, I have gradually thought more of how being overpriced might be the best way of return some of the wealth with which one has been provided. Although I still prefer to tip the local industry with those extra few dollars AFTER bargain, negotiations or completed transaction or service, rather than paying a naïve foreigner (special) price.
¤ To travel solo can be the absolutely simplest way of proceeding from point A to B. But it may not be the funniest. To partake in a tour, saunter through museums or go for a run in new nature are often most comfortable alone. Yet, to have a person close to you while living through experiences is the winner alternative in the end. To exchange experiences, opinions and decisions; to undergo something together for mutual understanding and future common memory; to wait, be frustrated, be tired, be hungry, be exhausted together etc provide a more complete travel. All this presuppose that the desires, wishes, sleeping pattern, mood and opinions are fairly compatible.
---
¤ Lenge har jeg vært nokså hard på pruting og lik prisbehandling med lokale når jeg reiser. I det siste har jeg tenkt mer og mer på hvordan dette med litt overbetaling kanskje er den beste måten å gi litt tilbake av den rikdommen man er satt til å forvalte. Men enn så lenge foretrekker jeg heller å støtte lokalindustrien med de tre dollarene i tips ETTER pruting, forhandling eller utført tjeneste/salg, enn å betale en naiv utlending-pris.
¤ Å reise alene kan være den absolutt enkleste måten å komme seg fra A til B på, men ikke nødvendigvis den morsomste. Å ta del i en gruppreise, å tråkle gjennom museer eller å jogge en tur i ny natur er ofte særs komfortabelt i enspann. Men med å ha en nær person med seg samtidig som man er sammen forserer opplevelser, vinner nok til slutt. Å utveksle erfaringer, meninger og bestemmelser. Å erfare noe sammen for gjensidig forståelse og framtidig felles minne. Å vente, være frustrert, være trøtt, være sulten, sliten osv sammen, gir en mer totalt farbar reise. Dette forutsetter at reiseønskene ikke spriker ofr mye og at døgnrytme, humør og meninger er lett forenelig.
¤ To travel solo can be the absolutely simplest way of proceeding from point A to B. But it may not be the funniest. To partake in a tour, saunter through museums or go for a run in new nature are often most comfortable alone. Yet, to have a person close to you while living through experiences is the winner alternative in the end. To exchange experiences, opinions and decisions; to undergo something together for mutual understanding and future common memory; to wait, be frustrated, be tired, be hungry, be exhausted together etc provide a more complete travel. All this presuppose that the desires, wishes, sleeping pattern, mood and opinions are fairly compatible.
---
¤ Lenge har jeg vært nokså hard på pruting og lik prisbehandling med lokale når jeg reiser. I det siste har jeg tenkt mer og mer på hvordan dette med litt overbetaling kanskje er den beste måten å gi litt tilbake av den rikdommen man er satt til å forvalte. Men enn så lenge foretrekker jeg heller å støtte lokalindustrien med de tre dollarene i tips ETTER pruting, forhandling eller utført tjeneste/salg, enn å betale en naiv utlending-pris.
¤ Å reise alene kan være den absolutt enkleste måten å komme seg fra A til B på, men ikke nødvendigvis den morsomste. Å ta del i en gruppreise, å tråkle gjennom museer eller å jogge en tur i ny natur er ofte særs komfortabelt i enspann. Men med å ha en nær person med seg samtidig som man er sammen forserer opplevelser, vinner nok til slutt. Å utveksle erfaringer, meninger og bestemmelser. Å erfare noe sammen for gjensidig forståelse og framtidig felles minne. Å vente, være frustrert, være trøtt, være sulten, sliten osv sammen, gir en mer totalt farbar reise. Dette forutsetter at reiseønskene ikke spriker ofr mye og at døgnrytme, humør og meninger er lett forenelig.
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