the pod bay door

This is pretty cool. Doc Searls and David Weinberger (author of Small Pieces Loosely Joined) have created a page called World of Ends – What The Internet Is and How to Stop Mistaking It For Something Else.

The Nutshell:

1. The Internet isn’t complicated
2. The Internet isn’t a thing. It’s an agreement.
3. The Internet is stupid.
4. Adding value to the Internet lowers its value.
5. All the Internet’s value grows on its edges.
6. Money moves to the suburbs.
7. The end of the world? Nah, the world of ends.
8. The Internet’s three virtues:

a. No one owns it

b. Everyone can use it

c. Anyone can improve it
9. If the Internet is so simple, why have so many been so boneheaded about it?
10. Some mistakes we can stop making already

:: Have you heard about flash mobs? “Flash mobs are performance art projects involving large groups of people. Mobilized by e-mail, a mob suddenly materializes in a public place, acts out according to some loose instructions, and then melts away as quickly as it formed.” (From Wired News.)

:: I’ve been living at what feels to be a fast speed of late. Since early June, it has felt as if the weeks of summer are moving faster than normal. Beginning with the Evidence Based Librarianship Conference on June 5-6, things took off. On June 7 I flew to NYC for the SLA conference, followed by a week of holidaze there. Upon my return, I saw the Moody Blues perform, and the last weekend on June saw my surprise birthday party, and a 4-day visit from my parents as well. Two weekends ago I drove to Winnipeg for a week, the impetus being a 32nd-year high school reunion, which as you may have read, was a total blast (from the past) of fun. In two days, I drive to Calgary, then on to Washington State to see Steely Dan perform at The Gorge on Saturday. Upon returning, I’ll be working backstage with the performers at the EFMF again (12th year in a row). I’ll have more details about this soon.

:: As a lifelong fan of Warner Bros cartoons (Bugs, Daffy, Foghorn, Elmer, etc.), I’m pleased to learn that Warner Home Video will finally be releasing a 4-DVD set of Looney Tunes on October 28th. Fifty-six of the best cartoons will be included, all digitally remastered, and apparently looking great. More details available here.

:: Margaret sent me a link to the MoOM: Museum of Online Museums. Check out the Museum of Soviet Calculators or the Singing Postcards site from BBC Radio. But the Moist Towelette Online Museum? Dirty Swedish Book Covers (Svensk snuskprosa, omslag 1925-84)?

:: BTW, it’s Monday, July 28th, 11:56 pm MDT as I post this. The date above is earlier because I began this entry on Sunday, in draft format.

:: Have you heard the story about The Star Wars Kid? A 15-year old Québec boy named Ghsylain videotaped himself at school, pretending he was a Jedi knight, and using a broomstick as a light sabre. Apparently his “friends” found the video, uploaded it to the ‘net on April 19, and others soon found it. The video shot around the planet at lightspeed. Some took the original video and added sound and special effects. Over 40 clone videos exist at this time. As well, there is an online petition to get the kid a cameo in the final Star Wars movie.

What can I say? Admittedly, some of the clone videos are hilarious.

What began as a nightmare for this kid is already becoming an Internet legend. Hopefully he might be able to recover a bit of dignity in the process.

:: My brother’s brief report on Elvis Costello’s appearance at the Calgary Folk Music Festival two hours ago is available for viewing.

:: I was at work today, felt like going in for one day this week. Tomorrow is another lazy day. I attended my Pilates class tonight and it felt like gentle torture. Tonight in my computer room at home I found some misplaced photographs and a lost business card with an important phone number on it. Two discoveries in 30 minutes! Now if only I could find the book that’s gone awol…

:: The temperature has been hovering in the 30C (86F) range here for a couple days. Very hot, I have fans on throughout the house. I will return to work tomorrow for one day, then take Friday off. (Don’t ask, it’s something I feel I have to do).

:: If I was retired and flush with cash, or independently wealthy, I’d consider attending the 10-day World 3-D Film Expo, 12-21 September 2003, in Hollywood.

:: I bought skater shoes and sandals today. No pictures available at this time.

:: Back in Edmonton, after a 12-hour drive from Brandon yesterday, where I’d spent the night at a friend’s house. (Thanks, Cathy!). The last three days in Winnipeg were much fun, very memorable. I am exhausted on many fronts: emotionally, physically, mentally. I am “peopled” out. Here are the details from the open house on July 18th:
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