Website Of The Week
Feb 26, 2011
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, in it's infinite wisdom, has decided that someone needs to take Canada by the hand and lead it to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Hence, the Mothercorp. has created the website Live Right Now. Though the site appears somewhat busy and confusing at first, it contains some solid and down-to-earth advice on how to begin and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including heart health tips, healthy cuisine, improving your work/life balance and much more. There is even a series of challenges you can sign up for that is charted nationally so you won't be alone in your endeavours. Check it out and see what you think. Don't just take my word on it, listen to your mother...
Cheers,
M
liverightnow.ca
Cheers,
M
liverightnow.ca
Feb. 12, 2011
Well, we've just manage to clear away some of the bills from Christmas and lo and behold, we are now under full assault from the good people who bring you Valentines Day and all of it's guilt-induced commercial activity. While Hallmark would have us believe they came up with the idea for Valentine's Day, truth be told there is a long and fascinating history behind this day that has nothing to do with flowers or chocolates, but rather 'noble youths running up and down through the
city naked, for sport and laughter striking those they meet with
shaggy thongs'. Sweet! Check out this website for the full story and then you may want to set about composing your own epic paean to love.
Cheers,
M
www.solarnavigator.net/mythology/saint_valentines_day.htm
Cheers,
M
www.solarnavigator.net/mythology/saint_valentines_day.htm
Feb. 1,2011
The Atlas of the Universe
"This web page is designed to give everyone an idea of what our universe actually looks like. There are nine main maps , each one approximately ten times the scale of the previous one. The first map shows the nearest stars and then the other maps slowly expand out until we have reached the scale of the entire visible universe".
Thus begins the preamble for the amazing Atlas of the Universe website. Haven't you ever wondered what the universe looks like? The thought often crosses my mind when I’m out stargazing. This Web site gives you nine maps that help you see how the universe unfolds
Each map is approximately ten times the size of the previous one. You'll start out at 12.5 light years from the sun and end up 14 billion light years from the sun. That’s quite a journey!
Once you click into a map, you can continue your journey by clicking on Zoom Out. That will take you to the next map. You can also click on Zoom In to return to the previous map.
Below each map, you’ll find information that pertains to what you’re seeing on the map. For example, on the second map, you can learn all about the Hyades Star Cluster.
You may also find links to additional maps beneath the map you're viewing. For example, on the first map, you’ll find a link to a map that shows where Earth is.
Back on the main page, beneath all the map links, you'll find links to a Glossary, Useful Links and Negative Images.
Exploring the known universe; an altogether fascinating and wonderful way to spend a few hours on a cold winter's day. Check it out...
www.atlasoftheuniverse.com
Dec. 18, 2010
Are you suffering from Adultitis? Apparently this debilitating disease is much more common than we thought. During what is (or should be) the most joyous time of the year, it would be a good idea to have a checkup and run a few tests to determine if you too are suffering from this dreaded condition. Luckily, help is just a mouse click away: "Adultitis.org. The official website dedicated to increasing awareness while providing diagnosis and treatment for Adultitis, the sinister epidemic that makes the Black Death look like a trip to Disneyland. Get Tested Now!" Skim through the facts on Adultitis, find out about diagnosis and take the test yourself to see how you fare, then check out the prescriptions link and find out how you can be cured. I myself have been diagnosed as suffering from Stage 1 Adultitis, but I am going to go to work on the cure immediately. I think there's still hope for me, what about you? Click the link below to find out...
Cheers
M
www.adultitis.org
Cheers
M
www.adultitis.org
Nov. 9, 2010
"The Canada Remembers Program endeavours to keep alive the achievements and sacrifices made by those who served Canada in times of war and peace; to engage communities in remembrance of these achievements and sacrifices; and, to promote an understanding of their significance in Canadian life as we know it today." So begins the preamble to the Canada Remembers page of the Veterans Affairs Canada website. On it you will find fascinating stories of Canada's involvement in world conflicts. It makes for interesting and thought provoking reading, and it's an excellent way to begin your Remembrance Day reflections.
M
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=feature
M
www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=feature
Nov. 01, 2010
Just when we thought we wouldn't see our classmates for another 10 years or so, along comes the MMC 60th anniversary reunion, scheduled for 2012. The organizers are looking for help with this enormous undertaking and Jim Smith is looking for former staff and students to serve with the MMC Alumni Association as well. They have their own website which outlines their mandate and also provides an extensive history of the school as well as an archive of old newspaper articles focusing on the development of, and daily life in East Kildonan. I spent some time on it and it is very cool to immerse oneself in local history. I will go back many times I'm sure. Check it out!
M
http://www.mmcalumni.ca/v2/
M
http://www.mmcalumni.ca/v2/
Oct. 19, 2010
"Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world." So begins the introduction to the Playing for Change organization that I discovered only recently, but which has been recording musicians from around the world and creating amazing and beautiful music videos since 2005. I highly recommend that you go to the site to enjoy some phenomenal world music and to hear what the creators of this extraordinary project have to say.
M
http://www.playingforchange.com/journey/introduction
P. S. Below is just a small sample of what you'll find there
M
http://www.playingforchange.com/journey/introduction
P. S. Below is just a small sample of what you'll find there
Aug. 30, 2o1o
Hey all. This is a shameless but well deserved plug for my dear sister-in-law and good friend Kathryne Grisim (nee Kapilik), and her fascinating website called Food Musings. Kath's foodie blog is a personal collection of travel stories, recipes, fave restaurants and celebrating life with food. Kath is an absolutely beautiful soul and a gifted writer, with a keen eye for amazing food and travel photography. If you love food, family and travel (and who doesn't?) you'll adore her as much as I do. Check it out below.
Cheers,
-M-
www.foodmusings.ca
Aug. 22,2010
Safety concerns or cash grab? We all know the speed traps are out there, waiting to catch speeders as they go by. Whether in plain view or hidden, they exist all over the place. They have long been at the center of controversy here in the 'Peg. You’re probably familiar with the ones on your usual driving routes, but what if you’re driving in a strange neighbourhood or on an out of city or province trip?
This Web site is devoted to helping you avoid speed traps during your travels. It is an American website but there is a pretty substantial database of speed traps in Winnipeg . You can also help out by reporting the speed traps you know about by clicking on the add a speed trap link at the top of the page.
There's also a few other interesting links to check out here on this page, like how to fight a speeding ticket.
Now, nobody is advocating for excessive speed here, and your best defence is to always drive safely and prudently, but it doesn't hurt to level the playing field a bit, eh;)
M
www.speedtrap.org
This Web site is devoted to helping you avoid speed traps during your travels. It is an American website but there is a pretty substantial database of speed traps in Winnipeg . You can also help out by reporting the speed traps you know about by clicking on the add a speed trap link at the top of the page.
There's also a few other interesting links to check out here on this page, like how to fight a speeding ticket.
Now, nobody is advocating for excessive speed here, and your best defence is to always drive safely and prudently, but it doesn't hurt to level the playing field a bit, eh;)
M
www.speedtrap.org
July 26, 2010
OURS!! Stay tuned for video and photos of the main event. If you took any photos you would like to share, please send them in, preferably as JPEGs sized for optimum web display (e.g. 640 x 640 resolution), but if you don't know your JPEG from your TIFF, just send them in any way you can and we'll figure it out, to [email protected]
July 21, 2010
Hey all. This is a shameless (though non-paying) plug for Winnipeg's newest rock station, K-Rock 100.7, that opened for business on July 6th. It features the Bob and Tom Show in the mornings, which is laugh 'til you pee your pants hilarious, amazing music sets featuring lots of less exposed b-sides and alternate takes, a gutsy noon blues session, Mandatory Marley at 3 p.m., featuring the immortal music of Bob Marley and the Wailers, and tons more. Best part? You have to listen long and hard to find a commercial break or the vacuous prattle of an on-air personality. But you will hear hours of great music! It is now my preferred car and internet listening station and I hereby unilaterally proclaim K-Rock as "The radio station of the ComeHomeMilesMac74 reunion weekend". If that's OK with everybody else, that is. Anyway check it out on the dial at 100.7 fm or click on the link below. Happy listening.
M
http://www.krockwinnipeg.com/
June 14, 2010
We as a society, and me as a lonely loser in my basement, are spending way too much time on our computers these days. When it feels like you're chained to your monitor,
theRadio.com is a great way to listen to music online. It's super quick and easy to use, too. After the short advertisement plays, you’ll be given a search prompt. Just type in the name of your favorite artist or genre and hit Enter. That will start the searching process for your artist or genre.
If there's more than one match for your entry, you’ll get a listing of channels to choose from. For example, I typed in Mozart and from my results, I had a lot of different channels to select from. In fact, I'm currently listening to his "Piano Concerto #27 in B Flat Major Larghetto". Gorgeous!!
Once you’ve listened to a channel, you can click on the History tab to see the channels you’ve already listened to. That's really helpful if you’ve switched channels, but didn’t like what you heard and wanted to go back to what you were previously listening to.
The Channels tab lets you pick a channel to listen to from their default listing. That's a great way to listen to a specific genre.
No matter how you look at it, you’re getting great music streaming right off your computer for free! And, the sound quality is amazing. You can change channels as your mood changes and you can even keep track of your favorites. Save this website in your Bookmarks for when you just can't get away from that nasty desktop or laptop. Remember, it's all about the music, in whatever style that floats your boat;-). Happy listening!
-M-
www.theradio.com
theRadio.com is a great way to listen to music online. It's super quick and easy to use, too. After the short advertisement plays, you’ll be given a search prompt. Just type in the name of your favorite artist or genre and hit Enter. That will start the searching process for your artist or genre.
If there's more than one match for your entry, you’ll get a listing of channels to choose from. For example, I typed in Mozart and from my results, I had a lot of different channels to select from. In fact, I'm currently listening to his "Piano Concerto #27 in B Flat Major Larghetto". Gorgeous!!
Once you’ve listened to a channel, you can click on the History tab to see the channels you’ve already listened to. That's really helpful if you’ve switched channels, but didn’t like what you heard and wanted to go back to what you were previously listening to.
The Channels tab lets you pick a channel to listen to from their default listing. That's a great way to listen to a specific genre.
No matter how you look at it, you’re getting great music streaming right off your computer for free! And, the sound quality is amazing. You can change channels as your mood changes and you can even keep track of your favorites. Save this website in your Bookmarks for when you just can't get away from that nasty desktop or laptop. Remember, it's all about the music, in whatever style that floats your boat;-). Happy listening!
-M-
www.theradio.com
May 26, 2010
Those of you who have never lost your taste for cool will no doubt find something to make your heart flutter over at The Cool Hunter, a culture and design webzine that my very discerning young nephew, Blaise, introduced me to a year or so ago. I especially like the Architecture and Travel items, and am impatiently awaiting the upcoming Treelife exhibition, but Michael may want to check out the Brionvega stereo system on the Gadgets page: www.thecoolhunter.net.
May 17, 2010
Wordle is a toy for creating "word clouds" from text that the user provides. The program gives greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can play with different layouts, fonts and colour schemes and print your creation or share it with others on the Internet. On the left is a word cloud I created by linking to our blog page. Among other things, it seems we talk about weight and wine a lot. Try it out at www.wordle.net.
May 8, 2010
Whether you loved art class or abhorred it, I'm willing to bet you'll get a kick out of this: www.manetas.com/pollock/.
May 1, 2010
Are you ready to listen to the soundtrack of your life? Maybe create your own 70's style music station? This website allows you to create custom music stations based on your music preferences and mood! At MeeMix, all you need to get started is the name of a song or an artist you like. The site will then give you a list to choose from and if what you're looking for is there, great! Go ahead and choose it and it will start playing for you. If it didn’t find what you wanted, simply try a new search. I picked what might be my all-time fave artists, Steely Dan, and got lucky with "Reelin' In The Years". Once you’ve found something you like, it will ask you to register so that you can save your preferences.
Registration is super easy! All you have to do is click Register (it doesn’t even interrupt the song your station is playing), type in a username, click the button next to that to check its availability and then enter in a password. Next, it needs an e-mail address and for you to type in your confirmation image. That’s it! You are now logged in and MeeMix is recording your preferences.
Now, you will notice on the left side of the screen that you have a station listing and beneath that, you have some slider bars for your Mood Control. The first one is surprise, the second is pulse and the third is volume. The first slider (surprise) controls the variety of the station, playing tunes that are more of a variant than what you originally selected. This is an amazing way to stumble across new music you'll love that you would never have otherwise heard. The second slider bar (pulse) controls the tone of the music. The left is more relaxed and the right is more upbeat and aggressive. The third controls the volume of the music. If you hear something you don't like, you don’t have to keep listening to it. Just use the slider bar under the middle section of the page. Slide it all the way under and the station will move on. You may have to do this quite a bit at first, but it is very worthwhile, as your choices customize your station. Of course, if there is something you really like, make sure you rate it as "hot" so that you keep getting more music just like it!
Game Mode – What a riot! If you are anything of a music trivia buff you're going to love this. What you have to do is identify music you hear in the first 30 seconds. It is based on the music you listen to on the station you're building , so you have a good chance of answering correctly. The answer to each question is worth 12 points to start and the score goes down as you use the hints. Of course, you get zero points if you answer incorrectly. The best part is that you get to hear all this great music. A perfect time-waster, I would say (JD, this is for you;). If you click the X in the top right corner, you can go back to your station, where you can continue to listen to your music.
If you run into any problems, go to the Quick Help section. You’ll find that button right below the station in the right hand side corner. There you will find some tips that will really help you out. Keep your MeeMix station bookmarked so you can just call it up and let it play in the background while you're working on something else at the computer. Perfect!
Remember, its all about the music. Now, get over there and enjoy!
http://www.meemix.com/intro/
Registration is super easy! All you have to do is click Register (it doesn’t even interrupt the song your station is playing), type in a username, click the button next to that to check its availability and then enter in a password. Next, it needs an e-mail address and for you to type in your confirmation image. That’s it! You are now logged in and MeeMix is recording your preferences.
Now, you will notice on the left side of the screen that you have a station listing and beneath that, you have some slider bars for your Mood Control. The first one is surprise, the second is pulse and the third is volume. The first slider (surprise) controls the variety of the station, playing tunes that are more of a variant than what you originally selected. This is an amazing way to stumble across new music you'll love that you would never have otherwise heard. The second slider bar (pulse) controls the tone of the music. The left is more relaxed and the right is more upbeat and aggressive. The third controls the volume of the music. If you hear something you don't like, you don’t have to keep listening to it. Just use the slider bar under the middle section of the page. Slide it all the way under and the station will move on. You may have to do this quite a bit at first, but it is very worthwhile, as your choices customize your station. Of course, if there is something you really like, make sure you rate it as "hot" so that you keep getting more music just like it!
Game Mode – What a riot! If you are anything of a music trivia buff you're going to love this. What you have to do is identify music you hear in the first 30 seconds. It is based on the music you listen to on the station you're building , so you have a good chance of answering correctly. The answer to each question is worth 12 points to start and the score goes down as you use the hints. Of course, you get zero points if you answer incorrectly. The best part is that you get to hear all this great music. A perfect time-waster, I would say (JD, this is for you;). If you click the X in the top right corner, you can go back to your station, where you can continue to listen to your music.
If you run into any problems, go to the Quick Help section. You’ll find that button right below the station in the right hand side corner. There you will find some tips that will really help you out. Keep your MeeMix station bookmarked so you can just call it up and let it play in the background while you're working on something else at the computer. Perfect!
Remember, its all about the music. Now, get over there and enjoy!
http://www.meemix.com/intro/