Archiv: English

Steve

An era has ended, and we now sit to reflect on our good fortune for having lived in a time when a true giant walked the Earth.

Matt Drance so eloquently says what I have been trying to put into words. We live in a truly amazing time, and some of its awesomeness is Steve’s work. He has truly, undeniably changed the world we live in. He also was, and is, an inspiration. I am deeply grateful to have shared a planet with him.

Jason Kottke has collected some great stories, thoughts and videos on Steve. Do yourself a favor and read some, or at least watch this video.

Thank you, Steve. 

Say Something Nice

Feeling down? Watch this.

Stanley Kubrick:

The most terrifying fact of the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent; but if we can come to terms with this indifference and accept the challenges of life within the boundaries of death — however mutable man may be able to make them — our existence as a species can have genuine meaning and fulfillment.

However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light.

This is one of the most beautiful and true things I have ever read.

The Trivialities and Transcendence of Kickstarter

A great article on the inception of Kickstarter.

Stephen Fry on Star Trek, Douglas Adams, and More

I could listen to Stephen talk for hours on end. Well, I actually did and so should you. First watch this interview, then buy his (audio)book Moab Is My Washpot. You’re welcome.

‪The Axis of Awesome: 4 Chords

A cover of pretty much every pop song ever using only four chords: D A Bm G. Made me smile.

Oh Fuck: Facebook acquires Push Pop Press

Money quote:

There are no plans to continue publishing new titles or building out our publishing platform that was in private beta.

I don’t usually blog about any current tech news, but this one’s different. I’m pissed. Seriously, these guys had a shot at changing the way e-books work, they were among to first to make one that doesn’t suck and then they sell out to fucking Facebook? The company with the utterly unusable website, an incredibly shitty iPhone app and a level of sheer creepiness that makes me shiver every time I use it? Are you fucking kidding me? I just can’t believe this shit.

(Sorry for ranting, but damn, that needed to be said. Imma listen to some quiet music now.)

The Art Of Listening

When I give myself time in the morning or evening to simply lay down and listen to music I catch myself getting lost in the words or nuances of a recording. Other times I find I am staring off into the sky lost in a memory or an idea. It gives me a chance to slow down and get lost in my own mind.

I think we all need more moments like this.

Portal 2 with Erik Wolpaw

One of the writers of Portal 2 plays through a part of the game while talking about the development process behind it.

‪Outside Aperture

An incredibly good short film taking place after the original ending of Portal.

Thibaut Sailly on Our Choice

Kudos for writing the review I was to lazy to write. Apart from that, I also like his opening statement on eBooks in general:

Because of these lacks in function and emotions, I tend to perceive eBooks as a convenience: you can buy them from your couch, they have no weight, and they don’t age. You give away all the sexyness, presence and reliability of a nice paper book for accessibility and zero impact on your bookshelf.

That’s kind of sad, but also true.

Happy Towel Day

A towel, it says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have. Partly it has great practical value. You can wrap it around you for warmth as you bound across the cold moons of Jaglan Beta; you can lie on it on the brilliant marble-sanded beaches of Santraginus V, inhaling the heady sea vapors; you can sleep under it beneath the stars which shine so redly on the desert world of Kakrafoon; […]

You haven’t read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy? Go do it now.