The good John Dusenberry shared this article with me. It basically explains how we are a few decades away from reverse-engineering birds into dinosaurs using dormant genetic coding that exists from the days back when birds were dinosaurs, thus paving the way for a real-life Jurassic Park and possible dino-pets; no big deal, really.
The Walking Whale and the Collapse of Intelligent Design
Did you know whales once walked the earth? Back then, they were called Ambulocetus. Well, we call them that now, but that's what they were, they just didn't know it yet. Ambulocetus is remarkable because it has an internal ear system that could hear just as well underwater as well as land, suggesting the animal was transitioning from a land-locked to more aquatic lifestyle. Fairly solid evidence that whales originally lived on land (though those ancestors had ancestors who lived in the ocean). This is one of the many cool subjects mentioned in Ken Miller's lecture on evolution, and how it aught to be taught in the classroom. What I love about Mr. Miller is that he is a theist who, like me, goes to church and believes in the Christian concept of God and intelligent design (or ID), but sees that it is different from science. ID cannot yet be tested or proven through observation so it is by definition not a science. All around our country, folks are arguing otherwise, and men like Ben Stein are creating films lambasting the scientific community for keeping perspective, so it is important to take a long look at what we define as science and the importance of keeping education as objective as possible. Anyway, for those of you who are curious about life, the universe, and everything, check out Ken's lecture (it's entertaining, I promise)!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Chades Challenge XIII: Mean Orcs Sorry for the delay, folks. Wish I could say I was busy, but lazy's more like it. Ol' Bogrot here is supposed to be dragging someone behind him, I'll finish this week. More surly savages at the following blogs: Car2oon Cody Malick Flaviano Josh Billings Leo Matsuda Moro Rogers Rob Thompson
Next week, Chades Challenge XIV: CRIMINAL PYGMIES
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
DTV Interview
Here's an interview with my friend Victor Jimenez from One Dream Studios. I know Vic from highschool, and I'm constantly inspired by his ability to keep creating films and telling stories, so I was more than happy to answer his questions about life, the industry, and everything. Note my intro tune...oh yeah, Star Tours, baby!
For those of you achin' for more interview goodness, here's one of me toothless that I gave to SECC after my Pixar internship in '05. This interview is great because if you pause on any given frame, I look completely deranged. Enjoy!
Monday, June 02, 2008
Sorry, I missed this week of Chades posting. Mean Orcs this Friday I promise. Check out the work from the two contenders who were up to the challenge. Flaviano Cody Malick
Also, make sure to vote on this week's Rock'n'Poll survey. Next week is the final three genres before THE CHAMPIONSHIP, when the the greatest rock'n'roll song of all time shall finally be revealed. So far the finalists are:
Hound Dog (Elvis Presley) Paint it Black (Rolling Stones) Welcome to the Jungle (Guns N' Roses) Back in Black (AC/DC) Run to the Hills (Iron Maiden) Queen-Bohemian Rhapsody Breakin' the Law (Judas Priest) Like a Rolling Stone (Bob Dylan) Whip It! (Devo) Free Bird (Lynnard Skinnard) Eye of the Tiger (Survivor) Blitzkrieg Bop (The Ramones) Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)
I know my musical knowledge is grossly incompetent, so if there are any songs you feel I've left out or bands that you feel have been gypped, speak now or forever hold your rock.
Again, tune in this friday for orcs and vote for them songs!
Friday, May 23, 2008
CHADES CHALLENGE XIII: MEAN ORCS
For those of you unfamiliar with the challenge, see rules. All are welcome, post next Friday!
In other news, the first round of Rock'n'Poll tallies are in, looks like there were some last minute steals.
Greatest oldies rock'n'roll song: Elvis Presley's Hound Dog
Greatest heavy metal song: Iron Maiden's Run To The Hills
Greatest psychedelic song (tie): Iron Butterfly's In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, The Rolling Stone's Paint It Black
Thor was pretty enraged that Immigrant Song, Led Zeppelin's ode to the Norse gods, was snubbed.
If these titles enrage you, make sure your voice is heard in this week's polls (make sure to choose one each): hard rock, progressive rock, and glam metal.
Monday, May 05, 2008
The Greatest Rock and Roll Song of All-Time OR ROCK'N'POLL
I've been talking with Nate, Rob, and Vi about what constitutes a great rock'n'roll song. Specifically, what constitutes the GREATEST ROCK'N'ROLL SONG OF ALL-TIME. So for the next six weeks, I'll be polling to find the greatest single song of each of the seventeen rock genres.
There are eighteen rock genres, and seven songs per genre. Swing on by every Monday and choose your favorite song in each of three weekly contending polls.
I admit that my rock knowledge is shabby at best, so the last genre will be fan favorites. This will include tour de forces that I have either forgotten, or that you have insisted that I include in the battle.
At the end of the six weeks, the champions of each genre (eighteen total!) will contend in an ultimate battle of the bands. May the best song win. (art by Sebastian Krueger)
