Imported on Nov 6, 2009
Toph's Top Ten
Hello, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Toph's Top Ten!
Today, on Toph's Top Ten, we have tricks, treats, trends and terrific stories to talk about.
As I do most days, I have perused the web, seeking out blogs, news and little fun facts to feast upon. I have provided these stories in one simple location, in a vertically challenged and high fructose manner. Or in other words, you get to view all of these in one short and sweet blog post. Today's stories span the gap from viral pandemics, to free software, to alternative art.
1.- First up, we have a story on the underdog of all pandemics. That's right, your friendly neighborhood Swine Flu. You see, up until recently, veterinarians would say you had fallen for one of a plethora of urban legends. They would say, "You see Barbara, their is no need to worry about your cat Mrs. Puffintails getting Swine Flu from humans. Pathogens have very specific patterns of transmission and reverse zoonosis is not one of them" which would lead to Barbara Cottontrousers to momentarily ponder, thinking, "What did he just say" and respond with a humble, yet, understanding nod.
Well, apparently, the Dr. Whodathunkits of this world have been wrong. The following story, courtesy of Discovery News, clears up the confusion and confirms one of many cat owners greatest fears.
Nov. 6, 2009 -- Until this week, many veterinarians asserted that it was a myth that house cats could catch the deadly H1N1 flu from their owners.
Those veterinarians, along with other health experts, are revising their views after an Iowa Department of Public Health announcement Wednesday that the virus has been confirmed in an indoor 13-year-old cat, which likely contracted the illness from two flu-sick humans in its home.
For more on this story, visit Discovery News.
2.- Next up to bat, we have a story on Espana's alternative art scene.
His work consists in the playful reappropiation of urban elements, that he replicates or transforms and then installs in the street. All his production stems from the observation of the urban environmnet, a sense sharpened by years of experience as a graffiti artist. A careful attention for the context of each piece and a constructive and non-invasive attitude unmistakably characterize his actions.
SpY's pieces want to be a break in the automat-like inertia of the urban dweller. Bits of thought that hide in a corner for whoever wants to let himself be surprised. Full of both irony and a positive sense of humor, they appear to inspire a smile, a thought, to help a conscience a little bit more lucid."
To see more of Spy's work, visit www.spy.org.es
3.- Every wanted to Improv in a public place? These people do and they do it well.
Visit gizmodo.com to see the video!
4.- Take one part Creative Commons and equal part Auto Industry and voila, you have the crowd-source created Local Motors Rally Fighter!
The Rally Fighter is the first-ever crowd-sourced "creative commons"-like car, is the culmination of 35,000 designs by 2,900 community members from over 100 countries. Local Motors, the company behind it, plans to change forever the way cars are designed.
For starters, Local Motors doesn't even have a designer for their cars on staff. Each major system of the vehicle — whether it's the exterior design, interior design or doors — heck, even the name — are developed in an open source development process. Once there's enough support for any single design, Local Motors will develop it openly. That means members of the Local Motors community not only choose which designs are developed, but also, they get to help develop them. Contests are held for the development and the winner receives a monetary prize based on the importance of the system to developing the overall vehicle. Thus, door design might receive less money than say, exterior design.
Via jalopnik.com
5.- Microsoft gives away software?...
Microsoft DreamSpark
6.- The Lost Art of The Mixtape
The birth of the iPod era was definitely a great day for music lovers everywhere, but the non-linear, random-accessible freedom it gave listeners also brought about the death of something beloved by many — the mixtape. Traded between friends but most often between lovers (and singles pining for it), the act of making and giving a mixtape became a symbol for the awkward affection of a generation. Found magazine co-creator Jason Bitner’s new book, Cassette From My Ex, is a wistful look back at the art and craft of mixtape making — and the stories behind them, as told by a bevy of noted writers, artists and musicians — all, at one time or another, mixtape recipients. I have to admit, I’m a sucker for this kind of thing — I get nostalgic just thinking about all those dusty old tapes in my closet back home.
View the entire story on mentalfloss.com
7.- Jim Denevan a.k.a Earth Bender
www.jimdenevan.com
8.- Mind-Melting Science
The nanometre and micrometre scale particles resulted in an increase of damage to DNA across the barrier via a never-before-seen cell signal process.
Reporting in Nature Nanotechnology, the researchers say the mechanism could be both a risk and an opportunity.
They say the preliminary result is relevant as more medical therapies rely on small-scale particles.
More information is available on BBC News.
9.- Steven Wright vs. Mitch Hedberg
"One of my favorite ways to waste time at work is to read a quote from Steven Wright or Mitch Hedberg, then ask my co-workers to guess which one said it. (We have quite a time down here.) With this quiz, you can play along at home. "
Courtesy of mentalfloss.com
10.- IT'S FRIDAY!
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaang! Big Perrrrm!
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originally posted on C_G_Hearn
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