Op-Ed Contributor - End the University as We Know It - NYTimes.com

Op-Ed Contributor - End the University as We Know It - NYTimes.com: ""

(Via .)

Cabinetry and Locksmithing

A truly thought-provoking conceptual artist:

Lucas Murgida at 667 Shotwell from Chris Sollars.

More at lucasmurgida.com.

(Via @frauenfelder.)

Pandemic Influenza

Terry Jones offers a very level-headed, knowledgeable look at what we might be facing:

"I also feel it’s good for someone like me to comment because I’m outside the flu world and the people inside it will be unlikely to say much. Flu is a highly political issue, to put it mildly. People working in the flu research community will be reluctant to speak up. So I should make it very clear that the comments below are just my opinions, and don’t represent anyone else’s thoughts.

I’ll try to just make a few points that I think are fairly sober - neither alarmist, nor dismissive - and to keep speculation out of it."

fluidinfo » Blog Archive » A few comments on pandemic influenza

A different look at small business in crisis

The creative ideas here go far, far beyond photography.

David Hobby on Stepping Outside the Box of the Business of Photography:

"Granted, there are a lot of things to be depressed about in the current photography environment, when it comes to the business side. But more and more, I am starting to believe that as each of the old business models seems to evaporate, a new one emerges to take its place. Even if it may seem like you have to stand out in left field to see it."

David Hobby is renowned in photography circles for teaching (some would say inventing) off-camera lighting techniques and effects based on small flashes rather than large studio strobes. In this long post he talks about using the free time from diminished commercial assignments to do self-assigned pro bono projects which benefit both the subjects and the photographer. The subjects (NGOs, small businesses, or student actors for example) get free or low-cost professional level photos while the photographer gets creative freedom, technical stretching, and portfolio photos which often lead to new kinds of professional assignments.

Established professional photographers often see such projects as beneath them, suitable only for newbees just breaking into the field. Hobby argues that there are huge benefits even for the old pros.

I will certainly be thinking about how these ideas can apply to my situation.

(Via Strobist.)

Dolphins with new toys

Dolphins blowing rings:

(Via Boing Boing.)

These modern times

We are now officially living in what once was science fiction:

Batteries built by viruses - Boing Boing

Interesting times, indeed.

A Deep Thinker

"Mary Elizabeth's law: There are two kinds of food -- those that can be improved with bacon, and those that can be improved with chocolate.

Mary Elizabeth's paradox: And yet, bacon and chocolate do not mix.

Mary Elizabeth's addendum: But butter goes with everything."

Gimme Shelter: Mary Elizabeth Williams

(Via @tigoe)