Odd Link Of The Day

Not sure what to make of this: I just noticed that someone found this blog by searching google for "apikorsim definition" - the last result on the first page.

And only one month after smikha. This has got to be a record.

Best Interactive Time Wasters

Since my last call for comments was less than impressive, I'm going to try again with another question. What is the best most addictive interactive time waster on the web. This doesn't include reading blogs, watching amusing cartoons, or anything passive. These are things that require more user input than pressing the "play" button. For the record, I discovered these long before I came to Chicago.

I offer three suggestions:

News Hunter
This shockwave game is based on Comedy Central's Daily Show. Skipping the so called "point," this realistic flash game is highly addictive and entertaining despite the blantant shilling for the VW Touareg.

Fling the Cow
Initially done in DHTML, it is now available in flash as well. It delivers what it promises.

Broken Saints
This will be my "exception which proves the rule" (I love academia). Though passive - it's a moderately animated graphic novel - it's a fantastic piece of work. The work of three people over three years in their spare time, this work has won numerous awards including one at Sundance. (See their FAQ for more details).

So if you're interested in something different, check this out. I'd recommend downloading "keepers" locally so you can view them at your leisure. One ambitious (probably unemployed) Slashdot reader clocked all 24 chapters at roughly 10 hrs 30 min total viewing time, so I wouldn't recommend watching the whole thing in one sitting. One warning though: the beginning is really slow.

Update: It turns out that this isn't much of an exception after all. I just noticed that there is an upcoming Broken Saints video game. If you have the bandwith, check out the trailer - although it's more impressive if you've seen the original in its entirety. The game isn't due out until 2006 and only for "next generation consoles."

Disclaimer: Play at your own risk. I am not responsible if you get fired or suspended.

Muzak Madness

Strange experience in the local Office Depot. I was in the filing section when I hear the faint sounds of "blessings on your head, mazal tov, mazal tov." Since I was the only white person in the store and probably the only Jew around for a mile I thought it was just senility. A few minutes later, I clearly hear Sunrise, Sunset. In the computer demo section of this Office Depot in Hyde Park Chicago, they were actually playing the soundtrack of Fiddler on the Roof. Really.

Question for discussion: What is the strangest song you've heard either played in public either in normal form or the strangest Muzak experience? (BTW - check out Muzak's website. I'm convinced they're a cult). On the way out of the store, I heard Bruce Hornsby's classic The Way It Is which wasn't completly terrible.

It's also good to know that some people other than myself remember the great SNL sketch with Paul Simon selling his soul to the devil and his Hell is being stuck in an elevator listening to muzak renditions of his songs.

Monty Python Shticks For Sale

Potter sent me a link to purchase the sheep in wolf's clothing. This reminded me that I've been wanting to get the holy hand-grenade, but it's a bit out of my price range. On the other hand, at U of C, I'm sure I can find plenty of arguments.

Update: For those of you wondering, the holy hand-grenade is not recommended (see the bottom of the page).

Status of Blogging

Sorry that blogging has been weak as of late. I'm in the process of redesigning the site and moving it over to YUCS, but it's not going so smoothly and I don't have the time to deal with it now. Classes started this morning with Theorizing Religion taught by Martin Riesebrodt. Later I have the required Perspectives in Social Science Analysis class, and tomorrow I have Ethnography and Law. Unfortunately, I can't audit the Fishbane course I wanted to take as it conflicts with the Perspectives class. Anyway, I've already blogged too much now...must get back to work.

Have a great day, and stay tuned for more blogging developments (I really want to write something on the RH experience at Hillel, but alas...)