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August 30, 2006
Video iTunes
Thanks to Lionsgate, the cat's now well and truly out of the bag. Confirming the widely-held belief that Apple is developing a video version of its hugely popular iTunes service, Lionsgate President Steve Beeks is quoted saying "In terms of iTunes movie downloads, I think most likely some time before the end of the year. We know when they are planning on launching, but since they have not announced it publicly, I do not think it is our place to say anything more about that. Calendar year."
What makes this statement particularly interesting is that it breaks with Apple's usual secrecy before a launch. Will Lionsgate, as they suggested on Cranky Geeks this week, get Steved?
I'll be very interestested to see how the new video iTunes categorises its content. In the current iTunes, there's 'featured content' and then every else is buried. Will Apple only feature content from the big American networks, established indie hits like "Ask a Ninja" and then lump the rest of the content together?
Posted by Marcus at 9:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 29, 2006
The Photocast Network
Chris Marquart's Tips from the Top Floor, John Arnold's Photowalkthrough.com and several other photography-themed podcasts have joined forces to create the Photocast Network, a "community of podcasters producing content related to photography".
The idea of different podcasters coming together to form a network seems to be gaining in popularity. Not only do the podcasts stand to gain greater listener numbers through cross-promotion, but they also increase potential interest from sponsors.
I've been a big fan of Chris' show ever since it started, and John's podcast (as well as his flickr group) has really helped me improve my understanding of Photoshop. The network sounds like a great idea and I wish them the best of luck!
Posted by Marcus at 1:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 28, 2006
Toe Tagged
Again with the meme thing. Will it ever end!
1. Three things that scare me:
When the cabin attendants strap themselves into their seats and start crossing themselves.
Sharing a cell in a Cuban prison.
Pregnant pauses
2. Three people that make me laugh:
John Stewart.
Lou Dobbs.
Kim Il Jung
3. Three things I hate the most:
People who blame the other guy.
Students who fall asleep in class.
The man.
4. Three things I don't understand:
The purpose of wisdom teeth.
Japanese keigo.
Blind faith.
5. Three things I'm doing right now:
Procrastinating.
Trying to get the lid off a jar of Guacamole.
Dreaming up ideas for a viral-video.
6. Three things I want to do before I die:
Fly an aeroplane.
Do a photoshoot with Annie Leibovitz (model or assist – I'm not fussy).
Visit the Middle East.
7. Three things I can do:
Speak several languages badly.
Wake up before everyone else.
Share my opinions with anyone who will listen.
8. Three ways to describe my personality:
Urusai.
Curious.
A fine blend of neurosis and extroversion.
9. Three things I can't do:
Become legally Japanese
Drive legally
Dance
Three things I think you should listen to:
Your mother.
Soul Live's Neal Evans
Is a plug out of the question?
11. Three things you should never listen to:
Your mother.
Australian talkback radio.
Weather reports
12. Three things I'd like to learn:
How to cook Bahn Xeo
How to fly like a ninja
How to write to a deadline
13. Three favourite foods:
Kimuchi Chigae
Creme Brulee
Pasta Puttanesca
14. Three beverages I drink regularly:
Stong black coffee
Kamikazes
Grapefruit juice, normally the morning after the Kamikazes
15. Three shows I watched as a kid:
Monkey Magic
You can't do that on television
Doctor Who
16. Three people I'm tagging (to do this):
Aliented
Kartar
Hallo Hasi
Posted by Marcus at 11:10 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
August 26, 2006
Yasukuni Shrine
Posted by Marcus at 9:30 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
August 18, 2006
Man of the Year
Hope this film is as funny as its trailer...
Posted by Marcus at 10:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 12, 2006
Don't drink the water
I'm pleased to announce that the first episode of Don't drink the water is now available!! A weekly travel podcast hosted by myself and featuring an irregular cast of guests from around the globe, DDTW is your weekly dose of travel-related news, stories and advice.
Thanks to those who helped 'beta test' the new site. In particular, a big thank you to Dave and Mieko for offering ideas and suggestions for the project as a whole. Thanks also to Libsyn for providing the bandwidth for this podcast as well as Clouseaux and the Podsafe Music Network for our theme music.
In today's episode we talk about Tokyo and some of the places that you won't necessarily find in the Rough Guide or Lonely Planet. We also take a look at ways your iPod can help you get around while you're here.
To become a listener, simply visit the show's site. Alternatively, if you are using iTunes you can subscribe here.
Posted by Marcus at 7:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 9, 2006
Absent
I just completed the unofficial One Million More survey, "an independent, non-governmental survey of the Australian diaspora". Timed to coincide with yesterday's Australian Census, One Milion More (cheesy title!) is an opportunity for people such as myself to have a voice and express our reasons for living overseas. If you're an Australian living abroad and you haven't already done so, I suggest you complete the survey today.
Posted by Marcus at 9:24 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 3, 2006
People power!
Found this interesting article while floating about the Engadget site. Seems JR has found a way to make use of the many millions of us rushing through its train stations each day. We are to be Matrix-like human batteries!
Posted by Marcus at 9:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 1, 2006
The meme thing
Like my friend Peter Greenaway, I just love lists. Plus I hate to be left out.
A) Four jobs I have had in my life
1. Painter and decorator
2. Teacher
3. Graphic designer
4. Paralegal
B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Sideways
2. The Big Lebowski
3. Some Like it Hot
4. The Shining
C) Four places I have lived:
1. Ota-ku, Tokyo
2. Clapham, London
3. Haymarket, Edinburgh
4. Fitzroy, Melbourne
D) Four TV shows you love to watch: (at the moment)
1. Lost
2. Cook like a Chef
3. No Reservations
4. Anything on Discovery, even the documentaries about sperm
E ) Four places you have been on holiday:
1. Gdansk, Poland
2. Hanoi, Vietnam
3. Hiroshima, Japan
4. Havana, Cuba
F) Websites you visit daily:
1. www.theage.com.au
2. My friends' blogs (John, Jac, Kaori)
3. www.bbc.co.uk
4. www.digg.com
G ) Four of my favourite foods:
1. Chocolate ice-cream
2. Hiroshima-yaki (Okonomiyaki with yakisoba)
3. Kimuchichige
4. Hayashi Rice
H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Die Automatenbar in Berlin, sadly gone now
2. Eating Banh Xeo in Hoi An
3. About to start reading The Count of Monte Cristo again.
4. With my mates in Melbourne
Posted by Marcus at 5:59 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack