Google Zeitgeist 2008 - the spirit of the times.
Google Zeitgeist
Entry posted on December 15, 2008 at 2:29 am
Tips for Replacing Violin/Viola Strings
Entry posted on December 13, 2008 at 9:30 am
Some tips for replacing violin/viola strings:
- Replace only one string at a time.
- Lubricate the string grooves in the bridge and nut with the lead of a graphite pencil so that the strings may glide over them easier.
- Ensure that the string is wound around the peg in a way that brings the string in contact with the pegbox wall. This helps the string stay in tune, and also increases the instrument’s resonance.
- When tuning the strings up to pitch for the first time, gently lift the string off the bridge by pulling upwards between the bridge and the tailpiece. This will prevent the winding from buckling or crushing at the bridge, and more evenly distribute the weight of the string.
- If using gut strings, bring the strings up to pitch gradually.
- When using a steel E string, use the rubber grommet that came with the string to prevent the string from cutting into the bridge. However, do not allow too much of the grommet to hang over the fingerboard side of the bridge, which would dampen the vibration of the string.
- Use Hill-style fine tuners, other types use a mechanism that may protrude downward and scratch the belly of the instrument.
Philippe Hirshhorn (1967)
Entry posted on December 12, 2008 at 7:48 am
A rare performance film of Philippe Hirshhorn circa 1967.
De Dominicis P.S.1
Entry posted on December 11, 2008 at 7:31 am
An Italian artist who purposely shrouded himself in mystery and stood apart from popular artistic trends, De Dominicis exhibited very little in North America. He worked in a variety of mediums including sculpture, painting, film, and installation. Gino De Dominicis at P.S.1
The Key to a Long Life
Entry posted on November 28, 2008 at 11:11 pm
“So I believe in singing to such an extent that if I were asked to redesign the British educational system, I would start by insisting that group singing become a central part of the daily routine. I believe it builds character and, more than anything else, encourages a taste for co-operation with others. This seems to be about the most important thing a school could do for you.” –Brian Eno
Tosca in Quantum of Solace
Entry posted on November 16, 2008 at 9:10 am
One of the key villain scenes in the latest Bond film, Quantum of Solace, takes place at an outdoor performance of Tosca. From Wikipedia:
The sequence, where Bond stalks the villains during a performance of Tosca, required 1500 extras. The production used a large model of an eye, which Forster felt fitted in the Bond style, and the opera itself has parallels to the film.
The WaPo has an interesting write up about the scene. If you have already seen the film, or don’t mind spoilers, the clip is available on YouTube.
Luthier Sam Zygmuntowicz
Entry posted on November 12, 2008 at 2:53 pm
“It turns out that things that work very well are also very beautiful. It is sort of an ancient design concept that goes back to Pythagoras — that the universe is designed in … an aesthetic, rational way. That still seems to hold up in the case of the violin.” –Sam Zygmuntowicz
Top Ten Most Annoying Phrases
Entry posted on November 11, 2008 at 7:48 am
Oxford researchers compiled a list of the ten most annoying phrases in common use today. There are a lot of good ones in the comments, too.
YouTube Adds Closed Captioning
Entry posted on November 7, 2008 at 9:03 pm
YouTube has several new features, including the ability to add closed captions to videos.