Knife skills

The Japanese have the high end knife market cornered. Here's a cool photo spread of the process.

Also, as my friends have probably noticed, I've nearly abandoned up late thursdays recently. My only excuse is that I have re-prioritized (thanks Kipps for the terminology) a few things in my life (work, school, travel) and don't have the time. I'll definitely keep bringing random postings and thoughts here, but for my current lifestyle, I've found a new internet journal thingie that just seems to get me better. I'll be making many more updates over at my Tumblr. I've also started this sustainablity site with some quality peeps over at Sustainy. See you there!

My Idol

I Want One 8.07.08

David Blaine is at it again

As all scientists and most rational humans already know, at some point, mammals evolved from fish. As a result, even after millions of years of evolution, humans still have a couple of reflexes in our bodies that are triggered by water. One in particular, called the mamallian diving reflex, springs into action as soon as your face is submerged under water. Instantly your body tightens the capillaries and slows the heart rate so you don't use as much oxygen. Free diving has really exploited this reflex and now, "magician" aka "endurance artist" David Blaine is going to try to set the world record for holding one's breath. Its currently at 16 minutes - with lungs full of pure oxygen. Im not all that excited about the feat, though it is cool, what im excited about is the NYT article that talks about the human body and how is deals with things like lack of oxygen and carbon dioxide build up. Read more at the NYT.

The Lost Art of...

Today I stumbled on Obsolete Skills, oddly enough its a website that lists skills that have become obsolete. Stuff that you used to have to figure out how to do, but now due to either technology or "progress," is no longer needed in life. There are some pretty interesting things on this list (though its tech heavy and lacking an entry on nunchuck skills, gosh!) and its fun to page through to see what things you used to do that you havent done in ages. A kinda strange trip down memory lane.

Adjusting rabbit ears on top of a TV
Be Kind - Rewind
Dialing a rotary phone (hilarious, im convinced my family was one of the last to convert to "touch tone" dialing)
Loading film into a 35 mm camera
Peering through a keyhole
Ripping the little holes off the sides of the computer paper

I guess you can add your own entries to the list wiki style, so if you are so inclined...