Greenflame

Jottings on science, religion, technology, pop culture, photography and faith from the Aotearoa New Zealand

Category: General

  • How many legislators does it take to change a light bulb?

    Australia looks to phase out incandescent light bulbs within three years, replacing them with alternatives that last longer and use significantly less power. The NZ situation looks like it’s going down the same path, though not as fast. See Standard light bulbs to be switched off – 21 Feb 2007 – National New Zealand News…

  • Does it get any better?

    Following on from Friday (NZ defeat Australia by 10 wickets) and Sunday (NZ 337/5 beat Aus 336/4), tonight New Zealand chase down Australia’s 347 (getting 350 in the 49th over). Three – nil. (That’s one day international cricket for all you non-Commonwealth people.) And yes, Australia were short of a few players, but in that…

  • Black Sheep

    When you’ve done the special effects for Lord of the Rings and King Kong, what’s left to do? Apparently the answer to that question is Black Sheep. Hat tip to Pacific Highlander: Black Sheep Horror Film.

  • Flying visit to Hamilton

    Popped down to Hamilton for a few hours yesterday. Not to watch the ‘Canes beat the Chiefs, but instead to attend our friend Ross’ graduation with his BCNZ graduate diploma. Good to see him finish, and to catch up with him and Jo and other familiar faces from down there. The graduation ceremony was nice,…

  • Normal service resumed

    Hurricanes 39 – 32 Chiefs I’m happy. Though, I imagine those in outposts such as Leamington are less so. Of course, no matter what the result this isn’t good.

  • Sounds of summer

    At one end of the house was National Radio’s programme “Deep in the South Pacific of Bass” which looked at the development of NZ reggae. At the other end of the house, facing Corban Estate (several hundred meters away), the sound of Herbs and others singing at the Waitakere Sounds – Waitangi Day Concert. Synchronicity…

  • Concerts for Conservation

    Auckland Zoo is hosting concerts to raise money and awareness about various conservation projects. Performers include Tim Finn, The Black Seeds and Anika Moa. More info at: Concerts for Conservation to feature top Kiwi musicians | Amplifier NZ Music and Events @ The Zoo.

  • Board game of 2006 – Alhambra

    Last year we were introduced to Alhambra and its various expansions. It quickly replaced the regular Settlers of Catan: Cities and Knights, Tigris and Euphrates, and Carcassonne and its variants as our game of choice for 2006. Currently in NZ only the basic game and the first expansion are available in English, with the expansions…

  • Computer games as vehicles for political discourse

    Wired AP News – Creators Put Politics Into Video Games covers computer games as a medium for political discourse. See also: Greenflame: Serious Games, Digital Storytelling and Public Perceptions for more links to this. (Might become its own category in the near future).

  • Random linkage from the clean up

    Just erased and reinstalled everything on the iBook to get over the wobbles it was developing at the end of the thesis writing. In the process found these links I’d saved earlier. Ashley X links: WIRED Blogs: Bodyhack – Brain-Damaged Girl Will Stay Young Forever Parents defend decision to keep girl a child – World…