IS the Gates art? Ofcourse-- but what isn't? Muzak is also a form of music. The one word for the Gates: BLAND. Its prozac for the masses. Its big big art to create a big big event, using big big money and big big egos: not exactly what the world needs right now. But how could someone criticize something like the Gates? Theres nothing really to criticize. Which is part of the problem. Its so cloying, bland, calculated to go down smoothly, that its a greeting card, a piece of IKEA furniture. Sure:... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 8:52 PM on February 17, 2005

I get it: sex offender registry as a form of entertainment.

But you know what? Whoever made this site should be careful: even sex offenders can sue.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 5:39 PM on December 18, 2004

how dare patrick mimran speak in disparaging tones about the art world! I'm glad someone did something about it!
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 9:20 PM on December 17, 2004

"What's pretentious about a middle finger?"
You're right jeremy b: there's nothing pretentious about Mimram's middle finger.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 9:36 PM on December 17, 2004

so the problem is that Mimran makes use of standard graphic communication techniques-- on a billboard?
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 10:13 PM on December 17, 2004

its no surprise that this is remarkably cool--- the trains running on time under Stalin was also remarkably cool. Its good to know whats going on in your neighborhood regarding sex offenders: but I'm concerned about the precedent it sets; "hey-- put ALL felons into a searchable online registry"... one could argue it should be done... one could also see the potential for incredible misuse...
Is there any conclusive evidence that sex offenders are more likely to repeat their... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 5:33 PM on December 17, 2004

I like my car. I want to keep it. Make a registry of all known car theives.
Vandals.
Burglars.
Violent criminals.
Drug users.
Frauds.
We should get Ashcroft on this.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 5:43 PM on December 17, 2004

Jusitinian/Matthowie: thanks-- it was my understanding that there is indeed a more habitual tendency with sex offenders-- but I was not sure. (Perhaps the habituiality is genetic and untreatable?) Again: it absolutely makes sense to do this kind of thing. Its very effective. I'm just concerned about how effective it can be-- and easily taken in very different directions...
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 5:49 PM on December 17, 2004

It seems as if a registry is a 'unique' solution to a 'unique' situation where the crime, unlike the others, is seen as inherently violent as well as habitual. ("A unique solution to a unique problem"). So the insight needed may well lie in more information regarding the innerworkings of this unique pattern of repetition that is so compelling that it requires a whole new approach (sex registries)/ My point: if certain people have a proclivity, despite any and all rehabilitative effort,... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 7:22 PM on December 17, 2004

I can believe that sex offenders are more likely to repeat their crimes-- if one follows the belief they are addicts-- addicted to a neurochemical stimulus that gets them high off of an act-- but I have not seen said studies. I think the question is: is this the right unique solution to these unique criminals?
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 7:47 PM on December 17, 2004

I'm not sure if the database is really to empower parents, or scare the hell out of the sex offenders. If its more of the latter, then we should get a database of addresses on all corporate criminals and those convicted of crimes against the environment.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 9:05 PM on December 17, 2004

"Who the fuck cares? It's Utah."--- How remarkably egocentric: I guess one shouldn't be concerned with events outside our respective state or borough, and particularly in "un-cool" places like Utah, right? Thats an elitist, selfish attitude.

"Seriously, I am sick to death of this shit."-- Great. Do us a favor and don't bother to post then.

"Wouldn't it be easier to go buy a pair of shoes than try to pave the... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 6:33 PM on December 16, 2004

we should most certainly be alarmed at the effects this will have on the food chain itself. If my understanding is correct, its effecting the most basic building block of the food chain, single celled and planktonic life. I think of this as something deteriorating your red bloodcells, or your core basic molecular structure--- if you think of all life as interconnected--- which it is.
Anyone find the images referenced in the article? It also sounds as if the pollution in the Gyre is... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 12:23 PM on December 16, 2004

(sorry: also meant to say thanks to elpapacito for what I think is an amazing, great post)
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 12:30 PM on December 16, 2004

Smaller, less corporate and specialized farming can be done with less reliance on petroleum based fuels; developing local and community based agriculture will decrease shipping: but more importantly: if we grew and ate grain as opposed to growing grain and then feeding it to cattle, which we then eat, we would have to use much less for production in proportion to how many calories is generated. As well meat is subsidized, and cutting back on it frees up resources to place into other kinds of... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 5:43 PM on December 16, 2004

Hey Kristin: if OBL released a video of his pet Chihuahua playing with a soccer ball, would you put all differences aside and call it 'cute'?
No?
Where's your sense of humor then?
What this video is saying is: "Bush: he's really OK. He's allright. Just an ordinary guy like you and me. Not a dangerous man who starts wars, etc" If you can't see that, you're a fool.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 11:43 AM on December 15, 2004

not equating OBL with Bush: stating that in times such as these, we should not let either hide successfully.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 5:03 PM on December 15, 2004

(actually, what I meant to say is that I equate Miss Beasely to Bush, due to a childhood trauma I'd prefer to keep to myself).
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 5:37 PM on December 15, 2004

zing indeed
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 11:56 AM on December 16, 2004

talk about sexist: not a mention of any men included in the performance...
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 12:08 PM on December 15, 2004

Mean Mr Bucket:
I hear you, but remember there are certain people who have a genetic proclivity to weight gain and its near impossible for them to shed their obesity, regardless of their vaginas. (Wait: what were we talking about again?)
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 12:27 PM on December 15, 2004

sidhedevil: Yes-- I was serious about an all male TVM: and also was wondering if they could actually wrap their heads around the idea: as a means of getting some perspective...
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 1:34 PM on December 15, 2004

TVM as performed by Crypto-Fascist Hippies?
GGR as perfromed by spoiled attention seeking children?
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 5:55 PM on December 15, 2004

substitutions, speed, complexity--- whatever: the reason Trane is one of my favorite musicians of all time is that regardless of all of it, an incredible spirit came through, a kind of searching humanity, joy, shone through all of it, whether he was playing a single note (listen to the last section of "A Love Supreme"), or a sheet of notes, (as in "Giant Steps").

Like all great artists, he challenged himself mercilessly, and took upon himself the... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 9:22 AM on December 9, 2004

between scientific and religious consensus, I'll put my money on scientific consensus: but thats not to say that it also does not harbor possible misuse/inaccuracy: the underlying point seems to be a strong sense that consensus is whats important-- meaning that the voice of extremism should always be rejected. The destruction of our environment seems to fit the definition of extremism.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 6:44 AM on December 9, 2004

jefgodesky: you make a really interesting point. The most accurate, insightful and wise viewpoint should carry the greatest weight, not the side which can necessarily garner the most turnout ("the majority is always wrong"/Ibsen). So the question remains: who should decide what course of action to be taken? It seems as if its by consensus, majority, or by a select minority, each can be dangerous. Each can also prove to be the wisest way to go. Perhaps in each deabte/issue its different.... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 8:53 AM on December 9, 2004

Okay: I won't put my laptop on my lap anymore. But is it safe to keep sandwiching my penis between two iPods?
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 9:06 PM on December 8, 2004

There are different people with different values in the world: those who feel education, knowledge, truth can be bought; others who feel that it has to be earned. Sometimes the two systems intermingle, or collide: and what one believes in is exposed, as in this article. And usually, when the two value systems collide, in or outside of the academic arena, suffering ensues, at the expense of true knowledge.
I have met PhD's who are clueless, and some who are brilliant; bus drivers who... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 6:42 PM on December 8, 2004

guess your links worked... congrats!
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 1:56 PM on December 8, 2004

lodurr/adam-- you've covered the topic more than adequately (I see lodurr's view on this); my tangent about using a screen name as opposed to one's real name: I'm really impressed when anonymous souls with no hope of gaining anything but an exchange itself work passionately to articulately express their views; and am skeptical of many who are known who write, it seems, as a means to enlarging their reputations. (This is a generalization, ofcourse).
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 7:04 PM on December 6, 2004

although its quite different in a way-- the remarkable film "Baraka" visits some of the same turf in an epic 2 hour film shot in 70mm without plot, charcters or dialogue-- just images of places like these and music. An amazing film-- something to check out if you like this post
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 10:31 AM on December 1, 2004

the speed of light in a vaccum is constant--- thats why everything is relative.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 4:54 AM on December 1, 2004

I was not expecting War's "Low Rider".
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 12:48 PM on November 30, 2004

Peppino D'Agostino is really good-- and he's a really nice guy-- been around San Fran for a long long while.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 3:50 PM on November 30, 2004

I'm gonna catch hell for this: but (despite the mind numbing "Don't Worry, Be Happy"-- a sellout that will surely consign him to his own personal Plane of Hell) has anyone ever seen Bobby McFarrin improvise live (seeing as we're on the subject of one man bands)? I saw him over 15 years ago; he opened up for Brandford Marsalis-- he came out and played a *bop* number with him. McFarrin traded solos (by using his voice) with Brandford-- who is a remarkable jazz player when he wants to be.... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 11:42 PM on November 30, 2004

Can we get Ray Harryhausen to animate it?
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 12:10 PM on November 30, 2004

man, that Big Buddha is one big-ass motherfucking Buddha-- I smell a smackdown coming.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 3:56 PM on November 30, 2004

what the hell is with this fascination with really, really big stuff? The really tiny things-- things so tiny they're invisible-- thats where its at.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 4:27 PM on November 30, 2004

My point: somebody needs to go out immediately and make one tee-tee tiny, eency-weency, microscopic, nanotube-constructed STATUE OF CHRIST.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 4:32 PM on November 30, 2004

buddhanarchist say thank you to otis.
and the fact that its all in a travelling roadshow shows its got soul: there are no icons here to be toppled: they just roll on...
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 11:21 PM on November 30, 2004

Is this some kind of anti-AIFF agitprop?
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 12:37 PM on November 30, 2004

""You wanna tell me about "shallow"? As in "art is Prozac that dulls the masses," I presume?""

I Didn't say "Art is prozac that dulls the masses"-- I said that (in the shortform) *Christo* was Prozac for the masses. Pay attention, stud.

""You're going to tell people what they may and may not enjoy, if they are to receive your Official Stamp of Revolutionary Purity? You're going to tell... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 3:37 PM on November 29, 2004

adamgreenfield:
So the thread was about celebration. Sorry. I thought it was about open discussion of anything we felt like discussing related to the topic. What you're saying is I should limit my comments to those that are 'celebratory': which is a complete indictment of your position--- and remarkably hypocritical.

Don't worry: I'm very impressed with who you are-- so rest assured. Your ego need not be hurt by being challenged. Its just too bad you can't... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 5:01 PM on November 29, 2004

adamgreenfield:
"Did you imagine you could make the statements you did and not be challenged on them?"
I was hoping to have a non-insulting conversation, to see if addressing the issues Christo's work frames could be done (or allowed) as more than surface gloss, in more than 'celebratory' mode. You're on the record as stating that that is not allowed. The names mentioned were to open up that discussion. Your statements, attitude, combined with the subject matter... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 7:03 PM on November 29, 2004

adamgreenfield: congratulations: you've just admitted that you are completely comfortable with reducing Metafilter to out and out name calling.
Bravo.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 7:19 PM on November 29, 2004

muckster: the feeling is mutual--- same to adamgreenfield.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 7:59 PM on November 29, 2004

adamgreenfiled: If the name calling comes from out of rigorous, imaginative discourse, then its fine; unfortunately, you're lacking the rigor as well as imagination, and jumped to the infantile name calling for your starting point.

"I'm not one of these to stand around and bray about the sanctity of the Topic and of staying On It"-- Interesting that you say this adamgreenfield, as you're the one who said the thread was 'supposed to be about Celebrating... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 10:20 PM on November 29, 2004

well, this has become quite boring and a waste of time.
Theres no heat here adamgreenfield, just a pretentious, pompous pseudo-intellectual stench thats coming from the chef.
Adios.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 10:56 PM on November 29, 2004

is this some of your spooky psyops action at work adamgreenfield? scary. (boo!)
Can't take the heat?
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 7:30 AM on November 30, 2004

adamgreenfield: you *actually believe* that your comments and the manner you've conducted yourself here qualifies as "the best of the web"? You're gonna have to work ALOT harder. The web is FULL of self appointed pseudo academics who spout with impunity from their respective lairs. You're not even close to "best". Very sad.
posted to MetaFilter by buddhanarchist at 7:59 AM on November 30, 2004