http://macdaraconroy.com/ My personal web contrail. en-us mailbag@macdaraconroy.com 2007-11-20T21:53:57+00:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/11/#002784 2784@http://macdaraconroy.com/ New trailer for Cloverfield

So it looks like that's what it's officially called now, Cloverfield. Hmm. In any case, it's shaping up to be a mindlessly fun yet vaguely thoughtful disaster spectacle, and it'll be out in just two months' time. Which is nice.]]> 2007-11-20T21:53:57+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/10/#002782 2782@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Wikipedia entry on dog communication

Fascinating reading, here. I never realised a tail wag could convey so many different meanings.]]> Good Things 2007-10-31T12:29:06+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/10/#002781 2781@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The AV Club interviews the Meat Puppets

They're playing ATP the weekend before the one I'm going to; I hope they'll hop over the water and play a show in Dublin, too. But while I'm in Dublin, of course.]]> Music 2007-10-31T12:27:35+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/10/#002780 2780@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Outtakes from the first Meat Puppets album

You know, the one that no one likes because it's too noisy and screamy and it hasn't got 'Lake of Fire' on it.]]> Music 2007-10-31T12:26:02+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/10/#002779 2779@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Jessica Hagy and her index cards

I concur with the Demetri Martin comparisons.]]> 2007-10-31T12:23:41+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/10/#002778 2778@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The iPod Death Clock

According to this, mine's got less than a year left before it buys the farm. That's not good.]]> Technobabble 2007-10-31T12:22:03+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/10/#002777 2777@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The AV Club interviews Steven Wright

From last November. Steven Wright is a comedy genius, and a great performer to boot; when I saw him live a few years ago he did two-and-a-half hours straight, no breaks. That's something.]]> Humour 2007-10-31T12:20:10+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/10/#002776 2776@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Manhattan Elsewhere

What would Manhattan look like if it could be floated to another city? Nice work, but an even more radical thought occurs: what if any city could float? We can already reclaim land from the sea and live on soil where there was recently only water -- what's stopping us from constructing a true floating city? And I don't mean some humongous ocean liner -- I mean a giant man-made island that could be propelled from one sea to another. Rather than a Manhattan Elsewhere, how about a Manhattan Anywhere?]]> Environment 2007-10-31T12:17:33+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/02/#002761 2761@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The Guardian profiles Fray Tormenta, the Mexican wrestling priest

Published near the release of Nacho Libre, the film very loosely based on his life. The Independent also has a profile of 'Friar Storm' -- or 'Father Thunder', as he was called in a documentary on lucha libre I once saw on RTE Two in the early '90s. ]]> 2007-02-02T13:58:24+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/02/#002760 2760@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Meet the Life Hackers

Another piece from my year-old collection of open tabs, thanks to which a new term has been introduced to my vocabulary: 'interruption science'.]]> Work 2007-02-02T13:56:37+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/02/#002759 2759@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The AV Club interviews documentarian Errol Morris

It might be more than a year old, but it's still worth posting; I always find the background workings and politics of film production a fascinating read.]]> 2007-02-02T13:54:25+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/02/#002758 2758@http://macdaraconroy.com/ David Byrne posits a Marshall Plan for the Middle East

I was thinking of something along these same lines when I first noted this link some months ago: some Americans love to boast about their nation's nobility towards Europe both during and after the Second World War, but their government hasn't demonstrated much of anything like it elsewhere in the world in the 60-plus years since. Isn't it about time they started building things instead of destroying them?]]> 2007-02-02T13:50:18+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/02/#002757 2757@http://macdaraconroy.com/ What Really Causes Civil War?

In the end, it all comes down to greed, power and money.]]> 2007-02-02T13:48:17+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2007/02/#002756 2756@http://macdaraconroy.com/ How I never quite fell for South Africa

The Guardian's Rory Carroll reflects on his tenure as Africa correspondent, giving a glimpse of the all-too-real dark side of the 'Rainbow Nation'. Having been there (and soon to return) myself, beyond the paths where the tourists tread, I can somewhat identify with his sentiments.]]> 2007-02-02T13:36:11+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002752 2752@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Electric Picnic set times announced

I won't be going, but it's nice to dream -- and consider whether I've crossed a threshold in my life when I realise I'd rather see Sparks than Yo La Tengo.]]> Music 2006-08-31T13:50:22+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002751 2751@http://macdaraconroy.com/ OMM readers recommend 10 songs about the police

Pleasing to see my name in print! But I can't really take the credit; someone else suggested the song, and I merely corrected it to cite the original artists. My own suggestion was Black Flag's 'Police Story', but it didn't make the cut.]]> Music 2006-08-15T00:18:36+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002750 2750@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Trailer for American Hardcore

If this gets released in cinemas over here I'll be a very happy bunny [c/o Fimoculous].]]> Music 2006-08-06T11:44:52+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002749 2749@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Joe Nishizawa: Japan's underground photography

I'm a bit of a sucker for links like this.]]> Environment 2006-08-06T11:37:29+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002748 2748@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Foreward: A Book Design Blog

Filing this for future reference [c/o del.icio.us/cityofsound].]]> 2006-08-06T11:33:48+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002747 2747@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The Top 50 Movie Endings of All Time

I love movie spoilers, me [c/o kottke.org].]]> 2006-08-06T11:32:03+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002746 2746@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Pitchfork bemoans the absense of modern-day gonzo journalism

Gonzo was great when it emerged because there was nothing else like it, though now that there is we have no need for it, at least for its own sake. But the essence of gonzo -- the risk-taking, the bucking of the rules -- is missing, especially in the fields this piece is concerned with, where a bit of adventure would go a long way. That essense is the reason why I read Digitiser religiously in the '90s, even though I wasn't a gamer.]]> 2006-08-06T11:30:07+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002745 2745@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The Brand Underground

I'm not sure how to take this article on independent fashion brands from the NYT. On one hand the author is trying to compare independent streetwear labels and associated 'anti-brands' with the underground cultural signifiers that came before them (graffiti taggers; record labels like SST; bands with strong visial identities like Black Flag, etc.) but on the other, the whole thing reads like an advertisement for cooler-than-thou hipster elitists (which is surely the antithesis of the genuine independent, underground spirit the author wishes were there). In the end, I'm left thinking that it's all just commerce, and that money ruins everything worthwhile.]]> 2006-08-03T17:56:11+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002744 2744@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Mark Steel Lectures on YouTube

They're only excerpts, but you'll love them. Why can't school be like this? [c/o Mind Hacks].]]> 2006-08-03T17:53:48+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002743 2743@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Anil Dash has rounded up a selection of anti-Wikipedia links

Filing here for future reference; these should have much relevance to the previous question.]]> Web Culture 2006-08-02T18:07:14+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002742 2742@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The Colbert Report analyses Wikipedia

Funny guy, that Colbert. I don't think the net should be too worried about this -- you can see in his eyes that he understands more than what he's saying. And besides, it raises a fair question that requires debate: What exactly is Wikipedia for, anyway?]]> Web Culture 2006-08-02T18:04:21+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002741 2741@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The Penguin Blog

Stop the presses! Publishing house catches on to blogging malarkey! But seriously, it's a very good thing that such a company has seen fit to put a more human face on what are normally quite anonymous operations. It might even stoke some sort of qualitative loyalty for the imprint, akin to that enjoyed by independent record labels. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part.]]> 2006-08-02T18:02:17+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002740 2740@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Voices of Family Guy

So that's what they look like! I expect it gets painful after the millionth take, but it seems more fun than most workplaces, that's for sure [c/o TCAL].]]> 2006-08-02T17:57:10+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/08/#002739 2739@http://macdaraconroy.com/ How many soda refills would you have to get in order to "get your money's worth"?

I'm going to let you in on a little secret... on an idle afternoon in a previous job which involved serving drinks from a soda fountain, I decided to put the 'ice takes up valuable drink space' myth to the test, taking two medium cups (one with ice), filling both with an equal amount of beverage, and comparing the results. I'm sorry to report that with a cup of that size, the difference is negligable -- other than the one with ice being colder, of course. (I should point out for the sake of transparency that the ice almost never filled more than a third of the cup; any more than that would just be silly, now.)]]> 2006-08-02T17:53:23+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002738 2738@http://macdaraconroy.com/ The Guardian has just launched its PDF news digest, G24

As previously noted here. Looks like it went live on Friday. They slipped that one out unannounced, didn't they? Looks good so far; I may have further thoughts on it later.]]> 2006-07-31T09:40:43+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002737 2737@http://macdaraconroy.com/ HydraHead set to reissue Botch singles compilation

Something to look forward to, this. Botch were a great band while they lasted.]]> Music 2006-07-27T20:59:05+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002736 2736@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Associated files losses on Irish division

Considering the sheer number of people I've seen around Dublin reading the Irish Daily Mail -- the filthy rag that it is -- I'm sure they'll make the money back soon enough.]]> 2006-07-27T20:56:24+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002735 2735@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Boing Boing post sparks grammar dispute

See if you can spot the error that Andy and Brad have made.]]> 2006-07-27T20:53:41+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002734 2734@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Wikipedia entry on the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict

No longer willing to fill this blog with more depressing/angering reports of continuing atrocities -- such as the killing of UN peacekeepers despite numerous warnings -- I'm filing this for future reference; I don't think it'll be beaten as a concise historial record of these recent events for some time.]]> 2006-07-27T20:45:34+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002733 2733@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Former hostage Brian Keenan gives his perspective on the current Middle East crisis

Wise words from someone who knows what he's talking about.]]> 2006-07-27T20:41:58+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002732 2732@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Blogging From the Belly of Beirut

A good story from Wired about blogs as a meeting point for conversation between all sides of the current conflict that manages to be both positive and desparingly grim at the same time.]]> Web Culture 2006-07-22T16:01:18+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002731 2731@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Independent infographic

They sure have a way with their front pages; a shame that their website isn't up to the same standard. (See also: some more infographics on the Middle East conflict.)]]> 2006-07-22T12:43:15+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002730 2730@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Photos of Lebanon on Flickr

Disturbing, to say the least. Viewer discretion is advised [c/o del.icio.us/jack].]]> Photography 2006-07-22T12:09:42+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002729 2729@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Good comment on a MetaFilter thread about the current Middle East crisis

"...I think that regardless of whether the Israeli response is justified, it's definitely downright stupid policy. I think it's also very arguable that the response has been disproportionate at the very least, but like I said, I prefer not to take sides. Regardless, the onus of responsibility is on Israel to [stand down] -- since they do have a professional army under governmental control, unlike Lebanon -- and they're doing everything but taking the high ground. They are actively discouraging the conditions necessary for peace." Agreed. Israel is certainly in a difficult position -- knowing that even if they stop, Hezbollah won't -- but you can't fight fire with a flamethrower. And that's my last word on the matter, because writing about the wrongs of the world makes me too angry and depressed.]]> 2006-07-22T11:49:47+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002728 2728@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Israel angry, US wary as Annan peace plan calls for ceasefire

The UN is -- as it has been for the last umpteen years -- hamstrung by the massive (and massively unfair) influence of the US administration; therefore the most Kofi Annan can do at this stage is talk. But while the intent might be honourable, talk is unfortunately cheap, and it's not nearly enough to buy our way out of this mess.]]> 2006-07-21T12:11:34+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002727 2727@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Lebanon: the world dithers

Three days on, and we're still dithering. This appeasement of Israel's strong-arm tactics isn't helping anyone.]]> 2006-07-21T12:09:43+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002726 2726@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Israeli terrorism in Lebanon

A Barbelith thread on the current disaster in the Middle East, to which I have been contributing intermittently. I may have gotten off on the wrong foot with my presumption that paramilitary terrorism was being ignored in favour of singly condemning 'big bad' Israel, but let's not kid ourselves here: while I will never have any sympathy for the likes of Hezbollah and Hamas, I have absolute conviction that the Israeli government and the IDF are also committing acts of terrorism against the citizens of Lebanon (and, yet again, the disenfranchised people of Palestine). It's disproportionate to a morally unjustifiable degree -- and whatever way you want to dress it up, it is and will always be wrong. The cycle of violence has to be stopped. Now.]]> 2006-07-21T11:50:30+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002724 2724@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Bravo to Bravo for picking up [adult swim]

It's on every night from midnight, hopefully a permanent fixture. First impressions? I'm loving Robot Chicken and The Brak Show, but the rest isn't as funny as I'd been led to believe by the internets.]]> 2006-07-18T18:20:50+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002723 2723@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Guardian to launch downloadable news digest

I like it, I like it a lot. I can't see it displacing freesheets anytime soon, but it's a good start.]]> 2006-07-18T18:19:12+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002722 2722@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Paul Hammond's notes on typography from @media 2006

Just to add my own note: Helvetica might be unfashionable, but it's underappreciated. Same goes for Georgia, which actually looks just fine in print too (if you like your fonts with a little padding round the middle). The real problem as I see it is that the wrong typefaces are being used in the wrong contexts: I never, for instance, saw Comic Sans in a real world, 'meatspace' setting until computers exploded in popularity in the late 1990s -- is it really as popular as it's made out to be, or are people just lazy, with no conscious understanding of the message and/or sub-text that such a font conveys?]]> 2006-07-18T18:16:59+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002721 2721@http://macdaraconroy.com/ CSS resources in one handy hyperlinked PDF file

Does exactly what it says on the tin.]]> Technobabble 2006-07-18T18:06:00+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002720 2720@http://macdaraconroy.com/ An Duce, RIP

I didn't bother writing anything about Haughey's passing, because John Naughton pretty much says it all.]]> 2006-07-18T18:03:59+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002719 2719@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Primer timeline

I think I get it now. Or maybe not.]]> 2006-07-18T18:00:04+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002718 2718@http://macdaraconroy.com/ Overlooked graphic design: European stamps

Neat. I was something of a philatelist in my youth, so these bring back some memories.]]> 2006-07-18T17:57:38+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002717 2717@http://macdaraconroy.com/ What does a website sound like?

Mine sounds a lot blander than I imagined. But I haven't been posting much lately, which could explain it.]]> Web Culture 2006-07-18T17:55:52+00:00 http://macdaraconroy.com/micro/2006/07/#002716 2716@http://macdaraconroy.com/ MetaFilter Writers Group

Jack started a group for aspiring writers/MeFites to exercise their narrative muscles.]]> 2006-07-18T17:54:11+00:00