Category

Not Library Related

Isn't that cool?, Jack, Not Library Related
Snow Day Time Filler
16.08.11 | Permalink | Comment?

It’s snowing at the moment. This means we all need something interesting to watch while we are stuck inside drinking cocoa. Like this video about how language shapes our perception of colour from the BBC.

Regular service will resume when regular weather resumes. Good luck out there, Teen Blog-kateers!
Isn't that cool?, Music, Not Library Related, Synthesiser Patel
Synthesiser Patel’s Synthesiser Of The Week
09.06.11 | Permalink | Comment?

This week I was going to write a post about the regular theremin, but after finding the video below, that post can wait.

This man, Ken Moore, has made a homemade theremin out of a wiimote, LED gloves and a Roland synthesiser. It’s that kind of forward thinking that earns you the title of “Synthesiser of the week”. He has a blog here with more theremin related goodness.

If you’ve now been inspired and you’d now like to build your own theremin, you can! This mini theremin from Make magazine is very reasonably priced and cute.
Music, Not Library Related, Synthesiser Patel
Synthesiser Patel’s Synthesiser Of The Week
31.05.11 | Permalink | Comment?

Obviously I am a big fan of synthesisers, it is after all how I got my name! So it gives me great pride to present to you perhaps the most unusual synthesiser of them all, the Oramics Machine.

Daphne Oram from Setla Productions on Vimeo.

Designed by Daphne Oram in 1957, the Oramics Machine uses strips of 35mm film that shapes can be drawn on to create sound. The shapes modulated light that was then captured by photocells and, well, I can’t really explain the science, but pictures make the sounds! There is only one Oramics Machine in the entire world and it will soon be on display in the London Science Museum, book your tickets I guess.
Isn't that cool?, Not Library Related, Roberto B.
Teen Blog Upgrade
22.06.10 | Permalink | Comment?

In order to create more “atmosphere” on the blog, we have devised an optional ”upgrade” so that your browsing experience feels more like it’s happening inside a World Cup stadium in South Africa. To switch over to vuvuzela mode click here.
Happenings, Internet, Jack, Not Library Related
Scratch Day
18.05.10 | Permalink | Comment?

“Scratch” is a young people’s animation and programming tool developed by MIT’s Media Lab in the USA. It has a half-million followers worldwide, mostly teens. Sort of like facebook, but more animation-y (therefore better?), it has a strong community of users who collaborate on designs and hang out at things like “Scratch Day” .

Incidentally, and the reason for this post, there is a Wellington “Scratch Day” happening on Saturday 22nd May in the CBD. There is a facebook event page you can RSVP to here. If you are a seasoned veteran of the scratching, or even just a curious n00b, go along and join in on the animation fun.
Events, Not Library Related, Roberto B., Sport
Watch Football For Free!
11.02.10 | Permalink | Comment?

For the Wellington Phoenix’s next home game, tomorrow Friday 12th Feb, under 16s can get in for free. Free! Just turn up with an adult and three of you can keep your wallets in your pockets as you walk through the turnstiles. Money saved at the gate can be spent on delicious (?) stadium hotdogs. If you’re older but still studying it’s only $20 anyway. Still a bargain then.
Internet, Not Library Related, Simon, cute animals awww
Smiling dog
02.02.10 | Permalink | Comment?

Look at this dog. He/she smiles when his/her owner is about to take him/her for a walk. Walksies. So cute!
Music, Not Library Related, Synthesiser Patel, cute animals awww
Rockin’ Robins (well, finches, but I couldn’t think of a finchy pun)
19.01.10 | Permalink | Comment?

So many new books, not so much with the new CDs. Because you must be hanging out for some music by now, I, Synthesiser Patel, would like to share with you my new favourite song.
DVDs, Games, Jack, Movies, News, Not Library Related
Twihards rejoice!
02.10.09 | Permalink | 1 Comment

Are you familiar with the Scene-it? series of DVD games? They’re a series of movie quiz games you can play on your DVD player – sort of like Buzz, but don’t require a console. Anyway, the exciting news is that a Twilight one is coming very soon and is even coming to the Nintendo Wii in some sort of super deluxe package. Team Edward can face off against Team Jacob in trivia showdowns very soon then.
Games, New, Not Library Related, Sci Fi, Simon
Gamers rejoice
29.09.09 | Permalink | Comment?

The 2009 Tokyo Game Show is under way, and a massive trailer for Final Fantasy XIII (that’s 13 in Roman numerals) has been released. It’s in Japanese! So probably difficult to follow, unless you’re able to understand Japanese. Either way it sure looks good. It won’t be available outside Japan until about the middle of 2010.

Update! There’s a subtitled version. Enjoy.

The trailer is available below – Read more…