Comic Book Confidential

(via Wiki) Comic Book Confidential is an American/Canadian documentary film that was released in 1988. Directed by Ron Mann and written by Mann and Charles Lippincott, the film is a survey of the history of the comic book medium in the U.S.A, from the 1930s to the 80s, particularly from the point of view of its being an art form. The film includes profiles of a number of notable and influential talents in the comics field, such as Charles Burns, Art Spiegelman, Françoise Mouly, Frank Miller, Stan Lee, Will Eisner, Robert Crumb, Harvey Pekar, and William M. Gaines. In addition to the talents discussing their best known contributions to the art, they also give readings of passages of their work. A live action version of Bill Griffith's character, Zippy the Pinhead, also appears.

Useful links:

www.sphinxproductions.com/pages/film_comicbook.html

www.imdb.com/title/tt0094897

In my view comics are an incredibly sophisticated narrative format that can be understood by the illiterate + literate alike.

Random Thoughts

I have had a very adventurous life but not because I have an adventurous nature or yearned for a life full of adventure. Fate just wanted it this way.

- Vaclav Havel
www.vaclavhavel.cz

AIAS + D.I.C.E

(via Wiki) The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), founded in 1996, is a non-profit organization that promotes computer and video game entertainment with the annual D.I.C.E. Summit event, where its Interactive Achievement Awards ceremony has been held annually since 1998. Its membership consists of industry professionals, and only professional members who meet a set of minimum criteria are able to vote for the best entertainment software of the year.

D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit is an annual multi-day gathering of videogame executives held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Established in 2002 by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the conference is host to the annual Entertainment Software Association's Interactive Achievement Awards. The conference differs from other industry conferences in its emphasis on the business and production end of the industry, with a focus on trends and innovations in videogame design. The conference specializes in providing a more intimate, orderly venue for select industry leaders to network.

Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist, who became an Internet sensation for his 'The Last Lecture' speech on September 18, 2007, died of pancreatic cancer on July 25 (Friday), 2008. He was 47. In February, 2008, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences in California announced the creation of the Dr. Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund for university students who pursue careers in game design, development and production.

Useful links:
www.interactive.org
www.dicesummit.org
www.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5700431505846055184

Randy's 'The Last Lecture' was really inspiring. He will be dearly missed but will always remain in our hearts.

The Most Expensive Cups Of Coffee

(via Forbes) According to a new survey by the London office of U.S. consulting firm Mercer, the average cup of coffee in Moscow costs $10.19, including service, $6.77 in Paris, $6.62 in Athens, $2.03 in Buenos Aires, $2.36 in Johannesburg, and $3.75 in New York. Intriguing! Go to www.mercer.com for the annual cost of living survey, which covers 143 cities across six continents and measures the relative cost of more than 200 items in each location, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. A real eye opener!

John Mellencamp's Life, Death, Love And Freedom

Life Death Love and Freedom by John Mellencamp is unique and distinctive + he is enjoying a mini renaissance after his recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, but in my view his songs still have the same luster, electricity and character.

Useful link:

www.mellencamp.com

www.rockhall.com

Zhengrong Shi

Dr Zhengrong Shi is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Suntech Power, China's largest photovoltaic manufacturer. He is also an adviser to the Chinese government on renewable energy policies. He predicts solar power will rival oil and coal before the end of the next decade. I think he is the right man at the right time--China's Sunshine Boy!

Useful links:
www.suntech-power.com
www.metropoliscongress2008.com

New Acropolis Museum

(via Wiki) The New Acropolis Museum is a purpose built museum by architect Bernard Tschumi to house the archaeological findings related to the Acropolis Hill, in Athens, Greece. It is located near the Acropolis. A must-visit.

Useful links:

www.newacropolismuseum.gr

www.tschumi.com

Lucky Lakshmi 2008

Lucky Lakshmi, India’s largest jewelry shopping festival, will be held September 30 - November 3, 2008.

Useful links:
www.luckylakshmi.com
www.gjf.in
www.gold.org

A must-visit.