And Onward....

[shanmonster]

Despite my insane workload, I did manage to get a wee bit of experimentation done. I made my very first piece of mokume gane today. I used a scrap each of copper and sterling silver about the size of my thumbnail, and it came out pretty random-looking. It's very pretty, even though I know I did a crappy job of it. Still, a fragment of it is usable, and I may incorporate it into a piece of jewellery. It looks like subtle, half-mixed brushstrokes of pink and silver. Some interesting work with mokume gane can be seen here.

Tomorrow, I'll be continuing my education in metal arts by learning the best way to photograph jewellery. Over the past couple of weeks, my class has been building a photo booth. This week, I think we'll finally be using it. Then I shall have some pictures of my creations. About time, hmm?

I've slowly been making my way through H. Rider Haggard's King Solomon's Mines. Yesterday, I decided no decent modern adaptation could be made. The book is far too great-white-hunterish. I mean, who can be a greater, whiter, hunter than Allan Quartermain? Yes, there was that bad Indiana Jones rip-off done in the 80s starring Richard Chamberlain, but that had little bearing on the actual book. In the book, there are no toothsome heroines (at least, not yet). And in the movie, I don't recall seeing wanton murder of elephants for the sheer joy of killing. I don't believe my reaction was Mr. Haggard's intention. I'm sure the scene is supposed to be thrilling, but I find it horrific.

If I'm going to read racist adventure stories, I guess I just prefer Tarzan and Flashman. Nevertheless, it's still a fascinating read!

And now, for your continued amusement and indignation, here is today's crop of links:

Oh no! It's the Horrible Lovecraft/Woodring Mutant Lemon!

The Madness of "OH! Mikey": I don't know what it is, but I suspect it's one of them there shows druggies like to watch.

Fish Bowl Blast Puts Out Fire; Fish OK: A fish saves a school? Maybe. At the very least, he's been eulogized by lots of children.

Speaking of children, take a look at this fabulous kids' toy!

Brains can hurt job applicants: I'm aghast. Just take a look at this:

I am a 22-year-old African-American male and recent graduate of a respectable liberal arts college in Kentucky. I acquired a 3.75 grade-point average with a double major in Social Studies Secondary Education and sociology.

I was a Rhodes Scholar nominee, inducted into the Mensa society in May 2001, named to the National Dean's List for three consecutive years, successfully competed in intercollegiate forensics and served as student body president....

Recently, I interviewed with a school in one of the metro Atlanta counties, only to receive an e-mail from the principal stating, "Though your qualifications are quite impressive, I regret to inform you that we have selected another candidate. It was felt that your demeanor and therefore presence in the classroom would serve as an unrealistic expectation as to what high school students could strive to achieve or become. However, it is highly recommended that you seek employment at the collegiate level; there your intellectual comportment would be greatly appreciated. Good luck."

Artefact recalls witches' shadow: A nifty little article about a 19th-century witch bottle discovered in Lincolnshire (thanks, curtana).

Also from Curtana comes They Thought You'd Say This: Unlikely phrases from real phrasebooks. It's always good to be able to say things like "I have my own syringe," "I will X-ray your teeth," or "She was born on the 5th July, 1884" in other languages.

Is your cat Wiccan? Maybe you should buy it a copy of Spells For Cats. "We tend to think only black cats are lucky. But they're all naturally lucky because they have a positive approach to life. As the old adage goes, 'There's none so lucky as a cat that thinks himself lucky.' This Gnostic charm, when attached to a collar, may bring further luck to a cat and to all whose path he crosses. Ingredients: A small piece of handmade paper and red ink." Right.

Make sure you check out the lovely photography of Richard de Chazal. Someday, I'd like to take pictures like those.

Microsoft offers $250,000 bounty for virus creator: This news story makes no sense. In the title, it says Microsoft is offering the bounty. In the article, it also says SCO Group is offering the bounty. CBC appears to be using the two distinct companies interchangeably. So, which is it? Or is there actually a combined $500,000 reward (thanks, f00dave)?

Maybe you've heard the tale of the exploding whale (no, not that one--this one!). Now I have a picture of the dearly deceased.

Comments

Ah, but there were three adaptations made:

[montecristo.livejournal.com]

The first movie made from the book in 1937 starred Cedric Hardwicke and Anna Lee. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029081/) The second movie take on the novel, in 1950, starred Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042646/) while a third movie take on the Alan Quartermain legend, more tongue-in-cheek than the earlier ones, made in 1985, starred Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089421/)

Frankly, I liked H. Rider Haggard's "She" much better. That one was also made into a movie, starring Ursula Andress. ()

Re: Ah, but there were three adaptations made:

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Yes, there were adaptations, but could a good one be made in good, ol', PC now?