Google Earth or Google's Earth, take 2

What are they hiding?

After reading this post by Colin Daniels, I published one titled Google Earth or Google s Earth? And I questioned if this programme is gate kept and if it actually offers transparency? Well, after finding this screenshot with this comment I begin to wonder how many sections in Google Earth are missing or are not shown in full quality. Is it fair for Google Earth to expose the rest of the world but limit the amount the public is allowed to see in America?

Oh and if you keen to see some South African military sites try these co-ordinates:

Simonstown Naval Base: 34”11’20.15” S / 18”26’15.02” E
Swartkop Air Force Base: 25”48’14.74” S /28”09’47.51” E
Waterkloof AFB Airport: 25”50’26.01” S /28”13’34.13” E
Grahamstown Air Base: 33”18’19.06” S /26”31’44.78” E

By: Gregor | Monday, October 31 at Monday, October 31, 2005 | |

RAFSOC goes wild

I joined some members of RAFSOC (Raising Awareness and Funds Society) today who took a group of primary school children to a game reserve just outside Grahamstown, called Pumba. Here the children where exposed to some wild animals for their first time, including a young white male lion and two young lioness’. I took this picture of one of the schoolteachers holding a kid on her arm with the lion glaring at the kid…am starting to become more creative with the colour schemes of my images…


"Only in art will the lion lie down with the lamb, and the rose grow without thorn" - Martin Amis

By: Gregor | Sunday, October 30 at Sunday, October 30, 2005 | |

Need some small change?

Designer Jlennon has presented this new concept design of theiPod xs. Weighing in almost 15 gr, and measuring at only a little more than a quarter (a tad larger than our R5.- coin) . But after seeing the minute size of the iPod nano I ask myself how small can or should one go. It's a sweet idea but probably an ergonomic nightmare.

By: Gregor | Thursday, October 27 at Thursday, October 27, 2005 | |

When blogs change people's lives!

I have added this blog to my Blogroll, please go have a look at it, particularly this story.I have been following this blog for quite a while (as its written and visual content is very powerful) and am simply amazed by the response and effect it has had. Here, a family who have lost everything during hurricane Katrina gained a glimpse of hope again after being helped by a very generous couple in North Carolina who noticed the families dilmma by reading their blog . This has really shown the power of the internet and that of blogging…I believe this (www.-generation) could be the start of not only informed but an even more humane society.

Webshot from OperationEden

By: Gregor | at Thursday, October 27, 2005 | |

What on (Google's) earth does this mean?

I am using a free web counter on this Blog called ShinyStat which allows me to see how many people have looked at the blog and which countries have accessed it. Today I noticed that the "military" had a look at it...huh? What military? Do they see this Blog as a threat and are keeping an eye on it?...hmm

By: Gregor | Tuesday, October 25 at Tuesday, October 25, 2005 | |

Inspired by the world's obsession and devotion

Designer Scott Wilson presents iBelieve, "Inspired by the world's obsession and devotion to the iPod, iBelieve is a replacement lanyard for your Shuffle. Constructed using the same materials and precision ball bearing closure as the standard Shuffle cap, you can relax knowing your divine soundtrack and data is safe." In addition, $2 from every sale will be donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and various Children's charities. [Via MoCoLoCo]

But what would it mean when the iBelieve owners pumps Metallica's album Kill 'em All through this divine music device? And when will the other religious symbols be represented?

By: Gregor | at Tuesday, October 25, 2005 | |

Google Earth or Google's Earth?

I would like to open this topic to all fellow bloggers. Post your comments on the above statement and read this interesting post as well. It might just spark some more ideas.

The questions which are going through my head right now:
Who controls Google Earth and Gatekeeps its content?
Is it totally transparrent?
How do we know these images are real?

By: Gregor | at Tuesday, October 25, 2005 | |

Re-emerging childhood memories

click here to view the illustrations with the accompanying text

After a discussion about childhood fairytales I remembered having a book as a kid called "Der Struwwelpeter" written by Heinrich Hoffmann in 1844. I clearly remember the graphic illustrations which depicted various lessons children should learn / obey in life. The illustrations are still clearly embedded in my mind, based on the graphic nature of the images.

Reading this text now, after about 17 years since I read these (and got them read by my parents), I am quite horrified that these stories (especially their illustrations) where used as an educational basis which supposedly informed and stimulated children’s thoughts and imagination. Reliving/reading these stories today have left me in an anxious, emotional, wound up and confused state…

"While Struwwelpeter is somewhat notorious for its perceived brutal treatment of the erring children, it has been influential on many later children's books, most notably Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; in German, Max und Moritz bears a strong resemblance in style to Struwwelpeter." (Wikipedia)

Click on the above pictures to enlarge them. Here one of the illustrations explain that sucking your thumb is bad. And if you do so the tall sissor man will come and cut your thumbs off - leaving you thumbless - I do recal howver that I never sucked my thumbs!

By: Gregor | at Tuesday, October 25, 2005 | |