31Jul 2011 by R&O 4 Comments
A Very Sad Life

A Very Sad Life

Observations, Of Interest, People, The Law
Kelly Thomas was a 37 year-old homeless man suffering from schizophrenia and roaming the streets of Fullerton, California. According to locals he wasn't aggressive, belligerent or a ongoing nuisance other than he was homeless and committed a variety of petty crimes to survive. Kelly Thomas was also the son of a former Orange County Sheriff's deputy. On July 5, 2011 Fullerton, California police responded to a call regarding an individual spotted breaking into cars. They attempted to arrest Kelly Thomas but discovered the 135 pound homeless man wasn't going without a fight. Six Fullerton police officers joined the pile-on, pummeling the living shit out of Mr. Thomas in plain view of spectators. Kelly's injuries were substantial and he died in hospital five days later. Fullerton police have been silent about…
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25Jun 2011 by R&O No Comments
360 degrees of rioting

360 degrees of rioting

Of Interest, Technology
The recent riot spectacle in downtown Vancouver was the most watched event in our city's history. Well, other than the Olympics of course. More people were snapping photographs and video on smartphones and digital video recorders than I can remember at any public event and it's served us well by identifying the goons responsible. A number of websites sprung up the very next day to out some of the idiots and douchebags responsible using the images submitted by outraged citizens. Well played Vancouver. But one of the most amazing and fascinating use of video technology employed during the riot was by northstudio360.com which presented a birds-eye view of the proceedings in all its 360 degrees of glorious anarchy using something called Pixelcase 3Motion Platform. This video is a small sample…
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12Jun 2011 by R&O No Comments

Who gets the deal?

Business, Observations, Of Interest, Technology
I've tried a number of the daily deal services available on the Internet and even installed the Groupon iPhone app but have decided it's not for me. And it may not be suitable for customers or the participating businesses either. It seems there's very little transparency in this fledgling but over-crowded business and the only ones that may end up making money is the daily deal businesses themselves. Here's a bit of insight into my somewhat limited experiences as a daily deal consumer... First off, I'll admit I've never purchased a deal myself. The simple reason is I've never seen anything worth buying of real value or any services within a reasonable proximity to my home or workplace. Most are for relatively small service companies or one-off food and product…
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09Jun 2011 by R&O No Comments

The World’s Smartest Man?

Entertainment, Health, Observations, Of Interest, People
Baba Dez practices Sex Magic, which is various types of sexual activity used in magical, religious, ritualistic or spiritual pursuits. He may be the smartest man on the planet or the biggest wanker in the known universe. I haven't decided which applies but this guy, who could easily pass for the brother of Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers, has created his own nirvana in Arizona and makes good coin by rooting attractive, sexually confused hippie chicks. Ya gotta love the guy. We recently subscribed to Netflix and have been enjoying a number of documentaries I would never have discovered otherwise. One of those documentaries is Sex Magic, a highly amusing romp through the life of Baba Dez, a polyamorous, sacred sexual healer. He practices his brand of sexual…
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