As the plaintive cries ringing out from FAI headquarters become ever more pitiful, I think it’s time to have a stern word. You’re not invited to the World Cup Party. It isn’t like the craic. It’s not more the merrier.

We should first consider the hideous implications of an extra team on the format of the Panini sticker album. The publishers will already have to squeeze North Korea onto the one page at the back without having to slot the Irish in somewhere.

And then we should ponder on the dangerous precedent set by ushering a team into a latter round on the grounds of injustice. Cast your mind back to the World Cup in Mexico in 1986. On this basis we’d have had five teams lining-up in the semi-finals after Diego Maradona’s handball against England. We’d have witnessed a scenario where one team would have received a bye into to final. Which is not ideal.

The mathemetical chaos would not have been resolved by time of the final as three teams pitched up at the Azteca Stadium to battle out it for the trophy. Not only would one team be forced to get ready in the car park because of a shortage of changing rooms, but the only reasonable means of finding a winner would be a game of rock-paper-scissors. And as we all know, England always lose at rock-paper-scissors.

For those of you that couldn’t make it to ADCNJ’s Rock Paper Scissors, you definitely missed out on great samples! Among the freebies of silly putty, tote bags, swatch books, sketch books, playing cards, flashlights, etc.. The best was a copy of Pentagram’s 2010 calendar, printed on Sappi paper. Kit Hinrichs designed this piece which features a different typeface every month, some info about the type designer, and what makes the particular typeface so special. Copies can be ordered online at kenknight.com. More info on Pentagram’s website.

Art Directors Club of NJ is hosting a paper show this Thursday called Rock-Paper-Scissors. It’s free but you need to sign up ahead of time! Some exhibitors include Neenah Paper, Pantone Inc, Mohawk Paper Mills, High Resolution, and Sappi. Paper shows are great for seeing what’s new in paper and printing but they’re also useful for networking with others in the field. Get there early and grab those samples!

bolop

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Andrew Emerson vs. Victoria Emerson

So – I’ve been asked about this and will now explain this awesome variation of the classic Rock Paper Scissors game.

This variation was originally created by Sam Kass. But it was recently mentioned on an episode of the Big Bang Theory and that’s where I had heard it.

Here’s how it works. On top of the standard 3 weapons, there are 2 new weapons called Lizard and Spock. Lizard is formed by a “sock covered hand” (i.e. tuck your thumb under your hand and keep all four fingers stuck together, kind of like forming the head of a lizard). Spock is the traditional V salute.

We already know these:

Rock crushes Scissors

Scissors cuts Paper

Paper covers Rock

The new weapons do this:

Rock crushes Lizard

Lizard poisons Spock

Spock smashes Scissors

Scissors decapitate Lizard

Lizard eats Paper

Paper disproves Spock

Spock vaporizes Rock

The new 5-weapon game also satisfies the Law of Fives.

On Big Bang Theory, Sheldon explains that the closer friends are, the higher the likelihood that they’ll choose the same weapon in the traditional RPS game. So introducing the new 5-weapon game evens the playing field.

But honestly it just gives everyone a reason to do the Spock V salute more often and it’s really fun to say “Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock!” and giggle like the geeks we are.  :)  Ok, ok like the geek *I* am.

And I’d also like to refer you to a favorite post of mine about the standard RPS game here. Funny.

By L Fitzhugh

My weekly ritual of refilling the hummingbird feeder brought a strange question to mind – who’s the pet here?

Photo from www-physique.u-strasbg.fr

I go back into my house and gaze at these birds through the arcadia door and ponder. These beautiful little sugar fiends with wings going a million miles a minute swoop in, suck down their ‘drug,’ take a quick look around and zoom off to … wherever. They’re not easily swayed from their ritualistic behavior, and I could swear, at times, one will look me in the eye as if to say ‘hi … aren’t you slow and boring behind your glass barrier … lovely to see and somewhat calming, but boring nonetheless.’

That’s when it occurred to me, isn’t that what we think of fish in the fish tank?

We are buzzed up on our own sugar (i.e., caffeine, energy drinks, life) with our brains and mouths going a million miles a minute, we swoop into our homes or offices, consume more of our chosen ‘drug,’ take a quick look around and zoom off to take care of … whatever. We rarely deviate from this norm, but when there’s a fish tank in the room, we pause for a moment, look at these mesmerizing creatures as if to say ‘huh … aren’t you slow and boring behind your glass barrier … lovely to see and somewhat calming, but boring nonetheless.’

Now I can run away with this observation and reflect upon the nature of humans in a madcap world. I might note how we rarely slow down unless we’re stopped dead in our tracks and even throw out advice about how to live life – but I won’t. I’ll simply give in to the observation for what it is – a bunch of creatures moving about the earth, each at its own pace, free to pursue whatever we please … well, most of us.

Inspired by today’s CSOTD, I went to look for some footage of a rock/paper/scissors competition and found this funny little ad — love the dental work on Laser Sword:

Oh yah, here’s my Creative Something of the Day:

Stone Surround

This is a 3 Level Game, best 3 games out of 5 wins the level. Win all 3 Levels to get the prize. You are on the left side, computer AI play against you on the right. The computer is pretty difficult to beat, so good luck!

For my first Scratch Project, I wanted to create a drawing board to doodle on people. For this sample I wanted to pick Chuck Norris, but nobody gets to pick Chuck Norris, he picks you.

Still working on this Game, haven’t figured out how to make the right row work on its own. I am trying to give each tool on the right an integer label, and setup the left row so once an item is clicked, the right row will randomize a number from 0-2 and then map out all possible outcomes once they meet in the middle.

I understand that Scissors can beat Paper, and I get how Rock can beat Scissors, but there’s no fucking way Paper can beat Rock. Paper is supposed to magically wrap around Rock leaving it immobile? Why the hell can’t paper do this to scissors? Screw scissors, why can’t paper do this to people? Why aren’t sheets of college ruled notebook paper constantly suffocating student as they attempt to take notes in class? I’ll tell you why, because paper can’t beat anybody, a rock would tear that shit up in 2 seconds. When I play rock/ paper/ scissors, I always choose rock. Then when somebody claims to have beaten me with their paper I can punch them in the face with my already clenched fist and say, oh shit, I’m sorry, I thought paper would protect you, you asshole.

I understand that Scissors can beat Paper, and I get how Rock can beat Scissors, but there’s no fucking way Paper can beat Rock. Paper is supposed to magically wrap around Rock leaving it immobile? Why the hell can’t paper do this to scissors? Screw scissors, why can’t paper do this to people? Why isn’t notebook paper constantly suffocating students while they take notes in class? I’ll tell you why: because paper can’t beat anybody; a rock would tear that shit up in 2 seconds. When I play rock/paper/scissors, I always choose Rock. Then when somebody claims to beat me with their paper I can punch them in the face with my already clenched fist and say, “Oh shit, I’m sorry. I thought paper would protect you, you asshole!”

~ Anonymous

Ok… so I’m going to try something a little different for my post today. Instead of just focusing on one piece of art, we’re going to revisit all of the fun & fantastic happenings I experienced on my “first friday” last night… I’ll do this once a month and call it “First Friday Frolic!”

For starters, my girlfriend and I met at Flora for a drink. Flora is located in a gorgeous art deco building with stunning tile & metal work, just across the street from the equally impressive Fox Theater (more on this in future posts…) Flora is, hands down, one of the (if not the) best restaurants in Oakland, and boy can they make cocktails! I had something called a Salt and Pepper which was a fantastic grapefruity concoction, rimmed with salt & pepper. YUM! My girlfriend had two cocktails (she is a lush) and was equally enthusiastic about both of hers. The bartenders are true artisans and it was educational and entertaining to watch as they shaked, stirred, strained, and dripped their delicious & beautiful elixers. We also had some small plate delectable snacks at the bar… and all I can say is, you simply must go.

I had to duck out of Flora 1/2 way through my drink to ply my parking meter with quarters. Oakland meters are now functional until 8pm! Yes, you read that right, 8pm folks. It’s a drag, but hey… we need the cash. Don’t forget to feed those meters… I saw several tickets on cars last night.

On my way I walked past a slew of murals hung around a development site… they seem to be projects from various Art & Soul Festivals from years past. Really great stuff…

I also made my way past the Great Western Power Company building which, I just learned, was converted into a rock climbing gym in early 2008. The building originates to the 1920’s and was a steam-powered generation plant into the 1930’s until it was bought out and decommissioned by rival PG&E.  Touchstone Climbing did a lovely job renovating the building, which adds to the growing list of historic revival buildings downtown.  The painted figures on the old smokestack are a relatively new addition… very cool! Didn’t I tell you Oakland was cool?

Next it was on to the murmur… Art Murmur that is. Art Murmur as most folks know by now, is Oakland’s answer to San Francisco’s First Thursdays. First Fridays are way cooler…

We made our first stop into Mercury 20… highlights for me were the watery underworld abstracts upstairs (can’t find artist’s name), Mary V. Marsh’s ink drawings on remants of old library cards, pieces of newsprint, etc., and finally the quirky and comical workings of Julie Alvarado… how can you not love a T-Rex playing the accordian? The music was quite good too… lovely stringed duo playing live.

After that, we strolled on up to the clusterf&*! around Johansson Projects and Rock, Paper, Scissors. This is hipster central, where the real party is, though I’m not sure that’s the real draw of Art Murmur for me. There are a lot of talented artist’s in Oakland and I want to see what they’re doing. Of course, it’s fun to have cocktails at Flora first!

The alley between the two was full of artists plying their wares… some pretty cool stuff. But I have to say it was kind of hard to see stuff (or maybe I’m just old)… I think they need to string the alley with lights like on Belden Lane in San Francisco… give it that Euro-feel. It would be pretty!

I loved the work of artist Terri Saul. She had a little table of funky and beautiful paintings for really reasonable prices. If I hadn’t spent all my cash at Flora, I would have bought something. I will find her again…

We blasted through Mama Buzz and then passed this adorable little Art Cart on our way back to the car. They do art on the spot and have all kinds of supplies and little tables and chairs… it’s so cute! I feel a little guilty telling you that we did not stop and spontaneously make art. We should have. But we are old and we were tired.

Oh.. I almost forgot to mention Luka’s. Luka’s is a staple. One of the first to brave the neighborhood which really didn’t exist a few years ago… there was just the Paramount and that was it. In fact, I remember the old Hofbrau that Luka’s is now housed in. Their food was terrible. I didn’t like it when my mom made corned beef, and I can’t say I like it when anyone else does either. But you went to the Hofbrau for the large cheap beers before shows at the Paramount. Now we are blessed to be able to get better beers, and much better food. Thank you Luka’s!

Nothing wakes you up in the morning like a hot cup o’ joe – especially when it’s in a mug that makes you smile. Check out these cute new designs from Rock Paper Scissors – how could they not brighten your day? (-Moe)

Free Spirit Bike (top row back/front) and Happy Snail (bottom row back/front), $16 each, Rock Paper Scissors.

The pharmacy/hospital that my host brother works at had a fair/festival in November. I helped out, and made/gave away cotton candy! It was so much fun.

Making cotton candy!

Every year, companies have a “company party” at the end of the year, in November or December, for all the employees. My host family works at 3 different pharmacies; my host brother works at Sakura Dispensing Pharmacy, my host sister and dad work at Miharu Pharmacy(??) and the front of my house is actually a pharmacy/drugstore -  Hamada Pharmacy. So for the company party, it was a combined party for all 3 pharmacies. It was at a big hot spring/banquet hall type thing. We had dinner, played a game (rock paper scissors, of course!) and had a variety show. It was so fun! Then afterwards, some of us went to the onsen and then to the bar for karaoke. It was really funny to see everyone drunk and trying to sing karaoke!!

Can you find me?!

Saisho iku...

Janken poi!! And Kazu is the winner!

I think there's about $30.00 there.

And here are some pictures of Christmas lights displays in my neighborhood!

Should I tell him I love him first or wait for him to say it first?

Far: You should play “rock paper scissors” and the loser has to say it first…

Jen: I wasn’t aware that there are rules in this scenario. I’m sure one is thinking if I tell him/her my real feelings they have the upper hand. A relationship should be built on trust, so no time for not being honest. If you feel it – go with it.

TechBabe: Some words don’t need to be said. Love is a feeling. And sometimes, you just know. (What the fuck? Did I just say that?)

What I really meant to say was:

From a chick to a dude first:  “I Love You” = “This bitch is fucking psycho!”

From a dude to a chick first:  “I Love You” = “Pussy.”

This is my latest video. A 5 mins short video of Brunei’s RockPaperScissors team featuring Bahrom, Samsul, Koo Jin Chen, Cefu, Eyan and Woorapaj “Note” Boonim. Videos were taken during 2008-2009.

Equipment used: Sony HC20E, Panasonic DVX102AE, Canon 500D+50mm f/1.8, Sony VX2100E, Sony FX1000E.

I would like to thank Bahrum, Koo Jin Chen, Ruddy and Kalik for taking the videos, Koo and Bahrom for taking the time to help out in the editing room, Zati for being patient during the days and nights I spent editing this video.