09.28.03

Unique Printer

Posted in Geekdom at 11:13 am by Leopoldo

hektor.jpg

Hektor is a unique large format printer. Go to the site and download the movie to see Hektor at work.

09.13.03

Zap Mama

Posted in Music at 9:34 am by Leopoldo

zap_mama_group.jpg

I recently attended a concert at the Oregon Zoo with Les Nubians and Zap Mama. While the headlining group Les Nubians failed to inspire me, their opening act Zap Mama was a moving experience in rich vocals over Afro-Cuban rhythms. There was something enchanting and engaging about the energy with which the five female singers sang out to the audience and in turn brought the listeners into the music. Well executed synthesizers, samplers and scratching gave Zap Mama proper techno-backing without ever threatening to overpower the human element.

09.01.03

Here Fishy Fishy Fishy

Posted in Travels at 10:40 pm by Leopoldo

vancouver_aquarium.jpg

9/1/03
Not wanting to let go of the good Tourist trend we had going there, today, we visited the Vancouver aquarium. The aquarium is pretty small but very nicely laid out. The otters as always were frolicking and entertained us for quite a while. While I enjoyed the Beluga Whale and the Dolphin shows I have some very mixed feelings about training captive animals to perform like circus freaks. On the one hand I understand that the animals would probably have died if not put into an aquarium (all had been hurt and rehabilitated) and that they live pretty comfortable lives with plenty of food and attention… but when the whale is made to shake her fin as if to say ‘hello’ in order to get some fish, it takes a rather sad and depressing air.

vancouver_aquarium_seal.jpg

7:00 PM
I am supposed to be home by now, but I gave up my seat and accepted a later flight in exchange for a round trip ticket with Alaska. I have not slept very well the last few nights and am very tired. All in all I think I got a good deal though, two and a half more hours of wait and I will be heading home. I really do hope they transferred my luggage alright.