"To a surprising extent, the public tends to agree on what it like to see in a work of art. Americans generally tend to prefer, for instance, traditional styles over more modern designs; they also express a strong preference for paintings that depict landscapes or similar outdoor scenes. In addition, most Americans tend to favor artists known for a realistic style over those whose artworks are more abstract or modernistic."

22/4/00 - What a time for them to overcome their jinx!  Man U. beats Southampton to win the Premiership.

A Southampton supporter's lot is not a happy one:

"BEFORE the trial began, the jury of six men and six women were asked whether any of them were Southampton supporters. Judge David Maclaren Webster, QC, said: "We have agreed to ask if any of you are a supporter of Southampton."

When one man raised his hand, Judge Maclaren Webster asked: "You are a fervent Southampton supporter?" The man replied: "I'm afraid so." When no other jurors admitted to being Saints fans, the judge asked: "How are Southampton going to manage?" The middle-aged juror was replaced."

22/4/00 - Today's Time Machine playlist.

21/4/00 - It's the little things that make the difference:

"CHILDREN'S TV favourite Bob the Builder has been accused of being a member of the Japanese Mafia in a bizarre row over attempts to export him to the Far East. Having only three fingers on each hand hasn't held back Bob in the building trade, but in Japan it is a sign he is a member of the country's feared mafia - the Yakuza. Its members have their little fingers cut off as a sign they can be trusted and have strength of character."

21/4/00 - American?  Thinking about moving to Britain and watching TV?  Remember to get a license.

The authorities keep a list of their favourite excuses for not having a licence:

"Most enquiry officers come across the excuse "I don't live here". It's surprising how many are men dressed only in boxer shorts with nothing on their feet and have "just popped round to feed the dog"."

"Leaving aside the fact that the statistics shoring up this rather shaky premise are irrelevant ("the male suicide rate has doubled in the past 25 years," it screams, ignoring the fact that Loaded has only been on the shelves for less than six years), it trivialises a serious social issue. And while it is flattering to suggest that Loaded has such a wide-ranging cultural impact - the magazine equivalent of the Moonies, perhaps - I should point out that we are just a bunch of berks with a printing press.

The argument seems to be that men are unable to cope with modern life because the likes of Loaded are setting modern chaps unrealistic goals. What unrealistic goals, exactly? Getting to the bar before last orders? Eating the hottest curry on the menu? Laughing until the Tizer shoots out of your nose? It's not as if Loaded asks that much of men."

20/4/00 - A bit late but my playlist from last Saturday's Time Machine.

20/4/00 - The Guardian has a weblog! (via linkmachinego)

20/4/00 - It's not a good idea to direct someone using Angus Steak Houses as a reference:

"There are 21 Angus Steak Houses in the West End of London, so the company must be doing something right."

The anti-smoking campaign that the above cartoon is from is mentioned in this (long) Scottish Parliament discussion that ranges widely:

"Ben Wallace (North-East Scotland) (Con): ...I smoke, having started as a teenager because I was not allowed to and wanted to rebel. I remember the days of those rather lame adverts featuring Nick O'Teen battling against Superman. They did me no good and it was never hard to get cigarettes over the counter."

"Ian Jenkins (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): We are all in reminiscent mood. I remember the first time I smoked. It was in a big rhododendron bush in the grounds of a hotel on the island of Bute. I smoked two cigarettes and was lucky to survive, because about 10 minutes later they caused me to seize up, nearly killing me. I never smoked again.

My wife's experience was quite different. She started smoking when her mum sent her out to buy cigarettes. She used to buy 10 Craven A and a packet of Polo mints, because it was said to be smooth on the throat. She then moved on to Senior Service, because she liked sailors."

"bunny boiler - an unhinged and overly possessive woman. From the rabbit boiling scene in the film "Fatal Attraction"."

19/4/00 - That put upon group are put upon again:

"Who'd be a redhead? Despite there being laws to protect vulnerable members of our society from all manners of injustices and prejudices, it always seems to be open season on people stricken with the ginger "curse". And here we go again."

19/4/00 - I thought I'd understood how London's telephone number were changing, but it seems I have a lot to learn:

"Mobiles are a little more complicated. People whose phone numbers start (07) are in luck as their numbers remain unchanged. Everyone else must adapt to the new (07) code. Most numbers undergo radical changes. Some just add a 7 - such as 0831 becoming 07831 and 0973 becoming 07973, but most entail a complete overhaul. Numbers starting with 0410, for example, will be 07710."

"For example, in one episode the Simpsons put baby Maggie in the “Ayn Rand School for Tots,” where we briefly see a banner that reads “A is for ‘A.’”"

"...you can name every bone in the human body, but none of the muscles.
...you can name most of Jane Goodall's chimps."

"Driver fined $75 for violating Hilltown's handheld-phone law"

18/4/00 - I wonder if there is an award for trying desperately to make your product more exciting, if there is, then this site wins hands down.

18/4/00 - Got any spare knitting time, then how about producing woolly sweaters for penguins affected by oil spills?  (via rebecca's pocket)

This site has the actual address:

Phillip Island Penguin Parade
attn: Penguin Hospital Support Fund
PO Box 97
Cowes
Phillip Island, Victoria 3922
Australia

18/4/00 - I can't believe the phrase 'Get a car, loser!' only turns up in a couple of places on the web.  Like on the 'Essential sound Crews Do's and Don'ts for talking to shorties'.

18/4/00 - Get the new Doe Maar tracks.  As My Science Project says:

"Anyone surfing in from outside The Netherlands probably doesn't know them, but here they are legendary. They were one of the first bands who sang in Dutch AND were cool."

"For the 135th straight year since Gen. Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox, representatives for the South announced Monday that the region has postponed plans to rise again."

"Confirmed: Moby, Nine Inch Nails, Leftfield, Basement Jaxx
Strong Rumours: Live, Coldplay, Elastica, Feeder, Foo Fighters, Muse, Super Furry Animals, Asian Dub Foundation, Beta Band, Stereophonics, Death in Vegas, Mogwai, Mansun, Ocean Colour Scene, Placebo, Reef , Smashing Pumpkins"

18/4/00 - Ralph would love this.  (via memepool)

"Here you will find lots of uses for CABLE TIES. Add your own for eternal fame."

18/4/00 - Test how your opinions match up with candidates in the London mayoral race.  (via Gorjuss)

I was matched up with someone called Ram Gidoomal who I'd never heard of.  I very much doubt he'd ever get my vote:

"The Christian Peoples Alliance has adopted Mr Gidoomal as the top candidate on its list for the Greater London Assembly. The party's ticket includes tackling discrimination and regeneration for the inner city areas of the capital. It hopes to appeal to members from all religions, as well as those from none. But it also seeks to ensure “recognition of Christ's sovereignty over the nations and in politics” and the “respect of God's law as the basis for constitutional government and a stable society”."

18/4/00 - Gratuitous (very gratuitous) pig link. (via Cardhouse)

18/4/00 - Nice little opinion piece on the collapse of .com prices:  (via Politech)

"Sometimes a bad business plan is just a bad business plan.  WebVan (from 34 to 5 11/16 in four months)?  TheGlobe.com (38 13/16 to 3 in a year)?  iVillage (130 to 10 5/16 in a year)?  I'm sorry, but anyone who thinks a company in the business of delivering groceries to Manhattan residents in vans is worth ELEVEN BILLION DOLLARS deserved to be separated from his money."