The Laughing Kookaburra

Moleskine

2008-02-09T19:45:00.001-08:00

I finally did it. I bought a moleskine notebook, and I didn't stop there...I also bought another one. The pocket size version. In red.

I have been eye-ing these beauties for some time, but had no justification for buying one. Well, I got a job this week working as a veterinary technician at UF's College of Veterinary Medicine. Notebooks come in handy for jotting down notes on patients' histories. Plus, this job is very demanding and I am constantly learning new things. I wanted a place were I could record the new things that I learned in the day. I felt like a moleskine notebook is the perfect fit for what I needed. They are sleek and simple, not bulky at all. Plus they have a book mark and an elastic band to keep it closed! I am excited to go into work on Monday and put it to good use.

I also got the sketchbook version.

Check out their website at www.moleskines.com!

Childhood Dreams

2008-01-16T11:26:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, I watched Bill Nye the Science Guy religiously. You could say he was my hero. Yes, I was a huge nerd, but that is not the point. He recently came to UF, and I was able to attend a speaking event. He gave an excellent speech on environmentalism and the importance of science in fixing today's problems.
After the event, I got to thinking that my childhood self would probably have exploded like something out of a Mythbuster's episode if she new that one day see would see Bill Nye in person. Then I thought about all the things that I have gotten to do, that my childhood self only dreamed about. Live in Africa. Work with Bald Eagles. Fly a plane. SEE BILL NYE IN PERSON. It just makes me excited to think that if I work hard enough the dreams that I have today-now-can someday happen.

The Kookaburra Lives

2007-12-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

I sincerely apologise for completely neglecting this blog! This semester has proved to be trialing, but I am almost done, and I intend to fill this blog with truely splendid thing. So please continue to visit.

For now I leave you with a little update of what I did this summer...

I spent two months in Namibia volunteering with the Cheetah Conservation Fund. It was absolutely the best thing I have ever done in my entire life! To find out more about the Cheetah Conservation Fund, go to www.cheetah.org. I intend to post some more pictures from my trip and maybe even post some of my entries from my journal that I kept while I was there.

The picture above is of my favorite cheetah, Solo.

New APT!

2007-03-04T05:45:00.002-08:00

Ugh...why is moving such a bear?

I will be posting pictures of my new apartment later. It is gorgeous! I just need to get it in order to take a good picture.

By the way, the picture above is from my summer trip to Yellowstone. I took that picture from about 30 feet away.

Everest: Beyond the Limit

2006-12-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

The mini series on Discovery Channel, Everest: Beyond the Limit, has brought me back to my slight obsession with said mountain. This Sunday at 5pm Discovery is going to have a marathon of the entire series, if you would like to catch it.

There is something about the mountain that is bewitching, and not just mount everest, but all mountains. I am a skier. I have been skiing since I was 6. Maybe I sound weird by saying this, but something comes over me when I am skiing. No matter how dangerous the weather is getting, I want to stay out there. I want to conquer the mountain. It gives me power while at the same time I feel so small. I love it!

The article gives a great insight to what is presently happening to Mount Everest. It is very tragic. The author makes a lot of good points on how the climbers that go to Mount Everest are changing. Take a look at it!

http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/everestbeyond/diaries/graham2.html

Hairspray!

2006-12-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

My roommate got rush tickets to go see Hairspray last night! I had a test today, but I couldn't reject to offer!I had a blast. I am so glad I went. It gave me this "Broadway High" that gave me enough energy to stay up 'til one in the morning to finish studying for my test.

Actually, I saw Hairspray in New York a little less than a year ago, but I love to see the tours to compare it to the ones actually on Broadway. I thought they would have to change a few things since our stage at the Phillips Center is smaller than most stages, but no. This tour was amazing...it was exactly like the Broadway one. Actually, I would say that they even had a bit more energy. Granted, the Broadway cast had better singers in actors (they were still amazing!), but, none the less, I really enjoyed the cast last night!

If it is coming your way, I would take up the opportunity to see it. Rush tickets aren't that expensive ( I paid 10 dollars)!

I won the internet!

2006-11-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

No, really I did...

Today, I thought I would show you a few sites and blogs that I like to frequent.

One of my favorites it the inspirational Superhero Blog. This one is especially for the ladies out there, but you don't have to be a girl to visit! Andrea Scher is a very talented artist that has some great advise and some great jewelry!

Since I am a little Pixar obsessed. I also visit Luxo and Upcoming Pixar to get my daily dose of Pixar news. They always keep me update on the latest from Emeryville, California. Pixar Planet has a great forum, too! My username is Squishy, so drop by and say hi!

We all know how I visit Cuteoverload about 50 times a day. No matter how bad of a mood I am in, Cute Overload always manages to put a smile on my face!

Last, but certainly not least, if my one of my favorite storyboard artist over at Pixar, Enrico Casarosa. His blog offers up some amazing photographs and sketches!

So, hopefully I have given you some great blogs and sites to fill up your internet appetite!

~Carla

Georgia Aquarium

2006-10-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

If you have the opportunity to go to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta...go for it! It was an incredible experience! The whale sharks blew me away, and the way they displayed the fish was breath taking. I uploaded a few of the photos to my flickr. Go take a look, if you get a chance. They come up in much better quality there than they do here.

While in Atlanta, I went to Ikia, to pick out furniture for my new apartment. I will be moving in around december. Once I have it all decorated, I will be sure to take some good pictures of it!

Oh, I can't wait for the holiday season to roll around! That way I can post more...right now organic chemistry is taking up all my time!

Until next time...Ciao!

Very Sorry!

2006-09-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry I have not been updating lately! School is practically eating me alive!

In my last post I said I would put the link to fund in Steve Irwins name. Well, here it is... Wildlife Warriors. It seems like a great cause. This seems terrible to say, but it seems in the wake of Steve's death there has been a ton of opened eyes. Lots of people are stepping up to help continue what he was doing! I think this is wonderful that this is passing on...it seems to be what he would have wanted.

On another note, I will be going to Atlanta next weekend to pick out furniture from the Ikea factory! I am also going to the Georgia Aquarium! I have been wanting to go since it opened in November. I will make sure to take tons of photos. It should be an amazing experience!

I am going to try to update more often! I promise!

What a loss...

2006-09-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

I only pray his conservation efforts can continue on in his memory. This man was doing great things through his shows, documentaries, and zoo.

If you would like to know more go to this cnn.com article.

A fund is being considered in his honor. If I hear more about it, I will post it here.

By the way, sorry for the lack of updates. I have just gotten back into the swing of things at University of Florida. With new classes and the move back up, I have been a very busy girl!

Summer Vacation 2006!

2006-08-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to putting my vacation pictures on my computer. I ended up having 718 pictures! I put a few (only 18) of them on my flickr account. Go take a look and tell me what you think. . . remember that I am still learning how to use all the great features on my camera. I will continue to take my favorites from the trip and put them either here or on my flickr account. The one above was taken at the Salt Lake City airport at the beginning of my trip.

Emmanuel's Gift

2006-07-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

What a breath taking documentary! This movie will inspire you! It will not only make you want to set goals, but to actually achieve them. I am in awe at Emmanuel's blessed life.

If you are born disabled in Ghana, West Africa you are likely to be poisoned, or left to die by your family; and if you are not poisoned or left for dead, you're likely to be hidden away in a room; and if you're not hidden, you are destined to spend your lifetime begging on the streets. Of the twenty million people in Ghana, two million are disabled. This is the story of one disabled man whose mission-and purpose- is to change all that forever.

In Emmanuel's Gift, filmmakers Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern have uncovered a story as compelling as it is important. Narrated by Oprah Winfrey, the film chronicles the life of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a young Ghanaian man born with a severely deformed right leg, who today, against incalculable odds, is opening minds, hearts and doors-and effecting social and political change throughout his country. While Emmanuel's message is vital: people with disabilities are valuable contributors to any society, his method is inspirational. Emmanuel begins his quest with a bicycle ride, over 600 kilometers, across Ghana with one leg-and continues to spread his vision with grit and resolve. Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern have been documenting Emmanuel's plight for over a year, having shot over 100 hours of powerful imagery. The film includes original footage shot in Ghana, California, Oregon and New York, as well as photographs and other acquired film/video of Emmanuel's early years. Through it all, they have created an intimate insight into the mind and heart of a visionary whose unforgettable journey transcends continents and cultures and becomes each of ours to share.

This is a must see for the WHOLE family!

Yes, I am still alive

2006-07-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the hiatus. I went on a nice relaxing trip to Montana for a few days, and I still haven't pulled out of vacation mode! I got some great picture of animals and scenery...I will post my favorites later. I promise!

Pocoyo!

2006-06-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was introduced to Pocoyo! Pocoyo is a kids' show that blows Dora the Exployer out of the water! Victor Navone posted an episode on his blog via youtube.com (you gotta love youtube), and I fell in love. My favorite episode is The Big Sneeze!

There is also a blog just for the show!

The duck is amazing...too bad the show is only on in Europe and Japan.

Some photo fun...

2006-06-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been working for a month now, and I finally saved up enough for something I have always wanted...a good digital camera. I got a Nikon D50 and I absolutely love it. I am a novice, so I am still working out the kinks and goofing around with it. I thought I would post some of my favorite pictures that I have taken thus far. Enjoy!

Here are two pictures of my other cat, Mr. Big. He is know for is akward sleeping positions and his constanty drowsy look.

This is Senghe, and he is known for his bitter and angry look.

Have a great week!

Cars Review

2006-06-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an amazing day for animation! I saw Cars twice within a five hour period...it blew my mind.

Let me just say, if you have any doubt about seeing this movie, put it aside and go buy a ticket right now. Drop whatever you are doing and go see it...actually, buy tickets for two showings back to back, because I am absolutely sure that you are going to want to see it again right after.

The animation was splendid, the story was touching, the humor was knee-slaping, the characters captured my heart. I have to see it a few more times!!!

When you see the movie, make sure you pay attention to the camera angles. I was watching an interview with an animator (I truly can't remember who) and he was discussing the camera angles they chose for the racing scenes. The angles chosen where perfect...they gave the race such speed! It was incredible! Also, the angles where something that could never be achieved in a real life race. Another thing, pay attention to the scenery. Everything ties in with the car world! A ton of thought was put into this movie and a lot of times it just goes unnoticed.

I loved how John Lasseter and the Pixar crew overcame the limitation of cars only have wheels -no hands- lots of buttons were used! Very innovative!

Go see it! Now!

P.S. Guido is the BEST Pixar character ever! I love him...
P.S.S. Make sure to stay through the credits! You'll regret it if you don't...

Here is a good review from CNN.com.

I should have taken French in high school!

2006-05-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Pixar noted that Cinoche.com has released the teaser trailer of Pixar's next movie, Ratatouille! What's the catch...well, it's in french!

UPDATE: The teaser was taken off. How sad! I knew that it would eventually happen! Someone had put the teaser on youtube, but then promptly removed it. I guess we will all have to wait for Cars!

Haley Joel Osment, who told you to grow up?!?!

2006-04-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

I was watching t.v. and was astonished to see how much this kid has grown. . . I thought he was going to be a child star for an eternity!

Bleeeh

2006-04-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

If you look carefully, you will see a kitty tongue being stuck out at my dog! Ha! I love it!

Well, just to update you on him...I named him Senghe (seng-hay) which means lion in Tibet. It is a very fitting name, since he has the personality of a lion and he is going to grow to be a VERY big boy (a 20lb boy) !

Nice shades!

2006-04-12T14:05:00.000-07:00

March 28, 2006—Pampering pets with designer goods isn't so unusual—and now even your houseflies can get outfitted in style.
An entry in a German science-photo competition, this image shows a fly sporting a set of "designer" lenses crafted and set in place with a cutting-edge laser technique. The glasses fit snuggly on the fly's 0.08-inch-wide (2-millimeter-wide) head.
Manufacturing firm Micreon GmbH submitted the insect's picture for the Bilder der Forschung (Photos of Science) 2005 competition. Selected images were on display last week in a Munich shopping center.
Micreon, based in Hannover, Germany (see map), created the fly's eyewear using ultrafast laser micro-machining. The firm notes on its Web site that the process can create objects with high precision at scales of less than a thousandth of a millimeter.
—Victoria Gilman

Now how much did they charge this poor little fly. . .

My new baby!

2006-04-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my ragdoll kitten that I will be taking home on Friday!! He is a cute little chocolate bicolor lynx! He is also big trouble...you will be seeing a ton of him around this blog.

Now I have to think of a good name...

It's Great to be a Florida Gator

2006-04-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Game, set, match -- and a championship, too -- for Joakim Noah and the Florida Gators.
The tennis star's son dominated UCLA with 16 points, nine rebounds and a record six blocks Monday night to key a 73-57 blowout for Florida's first national title in basketball.
The championship for Billy Donovan's team comes 10 years after Steve Spurrier led the Gators to a title in that "other" sport. Spurrier is long gone, and the days of Florida being only a football school appear to be, too.
For 40 lopsided minutes, the Gators (33-6) were too big, too long and too quick for UCLA, which came up a win short of its 12th national title on a night when legendary coach John Wooden watched from a hospital bed in LA after being admitted for an undisclosed illness that was said not to be serious.
Florida and Noah won by putting on a thorough display of versatility and unselfishness, a trademark of this team all season.
The Bruins (32-7) were on a defensive tear coming into the championship game, shutting down LSU's Glen Davis in the semifinals and allowing a total of 90 points in the last two games. Florida, though, was just too much to handle.
Noah capped it off with a monster dunk with 1:09 left. When the buzzer sounded, he laid flat on his back at halfcourt and let the confetti rain on him. His teammates were in a pile a few feet away and Donovan was sharing hugs with his longtime assistant Anthony Grant.
The Gators won this by taking it right to UCLA early, looking to Noah, Corey Brewer and senior Adrian Moss down low, making the extra pass in the key and finishing with 21 assists, 10 of them from their frontcourt
It couldn't have been what Ben Howland's team expected had he scouted Florida's 73-58 win over George Mason in the semis, a game the Gators won from outside and that guard Lee Humphrey ended early in the second with three straight 3s.
The scrappy Humphrey, a junior from Maryville, Tenn., and the only non-sophomore in the Gators' starting five, did the honors again in this one, spotting up for open looks against a collapsing defense early in the second half. His first 3, 80 seconds into the half, gave Florida a 39-25 lead and forced Howland to call timeout. A sloppy offensive possession ensued, then Humphrey came back with another 3.
After Ryan Hollins' dunk, one of the few easy baskets for the Bruins all night, Brewer hit a 3 to make it 45-27 and prompt yet another Bruins TO.
But there was no strategy to stop Noah. The 6-foot-11 son of tennis star Yannick Noah dunked, swatted shots and dominated the game, much like his dad did during his magical run to the French Open title in 1983.
Noah had five blocks by halftime, already better than Arizona center A.J. Bramlett's nine-year-old record for an NCAA championship game. He finished with 30 for the tournament, also breaking a record previously held by Arizona's Loren Woods.

O.o I am not going to get any sleep tonight! For about 30 minutes people have been cheering and beeping their horns right outside my dorm...and I am perfectly fine with it, because WE WON!!!

Article found here!

Meet Tyson, the Skateboarding Bulldog!

2006-04-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

This amuses me to no end...I love it!

You got to check out his website! Make sure to watch him in action in one of the videos. Let me say, he can skateboard better than I can!

Oh, the irony!

2006-03-28T15:30:00.000-08:00

The Policeman for the Village People faces jail!

The singer who dressed as a policeman in the flamboyant late 1970s disco band "Village People" has been arrested after disappearing while drug and gun charges against him were pending, officials said on Monday.
Victor Willis, who co-wrote some of the band's hits such as "In the Navy" and "YMCA" has had a number of run-ins with the law since he left the group in 1980 and now faces as much as five years in prison, said Morley Pitt, assistant district attorney in San Mateo County south of San Francisco.
"It's just sad that his life has spiraled down to the point where in all likelihood he's going to go to prison," Pitt, who said he enjoys the song "YMCA", told Reuters. "You never like to see anybody go to prison, let alone somebody who is 54 years old."
Willis was arrested last year on charges of possessing a gun and cocaine, but he disappeared after agreeing to a plea deal that set a maximum sentence of 16 months behind bars, Pitt said.
He was re-arrested on Sunday and the singer is due in court on Tuesday.
Because he went missing, the San Francisco-area resident now faces as much as four years, four months in prison on those charges, as well as an additional eight months on possible new narcotics charges, Pitt said.
Easily remembered for their outlandish costumes including a construction worker, a policeman, a cowboy and a leather-clad biker, the Village People were one of the best known bands of the disco era. Their song "YMCA" is also a favorite gay anthem.

From CNN.com

Back from Breck

2006-03-19T18:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the hiatus, but I was off on spring break! I got to spend my week in one of the best ski areas in the United States, Breckenridge. I've been going to Breckenridge, Colorado ever since I was 7 and I just love it there! The people there are amazing and the skiing is unreal. This year was especially fun. I got to stay with the lovely Maura and Ken. They so wonderfully opened up their home to me, so I could stay for the week. Maura and Ken are great friends of the family and just made me feel right at home in Breck.

I really lucked out with the timing, because the snow the past week was just amazing for skiing. It was great spring conditions! I also got to celebrate Saint Patricks Day with Maura and her friends. We had a cupcake party were everyone made a dozen cupcakes, so we could then all swap and try them. Needless to say, everyone left with a sugar buzz...

It was a great week and now I am so utterly lazy to go back to school...I would rather be skiing!

Check out this cupcake blog!

Oh, I wish I was an Oscar Meyer weiner

2006-03-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

While on my four and a half hour drive home I happened to pass by the Weiner mobile! At first I was behind it so it just looked like an oddly shaped car, but once I started to catch up to it, I realized what it actually was! It was definitely the highlight to that usually boring drive.

Just thought I would share that little adventure!

New Cars Trailer

2006-03-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

A New Cars trailer has been released today! I especially liked this one! Definitely check it out. Of course it had to come out today, so that it could distract me from studying for my chemistry exam...oh well...chem will have to wait because this is Pixar we are talkin' about!

I know for a fact that Pixar purposly is releasing Cars 9 days before my Birthday as an early birthday present! Thanks you guys! ;D

Man, summer can't come soon enough!

Can you dig it?

2006-03-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

Don't let the picture scare you away! This video is very special...yes...special is a wonderful way to describe it.

I must warn you, though! This video is quite addictive! It had me pressing replay over and over and over.

By the way, that is a guinea pig, just in case you couldn't tell by the extreme close up.

Cute Overload has t-shirts now! I just can't resist the cute...

The force is strong with you, Hami-wan.

2006-02-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

I bet you are wondering were I got this image! Well, I go it at the most addicting site ever, Cute Overload!

Be warned, your head will implode with the cuteness that is on this site.

Make Pillow Fights, Not War

2006-02-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

A Valentine's Day Pillow Fight in San Francisco! I wish I could have been there. I am a master at pillow fights!

Kiss of life makes Boo Boo the chicken better

2006-02-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

ARKADELPHIA, Arkansas (AP) -- This chicken had lips, just not her own.
A retired nurse saved her brother's chicken, Boo Boo, by administering mouth-to-beak resuscitation last week after the fowl was found floating face down in the family's pond.
Marian Morris said she hadn't had any practice with CPR in years, but she was interested to see if she "still had it."
"I breathed into its beak, and its dadgum eyes popped open," Morris said. "I breathed into its beak again, and its eyes popped open again. I said, 'I think this chicken's alive now. Keep it warm."'
She said she did not know how to find a pulse on a chicken.
Boo Boo's owners, Jackie and Becky Calhoun, put her in a large cardboard box containing a grain feeder and water. They also placed a heater nearby.
The chicken is called Boo Boo because she is easily frightened. The Calhouns thought Boo Boo was startled and flopped into the pond.

This article gave me a good laugh. By the way, the chicken in the picture is not Boo Boo. I just found that off a google image search. The article is from CNN.com.

Manatee Swim

2006-02-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

This winter I had the opportunity to swim with manatees in the springs in Crystal River, Florida. The picture is of me having some fun with an especially friendly one. Even though it was about 50 degrees out and all I was wearing was a wet suit, it was one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my entire life! The manatees go to the springs in the winter for warmer water (hence the 50 degree weather), so there were about 30 of them congregated in the springs. They were such gentle giants. They would swim right up to you so you can give them a good rub down on their backs and behind their flippers.
The touring company my friends and I went with was Bird's Underwater Manatee Tours. On their web site you can find amazing pictures, info on manatees, videos, and the different tours they offer. I really recommend them. They even film you under water with the manatees. The dvd they make cost a bit, but we were lucky enough to get one free because we were in a huge group from the Pre-Vet Club of University of Florida. I think they wanted to get some free promotion!

Radio Sputnik

2006-02-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

Today giddy astronauts on the International Space Station will intentionally jettison one of their older colleagues into Earth orbit.

It's no homicide, though. The "colleague" is a defunct spacesuit retooled to be one of the most unusual satellites ever launched.

The offbeat satellite will be released in the first part of a six-hour spacewalk on Friday. Astronauts William McArthur of the United States and Valery Tokarev of Russia will also conduct repair and inspection work on the station.

If all goes well, they will be using old space suits for satellite experiments. I like the thought of these space suits floating around earth. It gives me the feeling that I am being watched!

Here is the rest of this National Geographic article.

Aardman's Latest

2006-02-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

I have been a big fan of Aardman ever since Chicken Run. I absolutely loved Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit! When I heard that they were choosing to use CG for their next film, Flushed Away, I was a little disappointed. One of the reason I love them so much is for their choice of stop motion. Movies are not all about the medium there in. So, I am going to be optimistic, because the other reason why I love them so much is for their story!

Some pictures were released along with a usatoday.com article.
There seems to be some great voice actors. They have Hugh Jackman, Andy Serkis, and Ian Mckellen. I am going to trust in Aardman that they will present us with another amazing film.

By the way, just a reminder, the DVD for Curse of the Were-Rabbit comes out Feb 7!

Happy Groundhog Day!

2006-02-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

He saw his shadow, so I guess we have six more weeks of winter! Doesn't bother me a bit, but then again I do live in Florida.

By the way, who names a ground hog Punxsutawney Phil? I can barely pronounce that!

CNN
Learn more about Phil

Scientists discover world's smallest fish

2006-01-26T07:38:00.000-08:00

Scientists have discovered the world's smallest fish on record in an acidic peat swamp in Indonesia, with a see-through body and a head that is unprotected by a skeleton, researchers said Wednesday.

Want to read more about it?
CNN

A New Era?

2006-01-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

Well, as all of you may know, Disney bought Pixar in a $7.4 billion dollar deal. It seems that Ed Catmull was named President of the Combined Pixar and Disney Animation Studios and John Lasseter was named Chief Creative Officer; Steve Jobs is to Join Disney's Board of Directors!

I am very optimistic about this deal. With Ed Catmull, John Lasseter, and Steve Jobs at the wheel, this is almost surely a deal made to succeed.

If you would like to find out more, check out these sites
Luxo
Ronnie del Carmen's Blog
CNN

I was reading a comment on a blog that gave me a good laugh, “You can buy a lot with $7.4 billion…”

Going for the goo

2006-01-20T11:46:00.000-08:00

Ed Cussler, a professor at the University of Minnesota, won a Ig Nobel prize in 2005. For what? For doing research on syrup. No, no just syrup, but its affects on a swimmer. Does it slow you down or speed you up? Well, you can read about it here!

Now he is working on an artifical gill! A great quote, "I felf fine until I passed out."

Maybe I should change my major and go University of Minnesota! It would be worth it just to get this guy as a professor!

Wana find out more abour past winners of the Ig Nobel prize? Here are the winners!

Pixar: 20 Years of Animation

2006-01-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

I happened to be in New York on Dec 26, so I got to catch MOMA's exhibit on Pixar. I was blown away! The way the art was presented was fun and engaging, and everyone seemed to be having fun! They had a wonderful audio tour with interviews of the directors and animators that was very informitive. What I loved so much about it was that everyone already new the characters, so there was already a connection between the people and the art.

They also had T.V.s showing the various shorts Pixar has made through there 20 years of history. There was always a big crowd gathered around them constantly laughing! I saw people standing there for almost an hour!

I also got to see a showing of One Man Band...I was blown away. It amazes me how Pixar created such vibrant characters, even though a word wasn't spoken by them, through expressions, music, and gestures.

If you are in NY, this exhibit is a must!

The museum posted the audio tour. The tour is accompanied by a Flash presentation of some of the images in the exhibit. Enjoy!
http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2005/pixar.html

Cookie Monster on Martha Stewart

2005-12-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

My opinion of Martha Stewart is indifferent after all that has happened to her, but I couldn't resist putting this up. Cookie Monster just goes crazy with Martha. I am suprised that she didn't strangle him by the end.

As a young child, I used to be really scared of Cookie Monster. I think it was the way he ate his cookies. It gave me the idea that he could also eat kids, too. XD The word monster in his name didn't help, either. After these videos, Cookie Monster redemed himself in my book!

There are two videos. You have to stick with the first one...it takes a while for him to get belligerent. The second one is absolutely hilarious!
Part 1
http://www.collegehumor.com/movies/1596563/

Part 2
http://www.collegehumor.com/movies/1596962/

What is a kookaburra?

2005-12-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

A kookaburra is a Australian bird whose call is recognized as a laugh-like noise. Hence, the naming of my blog, The Laughing Kookaburra. Its call is used in jungle noises in many movies even though it occurs only in eastern Australian.

For more info on the Kookaburra look here!
https://www.amonline.net.au/factsheets/laughing_kookaburra.htm