Super computers, double standard, double image, kong

Hello! After last week's blizzard, it is starting to actually get nice again here in whitmarshall. Crazy weather this spring. So whether you are huddled in to stay warm, or indoors escaping the heat, here are some links for you:

• Something only the geeks like me will appreciate: Things computers can do in movies.
• With Don Imus gone, critics turn towards rap. I saw another blog post where the author went through the Billboard Hip Hop top ten and found all kinds of examples much worse than what Imus said. I hope this criticism continues, because we've had a double standard for too long. I know rap supporters say that the language reflects the tough life and childhood of the performers, but allowing it in song just spreads that attitude instead of combatting it.
• Hybrid images may possibly creep you out. They are images that change as you distance yourself from the picture. I didn't have a lot of luck backing up to see the changes, but it worked OK if I took my glasses off.
  
• Some Post-It happy fellows at USCS created a work of Donkey Kong art on one of the campus buildings. Go Mario!
  

Tolerance, maps, polls

Happy November to you!

I ran across this interesting site recently, Tolerance.org's Active Hate Groups Map. It lets you see the locations of known hate organizations in the US. Interesting, but sad. It is especially sad to see the sheer number of active groups around. With as much education and information that is out there today, it is still shocking that people here in the US can hold such hateful opinions of other people for cultural, religious, racial, or historical differences.

Regardless of the content, the Hate Group Map is a good use of map technology on the web. A recent Lifehacker post lists the top ten (non-Google) map innovations. While I am not a hardcore map nut, I do like to check out map technologies and mashups occasionally. I also do like the Flickr geotagging feature quite a bit.

And another good map use for the link of the day:

Pollster.com - See the latest political poll results on a map. A great way to see the standing of current races.

Check it out and then remember to vote on November 7th!