Geeks In Space #17

Okay, look. In the six years since this strip was drawn, everyone who has seen it has asked me if the slang terms mentioned in it were actually in common use. They definitely were (only among my classmates of course), so unless you know someone other than me who lived in Perth in the early '90s, don't bother asking them!

One more thing – if you ever use one of these terms in conversation, you will instantly earn my lifelong respect and admiration.

Got The Time, Mister?

Is this the coolest watch ever designed?

Why yes it is as a matter of fact.

I came across the 4N ("Four Numbers") MVT01 watch in this month's Virgin Blue in-flight magazine. The product of French watch designer François Quentin, the rotating discs of jumping numerals and their workings are displayed beneath the sapphire glass front.

Below, you can see the disc configuration and its mechanical housing. Whether you're in the habit of wearing watches or not, you'd soil yourself if someone gave you one of these – and don't try telling me otherwise!

And for those of you who like to have the time of day literally spelled out, here's the Qlocktwo wall clock by Biegert & Funk, which has been around for a couple of years. Its backlit stainless steel colour plate can be changed for another colour and is also available in five other European languages. It synchronizes itself by receiving atomic clock signals and adjusts its brightness according to the ambient light.

Geeks In Space #16

Eurovision Infographic

If you're a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest like me (and if not, push off and go listen to the Top 40), and if you'd like to know which countries have ever participated, their best result, and even where they are located (a bit difficult for the lesser-known ones), then this map is for you.

The figures are accurate for the 56th ESC, held in Dusseldorf, Germany last week. Which country has competed most often? Which country only entered once, came 18th and never competed again? Which country won in the first year of its existence (technically)? Why are Israel and Azerbaijan allowed in when they're in Asia, not Europe? (You should already know that by now.) The info's all here.

 

 

As far as infographics go, this is my first attempt to do one and I wasn't 100% satisfied with it, so if you can think of a way to improve it, let me know. (Don't suggest arranging the text boxes in some kind of pattern; I already tried it and it obscures the map.)

Geeks In Space #15

Uh, I have no explanation at all for this one. Sorry.

Geeks In Space #14

This post is late, as I was on the Gold Coast and whatnot. Was this cartoon worth a two week wait? Probably not.