The Puget News

An Architectural Firm Office and Residence Built into a Former Auto-Repair Shop

Steven Pinker Discussing the Evolution of Profanity (from Bookninja)

Yahoo Disaster Scenario: Blowing Q1 by Henry Blodget
Perhaps it’s just me but I’ve never believed in Microsoft’s intentions to purchase Yahoo. They may very well end up doing it, but it will be on Microsoft terms. If it’s true that Microsoft is mostly interested in the human capital (which is what they’ve said), then they may be OK with destabilizing the Yahoo brand in order to get a discount on the actual heads they want. Anyways, this article is an interesting piece of speculation about what might occur should Yahoo miss its quarterly estimates.

Ridiculous Russian Mobster Tombstones (from Coudal)
A collection of tombstone photos.

Adorable robots. I love ‘em.

Tivo Series3 to Support YouTube
As a Series3 owner, this makes me happy and less likely to buy an AppleTV. Both Apple and Amazon have a long ways to go to round out their selection story in digital video.

6-Word Reviews of 763 SXSW Performances with links to free music!
I’ve just been clicking through and listening to the 5-star tracks. Good fun.

How many of you have I pressured to read “Perdido Street Station,” by China Miéville? It’s been more than a few of you and everyone I know of has dug it, some as much as I did. Artist Gordillo has taken a stab at a new visualization of the titular station. If you haven’t read the book yet, consider this artwork a reminder that you should.

>> View a larger version here

“Eden” works its platonic love story wonderfully. Ostensibly the story of two slightly misanthropic individuals, a chef named Gregor, and a waitress named Eden, falling into a quirky form of love and happiness via the preparation and consumption of meticulously prepared food. The film approaches its subject with humor, compassion, and a macabre novelty that had our relatively small audience clapping when the credits rolled. I absolutely loved it.

The film is currently showing at the SIFF Theater in Seattle through tomorrow, February 28, 2008. I’d strongly recommend getting in to see if you get a chance. Better yet, make an evening of it and hit a great meal first.

Not that it’s a huge surprise, but I’m a big fan of free literature. I like it even more when it’s digital and there’s no need to toss a book out on its head once I’m done reading it. Charles Bock is a first time author receiving high praise for his new novel “Beautiful Children.” I downloaded a copy of the book and read the opening scenes. It looks like it will be a rip-roaring good read. I don’t generally endorse writers I haven’t read personally but come on, it’s free!

>> Get a free digital copy of “Beautiful Children” until 2/29 here

>> Check out the “Beautiful Children” website for more information and promotional material

This is going to be incredible.