Words About Things

Another week, another amazing video from Vimeo.com. This week’s video is a collaboration between cameraman Thomas Noesner and sound designer Toussaint of STEREOSCREEN productions. It features footage of New York backed up with a remix of a drummer from the NY subway. I’ve never been to New York but it seems like such a vibrant place full of interesting sights and interesting people. I feel a bit like I’ve been because I’ve seen the city featured in so many films and TV programs but I guess nothing compares to actually being there.

You’ve probably heard of the Burning Man festival that is held each year in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The event is famous for the giant statue that is built and burned each year and for being an entirely cash-free event with participants encouraged to give gifts in order to increase the community spirit.  It is also well known for the art cars which feature each year like the amazing example below:

Now there is a new festival/ party for those who like to go a little crazy in the desert: The Wasteland Weekend. This event has a post-apocalyptic, Mad Max theme and this year will feature three replica Mad Max cars as well as hundreds of other customized vehicles. It takes place in Soggy Dry Lake not far from Lucerne Valley in California.

Join the hundreds of fans coming from all over the the United States (and beyond) to gather in the Southern California desert. Set up camp at our wasteland compound, surrounded by specially-built sets. Costumes are required and post-apocalyptic campsites and vehicles are encouraged. Live for three days in a world pulled straight out of the Mad Max movies, beyond the grip of so-called civilization. Top DJs from all over will provide the soundtrack, fire dancers and bonfires will light up the night, and modified vehicles will shake the earth with their engines. Don’t miss it!

As the quote mentions costumes are required for all participants so you can’t just turn up in jeans. You’ll need a modified car in order to fit in also, no point turning up in your pristine hire car. For more information visit the Wasteland Weekend website.

Hello and welcome to lesson 1 of How to Drive like a Parisian, during today’s session I will explain some of the basics of French driving from choosing your vehicle to use of the horn. Pay attention (or don’t) and you’ll be whizzing around the Arch de Triumph with gay abandon before you know it!

Step 1: Choosing your vehicle.

This isn’t as straight forward as you might think, not everybody drives a Citroen. Perhaps you might like a scooter (with or without motor) or a rental bike from the Vélib scheme. Other choices include a three wheeled scooter or a rental car if you aren’t bothered about getting your deposit back.

Step 2: Use of lanes.

Only kidding, there aren’t many lane marking in Paris and those which do exist are to be ignored – don’t let the government tell you where to drive!

Step 3: Pedestrian crossings.

Red lights at pedestrian crossings in Paris are entirely optional, if a person who is crossing looks particularly determined you might like to stop. If there are no pedestrians on the crossing keep going. In fact keep going is a good general rule, stopping is what the English do.

Step 4: Parking.

Any Parisian driver should be able to park his or her car in a space the exact same length as the vehicle. This skill cannot be taught it is just something the French are born with, the main thing to remember is not to hesitate or take any notice of the slack jawed tourists staring on in amazement.

Our Facebook profiles say a lot about us and we know it. Some of us (who shall remain nameless) spend hours tweaking our profile to make sure it gives  off exactly the right impression. Facebook groups have evolved to the point where they are now just snappy titles that we want to have listed on our profiles and profile pictures undergo a strict vetting process to make sure they capture us at our very best. Some people even seem to only go on holiday in order to be able to show off their sunny holiday photos on their page!

Perhaps our Facebook profiles could actually tell us something about ourselves that we don’t know? A new Facebook Application by Halifax can use your Facebook profile to suggest your ideal travel location. The App, which is called Halifax Holiday Matchmaker, scans your profile and then magically suggests where you should travel to. The exact details of how it works are a mystery (to me at least) but it’s certainly interesting to see it’s suggestions. The App also has an inbuilt currency converter and some information about Halifax’s holiday money service (in case you where wondering why Halifax have a travel themed app).

It doesn’t just tell you where to go to of course, there are also suggestions about what to see and do once you arrive. In fact its a bit like having a tailor made holiday plan although only it only works well if you agree with the location it decides on. Luckily it doesn’t suggest you go to anywhere too obscure, no trips to Outer Mongolia recommended yet, although perhaps that means my profile is unimaginative? I was given an 89% match with Paris which is a pretty accurate suggestion – I already had a trip booked before using the Application.