When my blogroll backs up for more than a couple of days, I quickly amass 200+ items waiting to be read. Usually I can't be bothered to view all of these, so I have to make choices. In addition to certain comics, I always read the items from friends — Amy and Jesse because their kids are very cute; Garrett because I feed on foul-mouthed ranting; and Lawrence because he has funny footnotes and he's training to break a world record.

But I feel the need to praise another friend's blog in particular, for two reasons. One reason is because I gave him crap in my last post. (What I said was true — and he often admits that it's true — but it's not a big deal or else I'd try to get my stuff back.) But the other reason is more important.

Madsimian has a very good signal/noise internet filter, so I know that everything he posts is worth a look. The best part is that he often posts animations, videos, and images that are often humorous and always thought-provoking. Examples follow.

Is this not the coolest image ever?


Here's an animated retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, using technical diagrams and very smooth artwork.



And here's the piece that inspired me to write this shout-out: An animated analysis of what it really means to have an open mind, and why belief in ghosts and crystal healing is not proof of an open mind.



So yeah. Thanks, monkeydude, for all the great stuff. Keep it coming! (The rest of you: If you haven't subscribed to the Madsimian feed, do it now!)

TimeWaster™

Oh, you want more? Here's a little something from the archives: A guy named Dan Hanna put together daily photos of himself every day for seventeen years. The dedication is pretty remarkable, as is the movie.



Today I'm listening to: The Ricky Gervais Guide to Philosophy!

And when I was looking for that link, I found this: Ricky Gervais on Sesame Street.