Here is an interesting collection of figurines based upon the art of Hieronymus Bosch. They are characters that are seen within his paintings that attempt to personify nightmares and damnation. He was not only a visionary in his time, but could be considered a forerunner of surrealism.

 
More of the global population will be living in large cities in the futue. What is vital is that these megacities become more sustainable in order to prevent further ecological damage. There are new methods being employed in various urban settings that will improve living conditions and make it possible for the environment to be protected. These improvements are more of a necessity in order to survive in the future.

 
Here is an interesting movie review that incorporates the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze. It shows how dissent confronts power in a nomadic way. It also reveals the relevance of critical movies in this time of war and the Patriot Act.

 
Here is an interesting use of a watch that tells time the same way that Stonehenge tells time with the sun. It demonstrates the use of old technology in new ways. It is also a compelling timepiece.

 
William Irwin Thompson postulated the idea of the meta-industrial village as the result of the decentralization of cities and the miniaturization of technology. Here, previous stages of civilization could be encapsulated and used to better the quality of life of inhabitants without the negative aspects.

 
Here is an interesting use of conceptual art in order to transmit information. The rise and fall of stocks are communicated through an Internet connection to a valve system that controls the height of fountains. The resulting display conveys multiple types of information in a way that is far different from reading stock quotes in a newspaper.

 
This is an interesting layout of the distribution of federal taxes in the United States. It demonstrates that most tax revenue goes into military spending as compared to social spending. It visualizes the emphases of the government overall.

 
Lyndon Larouche is a perennial presidential candidate who has gathered much controversy. His campaigns and public speaking incorporate elaborate conspiracy theories and a reliance on large public works as well as industrial programs to help the economy. Some have said that he is an anti-Semite and a possible fascist, but his speaking and writing style is so complex that this is hard to ascertain.

 
My predictions for the Oscar nominations were very unsuccessful. The Academy chose many safe movies, such as "The Aviator" and "Finding Neverland", rather than nominations of strong movies that deserved recognition. In short, Hollywood sucks. One can take solace in the Independent Spirit Awards that is held the night before the Oscars, and honors films that are strong on plot, directing, and acting. Here are my predictions for the winners of the Academy Awards.

Best Picture: SIDEWAYS
Best Actor: Jamie Foxx in RAY
Best Supporting Actor: Morgan Freeman in MILLION DOLLAR BABY
Best Actress: Catalina Sandino Moreno in MARIA FULL OF GRACE
Best Supporting Actress: Laura Linney in KINSEY
Best Animated Film: THE INCREDIBLES
Best Art Direction: THE AVIATOR
Best Cinematography: HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS
Best Costume: TROY
Best Director: Mike Leigh for VERA DRAKE
Best Documentary: SUPER SIZE ME
Best Documentary Short: HARDWOOD
Best Film Editing: THE AVIATOR
Best Foreign Film: THE SEA INSIDE
Best Makeup: LEMONY SNICKET’S A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS
Best Music: THE VILLAGE
Best Song: "Look To Your Path" from THE CHORUS
Best Short Animated Film: GOPHER BROKE
Best Short Film: LITTLE TERRORIST
Best Sound Mixing: THE AVIATOR
Best Sound Editing: THE INCREDIBLES
Best Special Effects: I, ROBOT
Best Adapted Screenplay: THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES
Best Original Screenplay: ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND

 
This year's Oscar nominations are possibly the most disappointing in many years. The choices are relatively safe films and there is a complete exclusion of many worthwhile movies altogether. This requires more time to ponder in order to make any successful predictions as to who will win.