These people are loaded.
Top-earning dead celebrities
Rank Name Earnings ($mil)
1 Elvis Presley 40
2 Charles Schulz 32
3 J.R.R. Tolkien 22
4 John Lennon 19
5 George Harrison 16
6 Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel 16
7 Dale Earnhardt 15
8 Tupac Shakur 12
9 Bob Marley 9
10 Marilyn Monroe 8
Clearly the secret is to produce something of the artistic sort that will be in demand long after you're gone.
Blogger Hacks, Categories, Tips & Tricks
Thursday, October 30, 2003
...did I get 60 hits from Google in the last 24 hours? That was before I got all controversial regarding the imminent baptism of the Lib-Dems as the only meaningful opposition force in UK politics. What were folks googling before that? ;-)
What I need is a trackback doo-hickey that tells me what people's search terms were, and not just where they came from.
What I need is a trackback doo-hickey that tells me what people's search terms were, and not just where they came from.
This is why Howard is not the man for the job (although it is, of couse, fine by me if the man selected for the job is not, in fact, the man for the job.)
State of the Parties at 24 October 2003
Labour 408
Conservative 163
Liberal Democrat 54
Scottish National Party/Plaid Cymru 9 (SNP 5/PC 4)
Democratic Unionist5
Sinn Fein4 (Have not taken their seats)
Social Democratic & Labour 3
Independent Unionist3
Ulster Unionist3
Independent1
Independent Conservative1
Independent Labour1
Speaker & 3 Deputies 4 (Do not normally vote)
Total 659
Government majority 161 "
State of the Parties at 24 October 2003
Labour 408
Conservative 163
Liberal Democrat 54
Scottish National Party/Plaid Cymru 9 (SNP 5/PC 4)
Democratic Unionist5
Sinn Fein4 (Have not taken their seats)
Social Democratic & Labour 3
Independent Unionist3
Ulster Unionist3
Independent1
Independent Conservative1
Independent Labour1
Speaker & 3 Deputies 4 (Do not normally vote)
Total 659
Government majority 161 "
...please turn out the lights.
Site Closed: "The conservatives.com computer servers are temporarily experiencing an unprecedented number of visitors at present making it difficult for some visitors to access the website.
Iain Duncan Smith has lost the vote of confidence and an election will now occur for the post of Leader.
Please do come back later to visit conservatives.com - we are sorry that your visit on this occasion has been rewarded with this message."
Some other folks, including the BBC apparently, have a more positive spin on events than I do. Check out "coronation" over at Iain Murray's site. I apologise if I got a bit over-excited in the comments section. :-)
Site Closed: "The conservatives.com computer servers are temporarily experiencing an unprecedented number of visitors at present making it difficult for some visitors to access the website.
Iain Duncan Smith has lost the vote of confidence and an election will now occur for the post of Leader.
Please do come back later to visit conservatives.com - we are sorry that your visit on this occasion has been rewarded with this message."
Some other folks, including the BBC apparently, have a more positive spin on events than I do. Check out "coronation" over at Iain Murray's site. I apologise if I got a bit over-excited in the comments section. :-)
Sunday, October 26, 2003
From the BBC: "England survived an almighty scare as they stuttered into the World Cup quarter-finals with a lacklustre display against a scintillating Samoan side in Melbourne.
Samoa won the plaudits of the crowd with some superb attacking play, while England struggled with their handling, ball retention and general positioning.
Even the ever-reliable Jonny Wilkinson looked out of sorts as England led by a solitary point with just 10 minutes remaining.
In the end, though, their superior fitness was enough to steer them clear, with a penalty try and scores by Neil Back, Iain Balshaw and Phil Vickery, as well as 15 points from Wilkinson's boot.
The victory means England play either New Zealand or, more likely, Wales in the last eight."
Samoa won the plaudits of the crowd with some superb attacking play, while England struggled with their handling, ball retention and general positioning.
Even the ever-reliable Jonny Wilkinson looked out of sorts as England led by a solitary point with just 10 minutes remaining.
In the end, though, their superior fitness was enough to steer them clear, with a penalty try and scores by Neil Back, Iain Balshaw and Phil Vickery, as well as 15 points from Wilkinson's boot.
The victory means England play either New Zealand or, more likely, Wales in the last eight."
Saturday, October 25, 2003
From Rugby Round Up: "The commissioner in charge of reviewing the SA - England game has decided to cite Wilkinson for 'vicious use of the boot'.
It is clear from the video footage that Wilkinson used the boot to retaliate for SA law infringements, scoring a massive 20 points in the process.
An insider stated: "It was absolutely brutal. At times, I almost couldn't watch, but he kept kicking them. I don't know how he can do it."
It is clear from the video footage that Wilkinson used the boot to retaliate for SA law infringements, scoring a massive 20 points in the process.
An insider stated: "It was absolutely brutal. At times, I almost couldn't watch, but he kept kicking them. I don't know how he can do it."
From Forbes.com: CHICAGO, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said on Saturday it would review the status of its 1.1 million U.S. employees and fire any illegal immigrants on the payroll if U.S. law requires it.
The internal probe at the world's largest retailer comes amid a government investigation into allegations that contractor cleaning crews used by Wal-Mart had recruited illegal immigrants to work on cleaning crews at the stores for the world's largest retailer. The company, which has promised to cooperate with federal officials, said it would scrutinize the background of its own employees to ensure that none are employed illegally.
The internal probe at the world's largest retailer comes amid a government investigation into allegations that contractor cleaning crews used by Wal-Mart had recruited illegal immigrants to work on cleaning crews at the stores for the world's largest retailer. The company, which has promised to cooperate with federal officials, said it would scrutinize the background of its own employees to ensure that none are employed illegally.
From the Financial Times: "You've got spam. The massive rise in unsolicited junk e-mail messages is taking its toll on the online world, with 60 per cent of users saying spam has reduced their e-mail use "in a big way", according to research released this week by the Pew Internet & America Life Project, part of the Pew Research Center, a Washington DC think-tank.
Deborah Fallows, author of the report, said data from a national survey suggest spam is "beginning to undermine the integrity of e-mail and to degrade the online experience".
Deborah Fallows, author of the report, said data from a national survey suggest spam is "beginning to undermine the integrity of e-mail and to degrade the online experience".
From Rolling Stone: "Almost three decades after Bruce Springsteen launched his career towards superstardom after a ten-night stand at New York City's the Bottom Line, the singer-songwriter has offered his support to the venue, which is facing eviction from the East Village where it has spent the past twenty-nine years.
"The Bottom Line has made itself a central part of New York City culture," Springsteen wrote in a post at savethebottomline.com. "When I think of the most memorable nights in my own career, few match the week of shows we did there in 1975. As a musician, as a citizen, and as one who loves New York City, I truly hope that a solution can be found that allows the Bottom Line and Allan and Stanley [owners Pepper and Snadowski] to continue their important, valuable work for many years to come."
"The Bottom Line has made itself a central part of New York City culture," Springsteen wrote in a post at savethebottomline.com. "When I think of the most memorable nights in my own career, few match the week of shows we did there in 1975. As a musician, as a citizen, and as one who loves New York City, I truly hope that a solution can be found that allows the Bottom Line and Allan and Stanley [owners Pepper and Snadowski] to continue their important, valuable work for many years to come."
From HobbsOnline via Instapundit: "The grassroots toy drive for the children of Iraq is getting lots of press coverage - and sending lots of toys to Iraq. Amazing for something that just bubbled up from one soldier's mention on his website of an encounter with a poor, ragged Iraqi girl.
Some people care. Others, who opposed the liberation of the people of Iraq, say things like this: I'm really not interested in hearing one more thing about crayons for the little children.
That's sad. And revealing. I'd bet the children of Iraq are far more interested in crayons and toys, and their long-term views of America (and, thus, our success in the War on Terror) will be far more influenced by a package of crayons or a box of toys than whether Bush said Iraq was an "imminent" threat or said the opposite."
Some people care. Others, who opposed the liberation of the people of Iraq, say things like this: I'm really not interested in hearing one more thing about crayons for the little children.
That's sad. And revealing. I'd bet the children of Iraq are far more interested in crayons and toys, and their long-term views of America (and, thus, our success in the War on Terror) will be far more influenced by a package of crayons or a box of toys than whether Bush said Iraq was an "imminent" threat or said the opposite."
So maybe all our fluffy thoughts about designing inter-connected communities are no good, and Fortress L.A. is the way to go? I hope not. From Iain Murray:
Here's the summary of the different philosophies:
Table 1 - Some Key Features of the "Secured By Design" Scheme
* Create defensible space and territoriality.
* Organise the built environment so that anti-social behaviour is less likely to be ignored.
* Create space that generalises a sense of ownership (so restrict the amount of public space, and create 'buffer zones' between public and private spaces) rather than space which promotes anonymity.
* Restrict the number of escape routes available to criminals (which is a large part of the explanation for why the Secured by Design scheme has come to be associated with the cul-de-sac).
* Promote natural surveillance from residents' houses.
* Restrict the number of crime generators such as: - footpaths which link places together; - supermarkets and other activities which are out of scale with the locality because they are intended for a wider community; - 'honeypots' (such as fast food take-aways) which encourage people to concentrate; - 'hotspots' (places which already have a record of criminal and anti-social behaviour); - 'fear generators' (places which cause perceptions of fear)
* Effective site management regimes, that promote the sense of a cared-for environment.
Table 2 - Some Key Features of "New Urbanism"
The basic vision is of cities as places composed of small villages centred around vibrant streets, peopled by pedestrians and bustling with activity*. To this end, the following are seen as being amongst the most important design principles:
* Create bounded walkable neighbourhoods.
* Encourage the development and use of public transport both in terms of physical provision and through generating a sufficient density of people to make public transport a feasible proposition.
* Encourage mixed land uses at the neighbourhood level.
* Promote a 'permeable' street network which allows through-movement, and emphasise the importance of the street as a place where people live as distinct from a road along which traffic moves.
* Promote 'eyes in the street' through design approaches such as minimal setbacks of properties, large front windows and porches.
* Limit the environmental impact of the car through devices such as restricting the size of parking lots, locating garages and parking lots behind buildings, narrowing streets and widening pavements.
* Emphasise the importance of sustainable approaches to environmental design.
Here's the summary of the different philosophies:
Table 1 - Some Key Features of the "Secured By Design" Scheme
* Create defensible space and territoriality.
* Organise the built environment so that anti-social behaviour is less likely to be ignored.
* Create space that generalises a sense of ownership (so restrict the amount of public space, and create 'buffer zones' between public and private spaces) rather than space which promotes anonymity.
* Restrict the number of escape routes available to criminals (which is a large part of the explanation for why the Secured by Design scheme has come to be associated with the cul-de-sac).
* Promote natural surveillance from residents' houses.
* Restrict the number of crime generators such as: - footpaths which link places together; - supermarkets and other activities which are out of scale with the locality because they are intended for a wider community; - 'honeypots' (such as fast food take-aways) which encourage people to concentrate; - 'hotspots' (places which already have a record of criminal and anti-social behaviour); - 'fear generators' (places which cause perceptions of fear)
* Effective site management regimes, that promote the sense of a cared-for environment.
Table 2 - Some Key Features of "New Urbanism"
The basic vision is of cities as places composed of small villages centred around vibrant streets, peopled by pedestrians and bustling with activity*. To this end, the following are seen as being amongst the most important design principles:
* Create bounded walkable neighbourhoods.
* Encourage the development and use of public transport both in terms of physical provision and through generating a sufficient density of people to make public transport a feasible proposition.
* Encourage mixed land uses at the neighbourhood level.
* Promote a 'permeable' street network which allows through-movement, and emphasise the importance of the street as a place where people live as distinct from a road along which traffic moves.
* Promote 'eyes in the street' through design approaches such as minimal setbacks of properties, large front windows and porches.
* Limit the environmental impact of the car through devices such as restricting the size of parking lots, locating garages and parking lots behind buildings, narrowing streets and widening pavements.
* Emphasise the importance of sustainable approaches to environmental design.
From the BBC:
"Australia 142-0 Namibia - Australia narrowly missed out on a world-record score against Namibia in an overwhelming victory in Adelaide. The Wallabies won by a record margin, running in a World Cup record 22 tries in the process.
Chris Latham, Lote Tuqiri and Matt Giteau all scored hat-tricks, with Latham finishing with five touchdowns. The full-back became the first Australian to claim more than four tries in an international.
And Mat Rogers, playing on the wing to make space for Latham in a largely second-string team, ended with 42 points - another national record - having assumed the kicking duties.
A little under 24 hours earlier, New Zealand had surpassed Australia's 90-point tournament record score with a 91-7 win over Tonga."
"Australia 142-0 Namibia - Australia narrowly missed out on a world-record score against Namibia in an overwhelming victory in Adelaide. The Wallabies won by a record margin, running in a World Cup record 22 tries in the process.
Chris Latham, Lote Tuqiri and Matt Giteau all scored hat-tricks, with Latham finishing with five touchdowns. The full-back became the first Australian to claim more than four tries in an international.
And Mat Rogers, playing on the wing to make space for Latham in a largely second-string team, ended with 42 points - another national record - having assumed the kicking duties.
A little under 24 hours earlier, New Zealand had surpassed Australia's 90-point tournament record score with a 91-7 win over Tonga."
From MSN: "DALLAS, Oct. 23 — What could be more peaceful, more restful or more relaxing than dropping a line into a quiet Texas lake and trying to hook a fish that is on Prozac? According to a study by a Baylor University toxicologist, fluoxetine — the active ingredient in the antidepressant Prozac — is making its way to a lake in the Dallas area and into the tissue of the freshwater blue gill fish."
Lovely. Happy, happy fish.....
Lovely. Happy, happy fish.....
Friday, October 24, 2003
From the BBC: "Large quantities of a green mineral gemstone have been found on Mars.
Rocky outcrops of the mineral olivine were spotted by a space craft orbiting the planet. On Earth, the mineral is known as peridot, a cheap gemstone used in jewellery. Its presence gives clues to the ancient history of Mars, suggesting the planet has been cold and dry for billions of years."
Rocky outcrops of the mineral olivine were spotted by a space craft orbiting the planet. On Earth, the mineral is known as peridot, a cheap gemstone used in jewellery. Its presence gives clues to the ancient history of Mars, suggesting the planet has been cold and dry for billions of years."
New Zealand beat Tonga 91-7. England play Samoa on Sunday. The BBC have a list of all the fixtures and results.
LONDON, Oct. 24 — Three Concordes swooped into Heathrow Airport Friday, joining in a spectacular finale to the era of luxury supersonic jet travel. The last regular passenger flight from New York arrived with every seat filled, a feat that had become increasingly rare for a plane that was a technological marvel but a commercial flop
FLIGHT 002 LANDED just past 4 p.m., minutes after two other British Airways Concordes. One flew from Edinburgh, Scotland, carrying winners of a competition, and the other had taken off from Heathrow an hour and a half earlier and carried invited guests on a loop over the Bay of Biscay.
Thousands of enthusiasts gathered at Heathrow to watch the landings, but not everyone loved the Concorde. Over the years, many criticized its enormous roar and almost everyone found its fares of $9,000 and up for a trans-Atlantic round-trip too high.
FLIGHT 002 LANDED just past 4 p.m., minutes after two other British Airways Concordes. One flew from Edinburgh, Scotland, carrying winners of a competition, and the other had taken off from Heathrow an hour and a half earlier and carried invited guests on a loop over the Bay of Biscay.
Thousands of enthusiasts gathered at Heathrow to watch the landings, but not everyone loved the Concorde. Over the years, many criticized its enormous roar and almost everyone found its fares of $9,000 and up for a trans-Atlantic round-trip too high.
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
It seems to be Commerce v. Culture week:
Save The Bottom Line!
Sign the online petition to let NYU know how you feel!
"As the megacorporations narrow their investments into a dwindling stable of megastars, more and more singer-songwriters continue to get marginalized out of business. What’s more, despite its claims to being the greatest city and the world and the center of the universe, New York already has too few venues for such talent to be heard. There is only one live music venue of its kind worthy of being dubbed an historic landmark.
The Bottom Line: This is not about commerce but culture."
Check out the club's official website.
Save The Bottom Line!
Sign the online petition to let NYU know how you feel!
"As the megacorporations narrow their investments into a dwindling stable of megastars, more and more singer-songwriters continue to get marginalized out of business. What’s more, despite its claims to being the greatest city and the world and the center of the universe, New York already has too few venues for such talent to be heard. There is only one live music venue of its kind worthy of being dubbed an historic landmark.
The Bottom Line: This is not about commerce but culture."
Check out the club's official website.
MSN Entertainment - News - Simpson Visits Chicken of the Sea: "Pop star Jessica Simpson said she won't be confusing tuna and chicken any time soon, especially after dropping in on a Chicken of the Sea company staff meeting.
On a recent episode of her MTV reality show 'Newlyweds,' Simpson didn't know if she was having chicken or fish while she was eating 'Chicken of the Sea' tuna. Company officials heard about the gaffe and aimed to set Simpson straight."
On a recent episode of her MTV reality show 'Newlyweds,' Simpson didn't know if she was having chicken or fish while she was eating 'Chicken of the Sea' tuna. Company officials heard about the gaffe and aimed to set Simpson straight."
BBC NEWS | Americas | 'Impulse' drove Niagara plunge man: "Kirk Jones, the only person to survive a plunge over Niagara Falls without any protection devices, has claimed it was a spur of the moment act.
'It was an impulsive one-second thing and in a second-and-a-half I was in the water,' Mr Jones, 40, told a Detroit television station.
But family and friends of the Michigan daredevil say Mr Jones had been planning the dive for months and had even gone so far as to scout out the best spot to leap on a holiday with his parents. "
'It was an impulsive one-second thing and in a second-and-a-half I was in the water,' Mr Jones, 40, told a Detroit television station.
But family and friends of the Michigan daredevil say Mr Jones had been planning the dive for months and had even gone so far as to scout out the best spot to leap on a holiday with his parents. "
Tuesday, October 21, 2003
Guardian Unlimited | Weblog | Weblog US elections 2004: "This blog will be devoted to discussing the US elections 2004, with a particular focus on the presidential race. As the campaign progresses you will be hearing from the Guardian's correspondents in the US, its London-based commentators, and various members of the Guardian Unlimited news team."
The Guardian is clearly the heart of blogola. This one is of interest to me because the 2004 race matters, and the 2000 race proves it. Let's read along.
The Guardian is clearly the heart of blogola. This one is of interest to me because the 2004 race matters, and the 2000 race proves it. Let's read along.
That's all. MSN Entertainment - News - Anderson: '10 Years Left': "Pamela Anderson says hepatitis C, which she was diagnosed with in 2001, will probably kill her in a decade.
'I think I've got a good 10 years left in me, which is sad, too. Maybe 15, if I'm lucky,' Anderson tells Us Weekly magazine in a first-person story for the Nov. 3 issue."
'I think I've got a good 10 years left in me, which is sad, too. Maybe 15, if I'm lucky,' Anderson tells Us Weekly magazine in a first-person story for the Nov. 3 issue."
Guardian Unlimited | Weblog | More on the British blog awards 2003: "Guardian Unlimited is launching a competition to promote and reward the best of British blogging. Our panel of 22 judges will pick winners for five different categories: best design, best specialist, best use of photography, best under 18 annd best written. You can enter your blog in as many categories as you like. The deadline for entries is November 21. The winners will be announced on December 18. The winner of each category will receive a cheque for £500."
where, as Loudon Wainwright says on his live CD, "the line is at the bottom." Read Dave Barry's post on the issue.
in Rome. From the BBC:
"Pope John Paul II has created 30 new cardinals during a colourful ceremony at the Vatican, adding to the ranks of those who will choose his successor. The cardinals, dressed in scarlet robes, received their red hats after swearing to defend the Roman Catholic faith. The ceremony - called a consistory - takes places about every three years." Read the whole thing.
"Pope John Paul II has created 30 new cardinals during a colourful ceremony at the Vatican, adding to the ranks of those who will choose his successor. The cardinals, dressed in scarlet robes, received their red hats after swearing to defend the Roman Catholic faith. The ceremony - called a consistory - takes places about every three years." Read the whole thing.
What's wrong with you people? How can it be more important to own a scrap of a now valueless artifact than to preserve and present the whole thing to whoever wants to see it?
From ESPN "Babe Ruth game-worn New York Yankees home jersey from 1925 was cut on Monday by a card company that will insert swatches of the jersey into packs.
The company, Donruss, purchased the jersey -- believed to be one of three Ruth pinstripe jerseys in existence -- at an auction last summer for $264,210.
“ I don't mind including swatches from current players. There are hundreds, if not thousands of game-used articles available for each player. But only three Ruth uniforms! All in the name of the almighty dollar! What's next? Cut up a Revolutionary War uniform of George Washington for Donruss' 2004 Great Presidents series? Maybe pieces of an original Declaration of Independence? ”
— Jay O'Neill, baseball memorabilia collector
One ceremonial 1-by-1 inch cut of the jersey was made by Donruss president and COO Bill Dully, with Ruth's daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, assisting at the ESPN Zone in New York City. The jersey will immediately go back to the company's headquarters in Arlington, Texas, to be sliced and diced into 2,100 pieces."
Real nice. Good job. Just in case you want to write & tell these guys you think they're jackasses, the address is:
Donruss Playoff, L.P., 2300 East Randol Mill, Arlington, Texas 76011, 817-983-0300
From ESPN "Babe Ruth game-worn New York Yankees home jersey from 1925 was cut on Monday by a card company that will insert swatches of the jersey into packs.
The company, Donruss, purchased the jersey -- believed to be one of three Ruth pinstripe jerseys in existence -- at an auction last summer for $264,210.
“ I don't mind including swatches from current players. There are hundreds, if not thousands of game-used articles available for each player. But only three Ruth uniforms! All in the name of the almighty dollar! What's next? Cut up a Revolutionary War uniform of George Washington for Donruss' 2004 Great Presidents series? Maybe pieces of an original Declaration of Independence? ”
— Jay O'Neill, baseball memorabilia collector
One ceremonial 1-by-1 inch cut of the jersey was made by Donruss president and COO Bill Dully, with Ruth's daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, assisting at the ESPN Zone in New York City. The jersey will immediately go back to the company's headquarters in Arlington, Texas, to be sliced and diced into 2,100 pieces."
Real nice. Good job. Just in case you want to write & tell these guys you think they're jackasses, the address is:
Donruss Playoff, L.P., 2300 East Randol Mill, Arlington, Texas 76011, 817-983-0300
Monday, October 20, 2003
We will find out on November 5th. In the meantime, a gift from my old blog:
The Architect - Hello, Neo.
Neo - Who are you?
The Architect - I am the Architect. I created the matrix. I've been waiting for you. You have many questions, and although the process has altered your consciousness, you remain irrevocably human. Ergo, some of my answers you will understand, and some of them you will not. Concordantly, while your first question may be the most pertinent, you may or may not realize it is also irrelevant.
Neo - Why am I here?
The Architect - Your life is the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced equation inherent to the programming of the matrix. You are the eventuality of an anomaly, which despite my sincerest efforts I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision. While it remains a burden to sedulously avoid it, it is not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control. Which has led you, inexorably, here.
Neo - You haven't answered my question.
The Architect - Quite right. Interesting. That was quicker than the others.
*The responses of the other Ones appear on the monitors: "Others? What others? How many? Answer me!"*
(I dont agree with whoever wrote this, I think that the monitors are showing Neo's possible answers, possible hinting that there are alternatives to his actions (and hence the choice issue comes up). Also, the camera zooms in on Neo's current response, showing the choice made.)
The Architect - The matrix is older than you know. I prefer counting from the emergence of one integral anomaly to the emergence of the next, in which case this is the sixth version.
*Again, the responses of the other Ones appear on the monitors: "Five versions? Three? I've been lied too. This is bull****."*
Neo: There are only two possible explanations: either no one told me, or no one knows.
The Architect - Precisely. As you are undoubtedly gathering, the anomaly's systemic, creating fluctuations in even the most simplistic equations.
*Once again, the responses of the other Ones appear on the monitors: "You can't control me! **** you! I'm going to kill you! You can't make me do anything!*
Neo - Choice. The problem is choice.
*The scene cuts to Trinity fighting an agent, and then back to the Architects room*
The Architect - The first matrix I designed was quite naturally perfect, it was a work of art, flawless, sublime. A triumph equaled only by its monumental failure. The inevitability of its doom is as apparent to me now as a consequence of the imperfection inherent in every human being, thus I redesigned it based on your history to more accurately reflect the varying grotesqueries of your nature. However, I was again frustrated by failure. I have since come to understand that the answer eluded me because it required a lesser mind, or perhaps a mind less bound by the parameters of perfection. Thus, the answer was stumbled upon by another, an intuitive program, initially created to investigate certain aspects of the human psyche. If I am the father of the matrix, she would undoubtedly be its mother.
Neo - The Oracle.
The Architect - Please. As I was saying, she stumbled upon a solution whereby nearly 99.9% of all test subjects accepted the program, as long as they were given a choice, even if they were only aware of the choice at a near unconscious level. While this answer functioned, it was obviously fundamentally flawed, thus creating the otherwise contradictory systemic anomaly, that if left unchecked might threaten the system itself. Ergo, those that refused the program, while a minority, if unchecked, would constitute an escalating probability of disaster.
Neo - This is about Zion.
The Architect - You are here because Zion is about to be destroyed. Its every living inhabitant terminated, its entire existence eradicated.
Neo - Bull****.
*The responses of the other Ones appear on the monitors: "Bull****!"*
The Architect - Denial is the most predictable of all human responses. But, rest assured, this will be the sixth time we have destroyed it, and we have become exceedingly efficient at it.
*Scene cuts to Trinity fighting an agent, and then back to the Architects room.*
The Architect - The function of the One is now to return to the source, allowing a temporary dissemination of the code you carry, reinserting the prime program. After which you will be required to select from the matrix 23 individuals, 16 female, 7 male, to rebuild Zion. Failure to comply with this process will result in a cataclysmic system crash killing everyone connected to the matrix, which coupled with the extermination of Zion will ultimately result in the extinction of the entire human race.
Neo - You won't let it happen, you can't. You need human beings to survive.
The Architect - There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept. However, the relevant issue is whether or not you are ready to accept the responsibility for the death of every human being in this world.
*The Architect presses a button on a pen that he is holding, and images of people from all over the matrix appear on the monitors*
The Architect - It is interesting reading your reactions. Your five predecessors were by design based on a similar predication, a contingent affirmation that was meant to create a profound attachment to the rest of your species, facilitating the function of the one. While the others experienced this in a very general way, your experience is far more specific. Vis-a-vis, love.
*Images of Trinity fighting the agent from Neos dream appear on the monitors*
Neo - Trinity.
The Architect - Apropos, she entered the matrix to save your life at the cost of her own.
Neo - No!
The Architect - Which brings us at last to the moment of truth, wherein the fundamental flaw is ultimately expressed, and the anomaly revealed as both beginning, and end. There are two doors. The door to your right leads to the source, and the salvation of Zion. The door to the left leads back to the matrix, to her, and to the end of your species. As you adequately put, the problem is choice. But we already know what you're going to do, don't we? Already I can see the chain reaction, the chemical precursors that signal the onset of emotion, designed specifically to overwhelm logic, and reason. An emotion that is already blinding you from the simple, and obvious truth: she is going to die, and there is nothing that you can do to stop it.
*Neo walks to the door on his left*
The Architect - Humph. Hope, it is the quintessential human delusion, simultaneously the source of your greatest strength, and your greatest weakness.
Neo - If I were you, I would hope that we don't meet again.
The Architect - We won't.
The Architect - Hello, Neo.
Neo - Who are you?
The Architect - I am the Architect. I created the matrix. I've been waiting for you. You have many questions, and although the process has altered your consciousness, you remain irrevocably human. Ergo, some of my answers you will understand, and some of them you will not. Concordantly, while your first question may be the most pertinent, you may or may not realize it is also irrelevant.
Neo - Why am I here?
The Architect - Your life is the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced equation inherent to the programming of the matrix. You are the eventuality of an anomaly, which despite my sincerest efforts I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision. While it remains a burden to sedulously avoid it, it is not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control. Which has led you, inexorably, here.
Neo - You haven't answered my question.
The Architect - Quite right. Interesting. That was quicker than the others.
*The responses of the other Ones appear on the monitors: "Others? What others? How many? Answer me!"*
(I dont agree with whoever wrote this, I think that the monitors are showing Neo's possible answers, possible hinting that there are alternatives to his actions (and hence the choice issue comes up). Also, the camera zooms in on Neo's current response, showing the choice made.)
The Architect - The matrix is older than you know. I prefer counting from the emergence of one integral anomaly to the emergence of the next, in which case this is the sixth version.
*Again, the responses of the other Ones appear on the monitors: "Five versions? Three? I've been lied too. This is bull****."*
Neo: There are only two possible explanations: either no one told me, or no one knows.
The Architect - Precisely. As you are undoubtedly gathering, the anomaly's systemic, creating fluctuations in even the most simplistic equations.
*Once again, the responses of the other Ones appear on the monitors: "You can't control me! **** you! I'm going to kill you! You can't make me do anything!*
Neo - Choice. The problem is choice.
*The scene cuts to Trinity fighting an agent, and then back to the Architects room*
The Architect - The first matrix I designed was quite naturally perfect, it was a work of art, flawless, sublime. A triumph equaled only by its monumental failure. The inevitability of its doom is as apparent to me now as a consequence of the imperfection inherent in every human being, thus I redesigned it based on your history to more accurately reflect the varying grotesqueries of your nature. However, I was again frustrated by failure. I have since come to understand that the answer eluded me because it required a lesser mind, or perhaps a mind less bound by the parameters of perfection. Thus, the answer was stumbled upon by another, an intuitive program, initially created to investigate certain aspects of the human psyche. If I am the father of the matrix, she would undoubtedly be its mother.
Neo - The Oracle.
The Architect - Please. As I was saying, she stumbled upon a solution whereby nearly 99.9% of all test subjects accepted the program, as long as they were given a choice, even if they were only aware of the choice at a near unconscious level. While this answer functioned, it was obviously fundamentally flawed, thus creating the otherwise contradictory systemic anomaly, that if left unchecked might threaten the system itself. Ergo, those that refused the program, while a minority, if unchecked, would constitute an escalating probability of disaster.
Neo - This is about Zion.
The Architect - You are here because Zion is about to be destroyed. Its every living inhabitant terminated, its entire existence eradicated.
Neo - Bull****.
*The responses of the other Ones appear on the monitors: "Bull****!"*
The Architect - Denial is the most predictable of all human responses. But, rest assured, this will be the sixth time we have destroyed it, and we have become exceedingly efficient at it.
*Scene cuts to Trinity fighting an agent, and then back to the Architects room.*
The Architect - The function of the One is now to return to the source, allowing a temporary dissemination of the code you carry, reinserting the prime program. After which you will be required to select from the matrix 23 individuals, 16 female, 7 male, to rebuild Zion. Failure to comply with this process will result in a cataclysmic system crash killing everyone connected to the matrix, which coupled with the extermination of Zion will ultimately result in the extinction of the entire human race.
Neo - You won't let it happen, you can't. You need human beings to survive.
The Architect - There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept. However, the relevant issue is whether or not you are ready to accept the responsibility for the death of every human being in this world.
*The Architect presses a button on a pen that he is holding, and images of people from all over the matrix appear on the monitors*
The Architect - It is interesting reading your reactions. Your five predecessors were by design based on a similar predication, a contingent affirmation that was meant to create a profound attachment to the rest of your species, facilitating the function of the one. While the others experienced this in a very general way, your experience is far more specific. Vis-a-vis, love.
*Images of Trinity fighting the agent from Neos dream appear on the monitors*
Neo - Trinity.
The Architect - Apropos, she entered the matrix to save your life at the cost of her own.
Neo - No!
The Architect - Which brings us at last to the moment of truth, wherein the fundamental flaw is ultimately expressed, and the anomaly revealed as both beginning, and end. There are two doors. The door to your right leads to the source, and the salvation of Zion. The door to the left leads back to the matrix, to her, and to the end of your species. As you adequately put, the problem is choice. But we already know what you're going to do, don't we? Already I can see the chain reaction, the chemical precursors that signal the onset of emotion, designed specifically to overwhelm logic, and reason. An emotion that is already blinding you from the simple, and obvious truth: she is going to die, and there is nothing that you can do to stop it.
*Neo walks to the door on his left*
The Architect - Humph. Hope, it is the quintessential human delusion, simultaneously the source of your greatest strength, and your greatest weakness.
Neo - If I were you, I would hope that we don't meet again.
The Architect - We won't.
BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Rugby World Cup | Downbeat Aussies enjoy England's struggle: "Film director Quentin Tarantino has been in town this week promoting his new kung fu epic.
But while Sydneysiders flocked to watch Uma Thurman attempt to Kill Bill, the numbers of locals who reckon their team will win Bill - the affectionate name round these parts for the William Webb Ellis Trophy - are far fewer.
A bunch of us are thinking of climbing to the top of Sydney's Harbour Bridge a bit later on to see if we can see any Aussies who actually reckon their lot can retain the world cup.
It won't be easy, even from that lofty vantage point. "
But while Sydneysiders flocked to watch Uma Thurman attempt to Kill Bill, the numbers of locals who reckon their team will win Bill - the affectionate name round these parts for the William Webb Ellis Trophy - are far fewer.
A bunch of us are thinking of climbing to the top of Sydney's Harbour Bridge a bit later on to see if we can see any Aussies who actually reckon their lot can retain the world cup.
It won't be easy, even from that lofty vantage point. "