Confessions Of An Idiom

Thinking about it, I suppose it had to happen at some point: an animated short film starring the elephant in the room and the skeleton in the closet – giving us the best of both worlds.  Here, Mollie Helms and Amanda Koh of Ringling College get to grips with as many idioms as they can fit in to two and a half minutes.

No doubt they burned the midnight oil to finish it.  Yet actions speak louder than thoughts, of course, so give it a watch. The ball is in your court.

Freaky Flowers: Echinopsis Cacti in Bloom

Echinopsis may disappoint you.  After all their flowers bloom in the middle of the night and then last only for a day with the flowers at a peak for just an hour or two before they wilt.  So, if you are on holiday when this happens you have missed out.    Fortunately, however, we have EchinopsisFreak who must have the patience of a saint but who creates amazing timelapses like this one for those of us too lazy to sit through the night!

The Long Game

As the world moves faster, so do our expectations.  We live in a youth centered society but this video essay in two parts by delve, looks at how, perhaps, things should really be.  In order to be a genius, do we need to achieve it while we are still youthful? Taking perhaps the genius of geniuses, Leonardo Da Vinci as an example, this may give any of you reading this who feel it is to late to achieve something more than just a glimmer of hope.

The Century Old Color Photographs of Prokudin-Gorsky

In 1909 a remarkable project was initiated by Russian photographer Sergey Mikhaylovich Prokudin-Gorsky. His mission was to record – in full and vibrant color – the vast and diverse Russian Empire. Here, with his story, is a selection of his amazing century old full color pictures.

Just over one hundred years ago a Russian photographer, began a remarkable project. With the blessing – and funding – of the Tsar, Nicholas II, he embarked on an extraordinary journey to capture the essence of Russia in full color photographs. Many of these pictures look as if they could have been taken yesterday, with only the costumes worn by the people captured in their moment of time betraying the age of the work. The first shows two men crossing a small river.

These are Magpies? You’re Kidding, Right?

No, we’re not.  There are a number of magpie species which confound the notion that the whole lot of them are black and white.  They come in a number of different colors. Yet, despite this gorgeous plumage they still seem to be rather thuggish members of the bird world, robbing nests and eating chicks and so on.  Our sibling site , the Ark in Space, has the lowdown on these quite different (appearance wise at least) species of magpies.

Lucky Numbers: The Mathematics Behind Modern Slots

Slot machines might seem like games of pure chance, yet they rest on a foundation of complex mathematics. Many players might consider the math behind these games irrelevant, but understanding these principles can offer invaluable insight into how they operate, enriching one's gaming experience.

The Role of Random Number Generators

At the heart of every slot machine is a random number generator (RNG), a sophisticated algorithm that ensures each spin is entirely random and independent. RNGs generate thousands of numbers per second, even when the slot isn't played. The RNG halts at a specific number upon spinning to determine the outcome.

This inherent randomness means each spin is unique and independent of previous ones. Thus, the notion that a machine is 'due' for a win is a fallacy. The thrill and unpredictability of slots emerge from this randomness, making it impossible for players to predict or influence outcomes. While luck is pivotal, grasping the mechanics of RNGs encourages a more informed approach, reminding players that each spin is a singular event with no assured result.

The Concept of Return to Player (RTP)

Return to player (RTP) percentage is another mathematical cornerstone. RTP indicates the expected payout a slot machine offers over time. For example, a slot with a 96% RTP is designed to return £96 for every £100 wagered over a prolonged period.

RTP is crucial for players choosing which slot to play. While higher RTP values suggest better long-term winning odds, it's essential to understand that RTP is calculated over millions of spins. Short-term results can be significantly different. Therefore, RTP should guide rather than guarantee returns. It's prudent to assess RTP alongside bonus features and game volatility before selecting a slot that best suits one's preferences. Real money slot jackpots offer extensive information for those interested in exploring pokies for real money.

Understanding Volatility in Slots

Volatility or variance describes the risk level associated with a slot game. Low-volatility slots deliver frequent, smaller wins, appealing to players who prefer consistent payouts. In contrast, high-volatility slots can yield substantial rewards but with less frequency, enticing those tempted by the prospect of considerable jackpots.

Understanding a slot’s volatility helps align gameplay with personal risk appetite and expectations. Players with modest budgets might favour low-volatility options to maximise playtime, whereas those pursuing substantial wins may opt for high-volatility games. Making informed volatility-related decisions can significantly boost enjoyment, allowing players to select experiences matching their gaming style and risk tolerance.

The Impact of Bet Size and Paylines

Bet size and active paylines are strategic elements in slot gaming. Raising bet size can amplify potential winnings, and activating more paylines can improve winning chances. However, players must weigh these decisions against their bankroll to avoid premature depletion.

Effective bankroll management involves comprehending how bet size and payline choices affect gameplay. By adjusting these elements, players can devise strategies aligning with budgetary constraints and risk preferences. This approach extends gameplay and instils a sense of control and personalisation, heightening overall satisfaction.

The Psychology Behind Slots

Beyond mathematics, the psychology of slot machines is another fascinating aspect. Developers captivate players by integrating sensory elements such as lights, sounds, and vibrations. Combined with the mathematical underpinnings, these features create an immersive experience that engages players.

Understanding this psychological aspect adds a further dimension to the gaming experience, enabling players to become more aware of how these elements influence their play. By appreciating slots' mathematics and psychology, players can enjoy a more balanced and informed gaming session.

Exploring the mathematics and psychology behind modern slots allows for a more profound and strategic gaming experience. While luck remains a fundamental factor, understanding these elements empowers players with the knowledge to make informed decisions, shaping their gameplay to suit personal preferences and enhancing overall enjoyment.

Image Credit

The Fascinating History of Graduation Announcements

 

Graduation announcements didn’t just pop up overnight. Long ago, way back in the Middle Ages, schools like universities in Europe started holding ceremonies. These events marked when students finished their studies. People wanted to shout it from the rooftops—or at least tell their friends. So, they sent little messages. They weren’t fancy, just notes saying, “Hey, I did it!” Back then, only a few could read, so it stayed small. Imagine monks scribbling on parchment—that’s the vibe.

When Things Got Official

Fast forward to the 1600s, and stuff changed. Universities, especially in England, got more organized about graduating. They held big public events. Families and townsfolk showed up to cheer. Soon, students—or their parents—wanted to spread the word wider. Written announcements started looking official. Think wax seals and curly handwriting. By the 1700s, colonial America caught on. Harvard and Yale sent out notices too. Still, it was mostly rich folks doing it. Paper and ink weren’t cheap.

Printing Makes It Pop

Here comes the 1800s—a big shift! The printing press got better and cheaper. Suddenly, announcements weren’t just for the elite. Regular people could afford to tell everyone, “My kid graduated!” Cards became simple but classy—names, dates, schools. Sometimes a quote or prayer was tossed in. Families mailed them out, proud as peacocks. Around this time, high schools started graduating kids too—not just colleges. More announcements flew around towns. Everyone wanted in on the action.

The Style Explosion

The Victorian era hit, and whoa—things got wild. People loved flair back then. Graduation notes turned into art pieces. They had frilly edges, gold lettering, and even little drawings of caps and gowns. Some added poems—super dramatic ones. You’d open your mailbox and bam, a masterpiece. But it wasn’t all fancy. Poor families stuck to plain paper; it still got the job done. By the late 1800s, stores sold pre-made ones. Convenience started creeping in—sound familiar?

Early 1900s: Keeps Getting Bigger

The twentieth century rolled up, and graduations boomed. More kids finished school than ever. Announcements were everywhere now. Black-and-white photos sneaked onto some—a big deal back then. Companies saw dollar signs and jumped in. They offered templates—pick your design, add your name. Mail got faster too, so these cards zipped across states. People saved them like treasures. Scrapbooks from the 1920s show tons—yellowed, but proud.

Mid-Century Modern Vibes

After World War II, everything changed again. Suburbs grew, and schools multiplied. Graduation announcements turned kind of sleek—fewer frills, more clean lines. The 1950s loved bold fonts; think typewriter vibes. Color printing kicked in by the ‘60s—pastels and brights popped up. Hippie grads in the ‘70s? They’d DIY them—tie-dye paper, peace signs. Still, most stuck to store-bought ones. And invites started mixing in—like a grad party invite slipped into the envelope. Two birds, one stone.

Digital Age Shakes It Up

Then, boom—the 1990s and computers crashed the party. Families could design announcements on clunky PCs. Clip art of diplomas was everywhere. Email joined the game by 2000—some ditched paper entirely. Social media later? A total game-changer. Kids blasted “I graduated!” on Facebook and Instagram. But physical cards hung on—people love that touchy-feely nostalgia. Companies now offer cheap graduation invites online—customize, click, done. It’s affordable and fast—wild compared to parchment days.

Why We Still Care

Today, it’s a mashup—old and new. Some grads mail fancy cards; others post TikToks. The point remains the same as always—bragging rights. Parents cry and friends cheer, and that moment gets locked in time. Announcements evolved from monk scratches to glossy prints to digital pings. Yet, the heart stays unchanged: “Look what I did!” Every era added its flavor—wax seals, photos, emojis. It’s kind of cool how a simple idea stuck around, huh?

What’s Next?

The future is coming fast—holograms maybe? Virtual reality announcements? Who knows? Whatever it is, grads will keep sharing the win. History shows they always find a way. From dusty scrolls to Insta stories, it’s a thread that won’t snap. Next time you get one—or send one—think about it. You’re part of something huge, stretching back centuries. That’s pretty dope for a piece of paper—or a pixel.

Image Credit

Miniature Mountain Magic: A Tilt-Shift Journey through Four Seasons in the Alps

 

The Alps: at any time of the year an incredible place to visit.  And if one is to capture its intrinsic beauty, then it will take time and patience.  In this case, it too film-maker Joerg Daiber a year to capture a specific part of the Alps through all four seasons.

Schloss Elmau is a five-star hotel and national monument, nestled between Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald in the serene Bavarian Alps, Germany. Located at the foot of the Wetterstein mountains, it is the only venue to have hosted the G7 Summit twice.

Daiber was fortunate to be invited to capture footage of the various activities in the area surrounding the hotel across different seasons.  The result is quite phenomenal.

Why Children Need to Keep Quiet on Trains

If you know a child who persists in showing you up when traveling on trains then show them this immediately.  It is something of a tall tale, created by Kilogramme is an animation company based in Manchester, England.  However, once you have plonked the errant infant down in front of this joyous animated short they shouldn’t bother you again – at least when on a series of connected railway carriages or wagons moved by a locomotive. Hurrah!

Dalek Made From An Egg - Eggsterminate!

How cool is this?  A Dalek made out of an egg – looks like a brilliant homemade present for a friend or a member of the family who just can’t get enough of the Science Fiction TV show Doctor Who.  But just how do you make one?  We just know you want one, right?

Image Credit Flickr User PugnoM

Here is a step by step guide, from egg carton right back to the egg carton - courtesy of Flickr User PugnoM.  Yes, you too can create your own species of Daleks from the original race, the Kal-eggs (ouch).  You won't even need a sonic screwdriver.

The Very Near Future – (or How AI Will Really Take Over)

Do you worry about artificial intelligence taking over? Do you think that we already live in The Matrix? Or are you one of those people who believe that we will all be destroyed by a Judgement Day kind of event, accompanied by a couple of million robots who look like an old Austrian?  Well, think again.

We’re all going to live, apparently.  Yet AI is going to make our lives such a living hell that we might as well be dead.  Take Joey (played by Marcel Romeijn) as an example.  All he wants to do is to order a luscious, chewy, mouth-watering but completely unhealthy XXL Triple Cheese Pizza online.  However, his AI assistant has other ideas.  Joey’s supper turns into some serious trouble.

The Very Near Future“ was written, shot and post-produced within 36 hours at Kinokabaret in Hamburg, Germany.  It was written and directed by Sebastian Egert. Without any irony whatsoever, the voice of Joey’s AI assistant is played by a human, Julia Casper – a very well-known video game voiceover artist.  The fight back begins…

Newton’s Three Laws of Motion – Animated

I don’t know about you, but if I was asked what Newton’s Three Laws of Motion are, I would probably garble something that might approximate to one of them.  So thanks goodness for animations like this.  Created for the Royal Observatory Greenwich, director Amael Isnard has come up with this wonderful animation that illustrates Newton's 3 Laws of Motion with some lovely 2D animation and astronauts Bella, Isaac, Neeva and Max.

The astronauts take on a mission to Mars – and seem like a pretty diverse lot which probably means the mission was funded outside by someone other than a well-known car manufacturer. During their trip they experience all three laws in action, making this a fairly straightforward way to get a grip on the laws and to retain them – once and for all – in one’s head.

Wait, what was that third law again? Better press play once more, and sit through Bella and the others having their little jaunt to Mars. There’s worse things you could be doing, after all.

Hammer Rock (Qingchui Peak) – Chengde’s Geological Landmark

From a distance, something looks vaguely odd. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Chengde, Hebei Province, China, Hammer Rock, also known as Qingchui Peak (literally "Uplifted Hammer Peak"), is one of the region’s most striking geological formations. This towering natural rock, resembling a sledgehammer or wooden club, has fascinated visitors for centuries with its unique shape, cultural significance, and breathtaking views.  When you get close up, you can see why people usually scratch their heads when they first catch sight of this bizarre formation.

Image

Hammer Rock stands at approximately 598 meters above sea level, with a relative height of about 60 meters from its base. That little bit of green you can see poking out about half-way up is actually a rather large tree. The rock’s shape is a result of millions of years of weathering and erosion, sculpting the sandstone and granite into the vertical column we see today. The smooth yet rugged surface of the formation adds to its distinctiveness, making it an iconic feature of Chengde’s landscape. Due to its shape and prominence, it has been dubbed the "Thumb of God," inspiring local legends and myths over the centuries.

Regular Rabbit

 

A year after its whirlwind festival tour, Regular Rabbit has now captivated audiences at over 60 international film festivals, including prestigious events such as Newport Beach, Annecy, and Pictoplasma. The film was handpicked by Whoopi Goldberg for the renowned Tribeca Film Festival, with legends Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro in attendance. It also claimed top honors at the Portland and Oxford International Film Festivals and received nominations at Fastnet, Worldfest, and Flicker’s International Film Festival.

Regular Rabbit creatively challenges our willingness to accept absurd misinformation by deliberately separating visuals from narrative. The mismatch between the two encourages us to reflect on our own gullibility in the face of even the most outrageous claims.

Written and Directed by: Eoin Duffy
Voiced by: Rory McCann

The Watch - A Short Film by Will Ross

The Watch is a short film made by one of my young students, Will Ross.  I should hasten to add that I don’t teach film studies, film-making or – honestly – anything to do with the silver screen.  However, I do teach English when people listen and part of that is the structure of something short, sweet but very creative. I wanted to share this short as I think it shows great promise both in terms of the way it is structured and put together in general, given that I suspect it was made on a budget of approximately… let’s see… zero pounds.

Created under the Willitham Films™ global trademark(!), this comedy short tells the story of a young chap (a kind of everyman for psychopaths) who has lost his precious watch, and the extremes to which he will go to have it back in his possession.  You do need to watch it to the end to really appreciate its structure, but it has a running time that even a gnat wouldn’t find too challenging.  So, please watch it!

Hats off to Will here.  It’s an entertaining and engaging short, well-paced and with a number of familiar tropes from film history thrown in.  Will is clearly highly visually literate, with a voice perfectly suited for the expressive, wordless performances of the silent film era.  Sorry, I meant face (one colleague who watched this said he was reminiscent of Harold Lloyd). Joking aside, this is the kind of film that only someone who loves film would make.

I am now looking forward to the day that Will is able to extract huge amounts of license fee payers’ money from the BBC (possibly by force) and wreak his own kind of comedy-havoc on to the world in general but on a budget.  I am fairly certain that this will come to pass.