3 December 2025

War is Over! Oscar Winner for Best Animated Short Film 2024

Inspired by and features the anti-war anthem Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon & Yoko Ono, the film below won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 2024.  Set in a World War I scenario (perhaps an alternative reality!) the film shows two soldiers on opposing sides who somehow manage to train a pigeon to carry their chess moves across the battlefield so that they can compete against each other. Of course, the true reality of war inevitably sinks in.

This beautiful and profound animated short was written by Sean Ono Lennon and Dave Mullins.  If you saw the 2024 Oscars then you will no doubt remember Sean Ono Lennon’s emotional shout out to his mother, Yoko, when he accepted the award.  Ono Lennon is also using the animated short to help raise funds for the charity War Child.

One of the YouTube commenters (@philipparks6811) said "This production is a remarkable blend of precision, collaboration, and emotional brilliance, capturing the essence of humanity with a message that is both simple and deeply moving. Congratulations on the well-deserved Oscar for creating what is arguably a timeless masterpiece that beautifully unites the enduring spirit of John and Yoko’s iconic tour de force with the true power of film. Bravo!"  Indeed.  Couldn't have put it better myself.

Watch War is Over! below.

All I Want for Christmas is… Silence!

It’s the 1st of December – and if you haven’t already had All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey inflicted on you, then you are one of the lucky few.  It’s inevitable really, the annual invasion of our ears by Ms Carey’s tones (dulcet or demonic - that is purely a matter of opinion).  Here, mashup king Fabrice Mathieu brings together a number of Hollywood films, (listed below the video), showing the world’s TV screens suddenly taken over by that song and the resulting (and varying) reactions it gets.  This is quite possibly the best visual metaphor for the annual agony we have to endure as we try to go about our daily lives in the run-up to Christmas.  Well done Fabrice!

One of the commentators has said of this video: “Having worked in retail for many years, I absolutely dread hearing this song every festive season. Over, and over, and over, and over again. You managed to capture my living horror perfectly.   That says it all, really – apart from, perhaps this from another commenter – “The most dastardly thing about this video is that you got me to listen to the entire song.

Watch the video below (at least if you can retain your sanity while doing so).



Clips in this mashup are from: Back to the Future 2, The Big Lebowski, Brazil, The Burbs, The Cable Guy, Captain America Civil War, Clockwork Orange, The Conjuring 2, The Core, Dark Shadows, Fargo, Forrest Gump, The Game Greenland, Grumpy Old Men, Iron Man, Joker, Kamikaze, The King of Comedy, Knowing Logan, Mars Attacks!, Matilda, Nightcrawler, The Nutty Professor, Ocean 13, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Poltergeist, Raising Arizona, Requiem for a Dream, The Ring, Scary Movie 3, The Shining, Signs, Spaceballs, Taxi Driver, V for Vendetta, Videodrome, The Wall.

Dogs on Ice

Dogs like nothing better than when something a little out of the ordinary happens. So, when the world has turned white one morning and the water has gone hard and slippery, you can’t blame a dog for getting a little excited, can you? After all, when the going gets cold, the dog gets going. Our sibling site, the Ark in Space has a great collection of dogs on ice pictures for you today…

Image Credit linuskenstam

Become a Tongits Plus Strategist: Outsmart, Outplay, and Outthink Every Opponent

Card games in the Philippines are not just games — they are social glue. Families bond over them, friends compete through them, and generations pass down both rules and superstitions surrounding gameplay. Tongits, in particular, holds a special place in Filipino culture — a game of tension, psychology, and skill.

But as time has evolved, so has the game. Tongits Plus represents a new chapter — familiar yet renewed, nostalgic yet modern, and casual yet deeply challenging for strategic minds. This version of Tongits encourages quicker thinking, more adaptive play styles, and smarter tactical decisions.

Understanding Tongits Plus — A Faster, Sharper Evolution of the Classic

Tongits Plus keeps the core of the original game:

  • Build valid sets

  • Create sequential runs

  • Aim for a low total card value

  • Monitor opponent moves

Yet the enhanced gameplay adds exciting elements:

  • Real-time digital speed

  • Automated assistance to prevent score errors

  • Enhanced fairness with anti-exploit mechanisms

  • Intuitive controls that streamline actions

  • Multiple modes catering to different personalities

  • A more energetic rhythm that keeps players alert

Tongits Plus compresses reaction time — where the slow thinkers adapt or lag, and quick decision-making becomes crucial. You’re playing not just with cards, but with memory, instincts, and psychological prowess.

Exploring Tongits Plus Game Modes — Finding Your Preferred Battlefield

One of the joys of Tongits Plus is the variety of game modes. Each version invites a different mindset and a different strategy style.

1. Classic Tongits Plus (Standard Mode)

If you’re analytical, observant, and strategic, this is your arena.

It encourages:

  • Long-term planning

  • Card tracking

  • Psychological play

  • Defensive tactics

  • Careful formation

This is where true card tacticians shine.

2. Tongits Quick — Speed Over Subtlety

This mode is for adrenaline-fueled matches.

Moves are rapid, choices are immediate, and reflexes matter.

Players who excel in this mode:

  • Prefer instinct-driven decision making

  • Are comfortable taking small risks

  • Can handle fast mental processing

  • Don’t freeze under pressure

This mode teaches quick thinking and sharp focus — ideal training for real-time competitive instincts.

2. Tongits Joker — Where Wildcards Rule

The Joker card transforms ordinary gameplay into a creative battlefield.

It introduces:

  • Wild combinations

  • Flexible card construction

  • Risk-reward balancing

  • Unpredictable reversals

Here, rigid players struggle, and imaginative players dominate.

Building your foundation — beginner-friendly strategy principles

Everyone starts somewhere. Whether you’re new or returning to the game, these essential principles form your core strategy.

1. Observe Before Acting

Watch playing patterns.

Is your opponent:

  • Aggressive?

  • Defensive?

  • Unpredictable?

  • Conservative?

Understanding style > Understanding cards.

2. Drop High-Value Cards Early

High-point cards are a dangerous weight in your hand.

Lighten that load before the game turns into a count.

3. Don’t Reveal Too Early

Holding your combinations is like hiding your battle plan.

Reveal only when necessary — not simply when available.

4. Study the Discards

A thrown-away card is not garbage — it’s information.

It tells you:

  • What they don’t need

  • What they already have

  • What they may be building

Smart players read these clues like text.

ADVANCED STRATEGIES — The Mark of a Tongits Plus Master

Once your foundations are solid, you’re ready to level up.

1. Predictive Card Mapping

Rather than just counting cards, begin anticipating them.

Ask yourself:

  • What card is likely in which player’s hand?

  • What combinations are others building?

  • What cards remain unseen?

This ability separates beginners from veterans.

2. Tactical Holding

Sometimes you hold onto a card not to use it, but to deny it to someone else.

Example:

You may hold a connecting card that prevents another player’s run from forming.

That single act can shift the game’s outcome.

3. Multi-Turn Planning

Think ahead.

Imagine:

“If I play this now, what will I have next turn? What does my opponent expect me to do?”

Now do the opposite.

4. Psychological Warfare

This is subtle — but powerful.

Players unconsciously respond to tempo:

  • Quick moves suggest confidence

  • Deliberate pauses imply uncertainty

  • Rushed discards can be bait

  • Silent waits create unease

Use behavioral play as a strategic layer.

5. The Right Time to Call ‘Fight.’

Timing is a weapon.

You don’t need a perfect formation — you need an advantageous one.

A skilled player knows when the opponent is vulnerable.

Tournament Mentality — Playing For Competitive Excellence

In competitive Tongits Plus settings, the smartest player usually wins. Not the luckiest.

Here are elite-level behaviors:

1. Recognize Player Archetypes

  • Some push early.

  • Some hide combos.

  • Some bluff.

  • Some slow-play.

Once you categorize them, you gain control.

2. Emotions Are the Enemy

Tilt — the emotional tilt of frustration or excitement — ruins judgment.

Play with:

  • calm nerves

  • steady rhythm

  • neutral mindset

You’ll see moves more clearly when emotion isn’t steering the wheel.

3. Adjust Strategy in Real-Time

Flexibility is the key to survival.

If your plan stops working — change it quickly.

Improvement Is A Journey — Not A Destination

Winning is thrilling. Losing is instructive. Every match is a free learning session.

To improve:

  • Challenge players who are stronger than you

  • Observe how you lose — and why

  • Practice intentional thinking

  • Avoid predictable habits

  • Learn from recorded matches

  • Experiment with bold moves sometimes

Mastery unfolds gradually — through repetition and reflection.

Playing Responsibly — Balancing Fun And Competition

Competitive games are gripping — but remember:

  • Enjoy the experience

  • Take breaks

  • Don’t chase losses

  • Play with awareness

  • Treat the game as a mental exercise

When you play with moderation, you play with clarity.

The Evolution Of You — From Player To Strategist

Tongits Plus rewards intelligence, patience, and adaptability.

You begin as a casual participant.

Then you grow into a tactical thinker.

Eventually, you become a strategist — one who sees patterns, calculates risk, and thinks ahead three steps at all times.

This growth makes Tongits Plus more than just a game — it becomes a mental sport.

You’ll feel the difference in your gameplay…

and in yourself.

FAQs

Q1: Is Tongits Plus beginner-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s intuitive, and players naturally improve as they play more matches.

Q2: Does experience matter more than luck?

Yes. The best players develop card awareness, timing, and analytical thinking — overcoming luck.

Q3: Which mode should I start with if I’m still learning?

The classic mode is ideal for learning structure and pacing before entering faster and more unpredictable modes.


2 December 2025

Why Builders Trust Structures That Look Like They Shouldn’t Stand

You’re walking around, letting your thoughts wander, when, all of a sudden, you stumble upon a structure that makes you think you’re dreaming. 

It looks like it shouldn’t exist, like a tower that leans so far it seems like a strong gust of wind could finish it. Or maybe it’s one of those bridges with the glass bottoms that make your brain scream “Nope!” even though you know it’s engineered within an inch of its life. 

Your eyes fight with your logic, and logic usually loses first. No matter how many times you step back and tilt your head, that thing still looks like the worst idea ever. But wait, things can get even weirder because once you learn about how structures like this work, you see that they’re backed by the smartest engineering on the planet. 

Meanwhile, the square little houses you walk past every day without thinking twice are riddled with issues. 

This is where things get interesting. 

The Science Behind Structures That Look Unstable

Some structures look like they’re one bad day away from collapsing, and they were designed that way intentionally. 

Every time you see a structure that looks weird, remember that what you’re reacting to is the shape, not the science. And builders don’t really rely on vibes (luckily!), they rely on predictable load paths, supports that are hidden, and weight that’s balanced in ways your eyes can’t figure out. 

And that’s exactly the point. 

For example, a cantilever might look like it’s magic, but it’s really just physics doing its job. Fallingwater is another excellent example of this because it looks like it’s resting above the waterfall, but the house is actually locked into place with reinforced concrete arms and anchored stone. 

Robert Bruno’s steel house in Texas takes this even further. It hangs over a canyon in a way that freaks most people out when, in fact, the steel frame and deep anchoring move the weight into the slope. 

The Balancing Barn in the UK stretches halfway into empty space, but the steel spine inside it acts as a counterweight and keeps the whole thing steady. 

These shapes exist because of computer models, wind tunnel tests, and seismic simulations that let engineers test every possible stress before the concrete is even mixed, let alone poured. 

This is why builders are totally fine with designs that seem ridiculous when you first look at them; they have data at their disposal that shows exactly how the forces move through the structure, no matter how unsafe it looks to you. 

You’d think that structures like these are the reason for all those scaffolding accident claims in Chicago, equipment malfunction incidents in New York, or wherever there’s construction, but that’s not necessarily the case.

The real story is always in the engineering you can’t see, and even if you were to ask attorneys, like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, they’d tell you that the structure itself (and how strange it seems) doesn’t have to be the reason for incidents, during or after construction. 

Why Your Eyes Get It Wrong

Your brain wants clear supports and straight lines because that’s the only thing that makes sense to it, so it freaks out when it sees structures that ‘float’, ‘hang’, etc. 

But actually, the thing that looks wrong to you is just your perception not being able to interpret shapes it wasn’t designed to comprehend.

Optical Illusions Created by Angles and Perspective

The angle you’re looking from is what causes a lot of the uneasiness. 

Even a tiny tilt or curve can make a building look like it’s about to give out. Look at the Crooked House in Sopot, with the warped façade that makes it look like it’s going to collapse. It’s just the angle because the building itself is structurally pretty basic. 

Structural Elements You Can’t See

You can’t see the parts that hold these structures together. 

Marina Bay Sands looks like it’s balancing a giant surfboard on three pillars, but there are deep steel trusses hidden inside the towers that support the SkyPark. 

The CCTV Headquarters in Beijing looks like it breaks every rule of gravity, and yet, its load moves through a continuous looped frame. 

Materials That Look Weak (but Aren’t)

Engineers know there are different types of damage (e.g., tensile forces, compressive forces, heat, impact, flexibility, corrosion, shear, fatigue, etc.) and each material resists damage in a different way.

For example, you’d expect glass to be weak because of how easily it shatters. Glass is actually VERY strong in compression, but once it sustains microcracks from an impact, the damage spreads quickly, causing sudden failure. But if you laminate the glass or temper it, it’ll resist impact forces better.

Concrete, you’d probably think, is extremely strong, but it’s only strong in compression (how well it handles load). But when it comes to tension strength (e.g., when you pull it from both sides), concrete is VERY weak. That’s why concrete is reinforced with steel to make up for its natural weakness.

Wood has great flexural strength, but it is weak in shear. Aluminum resists corrosion much better than steel, but it can develop cracks from fatigue much faster than steel can. 

Conclusion

These weird structures actually aren’t weird at all; they look strange. 

They’re playing a game your eyes are terrible at, and that’s it. The architects and engineers know exactly what they’re doing, and they won’t design something just because of the wow factor, because, if they do, the only wow factor they’ll get is from how shocked everyone will be when the project collapses on itself. Modern architecture likes to surprise you, so enjoy the weirdness, don’t try to figure it out. 

And if you’re afraid of heights, maybe don’t step on the glass bridge. It’s not worth the heart attack.