It’s one of those questions you ask yourself on a daily basis- “What would Earth look like if it had rings like Saturn?”. Never fear, Uncle Dave has the answer for you.

For the next few minutes, take time out of your workday and watch this magnificent video.

Science students or geeks beware- such a concept may turn you on.

Thanks, Eoin Kelleher for alerting me to this wonderful piece of animation.

Viewers on Facebook/RSS Readers – You may not be able to see this video. Click here to view in your browser

photo credit: TopTechWriter.US

I really wonder about Ms. Allen. Not because of all the trials and tribulations that she’s gone through, but because I get so confused by some of the things she says, and how often she changes her mind. In this case, it is on the controversial topic of illegal music downloading and piracy, which has undoubtedly become a very important topic in this modern era.

Lily Allen was very outspoken, highlighting her disgust and anger at fans and internet users who were downloading her tracks from Peer-to-Peer networks like Limewire and Kazaa, via BitTorrent services and torrent websites like The Pirate Bay and Mininova, to name but a few. She spoke in favour of disconnecting and removing Internet access to users who downloaded music online, in strong support of a “Three Strikes and You’re Out” policy proposed by the Government in Great Britain. She even went one step further, and using her public presence and fame, started a Blog called “It’s Not Alright” condemning the act of music piracy even further (which later turned out to be text taken directly from an interview with rapper 50 Cent). You get the picture: she wasn’t happy about the whole affair. However, now she’s done a complete U-Turn, and she’s made a compromise, sort of.

Yesterday on British radio station Key 103 Lily said that she didn’t mind people downloading her music, as long as they traded money for it. In other words, you can pirate her music, but only if you charge. Allen stated “If someone comes up with a burnt copy of my CD and offers it to you for £4, I haven’t a problem with that as long as the person buying it places some kind of value on my music”. Certainly a change from the first few comments she believed in only some months ago.

So, what does this mean, Lily? Criminal gangs can now sell bootleg copies of your albums, but once they charge a couple of quid for them, it’s all okay? Wouldn’t that fuel other, more serious, illegal activities. Of course, your record company won’t mind that either- they don’t have staff or other personnel, not necessarily on the higher level of employment- such as Executives, on excessive salaries- who would be affected by lack of income?  I’m not for piracy, not at all, but I certainly think a new route needs to be reached for the future of the music and entertainment industry. Could this be a publicity stunt? More than likely.

Let’s see how she reacts when someone starts to sell copies of her concerts on CD and DVDs outside other gigs and arenas.

photo credit: benzpics63

Blame laziness, blame what you like. I do know that I’ve not been blogging. And, it’s not like I’ve not been doing anyting- I just haven’t got around to it. I’m pulling my hair out too, because I know I should get around to updating daily, again.

I promise, normal service will resume tomorrow. Why not follow my Twitter for now? I’m always speaking the usual shite there.

Happy now.

Dave,

xx

photo credit: Adam Fraser

It’s already been a crazy day in Hamburg for the Sony Ericsson Fanwalk, and it’s incredible so far.

Everyone is starting to settle in with the other groups, which was helped by a “Speed Dating” session last night after dinner, whereby people had to run around the room, in a complete state of madness, to find out facts and interesting things about their fellow Fanwalkers from across the continent. Plus, some unlucky people had to answer questinons over the microphone about the people they just met with the Motivator (and arse-kicker, if you sleep in), Troy. You’d be surprised how fast people forgot the nuggets of knowledge that they just found out- but this will be easier during the week as everyone gets talking while walking, all of which kicks off in the coming few minutes here in Hamburg.

There are lots of sleepy Europeans in their rooms as I write, as many had a wild night with their new friends and arrived in the door only a few hours ago.  Many enjoyed a few drinks, a chit-chat and some mingling last night, and explored the city. Ireland has already rocked the dance floor of one nightclub, and then another, and then another. The Music Fans are venting their passion, and busting some moves- albeit, not always well.

Over the coming days you will see anything I capture with my Sony Ericsson W995 phone posted on www.fanwalker-david-o.blogspot.com. However, you should see it popping up here too on www.davidokeeffe.com, or on Facebook if you’re reading from there.

Catch ya’s on the flipside.

Today is the first day in my departure across Germany to the MTV Europe Music Awards on the Sony Ericsson Fanwalk. As you read this, depending on the time, I’m either on the runway of Dublin airport, gliding through the sky, or I’m enjoying a quiet pint and a bite to eat, getting to know my fellow Irish-folk. It’s all falling into place.

The Irish walkers are leaving Dublin Airport and heading to Hamburg a day early, as we’re preparing for the walk and we have to include travel to there. Because we’re not native to the host country, Germany, we get an extra day of holiday, essentially. Not bad, to be honest. I know I’m not complaining. I Since I was first told the verdict, not a day goes by without being called a “Jammy bastard”. This, I guess, supports that given title.

All the details will only be given to me when I reach Germany tomorrow, but I’ve got a fair idea how all the contact and updates will be made. As far as it seems, you can track me and hear from me in the following ways:

Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/davidokeeffe

Fanwalk.tv – http://www.fanwalk.tv/david

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=123992700221

However,  knowing me, there’ll be more stuff popping up on social networking websites over the coming days. I’m already hoping to have some videos and clips hosted for me. Once you keep your eyes on the usual locations, you can see what’s really going on.

Again, I must thank every single person who supported me, both online and off-line, especially those who voted. I must also extend  my gratitude to Nicola Watkins and her colleague and all the folks at Sony Ericsson who have given me the opportunity to participate on such a tremendous challenge, and once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Ireland, you’ve voted, you’ve chosen- and I know that I won’t let you down. I’m going to rock it hard, live it large, and be the best damn Fanwalker around!

Thank you.