Justafrog

On Thursday night I took off work early, rented a car, and drove to Kelowna for a Nine Inch Nails concert. I should tell you that I’m not actually a big fan of NIN, but have always had a healthy respect for Trent Reznor, both as a showman and a businessman. I was actually quite enthusiastic to see the concert, because from everything I’ve heard and seen, it would be an amazing show.

More than just colourful lights, screaming guitars and hypnotic drums, the show is truly a display of art, and possibly one of the most technologically advanced rock shows in production. Reznor has created a unique concert experience by using LED “stealth” screens that allow for a multidimensional interactive show. The layering of the screens in front of and behind the band members created a 3D digital environment, and a visual feast for the crowd (the music’s not half bad either). For much of the show, the visuals on the screens actually react to the band members and instruments, rather than displaying canned imagery. The screens actually become an instrument. It’s a difficult thing to explain, which is why I was inspired to go see it for myself.

For more on the band and the Lights in the Sky tour, read the Wired article, and check out the NIN website and Flickr photos.

I love the functionality of Google Reader in terms of its portability, but I’ve never been too keen on the look. Desktop readers tend to have a much cleaner interface, allowing the content to rule, but they’re really only helpful if you read your feeds from one computer (in my case it’s at least 3 computers + mobile device). I’ve used other scripts to skin GReader, but I’m really lovin’ Helvetireader. It strips away all the extra junk and the Google rainbow palette and reduces the web app to grey, white and red.

It’s true, I’m a sucker for minimalism.