Ben Murray

Hollande assumes the presidency in France

benmurray — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:13:54 +0000

“We are a single France, undivided,” Mr. Hollande said after his investiture, promising a presidency of “dignity, simplicity and soberness.” He vowed that “the state will be impartial because it belongs to all of its citizens” and insisted that a united France could meet its difficult social and economic challenges, but warned that the country “cannot have sacrifices on one side and privilege on the other.”

via Mr. Hollande said after his investiture, promising a presidency of “dignity, simplicity and soberness.” He vowed that “the state will be impartial because it belongs to all of its citizens” and insisted that a united France could meet its difficult social and economic challenges, but warned that the country “cannot have sacrifices on one side and privilege on the other.”">NYTimes

This is Cain’s Arcade

benmurray — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 01:39:04 +0000

Cain is 9, and he lives in East Los Angeles. Last summer, he made an arcade out of cardboard boxes in his Dad’s store, complete with ‘fun passes’, ticket machines, and his Staff t-shirt. Cain is adorable, but he hadn’t had a single customer all summer until Nirvan stopped by. Nirvan thought Cain was awesome and invited all of Los Angeles. The community showed up, then raised more than $100,000 for Cain’s college fund.

I can’t wait to see what this kid does, and now feel like I have a small stake in his success. The wonders of social networking tapped the emotions and support of thousands of people around the world. With any luck, in ten years we’ll see him enroll in college and go on to build bigger and better things.

Cain is lucky, and millions of other children won’t get a chance like that. But how cool that moments like this are possible and will continue to make little ripples in every part of the globe.

via NBC Nightly News

Tap it in the bathroom

benmurray — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:08:56 +0000

“It’s a dot and a dash to have a conversation with the entire world.”

You are a man of brilliance, L.L.. I actually wish this were a real feature.

The winds

benmurray — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 02:53:46 +0000

Here is a mesmerizing, real-time animation of the winds across the United States and their complicated patterns. So much of our interaction with the wind is what we feel, or see in short distance. It’s neat to step back a little in awe of how they change and morph into visual spectacles.

From its creators, Martin Wattenberg and Fernanda Viegas:

An invisible, ancient source of energy surrounds us—energy that powered the first explorations of the world, and that may be a key to the future.

This map shows you the delicate tracery of wind flowing over the US right now.

(via Khoi Vinh)

Vote for Project HEART

benmurray — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:25:01 +0000

If you haven’t had a moment to check out this year’s nominees for the YouTube doGooder Nonprofit Video Award, you should grab a box of tissues and get clicking. They’re inspiring and heartfelt, and are just a glimpse into the tremendous work so many organizations do daily.

And, don’t miss “Project HEART” in the “Fearless” category – you should vote for them. I obviously have no bias here.

Welcoming the Prime Minister

benmurray — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:33:41 +0000

Thanks to a good friend, I was able to attend the arrival ceremony for UK Prime Minister David Cameron at the White House as part of his official visit to the United States. I’ve watched these on TV a few times and always loved the pageantry, as hokey as it may be to some.

Sunrise from Sunset

benmurray — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:57:48 +0000

With a view like this, I think I could convince myself to move to LA. If only for a moment. Taken from my hotel room on Sunset Blvd as the sun rose over downtown Los Angeles.

Off to the slopes

benmurray — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:55:27 +0000

We hit the slopes in West Virginia this weekend for a surprisingly successful ski trip. After a stormy Saturday with ferocious snowmaking, Sunday was a perfect 52 and sunny. It’s no mountain, but it’ll do.

A view of the dog park

benmurray — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:21:20 +0000

A time-lapse of “Heaven on Earth”

benmurray — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:59:51 +0000

My brother sent this to me today. Yosemite in HD. In awe.