Flickrvision (Beta)

Flickrvision, another mesmerising application from David Troy.

Vote Different Mashup Maker Revealed

YouTube has posted an interview with the maker (ParkRidge47) of Vote Different , the mashup that created widespread media interest and controversy in the US. The video has been viewed nearly 3 million times on YouTube and was also shown on network tv. He says that he is now unemployed because of the video, which he did realise would happen if his real name became known.

His advice for making a successful viral video includes having good luck and good timing, and that it doesn't hurt to be funny or provocative. It also helps to articulate something that nobody else has said before. I'm sure that using one of the most successful tv commercials of the '80s in the mashup didn't hurt the cause either.

When asked about the role of YouTube and online video in politics in the future, he suggests that it could have a huge impact and it will be up to the candidates, their supporters and the voters to make the most of the technology.

How important do you think voter (user) generated content will bocome during election campaigns? I tend to think that this first really successful viral video will be just the tip of the iceberg.

I'm sure there are new political videos being made as we speak, inspired by the success of Vote Different. In a democracy, why shouldn't the voters get to have their own say during a political campaign. What are your thoughts?

Teenage Mutant Hardcore Turtles

Here's an excellent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Throwdown mashup.

via The Slippery Truffle

Australian Hotspot Mashup

While I'm on the summer heat theme – the bushfire season in Oz this summer looks to be a record breaker. Some of the fires have been burning for more than 7 weeks now, with no let up in sight. February is traditionally the hottest month of the year here.

Although Google maps went live for New Zealand and Australia back in May '06, Googlemapsmania tells me that Australia now has its own domain for Google Maps. Here's a new map mashup that tracks the current Australian Fire Hotspots.