What Else Is Happening

Endangered Species

2008-04-10T11:27:00.002-04:00

Wood Stork

Ivory Billed Woodpecker

California Condor

American Domestic Flights

Info, Menu, Exit... DESTROY!

2008-02-11T12:52:00.000-05:00

Man threatened to blow up city with TV remote

Australian police declared a state of emergency after a drunken man threatened
to blow up half a city with his TV remote control.

I've been able to access a few bombs with my remote. Most recently Shoot 'Em Up, on On Demand. Terrible.

See Ya Romney!

2008-02-07T17:25:00.000-05:00

Don't let the door hit you in the magic underwear on the way out!

How could anyone vote for a guy who still follows a religion that was made up in upstate New York by a guy who was trying to get out of debt?

AND the clever bastard whipped up the whole polygamy thing to control his wife and girlfriends.

Today, I fell a little better. Not much, but it's a step in the right direction.

Close Encounters Of The Bird Kind

2008-02-06T13:21:00.000-05:00

A GOOSE crashed onto a car after being knocked from the sky by a METEORITE

Gotta watch out. Those meteorites will cook your goose.

Here's A Story, Of A Dick Named Brady...

2008-02-05T10:24:00.000-05:00

Tom Edward Patrick Brady, Jr. (born August 3, 1977) is a football player, future Hall of Famer, insufferable golden boy, and a dick.

According to Dickipedia.

Bwahahaha.

But make no mistake... the drunks I saw on the trains and in the streets this morning screaming "Don't go to work! Go to the parade!" get their own dickipedia page.

Enjoy it now jobless joe, because tomorrow you go back to being a loser.

Guess Who Sara Silverman Is F'n?

2008-02-01T12:34:00.000-05:00

I told you she rules.

2008-02-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

This Time, I'm Gonna Blast The Ark

2008-02-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

New Mammal

2008-02-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

If a mouse were to get its nose stuck on a vaccum cleaner... this is what is would look like.

'Bizarre' new mammal discovered

With Deepest Regrets...

2008-01-30T14:00:00.000-05:00

Tom Cruise Is Nuts... But Jerry O'Connell Is Hilarious.

2008-01-22T17:05:00.000-05:00

What's That Boy?

2008-01-18T10:27:00.000-05:00

Scientists decode dogspeak

The Lives Of Others

2008-01-17T16:55:00.000-05:00

Sprechen Sie Deutsches?

No matter, this incredible movie has subtitles. One of the better movies I've seen in a long time.

The Lives Of Others

It takes place in 1980's East Berlin, which makes 2008 USA under the Patriot Act look like a post-it note from Bush. What?

Anyway, it's a movie about spying, secrets, history and love. It truly is amazing and I'll be adding this to my collection.

Ice Ice Baby

2008-01-16T15:54:00.000-05:00

Harbin Ice and Snow World 2007

I can't steal any photos, so click on the link for some amazing ice sculptures.

Is It 2008 or 1008?

2008-01-16T15:45:00.000-05:00

Rival Egyptian families agree to end 'mustache war'

Two families in southern Egypt that captured and forcefully shaved each
others' leaders earlier in the year have agreed to end their dispute, the Al
Ahram daily reported on Friday.

Back in July the families abducted each others' leaders and shaved off
their mustaches, beards, hair and eyebrows. In the region, a man's mustache
represents his honor.

Resigning over the peace treaty was Gene Shalit, the most honorable man on Earth.

Cloverfield Bootleg Available Here!

2008-01-16T15:38:00.000-05:00

This Will Not End Well

2008-01-15T15:13:00.000-05:00

Monkey’s Thoughts Propel Robot

...the 12-pound, 32-inch monkey made a robot walk using only her brain
activity.

She was in North Carolina, and the robot was in Japan.

Let me explain what is happening this way:

North Carolina

Japan

Right now, as you read this, Tokyo is being destroyed by a monkey that's tired of having wires and tubes sticking out of it's body and ass all day.

This Is How Most Of My Dates End...

2008-01-11T17:04:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFc3OWZWyxM

Pterodactyl Crossing

2008-01-08T14:07:00.000-05:00

Man blames car wreck on prehistoric winged reptile

A 29-year-old Wenatchee man told police a pterodactyl caused him to drive
his car into a light pole about 11:30 p.m. Thursday.

Wenatchee police cited the man with first-degree negligent driving. A
breathalyzer test showed "a minimal amount of alcohol," said Wenatchee police
Sgt. Cherie Smith.

Minimal. Right.

See You In '08

2007-12-28T14:10:00.001-05:00

We All Make Mistakes

2007-12-28T12:52:00.000-05:00

I feel for this guy. Oh man, do I feel bad for this guy.

In case you missed it, this guy, Chris Jesse, tried to touch a live ball during the Texas-Sun Devils Holiday Bowl last night. He just reached out to grab it. It didn't look like he touched it, but the Longhorns were penalized anyway. Lucky for him, they won, so no real harm done. Except that he is the coach's stepson and the camera kept showing the guy throughout the game.

Cringe. Cringe. Cringe. Poor guy. I feel for him because I've been in that situation. We all have. But on national television? I give the guy props for staying on the sidelines. I probably would have insisted one of the linebackers shove me in a locker and turn the lights out.

True story: I use to work the door at my college's basketball games. One time, during a woman's game, I was in the corner of the gym bouncing a tennis ball against the wall. Well, that ball got away from me and rolled onto the court while the girls were underneath the basket fighting for a rebound. The tennis ball rolled under their feet, a twisted ankle waiting to happen.

Unfortunately that ball exploded, killing three girls and maiming two for life.

Now THAT was embarrassing. But at least it wasn't on TV!

But keep your chin-up Jesse, we've all been there.

Grandma's Underwear

2007-12-27T16:05:00.000-05:00

The New York Post recently printed a movie review of 'The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep'.

Film critic Kyle Smith wrote this synopsis about the movie:

"by trying to be charmingly old-fashioned, it overshoots the mark and winds up being as musty as grandma's lingerie drawer. The average 12-year-old will find it slow and predictable. "

As musty as grandma's lingerie drawer.

"DUDE... this movie moves like grandma's panties!"

How the hell would ANYONE know what grandma's lingerie drawer smells like?

And grandma's don't wear lingerie. By the time they're grandmas (excluding the Spears family), they're usually just wearing undergarments, or pieces of strategically placed cloth and string that prevents embarrassing Easter morning breakfasts.

And dude, it's a kid movie.

Witch Doctor Sholl's Shoe Curses

2007-12-27T15:41:00.000-05:00

A federal judge Thursday unsealed a handwritten incantation that Bonanno crime boss Vincent (Vinny Gorgeous) Basciano stashed in his shoe to put a curse on prosecutors, FBI agents and mob turncoats during his 2006 racketeering trial.

The spell goes: "Before the house of the judge, three dead men look out the
window, one having no tongue, the other no lungs, and the third was sick, blind
and dumb."

The third was sick? Well, which is it? Dead or sick? No wonder these guys always get caught.

I Have Very Hairy Palms

2007-12-27T15:39:00.001-05:00

But it's not what you think. Perv.

I just wash constantly with Rogaine.

Why I Cannot Get Involved In Politics

2007-12-27T15:36:00.000-05:00

I prefer to kiss hands and shake babies.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T14:49:00.000-05:00

Merry Xmas

2007-12-20T16:27:00.000-05:00

And remember, Christmas is a pagan holiday. The feast of Isis. Winter Solstice. The Romans called it Saturnalia.

It wasn't until the year 350 that Pope Julius declared it would be a birthday for some guy named jesus who didn't even exist, only to make the transition into Christianity easier for the majority of Roman pagans. You can take away the name, but not the partying.

I wonder how many of the god worshipers know that.

Glow In The Dark Pu...

2007-12-13T10:24:00.001-05:00

Naahhh... too easy.

Clone cats that glow in the dark

Beat that, Doodle!

The Loveliest Of All Was The...

2007-12-13T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hunter’s camera captures images of a ‘unicorn deer’

These Fish Chief, Are Very, Very Smart

2007-12-13T10:14:00.001-05:00

The owners of a trout farm were left baffled when fish were going missing. But then a wildlife photographer caught their extraordinary escape route on camera.

How Are You Feeling?

2007-12-13T10:09:00.000-05:00

Meet My Teddy Bear

2007-12-10T13:23:00.000-05:00

His name is Muhammad. And he's gay. And he's christian. And he loves women. And he's got a tattoo on his ass that says THE WEST IS THE BEST.

Oh Deer

2007-12-07T12:09:00.000-05:00

Video Games Are Dangerous For Children

2007-12-05T16:29:00.001-05:00

The Mystery Of Americas Map

2007-12-05T12:53:00.000-05:00

Map that named America is a puzzle for researchers

The only surviving copy of the 500-year-old map that first used the name
America goes on permanent display this month at the Library of Congress, but
even as it prepares for its debut, the 1507 Waldseemuller map remains a puzzle
for researchers.

The only surviving copy of the 500-year-old map that first used the name
America goes on permanent display this month at the Library of Congress, but
even as it prepares for its debut, the 1507 Waldseemuller map remains a puzzle
for researchers.

Sounds familar.

The Antikythera Mechanism post included the Piri Reis Map, which mapped Antarctica before it was covered in ice.

There are many scientists that believe there was a great culture that inhabited
the Earth up to 12 thousand years ago. These people traveled the earth almost as
easily as we do today (albeit no airplanes). There are many names for this race
of people, more commonly referred to Atlantians. Not the fable of a continent
consumed by the ocean, but of an actual race of people who were master
explorers, navigators and astronomers. But a planetary catastrophe ended their
culture and scattered the survivors. But traces of their shared heritage can be
found throughout the world.

Maps copied down throughout the centuries. It could be that simple.

"So a polock and a midget get caught in a thunderstorm..."

2007-12-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

I saw this piece on the news this weekend and couldn't help but laugh. First of all, it's insulting to all humans in general that this video was ever made. You really have to believe that your workers are total idiots to think they have to watch this video to learn something.

But there was something much more disturbing to me in the video, which you can watch some of it here:

Can I sue to get the punchline to "So a polock and a midget get caught in a thunderstorm...", because I want to know! I bet it's hilarious.

Journeyman Is The Best New TV Show Of The Season

2007-11-27T13:07:00.001-05:00

And I'm afraid NBC isn't backing this show.

You've got a great lineup on Monday nights - Chuck, Heroes and Journeyman. It keeps me in!

So don't blow it.

http://www.nbc.com/Journeyman/

Eat Shit Grandma!

2007-11-27T11:16:00.000-05:00

Grandmother saved by daughter's poo.

A grandmother who contracted a potentially fatal superbug in Scotland has been saved after a hospital fed her daughter’s faeces to her.

Do I Make You Horny?

2007-11-26T14:22:00.001-05:00

Wang The Human Unicorn

Ma Zhong Nan

Underground Italian Temples

2007-11-26T13:16:00.000-05:00

Mama Mia!

Nestling in the foothills of the Alps in northern Italy, 30 miles from the
ancient city of Turin, lies the valley of Valchiusella. Peppered with medieval
villages, the hillside scenery is certainly picturesque.

Here, 100ft
down and hidden from public view, lies an astonishing secret - one that has
drawn comparisons with the fabled city of Atlantis and has been dubbed 'the
Eighth Wonder of the World' by the Italian government.

For weaving their
way underneath the hillside are nine ornate temples, on five levels, whose scale
and opulence take the breath away.

Wasted And Ready

2007-11-21T20:49:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T18:10:00.000-05:00

A Toad Licking Good Time

2007-11-16T18:14:00.000-05:00

Man, psychedelic toad arrested

First of all, you don't lick the toad. That won't work. You massage it's back and it's excretion will come out it's pores. Get that on a piece of glass and let it dry. Then smoke it.

What you are smoking is DMT. DMT is produced by our brains. It's what makes us dream. It's natural and non-addictive. It'll create a short experience of dreaming while your awake. You'll see and feel things that are out of this dimension and then return to your normal state as if waking up. Because you body automatically maintains its levels.

But you can't get in anywhere.

Meanwhile, I'm gonna pick up a pack of smokes and a fifth of whiskey and pollute myself but I'll look into expanding my mind in a deprivation tank sometime soon and break out of this cookie cutter society you are all slaves too. Find some answers. What are you worried about? Taxes? What your neighbor does? It doesn't matter. We're all objects in space. You ego protects you. You strip it down, and you might not like what you see, but at least it is the truth.

Break free.

Comet Empire

2007-11-16T18:11:00.001-05:00

Comet Holmes (left) from the 3.6-meter Canada-France-Hawaii telescope on Mauna Kea showing the coma at 869,900 miles (1.4 million kilometers) in diameter. The white ''star'' near the center of the coma is in fact the dust-shrouded nucleus of the comet.The sun and the planet Saturn are shown at the same scale for comparison. Credit: University of Hawaii/CFHT (comet); NASA/Voyager (Saturn); NASA/ESA/SOHO (sun)

Still visible on clear night. Look northwest towards the constellation Cassiopeia, the one that looks like a "W".

In Through The Out Door

2007-11-16T18:08:00.000-05:00

Meowch.

Woman Finds Boyfriend Dead In Cat Door

Shipwreck!

2007-11-16T18:04:00.000-05:00

A near-intact shipwreck apparently dating from the 17th century has been found in the Baltic Sea, Swedish television has said.

Eat it Titanic. This one went down perfectly.

Best TV Show Opening Ever

2007-11-02T16:12:00.000-04:00

Under A Red Moon - Closer Today

2007-10-24T13:36:00.000-04:00

China launched its first moon orbiter on Wednesday accompanied by a blaze of live-to-air patriotic propaganda celebrating the country's space ambitions and technological prowess.

'Cow-eating' Trees Of Padrame

2007-10-24T12:19:00.000-04:00

MANGALORE: Carnivorous trees grabbing humans and cattle and gobbling them up is not just village folklore.

India: You think our movies are crazy!?

The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford

2007-10-23T16:59:00.000-04:00

The best movie you'll see this year.

2007-10-19T14:06:00.000-04:00

Handle my affairs,
I will never know,
Bury all the bills,
Leave for Mexico.

Fun With Google!

2007-10-18T17:13:00.001-04:00

Google's Dirty Secrets - The funniest videos are a click away

Blackbeard's Cannon

2007-10-18T13:42:00.000-04:00

He is my favorite bad-ass pirate. The guy carried 8 revolvers and lit fuses in his beard... C'MON! You can't get much more frightening than that.

One of his cannons has been recovered.

Blackbeard's cannon surfaces

I Am Innocent...

2007-10-18T13:35:00.000-04:00

'I am innocent and some day evidence will be found to prove it'.

That was written by Dr. Hawley Crippen in 1910, two weeks before he was hanged for the murder of his wife, Cora.

My poor Doctor, your day has come.

Nearly a century later, research appears to show that the evidence which sent Crippen to the gallows was mistaken: the human remains discovered under his London house could not be those of Cora.

It seems the missing Cora ran away, back to America. Didn't peep up when her husband was arrested though. Sometimes, justice is a bitch. I wonder how many other people hung innocent from the gallows. Hangman, hold it a little while, I think I see my DNA comin', ridin' many a mile.

Backstory
Hawley Crippen was an American doctor who moved to England in 1900 with his wife, Cora Turner. When Cora disappeared in 1910, Crippen said she had returned to the US, and later said that she had died in California. After his lover, Ethel le Neve, moved into the couple's home in Holloway, London, Cora's friends alerted the police, but a search revealed nothing. Crippen and Le Neve fled to Belgium before embarking on the SS Montrose to Canada. They were disguised as father and son, but the ship's captain became suspicious and alerted police using the newly invented wireless telegraph. Crippen was convicted and hanged at Pentonville Prison. He protested his innocence to the end.

Snapple Busted!

2007-10-18T13:29:00.001-04:00

Last week I told you the day's Snapple fact was that The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows.

Well hold your horses Snapple lady!

High resolution image hints at 'Mona Lisa's' eyebrows

The device scanned a 240-million pixel image using 13 light spectrums,
including ultra-violet and infrared.

The resulting ultra-high resolution photograph of 150,000 dots per inch
yielded a reproduction of the "Mona Lisa's" face magnified 24 times. And there
Cotte found the evidence he sought -- a single brushstroke of a single hair
above the left brow.

All that for one eyelash? What the pluck?!

Baby Dinosaurs On The Ark!

2007-10-17T16:29:00.000-04:00

We estimate its height at "Friggin' Huge".

I bet you've been wondering about the Puertasaurus I told you about last year.

Well, they found its bigger, badder buddy.

The skeleton of what's believed to be a new dinosaur species - a 105-foot plant-eater that is among the largest dinosaurs ever found - has been uncovered in Argentina, scientists said Monday.

The best part of this story? Read the responses below on the CBS website.

Someone actually writes this:

Dinosaurs are indeed mentioned in the Bible, but obviously the word "DINOSAUR" isn't used because the word didn't exist during Biblical times! The Bible describes the Behemoth and Leviathan in the book of Job, and also the word "tannin" the Hebrew word for dragon is used over 20 times in the Old Testament.Dinosaurs are Creations of God just like all other animals are. They just don''t exist, the larger ones that is, anymore, although there have been reports of teradactyls in New Guinea.Secular "science" doesn't want you to know about this though, because God forbid the Bible is True, we can''t have that now...right?

Although they may be simple, uneducated folk who whip themselves after staring at their sister for too long, I have to admire their ignorance, for it must be bliss in their world. Just birds chirpin' and angels singing until they get caught in an embezzlement or sex sting.

Instead of deporting illegal immigrants, can we deport people who believe that dinosaur and man walked together? If we get rid of those yahoos first the American people will be on their way to a more educated American pride and cleaner bathrooms.

New Guinea Teradactyls. That's the name of my band. 'SUP.

Dwarf Manatee

2007-10-16T10:52:00.000-04:00

The Manatee, already in danger around Florida, has a new found cousin in the Amazon.

Method Writer

2007-10-16T10:39:00.000-04:00

A man has been arrested in Mexico on suspicion of murdering and dismembering his girlfriend and eating parts of her. Police sent to the home of Jose Luis Calva say they discovered a woman's torso in a cupboard, leg in the fridge and bones in a cereal carton.
They are also reported to have discovered the draft of an unfinished novel, titled Cannibal Instincts.

Cannibal Insticts, #1 on my Amazon wishlist.

Klee Was Here

2007-10-16T10:24:00.000-04:00

'Oldest' wall painting looks like modern art

"It looks like a modernist painting," said Eric Coqueugniot, the team leader. "Some of those who saw it have likened it to work by (Paul) Klee. Through carbon dating we established it is from around 9,000 BC."

Ok, here is a painting by Paul Klee:

Well, that settles it. Two things could be learned from this story:

One, Paul Klee is a time traveler.

Or Two, "modern" art and caveman art really aren't that different so people pay big bucks for crap. I'd rather have the caveman art or a piece by Kilroy.

Greetings From Hell!

2007-10-16T09:59:00.000-04:00

Is this Pope John Paul II waving from beyond the grave? Vatican TV director says yes

I think I'll say hello to my followers on Earth. How about a fire demon greeting? Haven't heard of one those since Moses was trippin' balls in the desert.

The Pope! The Pope! The Pope is on fire! We don't need no water let the kid toucher cover-upper burn! Burn baby burn!

There is a large percent of humans that are idiots. Personally, I see Courageous Cat and I know that fucker is burning in hell for sodomizing Minute Mouse.

This Girl Blows

2007-10-15T17:19:00.001-04:00

Trombone Tart

2007-10-11T13:45:00.000-04:00

Swedish policeman fined for trying to solicit a savoury tart in return for finding missing trombone

No reason, I just love that headline.

Today's Snapple Fact

2007-10-11T13:43:00.000-04:00

The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows.

Gross.

The Ghost Molester

2007-10-11T13:37:00.000-04:00

THE owner of an English-themed pub in Phoenix says the ghosts are to blame for strange events, including glasses being thrown, beer bottles exploding, and women being groped.

I just found a new excuse so I don't have to come from around the bar and toss someone out because a girl complained. It was the ghost, darlin'. He gets a little touchy-feely after your second red headed slut shot. He would behave if you would just do a real shot. Whiskey or burbon.

Right Brain Vs. Left Brain

2007-10-10T14:25:00.001-04:00

THE Right Brain vs Left Brain test ... do you see the dancer turning clockwise or counter-clockwise?

If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa.

Most of us would see the dancer turning counter-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS

uses logic

detail oriented

facts rule

words and language

present and past

math and science

can comprehend

knowing

acknowledges

order/pattern perception

knows object name

reality based

forms strategies

practical

safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS

uses feeling

"big picture" oriented

imagination rules

symbols and images

present and future

philosophy & religion

can "get it" (i.e. meaning)

believes

appreciates

spatial perception

knows object function

fantasy based

presents possibilities

impetuous

risk taking

This is wild. When I first look at her, she's moving clockwise (right brained), but then she's moving back and forth between counter-clockwise and clockwise. In fact, with a sweeping movement with my eyes, I can see her move her leg back and forth without her ever turning around.

A Now In Sports...

2007-10-09T16:50:00.001-04:00

The Phillies Stink.

The Yankees Stink.

Go Sox.

Just Like Red Six

2007-10-09T10:57:00.000-04:00

I told you about the X-Wing Fighter to launch on October 10th.

Looks like they moved up the date.

And yes, it ended up like Red Six.

But check out the video for about 3 seconds of coolness.

The Dandy Warhols - Godless

2007-10-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

Are Plans For 'Serenity 2' In The Works?

2007-10-05T10:13:00.000-04:00

Moviehole recently chatted with Alan Tudyk (Wash), and he said: "They had to put [the new DVD] out because they've been selling out of the other one, and so Universal's like 'So, let's do another one.' And now... there's now a chance there's going to be another movie." Well, this is just about the most solid Whedon rumor you can get.

Granted it's just a rumor. Although Alan Tudyk does seem like the kind of guy who would say such a thing to stir the coals and get a kick out it. Nothing wrong with that!

But.... that would be awesome.

I Did Not Know That

2007-10-04T18:06:00.000-04:00

Bill Laimbeer from the Detroit Pistons played a Sleestak on an episode of Land Of The Lost.

Answering Your Letters

2007-10-04T13:57:00.000-04:00

Anne Altman writes,

they say they found evidence of another earth in the making.

can we go there?

please research, nerd.

thank you.

Dear Anne,

Thank you for your inquisitive question!!

Why yes, they do say they found evidence of another earth in the making.

Earth-like Planet Forming In Nearby Star System, Astronomers Believe

The dust belt, which they suspect is clumping together into planets, is
located in the middle of the system's terrestrial habitable zone. This is the
region around a star where liquid water could exist on any rocky planets that
might form. Earth is located in the middle of our sun's terrestrial habitable
zone.
At approximately 10 million years old, the star is also at just the right age
for forming rocky planets.

So to answer your question Anne, no, we can't go there yet! But let's check back in about 14 million years. Then you'll have your answer!

Thanks for asking!

Love,

Nerdbluebaby

Sputnik - 50 Years Ago Today

2007-10-04T13:13:00.000-04:00

Look at that boy's heed! It's like Sputnik!

Sputnik launched Soviets, U.S. into Space Race

Then, 50 years ago today, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1. It
achieved an orbit around the Earth, circling the globe every 96 minutes. The shiny sphere, just under 2 feet in diameter with four antennae, could be seen passing overhead like a moving star at night. Its radio beeps could be heard on ham radios all over the earth. It orbited the earth 1,440 times before burning up in Earth's atmosphere in early 1958.

The world had its first artificial moon. And just like that,
the world changed.

The article is written for The Asbury Park Press by Mike Black, a science teacher from New Jersey, and occasional call-in guest (as Mike The Teacher) on the Ron & Fez Show, who I had the pleasure to meet once. A great guy. Very smart and I always like when he schools listeners who don't know sputnik about Sputnik and all things science, in which our country is sorely lacking behind these days. Too many people are worried about gay marriage, abortion, religion and countless other nonsense that stops any development and advancement of the human race.

As Mike writes...

It remains to be seen what the next 50 years will bring, what the
world will be like in 2057 when the Space Age is a century old. Things seem uncertain at best. The momentum of our triumphs has been slowed by bureaucratic inertia and lack of funding. Will we one day return to the moon? Will humans have a society on Mars? Will we be traveling the stars for real, or again, with just our imaginations?

What about today? Are we a science-literate nation? Are science
and an understanding of technology high priorities in politics, in education and our culture?

Fifty years ago, we were comfortable in the knowledge of our
dominance over other countries, sure that our nation was a scientifically literate one. Space exploration was not seen as a high-priority national pursuit, certainly not something to waste tax dollars over. Sputnik changed all of that and more overnight in 1957. Do we need another wake-up call?

Damn right we need a wake up call. At this point, China will beat us back to the moon. But we shouldn't be racing against each other, we should be working with each other. Just not with those deadly Chinese toys.

Of course, back then, Russia fell by the wayside when it came to reaching the moon. But they had good reason, after all, Aliens forced Americans out from the Moon (Pravada story, have a laugh).

The Lost Tribe Of Peru

2007-10-04T10:50:00.000-04:00

A previously unknown indigenous group living in isolation has been found deep in Peru's Amazon jungle, a team of ecologists has said.

Good to know they're still out there. Along with the tribes in Sumatra and The Amazon, which have had little or no contact with anyone, it's amazing that you could still live on this planet as we did for thousands of years. But would you want to?

Stone Head Mystery Explained

2007-10-03T18:28:00.001-04:00

The man behind the mystery appears to be artist Billy Johnson, who runs an online shop with carvings exactly the same as the ones found in Braithwell.

By the way, the man, Billy Johnson, is not pictured. That would be another mystery.

Liz White, a director of the Art House, an organisation the sculptor is
connected to, said: "He says that he wants people to do what they want with
them, take them in, leave them there, give them away, whatever they want to do
with them."

She said he told her 57 heads had been left across the north of England:
"They're gifts for the people who find them, part of an on-going art project and
not a publicity stunt."

That's kinda cool. I wish someone would leave a stone head on my doorstep someday. Or a suitcase full of money. Or a woman. A live one preferably. Thank you.

X-Wing Fighter To Take Flight On October 10th

2007-10-03T18:17:00.000-04:00

Rocket Powered 21-Foot Long X-Wing Model Actually Flies

It even has R2D2.

Andy Woerner and his crazy rocketeer friends have built a 21-foot long X-Wing
model that can actually fly. Yes, this is a real X-Wing powered by four
solid-fuel rocket engines complete with radio-controlled moving wings. It blasts
off in California next week, and we talked with Andy about the project, and how
they expect it will do. All the details and a full construction gallery after
the jump.
The X-Wing model is huge. At 21 feet long and with a wingspan of over 19 feet
it is, in fact, big enough to fly a kid in. However, knowing that it will be
powered by solid-fuel rockets, they wouldn't put a kid, dog, monkey or Gizmodo
editor inside, even if it uses three full parachutes to land.

Yea, they're cool. I'd love to hang with them on a Friday night.

Anyway, I can't wait to see the video.

Will it fly? Or will it end up like Red Six?

Asteroids

2007-10-03T14:45:00.000-04:00

With 1 in a 1000 chance of a civilisation ending impact on our planet in this century, and with Apophis headed this way, it is time we took asteroids and comets more seriously, believe experts.

It’s not really big by cosmic standards. But its potential for damage is BIG. That is why astronomers are keenly waiting to watch asteroid Apophis during its next close pass to the sun in 2013.

Heads up!

Congress should divert funds immediatley to building asteroids blasting triangle spaceships.

Subashi

2007-10-03T12:48:00.000-04:00

Subashi is a lost city located in the Taklamakan Desert, on the ancient Silk Road, near Kucha, in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China.

Subashi Temple witnessed the development and the height of splendor of Buddhism in this land. The temple was built in the first century and reached its peak during the sixth to the eighth centuries in the Sui and Tang dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), on passing by on his way to India to obtain Buddhist sutra, the hierarch Xuanzang was so impressed by the splendor of the temple and the popularity of Buddhism in this area that he stayed for more than 2 months. During later years, the temple had over 10 thousand monks and many hierarchs came from the interior of China to promote and develop Buddhism. Unfortunately, wars of the ninth century destroyed the temple, and it never recovered. It was finally abandoned in the thirteenth to fourteenth centuries when Islam was introduced to Xinjiang and began to prevail.

Today only the ruins of this temple remain. The pagodas, murals, walls and archaeological discoveries bear witness to the years of change, the stories of Buddhism and the development of civilization in this vast land.

Knew It... (As I'm Sure A Lot Of Others Did)

2007-10-02T15:40:00.000-04:00

"Twinkle twinkle like a star does love blaze less from afar?"

"Who cares? Visit my website!" Is what this screams.

Unique Stone Heads

I gotta hand it to the guy though, he got a lot of press. Well done.

2007-10-02T14:05:00.001-04:00

We Can Rebuild Him... Stronger, Faster...

2007-10-02T13:34:00.001-04:00

Riddle Me This...

2007-10-01T18:12:00.000-04:00

"Twinkle twinkle like a star does love blaze less from afar?"

Puzzled residents across Yorkshire are turning detective after mysterious stone heads were left outside their properties in the dead of night.

Each of the heads, which are up to a foot tall, looks different but all feature the same carving - which appears to spell out the word "paradox" - and a note bearing the riddle: "Twinkle twinkle like a star does love blaze less from afar?"

I'm going to have to think about this one. A PR stunt? A crazy sculptor? Love, stars and paradox. Hmmm.

2007-10-01T14:38:00.001-04:00

You Gotta Believe!

2007-10-01T10:29:00.000-04:00

Peruvian Cloud Warriors

2007-10-01T09:46:00.000-04:00

That would make a good name for a band, wouldn't it?

In the beginning of the year I mentioned that a massive, ancient building associated with the Chachapoyan Cloud People had been discovered in Peru.

Well, some of them have been found.

80 Ancient "Cloud Warrior" Skeletons Found in Peru Fort

The skeletons bear evidence of extremely quick deaths, the bodies having been found where they fell, without burial, reported Alfredo Narváez, director of Peru's Kuélap Archaeological Complex Restoration and Conservation project.

If you heard you were going to see the cloud people, that would sound nice wouldn't?

The Cloud People! How nice they must be, all breezy and fluffy.

Yea, well, don't get your hopes up. Meet Mr. Horrible Agonizing Death Cloud:

My eyes! The goggles do nothing!

Water, Water Everywhere

2007-10-01T09:39:00.001-04:00

Yet hard to understand.

When water in two beakers is exposed to a high voltage, a floating water bridge forms between the beakers

One of the building blocks of life. Yet hard to grasp. Because it'll fall through your fingers.

Another experiment was performed shortly thereafter involving another beaker.

It was not as successful.

More Tahoe Yahoo

2007-10-01T09:24:00.000-04:00

A lot of people have showed up here looking for Lake Tahoe mysteries.

I'm guessing the search for Steven Fossett brought most. Unfortunately, he is still missing.

Fortunately, some other bloggers have chimed in on the Lake's mysteries.

First, ME, clued me in on a project "Tahoe Deep Blue", which was last heard from in 2003. A search didn't bring up anything after that. Perhaps the mission was abandoned?

Next, Ann Nony Mouse highlighted this article: DSS's ROVs see under the sea

And finally Anony Ent pointed out some video. Most interesting is the video of the sunken 1915 Steamer Tahoe.

But nothing conclusive showing any deep water dives or pictures.

But I'd like to thank those who've pointed these stories out. Even though I think you're all related to that other blogger... what's his name... oh yea, Anonymous. He's popular. I see him everywhere!

Magic Monkey Tree

2007-09-27T15:14:00.001-04:00

The discovery of two "monkey heads" poking out of the bark of an otherwise non-descript African Mahogany tree have sparked a minor craze in the southeast Asian state, as devotees seek numbers from what they believe to be a god living in the tree.

OK, that is TOTALLY the monkey doll I had as a kid.

Right?! There he is!

In a tree.

Anyway, I came across this story on my new favorite website, Monkeys In The News.

All monkey, all the time. How cool is that?

The Devil's Bible

2007-09-27T14:35:00.001-04:00

Return of Devil's Bible to Prague draws crowds

The devil has a bible!? Well let's see that bad boy! I mean, the regular bible is full of death, sex, adultery, murder, kidnapping, punishment, etc., etc. Imagine the all extra helping of bullshit the devil's must have! Get it published! It would look great next to my Book Of The Dead.

Himalayan Hop

2007-09-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

A photo that may be the best evidence of the yeti was sold yesterday for £3,500 at an auction in London.

OK. All beliefs aside, I think whoever bought this was ripped off big time.

ONE photo of a SINGLE footprint.

Shouldn't there be a SECOND footprint? A trail?

If there was a picture of that, well, that would be something.

Instead all I see is a hoppin' yeti made that print.

And, as everyone know, Abominables bounce.

Currently My Favorite Commercial...

2007-09-27T12:34:00.000-04:00

Jacques Cousteau And Lake Tahoe

2007-09-27T11:46:00.000-04:00

Hey, that rhymes!

Welcome all who plugged that Jacques Cousteau and Lake Tahoe into your google. I know there are a lot of you. A hell of a lot!

You came across this, Nevada'a Mysteries, which I posted this past Monday.

Well, I asked for someone to "Get a camera down there and let us see the abyss!"

And here is the perfect device to do so!

Stealthy QinetiQ sentry goes where danger lurks so you won't have to

If I had money, I'd have one of those things on the shore of Lake Tahoe by 4pm today and we could finally get to the bottom of the lake.

Update On The Boy On The Wing Of This Plane!

2007-09-26T15:45:00.000-04:00

I figured it was this way, but didn't mention it so you'll have to take my word for it.

Boy who flew to Moscow in plane's wheel well faces amputation

He was in the wheel well. People have done this before, but most of them die.

After running away from home last week, hitching a ride to the airport, and
clambering into the wheel well of a passenger plane, Shcherbakov survived
temperatures hitting minus 50 degrees Celsius (-58 Fahrenheit) on a two-hour
flight from Perm to Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. Doctors said it was nothing short
of a miracle that he survived the flight.

But in the article, it says a Moscow clinic refused to continue treating him.

That too, is cold.

Sara Silverman Rules

2007-09-26T12:43:00.000-04:00

I just saw a story that Sara Silverman is getting negative reaction to her Britney jokes at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Why? For calling it as it is? For putting a funny spin on the truth? She did the same with that other dumb blonde at the Movie Awards.

I don't think it will bother her. I hope it doesn't.

She hilarious.

New episodes of The Sara Silverman Program start Wednesday, October 3rd at 10:30 on Comedy Central.

See (or even better, buy) Sara Silverman: Jesus Is Magic.

It's Not Just Glaciers That Are Shrinking

2007-09-26T10:23:00.000-04:00

NUDITY could be outlawed on the world's tallest mountain complaints about the number of climbers attempting to reach its summit without clothes

Bill O'Reilly A Racist? Ignorant? Pompus Arrogance?

2007-09-25T16:20:00.001-04:00

Bill, I'll take you to places in Harlem and all over the world where people act like normal, civilized people and you'd be so surprised you'd drop your loofah sponge and forget to sexually abuse women.

And for those of you who listen to him, shame on you.

And to make this fair - those who listen to Air America, shame on you too.

Please feel free to make up your own mind and not act like a tree hugger or rapist.

Ninjas On The Loose!

2007-09-25T15:12:00.000-04:00

Peruvian Pod People Update

2007-09-25T13:42:00.000-04:00

Peru’s Meteor: Illness Explained, Invitation Extended

The Peruvian Pod People I told you about are OK, and about to make a bunch of money on tourists.

First, the crater outside a Peruvian town near Lake Titicaca was caused by a
meteorite, not a mud volcano, crashed American satellite, Chilean
missile attack or “a lake of sedimentary deposit.”

Secondly, the mystery illness is probably not due to “panspermic alien
microbes” or other space-based bacteria, as much as some had hoped or feared,
however unseriously. It came from the soil, a Peruvian researcher who has
visited the site tells National
Geographic:

The illness was the result of inhaling arsenic fumes, according to
Luisa Macedo, a researcher for Peru’s Mining, Metallurgy, and Geology Institute
(INGEMMET), who visited the crash site.
The meteorite created the gases when
the object’s hot surface met an underground water supply tainted with arsenic,
the scientists said.

Numerous arsenic deposits have been found in the subsoils of southern
Peru, explained Modesto Montoya, a nuclear physicist who collaborated with the
team. The naturally formed deposits contaminate local drinking water.

“If the meteorite arrives incandescent and at a high temperature
because of friction in the atmosphere, hitting water can create a column of
steam,” added José Ishitsuka, an astronomer at the Peruvian Geophysics
Institute, who analyzed the object.

Mom Always Said Don't Play With Balls In The House!

2007-09-25T12:17:00.000-04:00

Sorry guys, but Brady Bunch Star's Bio Not A Kiss-Jan-And-Tell

It was just a mean rumor.

That's fine with me. Despite 'ol Dad was more interested in Sam's meat than Mom's tuna casserole, I still like to think of the Brady Bunch as that American Family that never could exist in real life.

When Baboons Go Bad

2007-09-25T11:51:00.000-04:00

Rampant and sexist, brazen baboons swing into town

“I tried to get rid of them, but they were having a party, eating all my
bread, bananas and avocados and swigging bottles of wine they had taken out of
the refrigerator,” said Carol White, who runs the Camel Rock restaurant in the
quiet village of Scarborough near Cape Point, South Africa, at the very tip of
the continent.

“They ignore women completely and only cleared off when one of my male
staff came,” she added.

Sounds like Giants fans.

Over the past few months, the baboons have burgled houses, sometimes
by pushing their babies through security bars and getting them to open a window latch. They have also raided the only store in the town and
have intimidated inhabitants, particularly women. A few weeks ago they
fought a pitched battle with a group of pet dogs — most of which came off worse
— further terrifying residents.

They're teaching their kids!

Sounds like Jets fans.

— Chippy, a male chimpanzee, pictured, was exposed in 2001 as the perpetrator of
heavy-breathing phone calls after staff at Blair Drummond Safari Park, in
Stirlingshire, recognised his shriek. He had stolen a keeper’s phone and learnt
to operate the redial button.

Ok, that sounds like me.

There's A Boy On The Wing Of This Plane!

2007-09-25T10:26:00.001-04:00

Boy survives two-hour flight to Moscow hanging onto plane wing

A 15-year-old boy from the Urals suffered acute frostbite after riding the
wing of a Boeing-737 plane on a two-hour flight from Perm to Moscow, Russian
radio station Mayak reported on Monday.

Considering more vodka infused stories come out of Russia than Britney's ass, I'd be inclined to doubt this until we have offical word from Yakoff Smirnoff. "In Russia, plane flies you!"