Tennis, PSP or both?

Ok, here we are again with the cool white PSP photo. This time it also features Maria Sharapova and a tennis game for PSP. This is a super combo as far as I'm concerned. You folks know you love the white PSP. Don't lie!
Lesbians of both genders, I offer you a fresh new photo of Sharapova. And for the astute sports fans? The grand game of tennis in your hands.
I kinda want this game and I am grateful that SEGA went to the effort to show off their new game and share a nice photo of it running on the still unreleased (USA) white PSP.

Other Sharapova goodies
The time?
The look?
The smell?
The squeezable?

Random Japanese Site of the Day

Today's Random Japanese Site of the Day features those shady favorites, the ninja.



Check out the Ninja Museum online.
This one's in English, no less!

Enjoy!

Other ninja sites (the best one's are stealthy)
REAL ULTIMATE POWER
How to be a Ninja (ladies welcome)
The long sleeve shirt ninja mask wrap (female instructor)
Are you a Knight, Ninja, Cowboy or Pirate Quiz

It's like a nut you can play outside...

Have you seen the new PSP commercials out lately?
The ones that look like charcoal drawings featuring squirrels, dustballs or rats? Well, some of them are funny as hell.
I particularly like the 'portable nut' one.
Check 'em if you haven't seen 'em

Also, of note, is the agency which help produce these PSP ads. TBWA/Chiat Day. You know those guys right? Well, in 1984 they produced the world's coolest computer commercial for Apple.
Check that one here

Random Japanese Site of the Day

HowD folks. I'm kicking off a new thing here. It's called Random Japanese Site of the Day.
Today's offering is rather colorful, strictly organized and features a cute little rodent.
I can't say that you'll find it at all very useful or anything, but hey practicality is not useful at all times, is it? Enjoy!

GET IN

Just checking...

So... just wondering if anyone else is concerned about the continuing struggle to control Iraq. I don't really get the idea that we are any gaining ground in terms of peace. I know it's probably very insensitive for someone like me with no military experience to degrade the efforts of our troops, but peace is exactly where the thought emerges.
When will the U.S. troops be returning home to join the fight to strengthen America?
Is the mighty USA lifting up Iraq in a pool of quicksand?
I wish we could get something concrete and at least more satisfiying for the Administration, but certainty is but sand in the eye of a storm where politics is concerned.

Bring 'em home
http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/

Varchesis adds poll to blog

Hey, gang!

I've added polls to this blog. The poll is off to the lower right for now.
Have fun, check back later for more polls!

-V

From The New Yorker Magazine with smiles

Friends, I have to share one of my favorite past-times.
That's right, the wonderfully, witty cartoon from the New Yorker magazine.
I have cracked open many an issue, even bought old prints, just to read the cartoons. The magazine is also quite good, but for me, the cartoons steal the show.
Now the people at the New Yorker have put together a site with great cartoons on demand or for puchase.

See the cartoonbank
Read the New Yorker

FREE* Xbox 360 - Yessssss!!!!

Can a free* Xbox 360 really exist for you if Xbox 360s are nearly impossible to get your hands on? Yeah, I'm not sure that would make any sense either. Why not a free* Playstation 3 while we're at it? I mean, you can't get one of those either... Or can you?

DISCLAIMER: I only included the above links to allow anyone who really wants to try to get a free* next-gen gaming system at their risk. I am not affiliated with or sponsoring either free* offers. Thanx.

Other Xbox 360 links
Xbox 360 Modding
Hack-proof 360?
360s crashing?
Official Xbox home


free* - definition: (main entry) you actually pay for something else

1. you got hosed
2. would you prefer magazine, movie or music subscription and/or other undesirable long term purchase agreement?
3. not free, usually coming with a catch
4. a trick
5. isn't this false advertising of a sort?

Usage: not to be confused with free, inexpensive or costless
Antonym: free (ant.)
Synonym: scam (syn.)

[Probably origin: Old Marketese - see marketing lingo]


BTW - I thought I should clear up the all this Xbox 360 talk. I am in no way interested in buying a 360. While it would probably never go unused if I were to get my hands on one, I will never put a dime towards owning one for myself. That being said, dont' stop yourself from sliding one in my Xmas stocking this year. Santa is a busy man! Lend a hand, he'll love you for it.
Oh, and don't worry about my hating Xbox or anything. It's kinda like me and the new edited classic* Star Wars movies. I will not buy them but would gladly take them if offered.

4 Items I really want but, for some odd reason, haven't yet bought

Coin Locker Babies
by Ryu Murakami





In the Miso Soup
by Ryu Murakami





Mobile Suit Gundam F91 Movie
by Yoshiyuki Tomino


Where's number four??????????????????????????
Well, one of the joys of life is mystery. But I'd probably guess that the fourth item would be a CD.
Consider it a wish list wild-card.

ALTERNATE ENDINGS ALTERNATE ENDINGS ALTERNATE ENDINGS

McSweeney's Internet Tendency: Alternate Endings to Famous Literary Works as Written by a 15-Year-Old With a Grudge.

Beautiful, classic and funny as hell.

The secret to genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.

-Aldous Huxley, 1894-1963 English Writer

May not work for radio signals but still keep our thoughts safe...

Well, a recent MIT study says that aluminum foil hats may not protect you from the harmful effects of invasive radio signals, but that doesn't deter us one bit. We know for a fact {see the movie SIGNS} that aluminum foil hats protect us from troublesome thought probes conducted by: government agencies, aliens and other mysterious organizations.

Other info:
The Anomalist
National UFO Reporting Center
Government Paranoia
What Really Happened
Symbols

Fighter VS Black Mage

You know, I love Final Fantasy.
But some people love it even more than me, as is evidenced by this cool little, quick Flash movie.
That's no surprise. To all the Final Fanatsy fans...

Fighter versus Black Mage
GET IN

Dress up time! Like, OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Moly!

I know you played with paper dolls when you were little - don't lie.
Of course, yours truly never did either. Now that I've whet your appetite, what's to stop you from getting your favorite star all dressed up for a hot date with your eyeballs??

That's right! Nothin'!!!

And guys, don't even try to play it off like you don't wanna' dress up the MANY female (or male) celebs in whatever garb you desire.
Nobody's looking! Go for it, man!!!!

Sample paper dolls:
Brad Pitt
Natalie Portman
Paris Hilton
Johnny Depp
Tyra Banks
50 Cent
Anime Schoolgirl
...and many, many more!

You've got time to kill - admit it!!!
GET IN

Yuck-town or Hubba-bubba

Have you ever seen "If They Mated" on Conan O'Brien's Late Night show?
If so, then you're probably familiar with the segment where faces are morphed and altered to create celebrity make-believe offspring.
Recently, I found this cool site for matching up images in the same fashion. This time you get to control the freak show. Have fun!

GET IN

P.S. You Simpsons fans will enjoy this premade Simpson character mix-up. GET IN

Happy Halloween

Halloween 2005, you shoulda' been here!!!!

Man, there was... and then... 'twas nuts!!!!!!!!!
You wouldn't believe how much...
Or the size of those...

Well, not much went down this Halloween as you can probably tell.
Look for pictures of my costume soon tho.

In the meantime... The Best Internet Halloween Photo 2005 goes to-

SEE THE WINNING PHOTO

Sure, it's actually from 2004 but it's one of Varchesis' favorite things in the whole wide world AND it's a Halloween photo to boot. You can't beat a combo like that. If you've got better Halloween photos to send, then drop me a comment, you ghoul. I'd love to see your favs.

Hope you had a good one.

-BFN

CAT LOVERS - Do not try this at home!!!!

Well, the good folks in Japan have really done it this time. Taking my theory that cats are very strange creatures indeed to a whole new level - I present the Taped Cat.

Enjoy or not!
Still worth a watch
Filmed cat(s) are professionals. Do not try this at home.

GET IN

The Science of Non-Monogamy or How Puritan are You??

For those of you daring enough to consider the scientific perspective on life, I offer a thoughtful examination, not offered as proof or opposition, to the very controversial topic of monogamy and polygamy. Please note the first paragraph under "Loose Patriarchal Monogamy".

Be prepared to be shaken, stirred or possibly bored.

GET IN

P.S. I'm guessing most of you are Puritan at heart. Monogamy definitely keeps the romance movies, novels and various other consumables more desirable - that's for sure. All praise desire!

Ever wonder what time it is in Montevideo?

Have you ever wondered what time it is somewhere else on the globe? Well, maybe once or twice, right? Nothing to keep you awake at night, of course. BUt, for a quick geographical spin about the globe AND a super fun time wondering what the citizens of Yangon are doing right about now, head on over to Time and Date.com.

@ = Little snail???

I came across a short article (sharticle) on the global linguistics of the commonly known "@" symbol. A very quick and fun read. Enjoy!

GET IN

Why action games are bad for expensive handhelds (PSP & NDS I'm looking your way)

Alright, so you've layed down $150 - $250 for your brand new handheld system. You get all excited to play all the new games coming out only to find that most of them are action/sports titles. No biggie, more fun for the short attention span, you think. There's just one tiny little problem with this situation: sports and action games require lots and lots of button-pushing. Well, you may wonder "So what? I like to push buttons!". The real problem comes from the lack of one item: a replacable controller. With handheld systems, if your buttons become 'less reponsive' or just don't work at all, you need a new system not a new controller. So instead of $20-$40 for a new controller, you need a whole new expensive system. Ouch!

Seeing the 'smoke before the fire' can save you a bunch of cash, so here's a list of games that will go a little easier on those oh so precious buttons. Not a lot of blood and guts or explosions but still looks like a fun/diverse list.

Upcoming PSP Button-Relievers
Legend of Heroes
Popolocrois
The Sims 2
Tokobot
Metal Gear Acid 2
Harvest Moon
Talkman (US release ????)
Black and White
Field Commander
Pilot Academy
Lord of the Rings Tactics

Why no NDS games listed???? 'Cause I'll never own a NDS unless it is gifted to me. Sorry.
Two screens? One stylus? Why???

Support Breast Cancer Awareness, like this.

Yes, this blog post is all pink. And it's super-hard to read. But it's in support of breast cancer awareness. Only you hard-core supports will have read this far anyway. October means far more than just Halloween folks, please give your support.

Breast Cancer Site

UK Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

BreastCancer.org

Relatively New This Modern World

Ok, this is not for you conservative types out there. I mean it.
This will probably make you wanna' blow my head off... again.
But, here goes. This Modern World, an openly left-wing nut comic for those who know what our government really stands for.

GET IN

Varchesis unveils The Nuckers Store

A little while back, I created 12 unique little nutcracker inspired characters called Nuckers. There's a Nuckers™ character for just about everyone. Now they live in a store with products including: clothing, greeting cards, prints, buttons, magnets and more. I am considering making some female characters, but that's a later project.

For now, enjoy all that the Nuckers™ Store has to offer.
Original designs by yours truly.

.

Top 13 Observations: Japanese Horror (based on one film)

Recently, I watched the live action Japanese horror film Devilman 2004. Here are my top 13 simple stereotypes and observations:

1. Actors in horror films are amazingly skinny
2. Mostly freaky people inhabit horror-stricken neighborhoods
3. Your super-freaky, highly talented friend will always bail you out in a pinch
4. Pretty girls fight with spirit/have long skinny legs
5. School is the domain of bully-clans
6. Cool kids drive cars - small ones
7. Blonde hair is a sure sign of superiority
8. Soccer balls can be painful if used improperly
9. Pick on people, lose your fingers
10. If you are a weirdo, you're dad's probably a super-scientist
11. Even in demon form, your freaky friend is far cooler than you
12. Japanese women are still hot
13. While certainly a demon, your best friend may actually be Satan

Darned Dynamic Content

So, I edited the comics.com post because I forgot that the links on comics.com change on a daily basis. So, I inserted the static link which is the one I found so funny. If you go to Frank & Ernest today, the comic should be different.

I think I'll include a mini list of my favorite comics in my blog sidebar, so that we can all have laughs whenever we want to. Family funny time, folks!

Look for that blog edit soon.
Any feedback on comics you'd like to see daily would be greatly appreciated.
Comment to leave your suggestions.
We've got one vote for Boondocks (see previous comments)

You know you want it

Friends, once in a while a cool website comes along with goodies from all over the globe. We're talking about items you see in design magaizes or coffee table books. The kind of stuff you see on a sitcom and say "Where the heck did they find that??" Well, we've found it.

We proudly present a site with products that make you wanna say "OMG. I want it!"

And so we do... we know you'll want it, too. Like, OMG.
GET IN

Personal Favorite
The Mr. P Tape Dispenser
Second Place
Space Invader Wall Decals
Third Place
Ghost Salt and Pepper Shakers

Today's Frank & Ernest is Awesome (edited for dynamic content)

If you aren't a fan of the comic Frank and Ernest then, why????? Why, oh, why????
Get with it, man.

Anyway, Enjoy today's comic!
Thanx, comics.com

>>I keep a comics.com link in my sidebar.
Laughter, the other, other, other white meat.

Some of my favorites

Dilbert

Peanuts

Drabble

Is this really my hidden talent????

Your Hidden Talent

You are a great communicator. You have a real way with words. You're never at a loss to explain what you mean or how you feel. People find it easy to empathize with you, no matter what your situation. When you're up, you make everyone happy. But when you're down, everyone suffers.

What's Your Hidden Talent?

World Sunlight Map

Ever wonder where on the world it's sunny, right now? Well, of course not. But, this is a great little site anyway. See who is experiencing the joys of global sunlight and who isn't.

Can you read?

Everyone knows that reading is a miracle of science. Anyway, this image will put your reading skills to the test in a very fun way.
Nothing hard, no IQ testing, no tricks. Just science. Sound boring? Wrong.
Give it a try. You'll amaze yourself.

Pong with a Nasty Curve!

Well, if it isn't that old hag Pong again...
But, wait! It's now 3D and you can put some curvy smack on the ball, eh?
I likes. Hopefully you will like Curveball, as well.

psssttt... Pong, I still love you.

Fun with the Barbarella Soundtrack

WARNING: Pure FLASH movie coming your way!!!!

Like a mannequin she poses, like a dummy she flops, like water she flows, like rumpled clothes she crumples. Very unusual and very fun! Will she every stop falling for bubbles??
You'll have to watch it to find out.

What's more fun is the wacky Barbarella movie soundtrack that I'm listening to while watching this animation... strangely fitting. Don't be jealous.

Rotational illusion

Are these discs moving or not? Visual Illusions are the latest craze with drug-free hippies. You'll be astounded and amazed.

GET IN

Nebula Nuts Unite!!

Folks, if you love beautiful images of galaxies and nebulae then you've got to take a peak at this great galaxy gallery. Enjoy.

All images courtesy of Hubble Heritage.

Varchesis Composes Poetry

Progressions

Time, the mysterious lass.
Love, the flighty bird.
Woman, the grandiose gift.
Thought, the immaculate pleasure.
Emotion, the greedy trap.
Fear, the tricky path.
Evolution, the beautiful release.


The Lady of Linden Tree Isle (Dedicated)

When night falls, my love is a dark tree...
A slight, fickle thing wavering in the mist...
From a dash to a sprint, she does lead me...
Into dank alleys and mossy meadows, we run...
Moonlight glistening on her feathery hair...
Timeless tresspasses we undertake...
Under the beams of space itself...
We dance in the fire of life...
Twisting and turning, a mingle of souls...
With a flash of foresight...
We rise from the ashes...
Lonely and free, I hear her glissando chimes...
Echoes and dreams clatter about my mind...
That shimmering, fleeting moment has passed...
When the soul of this luck-born boy...
Took a momentary glimpse into...
The far-fathomed heart of an angel.



'Twas There

Was a little thing and he knew it.
Was a thing like no other.
Was what they dreamt of having, they all did.
Was right there in the hand.
Was there for the taking.
Was without trials or challenge.
Was just there a moment ago.
Was it all just a dream?
Was it really so easy?
Was it there, at all?
Was it? Will it ever be again?


The Grandish Spell

Ickly-dee pickle,
Friddle-dim-dee,
Dobbly-duckleby,
Noddly-tiddy,
Wintee-binkle,
Arfram indos,
Mectosh-fleckish,
Pentag-rudagg,
Tobish-borbish.
Sindalee-swink,
Worblick!


Smallish Visions

In the night of the bear,
There lived a little man there,
Amongst the frindabul bushes and fern,
He did wander and dream,
Marvelous devices and visions,
Raced about his long, brawn brain,
From the biggish machinery,
to the smallish delightry,
Tombock Twindlebee made the world,
a furry-backed wrinkled maze of mirth and glee.



All works Copyright © 2005 - Varchesis

Famous Sagitarians, aka completely stolen from Yahoo Astrology

Wow, look at the celebs who are Sagitarius (November 22 - December 21) like me. Some of these people are actually interesting to me. That's so weird! Like.. oh, my God! I, like, highlighted the ones I kinda' think are soooo kewl. Yayyy, team! Side note: The redder the better! Bluer is bad!

• Shel Silverstein - November 23
• Billy Connolly - November 24
• Christina Applegate - November 25
• John F. Kennedy, Jr. - November 25
• Robert Goulet - November 26
• Tina Turner - November 26
• Bruce Lee - November 27
• Caroline Kennedy - November 27
• Jimi Hendrix - November 27
• Ed Harris - November 28
• Garry Shandling - November 29
• Ben Stiller - November 30
• Bette Midler - December 01
• Woody Allen - December 01 (downgrade)
  
• Britney Spears - December 02
• Dan Butler - December 02
• Gianni Versace - December 02
• Daryl Hannah - December 03
• Julianne Moore - December 03
• Jeff Bridges - December 04
• Marisa Tomei - December 04
• Tyra Banks - December 04
• Nick Stahl - December 05
• Steven Wright - December 06
• Tom Waits - December 07
• Kim Basinger - December 08
• Sinead O'Connor - December 08
• Beau Bridges - December 09
• Donny Osmond - December 09
• Judi Dench - December 09
• Kenneth Branagh - December 10
• Christina Onassis - December 11
• Teri Garr - December 11
• Bridget Hall - December 12
• Christie Clark - December 13
• Patty Duke - December 14 (me, too!!!)
  
• Don Johnson - December 15
• Benjamin Bratt - December 16
• Liv Ullman - December 16
• Milla Jovovich - December 17
• Brad Pitt - December 18
• Katie Holmes - December 18
• Keith Richards - December 18
• Steven Spielberg - December 18
• Alyssa Milano - December 19
• Billy Bragg - December 20
• Jane Fonda - December 21
• Kiefer Sutherland - December 21
• Phil Donahue - December 21
• Ray Romano - December 21
• Samuel L. Jackson - December 21

So Mad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Or the Woes of Jealousy and the Passion of Christ

I was so mad (see also: upset, irate, enraged or generally fucking pissed) tonight. There were so many fucked up things that happened. And it's still going. Why stay up then? 'Cause it can only get better. With certain people, it can. Thanx Metallica and friend (you know who you are). Dammit, what a day!!!!!

Mental note: don't go looking for trouble. You just might find it and possibly drive out of the way to go to the bank; return going waaaay too fast and nearly die at 70mph on a suggested 35 on-ramp; decide to release all that negative fucking anger on a video-game that decides to cheat; decide to chat it up, just to find out that your computer STILL sux ass and all you wanna do is send someone some fucking cellphone pics at obscene hours!

That baby is disturbing, too. BAH!!!!!!!!

Corbis Experimentation

A recent search on Corbis for the word "America" (as in USA, not the band), turns up a lot of images of people holding, looking at or thinking about money. Hmmm...

Nearly 30 out of 150 images returned featuring imagery of American currency in some form or another. What is up with that?

20% of our country's image is based on the money? Is this true, Corbis?
More experimentation...

0 of 2 images returned of China (Country, not the dishware) feature Chinese currency (the yuan).

0 of 150 images returned of Mexico feature Mexican currency (the peso). Lots of pretty skies and happy people.

0 of 150 images returned of Japan feature Japanese currency (the yen). Many photos of the metropolitan landscape and modern transport.

0 of 150 images returned of France feature French currency (the euro). More images of people with or using skis than I expected.

0 of 150 images returned of England feature English currency (the pound). These photos were far more arousing. Many portraits and skimpily dressed women.

Get Ready for More Katamari Action!

Namco is getting set to deliver a whole new and exciting Katamari Damacy experience.
We ♥ Katamari
The date: September 20, 2005
The place:USA
The price: $29.99
The platform: PS2

A Great Quote for a Great Day

"I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to happen." -- Frank Lloyd Wright

Why is it a great day? Silly poop-head. It's yet another you are alive. You are breathing oxygen. The simplicity of this is so grand. The ultimate complexity of this process, that we call life, is so wonderful that you should spend a week pondering upon it. Now, go away and be happy.

Other great quotes:

"There is nothing to it. You only have to hit the right notes at the right time and the instrument plays itself." -- Johann Sebastian Bach

"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody expects of you. Never excuse yourself." -- Henry Ward Beecher

"Neither talent without instruction, nor instruction without talent can produce the perfect craftsman." -- Vitruvius

"When you're afraid, keep your mind on what you have to do. And if you have been thoroughly prepared, you will not be afraid." -- Dale Carnegie

"Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others." -- Robert Louis Stevenson

"There can be no progress if people have no faith in tomorrow." -- John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Varchesis Updates Art Blog Despite Long Hiatus

Yeah, well.
What can I say? Stuff holds you back. I wanted to bring more of my art to the masses, but it was all I could do to get this blog back in action.
Enjoy!

http://varkart.blogspot.com/

Dammit, if my bible said nothing about this one!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4197844.stm

Milk it, baby!

Photo: Courtesy MAdGE

Disturbing or Intriguing?

You be the judge. Please comment.

OMG! I am sooooo back!,

Oh, yes! It's true, friends. I am back.
-And this time it's personal. No one is safe. Nothing is sacred. No one will be spared.
It's The ATTACK of THE KISSING GIRLS: Part II
Coming Soon to a blog near you...

Ahahahahahahaahahahahaah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Zeitgeist of Google

Thinking about the Cosmos 1 mission (see next blog entry) has gotten me wondering about Google. Don't ask what the connection is, past the word zeitgeist - but here, for you now, is the Google Zeitgeist. It is a grand sketch of all the popular searches on Google for a particular time period. We're talking Google here. Which means, most likely, that these items are foremost on people's minds; far above anything else. This is what most people are going online to find out about.

The results just may surprise you.
Google's Zeitgeist
Google's International Zeitgeist

And finally for you curious types...
What the heck is a zeitgeist anyway?
You pompous, stuck-up, pedantic logophile. You know you love long, weird, ancient, kinky or otherwise generally deviant words like zeitgeist. Don't you? Well, check this out then.

Solar Sail, where are you???

Photo: Courtesy of NPO Lavochkin, The Planetary Society


Cosmos 1, the solar sail, which launched Tuesday the 21st, has still not been found after days of hoping and praying. Just minutes after launch, the Russian booster rocket never reached final orbit; ironically carrying away the hopes of many a star-struck astronomer. The rocket is still MIA a week later. Cosmos 1 was a marvelous project to be certain, but maybe there are other factors at play:

Scenario 1: Alien abduction - the Russian rocket, Volna, may have been a perfect target for some teenage alien's sick prank on primitive human-kind.
Alien teenager to Earth - "You guys are still using rockets??? Are you kidding?"

Scenario 2: Baby black hole - the theory of baby black holes is far from fiction and would explain how a Russian rocket of no small size suddenly disappeared without a trace.
Baby Black Hole to Earth - "Is that a rocket in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"

Scenario 3: C'mos, our future metal master - like the omniscient V'GER from Star Trek:The Motion Picture (of course, you've seen it), the solar sail may later return to our galaxy to make things generally unpleasant.
C'mos to Earth - "Kneel humans. Know thy master, Master!"

Scenario 4: Do you speak Whale? - Cosmos 1 may have inadvertently communicated with super-advanced whale aliens (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home) and gotten itself taken back to Super-Advanced Whale-Alien Planet.
Whale-aliens to Russian rocket - "Uh, do you like come here often, huh huh. I said "come."

Whatever the case may be, Cosmos 1 will be missed. Maybe it's loss signals more than just the hopes and aspirations of scientists and enthusiasts. Maybe, Cosmos 1 is the beacon for a whole new scientific zeitgeist.
Cosmos 1 may be the harbinger of innovation which finally helps 'big science' get away from the stodgy, unimaginative visions of mass fuel consumption exploration with its simple wings for riding solar wind. Science may be growing up.

A brief speck in the history of science or an elegant symbol of things to come. Cosmos 1, we solute you wherever you are.


More on the solar sail, Cosmos 1
Planetary Society's Website (the founders)
Wired magazine's coverage of Cosmos 1
Space.com's coverage of Cosmos 1
The video of Cosmos 1's launch
Official Solar Sail blog
Official Solar Sail media page

OMG!!

Wow... this is insanely awesome.

Gimme', I'll be your best friend!
Check it out

Culture Shocked or Not?

Apparently, when you read a story from one country which features racist imagery; it can become a fun and popular story to others if they have no point of reference.

Case in point-
Little Black Sambo (Japanese Publisher)

Out of context this could be considered funny or cute. Hahaha.. sigh.

Anyway, I've read the text myself and.. golly, I can't really find much to hate in this 'racist' book. Now, that being said, it is a racist book in retrospect; but I ask that you read it yourself. Even better, buy a copy. Start a new trend!

If you look at the cover of the original book, illustrated by the author Helen Bannerman, you discover that Little Black Sambo looks nothing like the traditional American 'pickanniny' artwork so popular during the books darkest heyday. In fact, Sambo almost looks like a boy of Indian descent. Look at his hair and facial features. Hmmm... I believe that racists tainted this book. Also, the introduction at Project Gutenberg sheds more light on the subject. Sounds quite innocuous to me. But hey, I've got more than a few neurons to rub together.

More discussion on the subject
http://www.ferris.edu/news/jimcrow/picaninny/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickanniny
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zambo
Super Long UglyLink Address

Got change for $1,000,000,000?

"It's a lot easier to connect to the story of the one person or the five people... you know, because I'm mathematically literate, I know that when there's 3 million kids every year dying of things that are completely preventable with the technology we have today, you know I can try and magnify how I feel about that one situation by a factor of 3 million. It's tough. But at least you know it's super important."
- Bill Gates

Just when you thought the rich people don't care about anything but money and more money, out pops Geekus-Maximus to save the world from cancer, malaria, AIDS and other deadly illnesses. The visionary vision of the nation's richest merchant prince. BTW, this is two year old news.. kinda'.

Suggested Reading/Viewing list:

• Business @ the Speed of Thought: Succeeding in the Digital Economy
• The Road Ahead
• Gates : How Microsoft's Mogul Reinvented an Industry--and Made Himself the Richest Man in America
• Bill Gates Speaks : Insight from the World's Greatest Entrepreneur
• Triumph of the Nerds
• Pirates of Silicon Valley
• Microman: What Life Might Be Like If You Were Bill Gates
• How the Web was Won

That's plenty for now. That should keep your brain percolating for a long time to come.

Here are some great Gates quotes:

• You see, antiquated ideas of kindness and generosity are simply bugs that must be programmed out of our world. And these cold, unfeeling machines will show us the way.

• Windows 2000 already contains features such as the human discipline component, where the PC can send an electric shock through the keyboard if the human does something that does not please Windows.

• There is a certain responsibility that accrued to me when I got to this unexpected position.

• The first rule of any technology used in a business is that automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. The second is that automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.

• People always fear change. People feared electricity when it was invented, didn't they? People feared coal, they feared gas-powered engines... There will always be ignorance, and ignorance leads to fear. But with time, people will come to accept their silicon masters.

• Let's face it, the average computer user has the brain of a Spider Monkey.

• Just in terms of allocation of time resources, religion is not very efficient. There's a lot more I could be doing on a Sunday morning.

• I see a time when Smartware would literally manage your money for you. Decide which investments are the most lucrative, which property would be the best buy based on value. If you're income isn't high enough, it could find you a new job. If your wife is spending too much money, the system would be programmed to discipline her, through a series of, say, spankings or what have you.

More billion(-aire) fun
Famous billionaires who share your horoscope
Forbes' Billionaires page
Google's news for "billionaire"
Billionaire magazine (finally!)
What billionaire's don't have
Other names for a billion
Brief history of the billion
World Population Estimate
Current Cost of Iraq War (unfortunately also in the billionaire region)


Well, now it's your turn -
What would you do with a billion dollars?
(Remember, that's $1,000,000,000.)
Click on that little comment link below to share your vision-

The End of the World and Other Five Minute Ponderings-

got to thinking about the end of the world recently, and I came up with this thought concerning it.

The end of the world shall proceed exactly as it should based upon the belief system you currently hold about how the beginning of the world came to be.

To put it another way... the end of the world would conform to a set of rules.
Rules? Yes, rules.

Take for example, if you believe that the world was created by an elder deity of a clearly paternal nature, you may conclude that the world shall end by the will of said deity with no surprises.

Or if you believe that the world came about at an instant in a great 'boom', if you will, along with the rest of the universe; then it is likely to conclude that the universe shall contract in a similarly large 'boom' or 'crunch'.

If you are inclined to believe that the world is merely a collection of visions from the dream of some supreme entity in a marvelous state of sleep, then it may follow that this entity would undoubtedly wake, thus ending it all.

If you believe that the world is merely a mirage and we all live in a bubble of reality, it is probable that you also believe that the mirage shall disappear and the bubble shall eventually pop.

But what if you believe that there is no beginning or end to the world at all; that all existence is merely the briefest of fleeting moments in a thin shadow of nothingness itself, then it follows that there is no order, no sequence, no destiny and the world is simply a farce; and that would be something indeed.

Whatever you believe, the end of the world for you is very likely to be orderly and sane. No deviation can occur. All is in accordance with a set of rules. Anything else would be as unsettling and uncomforting as the end of the world itself. Those are the rules.


Other ponderings

-How long does it take a butterfly to inspire a dream?

-How many people does it take to make a lie true?

-When does a dream turn ever so violently into a nightmare? and why?

-Where does hapiness grow?

-Who works nightshift at the pain factory? are they seeking other employment?

-How long is the long arm of the law? is it a righty or a lefty?

-When the chips are down, what is the force that lifts them up again?

-Would the people of Mars call us Eartians? or Earthians?

-What other crazy thoughts are out there? and do you have any?

Cellphone Driving News

Justin Mitchell Oaks, 21, and his wife were miraculously uninjured after Oaks inadvertently drove their Toyota Corolla underneath an 18-wheeler on Interstate 10 in Tucson, Ariz., in April, got stuck, and was dragged 800 feet before the truck could stop.
[Salina Journal, 3-28-05] [Arizona Daily Star, 4-26-05]

-Brilliant! Hope that call was worth the trip.

http://www.newsoftheweird.com/

Jackson's right hand appears unshaken-

Just moments after a decidedly controversial child molestation acquittal, the right hand of international pop superstar Michael Jackson appears undamaged, unshaken and visibly pink.

Right hand, as it is commonly called, showed no sign of stress and was frequently seen waving to fans along with long-time partner Right Arm. Old friends Left Hand and Left Arm were also present for the brief post-trial photo-op. The group were later seen entering a heavily guarded escort SUV.

Minutes later, Right Hand was later reported back at work for the aging popstar tossing hair, straightening clothing and thanking Jehovah.

Whiskey Bar: Mastering the Possibilities

What the heck kind of card does the President use when dining out or whatever the heck he does at night?

Apparently, it has something to do with puffs and puffs of lobby stuff.

Is this real? Who knows? Does it matter? Who knows?
I says - go figger!

Foon.co.uk - Hapland

Can you figure out Hapland? (requires Flash)

Foon.co.uk - Hapland. If you're so awesome, check out Hapland 2.

Bwahahahahahahaahahahaahah!!!!!

Kitten War! - May The Cutest Kitten Win!

With all the backlash from the truth about Cat Aliens, I thought you might enjoy Kitten War! - May The Cutest Kitten Win!

Disgustingly addictive, even for one as advanced as me. Drat!!!!

A N I M A T E D - G I F . N E T

You must bow down to the coolness of low-tech eye-candy!

A N I M A T E D - G I F . N E T

Turning Japanese? Or just reading about it?

You know, I really have been enjoying the great blogs online that are about Japan or japanese culture. I cannot really say why. Is it because I am a Japanophile or whatever the official phrase is? Gaijin or something? Probably. Maybe I need to get outside more and experience a little more myself? Who knows??

Anyway, it seems that the folks writing those Japan blogs are mostly visiting Americans or at least westerners. The point is that they seem to be having a good time sharing their experiences with the world. That's what I think is so interesting. Most blogs I find, no matter the country, are kinda about things that are going on in the political or commercial sphere of civilization. Even the few art blogs I have found have been politcal or just thinly veiled business oriented art galleries. Geek blogs are even more narrow in focus, but this is expected considering the group.

So, what the hell am I getting at? Get out there and have a great time in the world.. I need some more great American blogs to read. That is all-

If they are so great, why not share them? Get your own blog favs!

Mongolians still rule!

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the sumo ring, a Mongolian wrestler jumps you with the sumo grip and out you go.

Yokozuna Asashoryu is now the leading non-Japanese sumo wrestler. Poor Samoans. Musashimaru has been surpassed.

Catch up on the latest in the fascinating world of sumo.

おもしろグッズ・マクラシャランポワン・枕

Now you can really get into tennis with these squeezable breasts modelled after Maria Sharapova. 3 different colors are available. Easy clean up is accommodated, as well.

Matchstick Rockets - But not indoors, please

Matchstick Rockets

The $11 LCD Picture Frame : Gizmodo

The $11 LCD Picture Frame : Gizmodo

Your webcam is inferior...

Enter the Hal 9000 Webcam.

A true geek lamp, German style

Lemme' see the German Geek lamp.

Exploding Money and Big Brother Radio

Not that I'll be trying this anytime soon, but it seems that US bills will explode when you place them in the microwave. Why? Radio frequency ID tags. Currency now contains tracking radio tags to keep tabs on bills. That's bills, not people.

Get the blown-up low-down here.

The Sith Academy

Hahahahahaa... so funny. Makes the whole Star Wars universe seem that much larger and laughable.

A letter for you-

Dear Vader fan,

I know you want to know this. It is a dark thing. A sacred thing.

During your brief flirtations with the Star Wars universe, you've been wondering something. Thoughts that have plagued many of us. Of this, I am sure.

What could it be? What is so important that I must write to you now at this most late and desperate hour? Fear not. I shall share it with you. How the Sith came to be and what is their history. From the red lightsabers right down to the one master and one apprentice stuff. It's all here. Read all you will, but be forewarned - you may lose control and share this secret knowledge with others.

Thanx to the fine folks at How Stuff Works for this grand explanation and history of all things Sith.

-Darth Kanyu

Digit Online news - Sony develops paper Blu-ray Disc

Digit Online news - Sony develops paper Blu-ray Disc

25GB on a paper disc. Hmmm... that's freakin' crazy!!!!

How Jedi am I, really?

:: how jedi are you? ::

Thanx Zee

Does this suit my personality? I can't seem to get my head around it. Perhaps, Mace Windu, the Jedi Master who makes you want to kick ass like a Sith, is an accurate description of my nature.

Spoiler Alert: On Mace Windu (Episode III):
All I know is that I would have brought along far more competent jedi-guards, force pushed Anakin away when he showed up against orders and diced Palpatine into little Sith shreds.
Roll the credits, sucka'. Episodes IV-VI no longer exist!

Nine Inch Nails Upsets MTV

"...We were set to perform 'The Hand That Feeds' with an unmolested, straightforward image of George W. Bush as the backdrop. Apparently, the image of our president is as offensive to MTV as it is to me."

-Trent Reznor

"While we respect Nine Inch Nails' point of view, we were uncomfortable with their performance being built around a partisan political statement. When we discussed our discomfort with the band, their choice was to unfortunately pull out of the Movie Awards."

-MTV

What the freak????
Hmmm... I guess MTV is finally growing up. Apparently, Reznor won't. But who really is at fault here? Nine Inch Nails for trying to make a statement on MTV's turf or MTV for not clearly stating the nature and boundaries of performances by bands?

You, as always, be the judge.

For the record, hahaha, I love NIN and think that they really should not agree to do BS shows like MTV Music Awards anyway. MTV sux ass and apprently will continue to do so. I guess I kinda' grew up and out of it, so to speak.

RELATED LINKS
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That's it.

US army to produce Mid-East comic

Will they stop at nothing to increase military enrollment?

A PC game has been around for a while which is now becoming a PS2 title. Now a comic! What's next? The draft?? Eek!!!!!!!!

That's exactly what the youth of today can relate to. Super buff men and women who will stop at nothing to bring down Al Qaeda. Perhaps, it's a bad sign when you must recruit super heroes to find Bin Laden tho. And what does this do to the integrity of our real heroes, you know, the men and women fighting to protect our great nation?
Are they not good enuff? Or is this new move supposed to uplift the image of the military as Superman did for the flying abled, Green Lantern did for ring-bearers and Aquaman did for swimmers?

All I know is, Al Qaeda had better run when the Psyops (sounds like a group of sci-fi villains) bust out their "radio transmitters, loudspeakers and leaflets".

Seriously, this is actually a great idea for sprucing up the image of the military and US relations with other cultures, somehow. Read more about the development of this project here.

Varchesis Gets Egyptian

....An Egyptian Kodak™ moment (thanx wikipedia).

Alright folks, I know everyone spent lots of time composing their Mayan names with links from a previous post, but now it's time for another culture. Yes, it's time for Egytian learning.

There are some truly fascinating tutorials on learning ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics for those interested. I had a ball reading about the curious tendency to omit what we call vowels in hieroglyphics. Wrd, trl wrd. Hhhhh.. ll

Anyway, If you wish to learn more, I'd suggest you start here. A great brief history of the writing system and a good pronunciation guide as well.

Want to know more about Egyptian history in general? Well, of course you do. Trot on over to wikipedia, one of my personal favorites, for some shared learning (wiki-wiki).
Those more fantasy minded may enjoy this super site on Egyptian mythology.

Here's my name in phonetically transferred hieroglyphics (with vowels):

An Open letter to Rod Stewart

Dear Roderick David Stewart,

Please stop ruining ever trip down classic rock lane with your incessant demands on a poor girl named Maggie. Let Maggie sleep. For that matter, let sleeping Maggies lie. Rod, God only knows how you tempted some innocent woman into your villainous clutches in the first place, but it must all come to an end, for all our sakes.

I don't care how many records you've sold. I don't care how many people you think want to sleep with you - get out of the classic rock business.

Any person who really wanted to hear you screech away about your stupid love problems has probably already got your trashy collection already. That is why I am summarily asking you to remove yourself from classic rock radio in all of its forms. Slip not into the upbeat grooves of the early, mid or late sixties. Be gone from all things harder, heavier and more 70s-like. Retreat from the dark alleys of the 'Rock Favorites'. Your time to retire from rock is at hand.

So, before you disgrace yourself and anyone who would call themselves family, take a hint and go now and forever hold your peace. The rock world will be a better place without you.

Yours truly,
Running from Rod songs

P.S. You've got 5 kids???? Dammit if they start learning to sing.

Varchesis' thinking style revealed!

You are a Logical-Mathematical Thinker
		Logical-Mathematical thinkers: Like to understand patterns and relationships between objects or actions Try to understand the world in terms of causes and effects Are good at thinking critically, and solving problems creatively
Like Logical-Mathematical thinkers, Leonardo based his theories on evidence rather than speculation.		Other Logical-Mathematical Thinkers include Isaac Newton, Archimedes, Albert Einstein Careers which suit Logical-Mathematical thinkers include Physicist, Chemist, Biologist, Lawyer, Computer programmer, Engineer, Inventor

You are a Musical Thinker
		Musical thinkers: Tend to think in sounds, and may also think in rhythms and melodies Are sensitive to the sounds and rhythms of words as well as their meanings. Feel a strong connection between music and emotions
Like many musical thinkers, Leonardo loved to sing, and had a fine voice		Other Musical Thinkers include Mozart, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix Careers which suit Musical Thinkers include Musician, Music teacher, Sound engineer, Recording technician

There! Now you can fathom what's on my mind a lot of the time.
No big mystery really. Just a little musical logic, mate. I have a lefty-righty brain, apparently.
Want to know your brain (as analyzed by the BBC Science people)?
GET IN

Varchesis Releases Sex I.D. Score

Your personal brain score: Average score for MEN who've taken this survey: Average score for WOMEN who've taken this survey:
Who'd have thunk it? I tested smack dab in the middle. Tho, on the results, I came in quite above both men and women on almost all catergories for dominance (i.e. in male dominated tasks I exceeded most males, same for female dominated tasks).

That's right. Smack dab in the middle of it all. Go figger.

If you haven't taken this test yet, check it out here (be truthful or it's all for naught).
Thanx Zee

Cats are Aliens

Yuck! What's that about???? Cats, of course.
Cats suck. They are nasty, ugly and they lick themselves ALL day long.

But why? Because they are aliens.

They attempt to play nice and fluffy part of a brilliant to overthrow man's greatest friend and ally, the dog. With their heinously lazy ways, they mooch your food, leave allergen infested hair all over and generally make life unpleasant. I have to this day never understood the fascination with earth's laziest 'pets' and liken them to the even lazier pet rock- which is still a better pet because you can throw them away when you've had enough of them or chuck them at people when you get really upset about something.

SAVE THE EARTH!!
GET RID OF THESE DOMESTIC PARASITES TODAY!
CATS ARE ALIENS!

Here are links which I wish to share to those enlightened individuals who also believe that cats are quite dumb, silly and not of this planet.

Cats could be Aliens (could be????? bah!)
Cats attempting to program affection into our youth (obviously alien propaganda)
A very interesting discussion on the topic
Disgusting visual proof of their alien nature
A letter from a very confused 'cat lover' (get a clue!)
Evidence of apparent low cat IQ and alien tendencies
Another low IQ demonstration from the world's laziest 'pet'
Cat Aliens, the comic (the truth is finding its way into the collective unconscious)
A way to see if your alien.. err.. cat, is smarter than you (it's kinda too late if you 'own' one, they are already smarter - it's not too late though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
And finally, a way to rid yourself of these nasty little vermin (only $15.95 - a better future starts now people!)

Yep, you guessed it... girls kissing girls again

Oh, yes! Girls kissing again. What a sight. But wait! This time it looks like we have some cannibalism going on instead of hot lesbian action. Also, note the disturbing and semi-dangerous cigerette to the mop action. That dangling ash can really heat things up if you're not careful.

Interestingly, on my girls kissing girls hunts (not responsible for any adult content you may find, save to your hard-drive or enjoy), I find that most girls kissing seem to be blondes. Has anyone else noticed this? Are blonde women more prone to face mounting.. errr.. face sucking other women? Hmmm.... I think I'm on to something. There has to be a blonde joke out there about this.

Must seek further evidence...

(Not so) Mobile Suit Gundam

May 18th, 2005 by Lee

Forget your impressive but decidedly diminutive robots such as Asimo, EMIEW, and nuvo. Instead, welcome the new titan of robot technology: The Land Walker.

This colossal beast stands an impressive 3.4 metres high, and weighs a whopping 1-ton. Plus with the use of four pedals in the cockpit, it can be manoeuvred forward, backward, and sideways. Although admittedly it’s not what you’d call swift, strolling at a very sedate 1.5 kph.

Any concerns about speed however can be instantly dismissed by the fact that the Land Walker is equipped with two air guns positioned next to the cockpit. Allowing the driver to fire sponge bullets at flabbergasted onlookers who dare to mock the machine’s lack of pace.

The robust robot was designed almost single-handedly by 32-year-old Masaki Nagumo, who works for the company Sakakibara Kikai, based in Japan’s Gunma Prefecture. Nagumo’s aim it turns out was to develop a device like those in the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, saying, “I wanted to see a robot on which people ride and operate, like Gundam.”

For other Gundam fans, Sakakibara Kikai will happily make the Land Walker to order. The only stumbling block (apart from shipping I suppose) is that it costs a cool 36 million yen (180,000 pound). But fear not those on a tight budget, as the company says the price will be lowered if enough people place orders.

>>shamelessly stolen from tokyotimes.org

It goes without saying that I really, really want one of these.
So, if you've got the money and really love this blog, you know what I want for Xmas this year. Better start saving now.

PS3

Playstation 3 - you know you want it.
Get all the photos and details here.

The white and black versions look awesome, too.
Enuff to make the Xbox 360 spin in my book.