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.

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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.

Great news for Apple™ lovers-

Apple releases cool software! Wait.. that's not news.
But apparently the new OS X Tiger is a real beauty.

Seriously tho, ever want get into Lego? Of course, you have.
Who hasn't spent hours designing houses, cars, spaceships, kitchens (don't ask), animals and other novel bricky versions of their imagined world?

Well, I've got the greatest news for Lego, iPod and Steve Jobs lovers. The Podbrix Steve Jobs Keynote set. That's right Steve Jobs at Macworld 2005 in Lego format. Currently out of stock, it's the set you've been waiting for.

Jackson's O-face: Truth or dare?

Jackson, hero to some, freak to many

More details emerge on the sleeping habits of pop-star MJ. Did he do it?
What does the announcement of child star Macaulay Culkin really mean?
Is MJ a child groper or not? Hmmm... read more about this case.

It's starting to look a little shaky for the prosecutor from my armchair courtroom.
What do you think?

- P I X E L - [WEBCOMIC]

- P I X E L - [WEBCOMIC]

An iPod accessory like none other

That's right. The iTable.

A coffee table designed to be exactly like iPod in every way, except that it doesn't play music or store any digital information at all. Brilliant.

Your little iPod AM/FM transmitter, flashlight or remote control has just been trumped.

When Microsoft helps Sony...

Thankfully the PSP does not run on Windows. Unfortunately, sometimes nothing else does either.

$50 Capcom will never make on me

Bah!!!
Those bastards at Capcom promised this awesome looking game for PS2 for the US market, then bagged it! Bah! I will never get over this!

Gio Gio's Bizaare Adventure



Why???!!!! I know it was years ago now, but dammit I wanted it!
Arrrrghhh! The damned Capcom site mocks me with its (JAPAN ONLY) link. Curse them!
Yeah, I could import it for $68, but it's the principle. Drat! Promise-breakers.

Is your computer safe?

Well, of course not. It's a computer.

But, if you want to make it more secure, I present you with the coolest site to test for leaks in those nasty, naughty little ports in your interconnected little 'puter body.

SHIELDS UP, TROOPS!!!!

Pass these tests to gain a little more sleep at night.
If you do not pass these tests, then you need to spend a moment to get some internet jimmies slipped on. Your 'puter's safety is at stake!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RANDOM SEARCH DATA

Word: FARP
Number of Results:

Google: 862,000
Yahoo: 52,800
All the Web: 33,400
Lycos: 553,600
AltaVista: 52,900
MSN:30,874

Soon the stars will no longer shine

Yes, friends.. the 2 greats will be just remnants in our collective memory banks. That'd be Star Wars (after May 19th) and Star Trek.

With the ending of Star Trek: Enterprise and Star Wars:ROTS, the 2 big sci-fi stars are going nova. There will be no (schedulled) light ahead. What shall become of the sci-fi movie world without the great ones to guide audiences of all ages??

Will we see endless remakes and sequels like King-Kong, Superman, Blade, Spiderman, X-men and the Matrices??? Help us, no! Please, help us. What sci-fi giant will step forward and lead the geeks of tomorrow to their dark, secret computer destined futures?

I don't know, but it keeps me up at night...

Do you have an unnatural fixation for Jude Law?

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! How Jude!

Well, do you? If so, check this out.
Brilliance: Jude Law

Get your kicks now. You perv.

Maybe you like Scarlett Johansson more?


Get in this one

We Love Katamari Coming

For all you PS2 owners.... if you do not own the original Katamari Damacy, get on the ball!
This gem has been only $20 since day one and well worth more than that.

Namco is making a sequel (Yaaay!).
This is grand news, kinda. I mean, the sequel isn't really news at this point in time, but my excitement about it is! Gamers have known about "We Love Katamari" for some time, but it looks more cool info is coming out concerning new features, characters, music, etc.

For you newbies, Katamari Damacy is a game that let's you pick up the entire environment with a super-magnetic ball, called the Katamari (something like 'clump' in Japanese). You can pick up everything once you show off your mad katamari skills: mice, cats, dogs, cars, houses, streets, elephants, etc. Isn't that awesome? Don't resist it.

Picking up lovely flowers with a friend


What's this? We've grabbed some sandals????

So, if you STILL don't own this game for PS2, get with it!
A super-round sequel is coming and you will get that really cool import->US release you're always bitching about.



Fun Katamari Damacy Links
Katamari Doh-macy
Katamari Damacy @ wikipedia (Wiki-wiki) - with soundtrack list --- Yaaaay!!!!
Fractal Business Issues - Katamari Damacy at Work
when sculptors play acid-induced ps2 games...
Cruel Site of the Day katamari reference

Where Are They Now - The Encyclopedia Britannica Kid

Strolling down 80's memory lane got me a wonderin' about The Encyclopedia Britannica Kid. To a nerdy kid like me, this kid seemed to be mighty tuned in and in control. Sadly, It was only a farce, thanx to over-confidence and people like Robert Downey, Jr.
Find out Where Are They Now - The Encyclopedia Britannica Kid.

See one of the original Encyclopedia Britannica Kid commercials.

I Love Retro Junk

Wanna' know what my childhood was like? Just watch some of these movies and enjoy the greatest decade in modern history. Yes, the 80s. If you were born in the 80's consider yourself to at least be somewhat related to the best years is ever. Take a trip thru memory lane. It can't hurt.

80's Trailers, Commercials, Theme Songs


EVEN MORE 80's COMMERCIALS
Yes, that's right. More 80's commercials. Man, It's getting downright creepy. I feel the power of the Rubik's Cube, Mr. T, Turbo Teen, Teen Wolf, Galaxy High, The New Adventures of Flash Gordon cartoons calling me. /sigh

Varchesis Updates Moblog

Well, it happened folks. I updated the moblog. Textamerica went ahead and updated the photo entry method making it WAY easier to upload photos. So, expect to see photos uploaded more frequently. Enjoy!

My moblog, baby

Frank & Ernest,a personal fav

Complete comics list from comics.com

Newish Boondocks

The Boondocks, you gotta love it.

12 Reasons not to take Star Wars to the movies...

Watching Empire Strikes Back the other night got me thinking about what it would be like to sit in the movies with the original Star Wars (that's IV-VI) characters. Despite the lovable characters, I think they'd make horrible movie partners. Here's why...

1. Chewbacca : bad smell, not a good pre-movie conversationalist.
2. Darth Vader : you'd never hear any movie dialogue with all that loud asthmatic breathing going on, also far too busy trying to get you to come to the Dark Side during slow moving scenes.
3. The Droids (C-3P0 and R2-D2) : these two are out because they'd argue through the whole movie.
4. Obi-won : annoying after-life glow far too distracting.
5. Yoda : would ruin the end of the movie with pesky Jedi foresight.
6. Luke : trying to make out with sister Leia while Han Solo isn't looking would be disturbing, to say the least.
7. Han Solo : paranoiac bounty hunter dodging would get old and frustrating.
8. Princess Leia : funny hair-buns would keep you laughing during all the serious parts.
9. The Emperor : frequent attempts to conquer the movie theater would become upsetting.
10. Storm Troopers : where would you sit with all of these guys saving seats for the Empire's army?
11. Ewoks : see Chewbacca.
12. Boba Fett : constantly throwing popcorn at Han would get Boba, and possibly you, kicked out of the theater.