July 31, 2004
Don't Panic
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy... film trailer. The official film website is here. My thought is how great a Hitchhiker's movie could be. My second thought is how bad a Hitchhiker's movie could be. It is difficult to think how a new interpretation of the book could beat the tv series.
Even so, that red button looks tempting...
Accidental art
"proof of the existence of real dragons in new zealand" explores the "accident art" of search engine results. Fair warning as the contents are quite vulgar for the most part. And for the record, I found the site on a Google image search for "Franke Potente". I was sidetracked by Catherine Zeta Jones. So sue me.
Live JailCam
The Anderson County Detention Facility (Tennessee) offers a live JailCam. The following disclaimer is useful advice but does not tell me, like, why they are webcasting from jail. And, just as important, where is my live Toronto JailCam? Strangely engrossing.
Spam Wars
***Dave reports on the Spam Wars. Spammers have adopted a new tactic of generating links to blogs that do not bother to weed out comment spam.
July 30, 2004
Body Language Live
Rick McGinnis got me on the psychic telephone. A combination of work-related nonsense and the Smog of Udûn festering over Toronto had got me blue. The fix? A Kylie dvd... thanks! Basically, I could try to sit here and sulk but since I have started playing the disc I am compelled to do the Flea-dance while typing. If Kylie Minogue was an angel she would be in charge of infectious enthusiasm. There are soft drinks that are less bubbly.
Retro Racer
It was a tough call but I chose Luke Skywalker's landspeeder over the tank. I beat the General Lee but K.I.T.T. kicked my ass.
Get ahead
Pull off your head and give it a kick. I managed 699.9 and have only stopped for fear of becoming obsessive.
Great Girl
The Flea has the same problem as Great Girl in the early stages of any relationship. How to out yourself as a superhero? Though it looks like she has better superpowers than I do (warning: grotesque violence considering this is a lo-budget internet feature).
Invisible Monsters
Chuck Palahniuk's Invisible Monsters in graphic novel form. One of my best students this last year was obsessed with Palahniuk's work where my knowledge is confined to a single viewing of Fight Club. Perhaps someone could have another go at explaining the appeal of the man's work.
Hidden Features
Hidden Features catalogues dvd easter eggs. Most useful for your weekend dvd viewing.
Reformation
Mike Campbell calls it the Bloggish Enlightenment. Thinking along similar lines, BuzzMachine makes an apt comparison (via InstaPundit).
Welcome to the First Reformed Church of Journalism, professor.
July 29, 2004
Batman Begins
New material has appeared at the Batman Begins website including new photos and... a trailer. So. Goth. It looks like the Batman has finally arrived. The real Batman. The Dark Knight. Now going to watch trailer compulsively and consider the darkness.
Skechers
Christina Aguilera's Skechers campaign kicks off here, here and here (via Attu).
Harvey Wallbanger
Roll a ball through a disco-themed course.
Soylent Kreme
The Flea has already covered the liquid doughnut issue but the tag-line for a diztopia post on the same subject is a classic. The report and review from the field is also most satisfying: "Might it be true that man will no longer need solid food?" (via The American Mind).
Trafalgar
The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich is to host a joint retrospective of the bicentenary year of the battle of Trafalgar. Both Horatio Nelson and Napoleon Bonaparte are to be commemorated and this historic meeting of the two men began this week at James Lock & Co. in London. With their hats.
Regis Le Sommier
Remember Regis Le Sommier, read James Lileks latest Bleat and carry on not drinking French wine.
Charlie Brown
You are Charlie Brown!
Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
I am still looking for a Charlie Brown shirt to call my own (via wunderkammer).
July 28, 2004
Showgirls: V.I.P. Edition
Personally, I thought Showgirls was a work of transcendent genius. But if it is the slings and arrows of received opinion that have brought me a campy special Showgirls: V.I.P. edition dvd release of the film, so be it.
Still skittish over Showgirls, MGM executives declined interviews for this story. But the studio clearly has recovered from the drubbing well enough to realize it can recoup some of its bad investment by mocking the movie.
And then... Gothamist has the same view as the Flea. So does Maxim.
And then... Rick McGinnis judges and assigns *** 1/2. I would have gone higher but then I am annoyed ironic Gigli viewers have inflated the price of used Gigli dvds so what do I know.
Nicole
All I can say is I am glad gold does not set off metal detectors.
She says: "I said: "I'm pierced", and that usually is the end of it. And she said: "Well, what are you gonna do about it?"
Tall buildings
The Museum of Modern Art presents tall buildings. Gorgeous, gorgeous Flash presentation of the material.
Ploop
Ploop is a bit nerve wracking until you figure out how the traps work.
Project Apollo
The Project Apollo archive offers image and multimedia archives. Watching Apollo 11 crew member Michael Collins shave is like having a window into a Heinlein novel. Or life in one of Larry Niven's Belter singleships.
PayPal
Has anyone else received a "notice of of class action and proposed settlement" from PayPal? Is this legitimate or am I looking at an elaborate phishing expedition? The Statutory Damage Fund Claimants form page does not appear to be working (12:41 a.m. EST, July 28, 2004) though it does appear to be a redirect from PayPal itself. Ok, now it is working (12:51 a.m. EST).
Bridge for Peace, etc.
There is something wrong with me. First of all, I hurt myself laughing. I cannot explain properly so you will have to visit INDC Journal for yourself.
Assassin's Mace
The US Department of Defense attempts to anticipate China's Assassin's Mace asymmetric warfare program "though it is not sure what that means, exactly." Even the sinister sounding Assassin's Mace is outdone, if only in rhetorical terms, by the potential for shashoujian, "Killing Maze" weapons (via Post-Atomic).
Politics and culture
From Timbuktu to Tijuana, you know all about world culture and politics. You've seen it all, and what you haven't seen, you watched on one of the "smart people channels." Your friends tell you that you should run for governor.
What people love: You've always got a great story to tell.
What people hate: You make them feel like ignorant plebians. Sometimes you slip and CALL them plebians.
What Kind of Elitist Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
This insight was brought to me courtesy of Paul Jané, a noted book and language snob.
July 27, 2004
Bonfire 56
The Bonfire of the Vanities is underway at King of Fools. Obsolete technology and bad marketing are on the agenda.
Grapes of Love
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance (or else).
Sealab 2021
Sealab 2021 has the been soundtrack - and voiceover - of any webgame I have ever played.
Alice's Adventures Under Ground
A complete graphic image collection of Alice's Adventures Under Ground. The illustrations are wonderful.
Nursery Rhymes
The lyrics and origins of nursery rhymes.
Gluttony
Monks of the Dark Ages and Medieval times may have resembled popular images of Friar Tuck.
Olympiad
The ancient Olympics shared many of the problems of the modern version.
Mithras
A cave under a Byzantine church in the Syrian village of Hurrarte reveals insight into the cult of Mithras.
Honest mistake
It is Brooks Brothers vs pvc as Myrick and Moxie both experiment Sandy Berger stylee (via Chaos Central).
Had my pilot fly me to the National Archives this morning. No sooner had I begun reviewing classified documents when memos began flying into my go-go boots.
July 26, 2004
The Flying Legion Combat Challenge
The forthcoming Sky Captain & the World of Tomorrow film offers a playable viral air combat challenge. It takes a moment to download followed by registration.
Ode to the Flea
An ode! Just for me! And sensible thoughts about Dark Knight Returns and a bad turn in comic book history can be found at Let It Bleed.
It should be obvious I have quite a bit more to say about this. Off to the comments section...
Christina
Christina Aguilera unzipping herself to show off a bra. Nothing can express the shock I feel at the material that makes its way on to "the internet." Share your outraged opinion! Are we going to sit still for this? I think not!
Air toss
Throw the paper into the basket. Just the thing for Monday morning office productivity enhancement.
Don't Let Go
I managed rank position 3104 with 82.28 seconds in this Don't Let Go happyfun flash game.
K.I.T.T.
The Knight Industry Two Thousand is for sale. On eBay (via Daimnation!).
What do you mean "arguably"? And does anybody have 40 thousand dollars for the tip jar?
Declaration of Independence
A management analyst to the British Crown offers a useful guide for revisions to the Declaration of Independence. Really, how could the framers expect this to get funded without another draft or three?
We have read your "Declaration of Independence" with great interest. Certainly, it represents a considerable undertaking, and many of your statements do merit serious consideration. Unfortunately, the Declaration as a whole fails to meet recently adopted specifications for proposals to the Crown, so we must return the document to you for further refinement. The questions which follow might assist you in your process of revision:
1. In your opening paragraph you use the phrase "the Laws of Nature and Nature's God." What are these laws? In what way are they the criteria on which you base your central arguments? Please document with citations from the recent literature.
Kevlar shorts
Marines here from 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment are trying out a new form of body armour: kevlar shorts.
"The other Marines made fun of me the first I put them on," Mejia said. "I guess they thought it was a joke. They are really funny looking." The shorts have already acquired a few nicknames from the battalion. One Marine referred to them as "lederhosen," and others call them "fishing shorts."
How gay are you?
How gay are you? Over gay, under gay or just gay enough? Take the quiz to find out...
I love it that your county of residence is relevant to the quiz-writer. I cited Greater Manchester as this was where I last lived in the UK and consequently find it difficult to credit my test result of "slightly undergay". My downfall may have been having to look-up the definition of "greige".
July 24, 2004
Everybody wants to be a Roboto
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Buddha vs. Shaolin
Someone has been spying on the Flea's daily kata.
"I give you bitchslap stance!"
Mark Robert Halper
My quest for Fred pictures also lead me to Spike, Angel, Trip and other figures of the fannish imagination at Mark Robert Halper Photography.
Exorcist
Excorcist: the Beginning claims to represent a new chapter in evil. The trailer, at least, is satisfyingly creepy.
The Memory of Shadows
Straczynski Project Watch has most excellent news: Babylon 5: The Memory of Shadows. This puts an end to speculation at 2.35:1 aspect ratios. Let speculation about the plot begin!
But even better than this to me is the news JMS will be putting together a Dr. Strange limited series.
Now curious to learn who the artist will be... ahh... Brandon Peterson.
Renaissance
Worth1000 presents Modern Renaissance News Personalities.
Liquid donuts
Canadian donut hegemony takes a kick in the teeth as our southern neighbo(u)rs introduce liquid donuts to the arsenal of donutocracy.
Cross-posted to The Shotgun
July 23, 2004
Word is out
Paris Hilton singing one of Kylie's songs... it was not to be. This is a shame as the two chanteuse are highly compatible in all three primary biorhythm cycles.
The Picard Song
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance (to the full version of the Picard Song).
Hat
Oh sure, I start wearing a giant fuzzy horn hat and now I have to see them every time I go grocery shopping.
organ2/ASLSP
The John Cage Organ Project approaches the end of the third year of a John Cage's "organ2/ASLSP" (As SLow aS Possible) with the sounding of two Es.
Army rations
I have a second cousin (once removed? I can never get that straight) who still talks about WWI British North African army rations on the menu for his service in WWII. They still sound appetizing in comparison with the latest in army ration technology (via The Eternal Golden Braid).
The ration comes in a pouch containing a filter that removes 99.9 per cent of bacteria and most toxic chemicals from the water used to rehydrate it, according to the Combat Feeding Directorate, part of the US Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts. This is the same organisation that created the "indestructible sandwich" that will stay fresh for three years
F-18
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) offers an on-line F/A-18 Hornet training simulation.
The Philosophy of Liberty
I might describe myself as a small-l libertarian but there is only so much Flash animation on the subject I can take. By contrast Edward Feser offers a considered article on the variety of libertarianisms to be found at Tech Central Station (via Andrew Ian Dodge). A clarification of John Locke's notion of the limit of self-ownership is particularly useful.
Knee-Jerk Contrarian Game
The Amazon.com Knee-Jerk Contrarian Game:
Lies
There are enough perfectly good arguments against smoking without have to lie to people about them. It looks to me as though for A Non Smoking Generation, as with so many do-gooder zealots, the issue has nothing to do with health and everything to do with imposing their moral hysteria on everybody else.
With someone please think of the children? Lies are no example to set and young people have bs-detectors more than capable of seeing through a smokescreen of nonsense.
When The Levee Breaks
Hmm. Not sure about this result as I would have said I am more of a No Quarter fellow. Worth a look, however, for clever questions (and Ith's result sounds much more plausible).
|
When The Levee Breaks
|
You are a dominating person. People don't stand in your way. Everybody basically does what you say. And if they don't, they better start, or you just might have one of your henchmen kill them.
Just like "When the Levee Breaks" dominates Led Zeppelin IV, you dominate your world. You don't have time for nonsense (it's surprising you even took this quiz) and you would love to be dictator of the world someday.
You are dark and scary, and you probably don't at all care about this quiz, if you even bothered to read your results.
July 22, 2004
D&D Axe Scuffle
It is so sad that I understand this. Better make the rest of today's posts fandom related too by way of penance (via Doc's Blog).
Marvel Characters Appearance Program
"The city. Someone has to protect it. That someone is I [sic]. Along with my fellow superheroes."
Doom 3
The artwork for Doom 3 is impressively creepy. I do wonder, however, if the Magickal Childe Necronomicon folks know their cover sigil has been lifted for the Doom 3 Flash interface...
And then... The Magickal Childe was a bookstore in Manhattan closed now its own has passed away. I should have wondered if whoever owns the rights to the paperback Necronomicon knows about Doom 3 stepping on their copyright.
Mirkwood Summer Break
Would you like to buy some Sauron popcorn chicken?
Call it a Stargate
Fandom takes another step forward with four episodes of a Stargate SG1 homage series. Carry on through the Stargate? I am not sure if this better represents the show had it been produced in the UK or a real life British SG team: wobbly and a bit crap. Well done, lads!
Map of the Federation
A large map of the Federation and its environs is strangely hypnotic. I just noticed the Kzinti Hegemony to the far side of the Romulan Star Empire (Republic? Give me a break). Presumably not the Kzinti I would have thought of at first. Eye of Kdapt!
Babylon 5 data
The Babylon stations are great examples of the monumental architecture afforded in space. A Babylon 5 station map needs a description of its various sectors as well as an elevation view.
A time line of the Babylon 5 universe. Other sources include lists of B5 prophecies, Earth Alliance planets and a map of the B5 galaxy (all courtesy of the Babylon 5 History Page).
Signs, portents, dreams –
next we'll be reading tea-leaves
and chicken entrails!"
Captain John Sheridan
Finally, a list of references to other science fiction in J. Michael Straczynski's Bablyon 5 comes to you via "the internet". My favourite is the as yet to be written Harlan Ellison biography.
jms
July 21, 2004
San Marino
The Flea rattles its ghostly chains in glee at a visitor from San Marino. You have to love a country whose official website is half-Italian, half-English. Well, close to English anyway. An attractive flag and a castle that kicks ass and takes names. The government of San Marino should be advised the Flea stands ready for any offers of citizenship or professorial sinecures. I am certain I could make a significant contribution to the International Centre for Semiotic and Cognitive Studies. Seriously.
Capuchins' Catacombs
Palermo is home to catacombs now documented thanks to the miracle of "the internet".
The catacombs date back to the 1599 when the local priests mummified a holy monk for all to see. They wanted to pray to him after death. In time the locals wanted their relatives remembered in this same way. Soon there were hundreds of corpses.
Perugia
Anyone with a few million to spare should hit the tip jar for the Flea's Templar castle fund.
Agent Provocateur
Kylie Minogue demonstrates "the world's most erotic lingerie." Using a mechanical bull. I provide this link as a public service to readers relatively new to the Flea.
Spider-Man 3
Excellent news. A BBC interview reveals Sam Raimi is to take on Spider-Man 3.
Blue Öyster Cult
Heavy Metal graced Bravo! last night. Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty and John Candy as Den mean the voices of half of SCTV make an appearance. This is serious Canadian content and inspiring of '80s metal nostalgia. For instance, I had forgotten the joys of Blue Öyster Cult. The Fleä is a big fan of the umlaut and as for Veteran Of The Psychic Wars... classic. Some lyrics only become more meaningful as time passes (but that's Michael Moorcock for you).
I've been living on the edge so long,
where the winds of limbo roar
And I'm young enough to look at,
and far too old to see
All the scars are on the inside
I'm not sure that there's anything left of me
Potter
French professors worry Harry Potter "glorifies individualism, excessive competition and a cult of violence." Or possibly that it is a socialist tract. My simplisme suggests they do not have much to do with either (via The Therapy Sessions).
Thus all representatives of the state (the Ministry of Magic) are lampooned as ridiculous, or incompetent or sinister. Harry goes to a "private" school, whose "micro-society" is a "pitiless jungle" that glorifies "individualism, excessive competition and a cult of violence."
Public institutions are unable to protect individuals. Au contraire, Harry Potter and his friends find that they have to break the magical state-imposed rules to protect themselves from evil forces.
...Le Monde last week published an equally erudite reply to Yocaris. Far from being a capitalist lackey, Harry Potter is the first fictional hero of the anti-globalist, anti-free market, pro-Third World, "Seattle" generation, according to Isabelle Smadja.
...Harry and his friends show great concern for the "house elves," the unpaid servants of the magical world. The fact that the elves are mostly content with their lot is, says Smadja, a "pertinent" critique of globalization.
Rabbit food
My Grandad used to refer to McDonald's hamburgers as "foreign muck" and would render them edible by adding most of the contents of a salt packet. I never acquired his taste for salt but remain in general agreement with a broad ranging category of fruit and veg he referred to as "rabbit food." Batter-coated french fries as a fresh vegetable might make an exception to the rule.
Top Scots
The Adam Smith Institute presents the ten greatest Scots of all time courtesy of Mr. John Blundell, Director General of the Institute of Economic Affairs.
That is an important caveat. Otherwise, I would have added James Watt, Alexander Graham Bell and John Logie Baird. Oh, and Sean Connery. But as Mr. Blundell points out we have to cut off the list somewhere. We are dealing with a nation of over-achievers here.
20 Questions to a Better Personality
While I agree with some of what this test has to say, particularly the bit about not being particularly interested in the results of this test, I must categorically deny any similarity to Paul Begala (via The Tiger in Winter whose test results suggest a Scorpio Sun).
Rationality: 60/100
Constructiveness: 56/100
Leadership: 50/100
You are a WRCF--Wacky Rational Constructive Follower. This makes you Paul Begala. You are unflappable and largely unconcerned with others' reactions to you. You were not particularly interested in the results of this test, and probably took it only as a result of someone else asking you to.
You have a biting wit and intense powers of observation. No detail is lost on you, and your friends know it--relying on you to have the facts when others express only opinions. You are even-tempered, friendly, and educated. Foolish strangers may mistake your mildness for weakness--they will be surprised.
July 20, 2004
The Simple Life 2: Road Trip
Is it wrong for me to like Paris Hilton as much as I do? And have I missed the one where she and Nicole drive around in police uniforms?
Googling around for this post I found a bit of moonbattery comparing Paris to Benito Mussolini. This is a classic case of the bitterness and imaginary revenge Nietzsche described as ressentiment.
Paris may have been born into wealth but it is her spirit of fun that makes her an aristocrat. The "Indy"media writer can only offer anonymous poison for the people who have offered her a job. I know which feeling I would rather aspire to.
Superman Returns
Bad news about the Fantastic Four and Green Lantern is balanced out by the news Bryan Singer is to direct Superman Returns.
The Chaos Overlord comments. We both agree Cthulhu would crush and humiliate Superman in battle.
Archipelago
The Flea remains trapped at the Archipelago.
Forbidden Library
Forbidden Library catalogues banned and challenged books.
"An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all."
--Oscar Wilde
Proof Librarians are Sexy
I am not sure libraries are the most dangerous place in town anymore (that would be the blogosphere) but am in perfect agreement that glasses are sexy.
High Line
One and a half miles of abandoned, elevated train tracks in Chelsea are to be transformed into a park. What an excellent idea. Make certain to watch the video that accompanies the article (via Gothamist).
Flea-readers who can arrange a green card/employment for the Flea in New York are encouraged to write!
Cassini schematics
3D schematics for Cassini in astonishing "virtual reality".
MPs and Blogging
The Hansard Society examines political blogging.
Their optimism for "transparency" cannot include Canada's current Prime Minister. I keep linking to his dead "blog" as it amuses me for some reason.
July 19, 2004
Redemption Song
We all know the Canadian anthem is dull and that for reasons of political lameness we will never get to sing the Maple Leaf Forever at hockey games and so forth. We need something inspiring. We need something speaking to faith carrying us through tests and trials. We need something cool.
Be it resolved that Canada should change its national anthem to "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley.
Dance Commander
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Bazoomed
Eagle eyes have spotted an enhanced Keira Knightley appearing in some King Arthur promotional materials. The cads!
Madonnah
Madonna rude. News at eleven. And here is the Flea without an invitation to the Toronto Kabbalah Centre!
Gollum and Smeagol
Gollum and Smeagol make great FoxNews hosts.
Smeagol: No he doesn't. He's our friend! Does the master want a fish? So juicy sweet!
I suppose this is supposed to be a poke at Fox and yet it points to why the network is so popular. International Flea-readers may not be aware Canada's guardians of the airwaves do not allow us to see such "biased" fare. Last week these same guardians cleared al Jazeera for broadcast in Canada.
This country is broken. It is going to take some work to fix it.
And then... Canadians wishing to respond to the CRTC's recent call for public comment on broadcasting FoxNews in Canada should write to the CRTC now. Some useful thoughts on how to do so can be found here.
Kimba
Who lives down in deepest darkest Africa?
(Africa)
Who's the one who brought the jungle fame?
Who's the king of Animals in Africa?
Kimba the white lion is his name!
Kimba The White Lion, first known as Jungle Emperor Leo, was a '60s Japanese animated film that some suggest inspired another well known production. It is not without reason Tezuka Osamu is called the Walt Disney of Japan. Perhaps it should be the other way around.
It is my opinion that the creative people at Disney most definitely knew of Kimba as they were making The Lion King-- but somehow, before the movie could be released, it was decided that the tie must be denied. Even if that means a slap in the face for Osamu Tezuka, the "Walt Disney of Japan".
Richard Owen
The 200th birthday of Richard Owen, one of Charles Darwin's "most ferocious opponents" is acknowledged by an exhibition at London's Natural History Museum. I worked for Lancaster University for several years and cannot help but wonder what the town was like when he was born there two centuries ago.
The Living Room Candidate
The Living Room Candidate showcases Presidential campaign commercials from 1952 to 2004. Browsing through ads by issues is fascinating.
-Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson, 1956
Jetsicle news
GenX at 40 updates the jetsicle file. I am certain pictures of airplanes from around the world would be welcome at the jetsicle archive.
V for Victory
"Peace sign, my ass." Quite right. All is explained at Castle Argghhh!!!
UK carriers
The assessment phase of UK carrier procurement has been extended through next spring. With delivery dates of 2012 and 2015, and at an estimated £4bn, I begin to wonder if sourcing the two carriers in the United States begins to make sense given a price tag in the range of next generation CVN-77 supercarriers. I say this as someone who is very sympathetic both to BAE Systems Marine and the logic of maintaining strategic capacity to build these monsters in the UK. At some point the cost has to be weighed even against this last consideration particularly given American claims to reduced crew complement and life cycle costs of their new ships.
An aside in the Telegraph's article is intriguing given my own work on business partnering in UK defense, civil engineering and construction. Taylor Woodrow and Tarmac are both likely candidates for such an alliance agreement and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
The Telegraph also reports UK's next generation of unmanned reconnaissance planes is likely to be sourced with Thales, the French defence contractor partnered with BAE on the carrier project.
Edward Gorey Death
You will swallow some tacks. You are a little
weird, maybe not so much in a good way. Buy a
yellow tie and wear it on your head.
What horrible Edward Gorey Death will you die?
brought to you by Quizilla
Best. Quiz. Ever (via The Tiger in Winter).
July 17, 2004
Green Lantern
***Dave and the Flea are both worried at the prospect of a comedic Fantastic Four. But it gets worse. I love Jack Black and the Green Lanterns are among the only DC characters I care about. But dear heavens... Jack Black as Green Lantern. This is to be a comedy. You know, like "The Mask".
All of this may be true. But I blame Jack Black. He does not have to take this role, he does not have to take this money and he does not have to do this to a character so many people love.
Robocoaster
Oh sure, we know it starts with a robocoaster but it ends with a skeletal steel foot crushing a human skull.
"Star Wars" Episode III
Here are some images from "Star Wars" Episode III. I see Kit Fisto is making another appearance. Ho hum.
After Morse
The Flea is delighted to report Kevin Whately is to reprise his role is Lewis in the new "After Morse".
ITV drama chief Nick Elliott said last night that it felt like the right time to bring the show back. He added: “Colin Dexter — who wrote the books — and Kevin Whately are very happy and looking forward to it. Kevin will be Lewis, getting on with his life after his friend’s death.”
Yuan-class
Reports of China's Type 039 Song class submarine emerged in Strategy Page over a month ago. The Washington Times now reports on China's new Yuan class deisel-electric
The new boat, which appears to be a combination of indigenous Chinese hardware and Russian weapons, suggests that China is building up its submarine forces in preparation for a conflict over Taiwan, defense analysts say.
Top-hat
 I am a Top-hat.I'm a bit of a jack-of-all-trades; creative, in a stylistic sort of way, a little vain, a little dark, perhaps a little archaic. I get on alright with people, but I can take them or leave them. What Sort of Hat Are You? |
July 16, 2004
Packwood
"None is truly great, but he that is truly good."
Excepting Uncle Bob, there have been few famous Packwoods (though George Packwood should be more famous than he is). This coat of arms site is fair on geography but lousy on history.
Packwood House is a lovely place, and noted for its "religious emblematic horticulture", but my family were never lords of the manor. The Featherston family, whose crest looks a bit more legitimate, owned the place since the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century meant the Benedictines lost the property. There is also the somewhat confusing fact of Packwood Hall, a manor house a short distance from Packwood House.
For the benefit of future googlers of Packwood family history and genealogy, further Packwood lore should include the Packwood House Museum of Lewisburg, PA, the community of Packwood, WA and the life of George Horatio Packwood of Maitland, FL. Also noteworthy are New Zealand artist Don Packwood and Christian musical artist Anthony Packwood. Samuel Packwood, burned at the stake by Shawnee indians in 1770, certainly rates a mention.
Anthony Ainley
I have sad belated news about Anthony Ainley, best known in his role as the fourth incarnation of The Master from Dr. Who. Mr. Ainley died on May 3, 2004.
Middle England
Chris Upton argues there is much of Middle England in Middle Earth.
Here too is Moseley Bog, the remains of an old clay quarry, where Ronald and Hillary found a mysterious and secret world of giant trees and hidden streams. Could this be the Old Forest, where Tom Bombadil hides away?
The Ghosts of Motley Hall
I wish someone would put The Ghosts of Motley Hall back on tv.
Alien
Alien, re-enacted by bunnies. In 30 seconds, of course.
Pac-Mondrian
Gaming meets modern art.
And if that is not exciting enough there is always Poly Play, East Germany's Pac-Man knock off (via Daimnation!).
Caramilk Bar Secret
How do they get the caramel in the Caramilk bar?
The Origins of Blog Names
The Origins of Band Names is a good idea for a website. The origins of blog names is a good idea for a post!
Let us begin with the grandmother of all blog name mysteries: Little Green Footballs. Can anyone cite the post where Charles Green revealed the stunning mystery?
O-Ren Ishii
This test claims I am O-Ren Ishii. She was the saving grace of the film... What movie villain are you?
July 15, 2004
Embassy
I had heard the new building housing the United States Embassy to Canada described in unflattering terms: a fortress, a battleship, an aircraft carrier. At least these terms were meant to be unflattering. Imagine my surprise to discover the attractive and sympathetic building pictured above. The rather grand mansard cum cupola is in keeping with the nearby Château Laurier and Parliament Hill itself while the glass structure echoes the National Gallery across the street.
Here are more images of Ottawa, Canada's capital city in exciting virtual reality.
And then... Ravishing Light points out the cupola is, in all likelihood, a Marine redoubt. Very clever and sadly necessary in these troubled times.
Fantastic Four
Jessica Alba has been cast as Sue Storm... Yay! The forthcoming Fantastic Four film is going to be a comedy... Boo! Marvel Film's Avi Arad comments:
But what of Dr. Doom who, as Marvel aficionados, is so evil that he might not transfer very well to a knockabout laughfest. "Dr. Doom is going to be amazing," said Arad. So he won't be comic relief, then? "No, serious. Human, and serious. It works!"
LiTraCon©
LiTraCon© have developed translucent concrete. Neat! Now all we need is transparent aluminum (via small dead animals).
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics applied to thin flexible plastics may offer a lightweight power source for US forces in the field.
Such capabilities would ultimately make travel safer for soldiers in countries during wartime. Extra battery packs carried by troops are sometimes left behind, providing unnecessary hints to enemy forces.
Evolution of the skyscraper
This evolution of the skyscraper sensibly excludes the Petronas Towers.
Mephitis
A temple to Mephitis, a goddess of the pre-Roman Samnites, has been found at Pompeii. As the goddess of noxious vapours - her name also means "skunk" - it would seem to have been an appropriate locale.
Gibraltar of the Gulf
Fort Jefferson, the largest Civil War-era coastal fort in the United States, is reported to need $18 million in restoration by 2010 to prevent it crumbling apart.
The fort "is the Stealth Bomber of its age. The ultimate goal was deterrence," said park ranger Mike Ryan on a recent tour of the nation's largest masonry fort, built of 16 million hand-made, sun-aged red bricks.
My favourite feature of Fort Jefferson is the "moat" created by its seawall. A neat trick considering the fortress is some way out to sea. I am astonished there is anything left of the structure given the stresses it must by under.
July 14, 2004
The Big Blue
The Flea's Jean Reno film festival continues with The Big Blue. A slow moving, peculiar film where Rosanna Arquette manages to keep her kit on for a scene or two longer than usual. The scenery and underwater photography is stunning and the slow moving pace accentuates the drama of each dive. Most important: Reno's Enzo Molinari kicks ass. Finally, the film provides useful if impractical instruction on how to meet a mermaid.
Jean Reno
Japander.com presents Jean Reno ads for Japanese tv. Gotta love that coffee in a can. The Flea takes this time to remind ad agencies of Japan that I stand ready to endorse your every pop culture product. Except Pocari Sweat which is truly horrid.
Political: This Land!
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance (via Daimnation!).
Catch the Tube
The London Underground lets you build your own tube and race against a friend.
Sand art
For all your sand art needs (hat tip to Varenius).
Flamethrower
Super soaker plus windshield washer concentrate equals flamethrower. I quote the first comment:
"I just feel the need to say this. Please do not try this at home. This stunt looks like it was performed by professional idiots."
Vescere bracis meis
"Stand aside plebeians! I am on imperial business."
A compendium of vulgar expressions rendered in Latin is reproduced in the extended entry to provide a fig leaf for the Flea's moderated swearing policy (because this post crosses that line, walks back and does a victory dance on the line just to be sure). Just doing my bit to raise the tenor of bathroom stalls everywhere.
Latin Swearing English Translation
Futue te ipsum et caballum tuum Screw you and the horse you rode in on
Cunnus Cunt
Irrumator Bastard (lit. submits to fellatio)
Leno Pimp
Flocci non facio I don't give a damn
Pedicabo ego vos et irrumabo Give me head and I'll ass fuck you
Mentula Penis
Meretrix Prostitute
Spucatum tauri Bull shit
Tu es stultior quam asinus You are dumber than an ass
Dormi mecum Sleep with me
Es scortum obscenus vilis You are a vile, perverted whore
Es de acervus excrementum You are a pile of shit
Cupis homines You crave men
Bibe meum semenum Swallow (drink) my cum
Bibe meum semenum e baculo Swallow (drink) my cum from a cup
Lambes meus globi Lick my balls
Stercosus es You shit
Moecha putida Dirty slut
Cannae Filius Bitch (lit: son of a female dog)
Podex perfectus es You're a perfect asshole
Futue te ipsum! Go fuck yourself!
Stercorem pro cerebro habes You have shit for brains
Caput tuum in ano est You have your head up your ass
Perite Fuck off!
Impudens es leno You shameless pimp
Vacca stulta You stupid cow
Vescere bracis meis Eat my shorts
Tu scronium es You are a whore
Androgynus Hermaphrodite
Caput sterci Shithead (lit. shit's head)
Mentulam Caco I shit on your prick
Obesus porcus Fat pig
Cupio te meam mentulam sugare I want you to suck my dick
Matris futuor Mother fucker
Te odeo, interfice te cum cochleare I hate you. Kill yourself with a spoon.
Canis Bitch
Filius Nolius Bastard (lit. nobody's son)
Furcifer Gallows-meat
Crucifer A person who carries his own cross
Ad nauseam To sickness
O tempora, O mores! Oh the times, oh the morals!
Stercus accidit Shit happens
Hic puer est stultissimus omnium! This boy is the stupidest of all!
O di immortales! Good heavens!
Non Gradus Anus Rodentum! Not Worth A Rats Ass!
Vescere bracis meis. Eat my shorts.
Fac ut vivas. Get a life.
Qui vir odiosus! What a bore!
Quomodo cogis comas tuas sic videri? How do you get your hair to do that?
De gustibus non est disputandum. There's no accounting for tastes.
Tum podem extulit horridulum You are talking shit
Potes meos suaviari clunes You can kiss my ass.
Saltatrix tonsa Drag queen (lit. "shaved dancing-girl")
Lupa Prostitute (lit. "she-wolf")
Quando podeces te regi eorum fecerunt? When did the assholes make you their king?
Lupa Slut
Cacator Shitter
Tu plenus sterco es You are full of shit (lit. you are packed with shit)
Antiquis temporibus, nati tibi similes in rupibus ventosissimis exponebantur ad necem In the good old days, children like you were left to perish on windswept crags.
Apudne te vel me? Your place or mine?
Caesar si viveret, ad remum dareris If Caesar were alive, you'd be chained to an oar.
Cepe indicum Take a hint
Derideo te! I laugh at you!
Estne volumen in toga, an solum tibi libet me videre? Is that a scroll in your toga, or are you just happy to see me?
Fabriacate diem, punk Make (my) day, punk
Fac ut vivas Get a life
Apudne te vel me? Your place or mine?
Hocine bibo aut in eum digitos insero? Do I drink this or stick my fingers in it?
Obesa cantavit The fat lady has sung
Id imperfectum manet dum confectum erit It isn't over until it's over
Illegitimi non carborundum Don't let the bastards burn you
Labra lege Read my lips
Lege atque lacrima Read 'em and weep
Morologus es! You're talking like a moron!
Noli me vocare, ego te vocabo Don't call me, I'll call you.
Noli nothis permittere te terere Don’t let the bastards get you down.
Nullo modo No way
Puto vos esse molestissimos I think that you are very annoying
Qualem blennum! What a doofus!
Qualem muleirculam! What a bimbo!
Quisque comoedus est Everybody's a comedian
Quo usque tandem abutere patentia nostra? How long are you going to abuse our patience?
Quomodo cogis comas tuas sic videri? How do you get your hair to do that?
Radix lecti Couch potato
Raptus regaliter Royally screwed
Recedite, plebes! Gero rem imperialem! Stand aside plebeians! I am on imperial business
Scio vos esse molestissimos I know that you are very troublesome
Stultus est sicut stultus facit Stupid is as stupid does
Tace atque abi Shut up and go away
Ut si! As if!
Utinam barbari spatium proprium tuum invadant May barbarians invade your personal space
Utinam coniurati te in foro interficiant May conspirators assassinate you in the mall
Utinam logica falsa tuam philosophiam totam suffodiant May faulty logic undermine your entire philosophy
Vacca foeda Stupid cow
Vae! Damn!
Viri sunt Viri Men are slime
Immanissimum ac foedissimum monstrum! Gross and putrid monster!
Faciem durum cacantis habes You have the face of a man with severe constipation
Mala pituita nasi Nasty nasal drippings!
Recedite, plebes! Gero rem imperialem. Stand aside plebeians! I am on imperial business.
Si me rogas, potes abire et tu ipse cacare. If you ask me, you can go and shit on yourself.
Semper in excrementum, sole profundum qui variat. Always in the shit, just the depth that varies.
July 13, 2004
Khan!
I know of no greater outcry of loss and futility in the face of a capricious fate. female.first.uk explains. Kylie Minogue: to quit music?
Sitar
Compose your own south asian music. Just the thing for the Tuesday blahs.
lookie lookie, fire!
The soundtrack makes this short film more than a simple warning about playing with fire.
circles
An inventive game that would send me round the twist if I spent any more time on it.
Human for Sale
How much $$$$$$ are you worth?
Arkham Asylum
I was always pleased that the Batman universe included an homage to H.P. Lovecraft. Certainly, an hospital for insane super-criminals is made all the more sinister when its name echoes that of my favourite fictional town. According to Wikipedia the link is more direct than I had suspected. Bob Kane was a Lovecraft fan and met the man himself.
Now all I need is Batman vs. Cthulhu. The answer, btw, is Cthulhu. Obviously.
Livia
Say I lost my head. Would I say me and my head? Or me and my body? We might ask Livia, wife of Caesar Augustus.
And Arthur Evans wrote for the Guardian. Who knew?
July 12, 2004
Hephaestion
I would be more enthusiastic about Alexander if it was not an Oliver Stone epic. The obligatory post-Gladiator pre-battle inspirational quote does not work for me either. Angelina Jolie plays Olympias, Alexander's mum. Her nose is clearly out of joint in the above image because that trailer should probably have shown Alexander kissing Hephaestion. "Hephaestion too is Alexander."
Comments using the phrase Platonic relationship shall be mocked mercilessly and the Flea has no comment to offer about anything connected to Colin Farrell. It is a shame the Baz Luhrmann version has been cancelled.
In the jungle
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Shoggoth Plush Toy
Must. Have. Shoggoth Plush Toy.
And then... Army of Darkness shot glasses are a good idea too.
Riddle Quest
The BBC offers an on-line Tolkien knock-off game.
An homage to Tolkien is fine. An homage to Tolkien that turns the Ring, locus of all evil in Middle Earth, into "rings of peace" is missing the point. Or is it? BBC editorial policy is consistently pro-ringwraith these days.
The Phone
This is an automated message. This telephone can be used to transport to other places.
Space rocks
NASA and JPL are keeping an eye on space rocks.
Colonial House
Help our colonist get dressed.
July 10, 2004
Hot Sauce
Hmm. I see my advertiser is offering a new perspective today. Well, call that inspirational too. Take the Cope twins, for example.
July 09, 2004
Casshern
The trailer for Casshern is stunning but, due to my lack of Japanese, incomprehensible. A translation arrives thanks to the wonder that is "the internet".
Fighting an iron devil
If Casshern does not do it… who will?
Now that makes sense.
Dannii
The official Dannii Minogue Calendar 2004 (some nsfw banner ads).
Pictures of you
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Jodie
An innovative use of belts defines the latest in the Flea's commitment to the latest in fashion-media coverage. Well, not quite coverage exactly. Definitely not safe for work and not for Canadian weather.
Blobs
It took me a few tries to figure out how to fire my blobs correctly.
Slick Ball
Move the ball through the maze. I can only recommend this one for those with a head for heights.
Screwed
Paris Hilton is to reportedly set to release her first single, "Screwed". Paris will be rapping. Oh yes.
The two apparently met at a party in a Los Angeles club, where Hilton leaned over to Lil´ Jon and began rapping in his ear, and the rapper was sold. "We just gotta get in the studio, and I´m gonna basically deal with a club vibe," Lil’ Jon said. "And make it super sexy, because she´s such a supermodel."
License Plates of the World
A catalogue of world license plates from Abaco (Bahamas) to Zona Fronteriza (Mexico).
APDD
The Association of Pizza Delivery Drivers flirts with danger in 30 minutes or less. There must be a pizza-themed pun I could work in here but this one speaks for itself.
Icebergs
"A View in Pickersgill Harbour, Dusky Bay, New Zealand" was painted over an earlier work, the first known depiction of Antarctica.
July 08, 2004
Winston Review
"He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle."
This is an editorial statement for a new weekly feature at the Flea. Every week I hope to post links to inspirational writing in the blogosphere and beyond at the Winston Review. There have been points since that day in September that I would have lost the plot if it was not for the courage and decency I find every day on the internet. I would like to provide a round-up of inspirational, contemplative, even angry writing to turn to each week. With luck, I hope people will take up the challenge and feel moved to speak.
There is poignant, truthful writing out on the internet. Every time we turn on the television we are subjected to the latest atrocity and its apologists. There is little room for heroism or sacrifice in the heart of our media establishments. Imagine these last few years without Bill Whittle or James Lileks. These are names to conjure with. Let's help them out. If we can stand up to the tyrants that confront us, all of us may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands.
I am counting on Mike Campbell, Churchill scholar of the bloggish enlightenment, to keep any future Churchillian references straight.
Send me your links. Tell me about your own writing and point me to blogs or particular posts that have moved you. Let me know about news and commentary from the mainstream press that have done the same. Consider taking up the challenge yourself. Write something that will help the rest us keep up the fight.
Your courage. Your cheerfulness. Your resolution.
Will bring us Victory.
The Winston Review:
These archives have been removed.
That is all for now.
Bubbles!
Crank the sound for this bubbles game. Pop music is an appropriate accompaniment.
Kill Bill Vol. 1
I am watching the uncut Japanese release of Kill Bill Vol. 1. There is plenty of gore and so forth yet I am finding it tedious and pointless. Am I missing something? Bits of it are cute but there is only so much J-pop and 60s homage I can take. Also, I wish the trend toward skeletalism in A-list actresses would end. Uma looks like she could use a hamburger.
And then... Ok, Lucy Liu just showed up. She might save this thing.
The Tinners' Rabbits
I saw the Tinners' Rabbits at Widecombe-in-the-Moor on a trip to Dartmoor. Widecombe is not alone in choosing hare decor.
It turns out the three hares motif is more widespread than I had imagined.
Nesperennub
Nesperennub, a Theban priest buried around 2800 years ago and now a resident of the British Museum, has undergone a CT-scan at a London hospital and a 3-D laser-scan in Scotland.
Several linen-wrapped protective amulets were recognizable on his chest, while almond-shaped fake glasses were inserted by embalmers so that the mummy could see in the afterlife.
Space Educators' Handbook
The Space Educators' Handbook (designated as document number OMB / NASA Report Number S677) is a great resource. Using science fiction to teach space technology is a great idea.
Ben Bova, Chairman, National Space Society Board
Tour de force
Everyone is linking to Lileks today and I am no exception. Today's Bleat fisks Michael Moore's July 4 LA Times piece.
No. I’m ashamed. I think we should be more like British Columbia, where one in six children lives in poverty. No – wait. Er - next question.
July 07, 2004
Be it resolved
Look there... is that a bird... a plane? No! It is the Dark Knight smacking down Superman (again). Be it resolved that the Batman would defeat Superman in a fair fight.*
* Meaning of "fair fight" may vary. "Fair fight" may include use of nuclear weapons, subterfuge and kryptonite boxing gloves.
Space Invaders
This Space Invaders has the best sound effects of any version I have played on-line. This does mean you will have trouble to pretend you are, like, working if you are at the office. Only a trial version of the game, sadly.
Stargate Atlantis
Stargate: Atlantis premieres July 16. The Flea has no Sci Fi access (thanks Canadian media regulators!) so will have to wait for it to appear in repeats on some network that has paid off my Canadian overlords.
President Henry Hayes
TO: Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Dr. Elizabeth Weir, Stargate Command
General George Hammond, USAF
On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate you and the Stargate SG-1 team for discovering the hidden Antarctic base of the Ancients, the creators of the Stargates. We now possess the knowledge to travel farther through the cosmos than ever before.
Dr. Weir is assembling an elite team to explore — for the first time — outside our own galaxy. The Stargate Command group currently in Antarctica is already discovering unique new technologies that will aid us as we strike out to the Pegasus Galaxy and beyond.
Yet we must remember this: With all these boundless possibilities will come new threats. Is the balance of risk worth it? I wholeheartedly say yes. And if I may add, I envy those about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Forgotten Ohio
Explore the lost worlds of Ohio.
War Psychiatry
The Textbooks of Military Medicine presents War Psychiatry.
Invincible and Type 23
The Royal Navy offers panoramas of an Invincible class aircraft carrier and Type 23 frigate. I especially like the diagram showing the location of the coffee maker in the Type 23 wardroom.
The same page offers a neat interactive iCarrier simulation, Royal Navy operations information and videos. From the ship's company video it looks like the lads spend time paragliding and shopping.
July 06, 2004
James Doohan
Most installments of the Flea Presents Great Canadians™ are somewhat tongue in cheek. This one is not. Recent news coverage of James Doohan's poor health has revealed aspects of his biography many fans knew nothing about. Doohan was a Captain in the Royal Canadian Artillery, stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and was wounded after taking out two enemy snipers only to go on to fly an artillery observation plane for the Royal Canadian Air Force. This is a stand up hero and a great Canadian. The Campblog has more to say.
Saavik
Lt. Saavik is revealed to be half-Romulan in a STAR TREK II special preview featurette. Rabbinical debate has broken out as to the canonical status of the find.
Volare
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance (and sing along).
Chess
This would be more fun if I had the faintest idea how to play chess with any strategy.
Movies
An art historian's guide to the movies.
"Mel Gibson's Hamlet in which the hanging through which Polonius is stabbed is the lion from the Book of Durrow and Ophelia is embroidering the Bayeux Tapestry."
Radiance of the Seas
Extreme cutaway action of the seas.
Dreadnaughts and ironclads
Belmont Club discusses new naval technology and calls for doctrine to make that technology effective. It is odd how the silhouette of the forthcoming DD(X) echoes some of the first iron clads. Who could have imagined those sloping surfaces would be resurrected to deflect light instead of shot? The Visby class corvette is a stealthy Swedish alternative while HMS Daring, first of the Royal Navy's Type 45 class destroyers will come into service in 2007.
July 05, 2004
She's got legs
A Gillette poll demonstrates Solomonic wisdom.
Revamped
Vampire glyph action and a fun new trailer at a revamped Blade: Trinity website. Parker Posey as a vampire... be still my beating heart!
Innocence
The web presence for Ghost in the Shell II.
The Peril of Doc Ock
This Lego short film is the latest in Spider-Man 2 viral marketing. It features some most satisfying web-slinging action. Doctor Octopus was never the Flea-fav of Spiderman villains. Mysterio (I or II) has more cheeze-appeal.
Bloblander
Just the thing for Monday morning office hand-eye coordination.
Shore Acres
Brian's Night Out is a peculiarly gripping exploration of the life of Brian Teeman.
A web of tentacles
A fungus living three feet underground at the Malheur National Forest in Oregon may be the world's largest living organism.
Good-bye God, I'm going to Bodie.
A photographic journey through Bodie ghost town. Stunning. The web offers more on the brief, tragic history of Bodie.
July 04, 2004
Independence
"We know the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. Do you not think an angel rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm?"
- John Page
Now is the time at the Flea when we rock (with more from the film Gunner Palace here).
July 03, 2004
The Method
To me, fair friend, you never can be old. For as you were when first your eye I eyed. Such seems your beauty still.
- Marlon Brando
The Telegraph's obituary for Marlon Brando is only one of many tributes offered to the great actor.
No Daleks
No Daleks. Boo.
A BBC spokeswoman said: "After lengthy negotiations, the BBC and Terry Nation have been unable to reach an agreement on the terms of the use of the Daleks." The Terry Nation estate said it was "bitterly disappointed".
Gay daleks may have been one of the deal breakers. Not for the forthcoming Dr. Who series but for TV Offal, a satire that had run elsewhere on the Beeb. "They're camp! They exterminate! Better watch your back! They're the gay daleks!" Personally, I thought the show was hilarious but I am easy to amuse.
Come to Norway!
Now is the time at the Flea when we dance.
Mandonna
All all male Madonna cover band. This would have rated a dance or two but you will have to find the "audio" link for yourself. This is truly horrible. Boys, boys, boys. Just because it is camp does not mean it is clever.
And then... It seems that Mandonna are not only bad singers but are incapable of tolerating criticism. Gentlemen, you are going to have to develop thicker skins if you want to survive an audience full of trannies with the material you have to offer. Trust me. You will look back upon this gentle critique as a fond memory.
Comments on this post are closed.
Dice
What shapes do dice have?
Mars
A map of Mars from Vastitas Borealis to Argentia Planum.
Extreme fullscreen
A plethora of panoramas. Dr. John Riley's mouth panorama signals a new direction for this genre...
July 02, 2004
Jet Boat
The Beachcombers may be the ultimate CanCon. It was November 15, 2003 that the Flea posed the ultimate Canadian bar trivia question. What was the name of Relic's jet boat?
The answer? There was more than one jet boat. A Flea-reader wrote to explain (follow that link for the details). Now a yet more definitive answer has arrived via the ethereal tracks of "the internet". There were not one... not two... but seven boats used for the role. You will have guessed that image above is one of them!
This boat's owner writes:
The boats official name is 10k9602. Because they had 7 boats that did this role they just used the number system, most of the boats had 440 engines in them and they were built extremely heavy for jumping and stunts. The one I have was made for the speed shots and is considerably lighter. Also a lot faster. I shall attach a picture of her for you. Unfortunately she is red now as black was not a functional colour on the water.
That is a national treasure. Keep her safe!
Update: Welcome Boating Sportsman Forums readers.
John Cage
Test your endurance! Annoy your coworkers! John Cage for everybody!
Invisible World
Worth1000 presents invisible celebrities. Some cyborg animals are also clever.
Daiquiri Whacker
For all your gas powered blender needs.
Fantana Island
I could race around Fantana Island for the checkered flag but the Nazi connection has soured me on Fanta-themed products.
Traffic signs
Start your own collection of traffic signs. Take signs through the eye of Monsieur Jean (occupation: hairdresser), for example.
Literary
You are a complete literary geek, from knowing the
classics (even the not-so-well-known classics
and tidbits about them) to knowing devices used
in writing, when someone has a question about
literature, they can bring it to you and rest
assured; you know the answers.
How much of a literary geek are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Any reputable literary geek quiz should fail me. It should also consider running its questions through a spell check (via Light & Dark).
July 01, 2004
Dominion Day
Astute Flea-readers will note this is posted a day early. My current magickal mystery tour has taken me to a place with limited web access. Friday postings may be delayed! I hear it whispered on the wind, "Soon... wifi... soon..."
It has become more clear than ever we have work to do up north. This was a great country once and with a nudge in the right direction will be so again. Happy Canada Day.