Weird | Words & Tricks

Last Minute Costume Ideas to Look Like a Million (Dead) Bucks

October 26th, 2006 | 1 Comment | Posted in Advice by Chris Pommier

Haven’t quite decided whether your costume passes muster this year? Tired of living in an economy where wages don’t even pretend to keep up with the cost of living? Well, then why not address both your concerns and dress as one of these top earning dead celebrities:

Every year Forbes.com puts together their list of celebrities who have passed into the great beyond, but whose art continue to make millions and millions for their estates. Now the question is, where in the world can one find a J.R.R. Tolkien mask? Oh.

Dungeons & Dragons Geeks Rejoice!: Invisibility Cloak Invented

October 19th, 2006 | 1 Comment | Posted in News by Chris Pommier

OK, the thing only works if you can see microwaves, and if you’re looking at something really, really small, but still. It’s invisible! The BBC wrote an article on it here. If you would like more in depth coverage of the device and how it works, then NewScientistTech has got you covered. Here is a brief excerpt.

In recent years, materials scientists have made rapid progress in making so-called “metamaterials”, which can have exotic electromagnetic properties unseen in nature. These are made up of repeating structures of simple electronic components such as capacitors and inductors.

In 2001, Smith built a metamaterial with a negative refractive index, which bends microwaves in a way impossible for ordinary lenses. Now he has gone one step further.

Of course, my internal pessimist wonders what the military applications of this are going to be. True stealth bombers? Surveilance robots? I shudder to think.

1 in 10 Penguins Gay, Norwegians Say

October 19th, 2006 | 1 Comment | Posted in Gay by Chris Pommier

It’s not just penguins, either.This article on the BBC covers the rather controversial exhibit at the Oslo Natural History Museum.

Curators say a Norwegian exhibition on homosexuality among animals has been well received, despite initial indications of strong opposition.

The way you feel about animals, and the usefulness of human/non-human connections, will likely determine how you take this article. Interestingly, animal homosexuality research has been deployed to defend the morality of homosexuality in religious debates. Pinky unsuccessfully attempted it in this discussion at Yahoo! Answers. Scroll to the bottom to find her/his post. Warning: what you are about to see may really make you angry.

I’m relieved to see that the participants in this discussion resolved the question of the moral correctness of homosexuality. Phew! No more pesky debates or worrisome opinions need to be explored. Thanks, Yahoo.

And the Stingrays Shall Inherit the Earth

October 19th, 2006 | No Comments | Posted in News by Chris Pommier

OK, now I’m starting to wonder as the BBC reports this

A US man has been stabbed in the chest by a stingray which leapt on board his boat in Florida.
US officials say they are shocked at the attack on Mr Bertakis.

And scientists continue to say that these sorts of attacks are extremely rare. Tell that to Steve Irwin’s family. Well, you can bet I’m going to watch out for those wily predators of the deep if I ever go snokrling.