Links of the Day

Art of Nicole Brune - Just got back from Las Vegas for a vacation (only lost a few hundred to the tables). As part of that got to see the fantastic art of Nicole Brune, who recently got a contract with Spencer's for a line of Alice in Wonderland posters (with a sexy twist of course). I was lucky enough to talk to the stunningly beautiful and sweet Nicole who revealed a geek side with familiarity with Transformers, comics (she is a Marvel girl) and more. Sadly married but that didn't stop me from taking a photo of her, shortly thereafter my iPhone broke (dropped) and the picture lost ($200 flushed) to my great irritation. Click the link above for a look at her efforts (more here). To see why she will be the most memorable part of the trip, hit her bio link or do a Google for her modeling name Nikki Christian. If you like sexy pin-up art, be sure to check her out.

Why Different Power Plugs for Different Countries - Click the link for a straight forward explanation on why it seems nearly every country in the world has its own standard on power plugs (therefore requiring adapters for travelers). It essentially comes down to no real attempt at creating a worldwide standard (such ideas didn't exist nor really necessary then) when the power grid was being built and the high cost to introduce it now.

Lego Bone Dragon - Not sure how it was built, but it looks great. This Lego Bone Dragon would make a great store style set, maybe even a new line. Click the link for more pictures.

Steven Tyler Quit Aerosmith - After ending their latest concert tour, it appears that lead singer of the group has quit. At least that is what the group's guitarist Joe Perry is saying. I assume this means the group is defunct again until the inevitable reunion 5-10 years from now. Considering the band hasn't really produced anything new in quite a while, it doesn't seem like the lost to the music world that it might have been a decade or so ago.

Bizarre Scientology Conversation - Video of a really a conversation with a Scientologist. Notice the strange use of English, odd sentence structure, the constant inability to answer simple direct questions, and constant unnecessary personal attacks. This style of deflecting is actually taught (for a fee of course) and encouraged by the cult. Pay special note is the comment about hitting his wife. Another favorite is "why did you kill your baby" and other made up accusations to get the questioner to back down.

SNL's Fox Skit - Amusing bit from this week's SNL that makes fun of Fox's coverage of their recent election coverage that took minor events (election of two governors) and turned it into something akin to a presidential election. The best part is the spot on nail of the crazy that is Glenn Beck.

Links of the Day

Medical Waste - A new report shows the many ways the current healthcare insurance system causes a great deal of waste. 40% is for unnecessary care caused by doctors either ordering unneeded tests because it’s profitable or simply to avoid the risk of lawsuits. 19% is flat out fraud of filing claims for medical care that didn't occur. 17% if for the administrative overhead, you know the copious amounts of claim forms you have to fill out. 6% is for preventative conditions that should never have become medical emergencies. There is more but the next result is around $600 to $850 billion a year could be saved by simply making the system more efficient and more focused on patient care, not profit. Note that the savings is about the cost over 10 years for universal coverage with public option. However, considering insurance companies make a lot of profit from these inefficiencies, they will continue to fight tooth and nail to prevent any changes and use the GOP sheep to help in that battle.

24 Season 8 Trailer - The new season starts in January and as the trailer shows, things go boom as Jack Bauer exits retirement to continue the yelling and blowing things up.

Nightline Report on Scientology - Below is the first part of six segments as Nightline from a week ago. At the link are also various articles from ABC about the cult whose tactics are essentially criminal but uses the cloak of "religion" to continue their practices. Of note is when asked about "Xenu", the spokesperson refuses to respond and ends the interview. Why you ask? Because "Xenu" aka the cults "Devil" is part of their origin myth (involving aliens and volcanoes, no not kidding) that normally costs members literally tens of thousands of dollars to learn about. Yes, cost. Scientology charges for its "classes" and books, much like if Christianity were to charge for Sunday School and the opportunity to read the chapters of the Bible.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6


GameBoy 20th Anniversary Retrospective - Below is a decent video that covers the long history of the first real portable game system that continues in the DSi.


Golf Ball Technology Meets the Car - From Mythbusters is apparent proof that golf-ball dimpling on your car can create a more fuel efficient car. It’s not a leap to assume this also means a faster car. While not the future of car design due to aesthetics, it nevertheless makes for an interesting idea.

Links of the Day

Lego Pop-Up Box - Like a pop-up book but only a Lego box that opens up to reveal a building scene. The design and idea is very slick.

Pixar Intro Parody - If letters were alive and one was squished by a living lamp, the results probably wouldn't be as precious as this video shows.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Windows 7 Guide - From Lifehacker, a link fest of information about the new operating system, useful for anyone about to upgrade or considering an upgrade. My quickie advice if your upgrading is a) backup backup backup b) don't forget to backup your bookmarks c) note your favorite programs and any special settings so can reinstall and reconfigure after if needed.

Wife Has Cancer? No Insurance? Join the Army - A sign of how bad it is while Republicans and their sheep pretend it’s not, a 39 year old man has to join the army to make sure he and his family have their healthcare coverage they need because of the cancer his wife is fighting. He lost his job earlier in the year and his options were limited. Like most, he didn't think it could happen to him, wasn't prepared and didn't even care about the healthcare debate going on. The lesson for everyone before forming an opinion on the public option is first consider what would happen if you lost your job and couldn't replace it right away like is occurring to millions of Americans. If after considering that scenario and your still against a public option then my hat is off to you for at least giving the issue more thought then most seem to nowadays.

Indefensible - A bill amendment created by Senator Al Franken would prevent companies from having US contracts if they prevent their employees from taking sexual assault (such as rape), battery and discrimination cases to court. The reason for the law was because of the repeated raping of Jamie Leigh Jones by Halliburton and KBR contractors while overseas. She can't really prosecute them (happened outside US jurisdiction) but you would think a civil case would be allowed, but thanks to Halliburton's lawyers she isn't even allowed to do that. So basically the company and their employees are legally allowed to rape woman as long as it doesn't happen on US land. It sounds like a slam dunk yes for everyone regardless of party but it turns out that 30 Republicans considered it a "political shot" at Halliburton and vote no. This includes ex presidential candidate John McCain. In effect, when given a chance to vote for a corporation or for protecting rape victims, they went with the corporation. As the report below shows, that choice is having at least a minor impact on those Republicans who are refusing to go on the record on why they voted the way they did (real reason is money). Sadly I doubt this will have an impact on their re-election bids as most are in Republican strongholds.

Special Comment - Healthcare

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In a first, Keith Olbermann devoted an entire episode of Countdown to a Special Comment on the healthcare debate. The reason seems to be the horrible experiences his father has experienced under our current healthcare system governed by corporate bureaucrats driven by bonuses rather than providing proper healthcare. The biggest problem I have with the debate is what is driving the whys (high costs, government bureaucrats deciding care, rationing, and more) are the very things already going on now only its being done by corporate executives who want their bonuses and drones that simply want to keep their jobs.

The choice being offered right now is real simple - do something or do nothing. The Democrats are at least trying to do something. The Republicans are offering the option of doing nothing. I think there are few, conservatives or liberals who feel doing nothing is the best way to go. They may advocate Corporate Socialism, but I advocate caring for my fellow Americans or to just be more selfish, myself.

Ultimately, the public option is really insurance for health insurance. It’s there for when your current insurance says no, because it’s not covered, you didn’t feel out the form properly, you reached your maximum or you simply can’t afford to continue the premiums because you lost your job. Much like health insurance is for the catastrophic moments we have no control over such as getting cancer, breaking bones, a car accident and so much more, the public option is for those moments such as losing your job, pre-existing condition or a company that simple doesn’t offer it.

What you should consider isn’t “I have insurance, why should I care?” but what if you no longer have a job. What then? The "public option" is your fallback position for you and your family if the worse happens. You should want it there, you should demand it be there just in case. What Republicans are promising is nothing. No fallback position, no coverage regardless of life’s curveballs. They promise simple nothing but a series of no.

Links of the Day

Barnes & Noble's Nook Official - The companies answer to Amazon's Kindle has officially been announced. It does seem to address some areas that might be preventing wide acceptance of the e-book market. This version has two screens (video), one for reading and another as a color touch screen. The solution provides a touch of color for images and book covers along with a touch keyboard. The operating system is based on Google's Android OS which indicates greater expandability in the future, something the Kindle isn't capable of (as a result it supports more formats including pdf, epub, eReader, mp3, PNG, JPG, and GIF). Electronic downloading is providing by AT&T, but also includes Wi-Fi for faster connection. It has 2GB of built in memory but as an SD slot for additional storage. The device is thicker then the Kindle but has a removable battery, headphone jack and speaker. The battery power is rated for 10 days on average (2 days if use extra features a lot) and will sell for $259 (like the Kindle) when released in November (comparison chart). Over all this is the first time I have read stats that makes considering buying one of these devices worth considering.

Inside Ben Heck's Home - Pretty much the undisputed king of video game modding provides a peak into his home and work space in the below video.

Starcraft II Battle Report 4 - Click the link to go to an Italian website that shows off a new battle report for Starcraft II as it shows off some pretty cool tactics that new features of the game allows on the "Lost Temple" map.

Motion Comics the Future of Comics? - Neal Adams, long time Batman writer, indicates that he feels the future of the comics could be in motion. Considering the example below, I can see why he might feel that way as the trailer for Astonishing X-Men shows. I wouldn't mind seeing how they take static images and give them as much movement as they do considering the limitations of what they are dealing with.


Apple's New Products - A day after Apple's stock reaches new highs (why didn't I get any in 2001 when I knew the iPod would be a hit?), the company has announced new and updated products. Part of that includes a re-introduction of the iMac all-in one computer with screen size that begins at 21.5'' ($1,199) to 27'' ($1,999). The MacBook now has a 13'' ($999), new designs for the apple keyboard, mouse and remote, and tweaked Mac Minis. Overall the prices remain the same, the chips and memory have been upgraded and the "Apple tax" remains high as always on their entire line of products.