Fantasist's Scroll

I knew you could become an ordained minister on-line, but…

I had no idea you could sell your soul on-line! Well, apparently, you can. And, also apparently this is the only way to Make money on the Internet. And, based on how many people have made donations or bought books from this site, I think that’s the only way I might make any money from the Internet!

Anyway, it struck me as funny, so enjoy it, or not. It’s Friday, so it’s your choice!

No, really….

I read it on the Internet! Right here at the Watley Review, so it has to be true!

Hey, it’s Friday, so cut me some slack and read the article….

No, it literally stinks!

According to this article on CNN, there’s a company that makes very, very unusual smells for museums and advertising firms. Most recently, they recreated the stink of a Tyrannosaurus Rex’s breath. But, they’ve done all kinds of things, pleasant and, er, well, less than pleasant for verious special needs. It’s really an interesting idea, when you consider how strongly we tie memories to scent. A very interesting article. And, just the right amount of fun for a Friday!

You can help save endangered languages.

Okay, so this isn’t exactlly a conlang thing, but most of us who are into conlangs are into unusual languages and language issues. So, toward that end, I give you The Endangered Language Fund and The Endangered Language Query Rooms . Two great resources for languages on the edge of extinction. And, possibly, inspiration for a conlang or two.

Remember that eriee music in that old movie?

You know, that really bad, old sci-fi movie? Well, that music was most likely made by a Theremin. So, you’re asking yourself, what’s the point? Well, now you can get a Theremin of your very own. No, really. This link will take you to Moog Music who sells a variety of kits and pre-built Theremins for your spooky music pleasure. Well, I thought it was cool, anyway….

Okay, this may not seem like “fun” to everyone…

But, this article on Slashdot about rail guns got me. Apparently, the US Navy plans to have rail guns installed by 2011. That’s not all that far away.
For those of you not familiar, rail guns are basically high-speed catapults driven by very, very powerful electromagnets. Very science-fiction stuff. And, the Navy plans on having working rail guns on actual ships by 2011.

Cool.

Is it the most elaborate hoax ever?

Well, according to this article from Scientific American, it very well could be. In fact, it might be the most famous con, too. Experts have analyzed this manuscript, found by Wilfrid Voynich, an American rare-book dealer, in 1912, but haven’t been able to come up with either the code or language in which the book is written. One theory is that English adventurer Edward Kelley may have created the document to defraud the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolph II who reportedly paid a sum of 600 ducats (about $50,000 today) for the manuscript.)
The article goes into the details, but it seems quite plausable. So, I guess conlanging can be profitable after all!

is back!

Well, at least the Warehouse 23 Basement is back. And, frankly, that’s all that matters. It’s loads of fun, especially if you’re a gamer. Or, and Indian Jones fan, oddly enough. It’s acutally based on that huge warehouse at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Who knows, you might even find the lost Ark of the Covenant!

And, yes, once again, this first appeared on my other blog las week. What can I say? I’m strapped for material!
Anyway, it’s Friday, so go have fun!