Fantasist's Scroll

Well, I suppose it could explain it…

This article on Wired News tells of hidden pockets of methane deep beneath the ocean that are capable of swamping a ship. Apparently, if the conditions are just right, theoretically, a huge bubble of sub-oceanic methane can be released from the sea floor that is capable of causing such a surface disturbance that it can sink even large ships. The article doesn’t come right out and say it, but it could be an explanation of the Bermuda Triangle and other such phenomena. Of course, it doesn’t explain the planes….

This is a totally new script.

Last week, I released a variation on the first conlang generator on my site. This week, I’m turning loose a script that lets you specify your own phonology. That’s both the word construction “patterns” and the actual phonological units that go into them. So now, you can make words that are based on your own ideas of phonological construction and not rely on existing languages. There’ll be more next week, but in the mean time, go have fun!

No, really, it’s the history of sewers.

Anyone who’s ever talked to me about creating realistic worlds or fantasy settings knows that my pet peeve is a lack of sanitary facilities. No one ever seems to go to the “loo”, as the British put it. Very rarely does anyone venture into the sewers after an alien or mutant. But, a lot of city design is driven by the need to dispose of “waste” in an efficient, and safe, manner. Castles could be attacked via an unprotected privy. Criminals can escape via the sewers. And, more importantly, bad sanitation can cause huge epidemics, not to mention effecting the “quality of life” for a city’s citizens.
Don’t believe me? Well, check out The History of Sanitary Sewers. It’s all true. Every last goopy detail. Great site. A crap-load of information, if you’re pardon the pun! Check it out!

This is the second new script.

Last week, I re-released my Conlang Word Generator in a limited version. This week, I’ve added a variation on that generator. This version lets you use your own source lexicon! So, if you wanted to make more words that were similar to your own, hand-crafted conlang, all you have to do is copy and paste words from that conlang into the input section and click the button. Presto! More words in the same style as your conlang. Or, at least, similar to your conlang. So, now, you don’t need to rely on my choice of datasets. Go have fun!

Here’s why….

Or, at least, here’s why some people think you’re feeling spooked. According to this article on Reuters, sub-sonic “music” may cause people to experience strange, otherwise unexplainable feelings. Something about this particular ultra-low bass sound just freaks people out. The speculation is that sites where people are convinced there are ghosts have something that generates this sound naturally. Okay, it’s kind of far-fetched, but still…

And, Happy Halloween!

At least, in a limited capacity.

After much thought, and reworking of code, I’ve decided to bring back the popular ConLang Word Generator. It functions basically the same, but will only generate a maximum of 25 words at a time. Hopefully, that will not be too big a burden on the server.
However, rest assured that if I get even the slightest hint of trouble, I’ll have to take it down. It was pretty touch and go last time I had a popular script running that killed my web host’s server, so I’m not taking any chances this time.

And, stay tuned for a new, totally different, word generator! Coming soon to a web page near you!!

They’re bringing him back for his 40th anniversary!

No, really, a new Dr. Who series is going to be done for the BBC. For those of you who are big geeks like me, you already know who Dr. Who is. For those of you who don’t… Well, it’s about time you were educated.
Though it’s hard for me to believe that the Good Doctor has been around for fourty years, he apparently has. And, he’s still popular enough that BBC1 will be airing a new series based on the classic series. The series was about an immortal, time-travelling, space travelling alien who was out to protect the universe from any and all baddies. At his disposal to aid in this duty were the TARDIS and his sonic screwdriver, among other toys. And, of course, his ever-faithful humanoid companions. (Not all of them were actually humans from Earth.) Oh, the memories this brings back!
You can read more about this at the Official BBC Dr. Who Website.

The most ancient of trees.

Okay, so they’re “new” trees, but of a variety that’s been around since the Jurassic. And, soon, you’ll be able to own one. Yep, that’s right. According to this article on BBC News, in 2005 trees that were cultivated from these most ancient of trees will go on sale. According to their growers, they’re slow growing and love the shade, so they’re perfect for patios. Or, dinosaur paddocks.
Okay, this just struck me as funny. I mean I hear all this talk about the extinction of species and here are these trees that we thought died out over 175 million years ago going strong. Makes you wonder a bit, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s Mankind that’s the temporary thing and the plants and bugs that are just waiting for us to die off again. Anyway, it just tickles my funny bone when I think about the “latest thing” being ancient trees. Fun stuff.