Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts

Friday, July 25, 2008

Keep Watching the Skies

I Want to Believe

Astronaut claims aliens real, contact covered-up by government.


Ballista is note quite sure what to make of this story. It's easy to dismiss this as the ramblings of an older gentleman who maybe just wants some attention. He was once famous for walking on the moon, but now hardly anyone knows his name. Or, perhaps he was just trying to tell a cute story to a foreign radio host. Thinking more seriously about it (and I can't believe that I am actually doing so), why would he tell this story, if true, to an Australian radio program? Seems kind of like an important development if true and worthy of a press conference or book or something more "official".

But, on the flip side, if he's telling the truth, what has changed that he's willing to say this now? Could be he thinks the government can't do much to him at this point in his life for spilling the beans.

Here's Ballista's take... stories of aliens from space resonate with everyone. They play on inherent fears of the unknown and an inherent curiosity of the same. At the same time, the alien theme is well suited as a means to bringing people together. Think about the ending of Independence Day. And who doesn't think that their government is hiding something. Essentially, I think Dr. Mitchell was trying to make a point about society and human relations of a much more terrestrial kind.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Real Pirates

Someone who knows of Ballista's fondness for all things pirate (sans the Pittsburgh baseball franchise) informs me of a new exhibit devoted to high seas buccaneers at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. It's doubtful that I will be able to make the trek to the City of Brotherly Love to view the exhibit; however, I decided to check out the web site to see what Ballista might be missing. Through a round-about-way Ballista ended up at a partner site of the exhibit, which features several Flash-based pirate-themed games. I was sucked in for at least an hour! And I didn't even try the "Advanced" level game yet. If you want to plunder some serious time, go here.




The official web site of the traveling exhibit is here.





Update:
Ballista can have a pirate-themed party at the Franklin! Rum all around.

Update 2: Shiver me timbers, the parties are for children. Run up the colors and give 'em a broadside.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

I'm Surrounded by...

This is how I have felt all week.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Freudian Slip?

Sound advice, to be sure, but probably not the best selection of words on the part of the lawyer or MSNBC.

Makes you wonder what really happens in those cloakrooms, doesn't it?


Okay, maybe it doesn't. Bad Ballista.


Update: Leave it to Wonkette to be more debauched than Ballista. Thanks to commenter Raz for the plug.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

There is no free lunch, er, coffee mug

No, believe it or not, this is not Ballista haranguing the venerable folks at The Economist. Although, Ballista understands from whence the confusion might spring...

As I am sure you can appreciate, as a busy professional my time is short. I am also a directed leader of men and women and, accordingly, often prone to vocalizing my displeasure with the current state of affairs with a mind to inspiring change.
Ballista is not sure which part of the hapless subscriber's tale of woe I find most amusing. Perhaps point #3:
This makes a mockery of the thermal insulation properties of the mug-- a flaw that is visible to all my colleagues.
The ending is a gem, as well.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Look out, it's...

GODZILLA!



Update: Oooh, it gets better!




Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Random Mania

The best sentences Ballista heard today:

#1
I would like to have a picnic in this bathroom.

#2
We'll install a wireless network in your house for an extra $1,200.

I guess this is how the home builders are adjusting to the housing slump.