During the American Civil War, the Union made use of both tranposition and substitution ciphers for military messaging. The Confederacy had problems stringing anything together; the feds would have their attempts cracked within a day. Johnny Reb was terrible at cryptanalysis as well. They were so desperate, they took to publishing some enciphered Union messages in the local newspapers, hoping that anyone could help them figure out the codes. (Pointed out by an online friend,) the Conf...

During the American Civil War, the Union made use of both tranposition and substitution ciphers for military messaging. The Confederacy had problems stringing anything together; the feds would have their attempts cracked within a day. Johnny Reb was terrible at cryptanalysis as well. They were so desperate, they took to publishing some enciphered Union messages in the local newspapers, hoping that anyone could help them figure out the codes. (Pointed out by an online friend,) the Conf...

This just struck me, as I contemplated the AA batteries I purchased in bulk at Toys'R'us, and the Hot Wheels racetrack that takes 4 D batteries. Is there anything besides batteries and breasts that are measured with this system? And what would a double D battery look like, anyway? I'm not sure, but I'm sure I'd like to have a pair.

This just struck me, as I contemplated the AA batteries I purchased in bulk at Toys'R'us, and the Hot Wheels racetrack that takes 4 D batteries. Is there anything besides batteries and breasts that are measured with this system? And what would a double D battery look like, anyway? I'm not sure, but I'm sure I'd like to have a pair.

Fluff, but fun fluff. Link http://www.moxiegrrrl.com/2005/08/military-rules.html Comes recommended by SPC Whitebread. Where he got the link from, he didn't say. (He likes Rules #4, 7 and 13 under "Marines". I'm partial to the Rangers rules; it seems to match what some old soldiers I knew would talk about.)

Fluff, but fun fluff. Link http://www.moxiegrrrl.com/2005/08/military-rules.html Comes recommended by SPC Whitebread. Where he got the link from, he didn't say. (He likes Rules #4, 7 and 13 under "Marines". I'm partial to the Rangers rules; it seems to match what some old soldiers I knew would talk about.)

In fact, it may endanger my growing spirituality and faith. It certainly won't impress people that I'm trying to convince that I'm sincere. But he is f'n Metal, you know? And so is the shirt! Link

In fact, it may endanger my growing spirituality and faith. It certainly won't impress people that I'm trying to convince that I'm sincere. But he is f'n Metal, you know? And so is the shirt! Link

For those who missed the proper explanations of "Who is Xorn?", and "What happened when Jean came back from the dead (again)?". Xorneto: Link Phoenix: Link Also, a summary of the first issue of "House of M": Link Just click on "WATCH THIS MOVIE!". Simple as that, and enjoyable as well. Bonus: A little Star Wars bit Link since I showed a couple of special guys Episode IV for the first time tonight.

For those who missed the proper explanations of "Who is Xorn?", and "What happened when Jean came back from the dead (again)?". Xorneto: Link Phoenix: Link Also, a summary of the first issue of "House of M": Link Just click on "WATCH THIS MOVIE!". Simple as that, and enjoyable as well. Bonus: A little Star Wars bit Link since I showed a couple of special guys Episode IV for the first time tonight.

Background: greywar has some apartment sitters lined up while he's out of country. One has moved in already, the other is going to move in soon. The one who hasn't moved in stopped by this weekend to check the place out. The encounter, paraphrased: "So, this is the apartment, huh? Okay. Say, I sure am thirsty. I wonder what's in grey's fridge." "Two things to drink: Franzia box wine and a bottle of Old Crow." Yeah, that's grey's fridge alright.

Background: greywar has some apartment sitters lined up while he's out of country. One has moved in already, the other is going to move in soon. The one who hasn't moved in stopped by this weekend to check the place out. The encounter, paraphrased: "So, this is the apartment, huh? Okay. Say, I sure am thirsty. I wonder what's in grey's fridge." "Two things to drink: Franzia box wine and a bottle of Old Crow." Yeah, that's grey's fridge alright.

This was sent to me quite awhile ago, and I've just now uploaded it. Pretty accurate, though. (They didn't mention the key is to meet girls while you're in training .) Edit: Sorry it's so small... hmm. I'll work on that. Until then, the transcript: 1: So, what've you been learning in spook school lately, dude? 2: Arabic. 1: Arabic? What for? 2: So I can tell what the word on the street is. 1: The street? What street? 2: The Arab street -- the pulse of popular sentiment in...

This was sent to me quite awhile ago, and I've just now uploaded it. Pretty accurate, though. (They didn't mention the key is to meet girls while you're in training .) Edit: Sorry it's so small... hmm. I'll work on that. Until then, the transcript: 1: So, what've you been learning in spook school lately, dude? 2: Arabic. 1: Arabic? What for? 2: So I can tell what the word on the street is. 1: The street? What street? 2: The Arab street -- the pulse of popular sentiment in...

From The Economist, June 12th-18th 2004 (pg. 55): A leapfrog appeal is an interesting bit of the English legal system: in a case of sufficient public importance, the appeal may go straight from the High Court to the House of Lords, bypassing the Court of Appeal. For those familiar with the children's game of leapfrog, it's a useful metaphor. But how to translate it? The game of leapfrog is Bockspringen in German (literally deer-jumping), saute-mouton in French (sheep-jump). There a...