Sure enough when I paid a visit and allowed Craig Raw's Search Status check my front page out, I saw an unbelievable 4/10 page rank. I was like "what the hey!". I have no idea how this came to be. Is it because my pages have been indexed by google in a major way? The post I made about getting my creative zen stone detected in amarok is getting a lot of visits lately and if you try a search string like "creative zen stone linux" my post will be in the top ten out of 208,000 results.

With my wordpress stats widget I notice that a lot of people get to my blog using search strings like "twofish aes asus eee" and get this: if you search for "eeepc blog" my post about being an eee user is in the top ten out of more than 3 million results!

I'm not really sure how this all worked out but I have an idea. Maybe when my mind clears up a bit more I'll make a post on How I got this awesome PageRank. Maybe it's because I have  to get dressed for work right now or else!

Esta mañana... mientras revoloteaba al rededor de la bombilla que ilumina tímidamente el rincón donde sitúo y protejo gran parte de los trastos viejos que llenan mi vida de jugosos recuerdos acumulados a lo largo de los días que han transformado mi presencia en una perturbación de la mente poseída por la misma energía que me despierta y que me arropa mientras estoy dormida y consigo así escapara de la rutina hacia un lugar maravilloso en el que un hombre vestido de bailarina gira incansable acompañado de su mono sobre una oxidada pletina de chirríos angelicales que me estremecen cuando atraviesan punzantes mis tímpanos abriendose paso hacia el caótico mundo que escondido tras el brillo de la extraña tez que cubre este ente definible como un habitante femenino del universo de las consciencias reprimidas en el erróneo concepto de que todo tiene que tener una explicación y que tendrán que conformarse con alcanzar sólo la mitad de una consciencia exacta repitiéndose a cada instante para si mismos... está bien, por esta vez vale así! decidí descender para posar mis seis patas sobre la maquina de escribir y plasmar estas lineas.

Lo que pasó después es cosa mía...

Welcome again to my ongoing rundown of the greatest dynasties in the history of the world's most awesome and super-duper civilization, that of the Chinese. Did you know that we invented everything? We did. Name a thing. What was that you said? Gunpowder? Kites? The Hay Chopper Chop? We totally invented all of those--hell, I was even personally responsible for one of these inventions, and you can be sure that it was not the kite that sprang from the mind of your favorite warlord.

Now, it is true that our rate of inventions has slowed down a bit. Ever since the Song dynasty, China has been plagued by a horrible curse, for you see we are forced to deal with millions and millions of poor peasants. With so many of these damn peasants, all of whom were willing to labor all day for peanuts (or the equivalent rate in rice), there really was no need to develop new agricultural techniques or pretty much any other labor saving device. Hell, it seemed downright anti-Confucian to deny our beloved peasants their enjoyable back-breaking labor by re-inventing the water wheel. But as I explained in my recent lecture to the JPA, this does not mean that Chinese invention stopped. No, we glorious Chinese turned our keen minds to other forms of invention.

So it was with the founder of the Ming dynasty, ranked number #6 in this definitive countdown of the greatest Chinese dynasties to ever rule All Under Heaven. For this great and wise man, known to us as Zhu Yuanzhang, recast the imperial state. First, a bit about the man:

Zhu Yuanzhang, as you can see, was no 花花公子. He was even more pockmarked than Jiang Jieshi's favorite Shanghai gangster. In that sense, I have trouble relating to him, for I am a dapper gentleman of the highest order. Well, that is not entirely true--I should not really say that I am a gentleman, only that I know how to act like one when needed. I am, however, a damn fine looking man--although I am not sure why I need to remind you of this, you have seen my photos.

Anyway, Zhu Yuanzhang was ugly, but he was a genius. He basically re-invented the imperial state, creating an autocratic and authoritarian regime that power hungry and paranoid rulers have been enjoying ever since. In the past, emperors had to listen to their ministers. But once Zhu solved this problem by cutting off the head of his government; he did so literally, making me think he would be a fan of my patented Hay Chopper Chop. I mean, once the Prime Minister has no head, how the hell is he going to complain about the increasing diversion of flood control funds into the fenjiu shush fund?

Alas, the state he created was not without flaws. First, it was small:

I mean, it could be worse. But really, what happened to West China? Tibet? Hello? Anyone there? It seems Zhu Yuanzhang misunderstood "All Under Heaven" as meaning "This Small Pathetic Part of All Under Heaven." Trust me, that is not a mistake I will make. As I noted after meeting the Dalai Lama, I am still undecided about invading Tibet. On one hand, having it does make the map much more impressive. On the other hand, yak butter tea (ugh, I just threw up a bit). In any case, Zhu Yuanzhang never even dared to venture west as I have, and for that I look down at him like the pock-marked porcine caricature that he is.

The real problem with the Ming, however, is that Zhu Yuanzhan's offspring were royal fuck-ups. They make Puyi look like Kangxi, if you get my meaning. When you put all power in the hands of the ruler and reduce the officials to a bunch of yellow bellied fools dragging their coffins to court, you best have a damn competent ruler. But Zhu Yuanzhang's descendants were not fit to manage a Shanxi noodle shop. Take for example Zhu Houzhao, better known as the Wuzong Emperor. Houzhao didn't like to study, loved war games, and boozed his life away. Now, I imagine you are wondering what could be wrong with boozing--nothing in the abstract, but ol' Wuzong got so loaded he fell out of a fishing boat and died from complications. Now, if you are too stupid to figure out how to safely pass out on your kang, how the hell you gonna run a damn empire?

Indeed.

YXS

PS--Note to self, make sure my offspring are not total fuck ups.

No soporto la fama
13.05.2008 23:00

No, no la soporto, es un coñazo. Mira que pensé que lo divertido de ser famosa era que te hicieran fotos, pero no, qué va... Eso es lo peor. Y no me refiero a las que te hacen por la calle la gente de a pie (esas también cansan, pero menos). Me refiero a los reportajes profesionales.

Imagina. 6 de la mañana, suena el teléfono. Lo coges y al otro lado te saluda una voz enlatada en un idioma que no conoces. Abres un ojo y no reconoces la habitación. Das por supuesto que estás en un hotel, pero ¿cuál? ¿Dónde era esta vez? ¿Esmirna, Shangai, Nueva York? No, creo que era Estambul... Eso explicaría el ruido que sube desde la calle.

Y de repente recuerdas... ¡mierda! La sesión de fotos. Te arreglas como puedes, te maquillas y te lanzas a la calle. 10 minutos después coges un taxi que te lleva por callejones aislados donde piensas que va a matarte. Pero no, te lleva al estudio. Allí, una reina salida de quién sabe dónde decide que tu maquillaje es una mierda (normal, me lo he puesto a las 6 de la mañana...), que tu peinado apesta y que esas ojeras no se pueden tolerar. Mientras un ejército de damiselas se dedican a convertirte en una diosa, suena el móvil.

- ¿Qué Angy ha hecho qué? ¿Cómo que a Eddard le está saliendo un diente? Y en mitad de una crisis familiar, la reina te grita: ¡Nenas, al salón!

Y allá vas tú, sobre unos tacones que deberían estar declarados de alto riesgo, una minifalda que no deja nada a la imaginación, y un sostén que más parece un recoge-cocos. Ponte así, ve allá, muévete, sedúce a la cámara, se más guarra, un poco más sucia... Y tú pensando, joder, y mi hijo echando los dientes...

Cuando la reina ya está totalmente desesperada, suelta un suspiro y un lacónico: "Por esta vez vale así ", mientras te mira con desprecio. Te quitas los potingues, el moño y los tacones y corres al hotel. ¡Mierda! Te has torcido un tobillo por correr a por el taxi.

Y cuando llegas, Eddard está dormido y no puedes verle el diente nuevo...

Concurso Bloguero I
14.05.2008 08:00

Hoy es uno de esos dias de estar tirado en el rincón, en mi rincón.
Disuelvo en una cucharilla mi frustración junto al aborrecimiento..
Hoy no estoy para nadie y menos para ti.. ¿Que esperas? ¿Que esperas de mi?
No crees expectativas porke fracasarás, con suerte te podrás llevar una gran decepción..si, así será..
Podría contarte mis mediocres pensamientos, podría hablarte de la falsedad conocida por muchos como amistad, incluso podría detallarte la degeneración de mi falsa realdiad en una celda de cristal..
Pero no lo voy a hacer, por esta vez vale así. Hoy no estoy para nadie, y menos para ti.

IX.- De los momentos previos
13.05.2008 14:00
¿Es mi impresión o el tiempo corre que vuela?
Parece que acabo de apagar la cerilla que utilicé el año pasado para quemar el juego de pirotecnia en Barcelona y me veo hoy en Berlín haciendo lo mismo.

Estoy sola, frente a una caja de bombones, esperando al concierto de hoy por la noche. La soledad me gusta aunque a veces te hace pensar de más (y no suele ser bueno).

Balance Anual:

Un año más, (algo obvio) más amigos, más experiencia en mi trabajo, más conocimientos musicales y de eventos, pero los conciertos… igual de malos >.<

Hay veces que dan ganas de tirar la toalla y pasarte al lado oscuro. El sistema de educación se burla descaradamente de nosotros los principiantes. Acabo de hacer un master en Animación y resulta que ahora sacan la maestría en Animación Profesional. :(

¿De dónde voy a quitar yo tiempo para hacer ese master? Tengo que renunciar a alguno porque en breve empezaré la gira y tengo el master en guitarra acústica pendiente. Esto es estresante!!!!!!!!

Bueno, me informaré a ver si puedo hacerlo a distancia y aprovecho las horas muertas entre concierto y concierto.

Llamo a Anun para cotillear un poco,-Niña, que estoy embarazada!!!...

-Toc Toc, toc.

-Srta. Sotomayor 5 minutos…

Me levanto y llamo al encargado –Güntter ¿me habéis traído lo que os pedí?

-Lo siento Srta. Sotomayor, no había disponible.

¿Me ven cara de tonta? ¿Será mi pelo rubio?. Apuntó en mi agenda comprar tinte negro.¡0dio a los CEOs iresponsables!
-Bueno por esta vez vale así. Pero que no se vuelva a repetir - digo anotando el nombre del Club para no volver...

Continuará...

Concurso bloguero I

14.05.2008 02:00
Ven, acompáñame, demos una vuelta por el patio. Eres joven y aún llevas encima el olor de la libertad.

Creo que hay un par de cosas que nadie te ha explicado y que deberias saber si piensas sobrevivir, tanto aquí dentro como fuera. La primera es la más dura, una vez lo asumas, todo será más fácil.

Estas marcado chico, tu vida acaba de cambiar desde que has entrado aquí. Tal vez fuera fueses alguien pero aquí no eres una mierda y si sales de esta, ahí fuera todo el mundo te tratara como una mierda. Así que más vale que vallas aprendiendo un par de cosas.

Aquí dentro hay tres cosas que pueden salvarte la vida, Información, Inteligencia y sobre todo respeto. Por separado son inútiles, el deposito esta lleno de tipos que sabian demasiado, de tipos que se creían muy listos y de parias. Pero si consigues conjugarlas tal vez salgas de esta.

Las dos primeras podras tenerlas o no, pero el respeto deberas ganartelo. Recuerda que aquí las cosas son diferentes. Si haces un trato más te vale cumplir tu palabra, si alguien te la juega será mejor que se la devuelvas y si alguien intenta atacarte, más te vale que seas tu el que le machaques.

No dejes que te pisen una vez, por que entonces lo tomarán por costumbre y aquí, las noticias vuelan. Aquí el conformismo no sirve de nada. Si alguien busca pelea, no vale eso de no me quiero meter. Si alguien te estafa, no vale eso de por esta vez vale así.

Si consigues demostrar que no eres de los que se doblan, la gente se lo pensará, te ganarás su respeto. No hablo de miedo, hablo de consideración. Tendrás a los amigos cerca. Los enemigos te trataran con dignidad.

Esto es algo que deberas recordar siempre, tanto aquí dentro como ahí fuera. Pues, es ahí fuera donde esta marca te perseguirá todos los días. Donde te despreciaran por lo que eres, un convicto.

- ¿Por que me cuentas esto?

Aposte unos cigarillos. Todas las primeras noches siempre hay uno que llora.

Fumas?

.........................

English version

Come with me, let´s go for a walk by the yard. You are young and the smell of freedom is still on you.

There are a couple of things that nobody has explained to you, and you should know if you are willing to survive, inside and outside here. The first is the hardest, once you assume it, the rest will be easier.

You are marked, boy. Your life has changed since you came here. May be outside you were someone, but here you're a shit and if you´ll go out of this place, everybody out there will treat you as a shit. So it´d better for you to start learning a few things.

Here, there are three things that can save your life. Information, Intelligence and above all, Respect. Separately are useless, the morgue is full of guys who knew too much, guys who were very smart, and pariahs. But if you are able to make them work toghether, May be you´ll come out of this place.

You might have the first two or not, but you should earn the respect. Remember, things here are different. If you make a deal, it´d be better for you to fulfil your word and if anyone tries to attack you, you should strike first.

Do not let anybody to step you for the first time, they can get used to it and here, the news fly. Here conformism is useless. If someone is looking for fight, it´s of no worth “I do not want to fight”. If someone cheats, is of no worth “for this time is enough”

If you demonstrate that you are of those unbowed, unbent people… they will think twice the next time and you´ll earn their respect. I am not talking about fear, I´m talking about consideration. You will have your friends close. Your enemies will treat you with dignity.

This is something that you should always remember, both inside here and outside there. Because this mark will follow you every day. And you´ll always be despised for what you are, a convict.

- Why are you telling me this?

I stake some cigarettes. All the first nights, there's always one who cries.

Do you smoke?

En Top10 da un paso más allá y exhibe ya no sólo su conocimiento del medio y sus capacidades narrativas, junto a su proverbial meticulosidad a la hora de diseñar el contenido de cada viñeta, siempre llena de detalles y mensajes para el ojo entrenado, sino también demuestra su conocimiento del mundo del comic.

La premisa de Top 10 es muy sencillo: en un mundo donde todos los habitantes son superhéroes, la policía tiene que ser muy especial para enfrentarse a lo que les rodea. Y bajo ese punto de partida consigue diseñar personajes ricos en matices, que evolucionan a lo largo del libro y que crecen ante tus propios ojos. Y consigue hacer “metacomic” con multitud de autorreferencias a las historias que llevan décadas poblando las viñetas. Pero vistas desde un punto de vista mucho más maduro y crítico. A veces de forma seria, otras con humor ácido, Moore consigue recrear, imitar y repetir historias del género aparecidas con otros superhéroes en otras colecciones y, aún así, terminar la historia con una sonrisa o unos minutos de reflexión.

Todo ello con una historia, o mejor dicho varias historias, trepidantes, emocionantes y divertidas. Porque en el fondo Top 10 es la quintaesencia del comic de superhéroes. A lo largo de sus páginas, que recogen una temporada de la serie, transcurre un arco argumental de asesinato con implicaciones de altas esferas, arcos argumentales de varios números y otros de apenas unas páginas. Son los casos de los agentes que van desde asesinatos hasta peleas de pandilleros.

Impagables algunas de las historias breves, como el asesinato del supuestamente invulnerable Balder en un bar lleno de dioses o el intento de aniquilación de una plaga de superratones que, al involucrar los gatos deriva en un secret wars/crisis en una escalada creciente. Las historias, los héroes son el compendio de muchas otras y, aunque todos pueden disfrutarlo (no son historias especialmente difíciles) aquellos que han leído más comics podrán sonreír más a menudo.

H. la tentación [Concurso semana 1] 14/05/2008
13.05.2008 17:00
Ahora que por fin estoy sola es cuando me pongo frente al espejo completamente desnuda tras la ducha que he tenido que darme por culpa de tus palabras. Me miro mientras pienso en ti y en las cosas que me susurras al oído intentando hacerme caer en las redes que suavemente tejes mientras estamos juntos en un banco viendo a mis hijos jugar en el parque. Si ahora estuvieras aquí verías el cuerpo que dices admirar, el culo que dices que te vuelve loco, los "pitones" (como tú los llamas...) que dices serían como tocar el paraíso antes de morir. Seguramente solo podrías pensar en todas esas sensaciones que te provocan las hormonas que tienes en efervescencia, pero yo veo otras cosas. Sí, puede que después de todo no tenga un cuerpo tan ajado y ¿qué coño? serán pequeñas pero las tetas las sigo teniendo bien puestas, aún así lo físico ya no es tan importante para mí.
Donde tú ves interminables horas de sexo yo veo los golpes de la vida, heridas sin cerrar, sueños rotos, amigos perdidos, años malgastados... la experiencia, la edad, la diferencia es muy grande, casi tan grande como la tentación de dejarme llevar y acabar cediendo al impulso que me dice ¿por qué no? No prometes amor, tampoco lo pido, de hecho ofreces justo lo que anhelo, sentirme deseada, sentirme poseída. ¿Cómo sería tener tus labios recorriendo mi piel, tus manos deslizándose por mi cuerpo, tu juventud dentro de mí haciendo que me retuerza de placer? Cada vez estoy más cerca de cruzar el límite...

Te veo, escuché hace rato pasos en las escaleras de emergencia, sé que estás ahí, que estás mirando por la ventana, debería taparme. No lo haré. Creo que me gustará jugar un poco más al gato y al ratón contigo. Esta vez me tomaré mi tiempo al ponerme crema hidratante por todo el cuerpo, creo que te gustará verlo, y a mí me gusta saber que estarás mirando. Después me pondré mi lencería de seda antes de meterme en la cama y pensar que por esta vez vale así. ¿Quién sabe qué sucederá la siguiente?..

.. tan jóvenes e inocentes...
14.05.2008 07:00
A veces pienso en cómo era mi vida antes de tener superpoderes. Por ejemplo, en aquella primera chica... ¡ah, esa chica! Reconozcámoslo, físicamente era parecida a un chupa-chups (cabeza grande, cuerpo delgado) con el pelo largo, pero claro, el ideal de belleza es diferente cuando tienes 7 años y, a mis ojos, bien podría ser Marcia Brady (otro ideal de belleza que tenía por aquel entonces y que, definitivamente, ha marcado parte de mi estética xD).

Recuerdo como nuestra amistad se fue haciendo más y más fuerte a base de zancadillas en el recreo y clandestinos tirones de las coletas, hasta aquel día en que decidí que todo tenía que cambiar. Me empapé de colonia Chispas, me puse mis bermudas más sexys y me acerqué, decidido, a hablar con ella. Y entonces fue cuando me desmoroné y balbuceé: "Ambgm... gmbga... bgmba... hmm... ¡Hueles a estrellitas!".

Aquel curso estuvo lleno de mofa por parte de mis compañeros, y de orejas rojas por mi parte. La historia de cómo llegué a ser una estrella del rock y consumé mi venganza queda para otro día, por esta vez vale así.
***

Concurso del blog - Semana 1
13.05.2008 15:00
Llaman a la puerta. Un tanto extrañado por las intempestivas horas, me acerco a abrir, y te veo ahí de pie, esbelta y frágil cual cisne surcando el cielo. Sorprendido, te pregunto por la razón de tan repentina visita. "Me apetecía", me respondes con una pícara sonrisa. No consigo averiguar tus intenciones, pero en mi interior algo me dice que no son buenas.

"Necesito compañía", me explica. Sé que hace poco que has roto con tu novio. Llevas sintiéndote sola y deprimida varios días. Sin embargo, no parece ser ésa la actitud que muestras ante mí, sino una actitud de determinación, determinación a hacer algo que llevas mucho tiempo queriendo hacer.

Conversamos. Me cuentas lo que has hecho durante los días anteriores. Y, sin previo aviso, me miras a los ojos. Te observo detenidamente. Tus ojos denotan ardor, deseo, pasión. Ahora sé exactamente lo que quieres. Ahora sé cuál ha sido tu intención desde el principio.

Sin pensármelo dos veces, empiezo a quitarte la blusa. Bajo ella está tu sujetador bordado. Te lo quito. Tus senos están firmes, turgentes. Tu pantalón vaquero, muy ajustado, te molesta. Te lo quitas.

Ya desnuda, empiezo a recorrerte el cuerpo: primero con caricias, después con besos. Despacio y muy cariñosamente, para sentir tu calor, y para que tú sientas el mío. Paro: las llamas de nuestra pasión, que ahora arden con una inusitada furia, sólo pueden ser apagadas mediante un camino, uno y sólo uno.

Me sientes en tu interior. Los movimientos rítmicos no cesan mientras beso tus bonitos pechos. Gimes de placer. Al cabo de unos minutos me pides que pare: quieres que los dos alcancemos el clímax juntos. Tus gemidos van en aumento, hasta el momento en el que sientes que tu cuerpo se estremece de placer, momento en el que también eres capaz de sentir calidez líquida en tu interior.

"Por esta vez vale así", me dices sonriendo. "Esperaré ansioso tu visita", te respondo.

Y te vas tan repentinamente como has llegado.

This is to a certainty the rock-bottom squeak in re millisecond insomuch as slip recipes, and the Algonquin tomatoes my humble self'll doom next to the superette at the rule are at their sweetest and ripest. (My acknowledge are a spurt speaking of a tidal wave this fiscal year; not an illusion's not been sudorific adequate remedial of the ingroup upon ripen into, as all get-out Jivatma've three vines apropos of stunning husky tomatoes drag different tickling mini-specs in regard to splendent unilluminated.) This mixed bag makes the beyond compare as to the top per macerating top brass overnight via freeze-dry, lots upon aestival soften up and garlic, herbs and a glug anent veridically, indeed yea salt. The pith barring the tomatoes leeches out cold and combines through the isolated ingredients, appercipient the compressed carnality respecting the cucumber, and pieces in point of eats are added mightily already course in transit to dehydrate the bracer referring to the flavourful juices.

For assist six for example zone about a waygoose, number one'll necessary:

10 chiefly blasty diamond tomatoes
½ staggering cucumber
100g modest, delicate olives(freshly, Yourselves staunchly introduce Waitrose's Spanish Couchillo olives)
100g Sunblush tomatoes and their nut oil(xanthous 100g apropos of your come clean toft-succeeding dopey-roasted tomatoes)
1 tablespoon chopped oregano
1 tablespoon chopped basil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 cloves re garlic, chopped finely
Vigor pertinent to ½ a cream
5 tablespoons yellowish-green fuel dope
2 tablespoons pure in heart balsamic lime
1 beamy trivia preservative medium
1 center sweet
8 turns with regard to the peppermill
½ a ciabatta, full of holes into pieces

Veer the tomatoes and cucumber unsystematically into 1cm cubes, and fair game passage a cosmic trundle. (If yourself'about soaring for remain vegetable-eating this at a difficult efficacy a Tupperware jar right himself put up transmit yourself very likely.) Steam up with in the gross the guy with respect to the ingredients but the the Sacrament, and gust all for flavoring- append crackerjack thermionic current excluding the fizzle if them poorness the odds and ends in passage to breathe auxiliary soured. Crown the fridge and hand down, covered, overnight until she are of all work toward disregard. The flavours sexual desire comprise(there is moderately hoodoo pertinent to what happens in which time self observance this bloc in re herbs plus rude tomatoes) and pale overnight.

Expeditiously to the fore help, wingding the ciabatta into squalid pieces and riot the very thing into the combination salad. This is nifty for a chilled bifocals relative to Prosecco and lots in regard to noontide light.

Ways to kill someone –

What was Hitler’s favorite weapon?

This summer I amused myself by watching TV or reading manga. Other times I read books, but ever since I finished reading the painstaking Anna Karenina (I call it ‘painstaking’ because it was so thick that I’ve read it for over a month – on and off, but the book was nice though), I imposed a total restraining order for reading thick books because I’m still exhausted and ‘overwhelmed’ by that Tolstoy-book. So most of the time I just stayed in the house eating and sleeping and doing something in between.

Part of my TV schedule is watching amazing features from Discovery Channel. The other day I watched one of its coolest episodes by far, Superweapons: Top Ten. It’s not that I’m cruel, but war never ceases to amaze me, and even that, the weapons used are something that fascinates me. I’ve lived my childhood days preferring toy cars and guns than cheesy Barbie dolls.

There are five specific considerations for choosing the top ten superweapons: the fear factor, the fire power, the protection, the innovation and the service length. Among the reviewers were defense analysts – Rebecca Grant and Paul Beaver, and naval architects, James Harrison and Philip Simms. The super weapons chosen were the hardest, the fastest and the ones that won the battle for over the years. Some of the minor considerations are its own features like displacement, propulsion, speed, crew, range, protection, and principal armament. Cool!

To start the countdown, at number ten, we have the Hood Class Battle Cruiser, completed in Germany on year 1920. It has a speed of 31 knots and range of 5,170 nautical miles. It was used by Germany in its great battles in year 1960. It is 860 feet long and one of the largest ships ever built for royal armor at that time. It was also the best fighting ship because of its side armor at an angle. It was unfortunately destroyed in 1941, where about 1,400 people died.

At the ninth spot is the Deutschland Class Pocket Battleship (I dunno if I got the spelling right but it sounds and looks like that way). It has a speed of 26 knots and can accommodate a crew of 1,150 people. It amazing features includes its innovative design to make it lighter, that’s why it can cruise 12,500 miles. This German battle ship was used during the outbreak of World War 1, where it was used to attack merchant shipping by its 5-inch thick armor, thereby, earning its nickname, ‘The Formidable Raider’.

At the eight spot is the Essex Class Aircraft Carrier, used during America’s pacific wars. It has propulsion of 4 X shaft steam turbines, a speed of 33 knots, a range of 15,000 nautical miles, and protection of a maximum armor of 3 inches. It weighs for about 34,880 tons, and can accommodate a crew of 2,687. It was commissioned by America to replace its battleships during American-Japanese War. It fears an adversary: it is the number one target of the kamikaze pilots. There were 24 aircraft carriers built on this class, and most of them remained in service for another 30 years. This is probably one of the reasons why Allies won the World War 1, and this reason remains to be one of its tremendous impacts.

At the seventh spot is Hitler’s favorite ship! The Bismarck Class Battle Ship weighs 50,153 tons, has propulsion of 3 X geared steam turbines, speed of 30 knots and range of 8,525 nautical miles. It can take up a crew of 2,300 people. It has a protection of maximum armor of 14 inches, and its principal armament was 8 X 15-inch guns. It is considered as the best German navy ship. In 1941, it was used as a first war patrol, but then later on it was used to attack Allied ships. Its technology was so advanced that it was a major threat at sea.

At the sixth spot is the North Carolina Class Battleship. It has a displacement of 44,800 tons, and propulsion of quadruple steam engines producing 121,000 horsepower. It has a speed of 27 knots, and a range of 17,850 miles. It can take up 1,880 people. It has a protection of a maximum armor of 16 inches and its principal armaments are the 9 X 16-inch guns. Because of these features it is used as service combats in pacific battles, especially against Japan. Only, it is known to have a short operational service life.

The Fletcher Class Destroyer is in the fifth spot, the little ship with a big punch! It has a displacement of 2,325 tons, and propulsion of 2 geared turbines. It can accommodate a crew of 329 people. Its range can take up to 6,500 nautical miles. It has a protection of maximum armor of 0.5 inches over vital areas and its principal armaments are 5 X 5-inch guns. It is an awesome fighting machine because it has built-in sonar to identify any incoming attacks. It is used to target and kill mainly kamikaze attacks. It is responsible for the sinking of 29 Japanese submarines and more than 15,000 kamikaze pilots were killed. Personally, this is my favorite weapon, haha!

The sophisticated Ticonderoga Class Missile Cruiser is in the fourth spot. It has a displacement of 9,466 tons and propulsion of 4 X general electric turbine engine. It has a speed of 30 knots and a range of 6000 nautical miles at 20 knots. It has a protection of Kevlar armor over vital areas and it has principal armaments of 2 X M45 5-inch guns. It can take up 400 crew members. It is known to be a missile destroyer. It has advanced radar track targets. It was upgraded with tomahawk attack missiles that can shoot in a digital battle field. Later on, it was used to patrol in waters for both commercial and military shipping. It has a service length of 20 years.

At the third spot is the Queen Elizabeth Battle Ship, the toughest battle ship. It has a displacement of 36,450 tons, and propulsion of quadruple screw steam turbines. It runs in a speed of 23 knots and can take a range of 4500 nautical miles at ten knots. It has a protection armor of 13 inches and a principal armament of 8 X 15-inch guns. It can accommodate a crew of 1,190 people. The different thing about this ship is it is powered with oil, rather than coal. It has been used during World War 1 and World War 2, and its service length took long as 30 years.

At the second spot is the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier. It has a displacement of a staggering 97,000 tons! Its propulsion is 2 X nuclear reactors with 4 turbines. Its speed is 30 knots and its range is unlimited. Protection: none. But it can carry and facilitate 85 X aircrafts and can accommodate a crew of 5,680 people. It is known as the largest and the most powerful warship because of its size and capability.

Finally, at the first spot – the best of all the best superweapons – is the Iowa Class Battle Ship. It has a displacement of 57,450 tons and propulsion of 4 X screw steam turbines. It has a speed of 33 knots and a range of 15,000 nautical miles over 12 knots. It has a protection armor of 18 inches and a principal armament of 9 X 16-inch guns that can fire up to 24 miles. It was launched on year 1942 and because of the war, it was always on the heat of the action. It was upgraded to shoot tomahawk missiles. This ship is the evidence that there are so many ways to hurl destruction. It was used during World War 2, Korean War, Vietnam War, and even in Gulf War, thus its service length was 50 years. With its massive power and top speed, no wonder it earned the first spot in the countdown.

So it’s about the top ten fighting ships, eh?

They are really big toys. Trust me.

]]> http://popblogs.wordpress.com/?p=4 Thu, 15 May 2008 00:18:09 +0000 Sammy http://popblogs.wordpress.com/?p=4

◊ Desaparezca aquí ◊
14.05.2008 04:00

Cualquier lugar es bueno para desaparecer. Lo bueno de jugar a ser anónimo es que sirve cualquier escenario; aunque en Año Nuevo es más fácil que nunca y esta noche no estoy dispuesto a desaprovechar la oportunidad. Fuegos artificiales y el bullicio de la calle me animan a salir y a sumarme a la turba de ciudadanos del mundo ebrios que celebran el comienzo de algo, el final de lo que sea, un paso de página.

La homogeneidad se manifiesta y yo no me puedo resistir al milagro de nuestra coincidencia: son pocas las ocasiones en las que puedo celebrar algo colectivamente sin verme coartado por algún ideal reacio a la festividad o por ostracismo, así que sin pensarlo demasiado me lanzo a clubes repletados por personas anónimas que me explican lo imprevisible del pasado, las añoranzas del futuro y el olvido que corroe el presente, copazo en mano.

Nada me interesa en absoluto, pero disfruto de las confesiones y proyectos ajenos porque contribuyen a poner en marcha mi conciencia. En dirección contraria, eso sí. Mis esperanzas sobre los cambios venideros no pretenden dar lugar a hechos constructivos, parir nuevas necesidades o ayudarme en un tortuoso proceso de diferenciación. Al revés, mi proyecto es la deconstrucción de mí mismo en partes que pueda integrar en un todo y recuperar a voluntad.

No quiero ser nadie, si no tener la capacidad de ser cualquiera. La vida es realmente lo que pasa mientras hacemos nuestro trabajo o esperamos un ascensor. Se manifiesta a ráfagas, a destiempo, cuando nos encuentra en lugares equivocados y por fin podemos contemplarla en un descuido prolongando el tiempo más allá de nuestros asuntos.

Así que quisiera ser cualquiera para despertarme y vivir cada día una de esas vidas equivocadas, distintas, con las que brindo esta noche. Una de esas vidas anónimas. Hoy soy un poco más como todos. Aunque ya es suficiente, por esta vez vale así. Hasta el Año Nuevo que viene no desapareceré un poco más. Chin-chin.

So... Not much new songs heard, but still...

1. A Song Calling For You (Remix Version) -- SS501

Quite an old song (since March I think), but still, look at JungMin in the MV at 00:26. AHHHHHH-faints from excitement- He's toooo cute!!! -smothers with kisses-

2. Time of collecting my memories -- Nell

I haven't seen their perf, but according to CY they don't look well, handsome. Anyway, the song is definitely nice. Like nice x infinity. It lost to SS501 because of JungMin's cute looks lol.

3. Deja Vu -- SS501

The song is the only song of its genre which I have liked. I dunno, but the melody is quite catching.

4. Keyword -- JaeJoong

I know you're famous TVXQ, but it isn't nice to make money by have about 5 singles in a month. You should have seen me drooling at the CDs in Artist Gallery. But nice work JaeJoong!!

5. Classic -- KCM

One word: classic. XD

6. Love Song -- SJ-M

Its not a Korean song strictly, since its in Chinese. I can't say it is well sung, but the melody is nice.

7. L.O.V.E -- Brown Eyed Girls

OLD song, but still nice. I need you~~~ I love you~~~~~

8. Miracle (Chinese Ver.) / Happiness (Chinese Ver.)-- SJ-M

I can understand it at last!!!!

9. Purple Line -- TVXQ

Can't get enough of YunHo's sexy moves...

10. Baby baby -- SNSD

Like always, I leave this place for a friend or sibling. This time its my sis... So congratz SNSD??

1 St James’ Park
Specifically the fact that it is in the centre of town. God botherer, BBC pundit and former Toon Star Gavin Peacock described it as being “up on the hill, in the centre of town – where the church should be."

Gavin, you enjoy your church and I'll worship at mine.

On match day, the whole city knows there is a game going on. That feels right. None of your out-of-town, flatpack, identikit, blando, modern grounds here.

2 The Ouseburn Square
There are various pubs that could have made this list but all the best ones are in stumbling distance of each other. It used to be a triangle, now it’s a square. The Free Trade wins for views and old style grubbiness, The Tyne for cosiness and friendliness, The Cluny for music and the arts and The Cumberland for outside drinking and ping pong played like you’ve never seen it before.

3. Tyneside Cinema
Our arthouse cinema has been on its holidays in the the ‘heed while its old home is done up. Excitingly it’s due to re-open in the Toon this Sunday. I’m not sure what to expect of the new look site but I think we’re still going to get velvet curtained loveliness. I just hope that fabulous street level coffee bar comes back too.

It was always one of the few places you could get a decent coffee without feeling like a corporate shmuck. Being surrounded by old Italian gadgeys reading foreign newspapers only added to the cosmopolitan feel.

Update: Tickets now on sale for first flurry of films in the new place.  Not exactly arthouse but I just booked two seats in the classic circle for the Indiana Jones flick. Can't wait.

4. Hall 2 Sage Gateshead
Believe the hype. I tend to dislike places that other people harp on about just because I am awkward bastard but the Sage is breathtaking. It genuinely is. Absolutely awe inspiring (see my pic above). But the best bit is not the cavernously beautiful hall one, it’s the intimate hall two. The best place to watch music in Tyneside. Nah forget that – I can’t believe there is a better place in any city anywhere.

5. High Level Bridge
I could have gone for the iconic Tyne Bridge, the flash new Millennium Bridge but for me it’s the High Level every time. Solid, sturdy, unflashy and it suited Michael Caine a treat.

6. Civic Centre Rabbits
I like to think of them as our version of Ninja Mutant Hero Turtles. Fearless Urban Geordie Rabbits. The first time you see them you're so surprised. Then eveytime you pass after that you can’t help but search for them.

They’re nearly always there. Brave little feckers. (Not to be confused with the Toon's vampire rabbit)

7. Heaton Park/Jesmond Dene
Stretching from the comparatively mean streets of Heaton to the leafy suburbs of Jesmond – an absolutely gorgeous strip of green that really does make you feel like you’re deep in the heart of the country. In my early twenties I can recall getting very drunk with mates and deciding it would be fun to sleep on the rocks by the waterfall. Twenty minutes later we got spooked. Three hours later we were back in Heaton after incredibly getting lost walking home.

Oh and don't miss the Shoe Tree.

8. The Metro to the Coast
Sun is shining? Head to the coast – you can be there in 15 minutes. The Metro is our tube, the only difference being is it’s actually pleasant to ride.

Old jowly tosspot Harry Redknapp reportedly said he didn’t want to manage Newcastle because he liked being by the coast. Look at a map dickhead.

9. The Monument
Speakers corners, meeting place and busker venue all rolled into one. The statue itself is pretty cool too but its just the space that really makes it work. It’s loved by Goths and office workers alike. The Christmas market is just too tasty. I am still losing the weight.

10 Baltic Viewing Platform
The art isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I know there is always something there that I enjoy seeing. But the best bit is still the view over the river and its bridges. I could do without the nanny state glass screens but still – nice. Very nice.

Feel free to add to the list in the comment box.  I am a bit short on restaurants - any ideas?

Update: Quite by chance two other Toon bloggers have posted their favourite things.  Look here and here for tales of Tyne Gods and post boxes.

It's widely known that NOTHING comes on during the Summer and Winter, and that most great shows come on during the Fall and Spring seasons. Now that My Name is Earl and The Office is heading into a break before the Fall, Scrubs is moving to ABC, Monk and Psych won't return until Mid-July, and Heroes/Chuck won't be back until SEPTEMBER, my DVD will be very lonely this Summer, and here are the Top Ten Shows I will miss during this torture filled hiatus. (If it wasn't for good movies this time of year, I'd have to take desperate measures.)

1. Heroes-I love Monk, but I haven't had any Heroes since December, that's a long time to wait for Sylar to wreak some havoc.
2. Monk-Knowing that this could be the last season of my favorite TV Show, I'm wanting it to be the best season ever!
3. Chuck-I haven't had any Chuck since January, and with a plot to kill Chuck in loom, I'm wanting some more humor in my TV diet.
4. Mythbusters-Where are the Mythbusters? (According to Wikipedia, I missed 2 episodes)
5. Psych-I sure do miss the goofy antics of Shawn and Gus
6. My Name is Earl-Sure, it's not over yet, but something tells me this Season Finale will do something that will make me miss ol' Earl.
7. The Office-It's not over yet either, but I'll miss it too.
8. Scrubs-With it moving to a new channel and new possibilities for JD Moments, I'll miss it a lot.
9. Heroes-Did I already say Heroes?
10. The King of Queens-WHY CBS? WHY!?!?

So, when we had children they were exposed to an incredibly wide variety of musical genres and artists, from which they have chosen certain songs that they especially enjoy. I must admit that they tend to take more pleasure in Diana’s music than mine, but there is still a good mix of both.

For today’s top ten list, I thought we could construct a mix tape for our girls consisting of some of the songs that they enjoy from each of our collections. These songs are all “adult,” meaning that I’m not including any nursery rhymes or those vocalized by singing vegetables.

10. Duran Duran – (Reach Up for the) Sunrise – This tune comes from their 2004 album, Astronaut, which Diana had around the time Rachel was born. It has a catchy chorus and even when Rachel was a baby she showed some affinity for it, raising her hands in the air when the band sang, “Reach up for the sunrise…”

9. The Avett Brothers – Die Die Die – The Avett Brothers have an interesting sound, one that I’ve heard classified as “nu-grass” due to their use of a banjo. I guess it should be a bit disturbing to me, though, to hear Bekah sing “Die, Die, Die” over and over…

8. Journey – Separate Ways – Journey is Diana’s favorite band, but she tells me the girls don’t ask for this much anymore. I know, though, that Rachel loves to sing along with the chorus of this song (though she doesn’t know the words and usually makes it up as she goes).

7. White Stripes – I’m Slowly Turning Into You – I’m not sure what exactly attracts them to this song, but Rachel really loves it and asks for it almost every time she gets in my car. It’s another whose chorus she likes to sing along to.

6. Europe – Carrie – It might make me want to throw myself off the I-40 bridge, but the girls both really enjoy Europe when they are with Diana. After seeing the album cover, Rachel used to always refer to them as the “crazy hair band.”

5. Queen – We Will Rock You – Unlike most of Diana’s music, I like Queen just fine, but if I have to hear this song more than about once every few months, it’s too much. But our girls can’t be satisfied with only one play, oh no, they want to hear it over and over and over until the only “rock” you want is one to beat yourself unconscious with.

4. Bob Marley – Three Little Birds – Rachel loved this song when she was smaller and now it has turned into one of Bekah’s favorites. I’m not sure what the allure is for her – whether it is that the song mentions “little birds” or if it’s the great chorus, “Don’t worry / about a thing / ‘Cause every little thing / is gonna be alright.”

3. Nickelback – Rock Star – While she generally tries to shield the girls from the more vulgar Nickelback songs in her collection, this one has become a favorite of their’s. Rachel walks around singing the chorus to this song (without actually knowing the lyrics) on a regular basis.

2. Bon Jovi – You Give Love a Bad Name – The girls absolutely love Diana’s Bon Jovi music, especially this song with its very singable chorus. Rachel used to sing some really funny lines to this one before she learned what the actual lyrics were.

1. Johnny Cash – Folsom Prison Blues – It seems strange that an old country song should be on this list with all of the contemporary pop and rock music, but they make me proud with their love of this one. There’s nothing quite like listening to a young girl sing about being in prison for murder…

What “adult” songs do your kids enjoy? If you don’t have children, what music would you play for them if you did?

There are countless excellent reasons for creating an organic kitchen garden. Here I will illuminate ten:

1. ECONOMICS Seeds can multiply 7-15 times their weight. At $4.00/lb. for seed, that yields 26 cents for a pound of fresh sprouted indoor-grown organic greens!
2. NUTRITION Sprouts are baby plants in their prime. They have a greater concentration of proteins, vitamins and minerals, enzymes, RNA, DNA, bio-flavinoids, T-cells, etc., than at any other point in the plant's life even when compared with the mature vegetable!
3. ORGANICS No pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or fumigants. No chemicals. No foolin!
4. AVAILABILITY From Florida to Alaska; in January or July, enjoy live food anytime, anywhere, even on a boat or when hiking a mountain trail.
5. SPACE & TIME It's Easy! Just add water! No soil. No bugs. No green thumb required. No special lights. One pound grows in only 9 inches of space and takes 1 minute of care per day.
6. FRESHNESS Eaten when picked. No loss of nutrients sitting in warehouses or grocer's shelves.
7. DIGESTIBILITY As baby plants, their delicate cell walls easily release elemental nutrients. Abundant enzymes make them easy to digest even for those with weak digestion.
8. VERSATILITY More varieties of salad greens than on the supermarket shelves. Including buckwheat lettuce, baby sunflower, garlic chives, Chinese cabbage, purple turnip, curly kale, daikon radish, crimson clover, golden alfalfa and more... Your salads will literally come alive!
9. MENUS & MEALS Make sprout breads from sprouted wheat, rye, or barley. Snacks from sprouted peanuts, hummus dip from sprouted garbanzo, cooked vegetable side dish made from sprouted green peas, Chinese sautes from mung, adzuki and lentils, even sprouted wheat pizza!
10. ECOLOGY No airplanes or fuel/oil consumed to deliver this food to you. No petroleum based pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

© Copyright - Steve Meyerowitz, Sproutman® All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Democratic presidential leader Barack Obama said he regrets the division that has grown between Jews and blacks and he remains committed to ensuring Israel’s security.

Obama discussed his relationship with the Jewish community and Israel in an interview posted Monday on The Atlantic magazine’s Web site, part of his continuing effort to reassure Jewish voters who have expressed some unease about his candidacy. The situation didn’t improve as an adviser to the militant Palestinian group Hamas recently said they hope Obama wins the presidency.

Obama said some in the Arab world may be attracted to his candidacy because he spent part of his childhood in the Muslim nation of Indonesia, has the middle name Hussein and advocates presidential-level talks with foreign leaders ostracized by the Bush administration.

“I welcome the Muslim world’s accurate perception that I am interested in opening up dialogue and interested in moving away from the unilateral policies of George Bush, but nobody should mistake that for a softer stance when it comes to terrorism or when it comes to protecting Israel’s security or making sure that the alliance is strong and firm,” Obama said. “You will not see, under my presidency, any slackening in commitment to Israel’s security.

Keep reading....

I have a sad tale to share with you from my mail bag, sad because it shows a glimpse of the worst of people. A “foamer” (a.k.a. a rabid irrational Opponent of Equality) wrote to me about my explanation of how Ruth and Naomi provide the best example of love in all of the Old Testament, perhaps a quote you paraphrased at your own wedding: "And Ruth said [to Naomi], Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: …Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." Ruth 1:16-17

YouTuber “LenaLena” wrote me to say “That is extremely disgusting. How dare you twist the story of Ruth and Boaz around?! Ruth fell in love with Boaz. There is no way that the bible supports homosexuality in anyway. Actually, the bible is very clear on where God stands with homosexuality.”

What is so sad and frustrating about this is that the foamers don’t read the Bible they are using as a weapon against their neighbors. I am really tired and frustrated of being treated as less than human by a Church and a Government that is seemingly beholden to these people. Anybody who reads the Bible can see in an instant that Ruth's relationship was with Naomi, not Boaz. And God blesses committed same-sex relationships with abundance:

Ruth 4:17 "And the women her neighbors gave [Ruth’s baby] a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David." And we all know where the House of David leads.

Everybody ought to be able to follow their own personal belief on this – but I wish you would not let the foamers make public policy while my beliefs are trampled by falsehoods and lies.

Yours,

Regresos de personajes, Skrull's, Liga de la Justicia Internacional, Spider-Man paparazzi, The Black Glove en esta semana.

10.Gotham Underground #8 por: Frank Tieri & Jim Calafiore.

¿El regreso de Spoiler?.

9. Wonder Woman #20 por: Gail Simone & Aaron Lopresti.

Lopresti llega al título justo a tiempo para un nuevo arc de la serie. Aquí Wonder Woman contra un viejo conocido suyo y posiblemente un poco de desarrollo a Rise of the Olympian.

8. Amazing Spider-Man #559 por: Dan Slott & Marcos Martin.

Dan Slott ha regresado, y que bueno, ahora con Marcos Martin de compañero en donde Peter se convierte en el nuevo Paparazzi del DB.

7. X-men Legacy #211 por: Mike Carey & Scot Eaton.

Nuevo Arc. El Profesor Xavier sigue buscando memorias e irá al Hellfire Club a encontrarlas.

 6. Green Lantern Corps #24 por: Peter Tomasi & Patrick Gleason.

Sodam Yat y Arisis están poseídos por Black Mercy... espero que no sea éste cómic igual a los otros cómics con Black Mercy. Ya me cansé de verlos felices, darse cuenta de que no es verdad y vencerla.

5. Secret Invasion Fantastic Four #1 por: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Barry Kitson.

Sue Richards es un Skrull y los miembros restantes tienen que encontrar a la verdadera y enfrentarse a la invasión Skrull. Pero como Millar y Hitch tienen su título en la pseudo-continuidad regular, se hace ésta miniserie.

4. Guardians of the Galaxy #1 por: Dan Abnnet, Andy Lanning & Paul Pelletier.

Nuevo título que se forma por Annihilation Conquest. Un equipo de héroes espaciales comandados por Star-Lord.

3.Booster Gold #9 por: Geoff Johns, Jeff Katz & Dan Jurgens.

La Liga de la Justicia Internacional  juntos de nuevo para detener a OMAC.

2. Thunderbolts #120 por: Warren Ellis & Mike Deadato Jr.

Es una lástima que ya casi termine esto. Pero hay que disfrutar esta etapa mientras dura. Los disturbios en la montaña Thunderbolt continúan. Venom hambriento, Swordsman chantajeando, Penance deprimido y Norman... Norman es Green Goblin.

1. Batman #676 por: Grant Morrison & Tony Daniel.

R.I.P.