Wolfpigeons and Sharkfalcons and Crocodeagles, "Oh MY!"

This was a great April 1st (hint-wink) release by Qualcomm. It almost sounds serious as they talk of genetically manipulated wolfpigeons, sharkfalcons, and a fleet of crocodeagles, “large enough to blot out the sun”

Awesome job, guys. Almost had me fooled.

Real-Life Superheroes

Crimefighting is my bag. Okay, not as much as it is for these guys and girls.

Welcome to the world of real-life superheroes.

That's right, there are people who wear costumes and chase bad guys, complete with martial arts skills and secret weapons. They have Leagues of Justice they belong to. A quote from the definitive website, World Superhero Registry:

A Real-Life Superhero must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered for the registry:

Costume: The purpose of a costume is not simply to protect the identity of the Real-Life Superhero from criminals that might seek revenge, but to make a statement both to the evil-doers that you fight against and to the world at large: you are not simply someone who happened upon crime or injustice and made an impulsive decision to intervene. You have vowed to actively fight for the betterment of humankind and to serve as an example for others. The costume of a Real-Life Superhero must be of sufficient quality to show some care went into it's creation.

Heroic Deeds: The purpose behind becoming a Real-Life Superhero must be for the benefit of mankind, and the Heroic Deeds must be of sufficient degree as to exceed normal everyday behavior. If proof of Heroic Deeds is not present, a listing may still be added to the Registry, however, it may be marked as "inactive" or "unconfirmed" in the description.

Personal Motivation: A Real-Life Superhero cannot be a paid representative of an organization, not even a benevolent one. The motivation to become a Real-Life Superhero must come from the individual: not an advertising gimmick or a public relations campaign.

Citizens, I love your enthusiasm. And your costumes.

Okay, I love it all. Everything. AND, I had no idea you existed.

But then, perhaps that's the way you planned it...

World Superhero Registry gallery

Another link with more info, from the grammatically challanging "Superheroes Lives."

Oscar

Oscar has a unique vision. Something beautiful, followed by something strange and crazed.

I don't think like he does. Not many do.

Art rocks.

Oscar Socarras Photography

1800s Vampire Killing Kit

Why didn't I buy this? Why, why, why, why, why? At almost 15,000, it's a steal!

Or maybe I could make my own, with some old junk I find.

Yeah, that's the ticket

Antiques and the Arts Online

Evil Mutant Fish

Scientists have claimed a fearsome mutant fish has begun actively hunting people - after gorging itself on human corpses which have been dumped in rivers.

Can anybody say, "Frankenfish?"

The Story, from curriermail in Australia

The Horror of Bunnies: 8 Rabbits to Avoid

GREAT! Just when I was getting over that ugly rabbit incident as a child!

Mental Floss The Horror of Bunnies: 8 Rabbits to Avoid

REALISTIC BLOOD (a-la Dexter)

Ingredients - Corn syrup or Karo syrup (clear)
- Zinc Oxide
- Red food color
- Yellow food color
- Water ( H2O )


Optional - Green food color
- Peanut butter ( smooth )
- Kodak Photo-Flo


Quantity Table

+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Karo...|Zinc.Oxide.|Red.color.|Yellow.color...|Photo-flo.|H2O
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+

1P.......1/2.L.Tsp......1.Oz........2.1/2.Tsp...........1.Oz........1.Oz
1Q.......1.L.Tsp.........2.Oz........5.Tsp................2.Oz........2.Oz
2Q.......2.L.Tsp.......4.Oz........1oz.+.4.Tsp........4.Oz........4.Oz
3Q.......3.L.Tsp........6.Oz........2.1/2.Oz............6.Oz........6.Oz
1G.......4.L.Tsp........8.Oz........3oz.+.2.Tsp........8.Oz........8.Oz

note 1 note 2
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+
P = Pint L = Level Tsp. = Tea Spoon
Q = Quart G = Gallon Oz. = Fluid Ounce
+--------------------------------------------------------------------+

Note 1 = Test yellow food color first by dropping a drop of color onto white paper. If the color stained is lemon yellow then use above ratio. If color is more orange than yellow then divide amount in half (1/2 norm ).

Note 2 = If you add Kodak Photo-flo to the blood you cannot eat it. The Photo-flo allows the blood to soak into cloth.

Procedure - Get a bowl slightly large than volume of Karo syrup. Add equal amounts of zinc oxide and mix together. Add color. Mix well. When color is mixed in well add a bit of the syrup , mix well. Continue until all the syrup is mixed in. Put in container.

Notes - If you want the blood to soak into fabrics then add the Photo-flo when you add the colors.

Keep blood cold. It molds if left in warm area

Mix before using. The zinc oxide deposits at the bottom of the bottle if not mixed.

Zinc Oxide can be found at drug stores and chemical supply houses. In small doses it is harmless.

To Darken Add drops of green. To Thicken Add small amounts of peanut butter. To Thin Use above with Photo-flo , but match amounts of syrup with water. i.e., if recipe calls for 1 Q syrup then also add 1 Q water.