Overnight Open Thread

Well I don't know about you but I felt kinda hung over today and I didn't even drink last night. Somehow I got buzz-cheated.

The Mini-Cannon That Will Blow Your Mind

Here's a home-built mini-cannon that's an accurate scaled down model of a Napoleonic-era cannon. But don't be fooled by its small size - you could seriously injure or even kill someone with it. Further proof of the power of firearms even with just a pinch of gunpowder.

And in a semi-unrelated note I've given instructions to my family that in the unlikely event of my death I would like a real cannon to be fired and the 1812 Overture played at my funeral. And if they can time it just right so the cannon fire and church bells match the recording, I will be very pleased.

Democratic Plans For The Lameduck Session?
Well given that they control the Senate by a slim majority but are much further away from a filibuster-proof one, the Nuclear Option looks appealing:

Democrats are intensifying efforts to relax Senate rules that require a 60-vote “supermajority” to pass legislation as the party plans for a loss of seats in next week’s midterm elections... A number of senators and their staff are considering different ways to end or at least modify the filibuster...

For more than 100 years, senators have held up legislation... Some are calling for Joe Biden, the vice-president, to invoke his power as president of the Senate to call a vote on a rule change at the start of the new Congress in January.

The Tea Party Movement Is Europe’s Latest Anti-American Bogeyman

European anti-Americanism is coming back into vogue. It reached a fever pitch during the presidency of George W Bush, but was held in temporary abeyance after Barack Obama pledged to recreate the United States in Europe’s image. Now that the American Tea Party movement is poised to dash elite hopes for a more Europeanized (i.e., sophisticated) America, a prolonged new wave of anti-Americanism seems inevitable.

In the run-up to the American midterm elections, European newspapers and magazines as well as radio and television programs have been chock full with sensational reporting, disparaging editorials, and derogatory commentary about America, American voters, and the American political system.

Why You Should Never Stay at Harrah's Again
Well they went all out to re-elect their boy, Harry Reid, and essentially intimidated their employees into voting. So I say we go all out and make sure Harrah's never sees another dime of our money. Sadly they weren't the only casino colluding with Reid.

Saddest Election Party Ever

The First Photo of a Human Ever
From a photo of Paris made in 1838 by Louis Daguerre, the inventor of the daguerreotype process of photography. Exposures could take up to ten minutes and it was unusual for someone to stay still long enough to appear in a picture. Well unless they happened to be getting their shoes shined at just the right time.

Zombie Jesus: The Comic Book
Inevitable I guess and it is based on a very literal reading of Matthew 27:51-52:

Following the crucifixion of Christ, supernatural warfare tore apart the Roman Provinces. Zombie Hordes attacked Jerusalem in search of the corpse of Christ. The Disciples were under siege as the Undead tore apart the countryside and an unlikely hero, LAZARUS THE IMMORTAL emerged to combat the Legion of Dead!

Has the Earth Run Out of Any Natural Resources?
Short answer: No. But certain ore deposits have become uneconomical to mine. Generally you never actually run out of anything - it just gets gradually more expensive as the easy sources get used up until eventually a replacement is found. So anyone saying that we will run out of something is almost certainly wrong.

The Most Expensive Mail Order Brides in the World
Well if you want a imported trophy wife, expect to pay top dollar. Like $40,000+.

Want To Dress Like Carl Sagan in Cosmos?
Then go here for all your Sagan-wear. Apparently nerd chicks dig the look.

Tonight's post brought to you by Farrah and a young Bonaduce:

Notice: Posted by permission of AceCorp LLC. Please e-mail overnight open thread tips to maetenloch at gmail. Otherwise send tips to Ace.

posted by Maetenloch at 09:30 PM

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