Overnight Open Thread (17 Aug 2013)

Man, you could cross out Egypt and put in a whole range of words and this picture would still work.
Michael Ramirez.

Biologic Immortality
Fascinating stuff. Girl who never ages could hold key to 'biologic immortality'. So if they find the gene responsible for developmental inertia, at what age would you choose to stop aging? 18? 21? 25?
h/t Thrawn

Military Epidemics That Aren't

Finally someone digs beyond the top layer when looking at suicide and sexual assault rates in the military. Military epidemics that aren't.

war demands unflinching discipline, courage and loyalty in the presence of our deepest animal passions, and in that sense it is anything but dehumanizing. By regarding soldiers, sometimes condescendingly, as victims and patients, we are in danger of foisting our own, very civilian and very modern, therapeutic pathologies on people who don't need them and whose ability to do their jobs—that is, keep us safe—is likely to be diminished.

Greatest Movie Lines Of All Time

Air Force Callsigns

It's a little different in the Navy, but essentially the same. How do fighter pilots typically earn their callsigns?

When all is said an done, the naming committee will render its verdict. Call signs generally follow a few rules as many have noted:

It cannot be "too cool" like "Dagger" or "Iceman"
It cannot be "too good" for the subject in question (based solely on the judgment of your drunken friends)
It cannot be something you asked for. You don't ask for a specific call sign. Your squadron mates give it to you. Serious rookie mistake.
It must pass the bar test. You should be able to explain your call sign at the Nellis bar and not have potential dates, random civilians, or other fighter pilots run away in embarrassment for you
For first-time namees, your call sign usually revolves around something stupid (or fantastic) you did during your initial few months in the squadron, or a play off your name
If you flew with a call sign in combat, you will generally be given preference for keeping your previous call sign. So long as a) you didn't do something horrendously stupid lately, b) you bribed adequately, and c) you are not in Korea, where many rules of physics are routinely broken
If you succeed in pissing off most of your fellow pilots, you may be selected for hostile renaming. All bets are off. Your best hope is excessive groveling at the feet of the committee, followed by promises of a large/expensive bribe, and a change in behavior. Then, adopt a stoic silence and await your fate.

Prop Gun

Rehydrating Beer

Move over Gatorade, there's a new post-sport drink out there. Aussie's come up with rehydrating beer.

By adding electrolytes, an ingredient commonly found in sports drinks, and reducing the alcohol content researchers found that beer could become even more refreshing. And the best news for beer drinkers is that the taste of the modified brews didn't change.

Female Urine Device

Way back in college at a frat party, I saw a sorority chick use a standing urinal as the line for the ladies head was a bit long. I don't believe she had portable funnel device though. I could see this being useful for some places as bathrooms can be pretty nasty or in Sicily where there never seems to be any toilet seats at a lot of public restrooms.

End of Times Medical Supply

This is a very, very big list of medical stuff to have on hand for when the shit hits the fan. A good thing to think about and to start stocking up on. A Pharmacologic Strategy. This stuff is just as important as guns, ammo and food.

The Better Workout

Gym workouts and sunbathing do more for your brain than crosswords and Mozart.

Russian Water Park

Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to Russia.

Adventures in Teaching

WTF? Teacher accused of being drunk on field trip paid $18K. Seems to be a slam dunk case so I don't understand why the settlement. The article is a little light on the details but I would assume it would be easy to prove why the teacher was sent to the ER as it would be in the medical report. Seems like it would be a strong case and not one where you would settle.

Are You Smarter Than A Toddler

Oh I know you morons are but I'm sure some LIVs would get smoked by this 18 month old toddler that knows the capitals of 61 countries.

Cat Video

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posted by CDR M at 10:00 PM

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