August 8, 2008

World in the Satin Bag

List Universe Tackles the Olympics

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Want to know fifteen things about the Olympics that you probably didn’t know? Well List Universe has you covered here. One of my favorites: 13. The last running race added to the Ancient Games (after the addition of two longer distance races) was the hoplitodromos – in which competitors would run 400 or 800 yards in full armor with shields and a helmet or greaves (leg armor). This was introduced in 520 BC. Runners would often trip over each other or stumble on shields dropped by other competitors. In the image above we see athletes competing in the hoplitodromos – in far more an orderly fashion than was likely. I submit that we need to have something similar in today’s world. Seriously. Wouldn’t that be one hell of an event to see a bunch of folks in full ancient armor running down the track? I would want to see that every year. On a side note, I have a question for all of you:Do you ever wonder what the ancient Greeks and Romans would think of our seeming obsession with them? We make movies, write books, dress up, and even celebrate them. Do you think they are watching us up there and wondering what the heck is wrong with us? I for one am curious what you all think. Anywho! (Don’t click the read more, there isn’t any more after this!)

World in the Satin Bag

YWO Store Now Open!

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YWO, a website for young writers that I co-own, has officially opened its very own merchandise store here. We have shirts, hats, and loads of things. We’re also going to be doing non-YWO stuff, like shirts with funny phrases and what not. Check out our RPG Line for starters. Lots of things are going to be added to our store over the next few months, but for now, feel free to pick up a YWO t-shirt, hat, or mug. Also check out our awesome ambigram line, which features a really cool logo created by one of our members (Carraka). It’s a beautiful creation. Oh, and I should mention that proceeds from sales go to making YWO a better place. Covers hosting fees and, if we’re lucky, we’ll get to host some contests with real prizes! So, help us out and buy a shirt. And spread the word about our site and our store. Thanks! (Don’t click the read more, there isn’t any more after this!)

World in the Satin Bag

Website Found: American Monsters

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What is it?American Monsters is a website with a far larger scope than the name suggests. Gathered there is a huge supply of useful information on cryptozoology, or, for those that don’t know what that is, the “scientific” study of the unknown and mysterious creatures on this planet (such as Loch Ness, Big Foot, and creatures that we know for a fact actually exist–as in physical evidence like a dead body). The website features: Monsters page which divides creatures by type (such as avian, hairy, and hybrid). WHen you click a specific type it takes you to another page that lists reported incidents with creatures that fit into that category. A map that allows you to click icons representing certain monsters, which brings up on the world map several dots representing known sightings. This is actually pretty neat. You’d be amazed how widespread some creatures are as far as sightings are concerned. Sightings form that allows you to report your own sightings of the unknown. Vanguard and Pioneers pages, which provides detailed information about folks, new and old, who have either participated in the expansion of cryptozoological knowledge or perhaps had some sort of ancient connection to it (such as a Saint; yup, a Saint). A gallery of images, a media guide for finding out about programming of interest in your area, a skeptics page, a forum, a links page, and a store. Why is it cool?I’m particularly impressed by the organization of the website, though it could use with expanding their knowledge base. Still, considering it has a forum for discussion and potential for being a comprehensive site for all you need to know about Big Foot and his friends. Give it a look. (Don’t click the read more, there isn’t any more after this!)

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