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Edition |
10.17.5 |
every other week news feature. |
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From the Desk of binnall
Like an old pair of jeans, we slip comfortably back into News Watch. As you'll see soon, the new schedule of "every other week" has afforded us the opportunity to punch up some things here and there.
This week we've got all the trimmings you've come to expect from News Watch. In the Hot 5, American scientists trick a poor girl, then they debate over the existence of dark matter, meanwhile the government wants to legislate baby making, a small town loves Bigfoot, and the Vatican prepares us for ETs. Future News Now gives us the lo down on the ever widening gap between rich and poor and how that relates to terror attacks. Khyron returns to That's Entertainment ! with a review of the new Mortal Kombat game. I will be giving a final look back at the Red Sox season with My Fandom : Year 2. Noory Story Showdown II scores. And, of course, an editorial on all these indictments that seem to cropping up everywhere.
Meanwhile, if you are reading this week's edition of NW at one of our various message board outposts, I implore you to check out the ALL NEW layout of News Watch @ binnallofamerica.com. Yes, News Watch has undergone an extreme makeover, smashing the old format of NW and unleashing a sleek, modern, and, dare I say, hot new look for this old BoA standard.
Future News Now
Terror tip for rich (infowars.com via NY Daily News)
Here's some news for you, when something crazy goes down and lots of people may die, unless you're one of the "important people", you ain't getting any help from the government. Of course, you know that. Now, the news is reaching Joe Public. How he reacts is another story. I expect he'll be chagrined and then quickly forget about it, sadly.
The city's rich and well-connected were tipped off to last week's subway terror threat days before average New Yorkers, the Daily News has learned.
At least two E-mails revealing the purported plot were sent to a select crowd of business and arts executives early last week by New Yorkers who claimed to have close connections to Homeland Security and other federal officials, authorities said.
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The links are straight from Lesley's blog The Debris Field. The commentary is pure binnall. 1>US scientists deliberately set up Russian X-ray girl to fail in the tests(pravda) Take it with a grain of salt, as it comes from Pravda, but it is a story all too familiar with fans of esoterica. Confused and embarrassed scientists, desperate to dispel a promising new trend is esoterica, invite some wayward mutant, of sorts, to America to be "tested". One slanted test later and they all come out of the woodwork branding the word "hoax". The embarrassed and frightened would-be superhero fades into obscurity. Hopefully, that is not the case here. As a viewer in America, I was ashamed of the way the doctors and scientists in New York tried to discredit Natasha. They used their experienced older "brains" (I use the term brains lightly) against a young and vulnerable Natasha.
I saw a television program about how Natasha was tested in New York. They claim that she failed because she only got four out of seven patients right. But that was the second day's testing. I think the scientists set her up to fail.
2> Dark Matter: Invisible, Mysterious and Perhaps Nonexistent (Space.com) Ah, those wacky space scientists. They can't get anything right. After spending the last few years convincing us that "dark matter" was the next big thing, now some dolt comes along and undoes all that hard work. It amazes me that some scientists can waste valuable time debating things like the existence of dark matter, but scoff at the idea of investigating UFOs, a surefire method to finding an answer to the dark matter question. Much like Ufology, science is it's own worst enemy. Galaxies don't have enough regular matter to keep them from flying apart, scientists have been telling us for years. So there must be a bunch of unseen "dark matter" lurking in every galaxy.
But dark matter has never been directly detected, and nobody knows what it might be made of. A few scientists remeain skeptical. To a lay person, it might sound downright crazy.
Now a new study suggests there may be no such thing as dark matter. 3>Unauthorized Reproduction bill has been drafted (Global News Matrix) I'd say, "It's about time", but I'm afraid of the backlash from my readers. Seriously, there are some awful parents nowadays and I do sometimes wonder if "there oughtta be a law". And it is that sentiment that gives the green light to the wannabe fascists on Capital Hill. In some ways I do support some kind of legislation regarding reproduction, but then I see who would be both drafting and enforcing the legislation and I think we ought to leave well enough alone. Republican lawmakers are drafting new legislation that will make
marriage a requirement for motherhood in the state of Indiana,
including specific criminal penalties for unmarried women who do
become pregnant "by means other than sexual intercourse."
According to a draft of the recommended change in state law, every
woman in Indiana seeking to become a mother throu gh assisted
reproduction therapy such as in vitro fertilization, sperm donation,
and egg donation, must first file for a "petition for parentage" in
their local county probate court. 4>Small town a bastion of Bigfoot belief (Chicago Tribune) You gotta love a small town in Illinois that is all about Bigfoot. Their neighbors don't know what to say. (They're probably more chagrined at the sudden rise in tourism to said small town) I can only hope that this is another sign that we are getting closer to nabbing the illustrious 'Foot. No thanks to folks like Tom Biscardi. For better or worse, Seneca has become a veritable Sasquatch Central following a flurry of investigations conducted by a member of the California-based Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization, which bills itself as "the only scientific research organization exploring the Bigfoot/Sasquatch mystery."
"My mind's open to anything. After all, they just found another planet. So, who knows? Anything's possible," lifelong Seneca resident Jim Maier, 61, joked.
The rumors also create questions. From how and why Bigfoot stories can begin in a place such as Seneca--about 70 miles southwest of Chicago--to the reasons behind our powerful fascination with tales of things that go bump in the night. 5>Vatican astronomer asks: could you baptise ET? (Independent Catholic News) Having both met with and spoken to the venerable Monsignor Corrado Balducci, nothing surprises me regarding the Vatican and UFOs. Apparently, one of their astronomers is tackling the UFO issue. Nevermind that the Vatican has astronomers, another big tip off that something is, indeed, out there. Perhaps of all the religions in the world, the Catholic Church may best be prepared to deal with the ET issue. A pocket-sized book published by CTS this week addresses Catholic attitudes to extra-terrestrial life.
With increasing numbers of people believing not only in the possibility of intelligent life on other planets, but even claiming encounters with aliens, it is not surprising that the Catholic Church is beginning to explore what effect the discovery of sentient ETs might have on Christian theology. |
That's Entertainment with Khyron Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (Microsoft Xbox)
Published by MIDWAY HOME ENT. Rated M for Mature.
Posted @ Khyron.net, 9.30.5
Summer is here, opening the flood gates to popcorn-guzzling, mindless action films. Right on cue, director Rob Cohen, the man behind the recent "xXx2: State of the Union," brings us yet another high-octane and special effects heavy action movie--"Stealth."
Rated R for strong violence, pervasive language and some sexual content.
Way back in 1992, one video game broke all the rules of decency to become one of the most popular games of all time. Mortal Kombat mixed innovative 'digitized' graphics with such gruesomeness as freezing your opponent and removing his spine. Countless sequels later, publisher Midway Entertainment has started a plan to release a new MK every year. Thus we are presented with Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks.
In MK:SM, you play as two of Mortal Kombat's more well-known characters; Liu Kang and Kung Lao. Together with an assortment of other popular figures in MK mythology, you retrace the story of the sorcerer Shang Tsung's attempt to take over the Earth Realm. For those unaware of this plot, basically it involves you beating the crap out of a whole lot of people.
As opposed to its fighting game roots, MK:SM is instead a beat'em up action title. Although this isn't necessarily new ground for the MK anthology, this is definitely the first time it has succeeded in this format.
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks has an unmistakably old-school, 'just for fun' feel. Whereas other titles in the genre go for hyper-realism or T&A , MK:SM prefers to take the light-hearted, hilariously gory path. If you're looking for a deep single player story, then you should probably look elsewhere, but as far as mindless entertainment goes, this game ranks among the best in a long while.
The story mode is shallow and simplistic to the extreme, coupled with cheesy voice acting that takes itself just seriously enough to be comical. But single player is not its strong point. The real entertainment comes from the Ko-op mode. You and a friend (local, as Xbox Live is not an option) duke it out cooperatively, combining forces for devastating combos. There's also a versus mode, but this just seems very tacked on and undeveloped.
In the technical department, MK:SM is merely average. The graphics are certainly presentable (especially in the gore department), but are nothing spectacular. The sound effects are bold and clear, but as I said above, the voice acting leaves much to be desired.
Considering these points, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks would have received an average score if it wasn't just so freakin' fun. In a game such as this, cutting-edge graphics and twisting plot lines are about as necessary as a bandage for a decapitation (something quite common in MK:SM). Executing Kung Lao's Fatality, which consists of a bladed-hat slicing your opponent in half (the long way, I might add), is more than enough reason to guarantee a rental, but the lack of Xbox Live support and final polishing may sway people from dishing out $50 for it.
However, for fans of the Mortal Kombat mythos or of the mindless beat'em ups of an age long past, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks should be near the top of your wishlist.
Rating: 4/5
Contact Khyron here :
My Fandom : Year 2
binnall's chronicle of the 2005 Red Sox Season
Obviously, I am disappointed that the Sox were swept right out of the playoffs by the Chicago Cubs. Seeing as how the Cubs are now going to the World Series, I don't feel so bad. They are probably going to win it all, so being beaten by the eventual champions isn't as bad as being beaten by a team that gets eliminated in the next round. Take that, Yankees.
The problem with the Red Sox started at the very beginning of the season and, ever since then, it was various attempts at damage control. They lost two great pitchers (Schilling and Foulke) to injury and subsequent mediocre performance. They were also hampered by a season long dismal performance from loudmouth first baseman Kevin Millar, whose hitting slump seemed to spread to the whole team by season's end. Edgar Renteria, the big name shortstop signing from last year's off season, was terrible for the most part, only getting his stuff together near the tail end of the season and even that was touch and go.
On the bright side, David Ortiz was awesome all season. He really is a joy to watch. Manny was very good as well, including his behind the scenes theatrics. Jon Papelbon was a surprising new guy that gives me hope for next season. David Wells lived up to his billing and delivered when he had to (for the most part).
There were some great games, some thrilling comebacks, far too many horrific meltdowns, but a lot of fun along the way. I enjoyed watching the games with my father, which is really the source of much of my enjoyment as a fan, and picking his brain on various aspects of the game. I also enjoyed the awesome broadcast team of Jerry Remy and Don Orsilo, who have fantastic chemistry and are really entertaining. And, of course, the hated Yankees pretty much sucked all season, so that was nice as well.
Next year, the Sox need to bring back Bill Mueller for 3rd base, sign a good 2nd baseman, and a 1st baseman who can hit. Don't go overboard trying to re-sign Johnny Damon if his demands are extreme. Get some help in the bullpen, move Papelbon to the starting rotation, and for God's sake don't trade Manny ! If all that goes down, they have a good shot and doing something next year.
I'm not sure if I will continue "My Fandom" through the "Hot Stove" period (baseball's offseason that is rife with free agent signings and other news) or not. If not, I will find some other new segment and bring roll out "My Fandom : Year 3" in March of 2006. We'll see what happens.
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The Noory Story Showdown Notes for 10.17.2005 : I feel like I may have missed some this week, but I did my best. Contact me if I missed your story. Streamlinkers : qwerty (2) : "N.Y. Threat May Have Been a Hoax" and "NY Subway threat originated in Iraq" theUSofE.com : baemark (6 points) : "Chinese Crew Blasts Off for Space Mission", "US mulls federal troops for bird flu quarantine", "Arkansas Mother Gives Birth to 16th Child", "Al Qaeda in Iraq: Letter to al-Zarqawi a fake", "China's spacecraft orbit 'slips'", and "NASA: May shuttle launch 'very doable'" theorist (3 points): "This Time, Python Eats Siamese Cat", "China Space Capsule Returns to Earth", and "Iraq voters seen approving constitution" Oscar (3 points) : "Jawbone of Hobbit-like species uncovered", "New York subway threat a hoax: reports", and "Iraq's electricity ministry says was attack" Current Standings as of 10.17.5 : Oscar (63), Baemark (62), theorist (26), mirage (12), FAZER (8 ), qwerty (6), Tony1 (6), somnus (7), dark matter (5), jerikai (4), Majestic Peak (3), joelnet (3), sheepskin (2), WTL (2), Green Moon (2), Shredder (2), Japanese American (2), SomeAverageJoe (2), 1234 (2), lightningal (2), anotherlight (1), cns (1), Nettie (1), PB@J (2), infinity 7th (1), and khyron (1). The Rules : Score 1 point for posting a news story that gets read by George Noory, Art Bell, or a guest host on the show. Stories posted after they are read by the hosts do NOT count. If you are not credited by me in News Watch, YOU are responsible for letting me know that I missed it. You can ONLY post your news stories in either the Streamlink message board "Current Events" folder or the U.S. of E. message board "Current Events" folder. (News Stories posted in individual episode folders or "Anything Goes" do not count) The WINNER is the person with the most Noory Story points (cumulative) in the January 2nd, 2006 Edition of News Watch. The 1st PRIZE is a $40 dollar shopping spree @ the official binnallofamerica.com store. The 2nd & 3rd place PRIZES are binnallofamerica.com T-Shirts and a mystery surprise item. Any questions / comments can be sent to tbinnall@hotmail.com This contest is REAL. No wagering, please. |
Editorial
Indictments = Bad News for Us Before you get all hot and bothered because you are a Republican/Conservative or a Democrat/Liberal (or some other such incarnation), this really has nothing to do with partisan politics and so much more to do with our favorite punching bag : the New World Order. Oh yes, we all know both sides of the aisle are puppets in the play and now it seems like we are heading towards a new act.
I'm talking chiefly about Tom DeLay and his big indictments a few weeks back and now the running wild antics of the "leak probe" grand jury who will probably drop a bomb any day now. It should come as no surprise to anyone who remembers that more often than not the 2nd term of a two term presidency is often spent going over the mistakes, and sometimes illegalities, of the previous four years and, generally, just dragging the President through the mud, warranted or not. So, like clockwork, DeLay is indicted and we expect to hear of more people getting in trouble down the line.
So I should be laughing like the Mad Hatter and enjoying the demise of the foot soldiers for the New World Order, no ? Of course not. Because, quite simply, if the heat comes down on any of their Big Dogs, we are screwed. Believe me, I'd like nothing more than to see Condaleeza Rice, Dick Cheney, Carl Rove, and the whole lot of the present Administration indicted for something awful like stealing lab monkeys to eat at fancy fundraisers. But, at the end of the day, I shudder to think of what to do if they are indicted.
I mean, c'mon people, these are some of the same evil bastards who got away with 911, for the most part. You think they are going to just throw up their hands and say "You got me". I don't think so. I expect that if we see sweeping indictments across the board in the White House, then there will be a serious acceleration to what is dangerous close to happening anyway : the next 911.
Sorry to sound like Steve Quayle or one of the many other C2C denizens, but we all know it is right around the corner. Those zany fascists who have seized control of this country will not give up their power over something as trivial as the law. Why bother, when all they have to do is whip up something crazy, blame terrorists, and shut down the country ?
The story is reaching it's crescendo and, hopefully, my dear readers and I will survive long enough to pontificate about it. And, if not, I call top bunk at the work camp.
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Plugs : Tomorrow @ BoA, Lesley's Grey Matters tackles the story of La Llorona, a famous tale that has made it's way around the Southwest for generations. Wednesday, Khyron's "ghost files" arrives again with more esoteric observations. Thursday, Hot Newz, perhaps something to celebrate the 1 year birthday of Hot Newz, I'm not sure yet. Friday, the binnallofamerica.com mother ship, the binnall report. Saturday, part 2 of the critically acclaimed Greg Bishop interview on BoA : Audio, Season One. Sunday, SNP and smoker dave. Meanwhile, stop into BoA for more stuff, as we've been bulking up the updates for the past week or so and are proud to say we've got more content available than ever before, sometimes with multiple updates throughout the day. I'm off to eat my dinner. Until the BoA collective reunites for a Monster Mash on 10.31, this has been News Watch and we hope you be safe, be prepared, and be real. |
Lesley's Debris Field
Khyron's khyron.net
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