Oh, Lourdes!

I'm out there on the streets, living the true grit of SL (and the nonsensical net ninnery on the forums, too - but that story is best left in a dark corner, crying to itself because it's too stupid to play well with the other kids).


I managed to land myself at a Huchu 148, 252, 65. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the neighboring Abbey - Our Lady of Second Life. The location is overseen by Romano Saenz.


It was actually a nice looking joint, though still raw in areas, particularly what appeared to be a WIP bazaar for a few outdoor shop kiosks.


Anyway, I repented at the feet of the Lady of Lourdes, cruised the Abbey, shouted from the pulpit, snooped the monks' quarters and checked out the anims for sale. Now I am armed to hit the Welcome Area and bless the noobs in Latin.

Solar Images

Nice gallery over at space.com. Just a few to tease you with. Go check out the rest.



Solar Flares - TRACE 171Å image, showing emission from gas at 1 million degrees, of Active Region 9077 on 19 July 2000, at 23:30UT. The image (rotated over 90 degrees, so North is to the left) shows a filament in the process of lifting off from the surface of the Sun. The dark matter is relatively cool, around 20,000 degrees, while hot kernels and threads around it are at a million degrees or more. From footpoint to peak, this rapidly evolving structure measures 75,000 miles. [Looks like the Phoenix rising, really spectacular]





Sunspot Loops - This ultraviolet image shows bright, glowing arcs of gas flowing around the sunspots.





Massive Solar Flare - This solar flare was observed by TRACE at 03:30UT on 12 April 2000, in the 171Å passband, characteristic of 1-million degree gas. The image was taken shortly after the flare started. It shows the primary flare site just right from the center. Very fast beams of energetic particles traveled along the field lines toward the left, which upon impact on the lower, cooler atmosphere light up along a curved track.

Say it ain't so, Ronco!

An LA Times article informed us on Sunday that our favorite late night, gadget-hawking company, Ronco, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Chapter 11 bankruptcy provides a company protection from its creditors while the company restructures its business and defines a plan to pay its debts. The Simi Valley based Ronco has declared $32.7 million in debt versus $13.9 million in assets (a 2.35 times ratio!).

So, gladly, the joy of a GLH spray-on hair advertisement as the perfect accompaniment to a 4AM burrito will likely continue unabated. Ronco isn't in unchartered waters here, having gone through bankruptcy in the 1980s.

As a point of fact, Ron Popeil, who founded the company in 1958, sold the company two years ago for approximately $55 million and remains the company's largest creditor (owed $11.8 million). The infomercial giant stands ahead of other notable creditors, Food Network, Court TV and the QVC home-shopping network. As part of the Ronco sale two years ago, the current owners continue to use Popeil's image to promote the company. While there are no details from company spokesmen on the underlying financial situation at Ronco, court documents indicate that an initial $40 million payment to Popeil had significant impact to Ronco's cash flow.

Ronco's CEO, John Reiland claimed that none of the 95 employees would be laid off during the bankruptcy period. The LA Times further reports that Ronco has reached a nonbinding agreement with a new buyer. Reiland did not provide details on who that might be, other than saying that it is not Popeil. Popeil, at a spry 72 years old, is apparently working on a home turkey fryer.

Trouble Everyday

The band, Trouble Everyday, rocked SL live over at Phreak Isle on Friday night. It was a good show and a few of the band hung about a bit afterward.

Dog Beach

The X-13D Experiment

I'm a sucker for new things and mystery. This filled both requirements. I never even eat Doritos, but I saw this on a foray to the local 7-11 for smokes and Gatorade.

I noticed it back by the drink cooler in a giant bag and managed to ignore it, but the sucker presentation at the counter got me.

I had to know what the hell it tasted like.

The wording on the front of the package is as follows:

"This is the X-13D Flavor Experiment. Objective: Taste and name DORITOS flavor X-13D."

The experience was a tad bizarre. My mind was warped by having to determine the flavor on its own. The flavor seemed immediately recognizable, but at the same time, nothing I could put my finger on. In the end, I decided it tasted like a cheeseburger with the works from your local joint (I like the one at Wolfy's). After having come to that decision, the "Tasting notes: All-American Classic" on the front of the package seemed to make more sense.

The Gatorade, on the other hand, I can't figure out. It definitely tastes blue.