Friday, November 27, 2009

Friday Links!

Starting off this week, the remarkable story of a manual of "deception" written for the C.I.A. during World War II by magician John Mulholland (whose actual importance has been debated for years, and I've linked to some of the stories). Believed to have been destroyed, the manual resurfaced recently, and can even be purchased on Amazon. This Wired story has details.

From David, a fascinating article at Wired about writer Evan Ratliff's attempt to create a new identity and vanish (as part of a contest).

From Shane Courtrille, a link to a fantastic idea: a gaming website that specializes in reviews for disabled gamers. It's AbleGamers.

From Jean-François Boismenu, a link to BioShock cosplay that I can only describe as EPIC: BioShock at the Georgia Aquarium.

From Franklin Brown, an interactive fiction project about World of Warcraft, loosely in the form of a ZORK adventure. The difference is that forum members were submitting commands, and the author incorporated them into the adventure. It's really brilliant beyond all description, so enjoy You awaken in Razor Hill.

From Steven Hurdle, a link to what must be the greatest Public Service Announcement ever created: North American House Hippo.

From Brad, a link to KEO, a space time capsule scheduled to launch in 2010-2011 (possibly--it's been delayed six years already). The hook is that you can submit your own message for the time capsule, free of charge.

From hippo, a link to an intriguing new quantum theory in physics: Hořřava gravity.

From Dan Holmes, a link to a TED presentation about the future of computing: The thrilling potential of SixthSense technology. Very, very cool.

From The Edwin Garcia Links Machine, a link to a story about a sport I was fascinated with as a kid: The Return of Jai Alai. If you've never heard of jai alai, you'll be amazed.

From Marc Halatsis, a link to a blog that is full of posts on fascinating subjects: The Selvidge Yard.

From Sirius, a link to a remarkable project: IBM computer simulates cat’s cerebral cortex. Also, and this is just ridiculously cool: Generic Names For Soft Drinks By County. Next, an interesting discovery: Adults Fooled by Visual Illusion, But Not Kids.

From Michael Lange, a link to a spectacular and disturbing photo essay: Pollution In China.

From Jesse Leimkuehler, a link to amazing images of Enceladus: one and two.

From Tim Hibbetts, a link to an ingenious and fun idea: piano stairs.

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