Steve Sommers

Astronomology-what on Earth is Pluto?

My eight year old neice is displeased. Last Christmas I got her a mobil with all nine planets and since then she's found out that Pluto might not be one anymore - and she's not going to stand for it. Of course, that small icy ball out in the middle of nowhere doesn't care at all what we call it. But my question is this: Now that the International Astronomical Association has been debating what's a planet and what's... (posted by Steve Sommers 5 years 78 days ago.)

The Sub-text of Jonny Quest

I got the first years episode of the cartoon series Jonny Quest, which I just watched this weekend and holy crap! Is this stuff gay or what? Adult Swim did a neat satire of Johnny Quest with it's Birdman Attorney at law series which I thought was a little harsh, until I revisited my memories with the actual videos. Jonny Quest was a cartoon show where blond - and very pretty - ten year old Jonny travels the world with his... (posted by Steve Sommers 5 years 236 days ago.)

Sick, Twisted Perverts of Gor

Fans of Science Fiction - good science fiction - know about the planet Gor, and what they know about it is that it's a planet they never want to visit - not even in the comfort of their own homes. I've got a lot of explaining to do for these folks, and I will. And if you aren't aware of what I'm talking about - well, then let me fill you in. There is a series of science fiction books written... (posted by Steve Sommers 5 years 236 days ago.)

Possum in the Garage

I've recently noticed that I have a possum in my garage and I'm not sure whether I should be happy about this or not. I know I used to have a woodchuck there, and I was alright with that. I even named my woodchuck (Woody). My woodchuck used to live under the stacks of wood I have for my fireplace and I don't know now if he moved out and was displaced by the possum or if I have both a possum and a woodchuck in my garage like some sort... (posted by Steve Sommers 5 years 236 days ago.)

The Chinese Organ Harvesters

Discover magazine had an ad about Chinese organ harvesting - they were against it - and I had to wonder jut how much of a problem it really is. The Chinese government executes their condemned prisoners with a bullet in the head to carefully make sure that the rest of the body is useful. Then they sell it off for what they can get. We in America like to think that all Chinese that are condemned to die must be Democratic... (posted by Steve Sommers 5 years 236 days ago.)

How to Look Like a French Pirate

Public officials generally do not engage in facial hair what-so-ever. Teddy Roosevelt - I think - was the last actual US president to have any whiskers at all. Maybe it was Taft. My point is that is hasn't happened recently and I think for a good reason. People judge very harshly on what you choose to have growing out of your face. Look at John Bolton. He got criticized more for that stupid white mustache under his nose... (posted by Steve Sommers 5 years 254 days ago.)