Wow, Jere. I didn't think it would be that simple. I had something far more underhanded planned. Oh well, I suppose I can save that trick for someone else, for something else.

And Andy, I think you're being too hard on Novak. Clearly, he just doesn't understand a few words in the english language (such as, "caused", "more" or "the"). As an aspiring English teacher, I would think you would be more enthusiastic in helping Bob solve his language problems, lest he continue to unfairly receive awards from Jon Stewart.

Besides, O'Reilly is far worse:

The Founding Fathers and Gay Marriage:
O'REILLY: You know, the Founding Fathers didn't write anything into the Constitution about gay marriage. Because back then, if you were gay, they hung you.

So -- you couldn't get married 'cause they put you in the rack. You know, if you were runnin' around wearing a chartreuse hat, you were in lots of trouble. So, we didn't even have to worry about these people gettin' married because if they come out of their closet in the log cabin -- somebody'll shoot them in the head. So, there really wasn't an issue back in the Founding Fathers.

HUNT: Bob, why would Senator Frist refuse an offer [by Reid] to break the deadlock?

NOVAK: Because the whole system is that you're not going to have -- like going to a concentration camp and picking out which people go to the death chamber. You're not going to let the Democrats do that, say we're going to -- we're going to confirm this person, we're not going to confirm the other person. They're going to -- they're going to say that this is not the way we're going to do it. They've had all kinds of different offers of that kind.

Why do you guys always fall for these things? I suggest seeing Ichi the Killer several times until that disturbing image is erased from your minds. I hope Ichi the Killer doesn't disturb you more.

The FDA is examining the validity of 50 claims of Viagra-induced blindness. And this morning CNN reported on said investigation.

But as the TV anchor delivered this news, she couldn't help but giggle and comment on how the crew was having a bit of a laugh. ... Oh yes, I forgot about the comic goldmine that is blindness! Hahaha -- and impotence! When has that not been funny?

"This type of blindness is called NAION, or nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. It can occur in men who are diabetic or have heart disease, the same conditions that can cause impotence and thus lead to Viagra use." -- I don't think there was enough time in the segment for the anchor to malign these maladies. Which is good. (Most of my A-material is just me making cracks about blind, diabetic dudes who want to have sex.)

Obviously, hey, the level of jerkdom here is not comparable to, say, the douchebaggery that Bob Novak wields so skillfully. I'm just saying it's pretty amateur hour over at CNN.

My advice for CNN: maybe another show where you read blogs on air? That's good television.

I knew it was coming... why did I click on it?

You're right beck, tub girl is way worse than goatse.

Alright, if it's anything I've learned, it's that I'm extremely curious...

damn you paras!

Sure anything to get Grand Arms in the know, and also help with your magazine.

Al, those sketches are sweet. if my magaziney thing ever materializes, would you mind if i made use of that drawing?

Tay, can you send me that message header you did?

Also, I think I figured out a solution for the too-wide message problem. Here's the new page: newlayout.htm. Take a look, let me know if there are any rendering abnormalities. (I haven't figured out the min-width hack just yet, but I've got to be able to get it soon.)

Just a quick sketch of some ideas I was thinking up for Grand Arms.

This is the typical cockpit for a Grand Arms unit. Seems similar to most typical anime mecha cockpits. (assuming that the Grand Arms unit is in space)The "ball" controls the vectors that the engine nozzles/propulsion units point at and the rotation of the torso. The "ball" is centered by a magnetic feild or some similar antigravity device. When the "ball" is rotated on its axis, the torso will then rotate the angle of deviation from its "neutral" position. So if the "ball" was rotated 45 degrees up from the horizontal and 10 degrees to the right from center. The torso will then move to fit the movements of the "ball". If the "ball" is moved form its center position then the engine nozzles will point in that direction. For example if the ball was moved away from its center position to the right then the nozzles will then move to the left so that if force were applied then the mecha would move right. If it was moved to a weird angle then the nozzles would postion themselves so that a applied force from the nozzles would move the mecha in that direction. The throttle obviously controls the amount of force that is applied by the engines. If the throttle is pushed a little bit forward then a small amount of force is applied. If it is pushed to the farthest forward position then the throttle are opened all the way and the full force of the engine is applied. Essentially the throttle controls the speed. So with the ball and throttle control a wide degree of movements can then be performed. This control scheme for movement should both be intuative and easy to use. The unit can be flying in one direction with the torso facing another direction and vice versa. The cockpit pictured has a foot throttle but a hand throttle or any other configuration is possible.

You will notice that the cockpit uses panoramic monitors. Essentaially the pilot can see a full 360 degree view of the battlefield. Auxillary monitors are mounted on a retractable stand. When needed the monitors will swivel out on a servo arm and display itself to the pilot. When no longer needed the monitors will swivel away and retract into the floor. The monitor are touch screen and voice activation is also possible. This all adds up to a "easy" to pilot mecha. Later generation units apply holographic projections to replace the mechanical auxillary monitor system. 10 generation level cockpit apply air touch technology so that holographic monitors become touch screen monitors. Seconadary contorls can also be generated form holograms, making 10 generation cockpits one of the most advance cockpits.

Now moving on to the right side controls.(The ball can be moved to the right side and vice versa, depending on the pilot preference. The cockpits are totally customizable.)The "stick" is the standard contorl for weapons. Since all Grand Arms units are all fly-by-wire controls the execution of complex moves are "easily" done. The "stick" contorl allows for the most complex moves to be performed. The degree of control using the stick is usually favored by ace pilots or pilots who favour a large degree of flexibility. The "light zapper" is a customized control for Blitzmeister. Since the pilot of Blitzmeister is both a crack shoot and speed demon, a conventional stick control was not choosen. The "light zapper" essentuially works like a light gun form the game silent scope. The sight is used for up sniper shots but the gun can also be fired "from the hip".(unaimed) The "bar" is a simplified form of the "stick". The degree of flexibility is less then the "stick" and beginner pilots usually choose this control device. By moving the "bar" forwards and back and pressing different combinations of buttons all the preprogrammed moves can be performed. The last device to be discussed is the "power glove" . The degree of flexibility for this device is far beyond that of the "stick". Using computer signing(similar to how tom cruise interfaced with his computer in the movie minority report) different function can be performed. The mecha can also be programmed to follow the arm actions of the pilot which can be useful for units like Crusader who specialize only in melee combat. The natural martial arts skills of the pilot can then be directly applied to hand to hand combat weapons.

As mentioned before all cockpits can be specially made for the pilot choosen to pilot that unit.