Phantasmic Links 9.25.05

When I was a kid I thought nothing of killing bugs. I once spent an entire bored afternoon with a big rock taking out ants in my sandbox. At some point something changed, be it guilt, remorse, maturity, or any combination of the preceding. I'd step over ants, open my car window and slow down for flying insects, and catch insects in the house and release them outside.

But there are lines.

If a bug is particularly nasty and/or encroaches on my personal space, that bug has crossed the line and the rules of our unspoken peace allow me to retaliate. Last night, typing away at my computer, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye on my doorframe. Jetting down at speeds heretofore unseen in such creatures, was the largest, nastiest spider ever to invade my room. It was about the size of my thumbnail, mostly brown, with a big black abdomen. I thought of my cat, obliviously curled up on a pile of laundry nearby, and I thought of myself, sleeping as the newcomer crawled over me. Within seconds, there was a crimson smear on a napkin I held firmly against the door. I disposed of the body after comparing it to photos of a Brown Recluse. While not indigenous to my region, it's better to be safe than sorry.

The weather is turning cold all of a sudden, especially today. Others may be coming, seeking shelter and warmth, and I may have to defend myself again. Last night I survived, and the phantom itching faded with time. But I'm still here, to share this week's PHANTASMIC LINKS:

14 days remain for you to send me your votes and guest posts for Cloakfest 2005. Which of the linked overall parties do you like the best? Which individual entry stands out above all others? Remember, attendance and participation at past parties isn't necessary. Many thanks to those of you who've already sent in your votes and guest posts. As added incentive, each guest writer will receive a mysterious “prize”. There's only one way to find out what that is, folks...

Can you master archery and level up your castle's defenses? By the time giants and flying foes opposed me, I was glad I did. Hat tip to Dosetaker.

Forget sweaters; why not put your pets in uniforms? I refuse to believe I've seen everything; I don't think the internet will EVER run out...

Speaking of animals, check out these pictures. Some are obvious fakes, while others have been around for a while, but it's a fun collection.

Do you agree with this list of the Top 50 Sci Fi Shows of All Time? Hat tip to A Small Victory.

Can you figure out what to do with various every day objects in order to pay off a gambling debt? Swedish gives you a chance to find out.

Earlier this week, Janet asked her readers what their favorite movie lines were. There's an impressive list in the comments, and it's a tough subject to narrow down. Earlier today I finally saw Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, a film I'd been hearing about all my life since my dad proposed after taking my mom to see it, and I think I need to add this line to my list of favorites: “Listen, I don't mean to be a sore loser, but when it's done, if I'm dead, kill him.” Actually, that whole movie is quotable. What lines do you like Nexusiphiles?

Oh no...not here too! What's going on with the weather on this planet lately?

Just for fun, I was checking out overpriced costumes in a Halloween store today. I think the best outfits are homemade, and I haven't gone with a storebought outfit since I was 2. Here are some of the worst costumes out there.

Is Verification Libs the newest game craze in the blogosphere? Doubtful. Hat tip to, um, me.

Some celebrities will age better than others(though I think Kidman will look much better than that).

Prince Adam takes a song I HATE and makes it hilarious. See my earlier remark about the internet never running out of new things to show me....