By as early as next year, everyday citizens could be able to experience one of the greatest thrill rides in (or out) of this world. The model of the “SpaceShip Two” was unveiled Wednesday by British entrepreneur and billionaire, Richard Branson.

He hopes his low-cost (aka $200,000) adventure into space will be become enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people by 2009. Although there are several competitors in the commercial space travel business, no company has been successful in accumulating large masses of passengers who are willing to pay the expense for the trip.

Funded by a branch of Branson’s airline and retail/travel company, Virgin Group, Virgin Galactic is dedicated solely to the commercialized space travel project. Branson hopes to lower the cost even more dramatically within the next five years.

So far, 200 people are already signed up for the two and a half hour trip, including Stephen Hawking, Victoria Principle, and Phillipe Stark, who are members of Virgin’s ‘reserved passenger’ list. The ship would be launched from New Mexico, and will also allow passengers to experience five minutes of weightlessness.

Although there are several competitors in the commercial space travel business, no company has been successful in accumulating large masses of passengers who are willing to pay the expense for the trip. I, for one, would do it in a heart beat. Then again, I’ve always dreamed of being a Jetson or a member of the Robinson family!

The former “Tree Man of Java,” Dede Kosawa, is experiencing life for the first time thanks to the efforts of the physicians at the Hasan Sadikin Provincial Hospital.  It has taken an incredible nine surgeries, but Dede is now 95% wart free and the former “Tree Man” is now able to walk without pain, see his […]

You never know what the Japanese will turn into a hobby or a fad.

Everything from key chains that sound like bubble wrap popping when you press on them to canoes made from chop sticks can capture the attention of the Japanese.
The latest fads there are items made by prisoners in prison.
In kitchens and bars and […]

People do a lot of odd surveys.  A recent Ipsos Reid poll conducted in Canada at the behest of Microsoft asked a lot of questions about, what else, video games.  I suppose they’re trying to find out just where people play games so they can respond and push the Xbox 360 into the proper areas […]

Some call it being sarcastic.

Some call it being a smartass.
Either way, it’s apparently proof that we as human beings are evolving.
It seems studies in Israel and California have shown that people with damage to the right side of the brain can not distinguish sarcasm during conversation.
The scientists are saying that those who aren’t able to […]

Everybody and their brother are talking about the rising price of a gallon of gasoline.
I know I’m feeling the pinch in my bank account every time I fill my tank and see the numbers on the pumps whirling around and around faster than Britney Spears can pop in and out of rehab.
But at least the […]

I’ve got a sweet tooth, but there’s one candy that rarely touches my sensitive palate.

I can’t abide Gummy Bears. I’m guessing even those stupid candy criminals didn’t even grab any of these during their stealing spree.
I know I must be in the minority as the sugary, sticky products keep turning up in all kinds […]

 Who doesn’t love a relaxing day on the golf course?  The sun’s shining, the grass is green and lush, there’s a nice cool breeze blowing through the trees.  Oh yeah, and there’s also discarded military explosives right off the tee box.  Wait, what?
Right off the 5th hole, Freddie McGee was operating a bulldozer with another […]