NASA has never sold its de-commisioned vehicles to museums before, but when times are tough, you do what you have to do, and these Shuttle successors aren't going to build themselves now are they? And since this is only a request for information gauging interest, it may not happen at all. But the Smithsonian Air & Space museum has obviously already called one of the three—Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour—and will get it whether it has to pay or not one would think.

The shuttles will not be disassembled—delivery is only via 747 piggyback. And for those hoping to re-enact the fateful scene from Space Camp—sorry, no main engines are included. The whole sale will go sour, though, should the Shuttle program be continued beyond its current 2010 retirement date, something that is now currently being discussed. [AP, Physorg]

A portion of the proceeds are going to the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation. [eBay via The Age]

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Ever since that fateful day on November 17, 1978 when the Star Wars Holiday Special first aired, Wookies, Jedis and droids have been as much a part of Christmas for me as Santa Claus and reindeer.

So it seems perfectly natural to find this string of Jedi Master Christmas lights available just in time for the holidays. Oddly enough, I would have expected Yoda to emit more of a green glow, than the reddish-yellow tint pictured in the product shot, but who am I to question the wisdom of a Muppet? The lights are available from What on Earth for $29.95, and all-in-all you get 10 light-up Yodas that each stand 3½ inches tall on a 10-foot UL listed cord.

[ Yoda String Lights ] VIA [ Foolish Gadgets ]

For someone who doesn't know his quench detector from his quadropole Q24, it's not easy to see what's going on here. But it does look like something is amiss, that's for sure. Aside from wrecking 53 of the Large Hadron's magnets, the incident released six tons of helium into the atmosphere. There have been no reports of Geneva's residents all talking like Chipmunks on that fateful day, however.

CERN also reiterated their hopes to get the Large Hadron Collider back to colliding by June of next year. Two of the 53 replacement magnets have already been installed. [CERN Press Release via Cosmic Variance]

Sony Ericsson Xperia(TM) X1 Available in U.S. for 2008 Holiday Season
November 12, 2008, 8:00 AM

Pre-orders for the premium converged device begin today at SonyStyle.Com

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Sony Ericsson North America announced the arrival of the highly anticipated Xperia(TM) X1 to the U.S. marketplace. The Xperia(TM) X1 delivers a range of multimedia and communication experiences that have long been coveted and in demand by consumers

The Xperia X1 will be available unlocked through Sony Electronics and its authorized retailers beginning on "Black Friday," November 28. Pre-orders of the Xperia X1 will be available through the Sony Style Web site at www.sonystyle.com beginning November 13. This premium device will be sold unlocked for the MSRP of $799.99, giving consumers the freedom to choose their own mobile operator and data plan.

"The Xperia X1 continues the Sony Ericsson tradition of delivering the highest quality experiences and the most advanced technology available today," said Karen Morris, vice president of marketing, Sony Ericsson North America. "The most exciting scenarios enabled by the Xperia X1 will be created by consumers - enabling them to customize and personalize their device and content to fit their lifestyle and personality."

The Xperia X1's unique panel user interface is at the heart of the device's ability to create and adapt consumers' personal choices. With up to 9 panels, it's easy to find and enjoy the information and entertainment content they want. Sony Ericsson is busy working with third-party developers to create a wealth of new applications and new panels that will soon be available for download.

By incorporating the Windows Mobile(R) 6.1 Professional operating system, the Xperia X1 frees consumers from their home and office, allowing them connectivity to their content wherever they are.

"Windows Mobile gives people the ability to easily navigate between their business and personal lives," said Todd Peters, vice president of marketing, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. "The panel user interface found only in the Xperia X1 is bringing unique experiences to consumers who want more from their converged devices."

As Sony Ericsson's most advanced phone to date, the Xperia X1 brings together a large, 3-inch wide VGA display touchscreen and a full QWERTY keyboard all wrapped into a sleek silver metal- finished arc slider handset. The Xperia X1 supports fast 3G networks, enabling audio and video streaming, high-speed internet surfing, multimedia messaging and email on the go. In addition to delivering 3G mobile broadband speeds, the Xperia X1 supports WiFi to meet the needs of consumers' always connected lifestyles.

In the tradition of Sony Ericsson, the Xperia X1 offers consumers the ultimate multimedia experience with a 3.2 megapixel camera, video streaming, video playback and video recording, and the ability to enjoy all their digital music.

"The Xperia X1 complements Sony Electronics' family of Windows-based devices and leverages the company's heritage of providing beautifully designed, highly functional, portable electronics," said John Kodera, vice president of product marketing, Sony Electronics. "The Xperia X1 delivers the highest quality entertainment, communication and personalization options for consumers."

Sony Ericsson Xperia(TM) X1 - At a Glance

Camera

• Auto focus

• 3.2 megapixel camera

• Photo light

• Video recording

Multimedia

• Bluetooth(TM) stereo (A2DP)4

• Media player

• Music tones

• Windows Media(R) Player Mobile

• 3D games

• FM radio

• Java(TM)

• Video streaming

• Video viewing

Internet7

• Internet Explorer(R) Mobile

• RSS feeds

• Opera(TM) 9.5

Communication and Messaging

• Polyphonic ringtones

• Speakerphone

• Vibrating alert

• Video calling3,8

• Email

• Picture messaging (MMS)9

• Predictive text input

• Text messaging (SMS)9

Design

• XPERIA(TM) panels

• Optical joystick navigation

• Navigation key

• Picture wallpaper

• Touch navigation

Organizer

• Alarm clock

• Calculator

• Calendar

• Document editors

• Document readers

• Flight mode

• Handwriting recognition

• Notes

• Phone book

• Tasks

• Touchscreen

Connectivity

• aGPS

• Bluetooth(TM)4 technology

• Modem

• Synchronization

• USB support

• WLAN

Windows Mobile(R) Operating System

• Microsoft(R) Outlook(R) Mobile: email, contacts, calendar, tasks

• Microsoft(R) Office Mobile: Word Mobile, Excel(R) Mobile, PowerPoint(R) Mobile

• Windows Live(TM)

• Microsoft(R) ActiveSync(R)

• Voice control

• Utility Applications: file explorer, calculator, pictures & video, notes

Facts and Figures

Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm (approx.)

Weight: 145 grams (approx.)

Available colors: Silver

Main screen: 65,536 color TFT

Resolution: 800 X 480 pixels

Size: 3 inches (approx.)

Phone memory5: up to 400 MB

microSD(TM) memory card support

Networks:

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900

UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1900/2100 MHz

Fallout 3 - PC DVD

Frankly, I can’t wait to get my hands on the game, so roll on October 31st (or 28th for you lucky Americans) for this brilliant game. If you remember the SPECIAL setup from the previous games, then you’re going to be in for a treat here. Not only that, but it looks as though they have the ‘world-balance’ just right, by making some areas deliberately tough until you have the required kit/level.

If you haven’t heard about the VATS targeting system, then let me fill you in. Essentially, you can trigger the VATS to move from real time combat to the targeting system, that assigns actions (such as aiming and shooting a head shot) points – of which you only have a limited number. Don’t run out, whatever you do! There’s also going to be radiation damage (a la S.T.A.L.K.E.R.) in the game, and bottlecaps make a welcome return as cash.

In case you need even more information to believe that Fallout 3 (PC, Xbox 360 and PS3) is going to be THE purchase for this year’s gaming, then check out the information below:

DESCRIPTION:
Vault-Tec engineers have worked around the clock on an interactive reproduction of Wasteland life for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own vault. Included is an expansive world, unique combat, shockingly realistic visuals, tons of player choice, and an incredible cast of dynamic characters. Every minute is a fight for survival against the terrors of the outside world – radiation, Super Mutants, and hostile mutated creatures. From Vault-Tec, America’s First Choice in Post Nuclear Simulation.

STORY:
Vault 101 – Jewel of the Wastes. For 200 years, Vault 101 has faithfully served the surviving residents of Washington DC and its environs, now known as the Capital Wasteland. Though the global atomic war of 2077 left the US all but destroyed, the residents of Vault 101 enjoy a life free from the constant stress of the outside world. Giant Insects, Raiders, Slavers, and yes, even Super Mutants are all no match for superior Vault-Tec engineering. Yet one fateful morning, you awake to find that your father has defied the Overseer and left the comfort and security afforded by Vault 101 for reasons unknown. Leaving the only home you’ve ever known, you emerge from the Vault into the harsh Wasteland sun to search for your father, and the truth.

KEY FEATURES:
* Limitless Freedom! – Take in the sights and sounds of the vast Capital Wasteland! See the great monuments of the United States lying in post-apocalyptic ruin! You make the choices that define you and change the world. Just keep an eye on your Rad Meter!
* Experience S.P.E.C.I.A.L.! – Vault-Tec engineers bring you the latest in human ability simulation – the SPECIAL Character System! Utilizing new breakthroughs in points-based ability representation, SPECIAL affords unlimited customization of your character. Also included are dozens of unique skills and perks to choose from, each with a dazzling variety of effects!
* Fantastic New Views! – The wizards at Vault-Tec have done it again! No longer constrained to just one view, experience the world from 1st or 3rd person perspective. Customize your view with the touch of a button!
* The Power of Choice! – Feeling like a dastardly villain today, or a Good Samaritan? Pick a side or walk the line, as every situation can be dealt with in many different ways. Talk out your problems in a civilized fashion, or just flash your Plasma Rifle.
* Blast ‘Em Away With V.A.T.S.! –Even the odds in combat with the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System for your Pip-Boy Model 3000! V.A.T.S. allows you to pause time in combat, target specific body parts on your target, queue up attacks, and let Vault-Tec take out your aggression for you. Rain death and destruction in an all-new cinematic presentation featuring gory dismemberments and spectacular explosions.
* Mind-Blowing Artificial Intelligence! – At Vault-Tec, we realize that the key to reviving civilization after a global nuclear war is people. Our best minds pooled their efforts to produce an advanced version of Radiant AI, America’s First Choice in Human Interaction Simulation. Facial expressions, gestures, unique dialog, and lifelike behavior are brought together with stunning results by the latest in Vault-Tec technology.
* Eye-Popping Prettiness! – Witness the harsh realities of nuclear fallout rendered like never before in modern super-deluxe HD graphics. From the barren Wasteland, to the danger-filled offices and metro tunnels of DC, to the hideous rotten flesh of a mutant’s face. Protective Eyewear Encouraged.

According to the Register, Sega is planning to launch a new handheld console next year, and it won't just play games.

The new console, called the Vision, will also play music and movies, have a built in camera, TV-Tuner and display e-books. We speculate that the battery pack will come in a separate, suitcase-sized box.

The UK will be the first place to get the Vision, and there are apparently a few prototypes to be won in London arcades. The video detailing the console has been pulled from YouTube already, but a few details survive. It will play "Java mini games", which suggests a similar experience to the "games" you can play on your cable-TV box at home.

Still, a pocket TV, despite being the ultimate 1980s throwback, could be worth buying if there are some classic Sonic games on there (ie. the first two, and no more). The Register's comments are chock-a-block with references to the Gamegear, Sega's last and fateful foray into the handheld market. It's failure was a real shame, as it was a great little device (despite poor battery life). There was even a TV-Tuner add-on.

We won't be getting too excited, though, much as a successor to the Genesis (or Megadrive) and Dreamcast would brighten our lives. This looks to be more like a souped up Tamagotchi than a full-fledged handheld gaming platform. Now, somebody port Sonic to the iPhone, already.

Sega to launch PSP beater in 2009 [Reg Hardware]

The life-changing adventure that will culminate with your successful bidding and acquisition of this item all began yesterday morning. In all honesty the morning began like any other for me. I woke gently to the peaceful soft-rock sounds of my local adult contemporary station. After hearing about the local bridge club and their quest to raise funds for their summer charity drive, I was finally compelled to matriculate to the kitchen for my normal Thursday breakfast of fresh grapefruit, small bowl of raisin bran (skim milk), slightly buttered toast, coffee, and 8 ounces of pomegranite juice. I was particularly looking forward to the juice as it is precisely the anti-oxidant superpower pick-me-up I need to help me attack the day. But my interest and consciousness was quickly rocked to unspeakable heights when I witnessed what happened next. That toast I eluded to earlier had harmlessly popped up from the toaster as normal. But when I grabbed the first piece to lightly glaze with margarine I was stopped in my tracks the moment I saw the ghostly impression of none other than the unbelievable montauk monster laying peacefully in the slightly charred surface of my morning toast. A wave of both horror and wonderment washed over me as I quickly understood what the bystanders that found the actual beast must have felt during those fateful seconds on the beach.

Q: I plan to eat this toast. Will I be guaranteed a hint of monster in the flavor? Either way I'm fat and plan to eat it! A: Well, as I said above, eating this toast would be like using the hope diamond as a door stop. But if you insist on eating it after you win the bidding, then you should find it will taste like any other piece of toast. Thanks, David Q: What brand of pomegranate juice were you drinking? A: I only drink POM Wonderful. It's too important of a part of my diet to skimp and pinch pennies. Thanks, David. Q: I was wondering if I can get a couple eggs on the side? Would that add to the cost of shipping? Can you also include a couple of those little grape jelly containers that you get at Denny's? Thanks a lot. A: This auction is for legendary Montauk Monster Toast only. Sorry no eggs on the side. Thanks, David Q: Can I get the toast with eggs and bacon? A: This auction is for toast only. No eggs, no bacon. Sorry. David Q: Can I get it with out the crust? A: This toast will be a full piece of toast as seen in the picture. If you win the auction then you can take the crust off. Thanks, Dave