I don't know if any of you folks out there believe in extra-terrestrials, ET's, aliens, or whatever you want to call them. Personally, I believe that there's life elsewhere in this galaxy, if for no other reason than because it's fun to imagine. And you have to admit, there have been some really cool movies made about space aliens, like Close Encounters of the Third Kind, ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, Howard the Duck, V, and Clueless.

Well, if you're a conspiracy theorist, then this site is for you: it's called Serpo.org. The website is dedicated to the "gradual release of confidential documents pertaining to a top secret exchange program of twelve US military personnel to Serpo, a planet of Zeta Reticuli, between the years 1965-78."

I've been reading some of the earliest releases numbered 1-21, which are available for download in .pdf format here, and I've got to say, it's pretty fascinating stuff.

So far I've read about the United States' first encounter with aliens at Roswell (did you know there were two crashes at Roswell?), the decision to send twelve astronauts to Serpo, and an in-depth review of the Serpan homeworld and some of its culture. I've skimmed some of the later releases (22-27a, which are found by using the blue squares at the top and bottom of the page) and there is information in there about the Russians being paid a visit by the aliens as well as President Reagan having something to do with the aliens. I need to continue reading.

Even if it does turn out to be only well-written science fiction instead of fact, it's still a pretty stimulating read and I do recommend this site to anyone even remotely interested in not only the existence of extra-terrestirals, but also the notion that we have been visited by them on numerous occasions as well.

I suppose we may never find out the truth until we are ruthlessly and violently invaded, which hopefully will never happen. Until then, live long and prosper, friends.

The Soprano State

I have always said that in the future entire political science courses would be taught regarding corruption in politics and that special attention would be paid to New Jersey and its corrupt political system. Well here is the first book that centers solely on corruption in New Jersey politics. It's called The Soprano State: New Jersey's Culture of Corruption.

Buy it, borrow it from the library, steal it, whatever you have to do to get hold of it, especially if you live in New Jersey. If you don't live in New Jersey, you will be amazed at a lot of the stuff contained in this book. Corruption in New Jersey has gotten so crazy that you can't make this stuff up! You have to read it to believe it. Personally, I can't wait to read it.

By the way, if you're wondering what you could get me as a belated birthday present, click here.