Google and Virgin to launch Mars mission

[Papa Lazarou]

The joint venture - to be called "Virgle" - was announced by Sir Richard Branson on the official Google blog.

"In the years to come, we'll be sending up a series of spaceships carrying (along with the supplies and tools needed to build the new colony) what eventually will be hundreds of Mars colonists, or Virgle Pioneers -- myself among them," he wrote.

You can find out more, and sign up for the project, here. http://www.google.com/virgle/index.html

[JonS]

Even if I was remotely qualified, there is no way that actually living in that enviornment is appealing, imo.

[Papa Lazarou]

Don't run yourself down. Take the test: http://www.google.com/virgle/application.html

[stefrrr]

Okay, let's just get this over with quickly, like ripping off a medical adhesive: you did not do well on this test. You are not, by all available evidence, well suited to be a Virgle Pioneer, or any sort space explorer, really, or for that matter, any profession which requires leaving behind your creature comforts, your nice warm bed, your lovely wardrobe, your gourmet meals, your high-end home theater, your friends and family -- oh man, what have we gotten ourselves into here? We're kind of freaking out ourselves, actually. Help! We changed our minds! We don't want to go! [Clicks heels.] There's no place like home! There's no place like home! There's no place like -- [ Long silence. ] Hello. Still there? We're sorry about that unpleasantness with our previous reviewer. We can assure you, you tested just fine and would make a fine Pioneer; all you have to do is submit your video here.

I really wouldn't have a hard time leaving behind creature comforts, but I think what put me over the edge was my willingness to immediately join the violent revolt.

[Snowbird]

I call AFJ.

[stefrrr]

Ya think? They have an online application that includes such gems as:

# "If I am accepted as a Virgle Pioneer, I will enthusiastically embrace my solemn responsibility to produce as many offspring as I can in order to help develop our fledgling Martian civilization." This statement, in my case, is:
- True. Hell , yeah, it's true. Could we have some, like, Virgle Pioneer keggers in advance just to sort, you know, um, break the ice?
- Um, definitely false -- and you'll be hearing from my attorney for insinuating otherwise.
- Could I maybe see a few head shots of my fellow Pioneers before answering this question?

and

# If I was unexpectedly confronted with the emergence of a bewilderingly alien and frighteningly advanced Martian life form which appeared bent on killing me if I failed to quickly and effectively communicate my peaceful intentions and potential value to its civilization, I would:
- Die
- Whip out my handy universal transcorder and start schmoozing my ass off.
- Well, given that there's no such thing as a transcorder that works for a Martian language that we haven't even heard yet, I guess I'd just do my best to seem non-threatening while communicating my peaceful intentions with subtly universal hand gestures.
- Run straight toward the Martian while screaming wildly and brandishing whatever weapon happens to be handy.

A joke? You really think so?

[UFO]

April fools jokes are supposed to be subtle...you know...as to trick.

Fail.

[Papa Lazarou]

April fools jokes are supposed to be subtle...you know...as to trick.

Fail.

Sez the Skipper  

[I Like Turtles]

I thought you said "Google Virgin"

[DredheadV2.0]

I thought you said "Google Virgin"

http://www.fmylife.com/miscellaneous/36396

[I Like Turtles]

http://www.fmylife.com/miscellaneous/36396

 

[UFO]

Sez the Skipper  

I guess you believe it.