RandomThoughtsFromASleepDeprivedBrain

test...

2009-11-15T21:52:00.000-05:00

I'm not really back, just testing something...

WTF??? 90

2009-07-07T02:39:00.005-04:00

The $17,500 video game
by Mike Smith

Think $60 video games are too expensive? You won't hear any argument from us, but you might from JJ Hendricks, a collector who just paid a clinically insane $17,500 for an obscure NES game from 1990.
The game in question is an ultra-rare, gold-colored version of Nintendo World Championships, a cartridge specially produced for use in a Nintendo-sponsored gaming contest. According to Wikipedia only 26 were created, and Hendricks calls it the "Holy Grail" of video game collectors.
The game itself has a time limit of just 6 minutes and 21 seconds and consists of three short segments from other NES games: Super Mario Bros., Tetris, and Rad Racer. Players are scored according to their performance in each game, and their scores are totaled once the time limit expires. Doesn't sound too riveting to us, but then somehow we doubt Hendricks is in it for the gameplay.
And while $17,500 might seem a bit much for a collection of ones and zeroes, Hendricks actually got a bargain: the game was originally listed on eBay for a cool $25,000.

um...

2009-07-07T02:34:00.001-04:00

WTF??? 89

2009-07-07T02:22:00.002-04:00

Hey, bet you didn't know that an elephant can eat more than a human...

Elephants easily outeat humans in contest

By Yanina Manolova, AP

NEW YORK (AP) — In the fight of pachyderms vs. people — the pachyderms now have the upper trunk.
Three circus elephants scored a decisive victory over three human competitive eaters at a cross-species eating contest Friday, chomping down on 505 hot dog buns in six minutes. The humans forced down only 143 buns in the bout at Brooklyn's Coney Island.
The elephants, Bunny, Susie and Minnie — all in their 40s — ate at what appeared to be a leisurely pace from behind a table piled high with buns. They even paused to eat some fresh fruit, which was not counted toward scoring.
Their human competitors were far more focused. Eric "Badlands" Booker, a New York City subway conductor who is the world champion in corned beef hash eating, took a double-fisted approach, dipping two buns at once into liquid to make them go down easier.
Juliet Lee, a petite 43-year-old who started the contest with her midriff exposed, pushed several buns into her stretched mouth simultaneously. Originally from China, Lee is the world cranberry sauce champion, a title she won by eating 13.23 pounds of the sauce in eight minutes.
Tim "Gravy" Brown, whose claim to fame is having eaten 8.47 pounds of blueberry pie in an eight-minute, handsfree competition, rounded out the team.
"We went all out, hungry and focused," said Booker, who like the others was preparing for Saturday's annual Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. Friday's match was sponsored by Major League Eating and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.
Contest organizers called the results a "setback for humanity," but the two sides may not have been fairly matched. The humans weigh about 500 pounds collectively, while the Asian elephants weigh about 9 tons, the organizers said.

Goodbye, Fuzzybutt...

2009-07-06T20:57:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know I have been absent for quite awhile-- didn't really have anything to say and there haven't been many odd/cool holidays of late...

But I guess I have something to say today.

My parents left on a three day motorcyle ride this morning so I get to feed the dogs (a LOT of dogs). No biggie, it's only once or twice a year-- but today wasn't the best day to start... I also had to bury one.

I named her Fuzzybutt (my parents insisted on calling her Fuzzy but I knew her true name). She was an old (no clue how old as she was full grown when we got her and that was about 10 years ago) Benji looking mutt that someone had dropped off and she was not at all friendly-- she wouldn't let anyone near her. One day I was out doing something and I saw her... she was covered with ticks and something had to be done. I managed to catch her (after quite a chase) and held her, talking gently and pulling each nasty little bug off her. After that, she became one of the sweetest dogs I have ever known. Not particularly bright but able to sense your moods and act accordingly. That made her perfect for the story I am about to tell.

When I was 11 I was attending dance school and someone came up with the crappy idea for each of us girls to put on a play starring the rest of the class. So instead of doing one decent play we had to do seven different ones with no money, no time, no nothing... we didn't even get to pick our own production-- I got saddled with 'Annie'. Adult "casting" consisted of whatever parent or family member or friend they could convince to stand in, so I ended up (briefly) with a short, fat Daddy Warbucks who had a full head of hair... I say briefly because that didn't sit right with me so I "fired" the director, ending up pretty much directing, casting, producing/financing, writing (I didn't stick with the regular storyline too closely), set designing and choreographing the dadburn thing myself (if you ever think of doing that, don't). Everything fell (reasonably) into place but one thing-- they wouldn't let me have a Sandy. Apparently they don't like untrained dogs possibly roaming around a stage and doing whatever. I was expected to carry around a stuffed dog, which again, didn't sit right with me. I decided the only solution was to stage a mostly outdoor production (unfortunately after spending money and time on sets and such) and videotape it for the class (no, I don't have a copy, Calvin).

And then I needed a Sandy so I picked Fuzzybutt. She wasn't trained to do anything and she tended to be hyperactive but she also seemed to always know what was going on around her. I reworked the play so that I pretty much only needed the dog for three scenes: the beginning where "Annie" was wandering the streets, when she first enters Daddy Warbuck's home, and during the chase scene at the end (I don't recall who exactly was chasing "Annie" or why).

The opening more or less consisted of "Annie" walking up to people and offering her services as a housecleaner or cook or whatever, each person paying her little or no mind until one well to do looking lady sees her and agrees to take her in... and then as if on cue, "Sandy" ran up. The lady looked disgustedly at "him" and said the dog was not welcome and "Annie" politely told her, "Well, if it's all the same to you, ma'am, I'll have to keep looking," and walked away. Cut to "Annie" climbing inside a cardboard box crying and in comes "Sandy" just nuzzling her sweetly. "Annie" stopped crying and said, "I know you're hungry, boy, I'm hungry too... we'll have better luck tomorrow," (I know you see where this is going) and then she slowly rises and breaks into song (oh, the shame-- that is why I don't have a copy of it anymore... don't need the reminder of seeing me in some stupid curly wig belting out THAT song) and dances around the "alley".

Ok, I have totally lost where I was going with this and I have no intention of going through the entire play. I quit that class not long after (mainly because I didn't want to have to do anything like that again). My point is/was, Fuzzybutt did what she was supposed to do right when she was supposed to without being trained to do so. She just knew... and that is how I will always remember her-- comforting "Annie"... comforting me.

Some more blog comics...

2009-07-06T20:13:00.002-04:00

Some blog comics...

2009-07-06T20:07:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday, Bruce...

2009-06-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

It's also Stupid Guy Thing Day...

WTF??? 88

2009-06-21T03:53:00.002-04:00

EVIL!!!

Prosecutor wants to ban fast-food toys

Reporting by Eduardo Simoes, Writing by Brian Ellsworth

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Charging that toys sold with meals in fast-food outlets can lead children to develop bad eating habits, a Brazilian prosecutor on Monday asked a judge to ban such sales nationally at chains including McDonald's and Burger King.
The move comes amid global concern over the link between some fast food and illnesses such as diabetes, as the U.S. Congress considers requiring chain restaurants to disclose calories on their menus to help fight endemic obesity.
Prosecutor Marcio Schusterschitz, a federal prosecutor in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, said fast-food toy promotions encourage children to buy high-fat meals through "the abusive creation of emotional associations" that turn them into life-long eaters of high-fat foods.
A judge must first decide whether or not to hear the request, which targets combination meals offered by McDonald's, Burger King and Brazilian chain Bob's that typically include hamburgers or chicken nuggets, french fries and soft drinks.
"It is necessary to remove toys that are used to leverage the sale of food that has little nutritional value," said the statement. "The (meals) offered are promoted with the clear objective of increasing juvenile consumption of fast food."
A spokesman at his office said previous attempts to regulate fast-food toys, including having them sold separately from the meals, did reduce aggressive marketing by the chains.
Reuters was not immediately able to contact Brazilian representatives of the restaurant chains for comment.
A Brazilian non-profit group last year complained to prosecutors that the promotion of the toys violated the country's consumer protection legislation.
McDonald's Corp's Brazilian website currently features a promotion with pictures of a Spiderman action figure and plastic toys with the logo Littlest Pet Shop apparently linked to an animated television series of the same name.
The Bob's website shows kid's meals offered with bottles bearing the logo of cartoon character Scooby-Doo, while Burger King features Transformer toys.

Happy........................

2009-06-21T03:26:00.002-04:00

Another unfunny blog comic...

2009-06-21T03:19:00.002-04:00

Happy Cuckoo Warning Day...

2009-06-21T02:32:00.001-04:00

Apparently it will be a wet summer if the sound of the cuckoo is heard today...

Happy Toad Hollow Day Of Thank You...

2009-06-20T08:22:00.001-04:00

Don't ask me...

Happy Garfield the Cat Day...

2009-06-19T03:16:00.002-04:00

Garfield is 31 years old today-- not bad for a cat who lives on lasagna...

Today is also Juneteenth-- whatever the heck that means...

Recent "holidays" I have missed are:

June 16 National Hollerin' Contest Day and Vinegar Day

June 17 Watergate Day and Eat Your Vegetables Day

June 18 International Panic Day

WTF??? Ultimate Edition...

2009-06-19T03:10:00.002-04:00

And I thought the Rock/Paper/Scissors championship was bad..................

Limber up your thumbs, people...

How fast R U? Teen Iowa girl wins US texting title

By SAMANTHA GROSS, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK – The nation's newest texting champion has a message for parents across the land — although they might not want to hear it.
"Let your kid text during dinner! Let your kid text during school! It pays off," 15-year-old Kate Moore said Tuesday after winning the LG U.S. National Texting Championship.
After all, she said: "Your kid could win money and publicity and a phone."
For the Des Moines, Iowa, teenager, her 14,000 texts-per-month habit reaped its own rewards, landing her the competition prize of $50,000 just eight months after she got her first cell phone.
Moore, with a speedy and accurate performance, beat out 20 other finalists from around the country over two days of challenges such as texting blindfolded and texting while maneuvering through a moving obstacle course.
In the final showdown, she outtexted 14-year-old Morgan Dynda, of Savannah, Ga. Both girls had to text three lengthy phrases without making any mistakes on the required abbreviations, capitalization or punctuation. Moore squeaked through by a few seconds on the tiebreaking text, getting the best two out of three. As she anxiously waited for confirmation of her win, tears streamed down her face.
The teen dismisses the idea that she focuses too much on virtual communications, saying that while she has sometimes had her phone taken away from her in school, she keeps good grades, performs in school plays and socializes with friends — in person — on the weekends.
In between, she finds time to send about 400 to 470 texts a day. Among her uses of the text messages? Studying for exams with friends, which she says is better done by text because she can look back at the messages to review.
The finalists, all 22 or younger, were among 250,000 people who tried to get spots in the competition. Some won their spots at the Manhattan finals by being the fastest people to text responses to televised ads.
It's the third year for the texting competition, sponsored by LG Electronics Inc.'s mobile-phones division. But it's the first time that it was held at a flashy sound stage with an illuminated platform and surrounded by TV cameras. LG, based in Seoul, South Korea, is considering using the footage in a televised special of some kind.
Twenty-year-old Jackie Boyd, who came in fifth in the competition, said she usually prefers text messages to phone calls because they get through faster and they're more private — leaving her unworried about other people listening in.
"You can get more of what you really truly want to say" across with texting, said the Syracuse University psychology major. "Especially if it's an argument, you don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing.
"And if you don't want to respond, you can always say, 'Oh, I didn't get your text.'"

Happy National Juggling Day...

2009-06-13T03:50:00.002-04:00

It's also Kitchen Klutzes Of America Day-- so I guess the message is, don't juggle in the kitchen?

Happy Mourn for Your Money Day...

2009-06-10T00:31:00.000-04:00

Happy Donald Duck Day...

2009-06-09T04:14:00.002-04:00

Caption?

2009-06-08T04:50:00.006-04:00

Well, if I am going to stick around I thought I might try introducing some new stuff to the ol' blog and see how that goes...

I've always enjoyed sites that have pictures and ask you to come up with amusing or interesting captions. I saw this turtle pic and thought it might be a good one to start on. I put absolutely no thought into the caption here but... eh.

If anyone is interested, feel free to make your own caption or suggestion. And if you come across any pics you'd like to see people play with, you can e-mail them to me to post or you can post them on your own page (I would definitely hate to start anything remotely resembling a meme though).

If enough interest is shown I may make it into a contest...

Happy VCR Day...

2009-06-07T00:05:00.002-04:00

The thing is, I'm not entirely sure what a VCR is... I've done a little research and the only thing I can figure is that a VCR was something that sat atop your TV-- apparently it warmed up and gave your cat a nice place to nap. Unfortunately DVD players came out and took up that needed space so cats lost their pads... If only VCR's had had another use.

um.................................

2009-06-06T01:38:00.002-04:00

Does that kitty look happy?

Happy National Yo-Yo Day...

2009-06-06T01:32:00.002-04:00

You like me... you really like me!

2009-06-06T00:52:00.005-04:00

Well, I really didn't expect 10 comments (and certainly not that quickly)... so I guess I'll stick around.

Thanks...

UPDATE: I do find it a bit odd that I got exactly 10...................

Absent...

2009-06-05T00:52:00.003-04:00

I was reminded today that I still have a blog... yes, I know that I haven't been posting lately (didn't realize it had been this long though).

Here are some of the holidays I missed:

June 1 is. . . National Go Barefoot Day and Hug Your Cat Day

June 2 is. . . National Bubba Day and Yell "Fudge" at the Cobras in North America Day

June 3 is. . . Repeat Day

Today is Festival Of Popular Delusions Day.

I'm thinking of taking some time off, maybe even dropping this blog altogether-- I can't get all that enthused about it and after all this time I still haven't found a direction... It's sort of a vicious cycle-- I don't post much of interest so I don't get or keep readers, but since I have so few readers I can't get motivated to post much.

I'll leave it up to you guys-- if I get comments from at least 10 different people telling me they want my blog to continue (anonymous posts don't count), I will put some effort into it... otherwise...........................................

oops...

2009-06-05T00:44:00.003-04:00

Am I the only one finding it amusing that David Carradine hung himself (whether a suicide or while doing naughty stuff) like 2 days after he started work in a movie called 'Stretch'?

Sorry, you won't find me whimpering because a no talent actor killed himself...

Happy National Hamburger Day...

2009-05-28T20:56:00.002-04:00

It's also Slugs Return From Capistrano Day...

WTF??? 87

2009-05-23T21:09:00.003-04:00

The Royal Wii

by Mike Krumbholtz

The Nintendo Wii has positioned itself as the gaming console for everybody. As it turns out, that includes the Queen of England. Well, sort of. It's not like Her Royal Highness went down to Wal-Mart and bought one with her summer job savings. Rather, she was given a special version by gaming company THQ. Wii are definitely amused. What makes the Queen's "Royal Wii" different? It's gold-plated, sucka! None of that lame white plastic for Buckingham Palace — the Queen needs her bling! Gaming blog Joystiq reports that the gaming company is hopeful that the PR stunt "will amuse Queen Elizabeth." Meanwhile, Geek.com writes that the gift is actually meant to build awareness for the upcoming game, Big Family Games. An ulterior motive? What?!? As the geeks put it, "for a game that is meant to include the whole family from kids to grandparents what better family to send it to than The Royal Family in England." According to Game Revolution, Big Family Games is a collection of mini-games, including "golf, tennis, ladder golf, lawn darts, horseshoes, bocce," and more. So far, search interest is rather scant. However, should the Queen declare her love for the gift, expect the title to get a right honorable boost in the Buzz. Silly as that sounds, it's not out of the realm of possibility -- according to insiders, she was "addicted" to playing Prince William's Wii last Christmas. Now she'll have one of her own.

Happy World Turtle Day...

2009-05-23T20:59:00.001-04:00

9 to 5 blogging...

2009-05-19T03:48:00.002-04:00

Big Nate blogs...

2009-05-18T06:31:00.001-04:00

Happy Lost In The '50s Day...

2009-05-18T05:32:00.001-04:00

Happy National Sea Monkey Day...

2009-05-16T00:05:00.002-04:00

WTF??? 86

2009-05-15T23:35:00.002-04:00

Xbox-inspired shoes do nothing, cost $2,500

by Mike Smith

Some console fans will spare no expense to show their loyalty to their chosen brand, but we're guessing the $2,500 price tag of these one-of-a-kind Xbox-themed sneakers will make even the most committed Microsoft devotee think twice.
The custom shoes -- which aren't endorsed by Microsoft or Nike -- are handmade by Sole Junkie, a California-based artist who specializes in customized sneakers. And they're not the most expensive ones he's ever made. "I have made shoes with 22k gold and diamonds on them," he told us in an interview. "I look at my creations as functional art...not just ordinary sneakers."
That would be functional in shoe terms, not in a gaming sense. Although you might hope that the $2,500 price tag would buy you cool Xbox interactivity, there's no hidden hard drive or controller functionality. Instead, the Xbox logos light up, courtesy of embedded fiber optics and a hidden switch.
According to Sole Junkie's eBay auction, "These are an exclusive pair...only one of its kind. Patent leather back with embedded fiber optic wiring in the shape of the XBOX logo. Battery placement is in the tongue as well as on and off switch that has 2 settings: Strobe or Constant light functions. Gradient lime swoosh faded to black. The toe is painted in a surreal Tiger Camouflage with accents of lime and bright green. These are a men's size 11."
Will they sell? He seems confident. "I have had offers already. They mention the beauty and artwork in it, not the price tag. Don't know how serious the buyers are so far."
But surprisingly, many Xbox fans aren't overjoyed at his work. "The video game community hates the price and the fact I may have taken a beloved iconic gaming system and butchered it," he told us. "On the other hand, I've had very positive responses from others...more than negative ones."
So, $2,500 shoes that do nothing? We'll pass. But if your collection of gaming memorabilia isn't complete without this unique footwear, don't let us stop you from jumping in.

I understand that Michelle Obama is interested...

UPDATE:

The shoes sold for $4,000.99 on eBay...

More blog comics...

2009-05-13T01:30:00.001-04:00

Star Trek...

2009-05-11T18:16:00.003-04:00

I saw the new Trek movie today and liked it... I don't intend to review it really or go into details or spoilers because, let's face it, if you are going to see it, you are going to see it...

I will say this though-- they managed to do the unmanagable... they kept the essence true enough and they expanded (and reshaped) the universe as to allow further prequels/sequels that can embrace or ignore as much of the 'Star Trek' canon as they like and still make it work.

The worst part about the whole thing is............. those horrid Burger King toys... wtf?

Happy Twilight Zone Day...

2009-05-11T05:06:00.001-04:00

It's also Eat What You Want Day...

um...

2009-05-10T05:49:00.003-04:00

I forgot to post about Lost Sock Memorial Day yesterday (oddly enough, the day after No Socks day) and Root Canal Appreciation Day...

Turtles...

2009-05-09T05:30:00.002-04:00

Time for another turtle post-- yeah, I like turtles, what of it?

Rare prehistoric pregnant turtle found in Utah

By MIKE STARK, Associated Press Writer Mike Stark, Associated Press Writer

SALT LAKE CITY – Paleontologists say a 75-million-year-old turtle fossil uncovered in southern Utah has a clutch of eggs inside, making it the first prehistoric pregnant turtle found in the United States.
At least three eggs are visible from the outside of the fossil, and Montana State University researchers this week have been studying images taken from a CT scan in search of others inside.
Montana State graduate student Michael Knell says the turtle was probably about a week from laying her eggs when she died and became entombed for millions of years in sandstone.
The fossil was found in 2006 in a remote part of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The eggs weren't discovered until after it sat in storage for two years and was being re-examined by a volunteer.

Image by Al Ruscelli http://www.ruscelli.com/turtles_webtoons.htm

Happy No Socks Day...

2009-05-08T06:40:00.001-04:00

Every day is no socks day for me though-- hate those things...

More blog comics...

2009-05-07T05:30:00.003-04:00

WTF??? 85

2009-05-06T22:59:00.003-04:00

Ladies, have you ever been in the shower shaving your bits and thought, "Hey, if my razor vibrated, I could kill two birds with one stone!"? Well you are now in luck-- The Tinge, a personal vibrator with a built in razor blade... what could be more safe and fun than that?
http://mytinge.com/
Disguised as a wet shaving razor that is, in fact, fully functional as a razor, this very pleasurable toy is the first of its kind multi-functional vibrator product featuring the ultimate combinations of discretion and function, modern styling and safety in design, sex-appeal and advanced technology. Operational as a vibrator only when the razor's cover is in place, the vibration frequencies of the super high output motor are sure to leave you fully satisfied --- both in and out of the tub or shower. The submersible and fully water resistant Tinge™ Razor offers 32 different speed and mode combinations to tend to your every mood and craving, and an advanced charging system offers 3 full hours of use for many cravings to come. Finally, a discrete toy for the home and as a travel companion, the Tinge™ Razor is sure to put a smile on your face.

Happy No Diet Day...

2009-05-06T00:43:00.002-04:00

Happy Cartoonists Day...

2009-05-05T21:15:00.002-04:00

It's also National Hoagie Day and Bark in the Park and Makeup Junkie Day...

Pickles blogging 2...

2009-05-04T06:48:00.001-04:00

Happy Respect for Chickens Day...

2009-05-04T04:20:00.001-04:00

It's also National Candied Orange Peel Day and and No Pants Day and Toad Suck Daze...

Happy 31st Anniversary Spam E-mail...

2009-05-03T21:33:00.003-04:00

Today is also Lumpy Rug Day and National Two Different Colored Shoes Day and Paranormal Day...

Happy Great American Grump Out...

2009-05-02T12:26:00.002-04:00

Pickles blogging...

2009-05-01T22:41:00.001-04:00

WTF??? 84

2009-05-01T20:48:00.003-04:00

Hmmm, did someone say elitist?

First Lady Michelle Obama steps out in Lanvin sneakers and they're only $540!

BY Amy Diluna DAILY NEWS FASHION EDITOR

Michelle Obama has taken casual to a haute new level.
While volunteering Wednesday at a D.C. food bank, the First Lady sported her usual J. Crew cardigan, a pair of utilitarian capri pants and, on her feet, a sneaky splurge: trainers that go for $540.
That's right: These sneakers - suede, with grosgrain ribbon laces and metallic pink toe caps - are made by French design house Lanvin, one of fashion's hottest labels. They come in denim and satin versions, and have been a brisk seller all spring.
They're out of stock at posh Meatpacking District boutique Jeffrey, and Barney New York boasts a limited selection of the sneaks, which are a cult favorite among fashionistas.
It's likely Michelle got hers through Ikram, the Chicago retailer that often outfits her.
"They're shoes," the First Lady's reps sniffed when curious reporters inquired about the fancy footwear.
Michelle has stepped out in Lanvin before while getting down to business. A week ago, she shoveled dirt at a tree planting while wearing the line's chiffon tank.
Dresses and strappy pumps cost upward of $1,500, while tops go for $400 to $1,000.
Other celebrity fans of Lanvin's costly kicks include Ellen DeGeneres and Kanye West, who has blogged about his faves.
As the family's primary dog walker, Michelle clearly requires comfortable footwear.
"I got up at 5:15 in the morning to walk my puppy," she joked Thursday. "That's how my day starts. Even though the kids are supposed to do a lot of the work, I'm still up at 5:15 a.m. taking my dog out."
She'll be trodding on New York's sidewalks Tuesday for the first time as First Lady. Michelle will meet with staff at the U.S. mission to the United Nations. Later, she headlines Time magazine's "100 most influential people" gala.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't know that I would pay $5 for those ugly things...

Happy No Pants Day...

2009-05-01T17:17:00.004-04:00

And apparently some people are actually celebrating No Pants Day-- ok, it happened weeks ago but it was reported today...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090501/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_naked_frisbee
U of Oregon to Frisbee team: No pants, no season
By JOSEPH B. FRAZIER, Associated Press Writer
PORTLAND, Ore. – In the world of intercollegiate Ultimate Frisbee, it's ultimately not cool to go without pants. So said a student board that governs club sports at the University of Oregon when it ended a highly-ranked team's season after five players shed their pants and underwear April 11 during sectional play at Oregon State University in Corvallis.
The squad had already been on probation since November for serving alcohol to minors and making way too much noise at a party to end last season, resulting in fines and citations. Now the team, known as EGO (Eugene Gentlemen's Organization) is crying foul.
"We put on the longest shirts we had," pleaded player Kevin Minderhout. "We have some jerseys that are pretty long."
Minderhout said the team feels "the decision to end the team season was pretty heavy."
Ultimate Frisbee, which is akin to flag football and is popular as a club sport at numerous universities and high schools, has rules but no referees. Players are responsible for their own foul calls and are to resolve their own disputes.
The sport is non-contact. Points are scored by completing a catch into the opponents' end zone on a court measuring 40 by 70 yards. The Oregon team was considered No. 3 in the nation.
During the April 11 incident, one team went without shirts and five on the other side went without pants and underwear.
Someone complained. The club sports executive committee, a review board of five students, held a hearing Monday. Team members didn't do themselves any favors by saying there was nothing wrong with playing without pants.
Sandie Hammerly, executive director of the sport's governing body in the United States, the Ultimate Players Association in Boulder, Colo., said she and the association's championship director, Will Deaver, support the punishment.
"You have to wear clothing — it's in the rules," Hammerly said.

It's also Mother Goose Day...

Happy National Honesty Day...

2009-04-30T04:08:00.001-04:00

It's also Spank Out Day... um.................... no comment

WTF??? 83

2009-04-29T07:00:00.003-04:00

Ok, I get it having a different ending from the version most dumbshits have already seen online, but two endings so that you may have to see the movie more than once and/or in two different theaters? Assholes... now I might not even bother going to see a movie I have waited my whole life for. I don't like being played...

Theatrical `Wolverine' promises secret endings

By SANDY COHEN, AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES – Fans of "Wolverine" who watched the online leak of the film won't miss one thing by skipping the theater — they'll miss at least two.
Director Gavin Hood says the theatrical version of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," due out Friday, features two different "Easter egg" endings. The short bits of footage play after the credits and reveal important information about key characters. Hood says the two endings play on separate prints, so different theaters may show different footage.
The full-length work print leaked last month has a different ending than the one recently screened for reporters.
"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" stars Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber and will.i.am.

Happy Sense of Smell Day...

2009-04-29T03:25:00.001-04:00

Happy Tell A Story Day...

2009-04-27T00:05:00.002-04:00

WTF??? 82

2009-04-26T22:24:00.001-04:00

I don't even know what to say here...

Clog show given boot in Hong Kong over feng shui

HONG KONG, China (AFP) – One of Hong Kong's tallest skyscrapers has declined to hold a Dutch charity exhibition of clogs because of worries the clunky footwear will bring bad luck, a report said.
The Cheung Kong Center refused to host the show, which was organised by the Dutch consulate, because of feng shui, a diplomat told the Sunday Morning Post.
The tower's management said the wooden footwear show would cause bad luck, because the Cantonese word for shoes -- hai -- sounds similar to a sigh of exasperation, the English-language paper said.
"Cheung Kong Center rejected the exhibition because of the Chinese meaning of wooden shoes. I don't understand. It is difficult to explain as I don't know how to say shoes in Chinese," an unnamed member of staff at the consulate told the paper.
The exhibition, part of an effort to promote Dutch culture, which will raise money for Chinese children, is now being held at another tower in Hong Kong, the paper said.
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese system, used to enhance positive energy and good luck.
The system is still very influential in superstitious Hong Kong, and highly-paid feng shui consultants are often employed to advise on the location and design of new buildings, as well as give individuals advice on how to improve their luck.

Happy National Hairball Awareness Day...

2009-04-24T04:29:00.003-04:00

This is a growing problem in the world and we need to fight it-- the best thing to do is to make sure anything you are going to be licking is hair free (I couldn't add any more innuendo here if I tried).

Happy 24th Birthday, New Coke...

2009-04-23T02:03:00.002-04:00

http://encyclopedia.tfd.com/New+Coke

I never had New Coke so I can't comment on it, but if what they say is true and it was made to be more like Pepsi, I might would actually prefer it to regular Coca-Cola-- But I despise change so.............................................

Maybe I should start wearing a bra...

2009-04-23T01:01:00.003-04:00

Bra deflects bullet aimed at woman
Writing by Kevin Krolicki; Editing by Doina Chiacu
DETROIT (Reuters) – A 57-year-old Detroit woman avoided serious injury when the underwire on her bra deflected a bullet shot at her from next door, police said.
The woman, who lives on the West side of Detroit, saw a group of men breaking into a neighbor's house on Tuesday morning. When the men spotted her, one of them fired a shot at her, a police spokesman said.
The bullet struck the underwire on the woman's bra and that saved her from a more serious injury, police said.
"It did slow the bullet down," said Detroit police spokesman Phillip Cook. "She sustained injuries but they're not life threatening."
The woman, who was not identified, was treated at a nearby hospital. The suspects in the shooting drove away.

WTF??? 82

2009-04-23T00:51:00.002-04:00

Minn. surgeon needs two tries to remove appendix

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – A state investigative report said a surgeon performed an appendectomy on the same patient twice after he mistakenly removed a piece of fatty tissue instead the first time. The Star Tribune reported that the surgeon realized his mistake two days after the first operation after a hospital pathologist reported what was removed was "not an appendix."
The patient had been complaining of pain and fever and was ordered back for a second surgery.
The by now ruptured appendix was removed, after which the unidentified patient spent 11 days in the hospital with complications from the second surgery.
The Health Department found no evidence the hospital did anything wrong. Complaints against doctors are handled by a separate state agency. The Board of Medical Practice isn't commenting on the case.

WTF??? 81

2009-04-22T23:37:00.004-04:00

This sounds right up your alley, Calvin-- except it's real bacon and not that ham you Canadians call bacon and it's Vermont maple syrup instead of the Canuck kind...

http://www.lollyphile.com/maple-bacon.php

Reminds me of this...
http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/product/bacon_exotic_candy_bar/exotic_candy_bars

Happy Look-alike Day...

2009-04-20T04:20:00.002-04:00

F-Minus

2009-04-18T03:33:00.002-04:00

I want to thank fellow bloggatarian Antonio (http://barkthecat.blogspot.com/ --be sure to check out his comic) for mentioning F-Day... I saw the comment too late to do a post celebrating the day, but I can still take the opportunity to point out a great comic, 'F-Minus'.

http://www.spreadthefword.com/

http://www.fminus.net/

http://comics.com/f_minus/

Happy National Cheeseball Day...

2009-04-17T01:02:00.004-04:00

One of life's mysteries-- the cheeseball... how can you take something as wonderful as cheese, cover it with nuts and create something that tastes like you just vomited? Same goes for cheese logs...

Today is also Blah Blah Blah Day...

Life imitating art...

2009-04-16T07:38:00.001-04:00

Snakes on a Plane part 2?

Baby pythons escape during flight in Australia
MELBOURNE, Australia – Four baby pythons escaped from a container aboard a passenger plane in Australia, leading to a search that forced the cancellation of two flights, the airline said Thursday.
Twelve non-venemous Stimson pythons were being transported Tuesday on a flight from Alice Springs to Melbourne in the plane's cargo area in a bag inside a plastic foam box with air holes.
When the flight landed, it was discovered that four snakes had escaped from the package, a Qantas spokeswoman said in a statement.
A reptile expert searched for the 6-inch (15-centimeter) -long snakes but did not find them. It was not known if the snakes were still on the plane or if they had somehow escaped outside after the plane landed.
In the meantime, the plane missed two flights it had been scheduled to fly and the passengers were transferred to other flights.
When the snakes were not found, the airplane was fumigated and it returned to service on Wednesday.
Stimson's pythons, which can grow up to three feet (one meter) long, live in western and central Australia and are not an endangered species.

News blogs...

2009-04-16T07:37:00.001-04:00

Life before the net...

2009-04-16T02:07:00.001-04:00

Happy National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day...

2009-04-16T02:04:00.001-04:00

Unfortunately some people sleep in the nude...

WTF??? Mega Super Duper Edition...

2009-04-15T22:59:00.003-04:00

In a story more fitting of the late great 'Weekly World News', 'The Onion', or 'The Giant Napkin', we have a man who has a tree growing inside his body-- yes, you read that right...

A good pick for my 400th post...

Click the link to see a picture of the ''tumor''-- I thought it might be a bit too graphic to post here...

Shocked Russian surgeons open up man who thought he had a tumour... to find a FIR TREE inside his lung

By Will Stewart

A fir tree has been found growing inside a man's lung by surgeons who were operating on him for suspected cancer.
The tree, measuring 5cm, was discovered by Russian doctors when they opened up Artyom Sidorkin, 28, to remove what they thought was a tumour.

Medical staff believe that Mr Sidorkin somehow inhaled a seed, which later sprouted into a small fir tree inside his lung.
The patient had complained of extreme pain in his chest and had been coughing up blood. Doctors were convinced he had cancer.
'We were 100 per cent sure,' said surgeon Vladimir Kamashev from Izhevsk in the Urals. 'We did X-rays and found what looked exactly like a tumour. I had seen hundreds before, so we decided on surgery.'

Before removing the major part of the man's lung, the surgeon investigated the tissue taken in a biopsy.
'I thought I was hallucinating,' said Dr Kamashev. 'I asked my assistant to have a look: "Come and see this - we've got a fir tree here".
'He nodded in shock. I blinked three times as I was sure I was seeing things.'
They believed the coughing of blood was caused by the tiny pine needles piercing blood capillaries. 'It was very painful. But to be honest I did not feel any foreign object inside me,' said Mr Sidorkin. 'I'm so relieved it's not cancer.'
The report appeared in popular tabloid Komsomolskaya Gazeta, and was picked up by Russian news service Novosti.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1169861/Shocked-Russian-surgeons-open-man-thought-tumour--FIR-TREE-inside-lung.html

Computer myths...

2009-04-15T06:25:00.001-04:00

Tax day...

2009-04-15T05:06:00.001-04:00

WTF??? 80

2009-04-15T04:34:00.002-04:00

I know you have all wondered how you can drink more water so here's an article that teaches you just that...

9 Tips: How to Drink More Water

By Yumi Sakugawa for Intent.com

Many health experts will agree that drinking more water will help give you more energy. (Read here from Michelle Schoffro Cook on why you should drink more water.) In celebration of this week's theme on keeping up your engery, here are my personal tricks on drinking more water.
* Make it a Morning Ritual. I once read in a magazine article that many of us wake up dehydrated, and the first thing you should do before you do anything else is drink two glasses of water. I've now made it a regular morning habit, and it inspires the momentum to continue drinking more for the rest of the day.
* Add Some Lemon. Back in the early stages when I couldn't stand drinking water, I squeezed lemon juice into my water. At restaurants, I would ask the servers to provide lemon slices with my water--which makes me sound snobby, but most restaurants are willing and expected to provide this service.
* Keep it In the Clear. When your urine is clear, you are properly hydrated. When your urine is a dark yellow, you are definitely dehydrated.
* Think of How Pretty You'll Look. I don't know how direct the correlation is between having healthy, glowing skin and drinking a lot of water, but I'm not taking any chances. Whatever psychological trick keeps me hydrated!
* Do It Like It's Hot. If you're in the mood for a hot drink, drink heated water. Sometimes we just want the psychological pleasure that comes with having a hot mug cupped in our hands than the actual drink itself. Plus, coffee and tea contain caffeine, which is a diuretic and elevates the rate of water being expelled from your body via urination.
* Drink When You Have a Munchie Attack. Sometimes our hunger is thirst masquerading as fake hunger. Drinking a cup or two of water will make you feel "full."
*Take Baby Steps. Don't expect to go from zero glasses of water to the full 8 glasses overnight. Start with one glass of water in the morning and one glass of water at night, and build your way up from there.
* Cheap cheap. Water at restaurants are FREE!
* Always have a full glass of water near you when you are working. It will give you something to mindlessly sip on when you are brainstorming or need something to do with your hands.

You definitely have to love the tip on drinking HOT water... mmmmmmmm-- that sounds even better than unsweetened lemon water...

Happy That Sucks Day...

2009-04-15T01:11:00.001-04:00

WTF??? 79

2009-04-14T22:37:00.002-04:00

If your spouse didn't smile in his/her yearbook photo, you might as well go ahead and file for divorce because your marriage is apparently doomed... or maybe he/she just had braces.

Smiles Predict Marriage Success

Clara Moskowitz LiveScience Staff Writer

If you want to know whether your marriage will survive, look at your spouse's yearbook photos.
Psychologists have found that how much people smile in old photographs can predict their later success in marriage.
In one test, the researchers looked at people's college yearbook photos, and rated their smile intensity from 1 to 10. None of the people who fell within the top 10 percent of smile strength had divorced, while within the bottom 10 percent of smilers, almost one in four had had a marriage that ended, the researchers say. (Scoring was based on the stretch in two muscles: one that pulls up on the mouth, and one that creates wrinkles around the eyes.)
In a second trial, the research team asked people over age 65 to provide photos from their childhood (the average age in the pictures was 10 years old). The researchers scored each person's smile, and found that only 11 percent of the biggest smilers had been divorced, while 31 percent of the frowners had experienced a broken marriage.
Overall, the results indicate that people who frown in photos are five times more likely to get a divorce than people who smile.
While the connection is striking, the researchers stress that they can't conclude anything about the cause of the correlation.
"Maybe smiling represents a positive disposition towards life," said study leader Matthew Hertenstein, a psychologist at DePauw University in Indiana. "Or maybe smiling people attract other happier people, and the combination may lead to a greater likelihood of a long-lasting marriage. We don't really know for sure what's causing it."
Hertenstein said he has considered other explanations, such as the possibility that people who smile more often tend to attract more friends, and a larger support network makes it easier to keep a marriage healthy. Or it could be that people who smile when a photographer tells them to are more likely to have obedient personalities, which could make marriage easier.
The results of the study fit into a larger pattern of research that has found many personality characteristics can be determined from very thin slices of behavior. Basically, we often reveal ourselves in the most subtle, simple ways.
And smiling in photographs has been shown to be correlated with a number of traits, including a generally happier disposition.
"I think [our results] go along with a lot of the literature that's been coming out over the last five to 10 years, which shows that positive emotionality is incredibly important in our lives," Hertenstein told LiveScience. "There are many, many beneficial outcomes to a positive disposition."
The findings are also notable because they found a connection between photos taken when people were young and marriage outcomes that sometimes occurred much later.
"It feeds into this idea that what's occurring earlier in our lives in terms of our present situation and our mental state can predict things that occur decades later," Hertenstein said. "Showing the continuity in who we are is really important."
The study is detailed in the April 5 issue of the journal Motivation and Emotion.

Happy National Be Kind to Lawyers Day...

2009-04-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

More Easter stuff...

2009-04-12T00:11:00.001-04:00

Easter stuff...

2009-04-12T00:06:00.002-04:00

The truth...

2009-04-11T22:02:00.002-04:00

This isn't quite an Easter thing, but the egg thing works-- this is what really happened to Humpty Dumpty...

WTF??? 77 & 78

2009-04-11T05:32:00.003-04:00

PETA is making a fool of itself................... again... and again.

Animal rights protests reach Warcraft's world
by Mike Smith

In its latest attempt to stop Canadian seal clubbing, animal rights organization PETA is taking its protests to new shores.

Specifically, PETA's planning a gathering in the icy northern kingdom of the world's biggest online game, World of Warcraft, where a team of four seal killers is apparently clubbing their way through the continent's baby animal population.
"Anyone who slaughters baby seals for their fur must surely be in service to the evil Lich King," said PETA on a Facebook page set up to publicize the gathering, referencing one of Warcraft's key bad guys.
Bizarrely, slaughtering animals for their skins is actively encouraged in World of Warcraft , where players can collect hides to turn into armor, bags, or ammo pouches to use or sell. Still, if you feel like taking part, make your way to the Howling Fjord on the Whisperwind realm this Saturday at 1PM EST. And we'd suggest swapping that leather armor out for a nice cotton number instead. You know, just in case.

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/animal-rights-protests-reach-warcraft-s-world/1302256

AND

Pet Shop Boys spurn rescue shelter remix

LONDON (AFP) – Electro-pop pioneers Pet Shop Boys turned down a request from animal rights group PETA Europe to adopt a more creature-friendly name, the band revealed on their website Thursday.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals suggested Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe rename themselves Rescue Shelter Boys to draw attention to the plight of animals raised in pet shops.
"Dear Neil and Chris, You have many loyal fans of the Pet Shop Boys here at PETA. Will you please consider changing your name from the Pet Shop Boys to the Rescue Shelter Boys?" pleaded a letter to the group from Yvonne Taylor, PETA's special projects manager.
"Most dogs and cats sold in pet shops are sourced from profit-hungry breeders who may have bred them in cramped, filthy conditions.
"For every bird who reaches a pet shop, three others have died during capture, confinement and transportation.
"Hamsters, mice and other rodents are often bred by the pet shops themselves, leading to inbreeding, genetic weaknesses, physical deformities and behavioral disorders.
"By agreeing to change your name to the Rescue Shelter Boys, you would help raise awareness about the cruelty involved in the pet trade and encourage your millions of fans to consider giving a home to an abandoned or unwanted animal from an animal shelter. So, what do you say?"
The pair, whose hits include "West End Girls", It's a Sin" and "Suburbia" declined the request, claiming they were "unable to agree," but said it "raises an issue worth thinking about."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090409/od_afp/entertainmentbritainmusicpetshopboysanimalsoffbeat

Happy Eight-Track Tape Day...

2009-04-11T03:47:00.001-04:00

It's also International "Louie Louie" Day, so if you have that song on 8-track, you can celebrate like crazy...

Happy Name Yourself Day...

2009-04-09T04:57:00.002-04:00

My new name is... damn, I can't even think of anything...

More turtle news...

2009-04-08T21:53:00.002-04:00

Uni-flipper turtle gets it straight with swimsuit

By CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – Allison, a green sea turtle with only one flipper, has been going around and around and around for most of her life.
But swimming in tight circles is tough for a 5-year-old turtle whose life expectancy is about 150 years.
Allison was set straight Wednesday, when researchers outfitted her in a black neoprene suit with a carbon-fiber dorsal fin on the back that allows her to glide gracefully with other turtles.
"That's a sea turtle doing what a sea turtle does," said Dave Cromwell, a worker who watched the turtle's new moves at Sea Turtle Inc., a Texas not-for-profit group that rehabilitates injured sea turtles.
The fin on the suit, which resembles a wetsuit covering about three-quarters of her body, acts like a rudder and gives her stability. Allison can change direction by varying the strokes of her front right flipper, the lone survivor in what rescuers believe was a shark attack.
Sea Turtle Inc. curator Jeff George said turtles with only one flipper are usually euthanized because they would struggle to reach the surface for air. Two-flipper turtles can be adopted by zoos and three-flipper turtles can be returned to the wild.
Allison, who arrived at the rescue center in 2005, was given a slim chance of survival, but she recovered from her injuries and wormed her way into the hearts of her rescuers, who tried to find a way to help the circling turtle.
"The whole reason we're doing this is to improve her quality of life," said Tom Wilson, a 21-year-old intern who thought up the suit.
George said a team of scientists last year spent months trying to develop a prosthetic flipper to counter the thrust of Allison's remaining paddle, but there was not enough of a stump remaining to attach prosthetics.
Wilson's idea applied the physics of canoe paddling. The scientists have developed equations that will allow them to tailor new suits and fins because Allison could grow to around 500 to 600 pounds.
Even though Allison will never return to the sea, the groundbreaking work will make her an "ambassador" for an endangered species, George said.
For now, the triumph that the turtle could swim like the others was enough for those at the rescue center: Cromwell said watchers wept the first time Allison dove to feed at the salad bar of waving Romaine lettuce.

Sea Turtle Inc: http://www.seaturtleinc.com/

WTF??? 76

2009-04-06T20:34:00.002-04:00

Thief nabbed with 68 tubes of toothpaste

BERLIN (Reuters) – Police in northern Germany are searching for a man who tried to walk out of a supermarket with 68 tubes of toothpaste stuffed into his clothing.
"We don't know if he had bad teeth," a police spokeswoman in Rostock said Friday."
Noticing his bulging jacket, a store worker grabbed the man when he refused to stop and the tubes of toothpaste spilt all over the floor, police said.
The thief struck the woman in the face and ran out.
Reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Angus MacSwan
Best quote in a long time-- "We don't know if he had bad teeth,"

Happy Sorry Charlie Day...

2009-04-06T18:54:00.002-04:00

This day honors those who have been rejected and lived through it.

It's also supposed to be Teflon Day, but I don't know if that will stick...

Happy Tell-A-Lie Day...

2009-04-04T21:57:00.001-04:00

Happy Don't Go To Work Unless It's Fun Day...

2009-04-03T00:42:00.000-04:00

Happy National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day...

2009-04-02T03:06:00.002-04:00

Happy One Cent Day...

2009-04-01T21:00:00.002-04:00

Seasick turtle?

2009-04-01T00:41:00.003-04:00

Haven't had a turtle post in a long time...

Sick Sea Turtle Swims Right to Hospital Doorstep

A sick sea turtle swims to the doorstep of the only place in the world that is licensed solely to treat turtles
By TODD WRIGHT

Stop reading if you've heard this one

Why did the sea turtle cross the Florida Keys? To go to the doctor.
A loggerhead sea turtle nearly swam to the door step of the Florida Keys Turtle Hospital, the only licensed veterinary facility in the world that solely treats sea turtles.
The 73-pound reptile was suffering from a bacterial infection and somehow knew exactly where to go for help -- no Yellow Pages needed.
Staff members at the hospital actually waited several hours before treating the turtle because they thought it may have just been lost when it showed up at the dock of the treatment center.
But the turtle stuck around, probably unaware of the Turtle Hospital's "no walk-ins" policy.
Eventually, he was treated with meds and now has a new home in a blue tank until he's all better.
No doubt, the hospital will get plenty of referrals from their new patient when he is back with his friends -- Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael.

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Sick-Sea-Turtle-Pays-Unexpected-Visit-To-The-Doctor.html

WTF??? 75

2009-03-31T21:59:00.003-04:00

Warning sought for burger the size of your head

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The staff dietitian at a doctors group is asking the West Michigan Whitecaps to put a warning label on the enormous new hamburger that it's selling this season. Susan Levin of the Washington-based Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine sent a letter to the Grand Rapids minor-league team on Tuesday. She's asking that the 4,800-calorie burger be labeled a "dietary disaster" that increases the risk of cancer and heart disease.
The 4-pound, $20 burger features five beef patties, five slices of cheese, nearly a cup of chili and liberal doses of salsa and corn chips — all on an 8-inch bun.
Whitecaps spokesman Mickey Graham said the team hasn't considered labeling the burger, which he says is a gimmick being promoted as a very unhealthy menu item.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090331/ap_on_fe_st/odd_bodacious_ballpark_burger

Not making this a WTF??? because of the size of the burger-- This is a wtf because who is dumb enough to think this burger would be healthy? Has to be a liberal thing...

The pic isn't of the actual burger-- I wanted to use a better pic... that burger weighs like 110lbs.

Happy I Am In Control Day...

2009-03-30T06:11:00.001-04:00

I always identified with this pic...

It's also Grass is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day.

Happy Something on a Stick Day...

2009-03-28T16:55:00.001-04:00

This comic is so wrong... guess that's why I like it.

Happy Viagra Day...

2009-03-27T09:41:00.003-04:00

It's also Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day and National "Joe" Day-- Do you hate your name? Everyone who hates their name has a right on this day to have everyone they know call them Joe.

Woo Hoo!!! My first spam comment...

Happy Make Up Your Own Holiday Day...

2009-03-26T05:09:00.002-04:00

I would make up my own holiday but I suspect some of you already think I make up some of these holidays anyway...

Welcome to my world...

2009-03-23T10:19:00.000-04:00

Happy National Goof-off Day...

2009-03-22T00:02:00.002-04:00

McD's...

2009-03-21T23:37:00.003-04:00

I had mentioned possibly doing some posts of McDonald's from around the world, so I thought I would throw some up and see if anyone cares...

The first is from China and the other three are from Australia.

WTF??? 74

2009-03-21T23:17:00.002-04:00

4 kids die in Ohio mobile home fire; baby is saved

ST. PARIS, Ohio – A fire at a mobile home killed four young children before dawn Saturday, but two adult relatives escaped through a window with a baby before running to neighbors for help, screaming, "My kids are burning!"
Toby Fox was at his kitchen table with friends when Phillip Skaggs Jr., the father of one of the children who perished, yanked open the front door.
"He just kept yelling, 'They're burning. My kids are burning. Please hurry,'" Fox said.
Another neighbor, Kala Johnson, said she and two others tried to break a window of Skaggs' home to rescue the children. Neighbor Michele McGowen said no cries for help could be heard coming from inside the home.
Firefighters responded at about 3 a.m. to the blaze in a mobile home park in St. Paris, about 75 miles west of Columbus, state fire marshals spokesman Shane Cartmill said.
The victims were 2-year-old Nathan Skaggs, 8-year-old Patrick Snelling, 10-year-old Breonna Snelling and 10-year-old Cassandra Karg, the Champaign County sheriff's office said.
Phillip Skaggs Jr. and Christina Gregg, both 33, and Natalia Skaggs, 8 months, were treated at a hospital for minor injuries and were released.
The couple are the parents of both Skaggs children, and Gregg is the mother of the two Snelling children, Sheriff Brent Emmons said. Phillip Skaggs Jr. is Karg's uncle, he said.
The mobile home had electrical problems, shocking people who touched parts of it, said Scott Randall, who lives nearby in the mobile home park.
An electrical malfunction hadn't been ruled out as a cause of the fire, and an electrical engineer would examine the home on Monday, Cartmill said. The home had a fire detector that wasn't functioning, he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090321/ap_on_re_us/fatal_fire_four_dead;_ylt=Av3dvbWkjfAcPICDU1G4x.FH2ocA;_ylu=X3oDMTFlOWI1ZGgyBHBvcwMxMgRzZWMDYWNjb3JkaW9uX3Vfc19uZXdzBHNsawM0a2lkc2RpZWlub2g-

This is tragic, but who is to blame? The adults of course... they knew there were electrical problems in a mobile home (which are notorious for burning easily) and didn't even have a working smoke detector??? Fuck....................

Happy Poultry Day...

2009-03-19T06:01:00.002-04:00

WTF??? 73

2009-03-19T03:13:00.002-04:00

Slang is now allowed in Scrabble???

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123731266862258869.html?mod=yhoofront

Price Drop: Stocks, Homes, Now Triple-Word Scores
Scrabble and Other Games -- on Boards, Fields, Courts and Ice -- Have Overvalued Points; Vermont Avenue Is a Steal

A trio of words -- one that's slang for pizza, another defined as a body's vital life force and a third referring to a snoring sound -- have conspired to change the game of Scrabble.

"Za," "qi" and "zzz" were added recently to the game's official word list for its original English-language edition. Because Z's and Q's each have the game's highest point value of 10, those monosyllabic words can rack up big scores for relatively little effort. So now that those high-scoring letters are more versatile, some Scrabble aficionados would like to see the rules changed -- which would be the only change since Alfred Butts popularized the game in 1948.
For non Scrabble-rousers, there are analogs for the proposed re-evaluations in other leisure pursuits. Some notable mispriced assets: Vermont Avenue in Monopoly, three-point field goals in basketball and football and overtime losses in hockey. Yet traditionalists say rules should endure; it's up to players to exploit them.
In Scrabble, players form words on a 15-by-15-space board using 100 tiles -- two of them blanks that can stand in for any letter, and 98 tiles with letters and corresponding point values. Players draw seven tiles to start the game and refresh their set after each turn.
Mr. Butts, without aid of spreadsheets, marked up newspaper articles and counted the letters in common words, according to Stefan Fatsis, author of "Word Freak." The inventor confirmed what typesetters and cryptologists had long known: E is the most common letter in English, and Q, J, X and Z are among the least-common letters. Mr. Butts included more tiles for the most-common letters and assigned the least-common letters more points because of the relative difficulty of forming words around them.

Competitive Scrabble players admire the durability of that technique, which is preserved in game editions in other languages, including Indonesian and Estonian. Yet while a basic Scrabble set hasn't changed since its initial marketing, its maker, Hasbro Inc., has approved expansions of the playable-word list. The most recent update, the fourth version, made way for "za" and its ilk, making the rare letters easier to play.
For some -- especially opponents -- "za" is too cheap and easy. The New Yorker recently published a letter from Matthew Butterick, a Los Angeles lawyer and Scrabble player, bemoaning the preservation of the original tile values as long as the new words are being added. He acknowledges changing the rules might hurt his won-loss record: "I realized that fewer people wanted to play me because I like to use words like 'xi' and 'xu,' which most casual players consider to be a form of black magic."
Larry Sherman, who has been ranked as high as 35th by the National Scrabble Association, also would like to see score changes. "X, Q, Z and J were originally assigned high values because of their rarity in our language," Mr. Sherman says. "Dictionary additions that make it much easier to use these letters contradict the game's internal logic."
But his brother Joel, a former champion, responds, "Good players adapt their play to the changes in the dictionary; changing the values only accommodates weak players."
Other games also find it difficult to extend the same set of rules across both casual competitors and the world's best while preserving the value of the games' basic scoring system. Consider football and basketball, which award three points for field goals -- in football, for kicks between the uprights, and in basketball, for shots from behind a designated spot on the court.

For amateurs, these are hard points to come by. But as professional kickers have specialized and improved their technique, field goals have become more common. National Football League teams last season made nearly 85% of field goals, compared with barely 60% in 1974, according to Brian Burke of Advanced NFL Stats. There were two successful field goals for every three touchdowns last season, compared with barely two for every five touchdowns in 1974.
In college basketball, meanwhile, three-point shots are falling with about the same level of accuracy of closer jump shots, even though they're worth 50% more. To address this, the three-point line has been moved away from the basket by a foot, as college-hoops fans may notice during March Madness. Yet shots from 21 feet and 22 feet, the shortest three-point distances, were accurate more than 37% of the time this season -- easier than those from any distance between five feet and 19 feet from the basket, according to college-basketball analyst Ken Pomeroy.
In 2000, the National Hockey League began rewarding teams for ties at the end of regulation by granting a point in the league standings to teams that lose in overtime. That makes overtime games worth one more point than other games, because winners of any game get two points. In the nine seasons since that rule change, the probability of games going to overtime has increased by 21% compared with the nine seasons before the change, according to Justin Kubatko, vice president of Sports Reference LLC, as teams have scrambled to hold on for overtime and the guaranteed point it confers.
And in Monopoly, paying $50 for that hotel on Vermont Avenue pays itself off in fewer than 15 rolls of the dice by your opponent, compared with more than 40 rolls for other hotel-adorned squares, according to simulations of 32 billion rolls by Truman Collins.
These imbalances could theoretically be addressed by narrowing the football goalposts, bringing the three-point line closer to the basket and raising some Monopoly prices. But removing these strategic advantages, and the ability for smarter players to exploit them, can make a game boring, some say.
"If there was no discrepancy, it would be less fun," says competitive Monopoly player David Myers.
Changing the rules also devalues the record books. And there will always be an element of luck in Scrabble so long as there is a random draw. Brian Sheppard, who has programmed Scrabble games, says, "The fact that tiles aren't all equally valuable is what makes things interesting."
It's also not obvious how to recalculate Scrabble letter frequency and values. Though certain words have entered the lexicon, the basic hierarchy of letters has shown remarkable resilience. A worksheet Mr. Butts used to tabulate his letter-frequency studies from periodicals such as the New York Times and Saturday Evening Post shows that about 12 of every 10,000 letters were Q's, and 12 of every 100 were E's. Those numbers hardly changed for a collection of nearly four million words from 2002 Times articles assembled by the American National Corpus.
There are more sophisticated approaches. Mr. Butterick, the New Yorker letter-writer, suggests using simulated games to figure out tile values that would bring today's game in line with the original version. Alternately, as some Scrabble scientists have suggested, you could adjust scores upward or downward based on how lucky, or unlucky, players were in their tile draw.
Take such an approach and "you might end up with a game more challenging and logical from the Scrabble expert's point of view," says Jim Harrison, who helps design editions of the game in other languages, "but not for those of us who are mere mortals."
Write to Carl Bialik at numbersguy@wsj.com

Printed in The Wall Street Journal

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2009-03-19T00:50:00.001-04:00