Wednesday, December 20, 2006
0 comments 0 commentsSix sinister things about Super Mario
Hot on the heels of Faith's article on the layered evils of Viva Pinata, this article serves to educate the average reader on the numerous moral trespasses and hidden agendas of Super Mario, and his ilk.
Will you have noticed some of these things before? Undoubtedly. But have you noticed ALL of them? Unlikely.
Will you have noticed some of these things before? Undoubtedly. But have you noticed ALL of them? Unlikely.
10 tips for holiday procrastinators
Something seems funny about you today, Gentle Reader. Your palms are sweaty. You appear to be having difficulty breathing. And you’re so jumpy and uneasy.
Wait, wait! I know what’s going on! Have you procrastinated about doing your holiday shopping? Again?
Hoo-boy.
Wait, wait! I know what’s going on! Have you procrastinated about doing your holiday shopping? Again?
Hoo-boy.
Most politically incorrect word of 2006
"Macaca" you are number one.
The word "macaca," used by outgoing Republican Sen. George Allen (news, bio, voting record) of Virginia to describe a Democratic activist of Indian descent who was trailing his campaign, was named the most politically incorrect word of the year on Friday by Global Language Monitor, a nonprofit group that studies word usage.
"The word might have changed the political balance of the U.S. Senate, since Allen's utterance (an offensive slang term for Indians from the Sub-continent) surely impacted his election bid," said the group's head, Paul JJ Payack.
The word "macaca," used by outgoing Republican Sen. George Allen (news, bio, voting record) of Virginia to describe a Democratic activist of Indian descent who was trailing his campaign, was named the most politically incorrect word of the year on Friday by Global Language Monitor, a nonprofit group that studies word usage.
"The word might have changed the political balance of the U.S. Senate, since Allen's utterance (an offensive slang term for Indians from the Sub-continent) surely impacted his election bid," said the group's head, Paul JJ Payack.
Drexel upsets Syracuse
The Dragons have done it again.
Drexel shocked No. 23 Syracuse, 84-79, Tuesday night for its second consecutive major upset and its first of a nationally ranked opponent since 1996.
The victory follows the Dragons' first-ever win over Villanova, 81-76, on Dec. 9 before the team took a break for final exams.
One more reason to love Cedar Point
Anyone who has been on Cedar Point's roller coasters knows they can produce a lot of loose change.
But what happens to that money?
Cedar Point employees collect and turn in the loose change found underneath the rides, on the midway or in the park's fountains to the loose change fund.
R.I.P. Joe Barbera
Joe Barbera, half of the Hanna-Barbera animation team that produced such beloved cartoon characters as Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear and the Flintstones, died Monday, a Warner Bros. spokesman said. He was 95.
Barbera died of natural causes at his home with his wife, Sheila, at his side, Warner Bros. spokesman Gary Miereanu said.
With his longtime partner, Bill Hanna, Barbera first found success creating the highly successful Tom and Jerry cartoons.
Barbera died of natural causes at his home with his wife, Sheila, at his side, Warner Bros. spokesman Gary Miereanu said.
With his longtime partner, Bill Hanna, Barbera first found success creating the highly successful Tom and Jerry cartoons.
Grandson of the year
A 20-year-old Daytona Beach, Fla., man is accused of killing his grandmother by strangling her with an extension cord being used for holiday lights and then slitting her throat apparently over money for drugs, according to a Local 6 News report.
Investigators said Linda Hummer was found in a pool of blood by her daughter at the woman's home located at 916 Tracy St. Saturday afternoon. Hummer's grandson, Christopher Culp, was charged in her death.
Police said Culp went by her home Friday night offering to decorate her home for the holidays.
Investigators said Linda Hummer was found in a pool of blood by her daughter at the woman's home located at 916 Tracy St. Saturday afternoon. Hummer's grandson, Christopher Culp, was charged in her death.
Police said Culp went by her home Friday night offering to decorate her home for the holidays.
Special sauce added to dressing
Meet Marco Raphael Castro. The Illinois high school student surrendered today to face charges resulting from a revolting lunchroom prank earlier this month. According to Wheaton police and school officials, the 17-year-old senior ejaculated into a bottle of ranch salad dressing on December 6 and returned the befouled condiment to the Wheaton North High School cafeteria. It is unclear if the dressing was used by any students before the container was cleaned and refilled the following day. Castro, pictured below in Wheaton Police Department mug shots, has been charged with disorderly conduct and attempted aggravated battery, both misdemeanors. School officials learned of the prank from students, and Principal Jill Bullo sent parents a December 14 letter informing them of the "very unusual and disgusting incident."
Saturday, December 09, 2006
0 comments 0 commentsHollywood's misconceptions on coding
Following up our article: Top 20 Hackers in Film History and Vibrant's Top 10 Servers in the movies, I felt obligated to dispel some of the notions about programming that these movies endorse. I understand that Hollywood needs to dress things up to make them more entertaining, but in the case of programmers, code, and hackers they've done more than dress things up - they've morphed a little stuffed teddy bear into a cybernetic polar bear covered in christmas lights and phosphorescent hieroglyphics with a fog machine pumping rainbow smoke out of his ass. In other words, they've layered a ridiculous amount of extravagance on top of something that in reality is very grounded.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
0 commentsKilladelphia can't celebrate properly
Police said a teen is fighting for his life after being shot outside a recently opened movie theater in North Philadelphia Wednesday.
Police said a 16-year-old male was shot in the groin outside the Pearl Theater at Broad and Oxford near the campus of Temple University in North Philadelphia.
Officials said a suspect pulled out a semi-automatic weapon and opened fire striking the teen. The teen was rushed to Hahnemann Hospital in critical condition.
Police said a 16-year-old male was shot in the groin outside the Pearl Theater at Broad and Oxford near the campus of Temple University in North Philadelphia.
Officials said a suspect pulled out a semi-automatic weapon and opened fire striking the teen. The teen was rushed to Hahnemann Hospital in critical condition.
Pearl Harbor remembered
This, they say, will be their final farewell.
With their number quickly dwindling, survivors of Pearl Harbor will gather Thursday one last time to honor those killed by the Japanese 65 years ago, and to mark a date that lives in infamy.
"This will be one to remember," said Mal Middlesworth, president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. "It's going to be something that we'll cherish forever."
With their number quickly dwindling, survivors of Pearl Harbor will gather Thursday one last time to honor those killed by the Japanese 65 years ago, and to mark a date that lives in infamy.
"This will be one to remember," said Mal Middlesworth, president of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. "It's going to be something that we'll cherish forever."
PETA should just go away
The family of a Suffolk toddler mauled to death by a pit bull is calling on PETA to pull one of its ads.
Jonathan Martin's parents say PETA never consulted them about using the boy in a campaign to push a statewide ban on chaining dogs. The group claims putting dogs on chains makes the animals more aggressive.
There is a divide in the family over this. The boy's cousin is on PETA's side, urging lawmakers to introduce a bill to restrict chaining to no more than three hours per day.
Jonathan Martin's parents say PETA never consulted them about using the boy in a campaign to push a statewide ban on chaining dogs. The group claims putting dogs on chains makes the animals more aggressive.
There is a divide in the family over this. The boy's cousin is on PETA's side, urging lawmakers to introduce a bill to restrict chaining to no more than three hours per day.
Yo quiero E. coli
As the number of people infected with E. coli after eating at Taco Bell restaurants mushroomed to 97 yesterday, New Jersey health officials asked the chain's outlets in that state to throw out all their food and better train workers on hygiene and food handling.
Taco Bell, meanwhile, ordered scallions removed from its 5,800 restaurants nationwide after tests suggested they could be responsible for the outbreak.
"In light of the test results on green onions [scallions], the risk to the public may be ongoing, although we are continuing our investigation into what food source may be the cause of this outbreak," said Fred Jacobs, New Jersey health commissioner.
Taco Bell, meanwhile, ordered scallions removed from its 5,800 restaurants nationwide after tests suggested they could be responsible for the outbreak.
"In light of the test results on green onions [scallions], the risk to the public may be ongoing, although we are continuing our investigation into what food source may be the cause of this outbreak," said Fred Jacobs, New Jersey health commissioner.
Friday, December 01, 2006
0 commentsAlligator vs. man on crack
A man who was attacked by an alligator this morning was naked and smoking crack at the time, Polk County deputies who rescued him said today.
The alligator had the man in his jaws when deputies arrived at Lake Parker in Lakeland about 4 a.m. today. They were called by nearby residents who reported hearing a man yelling for help.
The first deputy on the scene was unable to free the man, Adrian J. Apgar, from the alligator's mouth. It wasn't until 3 or 4 of them were in chest-deep water that they were able to pull him free after the tug-of-war.
The alligator had the man in his jaws when deputies arrived at Lake Parker in Lakeland about 4 a.m. today. They were called by nearby residents who reported hearing a man yelling for help.
The first deputy on the scene was unable to free the man, Adrian J. Apgar, from the alligator's mouth. It wasn't until 3 or 4 of them were in chest-deep water that they were able to pull him free after the tug-of-war.
Friday, November 24, 2006
0 commentsWhat to expect in the next 50 years
What will be the biggest breakthrough of the next 50 years? As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations we asked over 70 of the world's most brilliant scientists for their ideas.
In coming decades will we: discover that we are not alone in the universe? Unravel the physiological basis for consciousness? Routinely have false memories implanted in our minds? Begin to evolve in new directions? And will physicists finally hit upon a universal theory of everything? In fact, if the revelations of the last 50 years are anything to go on - the internet and the human genome for example - we probably have not even thought up the exciting advances that lay ahead of us.
Delve into those visions of the future by author in the story list of this special report, or navigate forecasts by topic here.
In coming decades will we: discover that we are not alone in the universe? Unravel the physiological basis for consciousness? Routinely have false memories implanted in our minds? Begin to evolve in new directions? And will physicists finally hit upon a universal theory of everything? In fact, if the revelations of the last 50 years are anything to go on - the internet and the human genome for example - we probably have not even thought up the exciting advances that lay ahead of us.
Delve into those visions of the future by author in the story list of this special report, or navigate forecasts by topic here.
Bunch of savages in this town
Philadelphia police said several Center City stores were forced to delay their openings Friday after vandals super-glued the locks.
The vandals damaged locks to 16 stores between the 1400 and 1600 blocks of Walnut Street. Police said they struck sometime between late Wednesday evening and Friday morning, while the stores were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Employees arrived to find the locks super-glued and had to have the locks removed or called in a locksmith to fix the damage.
The vandals damaged locks to 16 stores between the 1400 and 1600 blocks of Walnut Street. Police said they struck sometime between late Wednesday evening and Friday morning, while the stores were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Employees arrived to find the locks super-glued and had to have the locks removed or called in a locksmith to fix the damage.
IMINURWEBSITE.COM
It's about cute kittens, birds, or other animals with cute, funny, or bizzare captions. The goal is to create an online collection where you can go to vote for your favorite images. Enjoy it.
Ride accidents
RideAccidents.com is the world's single most comprehensive, detailed, updated, accurate, and complete source of amusement ride accident reports and related news. The site includes a record of fatal amusement ride accidents in the United States since 1972, and, for the past six years, has recorded all types of accidents, including many from outside the United States. The number of injuries and fatalities recorded at this site does not reflect the total number of injuries and deaths that have occurred as a result of amusement ride accidents.
15 richest fictional characters
The rich may be different than you and me--but not nearly as different as the characters that comprise the Forbes Fictional 15, our annual listing of fiction's very wealthiest. This year's selection includes a duck, a wizard, a Nigerian prince and even a plumber. Aggregate (fictional) net worth? $111 billion.
The biggest change to this year's list comes at the very top. For the first time in the Fictional 15's history, Santa Claus has been unseated from the number-one spot, replaced by defense contractor Oliver ''Daddy'' Warbucks.
We still estimate Claus' net worth as infinite, but we excluded him from this year's rankings after being bombarded by letters from outraged children insisting that Claus is "real." We don't claim to have settled the ongoing controversy concerning Claus' existence, but after taking into account the physical evidence--toys delivered, milk and cookies devoured--we felt it was safer to remove him from consideration.
The biggest change to this year's list comes at the very top. For the first time in the Fictional 15's history, Santa Claus has been unseated from the number-one spot, replaced by defense contractor Oliver ''Daddy'' Warbucks.
We still estimate Claus' net worth as infinite, but we excluded him from this year's rankings after being bombarded by letters from outraged children insisting that Claus is "real." We don't claim to have settled the ongoing controversy concerning Claus' existence, but after taking into account the physical evidence--toys delivered, milk and cookies devoured--we felt it was safer to remove him from consideration.
Friday, November 10, 2006
0 comments 0 commentsT.O. Survival Guide
Bad enough that Bill Parcells reportedly wakes up choking on his own bile following Dallas Cowboys losses.
Worse still, he has to manage Terrell Owens.
What's a media-despising, control-freak coach supposed to do with an oft-rebellious player who has more than a passing familiarity with television cameras? Page 2 is here to help. Just consult our handy survival guide.
Worse still, he has to manage Terrell Owens.
What's a media-despising, control-freak coach supposed to do with an oft-rebellious player who has more than a passing familiarity with television cameras? Page 2 is here to help. Just consult our handy survival guide.
Montana is gross and mean to cats
A former Gardiner resident faces 22 counts of cruelty to animals for allegedly abandoning more than 30 cats in a dark trailer house with no food, water or litter boxes, forcing them to survive by eating their young.
Roy E. Wiedenmeyer Jr., 57, who now lives in Stevensville, also faces a criminal mischief charge. His initial appearance in District Court is scheduled for Nov. 20.
Court records say Wiedenmeyer rented a trailer from Gardiner resident Peter Dahn for more than a year, then abandoned the cats there in early October.
Roy E. Wiedenmeyer Jr., 57, who now lives in Stevensville, also faces a criminal mischief charge. His initial appearance in District Court is scheduled for Nov. 20.
Court records say Wiedenmeyer rented a trailer from Gardiner resident Peter Dahn for more than a year, then abandoned the cats there in early October.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
0 comments 0 comments
Monday, November 06, 2006
0 comments10 weirdest candy treats
While searching for online Halloween games to write about, I stumbled across some pretty weird (and disgusting) looking candy. These candies are tasty treats that, for the most part, just look kind of creepy.
Here's a collection of the 10 Weirdest Candy Treats that your children will love to try.
Here's a collection of the 10 Weirdest Candy Treats that your children will love to try.
UTube sues YouTube
Remember that company Universal Tube that owns the domain UTube.com? A release on one of the press wires says that UTube is now suing the video sharing site, demanding that YouTube stop using their name. Universal Tube & Rollform Equipment Corporation of Perrysburg, Ohio, has filed a lawsuit in the US District court in Toledo.
As mentioned before (UTube, YouTube?), UTube is a business selling tubes, pipes, “tube mills” and other machinery. They complained a few weeks back that the site was being downed by heavy traffic as users looking for YouTube landed on their site instead, presumably by typing the wrong domain name. This downtime cost them a great deal of money in lost customers, they said. How big was the traffic spike? They claim unique visitors went from 1,500 to over 2 million per month. UTube has been forced to move hosts 5 times to cope with the traffic, with bandwidth bills increasing by a factor of 100, they claim. They registered the domain way back in 1996, so they have every claim to it - what’s more, they also argue that the UTube name is strongly tied to their identity.
Most commentators expected a music company to begin the first major lawsuit against YouTube: who would have thought a tubing supplier was the most likely candidate? Of course, the music labels were given a reason not to sue when YouTube offered them a part of the company immediately before being acquired by Google. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the first time YouTube has been sued: that honor goes to LA journalist and helicopter pilot Robert Tur, who’s pursuing legal action over unauthorized use of his footage (see YouTube Sued).
As mentioned before (UTube, YouTube?), UTube is a business selling tubes, pipes, “tube mills” and other machinery. They complained a few weeks back that the site was being downed by heavy traffic as users looking for YouTube landed on their site instead, presumably by typing the wrong domain name. This downtime cost them a great deal of money in lost customers, they said. How big was the traffic spike? They claim unique visitors went from 1,500 to over 2 million per month. UTube has been forced to move hosts 5 times to cope with the traffic, with bandwidth bills increasing by a factor of 100, they claim. They registered the domain way back in 1996, so they have every claim to it - what’s more, they also argue that the UTube name is strongly tied to their identity.
Most commentators expected a music company to begin the first major lawsuit against YouTube: who would have thought a tubing supplier was the most likely candidate? Of course, the music labels were given a reason not to sue when YouTube offered them a part of the company immediately before being acquired by Google. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t the first time YouTube has been sued: that honor goes to LA journalist and helicopter pilot Robert Tur, who’s pursuing legal action over unauthorized use of his footage (see YouTube Sued).
Saddam Hussein sentenced
Many Iraqis reacted with jubilation to Saddam Hussein's death sentence Sunday, while others took to the streets in protest.
The Interior Ministry closed two Sunni satellite TV stations accused of inciting sectarian violence, a ministry official told CNN.
Iraqi police and soldiers ordered the employees of First Channel [Zawra] and Salaheddin TV to leave their offices in Tikrit, Hussein's hometown.
The Interior Ministry closed two Sunni satellite TV stations accused of inciting sectarian violence, a ministry official told CNN.
Iraqi police and soldiers ordered the employees of First Channel [Zawra] and Salaheddin TV to leave their offices in Tikrit, Hussein's hometown.
I can't figure out who's more messed up
A man apparently trying to seek revenge on an ex-girlfriend by sending child pornography featuring her and her son over the Internet pleaded guilty in federal court.
Antonio Perez III, of Harker Heights, pleaded guilty Thursday to one charge of transporting child pornography.
Perez, 21, was arrested after officers, acting on a tip received by Los Angeles police, searched his home and found computer equipment with images of a woman sexually assaulting her 2-year-old son.
Antonio Perez III, of Harker Heights, pleaded guilty Thursday to one charge of transporting child pornography.
Perez, 21, was arrested after officers, acting on a tip received by Los Angeles police, searched his home and found computer equipment with images of a woman sexually assaulting her 2-year-old son.
Will it blend?
Welcome to WillItBlend.com, the official home of the "Will It Blend?" video series. Extreme blending depends on the capabilities of the machine being used. Tasks that may be extreme for some machines are, quite frankly, simple tasks for Blendtec blenders.
The Total Blender that is used in the “Will it Blend” video series is the entry level blender for the Blendtec home product line. (You ought to see what Blendtec 20 amp commercial models will do…..)
The videos are divided into two sections, "Try This At Home" and "Don't Try This At Home". You can also Subscribe to our RSS feed, and be the first to know when new videos are released.
The Total Blender that is used in the “Will it Blend” video series is the entry level blender for the Blendtec home product line. (You ought to see what Blendtec 20 amp commercial models will do…..)
The videos are divided into two sections, "Try This At Home" and "Don't Try This At Home". You can also Subscribe to our RSS feed, and be the first to know when new videos are released.
My accent
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: Philadelphia Your accent is as Philadelphian as a cheesesteak! If you're not from Philadelphia, then you're from someplace near there like south Jersey, Baltimore, or Wilmington. if you've ever journeyed to some far off place where people don't know that Philly has an accent, someone may have thought you talked a little weird even though they didn't have a clue what accent it was they heard. | |
| The Northeast | |
| The Midland | |
| The South | |
| The Inland North | |
| Boston | |
| The West | |
| North Central | |
| What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes | |
Sunday, November 05, 2006
0 commentsNASA develops "escape system" to compete with Kingda Kah
Looking like it would appear more at home at the nearby Disney attractions in Orlando, NASA is favouring a Rollercoaster Escape System for the Ares I pad.
The Emergency Egress Systems (EES) are currently going through trade studies at NASA, with the Rollercoaster option coming out on top - literally - in a September 27 presentation acquired by this site.
Currently, Shuttle launch pad complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida will be handed over to Constellation on April 1, 2007. The pad will undergo stages of major modification, firstly for the test flight of Ares I-1 - and subsequent test flights, and again for the first manned launch using Ares I.
The Emergency Egress Systems (EES) are currently going through trade studies at NASA, with the Rollercoaster option coming out on top - literally - in a September 27 presentation acquired by this site.
Currently, Shuttle launch pad complex 39B at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida will be handed over to Constellation on April 1, 2007. The pad will undergo stages of major modification, firstly for the test flight of Ares I-1 - and subsequent test flights, and again for the first manned launch using Ares I.
Foods we will be eating 25 years from now
In 25 years, we won't be obsessing about Atkins or South Beach. Nutrition will have changed in ways to make us healthier and happier about what we eat.
Some of the changes will be modest.
Dark chocolate, long recognized as both a rich indulgence and a health food, will dominate stores and homes alike. Milk chocolate will be largely a historical curiosity.
Some of the changes will be modest.
Dark chocolate, long recognized as both a rich indulgence and a health food, will dominate stores and homes alike. Milk chocolate will be largely a historical curiosity.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
0 commentsThis has got to be one of the most disturbing things I have ever heard of
Police say a Marshall County, Alabama teen raped his mother to get revenge on his brother.
Police say 19-year-old Gary Helms, Jr., raped his 45-year-old mother this past weekend at Willow Terrace Trailer Park on Doyle Drive in Albertville.
It's a twisted crime that police say Helms admits.
...
CNN link, launch CNN video player.
Police say 19-year-old Gary Helms, Jr., raped his 45-year-old mother this past weekend at Willow Terrace Trailer Park on Doyle Drive in Albertville.
It's a twisted crime that police say Helms admits.
...
CNN link, launch CNN video player.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
0 comments 0 commentsGirls will do almost anything for attention
A sailor pleaded guilty Monday to abducting and killing a Marine corporal he thought had been involved in a gang rape. The rape turned out to be a lie, but the truth surfaced too late.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Cooper Jackson, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to premeditated murder, kidnapping, impersonating a Naval Criminal Investigative Service agent and obstruction of justice in connection with the death of Cpl. Justin L. Huff, 23.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to spare him a possible death sentence.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Cooper Jackson, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to premeditated murder, kidnapping, impersonating a Naval Criminal Investigative Service agent and obstruction of justice in connection with the death of Cpl. Justin L. Huff, 23.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to spare him a possible death sentence.
"If I Did It" by O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson is confessing. Hypothetically, that is.
The former football great, who was acquitted in criminal court 11 years ago of killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, reportedly has been paid a whopping $3.5 million to write about the double murder that shocked and riveted the nation in 1994, according to a detailed report in the new National Enquirer.
But Simpson is not actually confessing to the murder — rather, he’s writing a “hypothetical” book — which the Enquirer reports is tentatively being called “If I Did It.”
The former football great, who was acquitted in criminal court 11 years ago of killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, reportedly has been paid a whopping $3.5 million to write about the double murder that shocked and riveted the nation in 1994, according to a detailed report in the new National Enquirer.
But Simpson is not actually confessing to the murder — rather, he’s writing a “hypothetical” book — which the Enquirer reports is tentatively being called “If I Did It.”
UPenn researcher puts a cost on obesity... btw, UPenn sucks.
Obesity -- which affects one in every three Americans -- and the illnesses associated with it cost the United States some 90.7 billion dollars a year in health care costs, a University of Pennsylvania researcher said.
Among developed countries, the United States has the most obese and overweight people, representing 66 percent of its overall population.
Costs tied to excess pounds (or kilograms) account for 5.04 percent of all US health care costs.
Among developed countries, the United States has the most obese and overweight people, representing 66 percent of its overall population.
Costs tied to excess pounds (or kilograms) account for 5.04 percent of all US health care costs.
Winning at poker can help get investment jobs
Eric Eisenberg needed an ace.
The senior finance major at Washington University in St. Louis had just gone all-in to rescue his chance of winning the $25,000 first prize at Susquehanna International Group L.L.P.'s inaugural college Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament.
His opponent, Ayres Fan, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology doctoral candidate, had just paired a seven on the hand's fourth card, leaving Eisenberg with a remote chance of winning.
The senior finance major at Washington University in St. Louis had just gone all-in to rescue his chance of winning the $25,000 first prize at Susquehanna International Group L.L.P.'s inaugural college Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament.
His opponent, Ayres Fan, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology doctoral candidate, had just paired a seven on the hand's fourth card, leaving Eisenberg with a remote chance of winning.
Monday, October 16, 2006
1 commentsWho thought Coca-cola could get more unhealthy?
It has come to this at the N.C. State Fair: Deep fried Coca-Cola.
Each year, some carnival culinary innovator with a flair for foods bound to lead to congestive heart failure offers a new foodstuff bathed in gooey dough and dropped in a vat of boiling vegetable oil.
Past fairs have seen candy bars, Twinkies, Moonpies, Oreos, cheeseburgers, sweet potatoes and even green beans fried up and, in most cases, impaled on a stick. South Carolina's state fair even added crispy Ho-hos.
Each year, some carnival culinary innovator with a flair for foods bound to lead to congestive heart failure offers a new foodstuff bathed in gooey dough and dropped in a vat of boiling vegetable oil.
Past fairs have seen candy bars, Twinkies, Moonpies, Oreos, cheeseburgers, sweet potatoes and even green beans fried up and, in most cases, impaled on a stick. South Carolina's state fair even added crispy Ho-hos.
CGBG's comes to an end
Legs McNeil remembers the night back in 1975 when he walked into the dingy storefront club perched in the even dingier Bowery neighborhood. The band onstage, four guys in leather jackets and torn jeans, was the Ramones. McNeil sat at a nearby table, watching their set with Lou Reed.
It was unforgettable. But as McNeil would soon discover, it was just a typical night at CBGB's, the club that spawned punk rock while launching the careers of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Blondie, the Talking Heads and the Ramones.
"Every night was memorable, except I don't remember 'em," said a laughing McNeil, co-author of the punk rock history "Please Kill Me."
It was unforgettable. But as McNeil would soon discover, it was just a typical night at CBGB's, the club that spawned punk rock while launching the careers of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Blondie, the Talking Heads and the Ramones.
"Every night was memorable, except I don't remember 'em," said a laughing McNeil, co-author of the punk rock history "Please Kill Me."
Mother of the Year
A northwestern Pennsylvania woman accused of using her baby to batter her child's father said she didn't realize what she was doing until it was too late.
Chyrotia Graham, 27, of Erie, told police she had been drinking when an argument with the child's father turned violent early Sunday morning, according to an affidavit filed to support Graham's arrest.
Graham said she "snapped" and began grabbing things and throwing them at Deangelo Troop, 20, not realizing she had picked up her 4-week-old son, Jarron Troop, telling police she held the child by his legs and swung him at his father. Police had said they believed the woman held the baby by the midsection when she hit the man.
Chyrotia Graham, 27, of Erie, told police she had been drinking when an argument with the child's father turned violent early Sunday morning, according to an affidavit filed to support Graham's arrest.
Graham said she "snapped" and began grabbing things and throwing them at Deangelo Troop, 20, not realizing she had picked up her 4-week-old son, Jarron Troop, telling police she held the child by his legs and swung him at his father. Police had said they believed the woman held the baby by the midsection when she hit the man.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
0 comments5 of the most absurd deleted scenes
Deleted scenes on a DVD are a curious feature, because they come with an implicit disclaimer: “Hi! These scenes were deemed NOT NECESSARY TO THE MOVIE or NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO BE INCLUDED IN THE ACTUAL MOVIE, WHICH YOU'VE ALREADY SEEN. (beat) Okay, enjoy!”
For every rare deleted scene that is actually funny or interesting—say, Boogie Nights’s “John C. Reilly Files” or the scores of improvised outtakes in Anchorman—there are a half-dozen more that leave you wondering not only “Why is this scene included on the DVD?” but “Why was this scene ever SHOT in the first place?”
Here are five deleted scenes that we can’t believe were ever shot in the first place, along with our guess as to why they were shot and why they were deleted.
For every rare deleted scene that is actually funny or interesting—say, Boogie Nights’s “John C. Reilly Files” or the scores of improvised outtakes in Anchorman—there are a half-dozen more that leave you wondering not only “Why is this scene included on the DVD?” but “Why was this scene ever SHOT in the first place?”
Here are five deleted scenes that we can’t believe were ever shot in the first place, along with our guess as to why they were shot and why they were deleted.
LED throwing rat
This is a horrible prank. Plain and simple. But it's still funny.
Warning: this is an extremely graphic tutorial featuring guts, dismemberment, and soldering.
I can no longer enjoy October 6th
I’ve never been to Japan, but now I feel that I almost have to, and on October 6th to be specific as that day has now been officially named Tom Cruise Day. The Japan Memorial Day Association gave Cruise his own day of celebration to recognize the actor for his “love” and “close association with” Japan. Said love was recently expressed on a promotional tour across the country when he personally (personally) rode the bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo pimping MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE:III and starred in THE LAST SAMURAI. The Association said that Cruise was the first actor/actress to receive the honor and made no clarification on why October 6th was chosen. Perhaps it’s because October 6th is 10/6 or 106, which is the elemental number of seaborgium, an isotope made up of….OK, I can’t seem to find any connection. Of course, another important Cruise date in Japan is November 17th, when M:I:III is conveniently released on DVD.
Fall movies to consider
It happens every year, and it's about to happen now.
After a summer of mindless blockbusters and a so-so September, movies are about to get good again as the Oscar contenders arrive in theaters.
Why do they do this to us? Why do studios and independent distributors wait until the end of the year, then unleash all the quality films at once, all of them crammed into a few weeks and competing for our attention? Well, in theory, it's to keep them fresh in the minds of Academy Awards voters and writers like yours truly who compile top-10 lists in late December.
After a summer of mindless blockbusters and a so-so September, movies are about to get good again as the Oscar contenders arrive in theaters.
Why do they do this to us? Why do studios and independent distributors wait until the end of the year, then unleash all the quality films at once, all of them crammed into a few weeks and competing for our attention? Well, in theory, it's to keep them fresh in the minds of Academy Awards voters and writers like yours truly who compile top-10 lists in late December.
Velociraptor season is here. Are you prepared?
Velociraptor attack is the 3rd leading cause of death for men age 27-29. However, everyone must think about the implications of velociraptors: young and old, men, women and transgendered persons.
The American Society for Velociraptor Attack Prevention is a bi-partisan group of professionals, dedicated to the diffusion of knowledge concerning velociraptor attack prevention.
The American Society for Velociraptor Attack Prevention is a bi-partisan group of professionals, dedicated to the diffusion of knowledge concerning velociraptor attack prevention.
Monday, October 09, 2006
0 commentsNeat movie monologues
Monologues are an interesting breed. Most of the time, when a character in a film goes on a long uninterrupted rant it's because either the story up until that point has been somewhat disjointed and the writer felt the need to play catch-up with the plot, or the audience is assumed to be comprised of mostly sea plankton, incapable of discerning basic story elements and needing to be told HOW THINGS HAPPEN IN A MOVIE in order to ensure that the significance of the reeeeeeally cool upcoming explosion in the story of a walking steroid shooting and/or having sex with things doesn't go unappreciated.
When used aside of rallying the scrappy band of ragtag underdogs in the final moments before a climactic showdown, however, a good monologue can be a pretty powerful tool. Some can make you laugh, others cry, even having you pumping your fist in anticipation for a no-nonsense ass kicking. Whatever the intent, they all leave a lasting impression and a really good one will serve as the centerpiece by which a movie is remembered for years on end.
That being said, these aren't the best monologues to come out of Hollywood, nor are we claiming them to be. They're simply a collection of speeches, rants, anecdotes and stories we feel are pretty neat.
When used aside of rallying the scrappy band of ragtag underdogs in the final moments before a climactic showdown, however, a good monologue can be a pretty powerful tool. Some can make you laugh, others cry, even having you pumping your fist in anticipation for a no-nonsense ass kicking. Whatever the intent, they all leave a lasting impression and a really good one will serve as the centerpiece by which a movie is remembered for years on end.
That being said, these aren't the best monologues to come out of Hollywood, nor are we claiming them to be. They're simply a collection of speeches, rants, anecdotes and stories we feel are pretty neat.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
0 comments 0 comments10 most expensive cocktails
Since the days of Prohibition, when barkeeps invented mixed drinks in an effort to disguise the taste of their rotgut with fruit syrups, cocktails have exuded an air of illicit festivity. Beer is fine, and whiskey's quicker, but a cocktail — with its goofy garnishes and splendid colors — is merriment in a tumbler.
Now barkeepers are following the example of vintners and distillers, who have long charged a Rothschild's ransom for their best stuff. "There has been a significant growth in mixology, particularly with the use of fresh ingredients," says Robert Plotkin, a beverage consultant who has published numerous books on the topic.
Ambitious bartenders are developing premium repertoires that combine some of the world's finest and rarest alcohols with equally esoteric mixers. For instance: Blend a cognac that has survived two World Wars with the blackberry liqueur créme de mure, then pour over yohimbe bark, an obscure African aphrodisiac. "These ingredients have to scream the finest lineage possible," says Plotkin.
Now barkeepers are following the example of vintners and distillers, who have long charged a Rothschild's ransom for their best stuff. "There has been a significant growth in mixology, particularly with the use of fresh ingredients," says Robert Plotkin, a beverage consultant who has published numerous books on the topic.
Ambitious bartenders are developing premium repertoires that combine some of the world's finest and rarest alcohols with equally esoteric mixers. For instance: Blend a cognac that has survived two World Wars with the blackberry liqueur créme de mure, then pour over yohimbe bark, an obscure African aphrodisiac. "These ingredients have to scream the finest lineage possible," says Plotkin.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
0 comments
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
0 commentsCougars running around in South Jersey
Robert Squillace caught a glimpse of something moving as he bent to fetch the morning newspaper from his front step the other day.
It was near the soccer field, across the street from his suburban home in Camden County's Berlin Borough. His shouts brought his wife running with binoculars and camera, which they used to get a good look at a beast that has been tantalizing South Jersey with so-far unconfirmed sightings - a big cat, tawny with a long, sausage-shaped tail.
A cougar?
It was near the soccer field, across the street from his suburban home in Camden County's Berlin Borough. His shouts brought his wife running with binoculars and camera, which they used to get a good look at a beast that has been tantalizing South Jersey with so-far unconfirmed sightings - a big cat, tawny with a long, sausage-shaped tail.
A cougar?
Time travelling chiropractor gives up license
An Ohio chiropractor who claimed to treat patients using time travel has surrendered his license to practice.
State regulators had been investigating Doctor James Burda of Athens, who said he could take care of anyone, anywhere by reaching back in time to when the injury occurred. Burda said he discovered the skill six years ago when he hurt his own foot while driving. He said he gave the pain a command to stop and it went away.
Burda's Web site offered long-distance healing service for $60 an hour.
State regulators had been investigating Doctor James Burda of Athens, who said he could take care of anyone, anywhere by reaching back in time to when the injury occurred. Burda said he discovered the skill six years ago when he hurt his own foot while driving. He said he gave the pain a command to stop and it went away.
Burda's Web site offered long-distance healing service for $60 an hour.
Monday, October 02, 2006
0 commentsStay gold ponyboy, stay gold
Japanese jewelry designer Ginza Tanaka has unveiled a rocking horse made of 24-karat gold in commemoration of the September 6 birth of Prince Hisahito, who is line to become Japan's emperor.
The price is as hefty as the 30-kilogram (80-pound) golden toy -- 150 million yen (1.28 million dollars).
Ginza Tanaka has made one golden horse but is ready to produce more if it gets orders, a spokeswoman said.
The price is as hefty as the 30-kilogram (80-pound) golden toy -- 150 million yen (1.28 million dollars).
Ginza Tanaka has made one golden horse but is ready to produce more if it gets orders, a spokeswoman said.
The world's largest hamburger
For over 16 years Bob has served up his delicious Texas Slow Smoked BBQ to judges in BBQ cook off competitions all across Southern Texas. While Bob's main occupation was in Electronic Engineering he enjoyed spending his weekends with his buddies competing in BBQ Cook offs, or maybe it was just a good excuse to down a few long necks (Beer).
Bob made his decision to retire and move to Thailand, where soon after Bob opened his first location on South Pattaya Road. Bob's has gained a reputation for his quality food, very large portions, and providing valuable dining experience which is as close as you will get to Texas, at least in Thailand. Bob's has since expanded with a location on Walking Street inside the popular Expat hangout the Tahitian Queen 2 on Soi BJ.
Our rustic Texas restaurants have been famous for our signature Slow Smoked Baby Back ribs as well as other BBQ - smoked pulled pork, smoked pork tenderloin, and smoked BBQ chicken. And our portions are generous to satisfy any Texas-sized appetite, cause in Texas "Everything is Bigger"
Bob made his decision to retire and move to Thailand, where soon after Bob opened his first location on South Pattaya Road. Bob's has gained a reputation for his quality food, very large portions, and providing valuable dining experience which is as close as you will get to Texas, at least in Thailand. Bob's has since expanded with a location on Walking Street inside the popular Expat hangout the Tahitian Queen 2 on Soi BJ.
Our rustic Texas restaurants have been famous for our signature Slow Smoked Baby Back ribs as well as other BBQ - smoked pulled pork, smoked pork tenderloin, and smoked BBQ chicken. And our portions are generous to satisfy any Texas-sized appetite, cause in Texas "Everything is Bigger"
Man really loves his daughter
A secret sexual relationship with his daughter was not enough.
There had to be a wedding.
And it had to be a grand celebration befitting a Fisher Island, Florida, multimillionaire who controls billions from Wall Street to Bermuda, from London to Dubai.
There had to be a wedding.
And it had to be a grand celebration befitting a Fisher Island, Florida, multimillionaire who controls billions from Wall Street to Bermuda, from London to Dubai.
Friday, September 29, 2006
0 commentsTop 10 animal senses we don't have
You might think you're smart, but none of your senses rival the keenest abilities in the animal world. Animals see in the dark, sniff prey miles away, and detect electrical output from muscle twitches in hidden meals. Read on, so you don't become one of those meals.
Seems fair
A man upset that his neighbor's children helped break his wife's eyeglasses is accused of trying to bomb the neighbor's house in retaliation. David Michielsen, 27, of Hammond is charged with detonating a destructive device with intent to intimidate or destroy and manufacturing a destructive device. He faces 58 years in prison if convicted on both counts.
The neighbor told police she was visiting Michielsen's wife Sunday when her children and Michielsen's broke the glasses. Michielsen ordered her and her children to leave, a probable cause affidavit said.
Later that night, he called the neighbor and asked for a pair of glasses he could use to fix his wife's broken ones. The neighbor told police she complied, but Michielsen threw the glasses into her house about 10 minutes later, saying they wouldn't work.
The neighbor told police she was visiting Michielsen's wife Sunday when her children and Michielsen's broke the glasses. Michielsen ordered her and her children to leave, a probable cause affidavit said.
Later that night, he called the neighbor and asked for a pair of glasses he could use to fix his wife's broken ones. The neighbor told police she complied, but Michielsen threw the glasses into her house about 10 minutes later, saying they wouldn't work.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
0 commentsRobotic frisbees of death
It ain't easy, picking out evil-doers in the urban canyons of the Middle East; there are so many places to hide. Taking 'em out can be even harder, what with all those noncombatants hanging nearby. But the Air Force thinks it might have an answer to this most vexing problem in counter-insurgency: frisbees.
Not just any frisbees, mind you. Robotic frisbees. Heavily armed robotic frisbees.
The Air Force recently tapped Triton Systems, out of Chelmsford, Mass, to develop such a "Modular Disc-Wing Urban Cruise Munition."
Not just any frisbees, mind you. Robotic frisbees. Heavily armed robotic frisbees.
The Air Force recently tapped Triton Systems, out of Chelmsford, Mass, to develop such a "Modular Disc-Wing Urban Cruise Munition."
Jason's top 10 kills
After I completed my list of Freddy's 10 best Kills, I immediately started receiving requests to do a follow-up article all about another ultimate horror baddie. I'm of course speaking of Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th films. While I'm admittedly a bigger fan of Freddy Krueger, I still love Jason and his murderific ways. While Freddy kills with creativity and charisma, Mr. Voorhees kills with a silent brutality that is perhaps only rivaled by Michael Myers. He's the big lug that you always enjoy watching as he decimates any teenagers who dare to do drugs, engage in premarital sex, or just happen to be hanging around Camp Crystal Lake. Hey, he's not picky about who he kills, and his body count shows it. That's something any horror fan can appreciate.
Keeping that in mind, I'm happy to present you with my tribute to Jason Voorhees, the biggest, baddest horror icon ever to draw attention to the sport of hockey. So grab your machete because it's time to check out what are, in my opinion, his 10 best kills.
Keeping that in mind, I'm happy to present you with my tribute to Jason Voorhees, the biggest, baddest horror icon ever to draw attention to the sport of hockey. So grab your machete because it's time to check out what are, in my opinion, his 10 best kills.
Man hits himself with own car
An alleged drunken motorist who brandished a pool cue while driving at a group of motorcyclists was hit by his own car after he attempted to approach the bikers on foot, authorities said.
Richard Brooks, 50, of Concord, was pulled to safety by the motorcyclists after his car -- which he left in reverse -- knocked him into the highway on Thursday, said Officer Scott Yox of the California Highway Patrol.
Brooks, who was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence, told authorities he was offended by skeletons some of the riders wore on their leather Harley-Davidson jackets and what he perceived as their attempts to appear tough.
Richard Brooks, 50, of Concord, was pulled to safety by the motorcyclists after his car -- which he left in reverse -- knocked him into the highway on Thursday, said Officer Scott Yox of the California Highway Patrol.
Brooks, who was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence, told authorities he was offended by skeletons some of the riders wore on their leather Harley-Davidson jackets and what he perceived as their attempts to appear tough.
Philadelphia... where we don't take anything seriously
If you want a job at the Philadelphia Park Casino, you'd better bring your dancing shoes.
Job applicants said they're being asked to dance to “YMCA” or a Bon Jovi song — with blow-up guitar — during interviews at the Bucks County Visitors and Conference Bureau in Bensalem.
A casino official said Tuesday the park is pleased with the response to its unorthodox hiring method, but some prospective hires say the process is unfair.
Job applicants said they're being asked to dance to “YMCA” or a Bon Jovi song — with blow-up guitar — during interviews at the Bucks County Visitors and Conference Bureau in Bensalem.
A casino official said Tuesday the park is pleased with the response to its unorthodox hiring method, but some prospective hires say the process is unfair.
They have way too much fun in China
An Australian kangaroo receives a fierce blow to the head by a man dressed in a clown suit in a shameful contest that will further fuel fears over China's barbaric attitude to animals.
The bizarre marsupial-versus-human bout happened during the so-called Animal Olympics in Shanghai.
Animal rights campaigners say the Chinese have an appalling poor record for animal rights protection and have no laws to protect them.
Dogs trained to sniff out pirated DVDs
Efforts by the Motion Picture Association of America to use dogs trained to smell the chemicals used to produce DVDs to nab movie bootleggers at airports have run into a hitch, the Washington Post suggested today (Wednesday). The newspaper said that two Labradors, Lucky and Flo, who were trained in Ireland by a man who also trains dogs to sniff out bombs, made an appearance in Washington Tuesday to demonstrate their talent (after already discovering a cache of bootleg DVDs at Stansted Airport near London). One "potential embarrassment," the Post observed: pirated DVDs smell just like legal ones.
...
Update:
The Motion Picture Association of America will stop at nothing to prevent the international trafficking of pirated movies, evidently. Now, the film industry lobby is enlisting the help of two Labradors, Lucky and Flo, that have been trained to smell polycarbonate and other chemicals found in optical discs such as DVDs.
...
Update:
The Motion Picture Association of America will stop at nothing to prevent the international trafficking of pirated movies, evidently. Now, the film industry lobby is enlisting the help of two Labradors, Lucky and Flo, that have been trained to smell polycarbonate and other chemicals found in optical discs such as DVDs.
Monday, September 25, 2006
0 commentsMaverick opens in 2007
Cedar Point will take guests to a new frontier in 2007. The historic amusement park/resort has announced plans for a new roller coaster for next summer named Maverick. Located in Frontiertown, Maverick will treat riders to multiple terrain-hugging elements that have never been experienced on a Cedar Point roller coaster.
Guests will begin their adventurous journey on Maverick by boarding steam-era-styled coaster trains with an ultra-sleek profile that will carry them along the 4,450-foot-long course. Linear synchronous motors will propel the train to the top of a 105-foot-tall first hill. From there, it's not straight down – it's more than straight down! Maverick will take its passengers down to Earth at an astonishing 95-degree angle at speeds of up to 57 mph to within five feet above the ground! From there, the train will hug the terrain as it twists and banks around hairpin turns with quick but smooth changes in direction. Throughout the 2-minute, 30-second ride, passengers will also experience eight "airtime-filled hills," three inversions and a second launch through a dark tunnel that will leave them in awe as they reach speeds of 70 mph!
Here's a bunch of more Maverick info, including a POV clip.
Guests will begin their adventurous journey on Maverick by boarding steam-era-styled coaster trains with an ultra-sleek profile that will carry them along the 4,450-foot-long course. Linear synchronous motors will propel the train to the top of a 105-foot-tall first hill. From there, it's not straight down – it's more than straight down! Maverick will take its passengers down to Earth at an astonishing 95-degree angle at speeds of up to 57 mph to within five feet above the ground! From there, the train will hug the terrain as it twists and banks around hairpin turns with quick but smooth changes in direction. Throughout the 2-minute, 30-second ride, passengers will also experience eight "airtime-filled hills," three inversions and a second launch through a dark tunnel that will leave them in awe as they reach speeds of 70 mph!
Here's a bunch of more Maverick info, including a POV clip.
Top 10 worst portrayals of technology in film
Aside from the daily duties here at GideonTech.com, we also like to unwind in front of the tube and catch a movie or two. With the explosion of technology in every day scenarios, it's common to find references to computers, iPods and other gadgets and geek toys in film.
It's one thing to make a fantasy movie, it's another to dream up impossible technological feats in a modern day drama. Just because technical jargon would fly right over most people's heads, there's no reason to make up stuff.
It's one thing to make a fantasy movie, it's another to dream up impossible technological feats in a modern day drama. Just because technical jargon would fly right over most people's heads, there's no reason to make up stuff.
Philadelphia Orchestra is first
The Philadelphia Orchestra jumped into the world of music downloads on Thursday, becoming the first major U.S. orchestra to open its own online music store.
Making concert performances available through new media has become a growing trend in the classical music world.
But while the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic and many European orchestras already make their music ready for downloading for the iPod generation, the Philadelphia Orchestra is believed to be the first to sell the music without an outside distributor.
Making concert performances available through new media has become a growing trend in the classical music world.
But while the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic and many European orchestras already make their music ready for downloading for the iPod generation, the Philadelphia Orchestra is believed to be the first to sell the music without an outside distributor.
World's first hypoallergenic cats on sale
The world's first hypoallergenic cats are now on sale in the United States at a cost of nearly $4,000 each, according to a Local 6 News report.
Biotech firm Allerca claims through breeding, it can reduce a certain type of protein that triggers allergic reactions.
Despite the $3,950 cost, there is a waiting list for the cats.
Biotech firm Allerca claims through breeding, it can reduce a certain type of protein that triggers allergic reactions.
Despite the $3,950 cost, there is a waiting list for the cats.
Most haunted castle in Britain
We have a number of ghosts. The most famous is the "blue boy", who as midnight rang out would cry and moan in agony (or maybe fear). The noises could be traced to a spot near a passage cut through a ten foot wall.
When the bloodcurdling wails die away a soft halo of light appears around an old four poster bed. Anyone sleeping there, even today, can see the figure of a young boy dressed in blue, and surrounded by light. Behind the wall the bones of a young boy and fragments of blue clothing were discovered...
But there are more....come and visit if you dare!
When the bloodcurdling wails die away a soft halo of light appears around an old four poster bed. Anyone sleeping there, even today, can see the figure of a young boy dressed in blue, and surrounded by light. Behind the wall the bones of a young boy and fragments of blue clothing were discovered...
But there are more....come and visit if you dare!
Gun pulled on man for new Tickle Me Elmo
It's one of the most desired toys of the year, but a desire for the new TMX Elmo doll almost cost one man his life.
The Tampa Bay, Fl. man says he got up early and headed to a local Target to get his hands on one.
He got one for himself, and even scored a second - but when he gave that Elmo to an older shopper it almost cost him his life.
The Tampa Bay, Fl. man says he got up early and headed to a local Target to get his hands on one.
He got one for himself, and even scored a second - but when he gave that Elmo to an older shopper it almost cost him his life.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
0 commentsTop 10 dumbest secret identities
One thing that always gets to people who haven’t read comics before is the superhero genre’s use of the secret identity. They are used to secret identities for spies, a profession that specifically requires the need to be in the shadows and out of the limelight, but for superheroes, who constantly find themselves the center of the public’s attention, the idea of a secret identity defies their expectations. This is especially true of those heroes who wear little to no mask.
Yet the secret identity is a staple, and one that was created to help suspend disbelief for another staple, vigilantism. The secret identity has been under attack for a while now from within the comic world. Heroes are revealing themselves to the world (and we will no longer except the extreme, note absurd, lengths writers will go to reverse the outing), but there are a few superheroes who have only hurt the cause of the secret identity over the years. These few, that have done so much to push away those unimaginative masses unable to suspend their disbelief any farther, are now named here in the Top Ten Dumbest Secret Identities.
Yet the secret identity is a staple, and one that was created to help suspend disbelief for another staple, vigilantism. The secret identity has been under attack for a while now from within the comic world. Heroes are revealing themselves to the world (and we will no longer except the extreme, note absurd, lengths writers will go to reverse the outing), but there are a few superheroes who have only hurt the cause of the secret identity over the years. These few, that have done so much to push away those unimaginative masses unable to suspend their disbelief any farther, are now named here in the Top Ten Dumbest Secret Identities.
Dead puppies are no fun
A grieving widow who visited her husband's grave expected to find fresh sod and flowers, not a ritualistic slaughter of animals next to the headstone.
But atop the two-week-old grave was a dead chicken, a set of goat hoofs and four dead puppies.
Worst of all, the puppies were headless.
But atop the two-week-old grave was a dead chicken, a set of goat hoofs and four dead puppies.
Worst of all, the puppies were headless.
Friday, September 15, 2006
0 commentsFor once, it really was the one-armed man... sorry....
A one-armed teenager managed to transform a Center City mall's extra-large bathroom stall into his very own pedophile haven where, cops say, he sexually assaulted his 6-year-old niece on Monday.
The little girl - clad in a navy- blue uniform - lay stiff on the floor as her uncle knelt below her with his face between her legs, witnesses said.
His jeans, the witnesses said, were pulled down around his thighs.
The little girl - clad in a navy- blue uniform - lay stiff on the floor as her uncle knelt below her with his face between her legs, witnesses said.
His jeans, the witnesses said, were pulled down around his thighs.
Monday, September 11, 2006
0 comments9.11 memorial
On September 11, 2001, four U.S. planes hijacked by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania killing nearly 3,000 people in a matter of hours. Behind the staggering number of deaths are the individuals, each of whom left behind family, friends and co-workers who feel the national tragedy on a personal level. CNN.com established this site as a record of those who died. The site was archived in August 2004.
Women wins lottery again
A woman who won $1 million from a state lottery game four years ago has improbably hit the jackpot again.
Valerie Wilson, who works at a Long Island deli, said she won another $1 million on a lottery scratch-off game last month.
"The first time I couldn't believe it," Wilson told Newsday. "This time I said, 'God's on my side.'"
Valerie Wilson, who works at a Long Island deli, said she won another $1 million on a lottery scratch-off game last month.
"The first time I couldn't believe it," Wilson told Newsday. "This time I said, 'God's on my side.'"
Probably one of the worst coincidences ever
Talk about bad timing. A man is due to go on trial in federal court Monday -- the fifth anniversary of 9/11 -- on charges listed in an indictment that gives his alias as "Taliban."
And what makes it worse -- the court is not far from the World Trade Center site.
The charges against D'Angelo Nunez have nothing to do with terrorism. Instead, he faces a conspiracy charge accusing him of plotting with others to steal drugs and money from drug dealers by posing as law enforcement officers
And what makes it worse -- the court is not far from the World Trade Center site.
The charges against D'Angelo Nunez have nothing to do with terrorism. Instead, he faces a conspiracy charge accusing him of plotting with others to steal drugs and money from drug dealers by posing as law enforcement officers
9.11 remembered
The nation began a solemn observance of the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks Monday, with sorrowful family members reading the names of the 2,749 victims at the World Trade Center site and quiet remembrances planned around the country.
The 16-acre trade center site in lower Manhattan fell quiet at 8:46 a.m., five years after American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower, and 9:03 a.m., when United Flight 175 slammed into the south tower.
Family members at ground zero held up signs reading "You will always be with us" and "Never forget," and quiet sobs could be heard as the moments of silence were observed. Some victims' relatives crossed themselves and wiped away tears.
The 16-acre trade center site in lower Manhattan fell quiet at 8:46 a.m., five years after American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the north tower, and 9:03 a.m., when United Flight 175 slammed into the south tower.
Family members at ground zero held up signs reading "You will always be with us" and "Never forget," and quiet sobs could be heard as the moments of silence were observed. Some victims' relatives crossed themselves and wiped away tears.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
0 commentsTop 10 untold news stories
In a great example of how certain stories play out, San Francisco Bay Guardian reporter Sarah Phelan opens her article by citing the play two news items recently received on the same day they broke: In Detroit, U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor ruled that the Bush administration's warrantless National Security Agency surveillance program was unconstitutional and must end. Meanwhile, somewhere in Thailand, a weirdo named John Mark Karr claimed he was with six-year-old beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey when she died in 1996.
We all know which story received the most attention.
Here are the Top 10 most ignored stories. I've had to condense them for space considerations, but their headlines should tell enough of a story:
We all know which story received the most attention.
Here are the Top 10 most ignored stories. I've had to condense them for space considerations, but their headlines should tell enough of a story:
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
0 commentsRocky may move back to Art Museum
A statue of fictional boxer Rocky Balboa may move to the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, where the character played by Sylvester Stallone famously ran while training for a fight.
The city's Art Commission was set to vote on Wednesday whether the 8-foot, 6-inch bronze statue of Rocky, his arms raised over his head in victory, should be brought out of storage and placed at the museum steps.
Where to put the statue has been debated in Philadelphia since Stallone donated it in 1982 after the filming of "Rocky III."
The city's Art Commission was set to vote on Wednesday whether the 8-foot, 6-inch bronze statue of Rocky, his arms raised over his head in victory, should be brought out of storage and placed at the museum steps.
Where to put the statue has been debated in Philadelphia since Stallone donated it in 1982 after the filming of "Rocky III."
10 easiest jobs in sports
We all know our fair share of High School Harry’s that’ll tell anyone who will listen he could’ve gone pro in this sport or that. And while driving a car is something everyone over the age of 16 does everyday, it doesn’t mean everyone has the ability to be a NASCAR driver. However, there are definitely some positions in the world of sports that the average fast-food employee could step into and no one would be the wiser. I present to you, the top ten easiest jobs in sports:
Steve Irwin update
A LIFE-long friend of Steve Irwin today told how the Crocodile Hunter pulled a deadly stingray barb from his own chest before losing consciousness and dying.
Friend John Stainton said he had viewed footage of his friend's last moments and the images were "shocking".
"It's a very hard thing to watch because you're actually witnessing somebody die ... and it's terrible," he said.
Friend John Stainton said he had viewed footage of his friend's last moments and the images were "shocking".
"It's a very hard thing to watch because you're actually witnessing somebody die ... and it's terrible," he said.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
0 comments
Thursday, August 24, 2006
0 comments 0 comments
MSN's 15 places to avoid
Travel should be about one-of-a-kind experiences, not chain stores or overpriced attractions. Here are our picks for tourist traps you're better off staying away from.
Every city seems to have a section where chain burger joints and tacky T-shirt shops rule the streets like neighborhood thugs loitering on the corner. And every town has one or two attractions that get all the hype but offer none of the payoff. After months of watching your spending and saving up your vacation time, you deserve more. Take our advice and be a better traveler: Stay away from these tourist traps that aren't worth your money—or your time.
Every city seems to have a section where chain burger joints and tacky T-shirt shops rule the streets like neighborhood thugs loitering on the corner. And every town has one or two attractions that get all the hype but offer none of the payoff. After months of watching your spending and saving up your vacation time, you deserve more. Take our advice and be a better traveler: Stay away from these tourist traps that aren't worth your money—or your time.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
0 commentsThe 25 most important questions in the history of the universe
Hard questions that matter, like "can a pregnant woman drive in the carpool lane?" or "how can I win at that ultra-important-corporate-decision-making- process, rock-paper-scissor?" and of course, "is turkey a country or a bird first?". Wait, is it *really* a natural bird? Never mind - don’t answer that.
The folks at mental_floss were friendly enough to let us feature their stuff - something that will become a regular feature here at Neatorama (so be kind to them and visit their brand new and very chic blog, ok?). The text is verbatim from the articles, although I did add links, pics, videos and probably a couple of typos.
Let’s go to the list, already:
The folks at mental_floss were friendly enough to let us feature their stuff - something that will become a regular feature here at Neatorama (so be kind to them and visit their brand new and very chic blog, ok?). The text is verbatim from the articles, although I did add links, pics, videos and probably a couple of typos.
Let’s go to the list, already:
How to write the ultimate chick flick
Friday night comes around, and the latest blockbuster is opening on seven screens at the nearest cineplex—ripe with gunfire, explosions, car chases and gratuitously bared breasts (in surround sound). And yet, you find yourself listening to it all through the wall of the theater next door while you watch Matthew McConaughey—or possibly Richard Gere—fall in love with a girl, scorn her, and ultimately rekindle their love while weepy women sniffle all around you.
How the sweet holy hell did you wind up in a chick flick? At this point, the question is moot. Your girlfriend—or gay friend who paid for the tickets and laid a guilt trip on you—has dragged you into this. Now it's up to you to make the best of it.
Every weekend, millions of couples sit through Hollywood's most recent chick flick offerings and nearly half of them enjoy themselves. That's millions of dollars spent just to rent a seat for two hours. "I wish I could get a slice of that money pie," you're thinking. Now you can, using CRACKED's patented How To Write the Ultimate Chick Flick Guide.
How the sweet holy hell did you wind up in a chick flick? At this point, the question is moot. Your girlfriend—or gay friend who paid for the tickets and laid a guilt trip on you—has dragged you into this. Now it's up to you to make the best of it.
Every weekend, millions of couples sit through Hollywood's most recent chick flick offerings and nearly half of them enjoy themselves. That's millions of dollars spent just to rent a seat for two hours. "I wish I could get a slice of that money pie," you're thinking. Now you can, using CRACKED's patented How To Write the Ultimate Chick Flick Guide.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
0 commentsDrexel is #1
What local college is considered the ugliest school in America? Which has dorms like palaces?
This week, The Princeton Review released its annual survey of 361 colleges, which includes facts about the social and study habits of students.
And not surprisingly, some NBC 10 area schools get high and low marks for campus life.
This week, The Princeton Review released its annual survey of 361 colleges, which includes facts about the social and study habits of students.
And not surprisingly, some NBC 10 area schools get high and low marks for campus life.
Aaron Durley: a giant among 13-year-olds
Aaron Durley towers over the competition at the Little League World Series. The 13-year-old first baseman for Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, stands an imposing 6-foot-8 and weighs 256 pounds.
"I was standing next to him and I was up to his elbows," Scott Kingery, a 12-year-old, 4-foot-9 Phoenix shortstop, said after meeting Durley.
At the secluded dorms where teams stay during the tournament, Durley has become as much of an attraction as the pool, the pingpong table and the video arcade.
Nominee for mother of the year
Witnesses say a woman repeatedly abused her 14-year-old and 5-year-old daughters, tying them to a bed without food or water, forcing them to eat toilet tissue with dog feces on it, and making the youngest sleep in a dog crate, authorities said Friday.
Penny Lea Holloway, 42, of Broken Arrow also allegedly forced one of her children to take anti-psychotic medication and left the pair alone for days on end, according to reports.
Holloway, who was arrested Thursday night at her home in the 8500 block of South 193rd East Avenue, was moved from Broken Arrow to the Wagoner County jail on Friday. She is charged with four counts of child abuse.
Penny Lea Holloway, 42, of Broken Arrow also allegedly forced one of her children to take anti-psychotic medication and left the pair alone for days on end, according to reports.
Holloway, who was arrested Thursday night at her home in the 8500 block of South 193rd East Avenue, was moved from Broken Arrow to the Wagoner County jail on Friday. She is charged with four counts of child abuse.
Tom & Jerry smoking scenes removed
Smoking scenes are to be edited out of classic Tom and Jerry cartoons, following a complaint to the broadcast regulator that they are inappropriate for a show aimed at children.
The complaint was about two separate cartoons - Texas Tom and Tennis Chumps - transmitted repeatedly this year on Turner Broadcasting's children's channel, Boomerang.
Boomerang's audience is made up largely of children - 56% are aged four to 14 years old.
The complaint was about two separate cartoons - Texas Tom and Tennis Chumps - transmitted repeatedly this year on Turner Broadcasting's children's channel, Boomerang.
Boomerang's audience is made up largely of children - 56% are aged four to 14 years old.
Trap-jaw ants: fastest animal ever
Their jaws spring shut at more than 100 km/h (66mph)- the fastest recorded speed at which an animal can move its body parts.
The pictures also reveal these tiny creatures, native to Central and South America, do more with their vicious jaws than simply giving a nasty nip.
By biting the ground, the ants hurl themselves upwards when danger looms.
The pictures also reveal these tiny creatures, native to Central and South America, do more with their vicious jaws than simply giving a nasty nip.
By biting the ground, the ants hurl themselves upwards when danger looms.
31 rules for the amusement park
It's summer and if you have friends, there is a 100 percent chance you'll spend some time at an amusement park. If you don't have friends, don't worry, just hang tight and keep listening to Jim Rome.
For the rest of us, the amusement park offers the perfect escape from the mind-numbing reality of summer TPS reports and minimizing the window on your computer screen when your boss walks by. Being spun around, upside down and inside out somehow makes the sky seem bluer and the air cooler. It also makes your favorite sports team (who is in the process of planting their flag squarely upon the shores of loserdom) almost palatable. Of course, you might throw up, but everything that's really worth doing carries the risk of throwing up.
Recently, I spent the day at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. It just so happened I went during the middle of the week, which in Cedar Point terminology, is known as the unemployed skirt chasers' national holiday. My younger cousins accompanied my wife and I, and as a group, we managed to ride every roller coaster in the place.
For the rest of us, the amusement park offers the perfect escape from the mind-numbing reality of summer TPS reports and minimizing the window on your computer screen when your boss walks by. Being spun around, upside down and inside out somehow makes the sky seem bluer and the air cooler. It also makes your favorite sports team (who is in the process of planting their flag squarely upon the shores of loserdom) almost palatable. Of course, you might throw up, but everything that's really worth doing carries the risk of throwing up.
Recently, I spent the day at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. It just so happened I went during the middle of the week, which in Cedar Point terminology, is known as the unemployed skirt chasers' national holiday. My younger cousins accompanied my wife and I, and as a group, we managed to ride every roller coaster in the place.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
0 comments 0 commentsDeath by chocolate... almost
Darmin Garcia, an employee of a company that supplies chocolate ingredients, said he was pushing the chocolate down into the vat at Debelis Corp. because it was stuck. But it became loose and he slid into the hopper.
"It was in my hair, in my ears, my mouth, everywhere," said Garcia, who has worked at the company for two years. "I felt like I weighed 900 pounds. I couldn't move."
The chocolate was 110 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than a hot tub, said Capt. Greg Sinnen of the Kenosha Fire Department.
"It was in my hair, in my ears, my mouth, everywhere," said Garcia, who has worked at the company for two years. "I felt like I weighed 900 pounds. I couldn't move."
The chocolate was 110 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than a hot tub, said Capt. Greg Sinnen of the Kenosha Fire Department.
Dear Mayor John F. Street,
A 13-year-old boy has admitted to shooting a 4-year-old South Philadelphia girl.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the teen said it was the fourth time he had held a gun. The teenager pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and weapons violations.
Four-year-old Nashay Little was caught in the gunfire between the 13-year-old and another teen outside her home in the 2100 block of Sigel Street.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the teen said it was the fourth time he had held a gun. The teenager pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and weapons violations.
Four-year-old Nashay Little was caught in the gunfire between the 13-year-old and another teen outside her home in the 2100 block of Sigel Street.
In case you were wondering where your mail is
Philadelphia postal workers protested Thursday at the historic 30th Street post office.
The workers protested against forced transfers and delivery problems at a rally.
The problems resulted when the United States Postal Service (USPS) moved its regional mail-sorting center from 30th Street to a new and more automated facility in Southwest Philadelphia.
The workers protested against forced transfers and delivery problems at a rally.
The problems resulted when the United States Postal Service (USPS) moved its regional mail-sorting center from 30th Street to a new and more automated facility in Southwest Philadelphia.
Phoenixville Library haunted?
NBC 10's Tim Furlong sat down with a local Ghostbuster to review photos and videotape of possible paranormal activity at Phoenixville Library.
Furlong and Cindy Starr-Witman of Chester County Paranormal Research Society sat down Tuesday and looked at two pieces of evidence.
The first piece of evidence was a still photo, taken in the library, of what Starr-Witman calls an "orb."
Furlong and Cindy Starr-Witman of Chester County Paranormal Research Society sat down Tuesday and looked at two pieces of evidence.
The first piece of evidence was a still photo, taken in the library, of what Starr-Witman calls an "orb."
Top ten UNmanliest superheroes
You had to have seen it coming. I mean, we couldn’t have a Top Ten Manliest Superheroes without a Top Ten Un-Manliest Superheroes could we? Well, we can’t, and you shouldn’t expect anything less from our blatant attempts at mediocre sensationalism.
In case you missed all the action last week, here’s a link to our Top Ten Manliest Superheroes. I recommend you read that before you read this, cause you can’t know what a manly man isn’t unless you know what he is. Oh, and lets all just remember that this is for fun people? Got it? Great, good, on to the insanity.
In case you missed all the action last week, here’s a link to our Top Ten Manliest Superheroes. I recommend you read that before you read this, cause you can’t know what a manly man isn’t unless you know what he is. Oh, and lets all just remember that this is for fun people? Got it? Great, good, on to the insanity.
The top ten manliest superheroes
It seems these Top Tens might become a weekly affair here for the foreseeable future or until we ‘jump the shark’ and do a Top Ten with something about ‘babes’ in comics. God, I’m dreading the day I ever do it, but we aren’t above making other, very important and very serious, Top Tens that are formed with an exacting science, applied to rigorous tests, and made from only the finest ingredients.
Keeping that in mind, we’ve decided to bring you the Top Ten Manliest Superheroes. Now what makes a superhero manly? I like to think a ‘manly’ man is best known for his lack of knowledge on fashion, his chauvinist attitude toward feelings (marked by a great emotional dysfunction), and his general willingness to fight at the drop of a hat. Taking this all into consideration, we give you the Top Ten Manliest Superheroes...
Keeping that in mind, we’ve decided to bring you the Top Ten Manliest Superheroes. Now what makes a superhero manly? I like to think a ‘manly’ man is best known for his lack of knowledge on fashion, his chauvinist attitude toward feelings (marked by a great emotional dysfunction), and his general willingness to fight at the drop of a hat. Taking this all into consideration, we give you the Top Ten Manliest Superheroes...
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
0 commentsTuesday, August 15, 2006
0 comments10 best Robot Chicken sketches
Seth Green’s made it hip to be a nerd again. Who knew the dude who was the werewolf from Buffy the Vampire Slayer was, in fact, a comic genius? We’ve been enjoying RC for the last two years, and it’s about damn time we spread the love. So for all you stoners, drunks and lollygaggers that haven’t seen the show—named, apparently, for a meal on a Chinese food menu—we present to you the 10 best sketches Robot Chicken has ever offered up.
I'm a little upset because World's Most One-Sided Fistfights didn't make the list.
I'm a little upset because World's Most One-Sided Fistfights didn't make the list.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
0 comments50 greatest WWF rivalries
When I was a young buck, I didn’t really need to watch anything on TV but WWF wrestling. I, much like many of kids my age, got ALL of the Pay Per Views and even went to a couple of house shows. I was obsessed.
Let me put to rest a rumor that I once heard: wrestling is real. These guys hated each other and did all they could to win matches. I compiled a list of the 50 Greatest WWF Wrestling Rivalries. The list is made up of mostly late-80s/early-mid-90s feuds. I consider this list to be my greatest masterpiece, and I’m sorry if I left off any of your personal favorites. I received some assistance from fellow Rivalfish Sweatshoppers Ryan O’Donnell and Danny Raspatello (who is a 100 times cooler than his brother, Tello Real).
Let me put to rest a rumor that I once heard: wrestling is real. These guys hated each other and did all they could to win matches. I compiled a list of the 50 Greatest WWF Wrestling Rivalries. The list is made up of mostly late-80s/early-mid-90s feuds. I consider this list to be my greatest masterpiece, and I’m sorry if I left off any of your personal favorites. I received some assistance from fellow Rivalfish Sweatshoppers Ryan O’Donnell and Danny Raspatello (who is a 100 times cooler than his brother, Tello Real).
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
0 comments
Sunday, August 06, 2006
0 commentsKobayashi sets another record
Takeru Kobayashi chomped through a record 58 brats at the Johnsonville World Bratwurst Eating Championship on Saturday, easily winning another tasty title and slicing through the record of 34 1/2 set last year by Sonya Thomas.
"They're good," Kobayashi said through a translator. "I want to take some home."
Kobayashi earned $8,000 for his effort. There was no extra charge for the 16,820 calories, 1,450 grams of fat and 19 days worth of the recommended amount of sodium he consumed in besting Joey Chestnut and Thomas in front of a crowd of about 3,500 people attending Sheboygan Jaycees Brat Days.
"They're good," Kobayashi said through a translator. "I want to take some home."
Kobayashi earned $8,000 for his effort. There was no extra charge for the 16,820 calories, 1,450 grams of fat and 19 days worth of the recommended amount of sodium he consumed in besting Joey Chestnut and Thomas in front of a crowd of about 3,500 people attending Sheboygan Jaycees Brat Days.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
0 commentsFriday, August 04, 2006
0 commentsThe Grudge 2
Check out the trailer. It seems pretty decent. I lot of sequals of japenese horror remakes are awful. This seems ok though. So far...
Kindergarten Cop hopes to beat 80 year old man
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will play a game of table tennis with an octogenarian pingpong champion who said he would only donate to the governor's re-election campaign if he agreed to a match.
The odds appear to be stacked against the governor.
Byng Forsberg is a champion pingpong player in the 75 and over category, having won nearly ever table tennis trophy available to the senior set.
The odds appear to be stacked against the governor.
Byng Forsberg is a champion pingpong player in the 75 and over category, having won nearly ever table tennis trophy available to the senior set.
Worst possible tree to hit
A teenage driver in the US crashed a four-wheel drive into a hollow tree and stirred up tens of thousands of angry honey bees, creating a swarm that sent her and nine others to the hospital.
"Those bees were mad," said Volunteer Fire Chief Kent Gilbert, who was stung at least 50 times while trying to pull the 16-year-old driver from the wreckage.
"I've never seen bees, especially honeybees, attack like that."
"Those bees were mad," said Volunteer Fire Chief Kent Gilbert, who was stung at least 50 times while trying to pull the 16-year-old driver from the wreckage.
"I've never seen bees, especially honeybees, attack like that."
A small victory for the P2Pers
A group of US record labels agreed to drop a music piracy case in the US after the alleged file-sharer argued that it could not be proved that she downloaded any illegal music. The case may set a precedent that undermines scores of other music piracy cases.
Tammie Marson of Palm Desert, California refused to pay the initial $3,500 demanded by a group of record labels and opted to fight the case in court. Marson and her lawyer Seyamack Kouretchian of Coast Law Group argued that the fact that Marson's computer contained illegal music files downloaded over her internet connection was not proof that she had committed a crime.
The record companies – Virgin, Sony BMG, Arista, Universal and Warner Brothers – agreed to dismiss the case and pay their own legal costs.
Tammie Marson of Palm Desert, California refused to pay the initial $3,500 demanded by a group of record labels and opted to fight the case in court. Marson and her lawyer Seyamack Kouretchian of Coast Law Group argued that the fact that Marson's computer contained illegal music files downloaded over her internet connection was not proof that she had committed a crime.
The record companies – Virgin, Sony BMG, Arista, Universal and Warner Brothers – agreed to dismiss the case and pay their own legal costs.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
0 commentsUPenn trains officers to detect precrimes, just like in Minority Report. UPenn and Tom Cruise still suck
Criminologists will work with probation officers in a new unit that will try to spot offenders already under criminal justice system supervision who are most likely to commit homicides, and head off future killings.
University of Pennsylvania experts will train a five-officer Homicide Prevention Unit that will review tens of thousands of cases looking for potential killers, and provide them with intensified supervision and treatment.
"If we can pinpoint these needles in the haystack and help them turn their lives around, we might well help to make Philadelphia a safer city," said Lawrence W. Sherman, director of the university's Jerry Lee Center of Criminology, which is providing half of the $1 million in funding for the unit. The rest of the money comes from the city and state.
University of Pennsylvania experts will train a five-officer Homicide Prevention Unit that will review tens of thousands of cases looking for potential killers, and provide them with intensified supervision and treatment.
"If we can pinpoint these needles in the haystack and help them turn their lives around, we might well help to make Philadelphia a safer city," said Lawrence W. Sherman, director of the university's Jerry Lee Center of Criminology, which is providing half of the $1 million in funding for the unit. The rest of the money comes from the city and state.
How to eat with chopsticks
Do you love Asian food, but want the full experience by eating it as it was meant to be eaten--with chopsticks? Watching others using chopsticks can make it look so easy, but when you try it, you end up asking for a fork. Here's how to say goodbye to that fork for good and put those chospticks to work!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
0 commentsWhy do I still live here?
Deadly gunshots ripped throughout the city yesterday, sending police detectives to neighborhoods too used to violence, and shocking others not accustomed to finding dead bodies on their streets.
In the end, five people lay dead of gunshot wounds in one of the four deadliest days in Philadelphia this year. All were young males, most African American. It is a familiar story for the city that has recorded 209 homicides this year and is on pace to meet the 380 killings of last year.
"Overwhelming" and "absolutely mind-boggling" are the words that Police Department spokesman Raul Malveiro used to describe the number of killings yesterday.
In the end, five people lay dead of gunshot wounds in one of the four deadliest days in Philadelphia this year. All were young males, most African American. It is a familiar story for the city that has recorded 209 homicides this year and is on pace to meet the 380 killings of last year.
"Overwhelming" and "absolutely mind-boggling" are the words that Police Department spokesman Raul Malveiro used to describe the number of killings yesterday.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
0 commentsTuesday, July 11, 2006
0 commentsKilladelphia: This is desirable?
Keeping monthly homicide statistics can be like watching a horse race.
They're ahead. They're behind. They're neck and neck. But there are no winners. Only losers.
As of June 30, 184 people had lost their lives in Philadelphia, victims of homicides. That's eight more than in the first six months of 2005.
They're ahead. They're behind. They're neck and neck. But there are no winners. Only losers.
As of June 30, 184 people had lost their lives in Philadelphia, victims of homicides. That's eight more than in the first six months of 2005.
Philadelphia = 14th most desirable city to live in
Well, here's some news heard outside City Hall: Philadelphia has a way to go toward persuading the young, mobile and educated to unpack and call the City of Brotherly Love home.
A recently released survey asked 1,000 college-educated 25- to 34-year-olds where they would prefer to live, and Philadelphia did not make the top 10.
But it did make the top 20.
A recently released survey asked 1,000 college-educated 25- to 34-year-olds where they would prefer to live, and Philadelphia did not make the top 10.
But it did make the top 20.
Free Slurpee Day
Supposedly there might be free slurpees at 7-Eleven today since it's 7/11. So, go check it out just in case.
Monday, July 10, 2006
0 comments 0 comments
Bacon cereal
It's been well over a year since my Ultimate Bacon Sandwich waged assault on my arteries and I was past due for another bacon creation. I originally intended to visit the grocery store so I could make a wedge salad, but when I saw the 2 for 1 sale on all Oscar Mayer bacon products, I knew it was a sign from the bacon gods. The best parts of a wedge salad are the bacon bits and blue cheese dressing, so why not trim the fat? Pun fully intended. Warm up your skillet and read on.
The big religious chart
Please read this first: The ReligionFacts Big Religion Chart is an attempt to summarize all the complexities of religions and belief systems into tiny little boxes on a single, quick-reference comparison chart. As we always warn with our comparison charts, this is no substitute for reading about religions in greater detail. But this religon comparison chart can (hopefully) be a useful and accessible way to "get the gist" of some unfamiliar groups and compare basic beliefs and practices of the world's religions.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
2 comments 0 commentsUPenn still sucks
A Penn police officer shot and wounded a man in the area of 300 S. 33rd Street on Tuesday, but the reason he fired is still unknown.
According to Penn's Division of Public Safety, 25 year-old Brahim Johnson and 40 year-old Wendell Moore were trying to steal a bicycle from a bicycle rack at approximately 4:45 p.m. when Penn police attempted to arrest the two men.
During the course of the arrests, Johnson sustained a gunshot wound from the arresting officers. Moore was arrested without incident and the police officers were not injured in the incident.
According to Penn's Division of Public Safety, 25 year-old Brahim Johnson and 40 year-old Wendell Moore were trying to steal a bicycle from a bicycle rack at approximately 4:45 p.m. when Penn police attempted to arrest the two men.
During the course of the arrests, Johnson sustained a gunshot wound from the arresting officers. Moore was arrested without incident and the police officers were not injured in the incident.
