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Tuesday, February 28, 2006Sleaze Science Fiction Covers![]() I promised myself I wouldn't post anymore covers but come on now. Sleaze Sci-Fi Covers! That's a post. (via del.icio.us/jennyjetts) Sleaze Science Fiction Covers![]() I promised myself I wouldn't post anymore covers but come on now. Sleaze Sci-Fi Covers! That's a post. (via del.icio.us/jennyjetts) List of Murderers with the Middle Name 'Wayne'
It only occurred to me in the early 1990s that "Wayne" was a popular middle name among a few of the most heinous murderers of our time, e.g., the clown John Wayne Gacy (who killed almost three dozen boys and young men in the late 1970s and buried most of them beneath the floorboards of his Des Plaines, Ill., home) and Elmer Wayne Henley (sentenced to six consecutive life terms in 1974 in Houston for his role, with ringleader Dean Allen Corll, in the murders of 27 young men). I began to publish periodic lists in 1996, and soon readers made sure I never missed a one that made the news.
(via del.icio.us/blijack)List of Murderers with the Middle Name 'Wayne'
It only occurred to me in the early 1990s that "Wayne" was a popular middle name among a few of the most heinous murderers of our time, e.g., the clown John Wayne Gacy (who killed almost three dozen boys and young men in the late 1970s and buried most of them beneath the floorboards of his Des Plaines, Ill., home) and Elmer Wayne Henley (sentenced to six consecutive life terms in 1974 in Houston for his role, with ringleader Dean Allen Corll, in the murders of 27 young men). I began to publish periodic lists in 1996, and soon readers made sure I never missed a one that made the news.
(via del.icio.us/blijack)The $39 ExperimentAsking random companies for free stuff.
The way I looked at it, if I took $39 and went to buy groceries, I wouldn't be able to get all that much. On the flipside, if I took $39 to a casino and lost it all, I wouldn't be all that upset. With that said, I decided I was going to try something — I was going to take my roll of stamps and send 100 letters to 100 different companies, asking for free stuff. I figured that I couldn't do any worse than blowing the $39 at a casino, and who knows... maybe a few of these places would actually send me something good.
(via del.icio.us/rjjm)The $39 ExperimentAsking random companies for free stuff.
The way I looked at it, if I took $39 and went to buy groceries, I wouldn't be able to get all that much. On the flipside, if I took $39 to a casino and lost it all, I wouldn't be all that upset. With that said, I decided I was going to try something — I was going to take my roll of stamps and send 100 letters to 100 different companies, asking for free stuff. I figured that I couldn't do any worse than blowing the $39 at a casino, and who knows... maybe a few of these places would actually send me something good.
(via del.icio.us/rjjm)Penn and Teller's Smoke and Mirrors
Waxy has a great post about a never before released P&T video game for Sega CD and 3DO.
Years ago, I'd heard about a mythical unreleased videogame developed by Penn & Teller for the Sega CD and 3DO. The game was supposed to be an oddball adventure game, with some cruel magic tricks and minigames thrown in for good measure. This Absolute Entertainment press release from March 1995 sums it up nicely.
(via Kottke)The most infamous part was "Desert Bus," a "VeriSimulator" in which you drive a bus across the straight Nevada desert for eight hours in real-time. Then you drive it home. Also, I'd read the bus veers to the right, so you can't just leave the joypad propped up. The rumor was that if you won the game, you got one point. Penn and Teller's Smoke and Mirrors
Waxy has a great post about a never before released P&T video game for Sega CD and 3DO.
Years ago, I'd heard about a mythical unreleased videogame developed by Penn & Teller for the Sega CD and 3DO. The game was supposed to be an oddball adventure game, with some cruel magic tricks and minigames thrown in for good measure. This Absolute Entertainment press release from March 1995 sums it up nicely.
(via Kottke)The most infamous part was "Desert Bus," a "VeriSimulator" in which you drive a bus across the straight Nevada desert for eight hours in real-time. Then you drive it home. Also, I'd read the bus veers to the right, so you can't just leave the joypad propped up. The rumor was that if you won the game, you got one point. Insane Juggling Video Clips![]()
The following clips are videos of Jason Garfield executing
juggling moves that are some of the hardest of their kind.
Insane Juggling Video Clips![]()
The following clips are videos of Jason Garfield executing
juggling moves that are some of the hardest of their kind.
Shock AbsorberThis is hypnotic but not worksafe. It's a computer simulation (or bounceometer)where you pick a bra cup size and level of athletic activity and then see the difference the shock absorber sports bra will make. Possibly hours of fun here.(via Monkeyfilter) Shock AbsorberThis is hypnotic but not worksafe. It's a computer simulation (or bounceometer)where you pick a bra cup size and level of athletic activity and then see the difference the shock absorber sports bra will make. Possibly hours of fun here.(via Monkeyfilter) Ambiguous PSP Advertising on the London Tube![]() Wonderland and Kotaku are both flummoxed by the meaning of a new PSP ad in London. Anybody have an idea what this advertising means? Ambiguous PSP Advertising on the London Tube![]() Wonderland and Kotaku are both flummoxed by the meaning of a new PSP ad in London. Anybody have an idea what this advertising means? Wikipedia on Your iPodThis might make me break down and finally by an iPod:
What is Encyclopodia?
Encyclopodia is a free software project that brings the Wikipedia, which is one of the largest encyclopedias on the world, on the Apple iPod MP3-Player. It has been successfully tested on a third-generation iPod and on an iPod mini, but it should also work on other iPod generations.
(via Digg)Wikipedia on Your iPodThis might make me break down and finally by an iPod:
What is Encyclopodia?
Encyclopodia is a free software project that brings the Wikipedia, which is one of the largest encyclopedias on the world, on the Apple iPod MP3-Player. It has been successfully tested on a third-generation iPod and on an iPod mini, but it should also work on other iPod generations.
(via Digg)The Gimli Glider![]() Entertaining article about a Boeing 767 which ran out of fuel and had to glide to a landing.
At 1:21 GMT, the forty million dollar, state-of-the-art Boeing 767 had become a glider. The APU, designed to supply electrical and pneumatic power under emergency conditions, was no help because it drank from the same fuel tanks as the main engines. Approaching 28,000 feet the 767's glass cockpit went dark. Pilot Bob Pearson was left with a radio and standby instruments, noticeably lacking a vertical speed indicator - the glider pilot's instrument of choice. Hydraulic pressure was falling fast and the plane's controls were quickly becoming inoperative. But the engineers at Boeing had foreseen even this most unlikely of scenarios and provided one last failsafe&emdash;the RAT.
The RAT is the Ram Air Turbine, a propeller driven hydraulic pump tucked under the belly of the 767. The RAT can supply just enough hydraulic pressure to move the control surfaces and enable a dead-stick landing. The loss of both engines caused the RAT to automatically drop into the airstream and begin supplying hydraulic pressure. As Pearson began gliding the big bird, Quintal "got busy" in the manuals looking for procedures for dealing with the loss of both engines. There were none.. Neither he nor Pearson nor any other 767 pilot had ever been trained on this contingency. Pearson reports he was thinking "I wonder how it's all going to turn out." The Gimli Glider![]() Entertaining article about a Boeing 767 which ran out of fuel and had to glide to a landing.
At 1:21 GMT, the forty million dollar, state-of-the-art Boeing 767 had become a glider. The APU, designed to supply electrical and pneumatic power under emergency conditions, was no help because it drank from the same fuel tanks as the main engines. Approaching 28,000 feet the 767's glass cockpit went dark. Pilot Bob Pearson was left with a radio and standby instruments, noticeably lacking a vertical speed indicator - the glider pilot's instrument of choice. Hydraulic pressure was falling fast and the plane's controls were quickly becoming inoperative. But the engineers at Boeing had foreseen even this most unlikely of scenarios and provided one last failsafe&emdash;the RAT.
The RAT is the Ram Air Turbine, a propeller driven hydraulic pump tucked under the belly of the 767. The RAT can supply just enough hydraulic pressure to move the control surfaces and enable a dead-stick landing. The loss of both engines caused the RAT to automatically drop into the airstream and begin supplying hydraulic pressure. As Pearson began gliding the big bird, Quintal "got busy" in the manuals looking for procedures for dealing with the loss of both engines. There were none.. Neither he nor Pearson nor any other 767 pilot had ever been trained on this contingency. Pearson reports he was thinking "I wonder how it's all going to turn out." Photos of Vegas when the Mob ran Vegas![]() A great slide show with old pictures of Vegas when the Strip was nothing more than a practically deserted highway with a few casinos. I got this from Bibi who did an entire post with cool Vegas links. Photos of Vegas when the Mob ran Vegas![]() A great slide show with old pictures of Vegas when the Strip was nothing more than a practically deserted highway with a few casinos. I got this from Bibi who did an entire post with cool Vegas links. The Wonderlic Personnel Test
The Wonderlic Personnel Test (often referred to as Wunderlich) is an intelligence test primarily known for being administered to prospective players in the National Football League since the 1970s. The Wonderlic is a twelve minute, fifty question exam to assess aptitude for learning a job and adapting to solve problems for employees in a wide range of occupations.
ESPN.com has a sample Wonderlic test that you can take. The Wonderlic Personnel Test
The Wonderlic Personnel Test (often referred to as Wunderlich) is an intelligence test primarily known for being administered to prospective players in the National Football League since the 1970s. The Wonderlic is a twelve minute, fifty question exam to assess aptitude for learning a job and adapting to solve problems for employees in a wide range of occupations.
ESPN.com has a sample Wonderlic test that you can take. Monday, February 27, 2006Toppings for the Communion Wafer![]()
So the purpose of this experiment is to find out just what it takes to turn the communion experience from "ow!" to "wow!" We* went to the supermarket and we selected a range of toppings and condiments to serve eucharists with.
In a related story, when I was getting ready for my first communion, our teacher, Sister Mary, told us that if we bit the Eucharist that blood would come squirting out into our mouth. Needless to say that when the time came to take the communion, just about all of us bit into it to see if we could get the wafer to hemorrhage. The lesson we learned? Even a nun could be a lying bitch.I can hear some of you now. "Blasphemous!" "Scandalous!" But hold on there, bucko! What if we discover some new way to serve communion wafers that brings people stampeding back to the church as if it were some chic new restaurant on the lower east side? Uh huh, you didn't think of that, did you? We thought not. (via Slashfood) Toppings for the Communion Wafer![]()
So the purpose of this experiment is to find out just what it takes to turn the communion experience from "ow!" to "wow!" We* went to the supermarket and we selected a range of toppings and condiments to serve eucharists with.
In a related story, when I was getting ready for my first communion, our teacher, Sister Mary, told us that if we bit the Eucharist that blood would come squirting out into our mouth. Needless to say that when the time came to take the communion, just about all of us bit into it to see if we could get the wafer to hemorrhage. The lesson we learned? Even a nun could be a lying bitch.I can hear some of you now. "Blasphemous!" "Scandalous!" But hold on there, bucko! What if we discover some new way to serve communion wafers that brings people stampeding back to the church as if it were some chic new restaurant on the lower east side? Uh huh, you didn't think of that, did you? We thought not. (via Slashfood) Distributed computing cracks Enigma codeFrom News.com:
More than 60 years after the end of World War II, a distributed computing project has managed to crack a previously uncracked message that was encrypted using the Enigma machine.
For more on the M4 project and to participate in it you can visit the site here.The M4 Project began in early January, as an attempt to break three original Enigma messages that were intercepted in 1942 and are thought never to have been broken by the Allied forces. These messages were encrypted using a four-rotor Enigma. That version was considered by Germany to be completely unbreakable, as it could be set up in any one of a vast number of ways (2 times 10 to the 145th power), each of which would encrypt a plain text message differently. (via Metafilter) Distributed computing cracks Enigma codeFrom News.com:
More than 60 years after the end of World War II, a distributed computing project has managed to crack a previously uncracked message that was encrypted using the Enigma machine.
For more on the M4 project and to participate in it you can visit the site here.The M4 Project began in early January, as an attempt to break three original Enigma messages that were intercepted in 1942 and are thought never to have been broken by the Allied forces. These messages were encrypted using a four-rotor Enigma. That version was considered by Germany to be completely unbreakable, as it could be set up in any one of a vast number of ways (2 times 10 to the 145th power), each of which would encrypt a plain text message differently. (via Metafilter) You Think You Have Problems With Squirrels?![]() Squirrels seem to be the least of this person's problem. (via del.icio.us/dgroo) You Think You Have Problems With Squirrels?![]() Squirrels seem to be the least of this person's problem. (via del.icio.us/dgroo) The Murder Castle of H. H. Holmes![]() This is a horrific yet fascinating read about one of America's first serial killers, H. H. Holmes, who constructed secret torture chambers in his hotel.
Detectives devoted several weeks to searching and making a floor plan of the Castle. The bottom floor had been used by Holmes himself as a drug store, a candy store, a restaurant and a jewelry store. The third floor of the building had been divided into small apartments and guest rooms and apparently, had never been used.
Wikipedia has a shorter summary of Holmes. This is the first I have heard of him.
The second floor however proved to be a labyrinth of narrow, winding passages with doors that opened to brick walls, hidden stairways, cleverly concealed doors, blind hallways, secret panels, hidden passages and a clandestine vault that was only a big enough for a person to stand in. The room was alleged to be a homemade "gas chamber", equipped with a chute that would carry a body directly into the basement. The investigators suddenly realized the implications of the iron-plated chamber when they found the single, scuffed mark of a footprint on the inside of the door. It was a small print that had been made by a woman who had attempted to escape the grim fate of the tiny room. In addition to all of the bizarre additions to the floor, the second level also held 35 guest rooms. Half of them were fitted as ordinary sleeping chambers, and there were indications that they had been occupied by the various women who worked for Holmes, by tenants during the Fair or by the luckless females Holmes had seduced while waiting for an opportunity to kill them. Several of the other rooms were without windows or could be made air tight by closing the doors. Others were lined with sheet iron and asbestos with scorch marks on the walls, fitted with trap doors that led to smaller rooms beneath, or were equipped with lethal gas jets that could be used to suffocate or burn the unsuspecting occupants. The Murder Castle of H. H. Holmes![]() This is a horrific yet fascinating read about one of America's first serial killers, H. H. Holmes, who constructed secret torture chambers in his hotel.
Detectives devoted several weeks to searching and making a floor plan of the Castle. The bottom floor had been used by Holmes himself as a drug store, a candy store, a restaurant and a jewelry store. The third floor of the building had been divided into small apartments and guest rooms and apparently, had never been used.
Wikipedia has a shorter summary of Holmes. This is the first I have heard of him.
The second floor however proved to be a labyrinth of narrow, winding passages with doors that opened to brick walls, hidden stairways, cleverly concealed doors, blind hallways, secret panels, hidden passages and a clandestine vault that was only a big enough for a person to stand in. The room was alleged to be a homemade "gas chamber", equipped with a chute that would carry a body directly into the basement. The investigators suddenly realized the implications of the iron-plated chamber when they found the single, scuffed mark of a footprint on the inside of the door. It was a small print that had been made by a woman who had attempted to escape the grim fate of the tiny room. In addition to all of the bizarre additions to the floor, the second level also held 35 guest rooms. Half of them were fitted as ordinary sleeping chambers, and there were indications that they had been occupied by the various women who worked for Holmes, by tenants during the Fair or by the luckless females Holmes had seduced while waiting for an opportunity to kill them. Several of the other rooms were without windows or could be made air tight by closing the doors. Others were lined with sheet iron and asbestos with scorch marks on the walls, fitted with trap doors that led to smaller rooms beneath, or were equipped with lethal gas jets that could be used to suffocate or burn the unsuspecting occupants. Babies With Beards
We wish to open this history with the disclaimer that the phenomena of bearded babies is not to be confused with the condition of hypertrichosis or hursutism. Bearded babies do not pose a medical mystery at all- some babies are simply born with beards. We accept this as natural, but the history of the bearded baby has not been so forgiving.
(via del.icio.us/knifegirl)Bearded babies have been part of human life since the moment we evolved from monkeys. During the dawn of humanity, most people had an excess of body hair, so babies with beards were accepted and nurtured. As humans lost their primordial hair, and only adults bore magnificent facial plumage, a vast majority of babies were born nearly hairless. We speculate that in these early years of human development, the birth of a baby with a beard would likely have been a celebrated, mystical event. Babies With Beards
We wish to open this history with the disclaimer that the phenomena of bearded babies is not to be confused with the condition of hypertrichosis or hursutism. Bearded babies do not pose a medical mystery at all- some babies are simply born with beards. We accept this as natural, but the history of the bearded baby has not been so forgiving.
(via del.icio.us/knifegirl)Bearded babies have been part of human life since the moment we evolved from monkeys. During the dawn of humanity, most people had an excess of body hair, so babies with beards were accepted and nurtured. As humans lost their primordial hair, and only adults bore magnificent facial plumage, a vast majority of babies were born nearly hairless. We speculate that in these early years of human development, the birth of a baby with a beard would likely have been a celebrated, mystical event. Unseen. Unforgotten.![]() Never before published images of the civil rights movement in Birmingham. (via Backwards City) Unseen. Unforgotten.![]() Never before published images of the civil rights movement in Birmingham. (via Backwards City) Chickasaw, AlabamaLooks like there is a precedent for the Bill of Rights being upheld even in privately owned towns.
As a general rule, the owner of private property is free to restrict expressive activitites of others on the property. You are under no First Amendment obligation to admit people into your living room and then listen to them blow off about any topic of their choice. Similarly, an owner of a restaurant has no duty to allow persons who dislike the food she serves into the restaurant so the person can annoy customers or discourage others from eating there.
Yet, almost every rule as its exceptions, and this rule is no exception to that rule. In 1946, the Court considered the issue of the First Amendment's applicability in Chickasaw, Alabama--a company town owned lock, stock, and barrel by Gulf Shipbuilding. A Jehovah's Witness came to Chicasaw and began distributing religious literature on a street corner. She was told to stop her activity. She refused, and was tried and convicted of trespass. The Court reversed her conviction, concluding that Chicasaw was the functional equivalent of a municipality, the residents of Chicasaw citizens of Alabama, and that the First Amendment fully applied to expressive activities on the company-owned sidewalks and streets of the town. Chickasaw, AlabamaLooks like there is a precedent for the Bill of Rights being upheld even in privately owned towns.
As a general rule, the owner of private property is free to restrict expressive activitites of others on the property. You are under no First Amendment obligation to admit people into your living room and then listen to them blow off about any topic of their choice. Similarly, an owner of a restaurant has no duty to allow persons who dislike the food she serves into the restaurant so the person can annoy customers or discourage others from eating there.
Yet, almost every rule as its exceptions, and this rule is no exception to that rule. In 1946, the Court considered the issue of the First Amendment's applicability in Chickasaw, Alabama--a company town owned lock, stock, and barrel by Gulf Shipbuilding. A Jehovah's Witness came to Chicasaw and began distributing religious literature on a street corner. She was told to stop her activity. She refused, and was tried and convicted of trespass. The Court reversed her conviction, concluding that Chicasaw was the functional equivalent of a municipality, the residents of Chicasaw citizens of Alabama, and that the First Amendment fully applied to expressive activities on the company-owned sidewalks and streets of the town. Domino's Pizza Founder to Build Catholic TownMore fundamentalist fun.
A FORMER marine who was raised by nuns and made a fortune selling pizza has embarked on a £230m plan to build the first town in America to be run according to strict Catholic principles.
Here's the official website for Monaghan's theocratic utopia. Abortions, pornography and contraceptives will be banned in the new Florida town of Ave Maria, which has begun to take shape on former vegetable farms 90 miles northwest of Miami. Tom Monaghan, the founder of the Domino’s Pizza chain, has stirred protests from civil rights activists by declaring that Ave Maria’s pharmacies will not be allowed to sell condoms or birth control pills. The town’s cable television network will carry no X-rated channels. The town will be centred around a 100ft tall oratory and the first Catholic university to be built in America for 40 years. The university’s president, Nicholas J Healy, has said future students should “help rebuild the city of God” in a country suffering from “catastrophic cultural collapse”. Domino's Pizza Founder to Build Catholic TownMore fundamentalist fun.
A FORMER marine who was raised by nuns and made a fortune selling pizza has embarked on a £230m plan to build the first town in America to be run according to strict Catholic principles.
Here's the official website for Monaghan's theocratic utopia. Abortions, pornography and contraceptives will be banned in the new Florida town of Ave Maria, which has begun to take shape on former vegetable farms 90 miles northwest of Miami. Tom Monaghan, the founder of the Domino’s Pizza chain, has stirred protests from civil rights activists by declaring that Ave Maria’s pharmacies will not be allowed to sell condoms or birth control pills. The town’s cable television network will carry no X-rated channels. The town will be centred around a 100ft tall oratory and the first Catholic university to be built in America for 40 years. The university’s president, Nicholas J Healy, has said future students should “help rebuild the city of God” in a country suffering from “catastrophic cultural collapse”. What if Microsoft Designed the iPod PackageBwahaha. Bonus points for using the Danny Elfman song from Pee-wee's Big Adventure that I don't know the name of but I'm sure someone will mention in the comments. What if Microsoft Designed the iPod PackageBwahaha. Bonus points for using the Danny Elfman song from Pee-wee's Big Adventure that I don't know the name of but I'm sure someone will mention in the comments. The Top 100 Seventies Singles
With a substantial description of each song. Great list!
Here's the inside story on the Top 100 singles of the Seventies. Songs we listened to on AM radios at home... in cars... at the beach. From unforgettable masterpieces by major superstars (Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On") to definitive singles by forgotten greats (Jim Croce's "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown") to fun, quirky novelties by one-hit wonders (Terry Jacks' "Seasons In The Sun"), these 100 most popular songs of the Seventies are a fascinating combination of the sublime and the ridiculous.
(via del.icio.us/mcmikedermott)The Top 100 Seventies Singles
With a substantial description of each song. Great list!
Here's the inside story on the Top 100 singles of the Seventies. Songs we listened to on AM radios at home... in cars... at the beach. From unforgettable masterpieces by major superstars (Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On") to definitive singles by forgotten greats (Jim Croce's "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown") to fun, quirky novelties by one-hit wonders (Terry Jacks' "Seasons In The Sun"), these 100 most popular songs of the Seventies are a fascinating combination of the sublime and the ridiculous.
(via del.icio.us/mcmikedermott)World Oil Market and Oil Price Chronologies: 1970 - 2004![]()
This chronology was orginally published by the Department of Energy's Office of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Analysis Division. Updates for 1995-2005 are from the Energy Information Administration.
(via del.icio.us/jvetrau)World Oil Market and Oil Price Chronologies: 1970 - 2004![]()
This chronology was orginally published by the Department of Energy's Office of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Analysis Division. Updates for 1995-2005 are from the Energy Information Administration.
(via del.icio.us/jvetrau)LEGO Pinball Machine
But don't think Lego is just coloured plastic blocks because it's developed into far more that that, with motors, sensors, controller boards and its own programming language. All this along with over 20,000 Lego blocks went into making a fully functional pinball game with true coin operation, three flippers, ramps, specials and extra balls.
LEGO Pinball Machine
But don't think Lego is just coloured plastic blocks because it's developed into far more that that, with motors, sensors, controller boards and its own programming language. All this along with over 20,000 Lego blocks went into making a fully functional pinball game with true coin operation, three flippers, ramps, specials and extra balls.
Dolls With Guns
![]() A Japanese site with dolls posed to mimic a military manual. I think. (via del.icio.us/Bialosky) Dolls With Guns
![]() A Japanese site with dolls posed to mimic a military manual. I think. (via del.icio.us/Bialosky) Iraqi BlogsThe bottom of this article has some good links to blogs written by Iraqis.(via Robot Wisdom) Iraqi BlogsThe bottom of this article has some good links to blogs written by Iraqis.(via Robot Wisdom) Sunday, February 26, 2006For the women of South Dakota: an abortion manualMolly posts an article on how to perform an abortion which may come in handy once Roe v. Wade is overturned and some states seize control of all uteruses. (Let's hope it doesn't come to this)
In the 1960s and early 1970s, when abortions were illegal in many places and expensive to get, an organization called Jane stepped up to the plate in the Chicago area. Jane initially hired an abortion doctor, but later they did the abortions themselves. They lost only one patient in 13,000 -- a lower death rate than that of giving live birth. The biggest obstacle they had, though, was the fact that until years into the operation, they thought of abortion as something only a doctor could do, something only the most trained specialist could perform without endangering the life of the woman.
They were deceived -- much like you have probably been deceived. An abortion, especially for an early pregnancy, is a relatively easy procedure to perform. And while I know, women of South Dakota, that you never asked for this, now is the time to learn how it is done. For the women of South Dakota: an abortion manualMolly posts an article on how to perform an abortion which may come in handy once Roe v. Wade is overturned and some states seize control of all uteruses. (Let's hope it doesn't come to this)
In the 1960s and early 1970s, when abortions were illegal in many places and expensive to get, an organization called Jane stepped up to the plate in the Chicago area. Jane initially hired an abortion doctor, but later they did the abortions themselves. They lost only one patient in 13,000 -- a lower death rate than that of giving live birth. The biggest obstacle they had, though, was the fact that until years into the operation, they thought of abortion as something only a doctor could do, something only the most trained specialist could perform without endangering the life of the woman.
They were deceived -- much like you have probably been deceived. An abortion, especially for an early pregnancy, is a relatively easy procedure to perform. And while I know, women of South Dakota, that you never asked for this, now is the time to learn how it is done. The Things I Will Not Do When I Direct a Shakespeare Production , On Stage or FilmBest list ever!
13. Richard II's minions will not be made to wear pink.
(via Metafilter)68. I will not aim for realism in my fight choreography when both armies together only number about ten people. Especially if I have a big stage. 256. The Montague clan are not aliens. No, really, they're not. 233. I shall not give Thisbe cleavage by blowing up multi-coloured latex balloons and taping them under her dress; furthermore, during Thisbe's death scene, I shall not tape a safety pin to the end of Pyramus' sword and allow Thisbe to pop said balloons for comic relief as she tragically stabs herself. The Things I Will Not Do When I Direct a Shakespeare Production , On Stage or FilmBest list ever!
13. Richard II's minions will not be made to wear pink.
(via Metafilter)68. I will not aim for realism in my fight choreography when both armies together only number about ten people. Especially if I have a big stage. 256. The Montague clan are not aliens. No, really, they're not. 233. I shall not give Thisbe cleavage by blowing up multi-coloured latex balloons and taping them under her dress; furthermore, during Thisbe's death scene, I shall not tape a safety pin to the end of Pyramus' sword and allow Thisbe to pop said balloons for comic relief as she tragically stabs herself. The Waiter InterviewedThe Waiter from Waiter Rant, one of the most entertaining blogs on the net, was interviewed in the NY Metro recently.The Waiter InterviewedThe Waiter from Waiter Rant, one of the most entertaining blogs on the net, was interviewed in the NY Metro recently.Oceania: The Atlantis Project![]()
The Atlantis Project, which proposed the creation of a floating sea city named Oceania, began in February '93, receiving nationwide publicity from The Art Bell Show, Details Magazine, The Miami Herald, Boating Magazine, and worldwide publicity in Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, England, and Belgium. The project ended due to lack of interest in April of 1994.
There is more info about The Atlantis Project in this FAQ. (Thanks Jason) Oceania: The Atlantis Project![]()
The Atlantis Project, which proposed the creation of a floating sea city named Oceania, began in February '93, receiving nationwide publicity from The Art Bell Show, Details Magazine, The Miami Herald, Boating Magazine, and worldwide publicity in Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, England, and Belgium. The project ended due to lack of interest in April of 1994.
There is more info about The Atlantis Project in this FAQ. (Thanks Jason) Flat Earth Maps![]()
According to Charles K. Johnson, president of the International Flat Earth Research Society, "One thing we know for sure about this world...the known inhabited world is Flat, Level, a Plain World. … The Fact the Earth is Flat is not my opinion, it is a Proved Fact. Also demonstrated Sun and Moon are about 3,000 miles away are both 32 miles across. The Planets are 'tiny.' Sun and Moon do Move, earth does NOT move, whirl, spin or gyrate." Johnson continues, "You can't orbit a flat earth. The Space Shuttle is a joke--and a very ludicrous joke."
(Thanks Ty)Flat Earth Maps![]()
According to Charles K. Johnson, president of the International Flat Earth Research Society, "One thing we know for sure about this world...the known inhabited world is Flat, Level, a Plain World. … The Fact the Earth is Flat is not my opinion, it is a Proved Fact. Also demonstrated Sun and Moon are about 3,000 miles away are both 32 miles across. The Planets are 'tiny.' Sun and Moon do Move, earth does NOT move, whirl, spin or gyrate." Johnson continues, "You can't orbit a flat earth. The Space Shuttle is a joke--and a very ludicrous joke."
(Thanks Ty)Saturday, February 25, 2006This Is How They Grow Pot in Tennessee![]()
This is how they grow it in Tennessee . This grow was underneath a
house in a cave. The entrance was through a secret hydraulic door in the
garage that led to a concrete ramp that went about 50 yards into the
ground. Inside the cave was living quarters and a secret escape hatch that
led you through a tunnel that exited via another hydraulic door that
opened up a rock on the outside.
This Is How They Grow Pot in Tennessee![]()
This is how they grow it in Tennessee . This grow was underneath a
house in a cave. The entrance was through a secret hydraulic door in the
garage that led to a concrete ramp that went about 50 yards into the
ground. Inside the cave was living quarters and a secret escape hatch that
led you through a tunnel that exited via another hydraulic door that
opened up a rock on the outside.
20 Points in 4 MinutesFeel good story of the year so far. Be sure to watch the video.
It was the stuff of Hollywood, but it was real.
Senior Jason McElwain had been the manager of the varsity basketball team of Greece Athena High School in Rochester, N.Y. McElwain, who's autistic, was added to the roster by coach Jim Johnson so he could be given a jersey and get to sit on the bench in the team's last game of the year. Johnson hoped the situation would even enable him to get McElwain onto the floor a little playing time. He got the chance, with Greece Athena up by double-digits with four minutes go to. And, in his first action of the year, McElwain missed his first two shots, but then sank six three-pointers and another shot for a total of 20 points in three minutes. 20 Points in 4 MinutesFeel good story of the year so far. Be sure to watch the video.
It was the stuff of Hollywood, but it was real.
Senior Jason McElwain had been the manager of the varsity basketball team of Greece Athena High School in Rochester, N.Y. McElwain, who's autistic, was added to the roster by coach Jim Johnson so he could be given a jersey and get to sit on the bench in the team's last game of the year. Johnson hoped the situation would even enable him to get McElwain onto the floor a little playing time. He got the chance, with Greece Athena up by double-digits with four minutes go to. And, in his first action of the year, McElwain missed his first two shots, but then sank six three-pointers and another shot for a total of 20 points in three minutes. Friday, February 24, 2006Carnivorous Creations Plant Kit![]()
This deluxe Carnivorous Creations kit has seeds from over 10 varieties of carnivorous plants, including the Cobra Plant, Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant, Trumpet Plant and more. You'll make your won authentic bog with the included peat planting mix, blue Swamp Rocks, three Bog Buddies and colorful decals!
(via Make:Blog)Carnivorous Creations Plant Kit![]()
This deluxe Carnivorous Creations kit has seeds from over 10 varieties of carnivorous plants, including the Cobra Plant, Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant, Trumpet Plant and more. You'll make your won authentic bog with the included peat planting mix, blue Swamp Rocks, three Bog Buddies and colorful decals!
(via Make:Blog)Celebrities Who Have Experienced HomelessnessInteresting list.
Burl Ives . . . Oscar-winning actor; Grammy Award-winning folk singer; American author (freight trains/outdoor camping; hitchhiked in the 1930s while in his early 20s across America, Canada, and Mexico).
Burl Ives was a hobo at one point?(via Linkfilter) Celebrities Who Have Experienced HomelessnessInteresting list.
Burl Ives . . . Oscar-winning actor; Grammy Award-winning folk singer; American author (freight trains/outdoor camping; hitchhiked in the 1930s while in his early 20s across America, Canada, and Mexico).
Burl Ives was a hobo at one point?(via Linkfilter) Black and White Twins
From The Daily Mail:
When Kylie Hodgson gave birth to twin daughters by caesarean section, she was just relieved that they had arrived safely.
(Thanks Marlea)It was only when the midwife handed them over for her to hold that she noticed the difference between them. Remee, who weighed 5lb 15oz, was blonde and fair skinned. Her sister Kian, born a minute later weighing 6lb, was black. "It was a shock when I realised that my twins were two different colours," said Kylie, 19. "But it doesn't matter to us - they are just our two gorgeous little girls." The amazing conception happened after two eggs were fertilised at the same time in the womb. Both Kylie and her partner Remi Horder, 17, are of mixed race. Their mothers are both white and their fathers are black. According to the Multiple Births Foundation, baby Kian must have inherited the black genes from both sides of the family, whilst Remee inherited the white ones. Black and White Twins
From The Daily Mail:
When Kylie Hodgson gave birth to twin daughters by caesarean section, she was just relieved that they had arrived safely.
(Thanks Marlea)It was only when the midwife handed them over for her to hold that she noticed the difference between them. Remee, who weighed 5lb 15oz, was blonde and fair skinned. Her sister Kian, born a minute later weighing 6lb, was black. "It was a shock when I realised that my twins were two different colours," said Kylie, 19. "But it doesn't matter to us - they are just our two gorgeous little girls." The amazing conception happened after two eggs were fertilised at the same time in the womb. Both Kylie and her partner Remi Horder, 17, are of mixed race. Their mothers are both white and their fathers are black. According to the Multiple Births Foundation, baby Kian must have inherited the black genes from both sides of the family, whilst Remee inherited the white ones. Thursday, February 23, 2006Governor Didn't Know 'Daily Show' Was A ComedyDoh! I hope he doesn't read The Onion.
Blagojevich's "The Daily Show" interview focused on his executive order requiring pharmacies to fill prescriptions for emergency birth control. At one point, Blagojevich turned to an aide to ask if the interviewer was teasing him or serious.
Governor Didn't Know 'Daily Show' Was A ComedyDoh! I hope he doesn't read The Onion.
Blagojevich's "The Daily Show" interview focused on his executive order requiring pharmacies to fill prescriptions for emergency birth control. At one point, Blagojevich turned to an aide to ask if the interviewer was teasing him or serious.
I'm Your Biggest FanA blogger flunks a job interview when the interviewer finds his blog and his letters to Star Jones.
“Well, I did google you,” one interviewer said, “and I found your web site.” She had an injured foot, which was propped up on the chair next to mine and pointing at me in all its Ace-bandaged glory.
(via Waxy)“Oh,” I answered. “I have concerns about some of your writing,” she said. “Oh.” “Particularly, your letters to Star Jones raised some questions.” “Oh,” I said. Realizing it was my third “Oh” in a row, I added, “Really?” I'm Your Biggest FanA blogger flunks a job interview when the interviewer finds his blog and his letters to Star Jones.
“Well, I did google you,” one interviewer said, “and I found your web site.” She had an injured foot, which was propped up on the chair next to mine and pointing at me in all its Ace-bandaged glory.
(via Waxy)“Oh,” I answered. “I have concerns about some of your writing,” she said. “Oh.” “Particularly, your letters to Star Jones raised some questions.” “Oh,” I said. Realizing it was my third “Oh” in a row, I added, “Really?” The Solar System To ScaleThis is one long webpage.(via del.icio.us/nathangillett) Update: Martin sends in a story from Australia of another solar system to scale done on a beach. The Solar System To ScaleThis is one long webpage.(via del.icio.us/nathangillett) Update: Martin sends in a story from Australia of another solar system to scale done on a beach. 8 Types of Meeting AttendeesThis is pretty dead on. Be sure to check out the comments for some other good suggestions.8 Types of Meeting AttendeesThis is pretty dead on. Be sure to check out the comments for some other good suggestions.Vegas ListsSome of these are informative and some are just funny. Here is their list for Worst Stuff About The Venetian
Description: I have issues with the Venetian and here's why...
(He's right by the way. The Venetian sucks)Shoddy Materials - This place is made out of balsa-wood and Duct tape. Architecture - Nice try. The front area, instead of looking like beautiful Venice instead looks like a parking lot. Too much concrete! Service - These guys go out of their way to be snooty - is that what supposed 5-star service means? Focus - The focus here is on one thing: the bottom line. Great for investors, bad for guests. If they can save a buck, they will. I prefer places that put the guests first and understand that treating people right is always a good strategy. Vegas ListsSome of these are informative and some are just funny. Here is their list for Worst Stuff About The Venetian
Description: I have issues with the Venetian and here's why...
(He's right by the way. The Venetian sucks)Shoddy Materials - This place is made out of balsa-wood and Duct tape. Architecture - Nice try. The front area, instead of looking like beautiful Venice instead looks like a parking lot. Too much concrete! Service - These guys go out of their way to be snooty - is that what supposed 5-star service means? Focus - The focus here is on one thing: the bottom line. Great for investors, bad for guests. If they can save a buck, they will. I prefer places that put the guests first and understand that treating people right is always a good strategy. "Black Like Me" in Second Life![]() ![]()
She spent three months in the skin of a black woman. Some of her friends shied away, she believes. Then there were the "guys that thought I was an easy lay, for lack of a better term. It scared me honestly, some of the assumptions made. Especially here where everything [in avatar appearance] is changeable with a click. I lost a couple of what I thought were good friends [who] stopped IMing and chatting. They were polite to a fault when I showed up, but [it] was weird. You know how you interact and something changes and no one tells you. Some were subtle, some weren't." She laughs without mirth, recalling how some friends would ask her questions such as, "'[L]ike, when you going back to being you?'"
(via Robot Wisdom)"Black Like Me" in Second Life![]() ![]()
She spent three months in the skin of a black woman. Some of her friends shied away, she believes. Then there were the "guys that thought I was an easy lay, for lack of a better term. It scared me honestly, some of the assumptions made. Especially here where everything [in avatar appearance] is changeable with a click. I lost a couple of what I thought were good friends [who] stopped IMing and chatting. They were polite to a fault when I showed up, but [it] was weird. You know how you interact and something changes and no one tells you. Some were subtle, some weren't." She laughs without mirth, recalling how some friends would ask her questions such as, "'[L]ike, when you going back to being you?'"
(via Robot Wisdom)South Dakota Senate Passes Abortion Ban BillThey barely waited long enough for Alito's robe to be fitted.
PIERRE, South Dakota (AP) -- Legislation meant to prompt a national legal battle targeting Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, was approved Wednesday by the South Dakota Senate, moving the bill a step closer to final passage.
The measure, which would ban nearly all abortions in the state, now returns to the House, which passed a different version earlier. The House must decide whether to accept changes made by the Senate, which passed its version 23-12. "It is the time for the South Dakota Legislature to deal with this issue and protect the lives and rights of unborn children," said Democratic Sen. Julie Bartling, the bill's main sponsor. South Dakota Senate Passes Abortion Ban BillThey barely waited long enough for Alito's robe to be fitted.
PIERRE, South Dakota (AP) -- Legislation meant to prompt a national legal battle targeting Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, was approved Wednesday by the South Dakota Senate, moving the bill a step closer to final passage.
The measure, which would ban nearly all abortions in the state, now returns to the House, which passed a different version earlier. The House must decide whether to accept changes made by the Senate, which passed its version 23-12. "It is the time for the South Dakota Legislature to deal with this issue and protect the lives and rights of unborn children," said Democratic Sen. Julie Bartling, the bill's main sponsor. Wednesday, February 22, 2006The Best 419 Letter EverThis seems to be old but in case you haven't seen it.
Subject: Nigerian Astronaut Wants To Come Home
The Museum of Hoaxes had a post about it in 2004. It's ancient in internet years but I hadn't seen it. I wonder if he is back on Earth yet.Dr. Bakare Tunde Astronautics Project Manager National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Plot 555 Misau Street PMB 437 Garki, Abuja, FCT NIGERIA Dear Mr. Sir, REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE-STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL I am Dr. Bakare Tunde, the cousin of Nigerian Astronaut, Air Force Major Abacha Tunde. He was the first African in space when he made a secret flight to the Salyut 6 space station in 1979. He was on a later Soviet spaceflight, Soyuz T-16Z to the secret Soviet military space station Salyut 8T in 1989. He was stranded there in 1990 when the Soviet Union was dissolved. His other Soviet crew members returned to earth on the Soyuz T-16Z, but his place was taken up by return cargo. There have been occasional Progrez supply flights to keep him going since that time. He is in good humor, but wants to come home. In the 14-years since he has been on the station, he has accumulated flight pay and interest amounting to almost $ 15,000,000 American Dollars. This is held in a trust at the Lagos National Savings and Trust Association. If we can obtain access to this money, we can place a down payment with the Russian Space Authorities for a Soyuz return flight to bring him back to Earth. I am told this will cost $ 3,000,000 American Dollars. In order to access the his trust fund we need your assistance. Consequently, my colleagues and I are willing to transfer the total amount to your account or subsequent disbursement, since we as civil servants are prohibited by the Code of Conduct Bureau (Civil Service Laws) from opening and/ or operating foreign accounts in our names. Needless to say, the trust reposed on you at this juncture is enormous. In return, we have agreed to offer you 20 percent of the transferred sum, while 10 percent shall be set aside for incidental expenses (internal and external) between the parties in the course of the transaction. You will be mandated to remit the balance 70 percent to other accounts in due course. Kindly expedite action as we are behind schedule to enable us include downpayment in this financial quarter. Please acknowledge the receipt of this message via my direct number 234 (0) 9-234-2220 only. Yours Sincerely, Dr. Bakare Tunde Astronautics Project Manager tip@nasrda.gov.ng (Thanks PVC) The Best 419 Letter EverThis seems to be old but in case you haven't seen it.
Subject: Nigerian Astronaut Wants To Come Home
The Museum of Hoaxes had a post about it in 2004. It's ancient in internet years but I hadn't seen it. I wonder if he is back on Earth yet.Dr. Bakare Tunde Astronautics Project Manager National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Plot 555 Misau Street PMB 437 Garki, Abuja, FCT NIGERIA Dear Mr. Sir, REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE-STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL I am Dr. Bakare Tunde, the cousin of Nigerian Astronaut, Air Force Major Abacha Tunde. He was the first African in space when he made a secret flight to the Salyut 6 space station in 1979. He was on a later Soviet spaceflight, Soyuz T-16Z to the secret Soviet military space station Salyut 8T in 1989. He was stranded there in 1990 when the Soviet Union was dissolved. His other Soviet crew members returned to earth on the Soyuz T-16Z, but his place was taken up by return cargo. There have been occasional Progrez supply flights to keep him going since that time. He is in good humor, but wants to come home. In the 14-years since he has been on the station, he has accumulated flight pay and interest amounting to almost $ 15,000,000 American Dollars. This is held in a trust at the Lagos National Savings and Trust Association. If we can obtain access to this money, we can place a down payment with the Russian Space Authorities for a Soyuz return flight to bring him back to Earth. I am told this will cost $ 3,000,000 American Dollars. In order to access the his trust fund we need your assistance. Consequently, my colleagues and I are willing to transfer the total amount to your account or subsequent disbursement, since we as civil servants are prohibited by the Code of Conduct Bureau (Civil Service Laws) from opening and/ or operating foreign accounts in our names. Needless to say, the trust reposed on you at this juncture is enormous. In return, we have agreed to offer you 20 percent of the transferred sum, while 10 percent shall be set aside for incidental expenses (internal and external) between the parties in the course of the transaction. You will be mandated to remit the balance 70 percent to other accounts in due course. Kindly expedite action as we are behind schedule to enable us include downpayment in this financial quarter. Please acknowledge the receipt of this message via my direct number 234 (0) 9-234-2220 only. Yours Sincerely, Dr. Bakare Tunde Astronautics Project Manager tip@nasrda.gov.ng (Thanks PVC) Tangpagne![]() A step by step procedure with pictures on how to make alcoholic Tang.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you tried to ferment Tang?
Well now you can find out!
(via Slashfood)Tangpagne![]() A step by step procedure with pictures on how to make alcoholic Tang.
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you tried to ferment Tang?
Well now you can find out!
(via Slashfood)DressKevin.com
One day, I had to face the facts: I had no idea how to dress myself. After going through old yearbooks and photographs, I came to the stunning realization that I needed serious help with my wardrobe. So, at first I did what most people would do. I went to others for advice. It was good, but limited.
(via Metafilter)So, I turned to the Internet. I put pictures of all my clothes up for everyone to see, and I'm asking for comments and suggestions for how to wear my clothes, and what to wear. This is where you come in: every day, I want you to vote on what I should wear for all my daily activities. I work a full-time job, and I have plenty of things to do afterwards, all of which require delicate clothes planning. First impressions are everything, right? DressKevin.com
One day, I had to face the facts: I had no idea how to dress myself. After going through old yearbooks and photographs, I came to the stunning realization that I needed serious help with my wardrobe. So, at first I did what most people would do. I went to others for advice. It was good, but limited.
(via Metafilter)So, I turned to the Internet. I put pictures of all my clothes up for everyone to see, and I'm asking for comments and suggestions for how to wear my clothes, and what to wear. This is where you come in: every day, I want you to vote on what I should wear for all my daily activities. I work a full-time job, and I have plenty of things to do afterwards, all of which require delicate clothes planning. First impressions are everything, right? How Many Folk Singers Does It Take To Change a Light BulbApparently changing a lightbulb is worth singing about if you are a folk singer.How Many Folk Singers Does It Take To Change a Light BulbApparently changing a lightbulb is worth singing about if you are a folk singer.Star Wars Cut Scenes![]() Cool site with descriptions and pictures of scenes cut out of all six of the Star Wars movies. Star Wars Cut Scenes![]() Cool site with descriptions and pictures of scenes cut out of all six of the Star Wars movies. Tuesday, February 21, 2006George HollidayThe LA Times has an interesting piece on George Holliday, the man who taped the Rodney King beating.
After he gave the eight-minute video to KTLA, his name was trumpeted in the newspapers and plastered across television screens and repeated on the radio. (The episode has eerie echoes today with the recent police shooting of a San Bernardino man, caught on tape by a used-car salesman, Jose Luis Valdes.) George received a couple of death threats in the mail—"Be careful when you start your car in the morning," one said; the other was an envelope full of drawings of daggers—and often when people recognized him they'd say: "You're the guy who caused the riots."
His first wife left him. "There was a sea of reporters every day," he recalled, sitting at my kitchen table. "Maria didn't even want to leave the house." His second marriage didn't work out either. When he adds it up, he doesn't see that he got much on the positive side: a few thousand dollars (he wouldn't be specific) from licensing the video to filmmakers, including Spike Lee for "Malcolm X"; plaques from the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and the LAPD; and his name on a Trivial Pursuit card—misspelled as "Halliday." When the LAPD honored him, he met the now-infamous then-chief of police. "Darryl Gates pulled me aside and told me, 'If you ever have any problems, here's my personal direct number.' " George never called. George HollidayThe LA Times has an interesting piece on George Holliday, the man who taped the Rodney King beating.
After he gave the eight-minute video to KTLA, his name was trumpeted in the newspapers and plastered across television screens and repeated on the radio. (The episode has eerie echoes today with the recent police shooting of a San Bernardino man, caught on tape by a used-car salesman, Jose Luis Valdes.) George received a couple of death threats in the mail—"Be careful when you start your car in the morning," one said; the other was an envelope full of drawings of daggers—and often when people recognized him they'd say: "You're the guy who caused the riots."
His first wife left him. "There was a sea of reporters every day," he recalled, sitting at my kitchen table. "Maria didn't even want to leave the house." His second marriage didn't work out either. When he adds it up, he doesn't see that he got much on the positive side: a few thousand dollars (he wouldn't be specific) from licensing the video to filmmakers, including Spike Lee for "Malcolm X"; plaques from the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and the LAPD; and his name on a Trivial Pursuit card—misspelled as "Halliday." When the LAPD honored him, he met the now-infamous then-chief of police. "Darryl Gates pulled me aside and told me, 'If you ever have any problems, here's my personal direct number.' " George never called. |