Hat tip to Toby O'Brien.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
I Don't Think So
Shakespeare's face recreated in 3D by scientists but have they got right man? | Mail Online
And the Winner Is. . . .
Texas Fried Frito Pie wins state fair food award: "The Texas Fried Frito Pie is the winner of the biggest food prize for this year's state fair.
The battered and fried blend of chili, cheese and Fritos won the Best Taste award Monday at the sixth annual Big Tex Choice Awards. Prize winners usually attract long lines from fairgoers."
The battered and fried blend of chili, cheese and Fritos won the Best Taste award Monday at the sixth annual Big Tex Choice Awards. Prize winners usually attract long lines from fairgoers."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp.
Feel Free to Move about in Orlando Again
Toy Pony Sparks Bomb Scare In Orlando - News Story - WFTV Orlando: "A child's toy sparked a bomb scare late Tuesday morning. The Orange County Bomb Squad was on scene investigating a suspicious device, a toy pony, on Whisper Glen Court in Orlando. Just before noon it was blown up."
Cap'n Bob Speaks Again
Frequent commenter Cap'n Bob Napier talks about his Personal West today at Meridian Bridge. Check it out.
Mike Edwards, R. I. P.
More on the "ELO Cellist Killed by Hay" story | StarTribune.com: "A giant bale of hay has killed a founding member of the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) band after it tumbled down a hill and crashed into his van.
Cellist Mike Edwards, 62, died after the 1,323 lb bale rolled down a steep field in Devon, southern England, smashed through a hedge and careered on to the road."
Cellist Mike Edwards, 62, died after the 1,323 lb bale rolled down a steep field in Devon, southern England, smashed through a hedge and careered on to the road."
Hat tip to Scott Cupp and Jeff Meyerson.
Sounds Better than No-Doz
Caffeinated marshmallows: A sweet pick-me-up: "College students are always looking for inventive ways to stay awake to pull those all-nighters; sometimes coffee doesn't give them the caffeine jolt they are looking for. Welcome the caffeinated marshmallow – Stay Puft!
The Stay Puft Caffeinated Marshmallow is described on the website thinkgeek.com as a gourmet marshmallow that offers a 100 mg caffeine kick. 'You feel it as soon as you suck one down,' the site says."
The Stay Puft Caffeinated Marshmallow is described on the website thinkgeek.com as a gourmet marshmallow that offers a 100 mg caffeine kick. 'You feel it as soon as you suck one down,' the site says."
Brainnnnnns!
Cockroaches could save mankind from deadly infections, study says - International Business Times: "Hate cockroach? Think again because one day, the same insect could save your life.
The brains of cockroach could be a source of new antibiotics capable of killing deadly drug-resistant bacteria, according to a new study."
The brains of cockroach could be a source of new antibiotics capable of killing deadly drug-resistant bacteria, according to a new study."
Croc Update (Vegetarian Edition)
Facts about the extinct Chimaerasuchus - by Aldo Bonincontro - Helium: "A vegetarian crocodile seems impossible like a lion eating fruits only, but it existed in a very ancient past: it was the Chimaerasuchus and we can neither consider it as an ephemeral presence, given that it lived in the middle Cretaceous, from 125 to 100 million years ago. Its name witnesses the many problems palaeontologists had to describe correctly this animal: “Chimaerasuchus“, in fact, means 'Chimera crocodile' and Chimera was a famous symbolic monster of Greek mythology, formed by parts of different animals."
Monday, September 06, 2010
An Amazing Story
Worcester auction has historians and collectors abuzz - The Boston Globe: "An extraordinary collection of items belonging to Worcester native Andrew Haswell Green — a visionary who helped remake New York City in the 19th century — will be sold this week in an unprecedented four-day auction at the DCU Center in Worcester. Among the thousands of documents, artworks, china, clothing, and toys being sold are handwritten correspondence to and from four presidents and a rare, printed copy of George Washington’s will.
From Green’s death in 1903 until 2009, virtually none of the items had ever been uncrated and examined. Packing boxes sealed more than a century ago were opened only after the death last summer of Julia Green, his great-great-grandniece and distant heiress."
From Green’s death in 1903 until 2009, virtually none of the items had ever been uncrated and examined. Packing boxes sealed more than a century ago were opened only after the death last summer of Julia Green, his great-great-grandniece and distant heiress."
George Kelley Did Not Participate
Va. woman devours 181 chicken wings in NY contest - U.S. news - Weird news - msnbc.com: "The Black Widow of eating contests gobbled up nearly 181 chicken wings in 12 minutes, devouring the national championship record in Buffalo on Sunday.
'I'm so happy!' said Sonya Thomas, who ate 4.86 pounds of chicken wings to win the contest, besting world eating marvel Joey Chestnut at the ninth annual National Buffalo Wing Festival."
'I'm so happy!' said Sonya Thomas, who ate 4.86 pounds of chicken wings to win the contest, besting world eating marvel Joey Chestnut at the ninth annual National Buffalo Wing Festival."
40 Years of Geraldo
FOXNews.com - GERALDO RIVERA: 50 Highs and Lows From 40 Years In News: "1. Only person ever to appear on the covers of both Newsweek and Playgirl.
2. Multi-winner, 'America’s Best Mustache'
3. Like Oprah, Elvis, Cher and Lassie, one of America’s few one-name celebrities.
4. More on-air fights than most professional middle-weights (tape available).
5. Debuts Eyewitness News; first assignment: a brief interview with losing Democratic candidate for state attorney general. Sound bite airs, but hand holding mike is only body part that appears; mother Lillian Friedman Rivera recognizes Jewish star tattoo on son’s left-hand; proudly proclaims he has 'made it.' Parents forgive leaving legal profession; embrace career in public life; (September 7, 1970 to present)"
2. Multi-winner, 'America’s Best Mustache'
3. Like Oprah, Elvis, Cher and Lassie, one of America’s few one-name celebrities.
4. More on-air fights than most professional middle-weights (tape available).
5. Debuts Eyewitness News; first assignment: a brief interview with losing Democratic candidate for state attorney general. Sound bite airs, but hand holding mike is only body part that appears; mother Lillian Friedman Rivera recognizes Jewish star tattoo on son’s left-hand; proudly proclaims he has 'made it.' Parents forgive leaving legal profession; embrace career in public life; (September 7, 1970 to present)"
Plus 45 more.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
DISCOUNT NOIR, edited by Patricia Abbott and Steve Weddle
pattinase: DISCOUNT NOIR, edited by Patricia Abbott and Steve Weddle: "This announcement has appeared in many places already, but I want to take this opportunity to announce here that DISCOUNT NOIR, 42 stories set in a Big Box store, originating from an idea of Steve Weddle and appearing in a flash challenge on this blog, will be an ebook within the month."
Larry Ashmead, R. I. P.
Larry Ashmead, 78, Successful Book Editor, Dies - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com: "A 9-year-old boy once visited his local library in Rochester to hear a mystery writer read from her book. But what particularly thrilled him was to learn that the author had a day job as an editor sitting in a Manhattan skyscraper reading manuscripts.
The boy who told that story, Larry Ashmead, made the most of the encounter. He grew up to be one of America’s most successful book editors, handling a stable of best-selling writers while working for some of the biggest houses in publishing, like Doubleday, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins. His authors included Susan Isaacs, Tony Hillerman, Isaac Asimov and Quentin Crisp."
The boy who told that story, Larry Ashmead, made the most of the encounter. He grew up to be one of America’s most successful book editors, handling a stable of best-selling writers while working for some of the biggest houses in publishing, like Doubleday, Simon & Schuster and HarperCollins. His authors included Susan Isaacs, Tony Hillerman, Isaac Asimov and Quentin Crisp."
It All Comes Down to the Sheep
Got Medieval: Why are books so big? (Google Penance): "[M]edieval books are no bigger or smaller than modern books, generally speaking. Gutenberg and the other early printers didn't invent a whole new format for books, they just copied what people were already using.
The question then becomes, I guess, why were medieval books the size they were? And the answer to that is simple: medieval books were the size they were because medieval sheep were the size they were."
The question then becomes, I guess, why were medieval books the size they were? And the answer to that is simple: medieval books were the size they were because medieval sheep were the size they were."
Link via Neatorama.
People Already Drive 90 MPH in Texas
iWon News - Nevada candidate touts speedy fix to budget crisis: "One Nevada gubernatorial hopeful sees a speedy fix to Nevada's budget crisis. Nonpartisan candidate Eugene 'Gino' DiSimone believes people would pay for the privilege to drive up to 90 mph on designated highways - and fill the state's depleted coffers."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
13 Books Nobody's Read But Say They Have
13 Books Nobody's Read But Say They Have (PHOTOS)
There are several there that I haven't read, but I've also read some of the more than once.
No Comment Department
Man driven 'crazy' after death of pet cat - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "A Japanese man drove the wrong way down an expressway for 90 kilometres and broke through five police barricades because his cat had died, he told police."
Hat tip to Jeremy Lynch.
Archaeology Update
Scientists find evidence discrediting theory Amazon was virtually unlivable: "To the untrained eye, all evidence here in the heart of the Amazon signals virgin forest, untouched by man for time immemorial - from the ubiquitous fruit palms to the cry of howler monkeys, from the air thick with mosquitoes to the unruly tangle of jungle vines.
Archaeologists, many of them Americans, say the opposite is true: This patch of forest, and many others across the Amazon, was instead home to an advanced, even spectacular civilization that managed the forest and enriched infertile soils to feed thousands."
Archaeologists, many of them Americans, say the opposite is true: This patch of forest, and many others across the Amazon, was instead home to an advanced, even spectacular civilization that managed the forest and enriched infertile soils to feed thousands."
24 Ridiculously Expensive Everyday Items
24 Ridiculously Expensive Everyday Items | Cool Material: "Crocodile Skin Umbrella – $50000"Link via Neatorama.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Once Again, Texas Leads the Way
Hunt on for Montrose bank robber who took cab ride | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: "A robber took a cab after he held up a bank in Montrose, FBI officials said on Friday.
The robber struck about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Chase bank branch at 4313 Montrose near Richmond. He passed a threatening note to the teller demanding cash, FBI officials said.
When the bank employee handed over the money, the robber walked out of the bank and caught a Yellow Cab minivan taxi."
The robber struck about 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Chase bank branch at 4313 Montrose near Richmond. He passed a threatening note to the teller demanding cash, FBI officials said.
When the bank employee handed over the money, the robber walked out of the bank and caught a Yellow Cab minivan taxi."
Joe Domenici, R. I. P.
Sad News: Joe Domenici, RIP Lawrence Person's Futuramen: "A poster on one of my Armadillocon photo threads said that Joe Domenici, former co-owner of Houston specialty SF bookstore Future Visions, and more recently a thriller writer living here in Austin (his first novel, Bringing Back the Dead, came out in 2008) died on Tuesday."
10 Ways Data Is Changing How We Live
10 ways data is changing how we live - Telegraph: "The availability of new sets of data has changed the way we live our lives: here are 10 examples of data which have changed everything from how we assess wars to how companies deliver milk."
Washington Leads the Way
Washington Leads U.S. Cities in Auto Accidents, Allstate Says - Bloomberg: "Washington had the most accident- prone drivers of any U.S. city for the third straight year, according to Allstate Corp., the biggest publicly traded U.S. auto insurer.
Washington’s drivers get in a collision every 5.1 years, meaning that they have a 96 percent higher chance of being in an accident than the average American driver, Allstate said today in a statement. Baltimore was second, with crashes every 5.6 years, or 79 percent higher than the national average. New York, the most populous U.S. city, ranked 159th, with drivers crashing about every eight years."
Washington’s drivers get in a collision every 5.1 years, meaning that they have a 96 percent higher chance of being in an accident than the average American driver, Allstate said today in a statement. Baltimore was second, with crashes every 5.6 years, or 79 percent higher than the national average. New York, the most populous U.S. city, ranked 159th, with drivers crashing about every eight years."
No Comment Department
Earth 'facing mass extinction' | News.com.au: "THE world is facing a mass extinction event that could be greater than that of the dinosaurs, new Australian research shows.
[. . . .].
The findings, published this week in the international journal Science, showed a major extinction event was currently underway that had the potential to be more severe than any others in history."
[. . . .].
The findings, published this week in the international journal Science, showed a major extinction event was currently underway that had the potential to be more severe than any others in history."
A Syllabus and Book List for Novice Students of Science Fiction Literature
A syllabus and book list for novice students of science fiction literature: "Want to start reading some science fiction, but aren't sure where to begin? We've put together an introductory scifi lit syllabus just for you."
Friday, September 03, 2010
I Believe I Mentioned that They Are Everywhere
Mich. man gathering corn confronted by alligator: "A man gathering sweet corn in southern Michigan is the latest to have an unexpected encounter with an alligator. The animals have been showing up far north of their traditional habitats this summer."
Uh-Oh
Syfy readies a 4-hour Peter Pan origins tale, Neverland: "Syfy is bringing you the backstory to Peter Pan in a four-hour miniseries called Neverland."
Will the Persecution Never End?
Paris Hilton - Paris Hilton In Contract Breach - Contactmusic News: "Paris Hilton may have to pay around $160,000 damages to producers of her 2006 movie 'National Lampoon's Pledge This!' after breaching her contract."
Comic Book Wallet
Dynomighty Design - Comic Book Mighty Wallet®: "Printed with a collage of Golden Age of Comics (between the late 1930s until the late 1940s) when modern comic books created the archetype of the superhero."You can design your own if you don't want the designs they already have.
Vance Bourjaily, R. I. P.
Vance Bourjaily, Postwar American Novelist, Dies - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com: "Vance Bourjaily, a novelist whose literary career, like those of Norman Mailer and James Jones, emerged out of World War II and whose ambitious novels explored American themes for decades afterward, died on Tuesday in Greenbrae, Calif. He was 87."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Forgotten Books: THE MAN I KILLED -- Shel Walker
When I learned that Shel Walker was actually Walt Sheldon, I thought I'd give this one a try. It's the old story of the guy who returns to the scene of the crime. He calls himself a couple or three names, but we'll stick with Lew Ross. Lew got into a fight at a night club and killed a man. Ten years later, he returns to the town and to the night club. This time he gets involved with a woman, some goons, and the crooked owner of the club and finds himself framed for murder. According to the back cover blurb, the book "is not only a high tension story of crime and violence. It is also the important story of what happens when thugs, gangsters and degenerates take over a small American town." Sure it is. But mostly it's about crime and violence. Check out the cover. Lew gets the crap kicked out of him several times, most memorably by the cops. And of course there's some gratuitous sex with an early '50s attitude that many of you might find appalling. Worth a look if you like the old paperbacks and aren't too bothered by that kind of thing, though. Not great, but it's so short you can read it in an hour or a bit more, so you don't have a lot to lose. Check it out.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Cammie King Conlon, R. I. P.
'Gone with the Wind' child actress dies at 76: "Cammie King Conlon, the actress who portrayed the doomed daughter of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara in 'Gone With the Wind,' has died at the age of 76.
[. . . .]
Conlon was picked to play the small, but pivotal role of Bonnie Blue Butler in the 1939 film at age 4. Her character's death in a fall from a pony irrevocably damages Rhett and Scarlet's tumultuous marriage."
[. . . .]
Conlon was picked to play the small, but pivotal role of Bonnie Blue Butler in the 1939 film at age 4. Her character's death in a fall from a pony irrevocably damages Rhett and Scarlet's tumultuous marriage."
Hat tip to Art Scott.
Did I mention that They're Everywhere?
Woman Finds Alligator In NJ - cbs3.com: "A woman on a nature walk in northern New Jersey ended up taking a walk on the wild side.
The woman saw a four-foot alligator outside George Washington Middle School in Wayne Wednesday."
The woman saw a four-foot alligator outside George Washington Middle School in Wayne Wednesday."
Will the Persecution Never End?
RADAR EXCLUSIVE: Paris Owns Purse That Appears Identical To One She Claimed Was Borrowed Night Of Cocaine Arrest | RadarOnline.com: "A photograph posted by Paris Hilton more than a month prior to her drug arrest in Las Vegas could blow up her claim that the purse she was carrying -- which contained cocaine -- did not belong to her, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.
In mid-July, Paris Tweeted a photograph of a purse and wrote: 'Love My New Chanel Purse I Got Today :)' That purse appears to be identical to the purse she was carrying when arrested on cocaine possession charges in Las Vegas last weekend."
In mid-July, Paris Tweeted a photograph of a purse and wrote: 'Love My New Chanel Purse I Got Today :)' That purse appears to be identical to the purse she was carrying when arrested on cocaine possession charges in Las Vegas last weekend."
Hat tip to David Cranmer.
The Good News Just Keeps On Coming
CBC News - Health - Mental activity may slow, then speed up dementia: "Mental activity such as crossword puzzles, reading or listening to the radio may slow the decline of cognitive skills initially, but speed up dementia later in old age, according to new research.
The research suggests that mental activities tend to compress the time period that a person spends with dementia — delaying its start and then speeding up its progress."
The research suggests that mental activities tend to compress the time period that a person spends with dementia — delaying its start and then speeding up its progress."
They'd Better Stay Off Her Lawn!
Police seeking two men involved in two carjackings in La Marque, Friendswood | abc13.com: "A 56-year-old woman in the parking lot of a La Marque superstore in the 6000 block of Interstate 45 told police that a man attacked her during an attempted carjacking. But the woman, who's a concealed handgun license owner, pulled out her pistol and pointed it at her attacker, scaring him away.
The man jumped into a car being driven by another suspect, and the woman fired several bullets at the back of their getaway car."
The man jumped into a car being driven by another suspect, and the woman fired several bullets at the back of their getaway car."
The Greatest SyFy Movie Ever?
Syfy Video: "Watch a sneak peek scene from 'Mega Python vs. Gatoroid.' Starring Tiffany and Deborah Gibson. Coming soon to Syfy."
You have watch a commercial, but it's worth it.
Hat tip to Paul Bishop.
No Comment Department
Zsa Zsa Gabor husband wants to plastinate wife's body: "The German husband of ailing 93-year-old Hollywood actress and socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor said he wanted preserve her body by plastination after she dies, the Bild newspaper reported on Thursday.
'My wife has always dreamt that her beauty would be immortal,' Frederic von Anhalt said, 'I would like to show the plastinated body of Zsa Zsa Gabor in the context of a scene in one of her films.'"
'My wife has always dreamt that her beauty would be immortal,' Frederic von Anhalt said, 'I would like to show the plastinated body of Zsa Zsa Gabor in the context of a scene in one of her films.'"
Archaeology Update
News - Science: Jordan uncovers 3 000-year-old temple: "Amman - Jordan's Department of Antiquities has unveiled what it labelled as one of the most important Iron Age discoveries in the region, a 3000-year-old Moabite temple, media reports said on Thursday.
The three-storey temple, which dates back to between 1200 and 600 BC, yielded over 300 Moabite artefacts, leading experts to believe it was once a political and religious base for the Moabite kingdom, department director general Ziad Saad said."
The three-storey temple, which dates back to between 1200 and 600 BC, yielded over 300 Moabite artefacts, leading experts to believe it was once a political and religious base for the Moabite kingdom, department director general Ziad Saad said."
He'd Probably Been on Her Lawn
Police: Stroudsburg woman hit husband in crotch with crowbar | PoconoRecord.com: "Dale Morris, 61, of Stroudsburg, is charged after allegedly hitting her husband in his groin and then his head with a crowbar Monday evening in their home."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
No Comment Department
Older people enjoy reading negative stories about young - Yahoo! News: "Older people like reading negative news stories about their younger counterparts because it boosts their own self-esteem, according to a new study."
They Can Remember If You Get on Their Lawns, Though
Why your grandpa tells stories over and over - Health - Aging - msnbc.com: "There may be a reason grandparents repeat the same stories over and over again. According to a new study, older people are more likely than younger people to forget with whom they've shared information."
It's a Good Thing She Wasn't on her Lawn
Angry grandma allegedly knifed 12-year-old's ear | StarTribune.com: "An Apple Valley grandmother has been charged with felony assault after she allegedly went after her 12-year-old granddaughter with a knife during a dispute involving a jigsaw puzzle."
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Will the Persecution Never End?
iWon News - Hilton banned from Wynn resorts after Vegas arrest: "A casino official says celebrity socialite Paris Hilton has been banned from two Wynn resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and her boyfriend has been dismissed as nightclub manager following their arrests."
Hat tip to Jeff Meyerson.
Shocking? I'm Sure No Pun Was Intended
Marin man claims excessive force after being Tased at home | abc7news.com: "'There's got to be a problem in terms of training and on supervising deputy sheriffs in the county; it's hard to imagine something so shocking could happen,' McFarland's attorney John Scott said."
The Insider -- Reece Hirsch
Will Connelly is an coporate attorney at a high-powered San Francisco law firm. Things are going well for him, and he has high hopes that he's about to be named a partner. One day he's at work early. He glances out the window and sees one of his colleagues hurtle past. The next thing he knows, the cops think he's guilty of murdering his colleague, he meets a dangerous dame, he gets entangled with the Russian mob, and the SEC is after him for giving out information that leads to insider trading. After that, things get complicated.This is Hirsch's first novel, but he handles things like a pro. The story moves right along, there's plenty of action, and Hirsch tosses in a couple of unexpected twists. At first Connelly's didn't seem like a particularly likable guy to me, but I warmed up to him. Soon enough I was rooting for him to find a way out of all the messes he'd gotten into, and I think you will be, too.
As an aside, how can you resist a cop who sells first editions on eBay? Especially one who gloats about finding a nearly pristine copy of The Galton Case at a garage sale. A minor character, maybe, but my kind of guy.
Daily Science Fiction
Daily Science Fiction is a new idea to me. You can sign up and get a free SF story delivered to your e-mailbox every day. The first month's stories are listed at the link.
Link via SF Signal.
I Never Find Stuff Like This
NC farm produces emerald shaped into massive gem - Yahoo! News: "An emerald so large it's being compared with the crown jewels of Russian empress Catherine the Great was pulled from a pit near corn rows at a North Carolina farm.
The nearly 65-carat emerald its finders are marketing by the name Carolina Emperor was pulled from a farm once so well known among treasure hunters that the owners charged $3 a day to shovel for small samples of the green stones. After the gem was cut and re-cut, the finished product was about one-fifth the weight of the original find, making it slightly larger than a U.S. quarter and about as heavy as a AA battery."
The nearly 65-carat emerald its finders are marketing by the name Carolina Emperor was pulled from a farm once so well known among treasure hunters that the owners charged $3 a day to shovel for small samples of the green stones. After the gem was cut and re-cut, the finished product was about one-fifth the weight of the original find, making it slightly larger than a U.S. quarter and about as heavy as a AA battery."
Hat tip to Doc Quatermass.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?
Football Player Gets Hair Insured for $1 Million: "Troy Polamalu plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He wears long hair to honor his Samoan heritage. It’s gotten Polamalu in trouble before — he was once tackled from behind by his someone who grabbed his locks. . . . To make sure that nothing unfortunate happens to his hair, Polamalu has insured it for a million dollars."
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