WTF Stories of the Week

[SzczerbiakManiac]

A Mass of Squid Wash Up on San Diego Beach After Quake
text (http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Giant-Squid-Wash-Up-Minutes-After-SoCal-Quake--.html)
video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oc65PHqWrc)

[cirquelover]

How very interesting. I think they washed up because of the earthquake, in my completely uninformed opinion

[Tref]

How very interesting. I think they washed up because of the earthquake, in my completely uninformed opinion

I think the squid washed up in spite of the earthquake. Certainly an earthquake would have thawed my plans to visit San Diego.

[bewitched]

Poor big squid. :(

[cirquelover]

How is it that if you steal $1,000 worth if lobster you get four years in prison; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31909704/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

But if you steal $400 million you get 20 years; http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31899936/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

It just doesn't make a lot of sense to me!

[Alex]

If I punch you in the nose twice should I go to jail for twice as long as if I punch you in the face just once? Or is a significant portion of the punishment covered simply by the face that I punched someone in the face?

That said, there isn't enough information in the first article to know if there were other factors in the sentence (for example, was this his 14th burglary conviction?).

[Disneyphile]

Man Dies Protecting His Child from Road Rage Culprit (http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/national/father_dies_irate_driver_071409)

[innerSpaceman]

Ok, a little different than the link text implied ... as least to me.


The man did not get into it with a Road Rage dude, there was no confrontation. The driver merely (um, not merely but well) mowed him down with his car and hit 14 other people and several other vehicles. The guy was killed, but pushed his son out of the way of the oncoming RageVehicle.

Terrible, yes. But a lot less horrible than I thought ... I guess I pictured some Raged Out Maniac threatening to kill them all and the guy jumped in front of a bullet or something.


I like my imagination version better.


Poor kid, though. 6 fvcking years old, and sees that, and now has no dad. Fvcked.Up.World.

[Frikitiki]

Maybe the squid were washed up before they hit the beach. They were bored with life, over the hill...maybe they weren't producing as much ink, didn't think they really had a purpose? Should of had Oprah give them a pep talk....

[Mousey Girl]

All I can think about the squid story is how aweful the "rescuers" must have smelled like after handling the squids.

[Capt Jack]

all I can think about is how large and yum the calimari steaks would have been from a slew of 40lb squiddies

[Ghoulish Delight]

Weinermobile crashes into home (http://www.wtvr.com/news/nationworld/witi-090717-weinermobile-crashes-into-house,0,4234897.story)

[Betty]

Weinermobile crashes into home (http://www.wtvr.com/news/nationworld/witi-090717-weinermobile-crashes-into-house,0,4234897.story)

You've heard of the phrase "like a hot dog down a hallway"? Well - there you go.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Is that a phrase you're very familiar with?

[alphabassettgrrl]

Weinermobile crashes into home (http://www.wtvr.com/news/nationworld/witi-090717-weinermobile-crashes-into-house,0,4234897.story)

I love the picture! Thanks for the morning giggle!

[Betty]

Is that a phrase you're very familiar with?

I read Fark - so I've seen the reference a few times...

[Moonliner]

I actually used my recording walkman not too long ago to record some stuff at the Park for the Disneyland 50 CDs. It occurs to me that with all the progress to digital, there's really nothing affordable in the way of portable recording devices.


I suppose nowadays my best bet would be to use either my camera or phone to record video, just for the audio.

Not true. But they're not geared toward the general public. I have the Zoom H2, which is easily obtainable for <$150.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416shQDX8hL._SS500_.jpg

It's probably too late, but I ran across this today....

Zoom brings stereo audio to Q3 pocket camcorder (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/21/zoom-brings-stereo-audio-to-q3-pocket-camcorder/) ~$250.00


While those into good sound likely warmed to Zoom's H4n Handy Recorder back at CES, the Samson Technologies-owned company has just switched the game up on us with its newfangled Q3 Handy Video Recorder. As the product name implies, it's the first pocket camcorder to hit the market with such a serious focus on good sound, packing a directional, dual condenser microphone setup that enables shooters to capture clips at 24-bit/48 kHz while even focusing the mics on the sound source.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Not for sensitive viewers
This is why you should not perform your own plastic surgery (http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8125163).
The White lady's F-up is fairly bad, but the Korean woman's is horrifying.

[Betty]

huh - I see you edited it - but the url still doesn't work for me.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Try this one (http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8125163)

[Betty]

So she bought some lube and injected it and thought that would work - and it didn't. Color me shocked.

[Morrigoon]

Not for sensitive viewers
This is why you should not perform your own plastic surgery (http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=8125163).
The White lady's F-up is fairly bad, but the Korean woman's is horrifying.

OMG, no kidding

[Cadaverous Pallor]

This is only a little more horrifying than actual elective plastic surgery....in fact, if you throw in the cost involved and the fact that people who can't afford it go bankrupt getting procedures done, it becomes an even more level playing field.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Yeah, given a lineup with her and people who are happy with their botox disfigurements, I might be hard pressed to spot the "botched" job.

[mousepod]

The lady who injected cooking oil into her face isn't just "addicted to plastic surgery," there's something very very wrong with her. Sad.

[innerSpaceman]

Among the "new" things I spotted on the Venice Boardwalk Saturday (hadn't been there in years), among the 17 medical marijuana shops, was this little gem: "Botox on the Beach."


I decided to pass it up. ;)


BUT, despite the "horrors" alluded to above, I'm seriously considering some cosmetic surgery to get rid of my doubling, inevitably tripling chin. No point naturally looking 10 years younger when this bothersome feature gives the truth away. :D

[alphabassettgrrl]

The Korean woman injected cooking oil into her face??? I don't have the sound working on this laptop yet, so I didn't hear the commentary, just watched the images.

On the whole, no worse than has happened to people who have had it done by actual plastic surgeons. It's just crazy that someone figured they could do their own procedures at home...

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Is this "doggy sex doll" going to fool any canine (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/28/the-day-in-funny-fabulous_n_245761.html?slidenumber=2#slide_image)?

[Not Afraid]

I'm not sure this is WTF - way too heartwarming. (http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?s=10784761)

[Betty]

Silly billboards that don't belong next to each other (http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/15-billboards-that-dont-belong-next-to-each-other/)

:D

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I'm not sure this is WTF - way too heartwarming. (http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?s=10784761)<reaches for tissue to wipe eyes>

[Betty]

That was so touching - and yes - I'm all teary eyed now too. The lil doggie made a nest with everything he could find that belonged to his family. Totally made me choke up.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Happy doggie gets her family back!!!

Not sure how current this is, but it's a strange airport.
http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/2009/gibraltarairport.htm

[Gemini Cricket]

WTF, Ryan?!

O'Neal spoke to Bennetts and characterized himself as "a hopeless father." He offered the below example from Farrah's funeral as a reason why:

"I had just put the casket in the hearse and I was watching it drive away when a beautiful blonde woman comes up and embraces me," Ryan told me. "I said to her, 'You have a drink on you? You have a car?' She said, 'Daddy, it's me--Tatum!' I was just trying to be funny with a strange Swedish woman, and it's my daughter. It's so sick."
"That's our relationship in a nutshell," Tatum said when I asked her about it. "You make of it what you will." She sighed. "It had been a few years since we'd seen each other, and he was always a ladies' man, a bon vivant."Source (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/03/ryan-oneal-i-hit-on-my-da_n_249668.html)

[Scrooge McSam]

WTF, Ryan?!

Seriously! How far gone do you have to be?

[cirquelover]

Umm yeah, he doesn't even recognize his own daughter! Let alone you say you just lost the love of your life and your hitting on some woman right after you put the casket in the hearse, wow!

[Gemini Cricket]

You can find just about anything for sale on Craigslist, even, as one Massachusetts family discovered to their horror, your own baby. After receiving a tip that her son was being presented as a "cute baby boy" in the ad, the child's mother did some detective work and uncovered what appears to be an international adoption scam.Source (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/04/mother-finds-her-seven-mo_n_251021.html)

[Ghoulish Delight]

WTF was she searching for exactly?

[Snowflake]

WTF, Ryan?!

Source (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/03/ryan-oneal-i-hit-on-my-da_n_249668.html)

OMG, I saw this and thought exactly the same thing. I mean, he's just helped put Farrah's casket in the hearse and, AND...???????? :eek: Color me totally creeped out, no wonder the entire family is a mess.

[Gemini Cricket]

WTF was she searching for exactly?
I guess the girl who emailed her was looking for babies to buy on Craigslist. Then she discovered that she recognized the baby and didn't want to buy the baby of someone she knew. Apparently, the girl was actually Angelina Jolie (http://www.hulu.com/watch/66314/saturday-night-live-update-madonna-and-angelina-jolie).

[SzczerbiakManiac]

It's long, but please read the full article over on cNet called Buy.com, Orbitz linked to controversial marketers (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10293633-93.html).
Thousands of Web shoppers have complained that "mystery charges" are showing up on their credit card statements and have accused those who operate so-called Web loyalty programs of duping them into signing up."
<snip>
Apparently, many consumers are unaware that for years now, e-tailers such as Buy.com, Orbitz, Fandango, and hundreds of others have given Web loyalty programs, also known as post-transaction marketers, access to their customers' credit cards. Some online shoppers don't realize that when they enter their e-mail addresses into these ads, they are opting into the programs and authorizing the charges.
Who the fück interprets "We reserve the right to use or disclose your personally identifiable information for business reasons in whatever manner desired." as "We can give your credit card info to whomever we want."?

[Betty]

What next? A breastfeeding doll? Yep (http://www.nj.com/parenting/eric_ruhalter/index.ssf/2009/08/glutton_baby_the_breast_feedin.html). Just put on the halter top and your baby doll can breastfeed.

[JWBear]

It may not be a story, but it is a "WTF?"....

Link (http://craftastrophe.net/2009/08/what-are-you-growing-in-that-garden/)

I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep tonight...

[Not Afraid]

It may not be a story, but it is a "WTF?"....

Link (http://craftastrophe.net/2009/08/what-are-you-growing-in-that-garden/)

I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep tonight...

I think all babies should be covered in grout. ;)

[mousepod]

I think all babies should be covered in grout. ;)

For a second, I thought you were replying to CP and GD's thread. And I was terrified.

[Not Afraid]

For a second, I thought you were replying to CP and GD's thread. And I was terrified.

I'm afraid they're going to read my comment and not allow me anywhere near the baby.

[JWBear]

I'm afraid they're going to read my comment and not allow me anywhere near the baby.

Why; is crazy cat lady catching?

[Betty]

North Korea to capture the moon and fly it back to earth. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZIgda01k6o&feature=player_embedded)

[Alex]

Didn't ABC recently air a documentary (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1227637/) about efforts to prevent that (note: haven't seen your video link since I can't from work)?

[Ghoulish Delight]

It's an Onion story, so I think you've successfully guessed the tone.

[Snowflake]

Squeaky Fromme is getting paroled?

[Alex]

I thought she already had been but that was Sara Jane Moore.

[Moonliner]

I hate stupid headlines:

Hurricane Felicia strengthens, heads toward Hawaii


Ohh nooo!!!!

Then you read the article. The storm is several thousand miles from the Islands, It will weaken over the next few days and at best cause some rain when it does eventually make it there. Seesch.

[Frikitiki]

That's not 100% true. As of last night it was about 1600 miles away. They aren't sure yet when and where it will land and what strength. Hopefully they will get some people moving to make sure their storm supplies are up to date.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

15+1 Images You Won't Believe Aren't Photoshopped (http://www.cracked.com/article_17665_15-more-images-you-wont-believe-arent-photoshopped.html)

And I'm going to add this one to the list (http://multimedia.pol.dk/archive/00365/_____Intet_navn_____365862i.jpg). It's Andrew Delaware and Nathan Doidge, Synchronized Swimming medal winners from the recent World Outgames in Copenhagen.

[Ghoulish Delight]

JumpSnap (http://jumpsnap.com/), the ropeless jump rope!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Love the pictures!

[Capt Jack]

JumpSnap (http://jumpsnap.com/), the ropeless jump rope!


am I alone in thinking "thats just effing stupid"?

[alphabassettgrrl]

I kind of wondered, too, Jack. What's the point?

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Nope, you're not alone.

Though I would love to see the tech applied to a real jump rope.

[Gemini Cricket]

15+1 Images You Won't Believe Aren't Photoshopped (http://www.cracked.com/article_17665_15-more-images-you-wont-believe-arent-photoshopped.html)

And I'm going to add this one to the list (http://multimedia.pol.dk/archive/00365/_____Intet_navn_____365862i.jpg). It's Andrew Delaware and Nathan Doidge, Synchronized Swimming medal winners from the recent World Outgames in Copenhagen.
The Pasha Bulker pic blew me away. So awesome.

[Not Afraid]

Scroll down and read the reviews. (http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Mens-Three-Short-Sleeve/dp/B002HJ377A/)

[Gemini Cricket]

Scroll down and read the reviews. (http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Mens-Three-Short-Sleeve/dp/B002HJ377A/)

I admit it, I'm a ladies' man. And when you put this shirt on a ladies' man, it's like giving an AK-47 to a ninja.lol!
:D

[innerSpaceman]

Omg, see all 154 Customer Reviews?!?!?


The 1st 2 were great, but I can't go on!

[Capt Jack]

gots ta git me one o' those

usually wear my Mt. Rushmore T-Shirt (but instead with four Ted Nugents), or my Gravedigger "Still Diggin'" Since 1982 V-Neck Sleeveless that I ripped myself to show off my 12th Place Rack from Sturgis 1987.

So I was pretty surprised to find how well the Three Wolf Moon goes with the "My Other Vibrator is a Harley Davidson" patch that I rock with pride on my biker vest.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Don't forget to check out the user-supplied images.

Great find NA!

[Frikitiki]

try this shirt: http://www.threadless.com/submission/222011/Three_Keyboard_Cat_Moon

[Betty]

Wanna know what's funny? My Mom brought that exact same shirt home from a vacation trip to Wyoming or Montana or something, a few years ago, for my son. I just put it in the "clothes too small" bag for the goodwill yesterday. It looks almost brand new. (Sorry Mom, guess he didn't where it too much.)

[JWBear]

Is no one else wondering why Lisa was searching for tacky t-shirts on Amazon...

[Gemini Cricket]

Is no one else wondering why Lisa was searching for tacky t-shirts on Amazon...
I suspect it may be the theme for NYE 2011...

[CoasterMatt]

The Wolf shirt reviews are awesome...

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Man guilty of groping Minnie Mouse at Disney World (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-groping-minnie-mouse-081109,0,5727056.story)

[Betty]

This (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090819/NEWS/908190370)annoys me to no end. Bus drivers refuses to drive her bus because of an ad on it. The ad is one of those atheist ads that says "Don't believe in God? You're not alone."

My - how offensive that is! :rolleyes:

Her husband says: "To me, it's kind of wrong to deny a person of their job because they have a belief,"

And yet he can't see that Atheists might feel the same way?

It's public transportation. She's a government employee. As the article states, it's like saying she won't work with someone of another religious faith.

I'm so sick of this. Just get over yourself and do your effin' job.

[Ghoulish Delight]

This (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090819/NEWS/908190370)annoys me to no end. Bus drivers refuses to drive her bus because of an ad on it. The ad is one of those atheist ads that says "Don't believe in God? You're not alone."

My - how offensive that is! :rolleyes:

Her husband says: "To me, it's kind of wrong to deny a person of their job because they have a belief,"

And yet he can't see that Atheists might feel the same way?

It's public transportation. She's a government employee. As the article states, it's like saying she won't work with someone of another religious faith.

I'm so sick of this. Just get over yourself and do your effin' job.I don't know how I feel about this. I mean, how would you feel if instead she were refusing because the bus said, "Jesus is the Word"?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Facebook being sued for being Facebook (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?p=295805#post295805)

This is going to get thrown out faster than you can say "You have a new gift request".

An 11-year-old Orange County boy named Xavier created a Facebook page for himself without his parents' knowledge, posted pictures of kids swimming, and in a status update this month, announced that he had swine flu.

When his parents found out, they sued Facebook.


A lawsuit filed Monday in Orange County Superior Court accuses the social networking site of profiting off the names, likenesses and private information of its users but does not relate its accusations specifically to the five plaintiffs, four of whom are from Orange County.


I love how nonchantly the article scoffs at one of the plantiffs.




The 41-page complaint accuses Facebook of failing to stop children from signing up for accounts, violating state privacy laws, starting off as a site for college students and then becoming popular among the public at large, disseminating private information through "walls" and "news feeds," and disseminating images of "accomplished actress and model" Elvina Beck without her consent.


Beck's career highlights include a role as Girl No. 1 in a 2008 episode of "Privileged" and as Cell Phone Girl in a 2006 episode of "CSI: NY."

[Alex]

I don't know how I feel about this. I mean, how would you feel if instead she were refusing because the bus said, "Jesus is the Word"?

I'd fire her. I'd fire her if she refused to drive the bus because she disapproved of Gap's textile sourcing. Like I'd fire her if she refused to drive because of the bus ads common here in San Francisco telling us how wonderful and benign Islam is. Like I'd fire her if she refused because the bus was sporting a Yes on 8 ad or a No on 8 ad.

I'd support her if the ad said "by driving this bus, the driver is endorsing this and any product or message it conveys." Otherwise, she can go advocate on her own time and now she'll have plenty of it.

I might admire her for her willingness to stand up for her beliefs, but I'd admire her while showing her to the door.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Agreed. I just can't help but think that if I were asked in a job to carry around a sign that say something I wholeheartedly disagree with I'd refuse so I sympathize with her in that way. But then, I wouldn't argue if they then refused to continue employ me. Also, I wouldn't be likely to take a job where I'd have to carry any sort of sign anyway so I suppose the point is moot.

[Not Afraid]

Agreed. I just can't help but think that if I were asked in a job to carry around a sign that say something I wholeheartedly disagree with I'd refuse so I sympathize with her in that way. But then, I wouldn't argue if they then refused to continue employ me. Also, I wouldn't be likely to take a job where I'd have to carry any sort of sign anyway so I suppose the point is moot.

She's not carrying a sign, she's driving a bus. The bus has passengers who she may not agree with, it has the name of the transportation authority on it - which she may not agree with, and it has a revolving slew of advertisements on it that help pay for her job.

Get over yourself you righteous bitch and get to work.

[Betty]

How about if she refused to drive because of an ad about Muslims? Or about Jerry Springer?

She agreed to drive a bus. She's refusing to drive the bus because she's offended that there are atheists that might want to hang out together?

Last time I checked, I do my job and deal with everyone. I don't care what religion they are. If I fail to do my job, I don't get paid and don't have a job. My personal beliefs don't really come into it.

[Capt Jack]

Get over yourself you righteous bitch and get to work.

submitted to quotes...cuz its fvking awesome
:snap:

[Ghoulish Delight]

How about if she refused to drive because of an ad about Muslims? Or about Jerry Springer? Like I said, I agree that she would be rightfully disciplined/fired for it, but I don't blame her for not wanting to do it. But again, that's why I wouldn't take a job that requires me to operate a moving advertisement.


Last time I checked, I do my job and deal with everyone. I don't care what religion they are. If I fail to do my job, I don't get paid and don't have a job. My personal beliefs don't really come into it.There's a difference between working with people with differing beliefs and operating a moving advertisement for something you don't believe in. I don't think she has any shred of a case for not being fired if she's refusing to do the job. All I'm saying is I understand why she would refuse. I too would refuse if the bus carried a message that I found hateful. I disagree with her that the message is hateful, but then she'd disagree with me about what I find hateful.

[Tom]

All the bus ad said was that there are atheists. It said nothing regarding the relative merits of any religions (or lack of religion).

[Ghoulish Delight]

Heh, I missed the question mark until just now. That does change the message slightly.

Again, I'm not saying it's an intelligent principled stance or one that I agree with, but I understand the desire to take a principled stance.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Get over yourself you righteous bitch and get to work.

Have we started doing LoT t-shirts yet?

[Alex]

This has brought to mind a case from a few years back that had a muddier line, in my opinion.

In that case, it wasn't that the bus had an objectionable advertisement on it but rather than as each passenger boarded the bus the driver was expected to hand them an advertisement. If I recall correctly it was a fast food advertisement and she objected to them being given to children.

I was more torn on that one since she was made into a more active participant in presenting the advertisement, and such is not a traditional part of being a bus driver. That said, she remains a government employee and so shouldn't be refusing to disseminate messages based on content (so I'd have been more sympathetic if she'd refused to distribute any advertising).

[Gemini Cricket]

South African runner Caster Semenya is being asked to prove that she is indeed a woman after clocking the fastest time this year twice, most recently in the 800m Final at the World Championships in Berlin.
Semenya, 18, has been asked to take a gender verification test to prove that she is a woman, according to the Daily Guardian. Nick Davies, a spokesman for the International Association of Athletics Federations, said that the test was requested after a race last month when she ran the fastest 800m time (before the games in Berlin) at the African junior championships.
Source (http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid106302.asp)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Facebook being sued for being Facebook (http://www.loungeoftomorrow.com/LoT/showthread.php?p=295805#post295805)
Why does no one tell me when I paste the wrong link? Try that again (http://www.ocregister.com/articles/facebook-information-beck-2533077-county-orange)

[Disneyphile]

This could come in handy for celebrity roasts... (http://www.tmz.com/2009/08/20/the-perfect-grill-for-a-cannibal/)

[SzczerbiakManiac]

What do cross-dressers put on their toast?Tranny Honey
http://www.omgblog.com/images/2009/TRANNY-HONEY.JPG (http://www.omgblog.com/2009/08/omg_how_tasty_tranny_honey.php)

[Betty]

Not a news story but I'm amused by this craig's list employment ad. Someone is using words they don't quite understand.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/ofc/1342761091.html

Corporal Administrator Associate (inland empire )


Front office and reception experience necessary. Remarkable customer service skills a an advantage


Location: inland empire
Compensation: $13.25 each hour 9-4
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

[JWBear]

Not a news story but I'm amused by this craig's list employment ad. Someone is using words they don't quite understand.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/ofc/1342761091.html

Corporal Administrator Associate (inland empire )


Front office and reception experience necessary. Remarkable customer service skills a an advantage


Location: inland empire
Compensation: $13.25 each hour 9-4
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Black leather "uniform" supplied?

[Alex]

I'm wondering if it is some sort of data collection scam. If you search the phrase "Corporal Administrator Associate" you'll find it has been posted to job boards all around the country.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Banana ice cream injector (http://gizmodo.com/5345065/oh-my-lord-banana-injector-fills-a-banana-with-ice-cream)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Banana ice cream injector (http://gizmodo.com/5345065/oh-my-lord-banana-injector-fills-a-banana-with-ice-cream)Frozen, chocolate dipped bananas would be WAY more tempting if they had ice cream in the middle.

[Strangler Lewis]

If that became popular, how long before somebody did something stupid to his dick with it?

[SzczerbiakManiac]

About 27 minutes

[Morrigoon]

She's not carrying a sign, she's driving a bus. The bus has passengers who she may not agree with, it has the name of the transportation authority on it - which she may not agree with, and it has a revolving slew of advertisements on it that help pay for her job.

Get over yourself you righteous bitch and get to work.

So... let's say that bus had a "Yes on 8" ad... how would you feel driving that around all day?

And I'm not saying that to be snarky, I'm actually curious as to how you'd respond to being asked to do that.

[Alex]

Not that your question was directed at me, but I did mention that specific example in my response above. I'd still fire her (or whatever disciplinary action is union-istically allowed, which would probably be only deprivation of sprinkles on the contract mandated birthday cupcake).

And, if it is a municipal or other government agency operated transit system, as much as I find Yes on 8 disgusting they should post the signs if the space is purchased.

[blueerica]

It's funny, I guess I'd have to ask myself "What has the stronger pull, the money coming in or my disgust for a portion of what I do."

Also, before making a stink, I would ask if I could use another bus first.

[katiesue]

It's an ad on the bus I drive - it doesn't mean I personally belive it or endorse it. I wouldn't think of it any differently than if the ad were on the side of my business office or a billboard on the roof. And they change them fairly often, a couple of weeks/months and my bus says something different.

[blueerica]

Addendum: It seems to be a municipal/government-operated transit system, so yes, they should post the signs if the space is purchased... as was mandated by ACLU, etc, to DART in the story.

[Alex]

I'd be torn on the question of finding another bus if I could. Sure, as a one time thing it wouldn't be a big deal but in a system with hundreds or thousands of drivers it wouldn't be a great precedent to start shuffling schedules and assignments based on what ad is on the bus.

[Not Afraid]

So... let's say that bus had a "Yes on 8" ad... how would you feel driving that around all day?

And I'm not saying that to be snarky, I'm actually curious as to how you'd respond to being asked to do that.

I'd do the job I was paid to do and work a bit harder on the No on 8 campaign on my time off.

I worked for the City of Irvine for 10 years. During that time, we had 3 very different mayors that had their own political agendas. As a COI employee, I had to follow their direction and that of the City Manager because it was my job. That included censoring artwork - a practice I am incredibly opposed to on a personal level. But, that was the nature of my job as an employee.

Now, what I did OFF the clock, was my own choice (however, I DID have to be careful about what sort of public political activities I was involved in.)

[innerSpaceman]

What gets me is the passengers who purportedly refused to board the bus because of the ad. :rolleyes:

Because, uh-huh, the sign painted on the side transforms it into a hellbound vehicle with stops at Hades, Brimstone Beach, and Lucifer Lake Estates. Or, ya know, by being seen through the windows above the advert means, of course, they endorse the message advertised. Well, d'uh, why didn't I think of that???


What puzzles me even more is how the rightfully FIRED driver is going to take the bedeviled bus, now that she won't be able to afford to drive.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

What gets me is the passengers who purportedly refused to board the bus because of the ad. :rolleyes:

Because, uh-huh, the sign painted on the side transforms it into a hellbound vehicle with stops at Hades, Brimstone Beach, and Lucifer Lake Estates.If you already believe in an invisible man floating in the clouds, is it really that much more to believe in diabolic buses?

[blueerica]

I'd be torn on the question of finding another bus if I could. Sure, as a one time thing it wouldn't be a big deal but in a system with hundreds or thousands of drivers it wouldn't be a great precedent to start shuffling schedules and assignments based on what ad is on the bus.

True...

[Ghoulish Delight]

Speaking of pets (just came from pootrap thread):

Who will take care of your pet after the Rapture? (http://eternal-earthbound-pets.com/Contract_and_Payment.html)

:D :evil: :snap:

[Moonliner]

Speaking of pets (just came from pootrap thread):

Who will take care of your pet after the Rapture? (http://eternal-earthbound-pets.com/Contract_and_Payment.html)

:D :evil: :snap:

I like the fine print that says

If subscriber loses his/her faith and/or the Rapture occurs and subscriber is not Raptured (aka is "left behind") EE-BP disclaims any liability; no refund will be tendered

[Chernabog]

Of course, if the web site owners are Raptured, how would you make a claim against them? They must be worried about their own ability to Rapture.

And apparently Rapture as a noun has been Raptured already.

[Not Afraid]

'Cause the man from Mars stopped eatin' cars and eatin' bars
And now he only eats guitars..........

[Not Afraid]

If you already believe in an invisible man floating in the clouds, is it really that much more to believe in diabolic buses?

http://davepics.com/Album/2001/08-29.Burning_Man/D-293.jpg

[Chernabog]

^^^^^^^^^ WANT.

[Alex]

Hey, I was just out there last month! Very different place without all the people (though even in early July we ran into a few art cars).

[JWBear]

'Cause the man from Mars stopped eatin' cars and eatin' bars
And now he only eats guitars..........


Thanks for the earworm...

(Ginormous image removed)

I'm loving the fuschia poncho on the guy in the background.

[Morrigoon]

Kidnap victim found 18 years later... had kids with her captor. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/08/27/california.missing.girl/index.html)

[Betty]

Kidnap victim found 18 years later... had kids with her captor. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/08/27/california.missing.girl/index.html)

Amazing that she's alive and relatively "well" after all this time. I read this morning that she was kept in some contraption in the backyard consisting of several sheds and tents hidden by bushes and trees. Electrcity through an extension cord. Plumping was very rudimentry.

I can't imagine how she and her family must all be feeling at this moment. And what must her children be thinking?

[Alex]

At least they were raised in an environment with social and verbal interaction. I can't remember the title now, but a few years back read a very interesting story about a girl (can't remember if she was kidnapped or just abused) locked in a room for the first 8 years or so of her life with no verbal interaction and only the slightest human interaction.

It was an interesting scientific case in what it showed about language acquisition in humans past a certain age (what it showed was not good, essentially it doesn't happen).

What always amazes me about stories like this one is how two similarly depraved people find each other. I have difficulty imagining how I'd say to my wife "honey, I'd like to have a threesome." It must be supremely awkward to say "honey, I'm going to steal a little girl and keep her in the backyward. Cool?"

[Pirate Bill]

I'm loving the fuschia poncho on the guy in the background.

And I'm loving the 2 all the way to the right ---------->

[Pirate Bill]

Kidnap victim found 18 years later... had kids with her captor. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/08/27/california.missing.girl/index.html)

Yikes! I lived in Antioch a few years ago.

[Betty]

There are so many varieties of food at the fair. Stuff on a stick... stuff fried that you'd never think of frying up... like deep fried butter (http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa090901_wz_statefairfoods.13a95680b.html)for example.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

[wolfy999]

Link doesn't show an article....but deep fried butter....yuck!

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Fried Twinkies, Snickers, bacon, okay. But I draw the line at deep fried butter. That's just nuts!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Anything deep fried with batter on it is "deep fried butter plus other stuff".

[Frikitiki]

I had deep fried Oreos last summer and loved them but like Cookie Monster says "they are a sometimes food!"

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I don't think I am understanding your comment CP.

I'm okay with butter being AN ingredient in a deep-fried treat. I'm drawing the line at butter being (essentially) the ONLY ingredient.

[Alex]

I had deep fried nutter butters at the fair this summer. Don't need to have them again (same with Oreos, which are the only other "deep fried abomination" I've had).

[Betty]

Not sure why it doens't work for you - I just clicked it an it works for me.

Anywho - here's a list of fair food mentioend in the article

• Deep Fried Butter could push the grease-o-meter to a new high. "100 percent pure butter is whipped 'til light and fluffy, then specially sweetened with a choice of several flavors." It is then surrounded by a "special dough" and quick-fried.

• Twisted Yam on a Stick consists of "a delicious, towering, spiral-cut sweet potato on a 13-inch skewer." After being plunked in the fryer, it is then "gently rolled in butter" and dusted with sugar and cinnamon.

• Fernie's Deep Fried Peaches & Cream does not appear to have any butter in the recipe, but other ingredients include "a delicious batter of cinnamon, ginger, coconut, graham cracker crumbs, eggs and milk." It is then (natch) deep-fried and served on a plate, drizzled with raspberry sauce, sprinkled with streusel and topped with whipped cream. Wait — there is vanilla buttercream icing provided on the side.

• Texas Fried Pecan Pie sounds pretty conventional (except for the fried part, of course). It is served with caramel sauce "then topped with whipping cream and chopped, candied pecans."

• Country Fried Pork Chips could be your main course, with seasoned, thin-sliced pork loin "surrounded by a tasty corn meal batter and deep-fried." You can get ketchup with it, but why not go whole hog and pour on the cream gravy?

• Sweet Jalapeno Corn Dog Shrimp sounds almost too simple: "Shrimp on a stick is coated with a sweet and spicy corn meal batter, then deep-fried to a golden brown and served with a spicy glaze." This could actually have some nutritional value.

• Fried Peanut Butter Cup Macaroon is about what you'd expect from the description. It is, of course, "dusted with powdered sugar" after the oil drains. And you probably wouldn't want to get it without the available scoop of Blue Bell ice cream, would you?

[Stan4dSteph]

If I ate that kind of crap I'd have diarrhea for days.

[scaeagles]

The thought makes me ill. Blech.

[Chernabog]

The thought makes me ill. Blech.

Me too. Just the thought of eating whipped butter on its own makes me queasy, let alone the fried part.

I guess deep fried lard would be worse.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I don't think I am understanding your comment CP.

I'm okay with butter being AN ingredient in a deep-fried treat. I'm drawing the line at butter being (essentially) the ONLY ingredient.When you eat onion rings, you are eating a bunch of batter with some onion in it. The onion may be marginally good for you, but the overwhelming amount of calories, fat, cholesterol, etc makes this a treat for sure. In other words, "deep fried butter with some onion in it."

I absolutely adore onion rings and can scarcely ever turn them down. But I'm honest about what I'm eating.

If you eat something like deep fried butter and feel bad, you could eat a piece of vegetable and pretend that was inside of it...but again, I wouldn't say it offsets enough anyway.

There is a reason "batter" and "butter" have only one letter difference ;)

[Ghoulish Delight]

If you eat something like deep fried butter and feel bad, you could eat a piece of vegetable and pretend that was inside of it...but again, I wouldn't say it offsets enough anyway.

There is a reason "batter" and "butter" have only one letter difference ;)
2 things:

1) Take the amount of butter/oil/fat in the batter...then ADD a stick of butter. That's what you're eating.

2) There's a difference between having some fat/oil/butter integrated into a batter vs. a stick of whipped butter wrapped in batter. If you don't consider that a difference, I don't really understand where you're coming from.

To put it another way, I eat lots of things that contain a Tblsp of butter as an ingerdient. That doesn't mean I'd take a tablespoon, scoop out some butter from a tub, and eat it. Let alone wrap a stick of butter in something that contains a Tblsp of butter and eat that.

[JWBear]

I'm totally craving onion rings now. Thanks CP...

[Betty]

I'd try the sweet potato one and maybe the shrimp too.

[lashbear]

OK, Burger King onion rings for dinner tonight. Thanks, CP !!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

2 things:

1) Take the amount of butter/oil/fat in the batter...then ADD a stick of butter. That's what you're eating.It didn't say how much butter is involved. It also mentioned that it's surrounded by dough. I don't know what the percentages are, but I'm assuming it would be similar to a jelly donut. Sweet, whipped butter isn't much different from custard.

2) There's a difference between having some fat/oil/butter integrated into a batter vs. a stick of whipped butter wrapped in batter. If you don't consider that a difference, I don't really understand where you're coming from.

To put it another way, I eat lots of things that contain a Tblsp of butter as an ingerdient. That doesn't mean I'd take a tablespoon, scoop out some butter from a tub, and eat it. Let alone wrap a stick of butter in something that contains a Tblsp of butter and eat that.If we're talking about the subjective gross factor, I've stuck a pinky in sweet whipped butter and had a lick. I can't say I'd eat it with a spoon. It all depends on percentages and flavoring.

Regarding health concepts - you really couldn't make a case that it's any worse than any other deep fried thing.

[Prudence]

I would eat deep fried butter. Can't say whether I'd like it, but I'd sure give it a try.

[katiesue]

I know someone, and now I can't remember who, that just eats sticks of butter right out of the fridge. So some people might like it, but it does sound kinda gross.

[Kevy Baby]

I just thought of something really wacky the fairs should try next year: take some regular potatoes and cut them into long thin strips (maybe a 1/4" square and as long as the potato). Leave them naked (don't batter them) and just put them in a the deep fryer. Cook until golden brown, drain and lightly salt. Serve them with a dipping sauce made from tomato concentrate, corn syrup (or other sugar), vinegar, salt, herb extracts (including celery), spice and garlic powder.

Now THAT would be really wacky!

[Morrigoon]

So like... frenched (the cut) potatoes... fried? Frenched and fried potatoes? Novel.

[Betty]

So like... frenched (the cut) potatoes... fried? Frenched and fried potatoes? Novel.

If you could involve a stick of some sort, you'd have a winner.

[Capt Jack]

I just thought of something really wacky the fairs should try next year: take some regular potatoes and cut them into long thin strips (maybe a 1/4" square and as long as the potato). Leave them naked (don't batter them) and just put them in a the deep fryer. Cook until golden brown, drain and lightly salt. Serve them with a dipping sauce made from tomato concentrate, corn syrup (or other sugar), vinegar, salt, herb extracts (including celery), spice and garlic powder.

Now THAT would be really wacky!

So like... frenched (the cut) potatoes... fried? Frenched and fried potatoes? Novel.


ewww..

that'll never fly. :eek:
where do people come up with this sh!t?

[Alex]

Of course you can get french fries at the fair. But to compensate for their relative boringness, they come in 5 lb quantities at minimum.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I know someone, and now I can't remember who, that just eats sticks of butter right out of the fridge.That literally made me queasy. Probably because my brother used to do that as a kid. He also used to eat mayo with a spoon. Thank gawd he lost that habit years ago.

I just thought of something really wacky...

I wonder if anyone has ever rammed a stick up a whole potato, dunked it in boiling oil, then served it whole?

If we're talking about the subjective gross factor, I've stuck a pinky inI stopped reading at that point and contemplated quietly to myself.


I need to STFU or I'm going to be on everyone's Ignore List soon....

[Betty]

Obama want to address school kids at school via tv or dvd. Some parents are outraged and this attempt at indoctination. (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/03/parents-object-obamas-national-address-students/)

They'll keep their kids out of school. :rolleyes:

The address is says it will be about education and encouraging students to achieve their short and long term education goals.

[Alex]

8th Grade.

President George Bush gave a speech about the evils of drugs that every class in my school was interrupted to watch.

[Ghoulish Delight]

How dare the President address the people!

[Betty]

My post up there has so many typos perhaps I need to go back to school.

[Betty]

Okay - here's a story that you just can't make up.

Fire chief is shot in back, by cop, in court, over traffic ticket! (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090903/ap_on_re_us/us_shot_in_court)

It would seem there's a bit of corruption going on:


the hearing apparently escalated to a scuffle, ending when an officer shot Payne from behind.

Prosecutor Lindsey Fairley said Thursday that he didn't plan to file any felony charges against the officer or Payne.

Fairley, reached at his home, said Payne could face a misdemeanor charge stemming from the scuffle

He said he didn't remember the name of the officer who fired the shot.

The judge retired. City hall is locked up. The mayor has an unmarked police car in her driveway. Police car and fire truck were repossessed. WTF is going on in that town!?

[JWBear]

WTF is going on in that town!?

One word: Arkansas

[SzczerbiakManiac]

World Gravy Wrestling Championships (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lancashire/8230545.stm)

More Pix (http://www.steadyburn.net/2009/09/competitors-savor-the-victory-at-the-world-gravy-wrestling-championship/)

Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enldu4ekv4U)

[CoasterMatt]

Kid Shoots Himself In The Penis (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/regional/brooklyn/so_much_for_packing_um_rod_jXKO6I6jK3RgVNDNWClDoI) :eek:

Oh, how I wish this would happen more often.

[Tref]

Kid Shoots Himself In The Penis (http://www.nypost.com/p/news/regional/brooklyn/so_much_for_packing_um_rod_jXKO6I6jK3RgVNDNWClDoI) :eek:

Oh, how I wish this would happen more often.

We all have our dreams.

[Gemini Cricket]

This is not so much of a WTF story but a WALG* story.

Officials for the U.S. Open have increased security measures at the Grand Slam tennis tournament in New York City after a man rushed the court to congratulate and kiss star player Rafael Nadal following his fourth-round victory early Wednesday morning.

Noam U. Aorta ran on to the court to hug and kiss Nadal, which officials interpreted as a serious breach of security, according to Newsday. Source (http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/09/10/Security_Upped_After_Man_Kisses_Nadal/)

*What A Lucky Guy

[Alex]

It would have been a classic story if after kissing Nadal he ran off and stabbed Monica Seles.

[Moonliner]

Scientists have now levitated mice using magnetic fields. (http://www.livescience.com/animals/090909-mouse-levitation.html)

Best quote:


"It actually kicked around and started to spin, and without friction, it could spin faster and faster, and we think that made it even more disoriented," said researcher Yuanming Liu, a physicist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.



Ya think?

[Alex]

It would have been a classic story if after levitating the mouse had run off and stabbed Monica Seles.

[Gemini Cricket]

This is not so much of a WTF story but a WALG* story.

Source (http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/09/10/Security_Upped_After_Man_Kisses_Nadal/)

*What A Lucky Guy
Hee hee. The guy's name is Aorta. You could say he's all heart. All heart for Alex's gal pal, Monica Seles.
:D

[Alex]

That would have been a classic joke if after telling you had run off and stabbed Monica Seles.

[BarTopDancer]

I posted this in the wrong thread:

Our Headline "DUH" of the day:

Census: Income fell sharply last year

Story here (http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-09-10-census-healthcare_N.htm).

[Moonliner]

The US Coast Guard just ran a training drill.

On 9/11.

In the Potomac River.

Next to the pentagon.

Where the President Of The United States was visiting.

Using live ammo.

:rolleyes:


To the best of my knowledge, Monica Seles was not involved.

[wolfy999]

Now, that makes sense.....;)

[BarTopDancer]

The US Coast Guard just ran a training drill.

On 9/11.

In the Potomac River.

Next to the pentagon.

Where the President Of The United States was visiting.

Using live ammo.

:rolleyes:


To the best of my knowledge, Monica Seles was not involved.

BRILLIANT!



Or...



Hey, life must go on, right?

[Alex]

I'm guessing Bloomberg is behind it and it's retaliation for the Air Force One Statue of Liberty flyby.

[Betty]

EVERYBODY PANIC!!!!!!!!!

[JWBear]

EVERYBODY PANIC!!!!!!!!!

...It's the patriotic thing to do, you know.

[Moonliner]

Getting back to the origional "WTF" aspect of this thread....

Waterford Township woman accused of having sex with teen son she gave up for adoption. (http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/09/waterford_township_woman_accus.html)


Waterford Township police say 35-year-old Aimee Louise Sword used the internet to track down a teenage son she gave up for adoption years earlier and had sex with him.

Sword surrendered on April 24 and is charged with third-degree criminal sexual assault

[Betty]

Getting back to the origional "WTF" aspect of this thread....

Waterford Township woman accused of having sex with teen son she gave up for adoption. (http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/09/waterford_township_woman_accus.html)

OMG I saw that yesterday. Definately a WTF! At first I thought it was going to be that she found out after the fact that it was her son... but no! She new it beforehand. That's wwaaaaaaaay creepy.

[Chernabog]

Well at least she'll keep her son's therapist employed. Eew.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

This is not so much of a WTF story but a WALG* story.
Source (http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/09/10/Security_Upped_After_Man_Kisses_Nadal/)I hope it was worth it. From OutSports (http://outsports.com/jocktalkblog/2009/09/10/big-price-for-a-kiss/):Following his arrest at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the U.S. Open, kisser Noam U. Aorta is being hit with charges of third-degree criminal trespass and interfering with a professional sporting event. If he’s convicted, the judge can hammer him with the max of one year in jail and a $1500 fine.

[scaeagles]

I read that the whole Potomac thing was a misunderstanding and CNN ran with something completely inaccurate. No shots fired. It was someone saying "bang, bang".

Deep investigative reporting.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I read that the whole Potomac thing was a misunderstanding and CNN ran with something completely inaccurate. No shots fired. It was someone saying "bang, bang".

Deep investigative reporting.
The Coast Guard called "shots fired" on police radio frequencies. Park Police then reported "shots fired", CNN called Coast Guard and got no comment so they ran with the info they had from the police.

[Moonliner]

ATLANTA -- Five actresses and a cameraman from the CW show “The Vampire Diaries” were arrested and charged after police said the actresses were dangling off a Georgia overpass and flashing drivers.

Now for the WTF part of this:

Several drivers called 911 on Aug. 22 to report seeing the young women flashing drivers on I-75

I mean seriously. WTF!

[€uroMeinke]

Getting back to the origional "WTF" aspect of this thread....

Waterford Township woman accused of having sex with teen son she gave up for adoption. (http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2009/09/waterford_township_woman_accus.html)

It could be a matter of destiny. I wonder if the father was recently murdered. Freud would have a field day with this one. It really is a tragedy.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I can actually see some justification for the Coast Guard training being held on 9/11. This way, they have extra people already on duty, if they need them, but they do the drill to give 'em something to do.

They should have had an Information Officer to talk to the media, though.

[Ghoulish Delight]

what's particulaerly ironic about is that on 9/11 everyone said that while emergency responders were obviously heroic and did a lot of good, they could have been even more effective if they weren't hindered by communication issues between different agencies. Oh so heartening to learn that after 8 years things aren't much better

[Ghoulish Delight]

One-footed snake!!! (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/6187320/Snake-with-foot-found-in-China.html). Freak of nature? Nuclear mutation? Genetic drift in action? Euphamism for "penis"? You be the judge!

[Betty]

Holy Sh!T that's icky. A snake - on your wall - making scratching noises - with it's one clawed leg/foot/thing - in the middle of the night - while you sleep!!!

[Capt Jack]

I dont think that would be half as startling as the sound of the shotgun blast that would quickly follow its discovery

[Kevy Baby]

ATLANTA -- Five actresses and a cameraman from the CW show “The Vampire Diaries” were arrested and charged after police said the actresses were dangling off a Georgia overpass and flashing drivers.Now for the WTF part of this:

Several drivers called 911 on Aug. 22 to report seeing the young women flashing drivers on I-75

I mean seriously. WTF!Is the WTF part that they didn't call you first?

[Pirate Bill]

Is the WTF part that they didn't call you first?
The real WTF: no pics.

[Gemini Cricket]

This is more of a HTF* story.

Eddie Izzard Runs 43 Marathons in 7 Weeks (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/15/eddie-izzard-runs-43-mara_n_287439.html)



* How the Fu ck?


I mean, I was in awe of Lani after she finished one marathon, for crying out loud.
:)

[Alex]

Lani's done more than one marathon. And I think it was more impressive that I finished a marathon (and I did it without crying).

Lani has a co-worker who is an ultra-marathoner. He runs 40+ miles every Wednesday. His laid-back runs are 20+ miles and he runs almost every day. I woudn't have guessed Eddie Izzard was capable of it but if you're blessed with knees and feet that can take the abuse, once you can run one easily you can pretty much run one every day if you're not going all out for speed.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I get bored after 5 minutes of running. That's why I'd never do a marathon.

yeah, that's the ticket.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I think the ultra-marathoners are crazy. My dad's cousin ran a marathon 8 1/2 months pregnant- with her doc's ok.

[Kevy Baby]

I drive at least one marathon almost every day

[Betty]

I drive at least one marathon almost every day

Where do you drive them?

[Kevy Baby]

Where do you drive them?Crazy

[Betty]

Crazy

I'll bet! :p

[Moonliner]

I'll bet! :p

You'd win.

[Ghoulish Delight]

"Keep fvcking that chicken (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdnXYWSa56w)" (language NSFW)

[Deebs]

Wow, what an unfortunate choice of words, topped off by even more awkwardness. The funniest thing to me is the look on the co-anchor's face -- eyes big as saucers.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Assuming the "chicken fücking" comment was not intentional, what was he trying to say?

[Alex]

No idea at all. He's had trouble with the station's URL in the past (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQTd0t-Pxck&feature=player_embedded#t=97).

[Deebs]

I thought he meant to say plucking. But leering at his co-worker in her workout apparel while on camera, um, I dunno what he was thinking there.

[Kevy Baby]

No idea at all. He's had trouble with the station's URL in the past (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQTd0t-Pxck&feature=player_embedded#t=97).And for those who want to watch more than the closing credits on the clip that Alex linked to, click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQTd0t-Pxck).

[SzczerbiakManiac]

"Keep fvcking that chicken (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdnXYWSa56w)" (language NSFW)He's had trouble with the station's URL in the past (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQTd0t-Pxck&feature=player_embedded#t=97).Jon Stewart brings it home (http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/248941/thu-september-17-2009-bill-clinton). (starting at the 0:59 mark)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Here's a real WTFer - Ticketmaster enacting policies that might help the consumer!
(http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090917/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_ticketmaster_scalpers) Trent Reznor-approved.

[Moonliner]

Here's a real WTFer - Ticketmaster enacting policies that might help the consumer!
(http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090917/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_ticketmaster_scalpers) Trent Reznor-approved.

Yeah, I'm a bit worried about this one. Of course we have Miley Cyrus tickets for her upcoming concert here in DC. However the credit card I used to purchase the tickets was recently replaced due to a fraud alert. So now I don't have the card used to purchase the tickets. I'm not sure how that's going to work. I guess I'll have to call Ticketmaster.

[innerSpaceman]

Yeah, I suppose there has to be some sort of provision for cards you no longer have, since concert tickets in particular are purchased far in advance.

I kinda like this idea though. But why not limit the resale value to a tiny profit rather than a 100% profit? It may discourage most scalpers and ticket brokers not to get at 150,000% profit, but tickets should plain and simply not be purchased for the purpose of re-sale. If legitimate circumstances call for such a thing, the seller should be entitled only to a profit for time and effort of original acquisition and resale.

Still, it's a step in the right direction that I heartily applaud.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Considering the number of places that already use the "card you used to purchase the tickets" method of verification for will call, I wouldn't anticipate an issue with that.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Wow, I actually like a move that Ticketmaster made. WTF.

[Kevy Baby]

...but tickets should plain and simply not be purchased for the purpose of re-sale.Why?
If legitimate circumstances call for such a thing, the seller should be entitled only to a profit for time and effort of original acquisition and resale.What is a "legitimate" reason?

If there are people who would rather pay more for the convenience of having someone purchase their tickets for them so that they can avoid the annoyance of having to be online at just the right second, why should they be denied the right to pay for this convenience.

And what is someone's time worth? Minimum wage? $300 bucks per hour (which in the legal profession is not uncommon)?

[Alex]

The correct resolution to avoid ticket scalping (if that is what is wanted) is to sell them for what they're worth in the first place.

If people are immediately paying several times face value for the ticket then obviously the ticket was too cheap. The truly consumer friendly thing for Ticketmaster (or venues directly) would be to sell tickets through a modified Vickrey auction. This should mostly sell tickets at their true value (obviously venues would tier the tickets and run several simultaneous auctions) and the money would go to the venue/ticket agent/performers rather than the secondary market. There'd still be some slim room for a secondary market but it'd hardly support a whole industry. Modern technology would make it relatively easy to do this.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Kevy - Oftentimes, the major reason tickets sell out so fast is because scalpers are buying them up. If you didn't have to compete with hundreds of scalpers, maybe they'd actually be available for half a day and the hold time wouldn't be an issue.

Alex - I worry that such a system would put the tickets out of reach of many people, and I'm sure that certain artists would feel the same.

[Alex]

Yes it would, but then there's a very simple mechanism by which bands could eliminate the secondary market while keeping prices near whatever level they think is appropriate for one of there shows. But they choose not to do that. So I find the "oh the poor fans" argument made by some bands to be empty. Especially if the solution is that you have to have a credit card to go to the show (and boy will it be a scandal the first time it is discovered that the card swipers at the door have been compromised).

I'm also amused that in Indiana it was recently ruled unconstitutional to require identification in order to vote but you'll need identification (and bank or credit accounts) to see Muppets on Ice.

So the options are live with the existing scalping market, make things really painful for everybody through gimmicks that will likely ultimately fail once a new equilibrium is found, sell them for the actual value, or reduce the value of what you're selling.

It is interesting to me that the, in my opinion, stupidest of the four is generally advocated. Though Ticketmaster is setting it up so that essentially they become the scalpers. They don't want to get rid of the secondary market they just want to run it (NFL has already done this with its StubHub partnership).

[Kevy Baby]

Kevy - Oftentimes, the major reason tickets sell out so fast is because scalpers are buying them up.To me, that is a non-issue. There is a market for people willing to pay for convenience.

If you didn't have to compete with hundreds of scalpers, maybe they'd actually be available for half a day and the hold time wouldn't be an issue.Nope: still more likely that I would prefer to pay a premium than have to hit a specific window.

[Moonliner]

In Washington State (http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/09/19/washington.escaped.killer/index.html):

"A legally insane killer" is on the loose.

After he "escaped during a field trip to a county fair"


Ahh, yeah right.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

To me, that is a non-issue. There is a market for people willing to pay for convenience.

Nope: still more likely that I would prefer to pay a premium than have to hit a specific window.Yes, there is a market, and yes, you'd be willing to pay a premium, but how much of a premium? How much does the convenience cost, how much is it worth to you? If I buy milk at a convenience store it may very well cost me twice as much as it would at the market - but 5 times, 10 times as much?

As with everything else, it's a sliding scale. What would the "convenience market" be if you could come home from work the day the tix went on sale, make a call, not wait on hold for long, and pay the base price? What would the convenience market be if it were 2 days, or a week? How small a window does it have to be for you to consider it a "specific window"?

Not knowing enough about how this would exactly affect the ticket sales limits the strength of my examples, but still, I'd argue that there are plenty of acts that sell out in an hour under the old system that would take over a day to sell out in the new system, simply because the scalpers are out of the picture.

I'm sure that even if you just get the process down to "wait until my lunch break, make a call, wait on hold for a short period, then get my tickets at base price" the convenience angle is rather knackered....because that's actually convenient.

[Kevy Baby]

Yes, there is a market, and yes, you'd be willing to pay a premium, but how much of a premium? How much does the convenience cost, how much is it worth to you? If I buy milk at a convenience store it may very well cost me twice as much as it would at the market - but 5 times, 10 times as much?And therein lies the crux of the free market. Things are worth as much as people are willing to pay for it.

People who want to save money can still go online or be at the right place at the right time can still do so. I believe the majority of tickets sold are sold directly to people who do not pay scalper prices. Those who prefer the convenience and are willing to pay for it can do so. To me, the system works.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Rep. Kevin Brady asked for an explanation of why the government-run subway system didn’t, in his view, adequately prepare for this past weekend’s rally to protest government spending and government services.

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/09/16/tea-party-protesters-protest-dc-metro-service/

[Pirate Bill]

Rep. Kevin Brady asked for an explanation of why the government-run subway system didn’t, in his view, adequately prepare for this past weekend’s rally to protest government spending and government services.

Ugh. That puts me in a head crackin' mood.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

And therein lies the crux of the free market. I just realized that I can no longer discuss anything regarding "the free market", because I've read too much from economists about how the free market is a myth.

This is getting far too heady for this fun thread, so no worries. :)

[€uroMeinke]

Indeed - in a free market everything should be free, paying for stuff is stupid.

[bewitched]

Rep. Kevin Brady asked for an explanation of why the government-run subway system didn’t, in his view, adequately prepare for this past weekend’s rally to protest government spending and government services.

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/09/16/tea-party-protesters-protest-dc-metro-service/

I don't know where I read it but Brady (and many other Republicans) also voted against a bill that would have funded repairs and upgrades to the DC Metro subway system arguing that no money should be spent on mass transit until more money was allocated for roads.

[Frikitiki]

In Hawaii they are trying to get mass transit to move forward and they keep talking about federal funds but as of yet ZERO dollars have been allocated. That's $1.4B, yes billion, that would then fall to the local tax payers.

[Gemini Cricket]

In Hawaii they are trying to get mass transit to move forward and they keep talking about federal funds but as of yet ZERO dollars have been allocated. That's $1.4B, yes billion, that would then fall to the local tax payers.
Apu: Is there a chance the track could bend?

Lyle Lanley: Not on your life, my Hindu friend.

[Morrigoon]

Marge Simpson: Main Street's still all cracked and broken!

Bart Simpson: Sorry Mom, the mob has spoken!

[Betty]

monorail.... Monorail!...... MONORAIL!!!!!

[Betty]

IVF got the lady preggers. Yay! Then they find out that there was a bit of a mix up with the embros and the baby isn't hers. So, when the boy is born they'll give the baby to his actual biological parents. Wild!

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090922/NEWS16/909220358

[Kevy Baby]

IVF got the lady preggers. Yay! Then they find out that there was a bit of a mix up with the embros and the baby isn't hers. So, when the boy is born they'll give the baby to his actual biological parents. Wild!

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090922/NEWS16/909220358This isn't the first time this has happened

[alphabassettgrrl]

IVF got the lady preggers. Yay! Then they find out that there was a bit of a mix up with the embros and the baby isn't hers. So, when the boy is born they'll give the baby to his actual biological parents. Wild!

Oops. I can't imagine the emotional roller coaster of that poor woman. I mean, it's one thing to sign on to be a surrogate, but when you intend the baby to be yours? And then it isn't? Wow.

[bewitched]

Kirk Cameron and some religious group he's affiliated with has added a crazy, religious to The Origin of Species. He claims Darwin was racist, sexist and has an "undeniable connection" with Hitler (yep, he just kinda throws that in there).

"Someday a bat**** crazy, facist dictator will be able to use my work for eeeeeviiiiiilllll...mwahahahahah!"


Kirk Cameron attempts to stay relevant. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM0oBuhTLRI)

[Gemini Cricket]

Was he ever relevant?
;)

[Kevy Baby]

I just realized that I can no longer discuss anything regarding "the free market", because I've read too much from economists about how the free market is a myth.The wonderful thing about economists that you can find one to support just about any economic theory you want.

DEFINITELY not meant as a bash to your post, just a humourous (to me) observation.

There is a Bloom County strip that I was trying to find that would be appropriate here, but no such luck

[Kevy Baby]

Was he ever relevant?
;)To per-teen girls in the 80's he was.

[Gemini Cricket]

To per-teen girls in the 80's he was.
Well, not to this one he wasn't.
:D

I never got into Growing Pains when it was on. But, there was a stupid joke going around my high school where someone would say, "Do you like Groin Pains?" And, thinking that the person said Growing Pains you'd say yes. Then they'd knee you in the nuts.

[Alex]

He claims Darwin was racist, sexist and has an "undeniable connection" with Hitler (yep, he just kinda throws that in there).

That's not a thought (the Hitler part, I've no doubt that by our standards he was racist and sexist) unique to Cameron. It is a very common view expressed in certain creationist circles. Mostly based on the mistaken assumption that Social Darwinism was his idea (which led to eugenics which led to some of the atrocities of Hitler).

ETA: Actually watching video now. Who wants to tell him he got the title of the book wrong?

[bewitched]

To per-teen girls in the 80's he was.

Yep. Back when he was only a little odd.

[bewitched]

That's not a thought (the Hitler part, I've no doubt that by our standards he was racist and sexist) unique to Cameron. It is a very common view expressed in certain creationist circles. Mostly based on the mistaken assumption that Social Darwinism was his idea (which led to eugenics which led to some of the atrocities of Hitler).

ETA: Actually watching video now. Who wants to tell him he got the title of the book wrong?

I like how showing college students mindlessly grabbing some free handout on campus is "proof" that no one disagrees with it. I personally have mindlessly taken many a Bible being handed out near my various colleges over the years.

[Alex]

Yeah, and notice that the cover of the book in no indicates it is something more than just a free copy of On the Origin of Species. So, if I were aware of the anniversary I wouldn't at all be surprised to see copied being handed out by some group.

Besides, people handing out books free on campus is how I ended up with several dozen bibles and the collected oeuvre of the Hare Krishnas by the time I graduated.

It is also why I have a half dozen sample size packets of dog treats in my desk at work since they were standing outside the BART station for a week. Someday I might have a dog, or skip lunch and be really hungry.

[Ghoulish Delight]

That's not a thought (the Hitler part, I've no doubt that by our standards he was racist and sexist) unique to Cameron. It is a very common view expressed in certain creationist circles. Mostly based on the mistaken assumption that Social Darwinism was his idea (which led to eugenics which led to some of the atrocities of Hitler).

ETA: Actually watching video now. Who wants to tell him he got the title of the book wrong?I happened to have just read the chapter about Francis Galton in The Drunkard's Walk today.

[Alex]

Is that interesting, well written? I heard an interview with the author but then forgot about the book.

And speaking of randomness, I strongly recommend everybody listen to this episode (http://blogs.wnyc.org/radiolab/2009/06/15/stochasticity/) of Radio Lab on stochasticity. And internalize everything said in the first 20 minutes.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Mwanza Flat-headed Rock Agama: The Spiderman Lizard
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1215045/Demand-Spiderman-lizard-soars-uncanny-resemblance-Marvel-comic-hero.html)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agama_mwanzae)

Picshttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Flat-headed_Rock_Agama%2C_Serengeti.jpg/800px-Flat-headed_Rock_Agama%2C_Serengeti.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/09/21/article-0-06857E11000005DC-530_634x396.jpg

[lashbear]

that lizard is the CUTEST.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Is that interesting, well written? I heard an interview with the author but then forgot about the book.

And speaking of randomness, I strongly recommend everybody listen to this episode (http://blogs.wnyc.org/radiolab/2009/06/15/stochasticity/) of Radio Lab on stochasticity. And internalize everything said in the first 20 minutes.It's pretty good. The statistical information is probably not new to you, but he spends a lot of time on the history of probability mathematics statistics so that keeps it interesting.

[Moonliner]

Yeah, and notice that the cover of the book in no indicates it is something more than just a free copy of On the Origin of Species.

So anyone have any plans for Nov 19th? It might be fun to get a group together to meet on the various campuses with signs that read:

FYI:
Book by Darwin
Forward by Bible Thumping Loonies

[Stan4dSteph]

Just make sure you spell it foreword, not forward.

[bewitched]

Mwanza Flat-headed Rock Agama: The Spiderman Lizard
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1215045/Demand-Spiderman-lizard-soars-uncanny-resemblance-Marvel-comic-hero.html)
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agama_mwanzae)

Picshttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Flat-headed_Rock_Agama%2C_Serengeti.jpg/800px-Flat-headed_Rock_Agama%2C_Serengeti.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/09/21/article-0-06857E11000005DC-530_634x396.jpg

You know he sits around on rocks going, "I am AWE-some!"

Spider lizard,
Spider lizard,
Does whatever a spider lizard does...

[bewitched]

So anyone have any plans for Nov 19th? It might be fun to get a group together to meet on the various campuses with signs that read:

FYI:
Book by Darwin
Forward by Bible Thumping Loonies

Or it might be fun to go hand out copies of the Bible with a foreward debunking creationism glued in.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

And speaking of randomness, I strongly recommend everybody listen to this episode (http://blogs.wnyc.org/radiolab/2009/06/15/stochasticity/) of Radio Lab on stochasticity. And internalize everything said in the first 20 minutes.Wow! Love it.

[Alex]

It's pretty good. The statistical information is probably not new to you, but he spends a lot of time on the history of probability mathematics statistics so that keeps it interesting.

Just bought it.

Wow! Love it.

I know! Every time I've heard it I've literally fantasized about kidnapping most of the people I know and forcing them to listen to it over and over and over again until they truly understand what it means and adjust their view of coincidence/miracle accordingly.

[Deebs]

The mayor of Wellford, SC defends her new no-chase policy.

"Let's be reasonable" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lZ5qeaqF-4)

Hallelujah and God bless you!

[Moonliner]

Or it might be fun to go hand out copies of the Bible with a foreward debunking creationism glued in.

Even better!

VBM

[scaeagles]

Rescue team uses saw to free trapped penis (http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/health/Firefighters-Save-Trapped-Penis-61110862.html)

[SzczerbiakManiac]

"Keith Jones, deputy fire chief in Costa Mesa, told the OC Register that the man's penis remained fully intact."

That's a shame because I'd like this dimwit to be permanently removed from the gene pool.

[JWBear]

I just read that, in the contiguous 48 states, the farthest you can be from a McDonalds is 107 miles!

[Disneyphile]

I just read that, in the contiguous 48 states, the farthest you can be from a McDonalds is 107 miles!I'm betting Starbucks is even less. ;)

[Moonliner]

That's a shame because I'd like this dimwit to be permanently removed from the gene pool.

Oh come on, at some point we've all put that thing were it don't belong at least once or twice...

[Gemini Cricket]

This week, the Allwetterzoo Zoo of Munster, Germany assumed responsibility for the upbringing of a baby rhino whose mother rejected it at birth.
Source (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/24/baby-rhino-in-german-zoo_n_298601.html)

Listen here, Rhino mama, if you ain't gonna take care of a baby, don't have a baby.
;) :D

Cute cute cute pics.