Elaine Davidson, the world's most pierced person, started out with 'only' 280 piercings in 97. Now she has 6005, 1500 of which are internal (whatever that means). Wonder how she gets through metal detectors...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Brazil's "Town of Twins"
The mystery has persisted for decades, attracting international attention and inspiring books and investigations by geneticists.The geneticists have no solid explanation for the 38 pairs of twins among about 80 families living in a one-and-a-half-square-mile area in CÂNDIDO GODÓI, Brazil. Locals say it's "in the water" that a mineral exists that affects ovulation. Some specialists say it's due to inbreeding and genetic isolationism. Some even think it is linked to Joseph Mengele, the Nazi doctor who did experiments at Auschwitz during WWII on twins, who is said to have roamed this Brazilian area years ago. A local doctor who set out to discover why the high concentration of twins believes that the citizens are holding back on information on Mengele still fearing for themselves.
This would be a nice village for Octo-mom.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
German Carnival Float
A carnival float carrying a large papier-mache figure of US President Barack Obama as an angel with a woman as Europe behind him, is seen during the traditional Rose Monday carnival parade in Duesseldorf
They got the ears down pat!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Matchstick Art
Artist David Mach has used tens of thousands of matchsticks to create this intricate gorilla sculpture.
Mr Mach used an astonishing 30,000 matches to complete the 15-inch high gorilla head, which has flared nostrils and a fierce open mouth.
It took three months of intensive work to finish the piece, by painstakingly gluing each match onto a mould at his London studio.
He recreated the animals' features and different skin shades using 14 different coloured matchsticks imported from Japan.
It took three months of intensive work to finish the piece, by painstakingly gluing each match onto a mould at his London studio.
He recreated the animals' features and different skin shades using 14 different coloured matchsticks imported from Japan.
Mr Mach and his wife Lesley, who helps run the studio, warn buyers to take care of the pieces because they are highly flammable.
But they revealed that after accidentally setting fire to one of the sculptures, they have begun torching the extravagant figureheads at exhibition launches.
But they revealed that after accidentally setting fire to one of the sculptures, they have begun torching the extravagant figureheads at exhibition launches.
If you buy one of Mr. Mach's animals in London, don't plan on carrying it on an airplane...I think it exceeds the match limit!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Lost Chompers found in Ocean
While we're on the subject of the southern hemisphere, I found this little tidbit and thought I'd post especially for Mom:
IT is a trillion to one story - and Phillip Worth is happy to have the teeth to tell it.
The 67-year-old was contemplating a miserable New Year’s Eve after losing his dentures while surfing at Terrigal on the Australian coast.
But 26 hours later his luck changed when he saw his pearly whites coming in with the tide.
“I was on my surfboard about 100 metres out and I sneezed, the next minute my top plate popped out and sank,” said Mr Worth.
But two days later, he stumbled across his gnashers being washed in by the tide.
When he put his teeth back in they were better than ever. “They’re sharper I noticed, truly.”
But 26 hours later his luck changed when he saw his pearly whites coming in with the tide.
“I was on my surfboard about 100 metres out and I sneezed, the next minute my top plate popped out and sank,” said Mr Worth.
But two days later, he stumbled across his gnashers being washed in by the tide.
When he put his teeth back in they were better than ever. “They’re sharper I noticed, truly.”
Friday, February 20, 2009
Carnival Chaos Begins
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Rio de Janeiro began four days of revelry on Friday as the mayor handed the city keys to the Lord of Misrule signaling the start of its famed Carnival.
The huge annual pre-Lenten party traditionally begins with the symbolic relinquishing of control of the Brazilian city to King Momo, this year in the portly shape of Milton Rodrigues da Silva, and the forces of Carnival chaos he represents.
The huge annual pre-Lenten party traditionally begins with the symbolic relinquishing of control of the Brazilian city to King Momo, this year in the portly shape of Milton Rodrigues da Silva, and the forces of Carnival chaos he represents.
Ah, to be in the southern hemisphere, where even the keys are inserted in the opposite direction...
Laine Beenken- Feb 9, 2009
Introducing Norm's grandson- Laine- what a cutie.
Am sure both Norm and Mom Nichole are very proud.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Buddhist Beer Bottle Bungalow
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew, also known as Wat Lan Kuad or 'the Temple of a Million Bottles', is in Sisaket province near the Cambodian border, 400 miles from the capital Bangkok.
The Buddhist monks began collecting bottles in 1984 and they collected so many that they decided to use them as a building material.
They encouraged the local authorities to send them more and they have now created a complex of around 20 buildings using the beer bottles, comprising the main temple over a lake, crematorium, prayer rooms, a hall, water tower, tourist bathrooms and several small bungalows raised off the ground which serve as monks quarters.
The bottles do not lose their colour, provide good lighting and are easy to clean, the men say.
A concrete core is used to strengthen the building and the green bottles are Heineken and the brown ones are the Thai beer Chang.
The monks are so eco-friendly that the mosaics of Buddha are created with recycled beer bottle caps.
The Buddhist monks began collecting bottles in 1984 and they collected so many that they decided to use them as a building material.
They encouraged the local authorities to send them more and they have now created a complex of around 20 buildings using the beer bottles, comprising the main temple over a lake, crematorium, prayer rooms, a hall, water tower, tourist bathrooms and several small bungalows raised off the ground which serve as monks quarters.
The bottles do not lose their colour, provide good lighting and are easy to clean, the men say.
A concrete core is used to strengthen the building and the green bottles are Heineken and the brown ones are the Thai beer Chang.
The monks are so eco-friendly that the mosaics of Buddha are created with recycled beer bottle caps.
I see a 'Hamm's" label on the roof.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Zipper
An outfit every woman should have:
The Zipper is made of 120 separate zips that can be added, removed or partially undone to create endless possibilities.
It can be adapted to create anything from a belt or t-shirt to a full-length evening dress.
The neckline, dress length and sleeve length are all easily adjustable.
By removing zips from the middle of the outfit it can even become a two-piece mini skirt and crop-top.
It means women trying to reduce their spending during the recession can now can effectively get more than 100 outfits for the price of one.
The possibilities are increased further by partially unzipping parts of the dress to reveal bare skin or coloured clothing worn underneath.
It can be adapted to create anything from a belt or t-shirt to a full-length evening dress.
The neckline, dress length and sleeve length are all easily adjustable.
By removing zips from the middle of the outfit it can even become a two-piece mini skirt and crop-top.
It means women trying to reduce their spending during the recession can now can effectively get more than 100 outfits for the price of one.
The possibilities are increased further by partially unzipping parts of the dress to reveal bare skin or coloured clothing worn underneath.
Hope it isn't 'one zipper fits all'...I'll need the Large.
Happy Belated Birthday, Betty
Look who was "70" on the 14th. Happy Belated Birthday, Beautiful BettySunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Lego phones
Lego, the Danish toy company, plans to go cellular:
The slim mobile has a plastic casing made up of colourful lego bricks, which the user can change according to their mood.
The number keypad, for instance, can be changed from blue to green by simply clicking a new piece of Lego – as if the user were constructing a Lego building.
The details have emerged thanks to a photograph of the prototype leaking on the the internet, via the website boygeniusreport.com.
It is understood that the phone, initially aimed at the US and Asian market, will be priced at betweeen $20 (£13.80) to $60, and will include an MP3 player, walkie-talkie and digital camera.
The number keypad, for instance, can be changed from blue to green by simply clicking a new piece of Lego – as if the user were constructing a Lego building.
The details have emerged thanks to a photograph of the prototype leaking on the the internet, via the website boygeniusreport.com.
It is understood that the phone, initially aimed at the US and Asian market, will be priced at betweeen $20 (£13.80) to $60, and will include an MP3 player, walkie-talkie and digital camera.
Yes, this is all good but what can you build with it?
Broken Fingernails-at last
World's record holder breaks nails in car crash!
Ms Redmond of Salt Lake City, Utah, sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the accident this week, the Deseret News reported.
She is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the longest fingernails in the world.
Ms Redmond's nails, which hadn't been cut since 1979, were broken in the crash. According to the Guinness Book of World Records website, her nails measured a total of more than 28 feet long in 2008, with the longest nail on her right thumb at 2 feet, 11 inches.
Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt Don Hutson said Ms Redmond was freed from an SUV in the crash and taken to the hospital in a serious condition.
She is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the longest fingernails in the world.
Ms Redmond's nails, which hadn't been cut since 1979, were broken in the crash. According to the Guinness Book of World Records website, her nails measured a total of more than 28 feet long in 2008, with the longest nail on her right thumb at 2 feet, 11 inches.
Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt Don Hutson said Ms Redmond was freed from an SUV in the crash and taken to the hospital in a serious condition.
Better the nails than the neck....
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Barbie turns 50
Forget the furore over Madonna turning 50, an even more imposing fashion icon is hitting the big five zero and she is doing so in serious style. Barbie, who (whisper it) must have had work done because she’s looking a little plastic, is about to be feted in a series of fashion celebrations.
Taking time out from her many demanding careers — astronaut, rap artist, Unicef ambassador, Marine Corps sergeant, air hostess, paediatrician, firewoman and politician – Babs will take centre stage at the first ever Barbie runway show at New York Fashion Week on Valentine’s Day.
Taking time out from her many demanding careers — astronaut, rap artist, Unicef ambassador, Marine Corps sergeant, air hostess, paediatrician, firewoman and politician – Babs will take centre stage at the first ever Barbie runway show at New York Fashion Week on Valentine’s Day.
And just think how much those original dolls would be worth today! I pierced my Barbie's ears and gave her a haircut but then again, she would only be about 40 years old. I think my babysitters had the original ones.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Latest in computer hacking
Road Signs!
Wish I had the skills to hack into traffic signs--just to see people's faces as they drive by. The first one appeared early last week in Texas. Soon to follow was the second one and I'm sure it will not be the last as hackers can't help but be copycats. The computers that run these signs are located right on the sign itself...guess that means its public domain. Local traffic directors, however, aren't laughing and are saying the violators will be prosecuted.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Yeti expedition returns
The recent return of the first expedition searching for Yeti in 2009 has come back with a few frightening stories. The hunt was supported by MonsterQuest, who filmed an episode of their Season Three during the investigative journey.
Senior producer Will Yates just told me http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/1-yeti-exp-09/ that the team found themselves, indeed, on “a dangerous expedition out in Nepal. The trekking was much more difficult than they anticipated and at one point a crew member nearly slipped to his death. At the end of the expedition helicopters had to do an extraction off the mountain.”
Senior producer Will Yates just told me http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/1-yeti-exp-09/ that the team found themselves, indeed, on “a dangerous expedition out in Nepal. The trekking was much more difficult than they anticipated and at one point a crew member nearly slipped to his death. At the end of the expedition helicopters had to do an extraction off the mountain.”
Picture on the right is an oldie of Sir Edmund Hillary with a supposed Yeti skullcap. MonsterQuest must still be editing because season three has started and there's no mention of the Yeti in www.historychannel.com 's monsterpedia.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Snakes that won't fit on a plane
CNN) -- Scientists in Colombia have unearthed the remains of a true pre-historic monster believed to be the biggest snake ever to have lived on Earth.
Named Titanoboa cerrejonensis, the snake would have weighed 1,140 kilograms (2,500 pounds) and measured 13 meters (42.7 feet) nose to tail tip -- dwarfing the largest modern pythons and anacondas which can grow to 6 meters (19.5 feet).
Scientists believe it slithered around the planet between 58 and 60 million years ago.
Geologist David Polly, who identified the position of the fossil vertebrae which made a size estimate possible, said in a statement Wednesday: "At its greatest width, the snake would have come up to about your hips."
Named Titanoboa cerrejonensis, the snake would have weighed 1,140 kilograms (2,500 pounds) and measured 13 meters (42.7 feet) nose to tail tip -- dwarfing the largest modern pythons and anacondas which can grow to 6 meters (19.5 feet).
Scientists believe it slithered around the planet between 58 and 60 million years ago.
Geologist David Polly, who identified the position of the fossil vertebrae which made a size estimate possible, said in a statement Wednesday: "At its greatest width, the snake would have come up to about your hips."
I'm thinking this snake probably ate St. Bernard sized rodents!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Bat'leth Bandits
The Klingons are back in the news
and will probably be making first contact in Colorado as someone has stolen one of their weapons and is robbing 7-11s with it:
A man used a "Star Trek Klingon type sword" to allegedly rob two Colorado Springs stores early Wednesday morning, police told The Denver Post.
The robber used a weapon described to police as a "Batleth" sword, according to the newspaper.
Police said the man was wearing a black mask, blue jeans and a black jacket, and fled on foot from both stores with an undisclosed amount of cash, The Denver Post reported.
He targeted two 7-11 stores in the span of an hour, starting shortly before 2 a.m., police said.
Bat'leth itself means "Sword of Honor" in Klingon.
A replica bat'leth was among the blades surrendered to British police as part of the 2006 knife amnesty.
I am curious as to how the 7-11 workers knew this was a Bat'leth...aren't most Trekkies retired by now?
Monday, February 2, 2009
Happy Birthday, Beth- 62 on Jan. 31.
Happy Birthday Beth. Sorry I didn't get this on the blog sooner. Do you rememberwhere you were when this was taken??? Hope you got your card on time.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Springbreak in Chariton
Midnight temperatures heading into February, 2009. If this continues, I'm taking my Spring break in Chariton, IA...too cold in Florida...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
