oddities archives
Apr
1
2008
getting into the april fool's spirit
True to form, ThinkGeek is offering its typical array of themed products as well. I want Wii Sports for iPhone (no link, sadly), though I could be convinced to get the Betamax-to-HD-DVD Converter. (Still doesn’t beat last year’s SnuzNLuz Wifi…
True to form, ThinkGeek is offering its typical array of themed products as well. I want Wii Sports for iPhone (no link, sadly), though I could be convinced to get the Betamax-to-HD-DVD Converter. (Still doesn’t beat last year’s SnuzNLuz Wifi…
Nov
21
2007
the great wakkorotti
(If you can’t see the video above, it’s available on YouTube.) It’s silly and juvenile, but it still makes me laugh this Thanksgiving Eve….
(If you can’t see the video above, it’s available on YouTube.) It’s silly and juvenile, but it still makes me laugh this Thanksgiving Eve….
Oct
28
2007
seen: scratch n' sniff
Unpacking my goodies from tonight’s grocery run, I just noticed that my newly-purchased package of toothpaste has a scratch-and-sniff label. Scratch-and-sniff toothpaste? Really!?! Updated 10/28, 11:08 a.m.: On a related note, I just came across a line of scratch-and-sniff…
Unpacking my goodies from tonight’s grocery run, I just noticed that my newly-purchased package of toothpaste has a scratch-and-sniff label. Scratch-and-sniff toothpaste? Really!?! Updated 10/28, 11:08 a.m.: On a related note, I just came across a line of scratch-and-sniff…
Oct
22
2007
simian
One of the music podcasts I listen to just had an episode featuring a band called Simian Mobile Disco. I have no idea if they’re any good — and part of me doesn’t want to know, preferring to to keep…
One of the music podcasts I listen to just had an episode featuring a band called Simian Mobile Disco. I have no idea if they’re any good — and part of me doesn’t want to know, preferring to to keep…
Oct
19
2007
photo of the day: cannibal clouds
From my trip to Papago Park in Phoenix with my sister earlier this month. I’d never seen clouds quite like this before — but they remind me a lot of this Essex Green t-shirt, promoting the band’s album Cannibal…
From my trip to Papago Park in Phoenix with my sister earlier this month. I’d never seen clouds quite like this before — but they remind me a lot of this Essex Green t-shirt, promoting the band’s album Cannibal…
Sep
29
2007
more than that
By random chance, I happened upon a Web site to a vary similar domain name this this one earlier today — MoreThanThat.net (vs. MoreThanThis.net). The kicker: It’s a short-lived (Aug.-Nov. 2006) fansite for Jim and Pam of The Office. Granted,…
By random chance, I happened upon a Web site to a vary similar domain name this this one earlier today — MoreThanThat.net (vs. MoreThanThis.net). The kicker: It’s a short-lived (Aug.-Nov. 2006) fansite for Jim and Pam of The Office. Granted,…
Jul
25
2007
berries and cream
Because I can’t be the only one who’s seen this, I must now share… Yesterday, Brian pointed out a crazy Starburst commercial for its Berries and Cream candies. I can’t get the song (and that creepy little dancing guy) out…
Because I can’t be the only one who’s seen this, I must now share… Yesterday, Brian pointed out a crazy Starburst commercial for its Berries and Cream candies. I can’t get the song (and that creepy little dancing guy) out…
Jun
28
2007
metakurtz
I spotted something deliciously meta in my Facebook “stalker feed” this evening: The group’s full description: We read about Howard Kurtz’s Facebook adventures and made him our Facebook Friend. Now we live in abject fear—what if I write on your…
I spotted something deliciously meta in my Facebook “stalker feed” this evening: The group’s full description: We read about Howard Kurtz’s Facebook adventures and made him our Facebook Friend. Now we live in abject fear—what if I write on your…
Jun
19
2007
random trivia of the day
From the “I’d never really given it much thought, but now that I’ve read it I can’t get rid of the mental image” files… Slate had an explainer yesterday explaining some of the child labor rules about the employment of…
From the “I’d never really given it much thought, but now that I’ve read it I can’t get rid of the mental image” files… Slate had an explainer yesterday explaining some of the child labor rules about the employment of…
Jun
11
2007
photo of the day: don't forget
A ridiculously silly reminder on the pack of baking soda air freshener I just added to my freezer….
A ridiculously silly reminder on the pack of baking soda air freshener I just added to my freezer….
May
17
2007
photo of the day: hello goodbye
Rob spotted these cards side-by-side at Target last night. The juxtaposition offered some unintentional humor….
Rob spotted these cards side-by-side at Target last night. The juxtaposition offered some unintentional humor….
May
10
2007
phaeton
I don’t know what shadow puppets have to do with cars, but this advertisement for the new Volkswagen Phaeton is way cool: (If you can’t see the video player above, it’s available on YouTube. Thanks to Brian for pointing it…
I don’t know what shadow puppets have to do with cars, but this advertisement for the new Volkswagen Phaeton is way cool: (If you can’t see the video player above, it’s available on YouTube. Thanks to Brian for pointing it…
May
9
2007
i hate helvetica
Looking at my traffic logs, I noticed that today I’ve gotten a surprising amount of traffic from people searching for the phrase “I hate Helvetica” on Google. They all land on my post from March about the SXSW premiere of…
Looking at my traffic logs, I noticed that today I’ve gotten a surprising amount of traffic from people searching for the phrase “I hate Helvetica” on Google. They all land on my post from March about the SXSW premiere of…
Apr
27
2007
hazard
Rob passed along what’s become my new favorite font of the moment. Warning Tables features lots of different warning signs, including a couple of my favorite Stick Figures in Peril. Speaking of SFiP, part of me feels like this shirt…
Rob passed along what’s become my new favorite font of the moment. Warning Tables features lots of different warning signs, including a couple of my favorite Stick Figures in Peril. Speaking of SFiP, part of me feels like this shirt…
Apr
11
2007
dish
I was flipping through a housewares catalog this evening and came across this lovely bit of tackiness: So let me get this straight: This little crab guy is kicking back and smiling as you scoop out his innards. Ew. I…
I was flipping through a housewares catalog this evening and came across this lovely bit of tackiness: So let me get this straight: This little crab guy is kicking back and smiling as you scoop out his innards. Ew. I…
Mar
26
2007
random observation of the night
I have to ask: Why is it that models for women’s “shapewear” are exactly the types of folks who would least need that kind of product?…
I have to ask: Why is it that models for women’s “shapewear” are exactly the types of folks who would least need that kind of product?…
Feb
25
2007
random sign of the apocalpyse
Randomness in the news this week: Chimps are making their own weapons, and prairie dogs apparently have a “dark side” that includes cannibalism, murder and infanticide … What is the world coming to?…
Randomness in the news this week: Chimps are making their own weapons, and prairie dogs apparently have a “dark side” that includes cannibalism, murder and infanticide … What is the world coming to?…
Jan
16
2007
i want a penguin
(If you’re reading this via RSS, you can see the video on YouTube. Link found via swissmiss.) In related news, the New York Times ran a story last week about the preponderance of penguins these days in advertising….
(If you’re reading this via RSS, you can see the video on YouTube. Link found via swissmiss.) In related news, the New York Times ran a story last week about the preponderance of penguins these days in advertising….
Dec
13
2006
comment spam of the day
“Existential” must be my word of the day. But I really did laugh at a bit of spam I found in my blog’s junk comment filter tonight. existential felonious squirrels hurdle missioner parasitics youngest untouchables stings While comment continued with…
“Existential” must be my word of the day. But I really did laugh at a bit of spam I found in my blog’s junk comment filter tonight. existential felonious squirrels hurdle missioner parasitics youngest untouchables stings While comment continued with…
Nov
29
2006
meta meta meta
This post from Kottke pointing out a spiralling community of del.icio.us linkers just makes my head hurt. (Thanks to Adrian for the link.)…
This post from Kottke pointing out a spiralling community of del.icio.us linkers just makes my head hurt. (Thanks to Adrian for the link.)…
Nov
5
2006
topsy-turvy tree
So I have to ask… What the hell is this? I subscribe to a monthly e-mail newsletter from Home Depot. This month’s edition features holiday decorating tips. I was nodding, skimming along, until I came across this: Trends:The upside down…
So I have to ask… What the hell is this? I subscribe to a monthly e-mail newsletter from Home Depot. This month’s edition features holiday decorating tips. I was nodding, skimming along, until I came across this: Trends:The upside down…
Oct
27
2006
eyeliner
Slate’s William Saletan points out a new cosmetic procedure that makes my skin crawl just reading about it: Dozens of surgeons are learning to do eyelash transplants. The doctor takes follicles from your scalp (as with hair transplants for baldness)…
Slate’s William Saletan points out a new cosmetic procedure that makes my skin crawl just reading about it: Dozens of surgeons are learning to do eyelash transplants. The doctor takes follicles from your scalp (as with hair transplants for baldness)…
Sep
19
2006
scuttlebutt
Yarrr, the word on the wharf be that today was “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” Dari had a salient question: After appearing in that overlong SNL pirate convention sketch last year, does actor Peter Sarsgaard even leave the house on…
Yarrr, the word on the wharf be that today was “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” Dari had a salient question: After appearing in that overlong SNL pirate convention sketch last year, does actor Peter Sarsgaard even leave the house on…
Jun
15
2006
happy morning. now go away.
I came across this insane new Folger’s Coffee ad this morning. All I have to say is if an army of LSD-addled Andy Dick clones invaded my house every morning, I would snap before they even got to “happy morning.”…
I came across this insane new Folger’s Coffee ad this morning. All I have to say is if an army of LSD-addled Andy Dick clones invaded my house every morning, I would snap before they even got to “happy morning.”…
May
29
2006
gulliver's bunny
This weekend I ran across the oddest public art installation I’ve seen in a while: a giant pink stuffed bunny in the Italian countryside. “Hase” is the work of gelitin, a four-person art group based in Austria. The artists describe…
This weekend I ran across the oddest public art installation I’ve seen in a while: a giant pink stuffed bunny in the Italian countryside. “Hase” is the work of gelitin, a four-person art group based in Austria. The artists describe…
Feb
24
2006
to the batcave
How very cool would it be to have a secret passageway in your house? Apparently, there’s a company in Mesa, Ariz., that specializes in this sort of thing, offering installation and do-it-yourself instructions for setting up hidden rooms and compartments…
How very cool would it be to have a secret passageway in your house? Apparently, there’s a company in Mesa, Ariz., that specializes in this sort of thing, offering installation and do-it-yourself instructions for setting up hidden rooms and compartments…
Feb
22
2006
spam domain
On occasion, I’ll get spam e-mail that appears to come from a subdomain owned by my webhost. I’m not really sure how or why that happens, but sometimes, especially given my webhost’s quirky taste in server names, it results in…
On occasion, I’ll get spam e-mail that appears to come from a subdomain owned by my webhost. I’m not really sure how or why that happens, but sometimes, especially given my webhost’s quirky taste in server names, it results in…
Feb
17
2006
domain registration
The 12-year-old in me giggles when I read through this list … but it’s still important advice: When you register your domain name … be careful If you don’t you could end up like … “Who Represents?”, a database of…
The 12-year-old in me giggles when I read through this list … but it’s still important advice: When you register your domain name … be careful If you don’t you could end up like … “Who Represents?”, a database of…
Jan
27
2006
personal jesus
This is so, incredibly weird that, two hours later, I’m still not entirely sure how to react to it. I’m vaguely intrigued, vaguely repulsed, vaguely befuddled by this story in The Guardian: The BBC plans to mark the crucifixion and…
This is so, incredibly weird that, two hours later, I’m still not entirely sure how to react to it. I’m vaguely intrigued, vaguely repulsed, vaguely befuddled by this story in The Guardian: The BBC plans to mark the crucifixion and…
Dec
21
2005
pardon our dust
This has been floating around for a little while now, but I’m posting it anyway because it’s caused me no end of amusement this week… The Gap hired director Spike Jonze to produce a TV spot to promote the company’s…
This has been floating around for a little while now, but I’m posting it anyway because it’s caused me no end of amusement this week… The Gap hired director Spike Jonze to produce a TV spot to promote the company’s…
Nov
11
2005
addictive
Crazy-addictive games of the day: Letters 2 - A typing game (more exciting than it sounds) Sudoku - Crazy numerical logic puzzles. I didn’t really understand the appeal until I started toying with the online version early this morning. The…
Crazy-addictive games of the day: Letters 2 - A typing game (more exciting than it sounds) Sudoku - Crazy numerical logic puzzles. I didn’t really understand the appeal until I started toying with the online version early this morning. The…
Oct
25
2005
Oct
24
2005
creepy phone call of the day
I went home briefly for lunch today, and while I was home, I got a strange phone call: I picked up the phone. “Hello?” A woman’s voice on the other end of the line asked, “Can I speak to ……
I went home briefly for lunch today, and while I was home, I got a strange phone call: I picked up the phone. “Hello?” A woman’s voice on the other end of the line asked, “Can I speak to ……
Oct
18
2005
dangerdoom
Wacky video of the day: An Adult Swim advertisement featuring Matthew Lesko, advertising a new product: “DANGERDOOM.” It’s a trip. My first thought when this video started was something along the lines of, “Whoa. Decaf, dude.” Then it gradually shifted…
Wacky video of the day: An Adult Swim advertisement featuring Matthew Lesko, advertising a new product: “DANGERDOOM.” It’s a trip. My first thought when this video started was something along the lines of, “Whoa. Decaf, dude.” Then it gradually shifted…
Oct
7
2005
weird spam of the day
The spam filter missed this one: Hi Alyson, Stephen Pierce was shot right there in the streets of Washington D.C. But that’s not why you need to know his name Alyson… Over the years after that one horrific incident, and…
The spam filter missed this one: Hi Alyson, Stephen Pierce was shot right there in the streets of Washington D.C. But that’s not why you need to know his name Alyson… Over the years after that one horrific incident, and…
Oct
6
2005
best. cutline. ever.
You must check out this photo and caption, spotted in the Roanoke Times and reposted to Flickr. (Link found via Newly Purnell via DCBlogs.)…
You must check out this photo and caption, spotted in the Roanoke Times and reposted to Flickr. (Link found via Newly Purnell via DCBlogs.)…
Sep
20
2005
power suit
Shawn pointed me toward a crazy Reuters story out of Sydney about the ultimate power suit: An Australian man built up a 40,000-volt charge of static electricity in his clothes as he walked, leaving a trail of scorched carpet and…
Shawn pointed me toward a crazy Reuters story out of Sydney about the ultimate power suit: An Australian man built up a 40,000-volt charge of static electricity in his clothes as he walked, leaving a trail of scorched carpet and…
Sep
19
2005
the pirate made me do it
Once again, it’s time for the annual Talk Like a Pirate Day. The Going Out Gurus at washingtonpost.com last week offered a list of ways to celebrate the occasion here in the D.C. area. Arrr….
Once again, it’s time for the annual Talk Like a Pirate Day. The Going Out Gurus at washingtonpost.com last week offered a list of ways to celebrate the occasion here in the D.C. area. Arrr….
Aug
15
2005
air ninja
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that the Transportation Security Administration is considering rolling back some of the airline security restrictions that have gone into effect since Sept. 11, 2001. (“Airline Security Changes Planned” - 08/15/05) Among those: The proposal…
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that the Transportation Security Administration is considering rolling back some of the airline security restrictions that have gone into effect since Sept. 11, 2001. (“Airline Security Changes Planned” - 08/15/05) Among those: The proposal…
Aug
12
2005
overwatered
Here’s another recent death I can’t entirely wrap my head around, for very different reasons: A young, healthy D.C. police officer collapsed Tuesday after a 12-mile bike ride and died the following day. The suspected cause of death: not heat…
Here’s another recent death I can’t entirely wrap my head around, for very different reasons: A young, healthy D.C. police officer collapsed Tuesday after a 12-mile bike ride and died the following day. The suspected cause of death: not heat…
Jul
18
2005
shelter from the storm
This cracks me up… When an iPod Sock just won’t do, and you need extra protection from the cold and wind, get the inCLUDE, a parka for the iPod Shuffle. (Link found via MacMerc.com.) …
This cracks me up… When an iPod Sock just won’t do, and you need extra protection from the cold and wind, get the inCLUDE, a parka for the iPod Shuffle. (Link found via MacMerc.com.) …
Jun
18
2005
photo printing made not-so-easy
So much for technology making things easier. AP reports that some amateur photographers are being turned away from photo printing labs because their photos are too good. The problem: Copyright law requires photo labs to be on the lookout for…
So much for technology making things easier. AP reports that some amateur photographers are being turned away from photo printing labs because their photos are too good. The problem: Copyright law requires photo labs to be on the lookout for…
Jun
3
2005
the sith sense
I’m home sick today, and since I hate doing nothing, I’m tucked in bed with my laptop, enjoying the utter randomness of the Internet. And I do mean random. Best site of the morning: The Sith Sense, part of…
I’m home sick today, and since I hate doing nothing, I’m tucked in bed with my laptop, enjoying the utter randomness of the Internet. And I do mean random. Best site of the morning: The Sith Sense, part of…
Mar
30
2005
played-ya-ism
Note to self: Don’t solicit random strangers via IM to write my academic papers for me, as this dim soul in Illinois did. It’s academically dishonest, and you never know just how badly it’ll backfire. Dumbass. (Random observation: After this…
Note to self: Don’t solicit random strangers via IM to write my academic papers for me, as this dim soul in Illinois did. It’s academically dishonest, and you never know just how badly it’ll backfire. Dumbass. (Random observation: After this…
Mar
6
2005
superjobs
TPS: This Place Sucks: It’s Office Space, starring the Super Friends. Speaking of the Super Friends, I’ve been getting a kick out of the Adult Swim show Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law on the Cartoon Network, which consists of utterly…
TPS: This Place Sucks: It’s Office Space, starring the Super Friends. Speaking of the Super Friends, I’ve been getting a kick out of the Adult Swim show Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law on the Cartoon Network, which consists of utterly…
Feb
26
2005
seen: a new revolution
The remnants of a novelty sticker on the backside of a sign near the Tidal Basin reads "Liberaché: Revolution in Rhinestones."…
The remnants of a novelty sticker on the backside of a sign near the Tidal Basin reads "Liberaché: Revolution in Rhinestones."…
Feb
24
2005
randomizer
Random things that I’ve been meaning to blog about, but hadn’t gotten the chance to write an actual entry for: celebrity Apple store customers, purple vs. red ink, McDonald’s in the produce business and credit card micropayments.
Random things that I’ve been meaning to blog about, but hadn’t gotten the chance to write an actual entry for: celebrity Apple store customers, purple vs. red ink, McDonald’s in the produce business and credit card micropayments.
Feb
1
2005
pump up the volume
Another goofus marked for life because of his on-camera antics: Dorky kid lip-synchs enthusiastically to Romanian techno-pop. Incidentally, the painfully addictive song, “Dragostea Din Tei” by O-Zone, is available on the iTunes Music Store, as are a whole bunch of…
Another goofus marked for life because of his on-camera antics: Dorky kid lip-synchs enthusiastically to Romanian techno-pop. Incidentally, the painfully addictive song, “Dragostea Din Tei” by O-Zone, is available on the iTunes Music Store, as are a whole bunch of…
Jan
17
2005
another 'viral video'
Warren Ellis points out another of those “fake” European car ads distributed online, this one for the Volkswagen Polo (Quicktime). It’s even more offensive than the Ford Sportka ads. (In all seriousness, it’s pretty bad.)…
Warren Ellis points out another of those “fake” European car ads distributed online, this one for the Volkswagen Polo (Quicktime). It’s even more offensive than the Ford Sportka ads. (In all seriousness, it’s pretty bad.)…
Dec
29
2004
seen: remedy of last resort
Seen in the “Today’s Headlines and Columnists” e-mail digest from washingtonpost.com: New Drug Is Approved To Treat Chronic Pain Synthetic Snail Venom Is Considered a Last Resort (The Washington Post) Ewww. I have to wonder who would have thought up…
Seen in the “Today’s Headlines and Columnists” e-mail digest from washingtonpost.com: New Drug Is Approved To Treat Chronic Pain Synthetic Snail Venom Is Considered a Last Resort (The Washington Post) Ewww. I have to wonder who would have thought up…
Nov
27
2004
these precious things
The Chicago-based company LifeGem has introduced a … unique … new way to honor the dead: turn their remains into gemstones. (AP: “Company Makes Gems From Loved Ones’ Ashes” - 11/26/04) Proving that diamonds indeed are forever, a widower got…
The Chicago-based company LifeGem has introduced a … unique … new way to honor the dead: turn their remains into gemstones. (AP: “Company Makes Gems From Loved Ones’ Ashes” - 11/26/04) Proving that diamonds indeed are forever, a widower got…
Nov
24
2004
crabby ransom
Wire story seen today at azcentral.com: SpongeBob kidnappers seek ransom MINNESOTA - Police are looking for a a blow-up figure of SpongeBob SquarePants swiped from a Minnesota Burger King. They’ve found a ransom note which starts off: “We have SpongeBob.”…
Wire story seen today at azcentral.com: SpongeBob kidnappers seek ransom MINNESOTA - Police are looking for a a blow-up figure of SpongeBob SquarePants swiped from a Minnesota Burger King. They’ve found a ransom note which starts off: “We have SpongeBob.”…
Nov
18
2004
feiss forward
Ellen Feiss is back. Sort of. Feiss was one of the “real people” stars of Apple’s 2002 “Switch” ad campaign. Appearing slightly stoned (she later said she was taking allergy medication at the time the ad was filmed), Feiss became…
Ellen Feiss is back. Sort of. Feiss was one of the “real people” stars of Apple’s 2002 “Switch” ad campaign. Appearing slightly stoned (she later said she was taking allergy medication at the time the ad was filmed), Feiss became…
Oct
29
2004
plunder for plumbers
I guess the autumn / winter holidays are prime time for plumbers: Pumpkin Guts Plug Drains Who would have guessed — Roto-Rooter says this week is one of the busiest of the year because people try to wash pumpkin guts…
I guess the autumn / winter holidays are prime time for plumbers: Pumpkin Guts Plug Drains Who would have guessed — Roto-Rooter says this week is one of the busiest of the year because people try to wash pumpkin guts…
Sep
30
2004
seen: hazing salvation
Rob spotted this odd story at ESPN.com today: Did cheerleader boots help protect rookie? KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cleveland Indians pitcher Kyle Denney was hit in the leg by a bullet that pierced the team’s bus Wednesday night, but he…
Rob spotted this odd story at ESPN.com today: Did cheerleader boots help protect rookie? KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Cleveland Indians pitcher Kyle Denney was hit in the leg by a bullet that pierced the team’s bus Wednesday night, but he…
Sep
21
2004
the stiletto defense
Various news outlets report that a North Carolina woman got out of a DUI rap after her male lawyer successfully argued that her 3 ½-inch stilletto heels prevented her from passing a roadside sobriety test. (AP: “DUI defense: Hard to…
Various news outlets report that a North Carolina woman got out of a DUI rap after her male lawyer successfully argued that her 3 ½-inch stilletto heels prevented her from passing a roadside sobriety test. (AP: “DUI defense: Hard to…
Sep
19
2004
'tis that time again, matey
Avast! Once again, aye, ‘tis Talk Like a Pirate Day! And this time, the organizers even have a book to teach ye how to be talkin’ like a proper pirate. Get even more into character and get ye a pirate…
Avast! Once again, aye, ‘tis Talk Like a Pirate Day! And this time, the organizers even have a book to teach ye how to be talkin’ like a proper pirate. Get even more into character and get ye a pirate…
Sep
10
2004
hot dog
I have a new oddball mini-obsession with the television commercial (QuickTime movie) for the new Nintendo GameCube game “Pikmin 2.” It’s weird, vaguely disturbing and offbeat-funny, all at once. I caught it the other night at the tail end of…
I have a new oddball mini-obsession with the television commercial (QuickTime movie) for the new Nintendo GameCube game “Pikmin 2.” It’s weird, vaguely disturbing and offbeat-funny, all at once. I caught it the other night at the tail end of…
Sep
1
2004
Aug
17
2004
costco coffins
Want a coffin with your case of cola? Warehouse store Costco is test-marketing coffins in some of its Chicago stores, reports the AP. (“Costco begins test marketing caskets” - 08/17/04) Whether you’re in the market for a good night’s sleep…
Want a coffin with your case of cola? Warehouse store Costco is test-marketing coffins in some of its Chicago stores, reports the AP. (“Costco begins test marketing caskets” - 08/17/04) Whether you’re in the market for a good night’s sleep…
Aug
16
2004
productivity killer
Need a break at the office this morning? Take a stab at this Flash-based trash can paper toss game. It’s a challenge! (Link found via Veer’s The Skinny.)…
Need a break at the office this morning? Take a stab at this Flash-based trash can paper toss game. It’s a challenge! (Link found via Veer’s The Skinny.)…
Jul
30
2004
abstract of the day
The way this abstract is written cracks me up. Wal-Mart thong dare gets 2 men arrested SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Two men who were arrested for walking through a Wal-Mart while wearing women’s thong underwear blamed the stunt on a “triple-dog…
The way this abstract is written cracks me up. Wal-Mart thong dare gets 2 men arrested SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Two men who were arrested for walking through a Wal-Mart while wearing women’s thong underwear blamed the stunt on a “triple-dog…
Jul
7
2004
only in kenya
From the people who brought you “BadgerBadgerBadger,” I bring you … “Kenya.” I love the lion muching on the giraffe leg. (It’s cuter than it sounds.) (Thanks to Mike for the link.)…
From the people who brought you “BadgerBadgerBadger,” I bring you … “Kenya.” I love the lion muching on the giraffe leg. (It’s cuter than it sounds.) (Thanks to Mike for the link.)…
Apr
25
2004
seen: baseball on mars?
Rob pointed out this bizarre cutline/story on Yahoo! News: District IV Little Leaguer Charles Cox, 11, of the Pat’s Market Cubs in Alexandria, Va., takes a swing during a game Tuesday, April 20, 2004, in Alexandria. Whether life exists on…
Rob pointed out this bizarre cutline/story on Yahoo! News: District IV Little Leaguer Charles Cox, 11, of the Pat’s Market Cubs in Alexandria, Va., takes a swing during a game Tuesday, April 20, 2004, in Alexandria. Whether life exists on…
Apr
16
2004
badger badger
Acid-trip weirdness of the day: badgerbadgerbadger.com. (Thanks to Mike for the link.)…
Acid-trip weirdness of the day: badgerbadgerbadger.com. (Thanks to Mike for the link.)…
Apr
7
2004
not a peep out of you
Every holiday seems to have its trademark candies. For Christmas, it’s candy canes and peanut brittle (among other things). For Valentine’s Day, it’s conversation hearts and chocolates. For Easter, it’s chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and Peeps. Peeps are those brightly-colored…
Every holiday seems to have its trademark candies. For Christmas, it’s candy canes and peanut brittle (among other things). For Valentine’s Day, it’s conversation hearts and chocolates. For Easter, it’s chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and Peeps. Peeps are those brightly-colored…
Apr
3
2004
wtf?
Warren Ellis just blogged a British car commercial (MPEG) that’s just so wrong that I had to watch it a couple times just to make sure I saw what I thought I saw. The ad is apparently for the Ford…
Warren Ellis just blogged a British car commercial (MPEG) that’s just so wrong that I had to watch it a couple times just to make sure I saw what I thought I saw. The ad is apparently for the Ford…
Feb
17
2004
don't shake it
Reuters reports that despite OutKast’s call to “shake it like a Polaroid picture” in the “so catchy it’s like crack” tune “Hey Ya!”, the folks at Polaroid are advising customers not to shake their Polaroids. (“Polaroid Warns Film Users Not…
Reuters reports that despite OutKast’s call to “shake it like a Polaroid picture” in the “so catchy it’s like crack” tune “Hey Ya!”, the folks at Polaroid are advising customers not to shake their Polaroids. (“Polaroid Warns Film Users Not…
Jan
25
2004
outrage
Doing my “daily surf” yesterday, I ran across this story about an Ohio man who feigned having cancer in order to bilk his girlfriend and her parents out of thousands of dollars. (Associated Press: “Man allegedly bilks girlfriend with cancer…
Doing my “daily surf” yesterday, I ran across this story about an Ohio man who feigned having cancer in order to bilk his girlfriend and her parents out of thousands of dollars. (Associated Press: “Man allegedly bilks girlfriend with cancer…
Jan
23
2004
fun with hamsters
Eagle-eyed Dari spotted this bit of fun in a video game product description at Amazon: From the Manufacturer In the beginning they were just cute pets. But with the addition of a little funk, rock-n-roll, rap, country, R&B, hip hop,…
Eagle-eyed Dari spotted this bit of fun in a video game product description at Amazon: From the Manufacturer In the beginning they were just cute pets. But with the addition of a little funk, rock-n-roll, rap, country, R&B, hip hop,…
Jan
6
2004
lottery loss
Of all the stomach-churning, light-headed, nauseating luck … The Associated Press reports that a Cleveland, Ohio, mother of seven says she picked the winning $162 million Mega Millions lottery numbers — but lost the ticket in the convenience store parking…
Of all the stomach-churning, light-headed, nauseating luck … The Associated Press reports that a Cleveland, Ohio, mother of seven says she picked the winning $162 million Mega Millions lottery numbers — but lost the ticket in the convenience store parking…
Oct
26
2003
meeting with your boss just got more awkward
It’s awkward enough sometimes meeting with your boss, or running into him/her in non work-related situations. Imagine, though, if your everday encounters with him/her involved nudity. Fortune magazine reports that in Finland, it’s fairly customary — although the influence of…
It’s awkward enough sometimes meeting with your boss, or running into him/her in non work-related situations. Imagine, though, if your everday encounters with him/her involved nudity. Fortune magazine reports that in Finland, it’s fairly customary — although the influence of…
Oct
13
2003
telekenetic monkeys
From the “freaky files” … A report from today’s Washington Post: Scientists in North Carolina have built a brain implant that lets monkeys control a robotic arm with their thoughts, marking the first time that mental intentions have been harnessed…
From the “freaky files” … A report from today’s Washington Post: Scientists in North Carolina have built a brain implant that lets monkeys control a robotic arm with their thoughts, marking the first time that mental intentions have been harnessed…
Oct
9
2003
bitter employees' handbook
I’m on several of Top5’s e-mail humor lists. This one came over on their Top5 Work list earlier this week: The Top 8 Chapter Titles in “The Bitter Employees’ Handbook” 8> Chapter 9: Successful Muttering 7> Chapter 3: Coffee —…
I’m on several of Top5’s e-mail humor lists. This one came over on their Top5 Work list earlier this week: The Top 8 Chapter Titles in “The Bitter Employees’ Handbook” 8> Chapter 9: Successful Muttering 7> Chapter 3: Coffee —…
Sep
19
2003
all for science
Think your job is bad? Popular Science has a list of jobs that may make your job look like the best job on the planet in comparison. The price you pay for taking up a career in science… (“The Worst…
Think your job is bad? Popular Science has a list of jobs that may make your job look like the best job on the planet in comparison. The price you pay for taking up a career in science… (“The Worst…
avast
It’s a bit late in the day to be bringing it up, but I’ll mention it all the same. Today, September 19, once again marks the annual “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” How does one commemorate this holiday? Quite simple…
It’s a bit late in the day to be bringing it up, but I’ll mention it all the same. Today, September 19, once again marks the annual “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” How does one commemorate this holiday? Quite simple…
Sep
14
2003
friendship
An old friend sent me this e-mail forward. I usually don’t repost these (much less forward them to other people), but this amused me. Ignore at will. Are you tired of all those sissy, mushy “friendship” poems that always sound…
An old friend sent me this e-mail forward. I usually don’t repost these (much less forward them to other people), but this amused me. Ignore at will. Are you tired of all those sissy, mushy “friendship” poems that always sound…
Aug
20
2003
dark knight
British police are looking for a real-life “Batman” in Oxford, according to a Reuters report. (Yahoo!News: “Police hunt for ‘Batman’” - 08/18/03) Police have launched a manhunt for Batman, after a man dressed as the superhero beat another man unconscious…
British police are looking for a real-life “Batman” in Oxford, according to a Reuters report. (Yahoo!News: “Police hunt for ‘Batman’” - 08/18/03) Police have launched a manhunt for Batman, after a man dressed as the superhero beat another man unconscious…
Aug
16
2003
chihuahua = rat?
I know this happened over a week ago, but it still makes me giggle, and thus I have to post it here. From the Associated Press, by way of Yahoo!News (“Trained NYC Hawks Attack Chihuahua” - 08/06/03): Trained hawks employed…
I know this happened over a week ago, but it still makes me giggle, and thus I have to post it here. From the Associated Press, by way of Yahoo!News (“Trained NYC Hawks Attack Chihuahua” - 08/06/03): Trained hawks employed…
Aug
6
2003
no more sms divorces
The Associated Press reports that the government of Malaysia has moved to prohibit the use of electronic messages (voicemail, SMS, fax, e-mail) to initiate divorce proceedings. (usatoday.com: “Malaysia to change divorce-via-cell phone law” - 08/01/03) Under Islamic law, a husband…
The Associated Press reports that the government of Malaysia has moved to prohibit the use of electronic messages (voicemail, SMS, fax, e-mail) to initiate divorce proceedings. (usatoday.com: “Malaysia to change divorce-via-cell phone law” - 08/01/03) Under Islamic law, a husband…
Jul
31
2003
devil's highway no more
New Mexico’s Route 666, nicknamed “The Devil’s Highway” (and similar names, like “Highway to Hell”), has gotten a name change, to the more tame Route 491. (Reuters: “New Mexico Says Goodbye to Its Highway to Hell” - 07/31/03) Route 666/491…
New Mexico’s Route 666, nicknamed “The Devil’s Highway” (and similar names, like “Highway to Hell”), has gotten a name change, to the more tame Route 491. (Reuters: “New Mexico Says Goodbye to Its Highway to Hell” - 07/31/03) Route 666/491…
Jul
29
2003
beyond the grave
Bob Hope apparently outlived the man who wrote his obituary. The New York Post reports that reporter Vincent Carnby, who had the byline on the New York Times obituary of Hope, died in 2000. (“Ex-Times scribe Canby files by final…
Bob Hope apparently outlived the man who wrote his obituary. The New York Post reports that reporter Vincent Carnby, who had the byline on the New York Times obituary of Hope, died in 2000. (“Ex-Times scribe Canby files by final…
Jul
22
2003
santa's origin
It’s been decided: Santa Claus is from Greenland. Reuters reports that delegates at the 40th annual Father Christmas World Congress in Copenhagen hosted a debate to “settle” the dispute over Santa’s origin once and for all. (Yahoo!News: “It’s official —…
It’s been decided: Santa Claus is from Greenland. Reuters reports that delegates at the 40th annual Father Christmas World Congress in Copenhagen hosted a debate to “settle” the dispute over Santa’s origin once and for all. (Yahoo!News: “It’s official —…
Jul
21
2003
flat pancake
Apparently, it’s been scientifically proven that Kansas really is flatter than a pancake. Reuters reports that some researchers at Southwest Texas State University compared digitally scanned photos of a pancake with topographic data of Kansas … and found out that…
Apparently, it’s been scientifically proven that Kansas really is flatter than a pancake. Reuters reports that some researchers at Southwest Texas State University compared digitally scanned photos of a pancake with topographic data of Kansas … and found out that…
Jul
16
2003
dead in the water
I’d never given much thought before to what happens to sea animals when they die… Reuters reports that the mysterious gelatinous blob that washed ashore in Chile is not the carcass of a mythical giant octopus, nor of a large…
I’d never given much thought before to what happens to sea animals when they die… Reuters reports that the mysterious gelatinous blob that washed ashore in Chile is not the carcass of a mythical giant octopus, nor of a large…
Jul
13
2003
go duckie go
The Associated Press has a funny story about a shipment of rubber duckies that have journeyed halfway around the world, starting in China and now washing up on the shores of New England. (Yahoo! News: “Far-Flung Bathtub Toys Due in…
The Associated Press has a funny story about a shipment of rubber duckies that have journeyed halfway around the world, starting in China and now washing up on the shores of New England. (Yahoo! News: “Far-Flung Bathtub Toys Due in…
Jun
30
2003
supermarket samurai
CNN reports that a schizophrenic California man killed two former coworkers and wounded three others at an Irvine, Calif., Albertson’s supermarket. (“Three dead, three wounded in sword attack” - 06/30/03) About 40 to 50 shoppers ran from the store shortly…
CNN reports that a schizophrenic California man killed two former coworkers and wounded three others at an Irvine, Calif., Albertson’s supermarket. (“Three dead, three wounded in sword attack” - 06/30/03) About 40 to 50 shoppers ran from the store shortly…
Jun
26
2003
rabbit fever
The Associated Press reports that three people in Nebraska came down with a rare inhaled form of “rabbit fever” after two of them mowed over a nest of rabbits, killing some of them. (The third contracted it after cleaning the…
The Associated Press reports that three people in Nebraska came down with a rare inhaled form of “rabbit fever” after two of them mowed over a nest of rabbits, killing some of them. (The third contracted it after cleaning the…
May
22
2003
police report
I love police reports. Some of the most bizarre incidents come up in the crime logs, and writing them up is something of an art form in itself. (My compadres at the ASU State Press used to have tons of…
I love police reports. Some of the most bizarre incidents come up in the crime logs, and writing them up is something of an art form in itself. (My compadres at the ASU State Press used to have tons of…
May
9
2003
another great time-waster
CmdrTaco, of Slashdot fame, has a fun little CGI script that generates random “poetry” from any given Web page. A randomly generated sample from this weblog: rants and parachutes from Wired’s thirties. By Elton John from his brother, a single…
CmdrTaco, of Slashdot fame, has a fun little CGI script that generates random “poetry” from any given Web page. A randomly generated sample from this weblog: rants and parachutes from Wired’s thirties. By Elton John from his brother, a single…
typing monkeys
Contrary to the popular saying, an infinite number of typing monkeys probably won’t eventually produce Shakespearean writings. Or at least, they didn’t in one case, involving 6 monkeys locked in a room with a computer. (Wired: “Monkeys Don’t Write Shakespeare”…
Contrary to the popular saying, an infinite number of typing monkeys probably won’t eventually produce Shakespearean writings. Or at least, they didn’t in one case, involving 6 monkeys locked in a room with a computer. (Wired: “Monkeys Don’t Write Shakespeare”…
May
4
2003
absorbed twin
BBC News has perhaps the most bizarre health story I’ve ever read: Doctors in Kazakhstan discovered that a 7-year-old boy’s abdominal cyst was actually the remains of his brother, a Siamese twin who had grown inside of him and died…
BBC News has perhaps the most bizarre health story I’ve ever read: Doctors in Kazakhstan discovered that a 7-year-old boy’s abdominal cyst was actually the remains of his brother, a Siamese twin who had grown inside of him and died…
Apr
27
2003
moist towelettes
Again from the “someone has too much time on his hands” dept… Despite whatever differences we have as humans, we can all satisfy the natural urge to clean ourselves with lemon-scented, moist-filled napkins. Someone on Slashdot this weekend linked to…
Again from the “someone has too much time on his hands” dept… Despite whatever differences we have as humans, we can all satisfy the natural urge to clean ourselves with lemon-scented, moist-filled napkins. Someone on Slashdot this weekend linked to…
Apr
22
2003
weight watchers, circa 1974
Who knew diet food in the 1970s was so unappetizing? “Wendy M.” of poundy.com has an archive of Weight Watchers recipe cards, circa 1974. While she says the vast majority of the cards she has were fairly “normal,” she’s posted…
Who knew diet food in the 1970s was so unappetizing? “Wendy M.” of poundy.com has an archive of Weight Watchers recipe cards, circa 1974. While she says the vast majority of the cards she has were fairly “normal,” she’s posted…
Apr
18
2003
squeeze a star at madame tussaud's
This amuses me to no end. From Wired’s “Furthermore” section: Hands-On Exhibit 02:00 AM Apr. 18, 2003 PT Madame Tussaud’s has its first squeezable waxwork on display at its London venue. The museum has unveiled a new model of Brad…
This amuses me to no end. From Wired’s “Furthermore” section: Hands-On Exhibit 02:00 AM Apr. 18, 2003 PT Madame Tussaud’s has its first squeezable waxwork on display at its London venue. The museum has unveiled a new model of Brad…
Apr
11
2003
Apr
7
2003
track a panda
FedEx is shipping a pair o’ pandas from Beijing to Memphis today. Track their progress online! If only they could find my PowerBook. Sorry. Bitterness seeping through….
FedEx is shipping a pair o’ pandas from Beijing to Memphis today. Track their progress online! If only they could find my PowerBook. Sorry. Bitterness seeping through….
bathroom server
From the someone-has-far-too-much-time-on-his-hands department… Some uber-nerds at MIT have set up the Random Hall Bathroom Server, equipping the dorm’s bathroom stalls with sensors to tell which ones are occupied. Internet users can send text messages to one stall, Fort Awesome…
From the someone-has-far-too-much-time-on-his-hands department… Some uber-nerds at MIT have set up the Random Hall Bathroom Server, equipping the dorm’s bathroom stalls with sensors to tell which ones are occupied. Internet users can send text messages to one stall, Fort Awesome…
Apr
1
2003
an action figure ... in action
Before being deployed to the Middle East, one National Guardsman legally changed his name to something more befitting an action hero. Forget GI Joe. Meet Optimus Prime, from Transformers. (“Robots in disguise … Transformers … More than meets the eyes!”)…
Before being deployed to the Middle East, one National Guardsman legally changed his name to something more befitting an action hero. Forget GI Joe. Meet Optimus Prime, from Transformers. (“Robots in disguise … Transformers … More than meets the eyes!”)…
lost in the translation
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is running a campaign to get kids to stop drinking milk. The Orlando Sun-Sentinel reports that their slogan — “Dump Dairy” — acquired an unintended double meaning when translated to Spanish. (“Anti-milk…
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is running a campaign to get kids to stop drinking milk. The Orlando Sun-Sentinel reports that their slogan — “Dump Dairy” — acquired an unintended double meaning when translated to Spanish. (“Anti-milk…
Mar
31
2003
fedex a panda
I guess FedEx will ship just about anything. A week from today, they’ll be shipping two pandas from Beijing, China, to the Memphis Zoo. FedEx has a special section of their website devoted to the shipment. Next Monday, you’ll be…
I guess FedEx will ship just about anything. A week from today, they’ll be shipping two pandas from Beijing, China, to the Memphis Zoo. FedEx has a special section of their website devoted to the shipment. Next Monday, you’ll be…
Mar
17
2003
driving hazards
If you’re driving in downtown DC today, stay away from the Mall. If you’re on foot, maybe you can go down and gawk at the spectacle. According to Channel 4, someone drove a John Deere tractor into a lake near…
If you’re driving in downtown DC today, stay away from the Mall. If you’re on foot, maybe you can go down and gawk at the spectacle. According to Channel 4, someone drove a John Deere tractor into a lake near…
Mar
7
2003
photo of the week
I think I’ve found my new favorite photo. For this week, that is. Meet Twiggy, a very special water-skiier….
I think I’ve found my new favorite photo. For this week, that is. Meet Twiggy, a very special water-skiier….
Mar
5
2003
lounge against the machine
You’ve never heard Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” until you’ve heard the Vegas lounge version. My coworker Dari just passed on an Amazon link to Lounge Against the Machine by Richard Cheese, a CD of lounge covers of ’90s alt-rock hits….
You’ve never heard Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” until you’ve heard the Vegas lounge version. My coworker Dari just passed on an Amazon link to Lounge Against the Machine by Richard Cheese, a CD of lounge covers of ’90s alt-rock hits….
Feb
13
2003
sneaky psychic
This site offers a sneaky mathematical psychic game. Pick a number, run it through a mathematical rigamarole, and click the crystal ball. It’ll give you the right answer every time. (You’ll need to the Flash plug-in to play the game.)…
This site offers a sneaky mathematical psychic game. Pick a number, run it through a mathematical rigamarole, and click the crystal ball. It’ll give you the right answer every time. (You’ll need to the Flash plug-in to play the game.)…
![[Photo]](http://photos.morethanthis.net/images/2008-09-13/thumbs/IMG_0272.jpg)
