A transgendered Cleveland, OH woman plead guilty to reckless homicide for exercising her 73-year old husband to death. The septegenarian suffered a heart attack after being forced to swim laps in the couple's apartment complex pool for too long a period.
Chris Newton-John was born John Vallandingham and had sex "reassignment" surgery in 1993. James Mason, the 73-year old, had been friends with the family since before Vallandingham was born and lived in a boarding house run by the [wo]man's mother. The two married in Kentucky, a state which allows people to change their gender on their birth certificates, which made the marriage legal.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The paranormal, the Supernatural, the odd and Unexplained
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Operation: All Clear - The Oklahoma City Bombing
Oklahoma City Bombing The Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 was alleged to have been carried-out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols (alone...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Britain's Black Fox Haunts Graveyard
What is possibly Britain's first black fox - and certainly the first photographic evidence of any such creature - has been photographed. Experts are baffled by its color and are unable to explain it. A photographer caught these images of the mythical creature roaming (where else) through a graveyard.
While the black fox may be a species, however rare, which accounts for the legendary devil dog, most accounts say the devil dogs are far larger than any fox could grow to be. The disturbing eyes seen in the photos do match the descriptions given by devil dog witnesses, though.
Could this "new" species be the cause of all the devil dog ruckus over the years? Or is this just an anomaly amongst the red fox species? Swamp gas, anyone? Anyway, a little more foxy news for you this afternoon.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While the black fox may be a species, however rare, which accounts for the legendary devil dog, most accounts say the devil dogs are far larger than any fox could grow to be. The disturbing eyes seen in the photos do match the descriptions given by devil dog witnesses, though.
Could this "new" species be the cause of all the devil dog ruckus over the years? Or is this just an anomaly amongst the red fox species? Swamp gas, anyone? Anyway, a little more foxy news for you this afternoon.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
One, Two, Tree Foxes
Donna Martell of Suffolk took photographs of three fox cubs which have nested some 30' in a tree! While foxes usually burrow underground (the famous "foxhole" is based on their natural nesting habits - foxes leave a backdoor for quick escape, should a predator uncover their nest), experts believe these animals have chosen their treetop nests to escape the recent cold.
Wildlife expert, Julian Roughton, told The Sun that though foxes are good climbers, this was certainly not normal behavior.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wildlife expert, Julian Roughton, told The Sun that though foxes are good climbers, this was certainly not normal behavior.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Baby Found in Georgia Jail Toilet
A 25-year old woman had a baby and told jailers it was in the toilet. Authorities found the infant upside down, its head submerged in the toilet, but it survived. The woman, who was in jail for violating probation, is likely to face additional charges stemming from this event. Jailers say they were unaware she was pregnant.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wifebeaters No More
A San Antonio man was successful in shutting down a website which sold white tank-tops, often called "wifebeaters," and offered a discount to anyone who could prove they had faced charges for domestic violence against a woman.
The webhosting company pulled the site for TOS violations after receiving the complaint. The site's owner had no comment when contacted by phone.
The Texas man who started the rigamarole said he would continue to search for the site online and continue to complain about it, should the owner try to set it up through another host.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The webhosting company pulled the site for TOS violations after receiving the complaint. The site's owner had no comment when contacted by phone.
The Texas man who started the rigamarole said he would continue to search for the site online and continue to complain about it, should the owner try to set it up through another host.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Iraq and Puerto Rico in Monkey Business
Puerto Rico has a surplus of non-native monkeys since they escaped from research centers in the area some 30 years ago. The rhesus and patas have taken such a toll of wildlife and agriculture that Puerto Ricans are shooting them (a method they consider more humane than lethal injection). Some 90 zoos across the world have been contacted, but few have been willing to both take the monkeys and pay the expenses of shipping them.
But US forces are trying to rebuild the Baghdad Zoo, which collapsed following the 2003 invasion. Most of the animals were set free or escaped on their own. Puerto Rican authorities said, "We will give them all the monkeys they want. We don't have a problem with that."
But authorities for the ethical treatment of animals noted a war zone was a less than ideal location for animals, and called the move "reckless and insensitive."
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
But US forces are trying to rebuild the Baghdad Zoo, which collapsed following the 2003 invasion. Most of the animals were set free or escaped on their own. Puerto Rican authorities said, "We will give them all the monkeys they want. We don't have a problem with that."
But authorities for the ethical treatment of animals noted a war zone was a less than ideal location for animals, and called the move "reckless and insensitive."
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Feral Child Found in Russian Home
A three-year old girl who walks on all fours, gnaws on bones, and growls at those who come too close to her has been found in a Russian home. Authorities say the girl was being raised by dogs in the home after being neglected by her alcoholic mother.
Madina did not get along with other children; she fought everyone and the other kids refused to play with her. So she took-up with the dogs. Her mother would eat at the table and let Madina eat on the floor with them. Madina slept with them in the winter when it got cold. Now, she knows only two words: "yes" and "no."
Social workers who took the girl from the home said she was mentally and physically fit, just neglected.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Madina did not get along with other children; she fought everyone and the other kids refused to play with her. So she took-up with the dogs. Her mother would eat at the table and let Madina eat on the floor with them. Madina slept with them in the winter when it got cold. Now, she knows only two words: "yes" and "no."
Social workers who took the girl from the home said she was mentally and physically fit, just neglected.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Komodo Dragon Attacks Ranger at His Desk
"In 25 years on the job, I've never been attacked," an Indonesian park ranger told the press. That all changed this week when Main (many Indonesians only use one name) was attacked by a komodo dragon which crept in through a window and assaulted him at his desk.
Main suffered lacerations to his hand and foot and said he is "lucky [he] survived." In 2007, an eight-year old boy was killed by a komodo dragon in the only fatality (involving the giant lizards) on record in 33 years.
Komodo dragons can only be found on three islands in the wild, including Komodo Island (from whence they got their name). This attack happened on the isle of Rinca.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Main suffered lacerations to his hand and foot and said he is "lucky [he] survived." In 2007, an eight-year old boy was killed by a komodo dragon in the only fatality (involving the giant lizards) on record in 33 years.
Komodo dragons can only be found on three islands in the wild, including Komodo Island (from whence they got their name). This attack happened on the isle of Rinca.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Did Santa Die in Cali?
With so few missing persons' DNA and dental records on-file, investigators say they may never discover the identity of a man whose skeleton was found inside the chimney of a long-abandoned home in Fontana, California this week.
The man is believed to have been about 54, though certainly over 45, with black hair. He would have been between 5'5 and 5'8. He appears to have gotten stuck in the chimney (possibly trying to break-in for shelter) sometime in 2007 or 2008. The skeleton was in good condition because it was preserved from the elements and wild animals in the enclosed space. However, that doesn't give investigators many clues as to the man's identity. All they have to go on now is the sweatshirt he wore, which said "New York."
The skeleton was found Monday by workers renovating the home which went into foreclosure over three years ago. It did not appear foul play was involved.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The man is believed to have been about 54, though certainly over 45, with black hair. He would have been between 5'5 and 5'8. He appears to have gotten stuck in the chimney (possibly trying to break-in for shelter) sometime in 2007 or 2008. The skeleton was in good condition because it was preserved from the elements and wild animals in the enclosed space. However, that doesn't give investigators many clues as to the man's identity. All they have to go on now is the sweatshirt he wore, which said "New York."
The skeleton was found Monday by workers renovating the home which went into foreclosure over three years ago. It did not appear foul play was involved.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Travis, Maul Chimp
Sandra Herold raised Travis from three weeks old. The chimpanzee appeared in ads for Old Navy and Coca-Cola, among others, and though Herold defends him to this day, sources say Travis had behavioral problems in the past.
Last week, the 200-lb. chimpanzee attacked and mauled a 55-year old woman who is still in critical condition. She has undergone seven hours of emergency surgery which saved her life, and has been moved to a clinic known for its success with an earlier face transplant operation. Sandra Herold had to stab her beloved pet to try and stop the attack before police arrived and shot him to death.
And though Sandra insists Travis was agitated and she believes he was trying to protect her from the woman he attacked (Charlie Nash), who was driving a different car, had a different hairstyle, and had playfully taunted the ape with an Elmo doll she brought as a present, it has since come to light that Travis previously attacked a woman in 1996. He also escaped and ran into traffic some years ago. Sandra Herold had expressed, at the time of that incident, she knew she would have to give-up the pet at some point.
Male chimpanzees get progressively harder to control as they mature and are capable of ripping a man's arm from his body. Travis mauled 55-year old Charlie Nash so severely that the woman will never be the same. Nash's brother has already moved to sue Herold. Police are not saying if criminal charges will be filed, yet.
Herold says she gave Travis a Xanax - a prescription pill used to calm patients - but the attack happened a mere five minutes later and it could not have had time to take effect. She has since retracted the statement, saying the animal refused the medicine. The pill was unprescribed.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Last week, the 200-lb. chimpanzee attacked and mauled a 55-year old woman who is still in critical condition. She has undergone seven hours of emergency surgery which saved her life, and has been moved to a clinic known for its success with an earlier face transplant operation. Sandra Herold had to stab her beloved pet to try and stop the attack before police arrived and shot him to death.
And though Sandra insists Travis was agitated and she believes he was trying to protect her from the woman he attacked (Charlie Nash), who was driving a different car, had a different hairstyle, and had playfully taunted the ape with an Elmo doll she brought as a present, it has since come to light that Travis previously attacked a woman in 1996. He also escaped and ran into traffic some years ago. Sandra Herold had expressed, at the time of that incident, she knew she would have to give-up the pet at some point.
Male chimpanzees get progressively harder to control as they mature and are capable of ripping a man's arm from his body. Travis mauled 55-year old Charlie Nash so severely that the woman will never be the same. Nash's brother has already moved to sue Herold. Police are not saying if criminal charges will be filed, yet.
Herold says she gave Travis a Xanax - a prescription pill used to calm patients - but the attack happened a mere five minutes later and it could not have had time to take effect. She has since retracted the statement, saying the animal refused the medicine. The pill was unprescribed.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Man Finds 53-lb. Carp in Backyard
Ron Davenport lives by a seasonal drainage named Minnow Creek which usually runs about a foot deep. This year, it ran over. Davenport saw something in his backyard but dismissed it as a log. The next day, he saw it flopping around. As he approached the object, he realized it was a carp - a 53-lb. carp!
Davenport told the Toledo Blade, "Last year I saw one bigger than this one. Everybody laughed." Davenport is sure they will believe him now.
The carp he found in his backyard is an amur, or grass carp - an Asian member of the minnow family. An Ohio biologist said it was the biggest he had ever seen.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Davenport told the Toledo Blade, "Last year I saw one bigger than this one. Everybody laughed." Davenport is sure they will believe him now.
The carp he found in his backyard is an amur, or grass carp - an Asian member of the minnow family. An Ohio biologist said it was the biggest he had ever seen.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sick, Sick, Sick
I've said before that illnesses spread through this backward community quicker than anywhere I have ever know. I have the flu - again. Well, alright, I don't know that I had the flu any of the other times, but I'm 90% certain I have it right now. And I've had it for almost an entire week now.
I have to get some stuff out today because I have got to pay some bills. I hope you don't begrudge me that, because it has to be done, but I apologize for not being around lately and I can't promise I'll be here this week. This is really, really bad.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
I have to get some stuff out today because I have got to pay some bills. I hope you don't begrudge me that, because it has to be done, but I apologize for not being around lately and I can't promise I'll be here this week. This is really, really bad.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Beaver Spotted in Detroit
Stop it right now.
A beaver (the animal) was spotted in Detroit the other day - the first in 75 years! A single beaver lodge was discovered in an intake canal near the Edison's Conners Creek power plant. A spokesperson for the city said this proves the clean-up efforts are working.
Detroit has seen a resurgence of wildlife in recent years, including sturgeon, whitefish, peregrine falcons, walleye, and bald eagles.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
A beaver (the animal) was spotted in Detroit the other day - the first in 75 years! A single beaver lodge was discovered in an intake canal near the Edison's Conners Creek power plant. A spokesperson for the city said this proves the clean-up efforts are working.
Detroit has seen a resurgence of wildlife in recent years, including sturgeon, whitefish, peregrine falcons, walleye, and bald eagles.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Woman Burns Herself Outside Church - Again
From the archives:
I keep telling people just how far behind the times Tennessee really is. It truly is shocking and the simplistic, "Well, think about where you are!" is no excuse.
In December of 2008, a woman set herself ablaze outside the Grace Evangelical Church... again! She had set herself on fire outside the same church just two months earlier. This time, she poured gasoline on herself from a milk jug. She suffered burns on 80-90% of her body and was in critical condition.
The woman was not identified except as being from Ethiopia. The church has a large Ethiopian congregation. Church spokespeople said she does not have a vendetta against the church and used to be a member.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
I keep telling people just how far behind the times Tennessee really is. It truly is shocking and the simplistic, "Well, think about where you are!" is no excuse.
In December of 2008, a woman set herself ablaze outside the Grace Evangelical Church... again! She had set herself on fire outside the same church just two months earlier. This time, she poured gasoline on herself from a milk jug. She suffered burns on 80-90% of her body and was in critical condition.
The woman was not identified except as being from Ethiopia. The church has a large Ethiopian congregation. Church spokespeople said she does not have a vendetta against the church and used to be a member.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Rumble in the Desert
One of the reasons we cover so much straight zoology fare is because you never know what could be applicable to "hidden animals" we've yet to discover - the true meat (no pun intended) and potatoes of The OddBlog. Not to mention there are a lot of exciting things to know about the animal kingdom we already know. Elephants' ability to communicate through rumblings in the earth is one of these fabled skills. Now, zoologists are trying to harness this to better help rampaging males avoid violent confrontations with farmers and other people.
In trials, males (bulls) in "must" responded to recordings of females in heat and moved toward them. Zoologists used the recordings to maneuver the bulls around a watering hole, setting them on one path and bringing them back around to another.
The researchers buried speakers in the ground and played the sound, which is barely perceptible to humans. The bulls' response was "intense" and more direct than expected, leading the zoologists to say they were "very excited" about the developments.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
In trials, males (bulls) in "must" responded to recordings of females in heat and moved toward them. Zoologists used the recordings to maneuver the bulls around a watering hole, setting them on one path and bringing them back around to another.
The researchers buried speakers in the ground and played the sound, which is barely perceptible to humans. The bulls' response was "intense" and more direct than expected, leading the zoologists to say they were "very excited" about the developments.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Ghost Footage
A 12-year old boy from Birmingham has captured something on mobile phone video which he claims is an image of a ghost. At least one member of the paranormal research film calls it "potentially the best image of a ghost in years."
After his sister complained that someone was finishing her jigsaw puzzles at night, the boy began wondering if the house was haunted. Just prior to filming the image, he said he heard a whistling.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
After his sister complained that someone was finishing her jigsaw puzzles at night, the boy began wondering if the house was haunted. Just prior to filming the image, he said he heard a whistling.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The End of the Rainbow
A California man caught a very rare photo following a storm the other day: the end of the rainbow. Contrary to popular belief, there was no pot of gold, just a minivan.
While some thought the picture had been manipulated, experts insist it is authentic.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While some thought the picture had been manipulated, experts insist it is authentic.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
PETA Supports the KKK
PETA members dressed as KKK members outside the Westminster Dog Show in New York to show their support for freedom of speech. They claim the participants in the Westminster Dog Show are seeking to create a "master race" of purebred animals, and that kennels sometimes kill dogs or something equally ridiculous.
PETA is increasingly employing shocking, controversial - even terrorist - displays to make no discernible point, whatsoever.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
PETA is increasingly employing shocking, controversial - even terrorist - displays to make no discernible point, whatsoever.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Nutt Now Backs LSD Reclassification
Professor David Nutt - who cracked The OddBlog earlier in the week for suggesting that taking Ecstasy is no more dangerous than riding a horse - is also in favor of changing the classification of hallucinogenic, LSD. In the UK, LSD is a Class A drug, punishable by as much as life imprisonment! This really is ridiculous, as LSD is non habit-forming and poses little health risk, as Prof. Nutt notes.
Nutt explains, "If alcohol was suddenly to emerge in society now and it was suddenly assessed as other drugs of abuse, it would be rated as a B class drug and therefore not be made legal. There are several drugs that are in class A and probably should not be there, like ecstasy and LSD. There are other drugs that should be up the scale. Ecstasy and LSD which tend to cause little dependence and relatively moderate degrees of personal damage are probably too highly classified."
But changing drug classifications is difficult; the classifications in effect today have been the same since 1971. Only marijuana and opiates have moved on the scale: the former came down, and the latter went up.
Nutt was forced to apologize for his stance on Ecstasy, as it supposedly sent the wrong message to teenagers.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Nutt explains, "If alcohol was suddenly to emerge in society now and it was suddenly assessed as other drugs of abuse, it would be rated as a B class drug and therefore not be made legal. There are several drugs that are in class A and probably should not be there, like ecstasy and LSD. There are other drugs that should be up the scale. Ecstasy and LSD which tend to cause little dependence and relatively moderate degrees of personal damage are probably too highly classified."
But changing drug classifications is difficult; the classifications in effect today have been the same since 1971. Only marijuana and opiates have moved on the scale: the former came down, and the latter went up.
Nutt was forced to apologize for his stance on Ecstasy, as it supposedly sent the wrong message to teenagers.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Passion 4 Christ Proud of Repression
Passion4Christ is launching a series of "Ex-" T-shirts. The first in the series is "Ex-Masturbator," because God hates sex... unless it's between a priest and an underage boy.
It just never ends with these people, does it?
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
It just never ends with these people, does it?
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Ted Haggard
I recently watched HBO's documentary, The Trials of Ted Haggard, and I want to be the first to say The OddBlog jumped the gun. We didn't crucify the guy, but we certainly assumed Ted Haggard was just another one of these self-righteous "Christians" who got busted and was trying to play it off. Ted Haggard deserves a second chance, but if he wants to take that second chance in the same church and among the same people who have so cruelly harmed him, abandoned him, mocked him, humiliated him, and torn his and his family's life asunder, he's a fool.
Ted Haggard's situation clearly illustrates everything that is wrong with so-called "Christians" today - especially in America. Christianity is not the same as a belief in God; Christians specifically believe that Jesus Christ was the avatar - the living embodiment of God - who died on the cross to absolve them of their sins. Jesus Christ preached tolerance and love for all - something which no self-proclaimed "Christian" affiliated with any of these large churches practices.
I'm not gay, so I don't sympathize with homosexuals' anger toward Haggard for not "identifying" as/with being gay. Logically, I don't understand this because it seems he would do more harm to their cause than good, but I don't "get" it, either way. I completely understand they've been persecuted historically, and still face persecution - I get that much of it and could not agree more - particularly by "Christians." In fact, homosexual men are the only American minority aside from native Americans who actually do face "racism" these days. But why would you want Ted Haggard on your side, given his very public fall?
Also, though Haggard spoke against homosexuality as part of his ministering, as he noted in the documentary, he was not a hateful, fire and brimstone, Cotton Mathers sort of preacher; it's not as if Fred Phelps were "outed" here. I actually read a piece on the matter on a popular gay site where they condemned Haggard and the very first comment was a poster inquiring about the sex acts and positions in which Haggard was involved with one of his alleged lovers - trying to make the point that this information was necessary for anonymous commenters on a gay website to assess the lover's possible medical status!
The American homosexual community is as delusional as their Christian counterparts and always has been. A mockery of themselves in every way, the Ted Haggard scandals have brought out the worst in both sub-sects. And while I question Haggard's sincerity, I feel for him and his family. I have no sympathy for Christians or the homosexual community, as a whole.
How puerile and jejune, this American obsession with sex and sexuality! It fits the very definition of the word, "retarded." And both Christians and homosexuals are guilty; they really are the opposite sides of the same coin! I find it equally intellectually repulsive that both identify their entire lives with either their religion or sexual proclivities - again, it's an impedance in development, i.e. retarded.
Get over yourselves!
And leave this man alone, for Christ's sake.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Ted Haggard's situation clearly illustrates everything that is wrong with so-called "Christians" today - especially in America. Christianity is not the same as a belief in God; Christians specifically believe that Jesus Christ was the avatar - the living embodiment of God - who died on the cross to absolve them of their sins. Jesus Christ preached tolerance and love for all - something which no self-proclaimed "Christian" affiliated with any of these large churches practices.
I'm not gay, so I don't sympathize with homosexuals' anger toward Haggard for not "identifying" as/with being gay. Logically, I don't understand this because it seems he would do more harm to their cause than good, but I don't "get" it, either way. I completely understand they've been persecuted historically, and still face persecution - I get that much of it and could not agree more - particularly by "Christians." In fact, homosexual men are the only American minority aside from native Americans who actually do face "racism" these days. But why would you want Ted Haggard on your side, given his very public fall?
Also, though Haggard spoke against homosexuality as part of his ministering, as he noted in the documentary, he was not a hateful, fire and brimstone, Cotton Mathers sort of preacher; it's not as if Fred Phelps were "outed" here. I actually read a piece on the matter on a popular gay site where they condemned Haggard and the very first comment was a poster inquiring about the sex acts and positions in which Haggard was involved with one of his alleged lovers - trying to make the point that this information was necessary for anonymous commenters on a gay website to assess the lover's possible medical status!
The American homosexual community is as delusional as their Christian counterparts and always has been. A mockery of themselves in every way, the Ted Haggard scandals have brought out the worst in both sub-sects. And while I question Haggard's sincerity, I feel for him and his family. I have no sympathy for Christians or the homosexual community, as a whole.
How puerile and jejune, this American obsession with sex and sexuality! It fits the very definition of the word, "retarded." And both Christians and homosexuals are guilty; they really are the opposite sides of the same coin! I find it equally intellectually repulsive that both identify their entire lives with either their religion or sexual proclivities - again, it's an impedance in development, i.e. retarded.
Get over yourselves!
And leave this man alone, for Christ's sake.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Pink Pigeon at Blank Park Zoo
The Mauritius pigeon is pink, and is one of the rarest birds in the world. The endangered species numbers fewer than 50 in captivity and had fallen to less than half that in the 1970s. Now, a female Mauritius pink pigeon is at the Blank Park Zoo, awaiting a mate. Though zookeepers don't know where that mate will come from.
The bird is the rarest in the Des Moines zoo and came from San Antonio, where it hatched exactly one year ago. Thanks to the work of volunteers, there are nearly 400 pink pigeons living in the wild now. The Iowa zoo recently opened a glassed center for avians and has had much success breeding birds.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The bird is the rarest in the Des Moines zoo and came from San Antonio, where it hatched exactly one year ago. Thanks to the work of volunteers, there are nearly 400 pink pigeons living in the wild now. The Iowa zoo recently opened a glassed center for avians and has had much success breeding birds.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
MonsterQuest Marathon
The History Channel is showing an all-day marathon of its excellent MonsterQuest series. I have seen pretty much all of the episodes, though I still come across one or two I missed now and then.
MonsterQuest is a fantastic show on cryptozoology. While Destination Truth remains the model for this fare, MonsterQuest is a close second. And unlike its competition, it actually comes to some conclusions - conclusions that often puzzle, not because they don't answer anything but because they specifically lead one to conclude the evidence cannot be explained-away, nor is it inconclusive.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
MonsterQuest is a fantastic show on cryptozoology. While Destination Truth remains the model for this fare, MonsterQuest is a close second. And unlike its competition, it actually comes to some conclusions - conclusions that often puzzle, not because they don't answer anything but because they specifically lead one to conclude the evidence cannot be explained-away, nor is it inconclusive.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Jayzus Spotted at Car Dealership
If Fark hadn't already done it, The OddBlog would have a Florida tag...
Floridians have spotted Jesus on the door of a car dealership salesman's office. The salesman who occupies the office, who was raised Baptist, didn't notice it until a week or so ago when someone pointed it out to him, but said he "[isn't] swapping doors with anybody."
Some described the image on the door as looking like Sasquatch, a Persian king, "Christ in a Jedi outfit," and even a caveman. "I guess everybody has their own outlook on it," said Daryl Collins, who occupies the office, "It depends on what religion you're from."
Oddly, the man who first noticed Jesus in the door is aChrister fervent church-goer who noticed it right away and likens it to the image on the Shroud of Turin. He snapped a photo and put it on his Facebook. The article used as the source for this post contains a lengthy list of other recent Jesus sightings in Florida.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Floridians have spotted Jesus on the door of a car dealership salesman's office. The salesman who occupies the office, who was raised Baptist, didn't notice it until a week or so ago when someone pointed it out to him, but said he "[isn't] swapping doors with anybody."
Some described the image on the door as looking like Sasquatch, a Persian king, "Christ in a Jedi outfit," and even a caveman. "I guess everybody has their own outlook on it," said Daryl Collins, who occupies the office, "It depends on what religion you're from."
Oddly, the man who first noticed Jesus in the door is a
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Ecstasy 'No More Dangerous than Riding a Horse'
Interesting choice of phrase, but regardless, a leading British expert says taking the drug, ecstasy, is no more dangerous than riding a horse. Actually, if the figures he gives are accurate, the truth is that taking ecstasy is a whole lot less dangerous than riding a horse - by over 1/3! Horse-riding is said to account for some 100 deaths annually, where ecstasy leads to a mere 30.
"Drug harm can be equal to harms in other parts of life. There is not much difference between horse-riding and ecstasy," said Professor Nutt, the chairman of the ACMD, or Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, which advises the government.
Next week, the ACMD plan to suggest ecstasy be downgraded from a class-A drug to a class-B, but they distanced themselves from Prof. Nutt's findings, saying, "...[it] was done in respect of his academic work and not as chair of the ACMD."
David Raynes, chairman for the National Drug Prevention Alliance, said that Prof. Nutt's article amounted to "his personal opinion." He further suggested Nutt's position on the ACMD should be looked into by the home secretary, if he refuses to step down.
Raynes forwarded the fear campaign against ecstasy with a stern, "Ecstasy can and does kill unpredictably. There is no such thing as a 'safe dose.'"
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
"Drug harm can be equal to harms in other parts of life. There is not much difference between horse-riding and ecstasy," said Professor Nutt, the chairman of the ACMD, or Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, which advises the government.
Next week, the ACMD plan to suggest ecstasy be downgraded from a class-A drug to a class-B, but they distanced themselves from Prof. Nutt's findings, saying, "...[it] was done in respect of his academic work and not as chair of the ACMD."
David Raynes, chairman for the National Drug Prevention Alliance, said that Prof. Nutt's article amounted to "his personal opinion." He further suggested Nutt's position on the ACMD should be looked into by the home secretary, if he refuses to step down.
Raynes forwarded the fear campaign against ecstasy with a stern, "Ecstasy can and does kill unpredictably. There is no such thing as a 'safe dose.'"
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tumultuous as Late
Hi guys,
I just wanted to take a moment to explain what all has been happening on this side of the monitor. It seems like, with The OddBlog in particular, every time things fall into place - we get into a groove and hits go through the roof - I stop posting for a week or two and cool everything off, and I just wanted to let you all know that is not at all by design.
I want this blog to be as popular as it can be and I believe it deserves to be more popular than it is. The problem is largely medical. I have a serious medical condition - it isn't life-threatening (not necessarily, I mean... I suppose something could happen because of it that could be devastating, but it would be something worthy of inclusion here), but it can certainly be debilitating. Many times when I disappear for a short time, this is to blame. In this particular instance - the past week or two - it had to do with a connectivity issue, the cause of which I still have not isolated.
I am working to move away from the horrible town in which I live. There are just too many social, legal, technological... this place has issues. Moving closer to 2009, in general, will eliminate many of my problems. In April (hopefully before), I begin regular treatment for my condition which will alleviate a lot of the problems keeping me from working more regularly. And I hope to get caught-up financially (also related to my health) soon, as well.
With these things out of the way, everything will be easier. Of course, there will always be setbacks and things which come up that will keep me away for a while here and there, but the last year or so has been particularly difficult for a number of reasons.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
I just wanted to take a moment to explain what all has been happening on this side of the monitor. It seems like, with The OddBlog in particular, every time things fall into place - we get into a groove and hits go through the roof - I stop posting for a week or two and cool everything off, and I just wanted to let you all know that is not at all by design.
I want this blog to be as popular as it can be and I believe it deserves to be more popular than it is. The problem is largely medical. I have a serious medical condition - it isn't life-threatening (not necessarily, I mean... I suppose something could happen because of it that could be devastating, but it would be something worthy of inclusion here), but it can certainly be debilitating. Many times when I disappear for a short time, this is to blame. In this particular instance - the past week or two - it had to do with a connectivity issue, the cause of which I still have not isolated.
I am working to move away from the horrible town in which I live. There are just too many social, legal, technological... this place has issues. Moving closer to 2009, in general, will eliminate many of my problems. In April (hopefully before), I begin regular treatment for my condition which will alleviate a lot of the problems keeping me from working more regularly. And I hope to get caught-up financially (also related to my health) soon, as well.
With these things out of the way, everything will be easier. Of course, there will always be setbacks and things which come up that will keep me away for a while here and there, but the last year or so has been particularly difficult for a number of reasons.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The Cyberculturalist Has Moved
For you tech-heads who follow The Cyberculturalist - The Weirding's cyberculture department - it has moved. The new URL is www.cyberculturalist.com. Please update your links and feeds. Thanks!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Deadbeat Statues Knock-up Chicks by the Thousands
The Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum in Myrtle Beach, SC, acquired its fertility statues on the Ivory Coast in 1993. They stored them in their corporate headquarters in Orlando, FL. 13 women there became pregnant.
Since then, the museum has displayed the statues across the world and horny chicks-gone-wild fall all over one another to cop a feel. According to spokespersons for Ripley's Believe It or Not, over 2000 women have been impregnated by the statues, so far.
The statues will be on display in Myrtle Beach through March, where chicks can get some for free during business hours.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Since then, the museum has displayed the statues across the world and horny chicks-gone-wild fall all over one another to cop a feel. According to spokespersons for Ripley's Believe It or Not, over 2000 women have been impregnated by the statues, so far.
The statues will be on display in Myrtle Beach through March, where chicks can get some for free during business hours.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Elvis Issued 50 Traffic Citations in Same Day
46-year old, Elvis Alonzo Barrett, fled police who were trying to give him a traffic citation. During the pursuit, he managed to rack-up an impressive 49 more traffic violations, leading to a grand total of 50 traffic citations in one day.
Once they pulled Elvis over, they found a crackpipe in the car.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Once they pulled Elvis over, they found a crackpipe in the car.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
World Nude Day
I got an early jump on things, so to speak (I sleep nekkid). February 6th is "World Nude Day" and their site is filled with pics of people taking the opportunity to shed their clothes - though, not so much to shed some pounds. I strongly suggest you brace yourself before clicking on the link; "these are not models," as one Gatherer put it.
To celebrate, all you need do is get naked, do something funny (that may be redundant for many of us), and have someone film you. You guys are on your own with this one.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
To celebrate, all you need do is get naked, do something funny (that may be redundant for many of us), and have someone film you. You guys are on your own with this one.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Polydactyl has 24 Digits
A California boy was born with an extra digit on each hand and foot, giving him 24 digits in total. The condition is called Polydactylism and is rare, but Kamani Hubbard's condition is extremely rare - possibly unique!
While pediatricians missed the child's extra fingers and toes on the ultrasounds, his father knew to look for them; Polydactylism is genetic and runs in the family. But the father added no one had ever been so blessed.
While the condition is sometimes seen as a deformity - specifically in cases where the extra digit(s) is not fully-formed - Kamani appears to have full use of all his many fine extremities. "Imagine what sort of a pianist a 12-fingered person would be. Imagine what sort of flamenco guitarist. Think of [his] typing skills," one doctor mused.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While pediatricians missed the child's extra fingers and toes on the ultrasounds, his father knew to look for them; Polydactylism is genetic and runs in the family. But the father added no one had ever been so blessed.
While the condition is sometimes seen as a deformity - specifically in cases where the extra digit(s) is not fully-formed - Kamani appears to have full use of all his many fine extremities. "Imagine what sort of a pianist a 12-fingered person would be. Imagine what sort of flamenco guitarist. Think of [his] typing skills," one doctor mused.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
David Koresh's Mom Killed by Sister
David Koresh's mother, Bonnie Clark Haldeman, was found dead on January 24th, 2009, in her sister's home outside of Houston, TX. Koresh was the infamous leader of the Branch Davidian sect, which US officials labeled a "cult." The following Saturday, Beverly Clark -- Bonnie Clark Haldeman's sister -- was arrested for her murder.
While deputies said the matter was still under investigation, the two sisters were the only occupants of the house at the time of Haldeman's death, and a knife believed to be the murder weapon was found on the scene. Beverly Clark was being held without bond and did not have an attorney at that time.
Haldeman wrote her autobiography, Memories of the Branch Davidians: The Autobiography of David Koresh's Mother, in 2007.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While deputies said the matter was still under investigation, the two sisters were the only occupants of the house at the time of Haldeman's death, and a knife believed to be the murder weapon was found on the scene. Beverly Clark was being held without bond and did not have an attorney at that time.
Haldeman wrote her autobiography, Memories of the Branch Davidians: The Autobiography of David Koresh's Mother, in 2007.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Florida Firefighter Fingered for Ripping-Off Foot
A female firefighter from Florida who pilfered a foot from a corpse claimed she did so to train her cadaver-sniffing dog but eventually resigned over the incident. She was charged with misdemeanor theft two weeks ago.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Suspect Transforms Into Goat
Nigerian authorities are holding a goat on charges of theft. According to them, one of the suspects in a grand theft auto transmogrified into a goat to escape prosecution. The attempted theft occurred some two days prior.
The newspaper quoted authorities as having said one suspect escaped while another transformed himself into a goat... but they got the goat.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The newspaper quoted authorities as having said one suspect escaped while another transformed himself into a goat... but they got the goat.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Technical Issues
Still fighting to get - and stay - online. More to come shortly.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
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