Japanese Schoolgirl Pays Phone Bill by Prostituting

A 37-year old mother and 47-year old stepfather were sentenced to jail terms and fined substantially for forcing their daughter to prostitute herself to pay for her mobile phone bill. A court heard testimony as to how the girl was forced to perform "an indecent sex act" on a man in a hotel room after school in February for about $175.

Japan is the world's biggest cellular market and an estimated 96% of all highschool students have their own mobile phones. This has led to a multitude of social issues concerning the devices, most specifically "cellular-bullying." I find the concept intriguing and it's obviously akin to cyberbullying, but the article does not detail it, so I'm not sure what it entails, exactly. Many districts have since banned cellphones from school premises.

An underage prostitution ring was uncovered earlier this year, sending explicit pictures and messages over their phones and arranging encounters with customers.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Mesothelioma Treatments

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but there is still no cure for Mesothelioma. On the other hand, Mesothelioma is caused solely by exposure to asbestos, and as this has been established, asbestos has been removed from almost all buildings in which it was originally installed. However, I recall even when I was a schoolkid, having to stay out of certain classrooms because they had asbestos and/or it was being removed from them. Now, this was some 20+ years ago, but in the grander scheme of things, that isn't so long back.

There have been few advances in Mesothelioma treatment, regardless of the decades spent dealing with it, but do not give up hope! Following that link takes you to the best site I have seen yet concerning the disease - one which anyone who has Mesothelioma, or knows someone who does, simply must have bookmarked. Check it out now, save the link, and check it often.

And good luck!

"Mysterious Figure Resembling a Human Being"

According to the Gulf Times (Qatar's Top-Selling English Newspaper, it proudly proclaims), an expatriate Arab woman spotted "a mysterious figure resembling a human being." Despite being terribly frightened, she managed to snap a photo of the creature, which appears here.

Two things here: first, and most obvious, this looks a little hokey. Is it real? It's hard for me to say and I'm no expert in any field which would allow me to offer any kind of suitable, "professional" technical... anything which would be useful as to that.

The second is that I have seen a figure very similar to this in at least one other picture - a picture often referenced as one which cannot be proven, nor disproven, as authentic. As many of you are fellow phenomenalists, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about (and seeing as I am on dial-up, I simply do not have the time or patience to look it up right now - if anyone comes across it, I'd really appreciate a link in the comments!).

As always, The OddBlog takes the usual stance: we are very open to believing what many consider "unbelievable," but we don't like to be had. It's very possible we're too cynical and the woman, along with the throng of onlookers the article assures us surrounded her following the encounter, actually snapped a photograph of a strange creature - and the creature pictured is absolutely strange; but it's a little more possible (we're not saying probable - not yet) that the Gulf Times wanted to ensure it remains the top-selling English newspaper of Qatar. Whatever the hell Qatar is.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Wonder-Bra Deflects Bullet

A 57-year old woman suspected thieves were burglarizing her neighbor's Detroit home. She looked out the window and one of three teens fired a round which smashed her window and hit her breast. The unnamed woman sustained injuries which were "not life-threatening" because the bullet was deflected. By the underwire in her bra!

"We need to get some bulletproof vests made from that!" a policeman told Detroit reporters.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Australian Newspaper Dumbfounded by Landshark

Some time after midnight, a visitor to the neighboring McDonald's noticed a shark on the front step of a Western Australian newspaper's offices. When police arrived, they threw some water on it and said it "kicked around a bit." They borrowed a bucket and some water from the fast-food eatery and released the poor guy back into the ocean.

The Port Jackson shark is common to Australia and grows up to 5' ¹/₂" in length. It is harmless but for two poisonous dorsal fins. The one in question was only about 2' long.

The newspaper said it had no idea who would have left the shark, nor why. Police said whomever left it would be charged with animal cruelty, if they are caught.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Prices Exposed

There has been a glut of sites recently, claiming to have chosen the best diet pills from the glut of dietary supplements on the market. Many of these sites look similar and make similar claims, yet (for the most part), a lot of them actually do highlight both the good and bad qualities of the supplements they review. PricesExposed.net is another of these.

If you have a legitimate need to lose weight, dietary supplements may provide the help you need. But they are expensive and many have varying results for each individual. It is up to you to do your research and sites like Prices Exposed can be of service to you. Just make sure you also research them to see who owns them and verify that they are providing legitimate information and not a clever sales pitch!

Sioux Split Over Black Hills Suit

Some 5000 Sioux Indians have joined a class-action lawsuit calling for the disbursement of moneys won in court cases from years ago, but only 19 plaintiffs are named - the other 4,981 Indians live on reservations and fear retribution from fellow Indians who believe accepting money for the Black Hills is tantamount to selling the land. The suit asks for the release of $900 million in compensation and interest from cases awarded more than a century ago, as well as in the 1980s. However, since eight Sioux tribes refused the money at those times, some legal experts believe the case will be dismissed - further, that the money could not be awarded anyway, without Congressional approval.

Those opposed to the suit say accepting money would "bless" the "sale" of the Black Hills and want the land returned. Of course, that is not going to happen. Still, certain stubborn tribesmembers say those who take the money are just looking for a check and are "prostituting" themselves.

The Sioux were awarded the Black Hills in an 1868 treaty. When gold was discovered in the mines there, it sparked battles including George Custer's infamous "last stand." In 1877, Congress reclaimed the lands when the Sioux refused to sign a new treaty relinquishing ownership. In 1980, the Supreme Court upheld an earlier ruling, granting eight Sioux tribes more than $100 million in restitution, but the tribes refused it. This case also seeks money won by the tribes for earlier industrialization of the land.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Skinheads Induce Birth on Hitler's B'day

Police in California underwent a street sweep, targeting an area gang known as the Inland Empire Skinheads, and said two of the female associates were found in maternity wards, attempting to induce labor so their children would be born on April 20^th, Adolf Hitler's birthday.

The gang, also known as the IE Skinheads, is known by its red suspenders and black boots with red laces. Police say they are responsible for murders, assaults, drug trafficking, and area home invasions. The IE Skinheads are said to induct younger members by having them assault random people outside of public places. The random victims are chosen by ethnicity. The gang is said to contact new members and associates through social networking sites and is believed to be about 30 strong with some 70-odd associates - several of whom are highschool students or of equivalent age.

The sweep arrested numerous high-ranking members, including the leader, as well as the two mothers-to-be, and police believe this will crush the gang. However, the women did manage to bear their children on Adolf Hitler's birthday.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort

Owning one's own home is a great thing. Sure, there are a lot more responsibilities and the whole thing can be quite the chore at times, but you have to admit, having your own lawn is just one of the many perks.

And when it comes to lawns and enjoying the outdoors, many people think of patio furniture. CozyDays.com has far more than just your run-of-the-mill plastic chairs and tented tables, though. Their collection includes a host of great patio furniture and settings in all styles and fashion.

Whether you like to enjoy the outdoors as often as possible, throw large get-togethers on your lawn, or just casually grill, Cozy Days has patio furniture to suit your needs. Just follow the link provided above to see their selection and find out more!

Ark. Gardener Uncovers Civil War-era Cannonball

An unidentified Fort Smith, AR man was gardening at his home when he unearthed a 4" round from the Civil War. Authorities say it may still be live and plan to fire at it with "a shaped charge." The impact will either detonate the device, split it apart, or put a hole in it. The remnants will be put on display at a local museum.

Fort Smith and the surrounding areas hosted many engagements throughout the Civil War.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

San Diego Squirrel Plagued by... the Plague!

A San Diego squirrel has tested positive for the plague, prompting local officials to post signs and publicly ask people not to setup their tents and camping areas near burrows. They also warned area residents not to feed the squirrels and to warn their children to avoid them.

The plague can be passed from squirrel to human through flea bites. While there have been no cases reported in San Diego residents so far, officials warn residents to be cautious.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Florida Woman Attacked by Wild Hog

Upon learning that a wild pig was in her backyard, a 26-year old woman from the St. Petersburg area did what every 26-year old woman does... in horror movies: she went to investigate. The 200-lb. wild hog charged her, injuring the back of her leg.

Responding officials treated the woman's injuries at the scene and lassoed the boar. The pig will be observed for rabies.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Nicaragua's Crazy Sickness

In 2008, there were 65 reported cases of Grisi Siknis, which translates from Miskito language to "crazy sickness" or "jungle madness." Those suffering it turn to local healers - people we would refer to as "mystics" and "witchdoctors" - because Western medicine has no idea how to treat it. Yes, "Grisi Siknis" is apparently a very real, medical malady.

The affliction dates back to the 1850s and originally only affected the Miskito. Recently, however, the illness has presented itself in those of Spanish descent. Also called Grisi Munaia and Nil Siknis, the Crazy Sickness is what Western medicine refers to as "culture-bound," meaning it is limited to those of a specific culture or region - in this case, the Miskito people.

Culture-bound illnesses are very real, though their treatment is specious, at best. While most Western doctors consider it unethical to provide the victims folk treatment, as they believe themselves to be deceiving the patient, it logically follows that culture-bound illnesses should be susceptible to culture-bound remedies. But now, it appears the affliction is spreading outside the cultural sphere which is believed to have created it, perhaps elevating it to an actual form of mental illness.

Furthermore, Grisi Siknis spreads in outbreaks. While culture-bound illnesses are known to be "contagious," Western psychology prefers to apply the term, "mass hysteria." Mass hysteria is also known as Collective Obsessional Behavior, which is far more apt. So far this year, there have been 46 reported cases. As a local doctor, and ardent researcher of the malaise, says, "If an attack is not contained quickly, it can spread throughout an entire community."

The most common symptoms are hallucinations in which the sufferer believes he is being attacked or sexually molested by The Devil of Christian mythology; severe anxiety, nausea, and dizziness; irrational fear and anger; and periods of frenzy during which the victim often runs away.

Western medicine and procedures seem to have no effect, but local mystics' rites and potions often cure the afflicted. Of course, if the Grisi Siknis is, in fact, societal in nature, then what else would cure it but culturally-bound procedures such as those provided by local witchdoctors?

Western science continues to scratch its collective ass head.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

TXT 2 DON8

Errant parishioners in Finland may soon be able to make donations via text message. Dean Matti Pikkarainen of the Oulu Cathedral intends to raise the issue at a nationwide church meeting next month. At the end of 2008, 80% of the Finnish population were members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Currently, the law forbids donations via text messaging, but the Dean noted that many listen to the services on radio, watch them on TV, or access them via the Internet. Mobile phone giant, Nokia, is headquartered in Finland.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Headhunting, Executive-Style

"Headhunting" is the term many people use when referring to the practice of locating and recruiting executive personnel - usually those already in the employ of other companies. While some consider the practice unethical, it has gone on for years and years and there is no reason to believe it will stop anytime soon. In fact, it is so popular a practice, there is more than one Executive Search agency in existence, and if you are looking for experienced, knowledgeable professionals for your corporation or business, you need to know which one is the best - as well as the best for your needs.

Sadly, while the Web offers us many things, the search engines are often a bust when it comes to things of this nature. You are going to have to do things the old-fashioned way. Or simply click the link above, which leads to a wealth of headhunting agencies, all organized in the handy directory.

For more inputs on executive search agency and recruitment firms, visit the profile page of Dennis C Carey, a leading executive recruiter. Also, Dennis Carey can be found here.

Give Earth Some Slack, Jack - Be Groovy, Baby

Researchers decided to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions of the 40% obese British population and compare the results to those of the 1970s, when only 3.5% of the population was obese. The results were pretty staggering: the current population uses nearly 20% more "food energy" than that of the '70s, which equates to nearly 60 megatons of emissions! The transportation costs of supplying this food added another ¹/₂-1 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions! But there is a caveat.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) of the population has also increased, and not just in the UK, all over the world. This means people, in general, are bigger than they were some three-four decades ago. And while the researchers involved preferred to say they were getting "fatter," we have all noticed how much younger kids are developing. You can also see great differences in musculature and so forth in athletes and fitness freaks. It is not fair to say people are "getting fatter" as a blanket statement; it is fair to say people are bigger than we were in the 1970s.

Still, the basic concept is correct in that we should scale-back to the obesity percentages and so forth of the 1970s. Back then, we ate larger portions of vegetables and smaller portions of meat. Changing that much of your diet can help both you and the planet.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Handicapped Man Dies After Being Hit by Bus Which Crippled Him

A Philadelphia man who had lost his leg when a city bus hit him previously, was hit by another city bus on the same corner, and died.

61-year old Milton Boneta, who lived at a nursing home just a few minutes away, was apparently crossing the street when the bus struck him. It dragged the man and his wheelchair quite a distance before coming to a complete stop.

Years earlier, Boneta was at the same intersection when a city bus struck him, causing him to lose his leg, making him wheelchair-bound. The bus company said it had not confirmed the earlier accident and had no comment at this time.

An investigation is "far from over."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Storms Imminent

Those great thunderstorms in the South U.S. you've been hearing about lately are exactly where I am, but the last wave or two missed us (even though they interrupted TV to follow them, very closely, while they were occurring all around us), but it looks like this one is going to hit us squarely. It keeps lightning and thundering, though all the rain that dropped happened overnight and early this morning (so far, that is). I figure it's just a matter of time before I either get kicked offline or decide it's best to pull the plug.

If it's just more posturing on the part of Mother Nature, I'll probably be back; otherwise, I'll see you soon!

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

NC Insurance

I will say this much: I sincerely hope Blue Cross North Carolina is better than Blue Cross Tennessee. I had them back in 1999 and they denied just about every claim I put through! I wound-up arguing with those people more than I did working to pay them! And just a few months ago, they took over my insurance coverage from the company I had! Unfortunately, I am not in a position to drop them and find a better company.

Hopefully, that is not your case. These days, medical and health insurance is an absolute must - I don't care who you are nor how much you make. While legislation is being batted-around that might hopefully change all of this for the better, who knows if, or especially when, it will go through? If you are in North Carolina, follow the link above to compare companies, coverage, and cost. Get the best you can afford.

Do the Molyneux Haunt Croxteth Hall?

The Liverpool City Council is calling for some counsel of the paranormal kind, following the appearance of a possible phantom on closed-circuit TV footage from 400-year old Croxteth Hall. The video seems to show a glowing apparition wandering about the grounds, late at night.

Investigators called the evidence "intriguing," but have said little else. However, local superstition may back-up claims of a haunting. Croxteth Hall was originally built in 1575 and was passed down through the Molyneux family until 1972, when the last, direct descendant died without naming an heir. Croxteth Hall then became the property of Liverpool and the once private grounds are now open to the public.

Local superstition holds that William Philip Molyneux revisits Aintree Racecourse every year during the Grand National. He was the 2^nd Earl of Sefton and laid the foundation stone for the racetrack. Could he be the mysterious phantom? Or is it Hugh William Osbert Molyneux, 7^th Earl of Sefton? Perhaps he feels the grounds are still his, as he bequeathed them to no one? Or maybe he is there to visit his wife, who died some eight years later and was the last to inhabit the estate?

Whomever, or whatever, it is, the film clearly shows some phenomenon which appears humanoid in shape and size and moves definitively across the grounds.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Monkeys Teach Offspring to Floss

Female long-tailed macaques have been observed flossing their teeth with human hair. While interesting, the most exciting part is that the monkeys spend twice as much time flossing when their infants are watching, suggesting they are deliberately teaching the offspring to floss.

Experts noted the research is only in the "hypothesis stage," but teaching tool-using techniques to others is a practice thought inherent only to humans.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Man Survives Niagra Fall

From the vault:

A man survived a plunge over Horseshoe Falls on March 12^th. He was pretty naked.

Eyewitnesses say they saw the man climb a wall, then leap. Moments later, he was seen clinging to a log. He swam away from rescuers, but was eventually pulled from the icy waters when a helicopter used its blades to blow him closer to shore. He was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia and a head wound. He was conscious but unable to speak and was listed in critical condition.

Few have ever survived the Falls. Authorities decreed it illegal, as there was a time in which many tried. In 2003, an American tourist survived a leap he later explained as "a spur of the moment act."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Go Green and Earn Money

These days, everyone is talking about "going green." All it really means is deciding to be more environmentally conscious, then actually acting on it. Recycling is just one of the many ways people are "going green," but there are too many other ways for me to list here. A lot of them require little or no effort, actually. And The OddBlog has brought many methods to your attention through our frequent posts on the issue. Check the "ecology" and "conservation" tags to find all the posts on "going green" and becoming more environmentally aware that we have in the archives. It is an issue we will continue to follow, as well, because we believe deeply in it.

Going Green Home Based Business opportunities abound and are a great way to financially support your eco-friendly activism. You can peddle eco-friendly products or sell organic farming supplies to your neighborhood gardeners, for example. Jon M Queen is a well-known businessman who supports green home based business opportunities. Discover how you could start a green home business with Jon Queen here.

Avalanche o' the Odd

I hate to do this to you, but today is going to be incredibly busy; I'll be posting all day long, one right after the next. I know it has been hit-and-miss lately, but I said it would be. We start packing the house up this week - might even start tonight, if we can find the boxes and all that.

I have tons of stories I have bookmarked over the last few weeks, when I wasn't able to be here to actually cover them, so a lot of the stuff I'll be bringing you is kinda old - you may have already heard about some of this. Still, it's interesting stuff.

I have no idea what this and the following weeks will bring at this point. You'll know more when I do. You may want to save a few stories for when I'm unable to be here.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

The Tombs of Anthony & Cleopatra

Archaeologists think they are hot on the trail of the tomb bearing Anthony and Cleopatra's bodies. They have been excavating a series of tombs recently discovered near Alexandria and finds within those - including a mask thought to have belonged to Mark Anthony - suggest the star-crossed lovers' mummies may be nearby.

In one tomb, they uncovered a series of shafts in which they think the pair's bodies might be located. This is where they found the mask, as well as a bust of Cleopatra, and several coins with their images.

Also interesting, researchers say the coins bearing the images of both Mark Anthony and Cleopatra refute the claim that some experts have made, as to Cleopatra's beauty being exaggerated.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

More on Legalizing Drugs

Economist and Harvard Lecturer, Jeffrey Miron, wrote an intriguing piece on CNN a while back, calling for the legalization of drugs. As regular readers know, a British intellectual recently made our little blog when he suggested much the same. But while Prof. David Nutt was simply suggesting certain drugs be reclassified as less dangerous, Miron suggests the entire prohibition of drugs be lifted.

As he successfully argues, violence is the norm in the drug trade specifically because those involved in it have no other means by which to resolve their disputes. They cannot sue, they cannot enter arbitration, they cannot use advertising to best their competition. He also notes that violence was the norm when alcohol was prohibited, but not before and not after. He adds gambling and prostitution, as well; violence is not common where these practices are legal.

In his piece, Miron goes on to offer numerous other reasons for the legalization of drugs and the drug industry. His article is well-written and recommended, as you may have heard many of the arguments he presents, but his ability to communicate makes them resonate. Commenting is closed on the piece, though some of the comments included are worth reading.

In general, it seems more and more people are in favor of legalizing the drug industry, specifically so it can be controlled. They are tired of the violence, the tactics used by police, the harsh punishments associated with drugs, and all that goes along with the "war on drugs" which has been going on for decades now and has done absolutely no one any good.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Homeopathic Solutions

Did you know the FDA has been trying to co-opt vitamins since the early 20^th-Century? True story. They want to be able to regulate them - that is, tax and profit from their sale. As it turns out, there are a whole lot of ailments, minor and otherwise, which can be treated using simple, age-old, homeopathic treatments certain representatives have been trying to dismiss as "old wives' tales" for years now.

The OddBlog often brings you information concerning alternative medical procedures and practices, and we firmly believe in homeopathic solutions - a balanced diet alone is far more beneficial than most realize. However, we are not a medical blog and none of us are doctors, pharmacists, or medical professionals of any kind - nor do we purport to be. We bring you the information we do to bring it to your attention, not to offer actual alternatives to traditional medical procedures.

How to Cure diseases also warns that while seeing a doctor is the best way to treat any problem, there are other options besides paying outrageous prices for prescribed and over-the-counter medicines you might not even need. Learn how to cure diseases and understand the concept of neuro-imaging with The Amen Clinics. Also, more information on the founder, Dr Daniel Amen here.

New Tallest Man Discovered

Former basketball player, Zhao Liang, may well be the world's tallest man. He was "discovered" after being treated at a hospital. He is 8'1" tall, putting him nearly 4" over the current record-holder, Bao Xishun, who is also Chinese. Liang is now hoping the Guinness World Records will confirm his height and give him the record.

A basketball star until he injured himself a decade ago, Zhao Liang was unemployed until he learned to do magic tricks and play instruments and began performing with a street troupe. Doctors at the hospital were shocked at his height when he came in to be treated. They say he should make a full recovery.

Unlike many, Zhao Liang suffers no health problems related to his height.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Some Tea with Your Shooting

Police were looking for Tammy Sexton's husband because they had a restraining order to give him - one which told him to stay away from his wife. However, they didn't find Donald Ray Sexton before he got to his wife. As a relative ran to a neighbor's house to call police, Donald Ray Sexton shot his wife point-blank in the head, then went outside and shot himself.

But when cops got to the house, Tammy Sexton answered the door holding a rag. "What's going on?" she asked. She made herself a cup of tea and offered the policeman something to drink.

Apparently, the .380-gauge bullet passed between the lobes of her brain without causing serious damage. A neurosurgeon confirmed that there is a small place where a missile could pass without causing major damage, but "It would be rare."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009

Sleep Apnea

Did you know that sleep apnea is one of the leading causes of daytime sleepiness? A lot of people snore, but only some of them suffer from sleep apnea. It is a serious medical condition in which the patient literally stops breathing for up to 10 seconds (or longer), and it usually affects those who are overweight and/or who suffer from snoring. Further, those who suffer from daytime sleepiness may not know they are affected by it, so it never gets treated.

Sleep apnea is a serious problem which needs to be treated by a doctor, but you can stop snoring by using any of a number of over-the-counter remedies, none of which require a prescription or doctor's visit. As silly as it may sound, those who suffer from snoring, or those who live with someone who does, know how disruptive it can be to everyone's sleep. And we all know how much lack of sleep affects our daily performance at work, school, and just in general.

Allegro Medical is the largest online medical supply store there is. They have been in business since 1996 and offer over 55,000 medical items, organized in over 50 categories. No matter what your medical needs, Allegro can help. Simply follow the link provided above to learn more about how you can stop snoring, and browse around from there.