Brazil is the world's #1 coffee grower and #2 coffee consumer, and though the majority of its exported coffee is in bean form, its local grounds are known to contain any number of "filler" contaminants, including sugar, caramel, even wood!
The industry is known to sometimes mix these other, cheaper, ingredients into the coffee grounds in order to "bulk-up" the weight of the units. And though these contaminants are not known to cause health problems, they can make drinking the product uncomfortable.
The Brazilian Coffee Industry Association, or ABIC, tests products at random which it pulls from store shelves. If contaminants are found, the company is reported and given a fixed time period in which they can fix the problem. Repeat offenders face higher fines, loss of the Purity Seal, and can even be shutdown!
ABIC shutdown 10 such coffee producers in 2009.
© 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...
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Protestants Apologize to American Indians
"We consumed your resources, dehumanized your people and disregarded your culture, along with your dreams, hopes and great love for this land," Rev. Robert Chase of the Collegiate Church in Manhattan told representatives of the Lenape tribe at a reconciliation event in front of the Museum of the American Indian earlier today. American Indians traveled from as far away as Oklahoma to be part of what was called "The Healing of Turtle Island." Turtle Island is what the Lenape named Manhattan and what it was called when the Reformed Dutch Church was founded and built in 1628.
The Reformed Dutch Church, now the Collegiate Church (which is actually composed of four area congregations, including the Fifth Avenue Marble Collegiate Church, whose former minister was the late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale), was the "conscience" of the Dutch colony in what was then called New Amsterdam. As such, Rev. Chase accepted responsibility, "with pain," for the atrocities visited its native peoples by the settlers of the land.
A drum circle and wooden flute scored the ceremony, during which a young boy - representative of the Lenape tribe - and young girl - symbolic of the Dutch settlers - adorned one another with necklaces. The Reverend and Ronald Holloway, chairman of the Sand Hill band of Lenapes, attending as representative for the tribe, embraced and symbolically exchanged wampum.
You can download the Reverend's entire statement in PDF from the site above, as well as Holloway's response.
This was the first such apology from the Church in 400 years. Though a "Native American Heritage Day" was established in 1916, it was not officially recognized until 1990, and while some see today as the "official," second annual Native American Heritage Day, it has yet to be "officially" recognized as such, though the Obama administration has said it is full-committed to such.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The Reformed Dutch Church, now the Collegiate Church (which is actually composed of four area congregations, including the Fifth Avenue Marble Collegiate Church, whose former minister was the late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale), was the "conscience" of the Dutch colony in what was then called New Amsterdam. As such, Rev. Chase accepted responsibility, "with pain," for the atrocities visited its native peoples by the settlers of the land.
A drum circle and wooden flute scored the ceremony, during which a young boy - representative of the Lenape tribe - and young girl - symbolic of the Dutch settlers - adorned one another with necklaces. The Reverend and Ronald Holloway, chairman of the Sand Hill band of Lenapes, attending as representative for the tribe, embraced and symbolically exchanged wampum.
You can download the Reverend's entire statement in PDF from the site above, as well as Holloway's response.
This was the first such apology from the Church in 400 years. Though a "Native American Heritage Day" was established in 1916, it was not officially recognized until 1990, and while some see today as the "official," second annual Native American Heritage Day, it has yet to be "officially" recognized as such, though the Obama administration has said it is full-committed to such.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Colorado Cattle Mutilations
Authorities are stunned and perplexed by a string of cattle mutilations on a ranch in Colorado. Over the last few weeks, four calves have been found, their skin stripped, their organs harvested from beneath their ribs. One calf's tongue had been removed. As usual, no blood was found at the scene, nor any tracks of humans or animals.
Manuel Sanchez sold all of his calves, fearing their mutilation. He admits he has no idea how he will care for the few remaining cattle. "It's a big loss for a small rancher," he told reporters. A rancher for some 50 years, he has neither seen nor experienced anything like this before. Even local police are baffled, especially because they do not believe any human did this. "I've butchered a cow before and I know what kind of a mess it leaves," Sgt. James Chavez told the local press.
Many residents believe it is the work of aliens - so strongly, in fact, that area UFO Hunter, Chuck Zukowski of UFONUT.com has been consulted and has visited the ranch. Zukowski told investigators at least three, similar mutilations have occurred in the region this year, back in March. "We're trying to find a pattern," Zukowski told reporters.
He expounded on the matter in his blog today.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Manuel Sanchez sold all of his calves, fearing their mutilation. He admits he has no idea how he will care for the few remaining cattle. "It's a big loss for a small rancher," he told reporters. A rancher for some 50 years, he has neither seen nor experienced anything like this before. Even local police are baffled, especially because they do not believe any human did this. "I've butchered a cow before and I know what kind of a mess it leaves," Sgt. James Chavez told the local press.
Many residents believe it is the work of aliens - so strongly, in fact, that area UFO Hunter, Chuck Zukowski of UFONUT.com has been consulted and has visited the ranch. Zukowski told investigators at least three, similar mutilations have occurred in the region this year, back in March. "We're trying to find a pattern," Zukowski told reporters.
He expounded on the matter in his blog today.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Ghost Adventures: Remington Arms
This week, Zak, Nick, and Aaron are checking-out the Remington Arms ammunition factory - once the largest weapons factory in the world! Many say Remington Arms is cursed, because of the hundreds of thousands of people who have died as a result of the products manufactured there. If that weren't enough, there were dozens of accidental deaths and murders inside the factory.
There's one story about two men who fell into the lead smelting pots within the factory. They were killed instantly. There is a theory that when you experience such a quick, tragic death, your spirit can't leave that place. Some say the spirits who die so quickly don't know they are dead, and continue on as though they were still living. The guys decide to leave a static camera in this location... and you won't believe what they find!
Before the investigation even gets started, the guys feel unwelcome. While they are walking around in the middle of the day, they hear unexplained hammering around the building, their camera lights stop working, and they hear voices. The spirits were letting Zak, Nick, and Aaron know that they are in for an interesting night...
Check out a sneak peek of this week's investigation of the Remington Arms ammo factory - and remember, The OddBlog is an official Ghost Adventures site. Check back every week for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, links to live chat events, and more!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
There's one story about two men who fell into the lead smelting pots within the factory. They were killed instantly. There is a theory that when you experience such a quick, tragic death, your spirit can't leave that place. Some say the spirits who die so quickly don't know they are dead, and continue on as though they were still living. The guys decide to leave a static camera in this location... and you won't believe what they find!
Before the investigation even gets started, the guys feel unwelcome. While they are walking around in the middle of the day, they hear unexplained hammering around the building, their camera lights stop working, and they hear voices. The spirits were letting Zak, Nick, and Aaron know that they are in for an interesting night...
Check out a sneak peek of this week's investigation of the Remington Arms ammo factory - and remember, The OddBlog is an official Ghost Adventures site. Check back every week for sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, links to live chat events, and more!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Darwin's Theory of Evolution Turns 150
Today marks the 150th anniversary of the first publication of Charles Darwin's seminal theory of evolution in On the Origin of Species. First published in 1859, the theory was actually not all that "new" - Darwin had been working on it for years and another thinker was publishing very similar papers elsewhere in the world - but the book and its theory became one of the most controversial of all time, and remains so to this day.
Evangelical actor-turned... well, evangelist, Kirk Cameron, released a bizarre video on his website in which he calls Darwin a misogynist and links him to Hitler! Today, a video of Cameron being confronted by UCLA students surfaced on TMZ in which the actor-turned-evangelist stumbles all over his "theories." Cameron is releasing some version of The Origin of Species in which he presents counter-theory throughout.
Christie's auctioned-off a rare first-printing of Darwin's On the Origin of Species which was found on a family's bathroom shelf in Oxford. I do not know if the book has been sold yet, but it is expected to fetch upward of $100,000. About 1250 copies were in the first-print run.
Celebrations across the world have commemorated Darwin's 200th birthday this year. Many separate "Darwinism" from "Evolution," but zealous Christians do not.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Evangelical actor-turned... well, evangelist, Kirk Cameron, released a bizarre video on his website in which he calls Darwin a misogynist and links him to Hitler! Today, a video of Cameron being confronted by UCLA students surfaced on TMZ in which the actor-turned-evangelist stumbles all over his "theories." Cameron is releasing some version of The Origin of Species in which he presents counter-theory throughout.
Christie's auctioned-off a rare first-printing of Darwin's On the Origin of Species which was found on a family's bathroom shelf in Oxford. I do not know if the book has been sold yet, but it is expected to fetch upward of $100,000. About 1250 copies were in the first-print run.
Celebrations across the world have commemorated Darwin's 200th birthday this year. Many separate "Darwinism" from "Evolution," but zealous Christians do not.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
"They're He-eere!"
A Louisiana real estate agent was showing a stately, split-level home, half of which was perched atop a circular mound, when he came across a stack of about 100 bones in the cellar. Obviously disturbed, he contacted officials. A forensic investigator from Terrebonne Parish said the bones were so old, dirt had seeped into the marrow!
The real estate agent soon learned the previous homeowners would find errant bones about the property whenever they were mowing the lawn or raking leaves. They casually tossed them into the pile in the basement and forgot to mention it.
It is thought the circular mound beneath the home is an Indian burial ground.
Neither the former homeowners nor the real estate agent returned calls, but The OddBlog believes this could be what's wrong with the market... in Terrebonne Parish, at least.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The real estate agent soon learned the previous homeowners would find errant bones about the property whenever they were mowing the lawn or raking leaves. They casually tossed them into the pile in the basement and forgot to mention it.
It is thought the circular mound beneath the home is an Indian burial ground.
Neither the former homeowners nor the real estate agent returned calls, but The OddBlog believes this could be what's wrong with the market... in Terrebonne Parish, at least.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ghost Adventures: Ohio Reformatory
Tonight, the crew faces one of the most aggressive spirits yet! The spirits at Ohio Reformatory are angry. The prison has a long history of violent attacks. There have been over 155,00 inmates to pass through the prison in the last century. Both guards and former inmates tell stories of seeing the worst elements of the human spirit.
A former inmate tells the guys about a man named Lockheart who was in the cell next to him. One day, Lockheart decided to douse himself in paint thinner and set himself on fire. By the time help arrived, he was already dead. As Lockheart was dragged out of his cell to be put out, trails of burnt skin were left behind him.
Outside the prison is a graveyard full of inmates who died inside. Since nobody claimed them, they were buried in the prison graveyard. Finding an old relative won't be easy though, since the only identification on the gravestones are the inmate's prisoner numbers. After Zak learns this, he says "I think when there's a dishonorable burial, there is a recipe for trapped souls."
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
A former inmate tells the guys about a man named Lockheart who was in the cell next to him. One day, Lockheart decided to douse himself in paint thinner and set himself on fire. By the time help arrived, he was already dead. As Lockheart was dragged out of his cell to be put out, trails of burnt skin were left behind him.
Outside the prison is a graveyard full of inmates who died inside. Since nobody claimed them, they were buried in the prison graveyard. Finding an old relative won't be easy though, since the only identification on the gravestones are the inmate's prisoner numbers. After Zak learns this, he says "I think when there's a dishonorable burial, there is a recipe for trapped souls."
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Peruvians Killed for Human Fat and Sold It to Cosmetics Firms
Four Peruvians have been arrested for murder in which their victims' fat was sold to European cosmetics firms, while more suspects remain at-large. One murderer is thought to have made a 30-year career of murdering for fat!
According to Peruvian police, a gang of murderers used job offers to lure victims to remote roads where they were killed. The killers then hung their bodies to extract their fat which police believe they sold, along with their tissue, to European cosmetic firms for about $15,000 a liter. Some of the suspects were said to have soft drink bottles filled with human fat on their person when they were arrested. Officials believe several others were involved, including two Italian nationals, and all remain fugitives. Police say the gang could be responsible for some 60 deaths in the region.
Many medical professionals are skeptical; they say human fat is readily available and only used under strict legal conditions. They doubt a black market for such exists and sincerely doubt it would go for the reported $15k. Police say some of the members have confessed to the crime, and produced two soda bottles of human fat they claimed to have taken from the accused.
The gang was called the Pishtacos, after a legendary gang which lured people to remote areas, killed them, and mutilated their bodies. Some versions of the legend have the Pishtacos extracting the fat from their victims. The Pishtacos is such a strong legend that it spans several facets of the Andean pop-culture (books, jokes, and more) and even made its way into mass pop-culture.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
According to Peruvian police, a gang of murderers used job offers to lure victims to remote roads where they were killed. The killers then hung their bodies to extract their fat which police believe they sold, along with their tissue, to European cosmetic firms for about $15,000 a liter. Some of the suspects were said to have soft drink bottles filled with human fat on their person when they were arrested. Officials believe several others were involved, including two Italian nationals, and all remain fugitives. Police say the gang could be responsible for some 60 deaths in the region.
Many medical professionals are skeptical; they say human fat is readily available and only used under strict legal conditions. They doubt a black market for such exists and sincerely doubt it would go for the reported $15k. Police say some of the members have confessed to the crime, and produced two soda bottles of human fat they claimed to have taken from the accused.
The gang was called the Pishtacos, after a legendary gang which lured people to remote areas, killed them, and mutilated their bodies. Some versions of the legend have the Pishtacos extracting the fat from their victims. The Pishtacos is such a strong legend that it spans several facets of the Andean pop-culture (books, jokes, and more) and even made its way into mass pop-culture.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Normandy Nessie
Does a sea creature live in the Madeira Beach, Florida waters? According to a number of eyewitnesses -- including a man who has photographic and motion picture evidence -- something does!
78-year-old Russ Sittloh has dubbed whatever it is people are seeing in the canal behind his home the "Normandy Nessie," after the name of the area. He first saw it in April of 2009 and has since captured a half-dozen pictures of the "Normandy Nessie."
While a local biologist says the video and pictures he has seen appear to be a manatee, Sittloh disagrees: "I've swam with manatees, I've swam with sharks, I've swam with sea snakes; there is no way it's a manatee."
Sittloh also says he's seen at least two of the creatures and is concerned for others' safety.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
78-year-old Russ Sittloh has dubbed whatever it is people are seeing in the canal behind his home the "Normandy Nessie," after the name of the area. He first saw it in April of 2009 and has since captured a half-dozen pictures of the "Normandy Nessie."
While a local biologist says the video and pictures he has seen appear to be a manatee, Sittloh disagrees: "I've swam with manatees, I've swam with sharks, I've swam with sea snakes; there is no way it's a manatee."
Sittloh also says he's seen at least two of the creatures and is concerned for others' safety.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sleepkilling
A 59-year old man and his wife of 40 years were vacationing in a camper. As they were getting ready for bed, some youths began racing outside. The couple moved their van to higher ground and bedded down.
Early the next morning, an emergency operator received a phonecall from the man who said he had killed his wife "in a dream." During the phonecall, he explained that he had dreamt one of the racers had crawled across the bed and put him in a headlock. He fought the boy. When he awakened, his childhood sweetheart lay dead.
Both of the couple's grown daughters told attorneys the man had a sleeping disorder; he was known to "sleepwalk" and his behavior was sometimes strange during these episodes. At first, neither police nor prosecutor believed him, but after consulting sleep experts who observed the man as he slept, the prosecution decided to push for a "not guilty by reason of insanity" verdict. The defense is arguing for a simple "not guilty" verdict. Jurors were told they could find the man "not guilty" or "not guilty by reason of insanity."
Sleep experts said the man was asleep at the time of the murder and that he suffered "automatism" - a state during which his mind was not in control of his body. Further details are not forthcoming, as experts and officials seek to prevent copycat crimes. However, I can personally attest to such a state as I have personal experience with such. Of course, nobody asked me...
The man's emergency call was played during the trial. The man broke down in tears during both the original call and its playback in the courtroom. The content of the call also seemed to corroborate his story.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Early the next morning, an emergency operator received a phonecall from the man who said he had killed his wife "in a dream." During the phonecall, he explained that he had dreamt one of the racers had crawled across the bed and put him in a headlock. He fought the boy. When he awakened, his childhood sweetheart lay dead.
Both of the couple's grown daughters told attorneys the man had a sleeping disorder; he was known to "sleepwalk" and his behavior was sometimes strange during these episodes. At first, neither police nor prosecutor believed him, but after consulting sleep experts who observed the man as he slept, the prosecution decided to push for a "not guilty by reason of insanity" verdict. The defense is arguing for a simple "not guilty" verdict. Jurors were told they could find the man "not guilty" or "not guilty by reason of insanity."
Sleep experts said the man was asleep at the time of the murder and that he suffered "automatism" - a state during which his mind was not in control of his body. Further details are not forthcoming, as experts and officials seek to prevent copycat crimes. However, I can personally attest to such a state as I have personal experience with such. Of course, nobody asked me...
The man's emergency call was played during the trial. The man broke down in tears during both the original call and its playback in the courtroom. The content of the call also seemed to corroborate his story.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Jesus, Son of God, Sentenced to Jail in Sweden
A Swedish court has sentenced a man claiming to be Jesus, the son of God, to 30 days in jail and fined him just over $350 for driving without license. The Swedish man was picked-up by police four times in four months in 2008 for the offense. He even tried to falsify his expired tags by using cardboard!
In the courtroom, the 46-year old defendant claimed he was Jesus, the son of God, and was therefore exempt from earthly law. He also claimed to rule the world. I do not know if his plea was ironic or if he was serious, but I do know he'll be in jail for 30 days because he did not abide by earthly driving laws.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
In the courtroom, the 46-year old defendant claimed he was Jesus, the son of God, and was therefore exempt from earthly law. He also claimed to rule the world. I do not know if his plea was ironic or if he was serious, but I do know he'll be in jail for 30 days because he did not abide by earthly driving laws.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Rus-ka-bob
Three homeless men with previous criminal records have been arrested in Russia on suspicion of having murdered a man, eaten him, and sold pieces of him to a local kebab house! Police say parts of a body were discovered which lead to the three men's capture. That is when police found out the men had apparently sold some of the body to the local restaurateur. The victim is thought to have been a 25-year old man.
The site does not mention whether or not anyone was actually served human flesh.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The site does not mention whether or not anyone was actually served human flesh.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Late-Night Posting
Hi guys. I'm just dropping-in to tell you to expect late-night posts for the next couple days or so (at least). I'm still collecting stories as I come across them and will post on them when I can, but I've got to focus on the website itself right this minute, due to the big Halloween roll-out.
I apologize for upsetting the status quo, and promise things will get back to normal eventually, but right this second, the site takes precedent. My plan is to get it under control, then use a day or two to schedule posts so you get new material even if I am unable to be here.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
I apologize for upsetting the status quo, and promise things will get back to normal eventually, but right this second, the site takes precedent. My plan is to get it under control, then use a day or two to schedule posts so you get new material even if I am unable to be here.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Ghost Adventures Tonight: Poveglia
Tonight's Ghost Adventures investigation is a dream come true for Zak, Nick, and Aaron.
Poveglia Island is an infamous hotspot of paranormal activity so enshrouded in controversy that Venetian locals and tourists alike are banned from visiting! The team's experiences were so intense, they decided not to include some scenes.
At one point, Zak is overcome with anger and hatred. He believes he was taken over by a demonic spirit. He chose not to include all that happened in the episode because it is so personally disturbing. It is the first experience to ever force the team to pause an investigation out of fear for their safety!
On Poveglia is an insane asylum built on the bones and ashes of thousands of Bubonic plague victims. Countless more died on the island from war, tsunamis, and murder.
Many of the locals in Venice refuse to even talk about Poveglia. During the plagues, those who showed signs of the illness were taken to the island against their will and left to die. Their bodies were burned and buried.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Poveglia Island is an infamous hotspot of paranormal activity so enshrouded in controversy that Venetian locals and tourists alike are banned from visiting! The team's experiences were so intense, they decided not to include some scenes.
At one point, Zak is overcome with anger and hatred. He believes he was taken over by a demonic spirit. He chose not to include all that happened in the episode because it is so personally disturbing. It is the first experience to ever force the team to pause an investigation out of fear for their safety!
On Poveglia is an insane asylum built on the bones and ashes of thousands of Bubonic plague victims. Countless more died on the island from war, tsunamis, and murder.
Many of the locals in Venice refuse to even talk about Poveglia. During the plagues, those who showed signs of the illness were taken to the island against their will and left to die. Their bodies were burned and buried.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Alli - Wonder Drug?
According to some statistics, 2/3 of the American population is overweight and half of those people are obese. While medical science is catching-up to the problem and new diet supplements are always under study, some say Alli is capable of doing the job today.
Another statistic: Americans spend $35 billion a year on weight-loss drugs! Weight-loss supplements can be very costly, but for those people who are grossly overweight, even obese, alli may help.
Being overweight can lead to the most serious medical conditions facing us today - diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and more - so do not weight for that "magic pill." Act today.
Another statistic: Americans spend $35 billion a year on weight-loss drugs! Weight-loss supplements can be very costly, but for those people who are grossly overweight, even obese, alli may help.
Being overweight can lead to the most serious medical conditions facing us today - diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and more - so do not weight for that "magic pill." Act today.
Wife Posed as Teen to Trap Husband
A British woman posed as a 14-year old girl online to trap her husband. When the wife became suspicious of the time her husband was spending online, 61-year old Cheryl Roberts logged-on to the computer in another room and, posing as a 14-year old girl, engaged her 68-year old husband, David Roberts, in a chatroom.
After her husband used a webcam to broadcast himself performing sex acts and asked his wife (whom he though was a teenage girl) to meet for sex, Mrs. Roberts called police. Mr. Roberts assumed he had been caught downloading child porn images and movies, which police found on his computer; it was only weeks later that he discovered his wife was involved.
David Roberts told authorities he had not had sex with anyone underage, but was "prepared to do so." He also did not know why he began behaving in such a manner and welcomed treatment. He was sentenced to three years probation and denied contact with any persons under the age of 18.
The couple has since split.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
After her husband used a webcam to broadcast himself performing sex acts and asked his wife (whom he though was a teenage girl) to meet for sex, Mrs. Roberts called police. Mr. Roberts assumed he had been caught downloading child porn images and movies, which police found on his computer; it was only weeks later that he discovered his wife was involved.
David Roberts told authorities he had not had sex with anyone underage, but was "prepared to do so." He also did not know why he began behaving in such a manner and welcomed treatment. He was sentenced to three years probation and denied contact with any persons under the age of 18.
The couple has since split.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Hole-y...
About 3:30pm last Saturday, neighbors heard a loud bang. Enormous holes were then found in the roof of an Australian couple's home. Emergency workers remain baffled.
One theory is that a rare weather phenomenon called a "microburst" was to blame, but another expert dismissed that explanation, as there were no thunderstorms in the area at the time. However, workers noted a similar incident some years past which was thought to be caused by microbursts and left similar damage.
Another expert said the damage could have been caused by debris falling from an airplane, meteorites, or even marble-sized space debris (from satellites, et.al.). This debris could be so small that authorities will never find it. The holes were large enough that workers responding to the call could stand in them!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
One theory is that a rare weather phenomenon called a "microburst" was to blame, but another expert dismissed that explanation, as there were no thunderstorms in the area at the time. However, workers noted a similar incident some years past which was thought to be caused by microbursts and left similar damage.
Another expert said the damage could have been caused by debris falling from an airplane, meteorites, or even marble-sized space debris (from satellites, et.al.). This debris could be so small that authorities will never find it. The holes were large enough that workers responding to the call could stand in them!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Did Aliens Track Iranian Missile Launch?
Iran launched several test missiles a few months back, angering many countries in the West. Film of one test appears to show a UFO monitoring the launch! One expert says the object, whatever it is, is "not man-made." Another posits it could be an American drone, though admits the speed and maneuverability of the object surprise him.
Here is video of the incident.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Here is video of the incident.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
A Larger Power Hates Me
Hey guys, I know we've been slow lately. Part of that was the big Halloween roll-out, not to mention this sinus infection, but the other part is computer/technical problems.
Regular readers may recall my Vista computer was hit by lightning over the summer. I got it back up and running by disconnecting both the CD/DVD and modem, so even though I could get into it, I had no way of getting the data off of it. Since it was going to cost me nearly $200 just to get the data recovered, I decided I was better off just buying another computer. So I did.
When the new computer arrived, I found out it has no modem! While I plan on getting broadband anyway, we are so far out that the installation and monthly costs are simply more than I can presently afford. So, I'm in the same boat I was in last week... except also $350 poorer.
Anyway, I've been worrying with all of this on top of all my regular, stress-inducing problems, so my priorities, sleeping schedule, and everything else have simply been out-of-whack lately. I'm going to try to get some things scheduled ahead so this won't happen again (at least not in the immediate future), but I wanted to fill you in on what's going on.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Regular readers may recall my Vista computer was hit by lightning over the summer. I got it back up and running by disconnecting both the CD/DVD and modem, so even though I could get into it, I had no way of getting the data off of it. Since it was going to cost me nearly $200 just to get the data recovered, I decided I was better off just buying another computer. So I did.
When the new computer arrived, I found out it has no modem! While I plan on getting broadband anyway, we are so far out that the installation and monthly costs are simply more than I can presently afford. So, I'm in the same boat I was in last week... except also $350 poorer.
Anyway, I've been worrying with all of this on top of all my regular, stress-inducing problems, so my priorities, sleeping schedule, and everything else have simply been out-of-whack lately. I'm going to try to get some things scheduled ahead so this won't happen again (at least not in the immediate future), but I wanted to fill you in on what's going on.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Pacifist Prisoner Denied Pussy
German courts have denied 46-year old Buddhist and convicted bank robber, Peter Koenig, visits from his cat, whom he claims is the reincarnation of his late mother. The prisoner demanded visitation rights on the grounds that other prisoners are allowed visits from their family members. The court found that, while it respects prisoners' religious freedoms, Koenig failed to provide sufficient evidence that the cat was actually the reincarnation of his dead mother.
The court did find that Koenig could write his puss.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The court did find that Koenig could write his puss.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
'Man-Bashing' Canadian Woman May be Nuts
Police in British Columbia, Canada say they have some five or more reports of a Caucasian woman in either her teens or early-20s attacking men, seemingly at random. Her MO is the same each time: she approaches men on the street and kicks them in the nuts!
Most are reticent to report the crime, as it is embarrassing for them to admit they were "beaten-up by a girl." However, a 22-year old victim (who waited a month to make a report) felt obliged to do so when he had to undergo surgery to remove his testicle from his abdomen! Yes, the kick was so forceful that it forced the man's testicle into his abdomen. While doctors and surgeons thought they would be able to extract it, it was damaged beyond repair and had to be removed and replaced with a prosthetic. Doctors believe he will still be able to have kids one day.
I'm including the link to the original article so you can read the comments. Because of the nature of the crime and sociological mores, police do not know how many victims have been accosted.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Most are reticent to report the crime, as it is embarrassing for them to admit they were "beaten-up by a girl." However, a 22-year old victim (who waited a month to make a report) felt obliged to do so when he had to undergo surgery to remove his testicle from his abdomen! Yes, the kick was so forceful that it forced the man's testicle into his abdomen. While doctors and surgeons thought they would be able to extract it, it was damaged beyond repair and had to be removed and replaced with a prosthetic. Doctors believe he will still be able to have kids one day.
I'm including the link to the original article so you can read the comments. Because of the nature of the crime and sociological mores, police do not know how many victims have been accosted.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Driver Kills Two at Intersection - Seven Years Apart
In 2000, Australian Michelle Thiele entered an intersection. Had she looked to her left, she would have seen 69-year old John Mitchell, who had the right of way, approaching. Unfortunately, Ms. Thiele's oversight resulted in Mr. Mitchell's death. Thiele was fined.
In 2007, Michelle Thiele entered the same intersection. Had she bothered to look to her left, she would have seen motorcyclist, Graham Bryant -- who also had the right of way -- approaching. Thiele's oversight once again led to a man's death.
The same coroner worked both cases and blamed Michelle Thiele entirely for both accidents, calling her "incompetent." He said, "Both men died in collisions at the same location in almost identical circumstances and at the hands of the same motorist. They both died when that same motorist failed to give way."
After this second wreck, Thiele was sentenced to eight months in prison, fined, and her license was revoked. However, the Supreme Court suspended her jail time and returned her license after a one month period!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
In 2007, Michelle Thiele entered the same intersection. Had she bothered to look to her left, she would have seen motorcyclist, Graham Bryant -- who also had the right of way -- approaching. Thiele's oversight once again led to a man's death.
The same coroner worked both cases and blamed Michelle Thiele entirely for both accidents, calling her "incompetent." He said, "Both men died in collisions at the same location in almost identical circumstances and at the hands of the same motorist. They both died when that same motorist failed to give way."
After this second wreck, Thiele was sentenced to eight months in prison, fined, and her license was revoked. However, the Supreme Court suspended her jail time and returned her license after a one month period!
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Chinese Cat-Girl
A few months ago, six-year old Li Xiaoyuan had a fuzzy, little birthmark on her back. When the small tuft of gray hair started spreading, doctors told her parents not to worry, that it was natural. But now, short, fine, gray hair covers the little girl's back - even the back of one of her elbows! Her peers have ostracized her and other children refuse to play with her. They taunt her with the nickname, "Cat-Girl."
One surgeon suspects Li may have a rare skin disorder which causes moles to "run amok." He says laser surgery might have helped early-on, but is too risky at this point. Doctors remain baffled by the unusual case.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
One surgeon suspects Li may have a rare skin disorder which causes moles to "run amok." He says laser surgery might have helped early-on, but is too risky at this point. Doctors remain baffled by the unusual case.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Coffee? Tea? Prophesy Your Future?
Customers at the Coffee House in Tel Aviv can get a little extra with their cup o' joe: The service staff will divine their future from the grounds in the bottom of their cup! Marketing manager, Michael Steg, hired a Gypsy soothsayer to train the wait staff in reading the coffee grounds at the end of customers' coffee.
The service is free. Israel's coffee market is highly competitive.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The service is free. Israel's coffee market is highly competitive.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Giant Snake Hoax
According to police, a man who "discovered" a 14' python actually owns the snake and made-up the story; they have charged Justin Matthews for non-emergency 911 calls and "maintaining captive wildlife in an unsafe manner." Matthews, a professional trapper, said he pulled the stunt to heighten awareness of irresponsible pet ownership. Isn't that ironic? Don't ya think?
Matthews stuck his big, white python in the tight drain after purchasing it from a pet dealer. Residents reported seeing the snake over the following months. Justin Matthews called 911 and requested help, then "captured" the 14' snake, telling onlookers he was performing a "public service." The drain was a few feet away from an elementary school.
Florida has developed a serious issue with large, non-native snakes. The climate is conducive to the reptiles, and so many have been released into the region by irresponsible pet owners, that hunters are now legally allowed to trap them.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Matthews stuck his big, white python in the tight drain after purchasing it from a pet dealer. Residents reported seeing the snake over the following months. Justin Matthews called 911 and requested help, then "captured" the 14' snake, telling onlookers he was performing a "public service." The drain was a few feet away from an elementary school.
Florida has developed a serious issue with large, non-native snakes. The climate is conducive to the reptiles, and so many have been released into the region by irresponsible pet owners, that hunters are now legally allowed to trap them.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Miserable People Think More Clearly, Communicate More Well
An Australian researcher has determined that sad and grumpy moods promote clearer thinking and better communication skills, particularly in written form. Happy moods facilitate creativity.
Professor Joe Forgas, an expert in psychology, had subjects watch movies and ponder positive and negative events in their lives - both activities designed to put them in a positive or negative mood - then perform tasks such as evaluating the veracity of urban myths and providing eyewitness accounts of events. Those in bad, sad - negative - moods outperformed the jolly types.
Professor Forgas told Australian Science Magazine pleasant moods "promote creativity, flexibility, co-operation and reliance on mental shortcuts," while disgruntled dispositions "trigger more attentive, careful thinking, paying greater attention to the external world [and] may actually promote a more concrete, accommodative and ultimately more successful communication style."
Forgas' earlier research indicated the same findings in relation to weather: gloomy days sharpened memory, while sunny days fostered, um... oh - forgetfulness.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Professor Joe Forgas, an expert in psychology, had subjects watch movies and ponder positive and negative events in their lives - both activities designed to put them in a positive or negative mood - then perform tasks such as evaluating the veracity of urban myths and providing eyewitness accounts of events. Those in bad, sad - negative - moods outperformed the jolly types.
Professor Forgas told Australian Science Magazine pleasant moods "promote creativity, flexibility, co-operation and reliance on mental shortcuts," while disgruntled dispositions "trigger more attentive, careful thinking, paying greater attention to the external world [and] may actually promote a more concrete, accommodative and ultimately more successful communication style."
Forgas' earlier research indicated the same findings in relation to weather: gloomy days sharpened memory, while sunny days fostered, um... oh - forgetfulness.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Chinese 'Godmother' Arrested
Chinese police say 46-year old Xie Caiping ran illegal gambling dens and nightclubs as well as various protection rackets, protected drug users, and bribed corrupt police and officials to keep it all quiet. She also allegedly took some 16+ young lovers, an aspect of the case which kept the public riveted.
A recent crackdown in Xie's province of Chongqing resulted in the arrest of hundreds, including six district chiefs of police and other, high-ranking officials. One of these officials was Xie's brother-in-law and former head of the judiciary, also accused of running gambling dens, protecting drug users, unlawful imprisonment, bribery/corrupting officials, and racketeering. He is due to be sentenced for a string of crimes, including rape, money laundry and illegal lending, bribery, and others.
Xie is thought to have made nearly $300,000 through her illegal operations. She was fined about $160,000 and sentenced to 18 years in jail. Some 21 alleged associates were sentenced to between one and 13 years. Six people have been sentenced to death for blackmail and murder.
Western reporters have been allowed to cover the story. Chongqing's population is approximately 30 million.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
A recent crackdown in Xie's province of Chongqing resulted in the arrest of hundreds, including six district chiefs of police and other, high-ranking officials. One of these officials was Xie's brother-in-law and former head of the judiciary, also accused of running gambling dens, protecting drug users, unlawful imprisonment, bribery/corrupting officials, and racketeering. He is due to be sentenced for a string of crimes, including rape, money laundry and illegal lending, bribery, and others.
Xie is thought to have made nearly $300,000 through her illegal operations. She was fined about $160,000 and sentenced to 18 years in jail. Some 21 alleged associates were sentenced to between one and 13 years. Six people have been sentenced to death for blackmail and murder.
Western reporters have been allowed to cover the story. Chongqing's population is approximately 30 million.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Four More Albino Killers Set to Die
The Tanzanian province of Shinyanga found four men guilty of murdering an albino man and dismembering him, then selling his head and limbs to self-professed "witchdoctors," who ground them up and used them in the manufacturing of "magical potions" meant to bring the consumer wealth. The sentence follows that of three others, also sentenced to die, for the similar murder of an albino boy. All parties are expected to appeal.
While some feel the death sentences send the right message, thousands of albinos still live in fear throughout Tanzania and the surrounding regions. Many note a larger crime syndicate is at work and want those men to be arrested and convicted.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
While some feel the death sentences send the right message, thousands of albinos still live in fear throughout Tanzania and the surrounding regions. Many note a larger crime syndicate is at work and want those men to be arrested and convicted.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Halloween Updates
Obviously, we're all over the map here - the paranormal, Cyberculture, comic books - but the primary thrust of The Weirding remains the RPG content. And this Halloween, we've got a doozy for you: the long-awaited Chill @ The Weirding has been unleashed!
Technically, I got sick a week before Halloween and ran out of time - in many cases, the pages are not only incomplete, but the design elements are all effed-up. I apologize, but what can I do? I'll continue tweaking, updating, and uploading what I didn't get posted on Halloween. Still, this is the biggest release yet, and (as always) it's just a drop in the bucket; there's much, much, much more to come but you'll just have to make-do with what I managed to get published for now.
Chill is a horror RPG centering on envoys from a highly-secret, Supernatural investigation agency called the Society of the White Way. A classic horror RPG, Chill remains an underground staple amongst the cognoscenti. A third-edition was recently set to be released (from OtherWorld Creations), but unfortunately, has so far fallen-through. Fans of The OddBlog would enjoy it, so be sure to check it out!
The Weirding is an official Chill site.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Technically, I got sick a week before Halloween and ran out of time - in many cases, the pages are not only incomplete, but the design elements are all effed-up. I apologize, but what can I do? I'll continue tweaking, updating, and uploading what I didn't get posted on Halloween. Still, this is the biggest release yet, and (as always) it's just a drop in the bucket; there's much, much, much more to come but you'll just have to make-do with what I managed to get published for now.
Chill is a horror RPG centering on envoys from a highly-secret, Supernatural investigation agency called the Society of the White Way. A classic horror RPG, Chill remains an underground staple amongst the cognoscenti. A third-edition was recently set to be released (from OtherWorld Creations), but unfortunately, has so far fallen-through. Fans of The OddBlog would enjoy it, so be sure to check it out!
The Weirding is an official Chill site.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
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