<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>Offbeat</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/index.1457</link>
<description>New posts in Offbeat</description>
<item>
<title>Strange Beauty Products of the 21st Century: Buy Your Mood Dress, Eye Lash Drops, Cookie Breast Enlarger and Others Now</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/Strange-Beauty-Products-of-the-21st-Century-Buy-Your-Mood-Dress-Eye-Lash-Drops-Cookie-Breast-Enlarger-and-Others-Now.262729</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Indeed, the technology of the 21<sup>st</sup> century has brought different beauty products exclusively women; however, with the exaggeration of technology and human being&amp;rsquo;s desire of perfection, some of these beauty products are not anymore the typical and enhanced version of, say, lip gloss, make-up kits, etc. In fact, strange creations have been invented as these beauty products got its hold of the cosmetic consumerism.</p>
<h3><strong>Breast Enlarger Cookies from Japan</strong></h3>
<p>Imagine a cookie that can actually enhance the size of a woman&amp;rsquo;s breast. Recently this 2005, one unique beauty product has been introduced in the Japanese public and later internationally about a cookie that contains Pueraria Mirifica. The miracle root herb can most commonly be found in the northern eastern Thailand and Myanmar. The plant&amp;rsquo;s common name is Kwao Krua and it has been identified as an unusual estrogenic phenol miroestrol in 1952.</p>
<p>In 1932, Dr. A.F.G. Kerr, the Director of the Botanical Section of the Journal of the Siam Society, identified this plant as a rejuvenating drug with the following benefits:</p>
<ol>
<li>Increase appetite, and - Alleviate sleep disorders,</li>
<li> Increase blood circulation, </li>
<li>Increase energy and vigor, more reflexive bodily movements,</li>
<li> Eye Drops for Lengthening the Lashes and (5) Darken white hair, and increase hair growth.</li>
</ol>
<p>However, Japanese scientists also claim the breast enlarging benefit of this herb. From the recent Bust Up Gum Store in Japan, this F-Cup Cookies are not being sold to their consumers interested of increasing the size of their breasts.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/fcupchocopop5b095d_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.dite.co.jp/shop/diet/img/fcup_choco_pop%5B09%5D.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/h_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_X9Dxp-sOnH0/SDvo4D95B2I/AAAAAAAAEjU/NlKfd8CUiZ8/h.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<h3><strong>Mood Dress of Philips Technology</strong></h3>
<p>How nice would it be to have an easy-to-see, visual indication of your wife's true state of agitation when all she'll tell you is that she's "fine"? Hahaha. From the popular 1970&amp;rsquo;s mood ring comes the ever-awaited mood dress, which involves a very similar concept with the traditional color-changing ring. From Philips Electronics technology, this mood dress is said to adapt to the emotional state of the wearer. Only last year, the emotional mood dress prototype icon, Phillips' Bubelle, has landed on Time&amp;rsquo;s Best Inventions of the Year list. The idea was developed by a group of researcher under Philips&amp;rsquo;s Skin Proces led by Lucy McRae. The dress is made up of two layers, specifically the superficial biometric sensor layer responsible for the detection of the emotion and the color and lights emitting second layer.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/dresses11000x706_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/12_03/dresses1_1000x706.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<h3><strong>Appetite-Suppressing Lip Gloss</strong></h3>
<p>Worried about getting bigger hips, distending tummies and sagging fats? You don&amp;rsquo;t have to be with the new FUZE Slenderize Guilt Free Lip Gloss. Not only the shiny and fruity smell of this lip gloss highlight the product towards the pedestal of lip shiners, but most importantly, its capacity to suppress the user&amp;rsquo;s appetite. The product contains energy boosters that can enhance the person&amp;rsquo;s energy levels despite the absence of food intake for a certain number of hours. Flavors available are in Blueberry Raspberry, Dragonfruit Lime, and Strawberry Melon. The principal ingredients of this lip gloss are Super Citrimax &amp;ndash; metabolism booster, L-Carinitine &amp;ndash; fat burner, and Chromium &amp;ndash; maximization of food-energy conversion.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/227_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://trend911.com/wp-content/227.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p><a href="http://trend911.com/wp-content/227.jpg" target="_blank"><br /></a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/fuzelipgloss_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.outblush.com/women/images/2008/03/fuze-lip-gloss.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<h3><strong>Pheromone-based Lotion for Flirting</strong></h3>
<p>Ever wondered how can you easily seduce your lover without him knowing your actual intentions? Fortunately, the Booty Parlor&amp;rsquo;s Flirty Little Secret is now available in the market. This wonderful lotion contains a certain amount of pheromone formula that can seduce your lover unconsciously. Aside from its pheromone contents, the lotion also provides a great deal of body figure improvement from its other compositions. The bio-Bustyl provides bust improvements, Tritosol XM as a fab skin tightener and UGL complex for hydration boosts and collagen production of the skin.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/flssmall_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.girlpaint.com/images/FLS_small.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<h3><strong>Shape-Shifting Garments for Surgery-free Perfect Body Figure</strong></h3>
<p>Why take liposuction surgery when you can trim-down the size of your body with these shaper garments? Just recently, Cleavacious Bra, butt shapers and silicone bust gels are not available under one shaper garment brought by Dr. Rey&amp;rsquo;s Instant Shape. Dr. Robert Rey, accomplished Beverly   Hills plastic surgery, has partnered with Australian lingerie designer Bruno Schiavi to launch Instant Shape by Dr. Robert Rey, a revolutionary new shapewear collection that allows women to wear clothes one to two dress sizes smaller without the risk or cost of plastic surgery. Instant shape can immediately provide you a perfect body figure without the pains of surgery or diet plans.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/dr90210hsnsearsinstantshapedrrobertreybrunoschiaviplasticsurgeryrealitytvtelevisionshowmdplasticsurgeonb53b077c2e47cfd8608d0b98773b0bb3_1.jpeg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.coolpicking.com/50226711/images/dr_90210_hsn_sears_instant_shape_dr_robert_rey_bruno_schiavi_plastic_surgery_reality_tv_television_show_md_plastic_surgeon_b53b077c2e47cfd8608d0b98773b0bb3.JPEG" target="_blank">Image Source</a><strong> <br /></strong></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/brookeblog_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/files/brooke-blog.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<h3><strong>Smile Trainers from Japan: FOREVER Smiling</strong></h3>
<p>From the innovative city of Japan comes a unique product to train people how to smile.</p>
<p>Man, this sure made me laugh!</p>
<p>From Shu Uemura Japanese brand is a small piece of brace-like prosthetic that fixes a perfect smiling image of you while wearing it. The company believes that this product can actually train people how to smile more often, while at the same time reducing the facial sagging. The only disadvantage is you cannot speak while wearing it and the plastic taste all-over your mouth.</p>
<p>So, you may want to try this one during your sad days. I guarantee you no one will notice it.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/beautysmiletrainer_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.plasmetic.com/images/beauty-smile-trainer.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<h3><strong>Face Shaper for Self-Perceived Facial Deformities</strong></h3>
<p>Have you ever thought of your faced being so deformed that you cannot anymore look at yourself in the mirror? (well, vainly deformed that is) The good news is here because the Face Shaper from Japan can actually cure your deformed faces. A prosthetic mask is attached all-over your face and bony areas of the head to theoretically contain the growing. However, you will have to wear this continuously until you see some improvements on your face.</p>
<p>Any Hollywood horror celebrity look-a-like?</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/faceslimmer_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.techgadgetforums.com/files/face_slimmer.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<h3><strong>Eye Drops for Longer Eye Lashes</strong></h3>
<p>A new invention called Lumigan brought by Lorrie Klein dermatology and laser center only last year. According to FDA analysis, the eye drop, Lumigan, possesses a powder chemical that stimulates prostaglandin activity, which in turn induce eye lash growth. However, the eye drops is not available over-the-counter due to its potential side effects. Medical experts suggest the need to have initial eye exam prior to the use of Lumigan.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/lumigandrops_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.strat-cons.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/lumigandrops.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/fashionfeatherlash_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b91/Princesstoya/Fashion/Fashion-FeatherLash.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/longeyelashes_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.dermanetwork.org/blog/long-eyelashes.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>What are you waiting for? Buy now! Face Shaper and Smile Trainers are 70% OFF Sale now. Just Kidding.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FStrange-Beauty-Products-of-the-21st-Century-Buy-Your-Mood-Dress-Eye-Lash-Drops-Cookie-Breast-Enlarger-and-Others-Now.262729"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FStrange-Beauty-Products-of-the-21st-Century-Buy-Your-Mood-Dress-Eye-Lash-Drops-Cookie-Breast-Enlarger-and-Others-Now.262729" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:51:40 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Look! Look! There's Something on the Roof</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/Look-Look-Theres-Something-on-the-Roof.262401</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Architecture isn't just about architects.  It's human, it's organic - it's all about add-ons!  Here are a number that you may find questionable.  Then again, you may find them wonderful, unique and a tribute to the individual in all of us.  Get out of here!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_0.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimcomeau/43184663/" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimcomeau/43184663/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>In Portland they occasionally struggle against their image as staid and solid citizens.  Here, they show that they can be as mad as the rest of the world.  Each year for the Rose Festival, Jakes restaurant puts this giant inflatable crab on their roof.  Why? Because they can!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_1.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/77506989%40N00/435602177/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>Climate change is happening, and this must be the ultimate in photographic proof that it is becoming more and more of a danger to the environment.  In fact, this shark, decorously poised in Oxford, England, was put there deliberately by the owner of the house.  Years of argument with the local council ensued until, after it had become a local landmark, the council decided it could stay after all!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_2.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aquadog/63440667/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aquadog/63440667/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Here there be dragons!  Don't you really hate it when people don't take Halloween seriously? Put a little effort in guys, come on!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_3.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stones55/424802635/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stones55/424802635/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Need auto repair, then why not get down to Andy's in Washington State?  There you can also take a very quick double take as you approach.  Are those the&amp;hellip;?  Why are they&amp;hellip;?  Who cares?  They look great and must give every passerby a lift!  Or a breakdown!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_4.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/prd/2221620873/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/prd/2221620873/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>The residents of Orange County may shake their heads and wonder why, but that is doubtful.  It is California, after all!  Three friends audition for the latest Disney film but while they certainly get themselves seen, they fail when it comes to he cute factor.  The Moose is a snob, the goat thinks he is Sophocles and the bear is just a little too grizzly.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_5.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/edgley_cesar/1292950217/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/edgley_cesar/1292950217/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Is this urban art, making a statement about man's condition and the loneliness of the thinker?  Or is it just that someone in Salvador, Brazil thought it would be hugely entertaining to stick a show window mannequin on the top of a very tall building.  With some generosity of spirit you could accept the former.  Without, then it's just a dummy on a roof, which if alive would probably be getting a grand case of the piles right now!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_6.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thayer/2371481900/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thayer/2371481900/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Behold, a giant am I!  This great big symbol of all things American sits atop a rooftop in downtown Michigan.  Nonchalant and indifferent, he doesn't even notice that a bird has chosen to perch on his hat, from which to survey the wonders of the city (no irony, honestly!).  Taken from the back because from the front, it seems, this gentleman leaves nothing to the imagination!  Not so much of a gentleman then!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_7.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vsolanoy/772719238/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vsolanoy/772719238/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Who could leave LA without a visit to Randy's Donuts?  Not for the faint hearted (at least when it comes to the doughy stuff!), Randy's boasts the largest ring with a hole in the city, quite possibly the whole state and perhaps the world!  One can imagine it falling on a hapless Harold Lloyd who would miraculously survive the landing by a whisker and give the screen one of his slightly befuddled black and white looks!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_8.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cairoanne/2851284776/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cairoanne/2851284776/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_9.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cairoanne/2851268284/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cairoanne/2851268284/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Not something you would put on the list of local amenities if you wanted to sell your flat, these two tube carriages hover precariously over the road.  It looks as if they are members of a club, recreating scenes from movies where hapless carriages must speed to the end of the line before hurtling in to oblivion.  Only it never is oblivion, really.  Look closely and you can see Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves in the carriage on the left.  Gotcha!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_10.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Willow, Alaska, and Sarah Palin's private jet awaits her next political move.  Whether it is to New York or in to the more and more Polar Bear free wastes of her native state, this jaunty little number awaits her every whim.  Small and petit, much like the lady, it only has enough fuel for internal flights and will not venture overseas.  Much like the lady.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_11.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepersea/199102188/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepersea/199102188/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Weather vanes are not that rare in Brooklyn, but really!  If you are going to kidnap someone and keep them, Fu Manchu style, in a glass container, wouldn't it more discreet to keep your hapless prisoner indoors?  This just looks like over confidence gone mad.  Incidentally, is everyone in Brooklyn called Vinnie?  Enquiring minds!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_12.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepersea/402362374/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepersea/402362374/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Staying in Brooklyn for a while, one must wonder whether its inhabitants have a fixation for putting stuff on the roof.  Here, two young men await he arrival of their friend Homer, in the expectation of a beer or five.  For the artist in you, yes, a third figure on the right would have given this bravura piece of something for no reason whatsoever a much greater sense of balance.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_13.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joekerstef/523407444/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/joekerstef/523407444/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>When Tom refused to continue the double act, Jerry went quickly and despondently to seed.  Here he tries to put on a brave face for the visitors to a fireworks store in Wisconsin.  Poor old Jerry.  He was always the most vulnerable and sensitive of the pair, wasn't he?</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_14.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/caranti/352874602/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/caranti/352874602/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>They don't do their art by half in Vienna, Austria.  This piece of installation art (and just how did they install it?) is something to take the breath away.  Perched precariously on top of a museum of modern art, what sort of statement is it making?  And where is Dorothy and the Munchkins?  Probably not of this world any longer, as this would obviously have missed any wicked witch standing in the court yard!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_15.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takomabibelot/353239422/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takomabibelot/353239422/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Not quite Champion, but it's a wonder that this horse got where it was!  A homage to an old Guinness ad, perhaps?  Nope, doesn't seem to be a surfer anywhere to be seen in the vicinity!  To those who thought the slightly saner variety of the American species could be found in Pennsylvania, think again!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_16.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mema_nh/102092602/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mema_nh/102092602/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Not many people know this but The Incredibles have a second home in the country.  However, they spent so much on the purchase and refurbishment of their New England hideaway that when it came to readiness to fight crime and evil geniuses gone mad, they had to skimp a little on the peripherals.  Still goes from zero to ninety in three seconds flat, though!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_17.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gullideckel/226183462/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>Elvis has left the building!  Enough said!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_18.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lr_tokyo/124195195/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lr_tokyo/124195195/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>If it's a true WTF moment you are looking for, then this is perhaps it.  Situated in an amusement park in Tokyo the first and immediate question is exactly who is this going to amuse? Norman Bates? Hannibal Lecter?  Oh, and it is supposed to be a cat.  Yup.  WTF?</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/0_24.jpg" alt="" /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lr_tokyo/124193763/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"><br />Image Source</a></p>
<p>Staying in Tokyo for just a little while, you can realize while Ms Coppola called her film &amp;ldquo;Lost in Translation&amp;rdquo;.  If I had a dirty mind I would be quite explicit in stating of what this reminds me. However, this writer is pure and chaste and, oh look, some driven snow!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_20.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcybergal/53871394/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ljcybergal/53871394/in/pool-roofs" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_21.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hackstonr/2291399561/" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hackstonr/2291399561/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Many people think that this is the best piece of public sculpture in the UK.  A huge cat sits playfully on the roof of the local KFC in (strangely enough) Catford, in South East London, England.  It predates the Angel of the North by more than a decade and is hugely popular in the local area.  Many people, however, do not notice it on first passing, such has it embedded itself in to the local architecture.  Viewed at a distance, nothing seems out of place!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/20/340775_22.jpg" alt="" /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wulf/444870817/" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wulf/444870817/" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Who says that art cannot be popular and populist?</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FLook-Look-Theres-Something-on-the-Roof.262401"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FLook-Look-Theres-Something-on-the-Roof.262401" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:54:28 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Nine Funny Baby Products to Make You Laugh</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/Nine-Funny-Baby-Products-to-Make-You-Laugh.257057</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Being a parent is a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly.&amp;nbsp; However, life doesn't always need to be so serious.&amp;nbsp; Kids are quirky, funny and sometimes downright weird.&amp;nbsp; Why not explore some products that are a little less serious than some of the issues parenthood involves?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.babytoupee.com" target="_blank">
<h3>Baby Toupee</h3>
</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/nav01_1.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/nav02_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/nav04_1.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/nav03_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>It took both of my kids a long time to get hair.&amp;nbsp; It seems like all of my son's baby pictures feature a hat to cover his little bald head.&amp;nbsp; When my daughter was born, I wanted to give her cute little hairstyles and bows in her hair.&amp;nbsp; Alas, her head was empty.&amp;nbsp; These toupees would have totally helped me out.&amp;nbsp; They have toupees called The Donald (from Mr. Trump, a total combover), L'il Kim (long pink locks), The Bob (rasta dread locks), and the Samuel L. (short, dark and curly wig).&amp;nbsp; All four styles are $21.99.&amp;nbsp; They are for babies 1-9 months and make for some ridiculously funny photos.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.peterpotty.com" target="_blank">
<h3>Peter Potty</h3>
</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/imgproduct_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Potty training is a huge developmental step with babies graduating into big kids.&amp;nbsp; Potty training boys can be especially challenging because, for some reason, they like to pee standing up!&amp;nbsp; When I was a single mom training my son, I would have loved to have this in the house.&amp;nbsp; You can leave it sitting on the floor or mount it to the wall.&amp;nbsp; The stand that comes with it is adjustable so that it can grow with your child.&amp;nbsp; Best of all, it actually flushes!&amp;nbsp; It sells for $49.95.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.billybobpacifiers.com" target="_blank">
<h3>Billy Bob Pacifiers</h3>
</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/grill_1.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />My daughter actually has one of these.&amp;nbsp; Here's has a skull and crossbones on it that glows in the dark.&amp;nbsp; They are her favorite and she refers to them as her "pirate binkies".&amp;nbsp; The assortment of pacifiers this company has is varied -- anything from pigs noses to vampire teeth to "baby's first grill" pacifiers.&amp;nbsp; The one thing they do have in common is that they're all pretty funny looking when put in a baby's mouth.&amp;nbsp; The teeth ones are especially funny.&amp;nbsp; They sell for $11.99.</p>
<p>&amp;nbsp;<img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/snarl_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.heelarious.com" target="_blank">
<h3>Heelarious</h3>
</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/kaylanew_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The reviews on this product are pretty mixed -- anything from thinking they're overly provocative to that they're absolutely adorable.&amp;nbsp; Either way, they're sure to get a reaction.&amp;nbsp; They're completely safe and are not at all meant to be walked on.&amp;nbsp; They're just meant as a cute accessory to a baby dress and are apparently becoming very popular in Hollywood.&amp;nbsp; They come in sizes 0-6 months.&amp;nbsp; They're $35.00 and come in several different colours and animal prints.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bebabean.com" target="_blank">
<h3>BeBaBean</h3>
</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/pic26_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Anyone who's ever changed a baby boy's diaper knows that you are risking getting peed upon.&amp;nbsp; Somehow when you take off a baby boy's diaper, it's like yelling "Ready, Aim, Fire" to them.&amp;nbsp; I don't know if it's the cold breeze or that they maliciously get a kick out of peeing on us.&amp;nbsp; I know my son always used to laugh hysterically after he had done it.&amp;nbsp; Here's the product for you then, it's called the pee pee tee pee.&amp;nbsp; It is exactly what it says, a little tee pee to stop the pee pee.&amp;nbsp; They sell 5 for about $11.&amp;nbsp; They come in a variety of colours and designs also.&amp;nbsp; The "Santa Hat" pictured below is my favourite though.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.babyvac.co.nz" target="_blank">
<h3>BabyVac</h3>
</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/babyvac300_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The Arianna babyvac is an electronic aspirator.&amp;nbsp; That's a nice way of saying snot sucker outter.&amp;nbsp; All I had for my kids was the manual aspirator -- they're going high tech in mucus removal apparently.&amp;nbsp; They recommend it as being safe for infants to toddlers.&amp;nbsp; It sells for $26.99 and apparently is great at removing mucus.&amp;nbsp; They do recommend cleaning it very, very thoroughly (yuck).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.daddysdoodie.com" target="_blank">
<h3>Daddy's Doodie</h3>
</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/daddy_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>This diaper changing apron for dads comes with a face mask, rubber gloves, wet wipes, emergency nipples and disposable diaper.&amp;nbsp; This would make a great and funny gift for any dad to be.&amp;nbsp; It sells for $14.95 and can be embroidered with the dad's name to personalize the gift!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.zakeez.com" target="_blank">
<h3>Zaky</h3>
</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/babyszaky_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The "Zaky" is a hand shaped pillow designed to ergonomically support infants during rest periods.&amp;nbsp; It was developed for premature or ill babies but is now being recommended for all types of babies.&amp;nbsp; They say that it's the next best thing to being there.&amp;nbsp; They are machine washable and dryable, can be warmed up and scented with your smell.&amp;nbsp; They sell for $74.92 per pair and are available in beige, pink or blue.&amp;nbsp; They look pretty creepy though.</p>
<p><a href="http://rockabyebabymusic.com" target="_blank">
<h3>Rockabye Baby</h3>
</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/16/9609_1.gif" alt="" /></p>
<p>This is something else that I have for my daughter.&amp;nbsp; It's cool (to me) music that is changed into baby lullabies.&amp;nbsp; I've got the Ramones album but they have plenty to choose from -- Metallica, Bjork, Tool, Coldplay, Radiohead, U2, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Bob Marley, No Doubt, Pink Floyd, Greenday, The Eagles, etc. etc. etc.&amp;nbsp; The list is long and growing.&amp;nbsp; It makes listening to the "kid's music" a little easier and more fun for me too.&amp;nbsp; They sell for $16.98 per CD and sound way better than the elevator music you may assume it sounds like.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FNine-Funny-Baby-Products-to-Make-You-Laugh.257057"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FNine-Funny-Baby-Products-to-Make-You-Laugh.257057" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:16:58 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Oinkology: Nine Cool and Adorable Piggy Banks</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/Oink-Nine-Cool-and-Adorable-Piggy-Banks.256621</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<h3>The Pelucha</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/odiosa/2509043181/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2509043181_2e4089aafd.jpg" alt="Pelucha Piggy Bank" /></a><br /><br />This is unlike any other piggy bank you've ever seen. In fact, it's different from real life piggies in one dominant aspect: the Pelucha has feathers! The good thing is that it retained the universal pig color, pink.</p>
<h3>The Japanese Version Piggy Bank</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/irit/576491478/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1387/576491478_12f44c0e92.jpg" alt="Piggy Banks from Japan" /></a><br /><br />Because the above piggy pair came from Japan, let's assume that their names are Yamamita and Sokagoku. They seem to have animated eyes, and there's a certain cheerful but meditative calm about them that surpasses all pig culture.</p>
<h3>The Mutated Hello Kitty</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27902542@N02/2862017695/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2862017695_a52fdc1a55.jpg" alt="iggy" /></a><br /><br />Some scientists probably made a laboratory experiment and tried to create a new species out of a cat and a pig. The result is this mutated 'hello kitty' piggy bank above.</p>
<h3>The Next-Door Nerd</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagehalloweencollector/451788885/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/451788885_7819808243.jpg" alt="Vintage Hard Plastic Easter Pig bank" /></a><br /><br />Many people have complained that this piggy bank is an insult to human intelligence. Despite the harsh criticisms, "nerd piggy" has stood the test of time and reached vintage status. Standing 8 and 1/4 inches tall, he has enough money to regularly buy new glasses and overalls.</p>
<h3>Spider Oink</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amykins11/2232844693/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2243/2232844693_6cb6e721c7.jpg" alt="spider pig bank" /></a><br /><br />Pork, spider webs, and money. Now that's a perfect combination! This superhero might just save the day, especially if the ATM is offline.</p>
<h3>The Dark Knight</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27902542@N02/2862893324/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2862893324_b738d1dee1.jpg" alt="darkkinght" /></a><br /><br />Batman is becoming more and more obsessed with money. Recently hitting it big in the box office industry, he then switched his interests towards collecting your coins. And so emerged this Dark Knight piggy bank.</p>
<h3>The Wild Hog</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbaunach/398807012/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/398807012_5c1ca325c7.jpg" alt="pig-bank" /></a><br /><br />Beware, this is not your typical cute little oinky. This pig is wild, ferocious and menacing. Because of its size, it can make you more money than the other piggy banks too.</p>
<h3>The First Slim Pig</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/evilsciencechick/74323880/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/40/74323880_379692c4e1.jpg" alt="pig bank!" /></a><br /><br />I know, I know. This pig looks like Snoopy or Odie (Garfield's dog friend). But in actuality, this is the first pig to ever succesfully lose weight and eliminate a bulging tummy. Look at that ribbon around his neck. That's an award from his ancestors.</p>
<h3>The Moo-Oink</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jake83/942005158/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/942005158_14518dcbc5.jpg" alt="Pig bank" /></a><br /><br />This bank has dominant pig characteristics, except for cow-like spots all around its body! That's why it's called Moo-Oink! A splendid union of cows and pigs.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FOink-Nine-Cool-and-Adorable-Piggy-Banks.256621"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FOink-Nine-Cool-and-Adorable-Piggy-Banks.256621" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:01:39 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Growing a Giant Pumpkin</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/Growing-a-Giant-Pumpkin.255303</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>With cool weather right around the corner and fall in the air, it's time to look at those autumn traditions we look forward to every year. Many people from across the U.S. will visit harvest festivals and other gatherings celebrating autumn. One of the most popular events held every fall is the Giant Pumpkin contests. These contests are spread across America and attract thousands of people eager to see a giant and maybe a new world's record.</p>
<p>Growing giant pumpkins is for some a fun and rewarding hobby while others take this task seriously, putting much time, hard work and money into the endeavor every year. Giant Pumpkin Contests nationwide provide pumpkin growing enthusiasts the chance to compete with their rivals all over the U.S. for the one claim to fame that year...The Giant Pumpkin. And with prizes at $5.00 per pound and seeds from the winning pumpkins selling for $600.00 each, the financial gains to growing a winning Giant Pumpkin can result in thousands of dollars as well as tons of fun.</p>
<p><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres%3fimgurl%3dhttp://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/garden/archives/pumpkin.JPG%26imgrefurl%3dhttp://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/garden/archives/008320.html%26h%3d1113%26w%3d1281%26sz%3d354%26hl%3den%26start%3d7%26um%3d1%26usg%3d__JuBFfNiUrkNxjTEK_nQW2jF3ZLo%3d%26tbnid%3db9kIoQijahwExM%3a%26tbnh%3d130%26tbnw%3d150%26prev%3d/images?q=giant+pumpkins%26um=1%26hl=en%26sa=X" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>Serious participants competing for the world's largest pumpkin competition have their secret growing regime. The ritual they believe is the secret to producing a monster pumpkin in excess of 1000lbs. Some guard their secrets viciously while others are happy to share their triumphs and failures. Although everyone may have their secret recipe for growing a 1000 lb plus pumpkin there is also a few commonalities as well. These commonalities make it possible for anyone to grow an award winning pumpkin.</p>
<p>Only 16 years ago the first official Giant Pumpkin Contest was held with the winner weighing a mere 403 pounds. Since that time each competition has produced larger pumpkins and different winners. The only backyard gardener who has won the competition more than one time has been Howard Dill. Dill won the Giant Pumpkin contest from 1979 to 1982 and holds the Guinness book record for the largest pumpkin respectively. Since that time no one has won the competition twice. Every year the competition grows fiercer and the pumpkins get bigger. Who knows what this year will hold.</p>
<p>Today Giant Pumpkin contests are held throughout the United States, often the first weekend in October. Many of the more popular contests like the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Weigh off attracts contestants and visitors from the western U.S. Visitors flock to these contests to get a glimpse of pumpkins that can be as big as a car. Contestants can be seen hauling in their giant pumpkins on trailers and in the back of huge trucks. Forklifts are often used to transport these behemoth pumpkins to the scale. Once the weighing is over a winner is announced. But for the record setting pumpkin the competition is not over yet. Other competitions and competitors are all waiting patiently for the results to become official. Has the current world record been broken and a new Worlds Largest Pumpkin been produced this year?  It's a waiting game that can last several weeks. In 2006 the new Worlds Record Pumpkin weighted in at 1502 Lbs and in 2007 that weight increased to 1524 Lbs. What will 2008 have in store?</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FGrowing-a-Giant-Pumpkin.255303"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FGrowing-a-Giant-Pumpkin.255303" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2008 03:39:52 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>International Cuisine: Rare and Awkward Foods Around the World</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/International-Cuisine-Rare-and-Awkward-Foods-Around-the-World.254631</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>What is considered a delicacy by one maybe a horror to another. Culture, religion and society are all determining factors in one's apparent food choices. International cuisines can vary from rare to healthy to flat out disgusting in another person's opinion; however it all depends on your perspective. In poorer more desolate regions of rural China people have been selling scorpions on just about every street corner market imaginable because they are cheap, packed with essential protein and relatively versatile. Unique cuisines captivate us in a sense of utter disbelief and shock making us asks ourselves &amp;ldquo;Do they really eat that&amp;rdquo;? which is why they are so interesting. These are honestly some of the most bizarre and ridiculous foods that people actually call supper from various countries around the world.</p>
<h3>Scorpion                                                                          Pickled Snake Head Fish</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/329285_0.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/329285_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Nothing like a Beijing street market to gag your                                 A pickled snake fish head can be reflexes. Yup you guessed it scorpions are considered                       spotted across Asian markets in dinner in China but they are also packed with a surprising                Vancouver, British Columbia amount of protein.</p>
<h3>Sesame Black Bean Cheese</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/329285_2.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/329285_3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Dried lizard is used for soups and is normally                            Eaten in China made from cheese and beans sold in a Chinese medical shops across Hong Kong.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/329285_4.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/329285_5.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Balute is a half-hatched chicken egg eaten in the Philippines    Cone Pizza eaten in Seoul, S. Korea that is usually 15 or 16 days old. It is a chicken fetus.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FInternational-Cuisine-Rare-and-Awkward-Foods-Around-the-World.254631"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FInternational-Cuisine-Rare-and-Awkward-Foods-Around-the-World.254631" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 09:48:32 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Disneyland Scandals: the Unheard Tragedies</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/Disneyland-Scandals-The-Unheard-Tragedies.253939</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Disneyland is indeed the famous amusement center branching out from many different parts of the world. From its day of establishment in 1971, consumers have always been families, related groups and children. Walt Disney has undoubtedly reached its core of fame in the late 20<sup>th</sup> centuries after establishing Disneyland theme parks in different areas of the world: Hong Kong, Paris, California, etc. Why did Disneyland became so popular? Well, aside from the famous Disney characters that dramatically appealed to the young individuals, the most important reason is its ideal and family-oriented atmosphere.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/124246365812d5a9d85_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/spaceball_15.gif" alt="" /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveller/124246365/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>From 1971 up to the present, Disneyland consumers and public support have been continuously increasing. Needless to say, Disneyland has maintained its good reputation throughout these years. The act of being family-centered, children-advocate, and all the good figures have attracted most of their market. However, according to Disneyland&amp;rsquo;s former Duty Manager, Spencer Craig, his working experience for the last 10 years allowed him to understand the business concept of the magic kingdom &amp;ndash; the main objective of the business is to increase the risks of their rides in order to emphasize the so-called "Disneyland experience."</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/11316366731b7cf8a141_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/masteryofmaps/1131636673/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>Unfortunately, this strategy has produced unwanted tragedies and accidents that are left unreported or hidden from the public and media. Disneyland has guidelines for their "security personnel staff &amp;ndash; passenger surveillance ratio", which is technically known as "Operation Hourly Ride Capacity (OHRC)". According to Disneyland supervisors, the park usually closes if the maximum attendance hits 50,000&amp;hellip; or so they say. In 2007, the number of attendance even hit over 14,800,000 people, which made Disneyland the second most visited park in the world. According to Mr. Craig, adding to the overpopulation of the crowd is the decrease of available manpower due to the cost-cutting directed by the Disney.&amp;nbsp; Therefore, tragedies are indeed inevitable.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/219924811084a134c1d3_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7694540@N05/2199248110/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>In October 1999, Mrs. Pat Shenck and her 8 year old boy had taken the water sprite jet skis on one of the park lagoons. Unfortunately, Mrs. Shenck&amp;rsquo;s ski got stuck during the water shift. Meanwhile the 23-year old inexperienced ferryboat captain of the Kingdom Queen was unaware of the case. Going against the safety rules of the ride, he reversed the route of the ferry consequently sucking Mrs. Shenck towards the ship's blades. Eventually, death was resulted by the blades that shredded her body to pieces. By the time the police came in, Disneyland&amp;rsquo;s paid divers had already collected the body leaving no evidence of the scene. Unfortunately, Mrs. Shenck&amp;rsquo;s son was there the whole time around.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/222760269567e6af429b_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23211319@N06/2227602695/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>In December 1998, the special time of Christmas, Disneyland did not even consider the strict safety implementations in their Tall Ship. According to witnesses, the ship was getting too fast pulling the metal out of the dock where it should be properly attached. Unfortunately, the knot untangled easily probably due to the force and eventually hitting the couple, Luan Dawson and Lieu Vuong, and their employee, Christine Carpenter. Dawson died due to brain hemorrhage and skull fracture, while his wife suffered tremendous face disfigurement. Meanwhile, the employee underwent dramatic surgical operations for her lacerated foot and leg. Needless to say, the evidences were immediately cleared out three hours after the incident.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/511633999f8606a26c_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/14/spaceball_16.gif" alt="" /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ofus/51163399/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>According to the Santa Clara Sgt. Anton Morec Morec,</p>
<p>&amp;ldquo;Maybe the worker was under the influence, maybe the maintenance records indicate this cleat was due for maintenance two weeks earlier. You treat it as a crime scene until you know otherwise &amp;hellip;you need to have an independent investigation that would be uninfluenced by Disney."</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FDisneyland-Scandals-The-Unheard-Tragedies.253939"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FDisneyland-Scandals-The-Unheard-Tragedies.253939" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:49:40 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Selectrocution: Why Lightning Strikes Certain People</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/Selectrocution-Why-Lightning-Strikes-Certain-People.249789</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>"Selectrocution", I'm sure you've never heard the term. You're right, it's not in the Merriam Webster dictionary because it's a coined word (randomly made up by the author of this article). It is a combination of the words "selection" and "electrocution". The idea behind selectrocution is this: out of all people in the world, someone gets "lucky" and becomes hit by lightning. Therefore, we can give selectrocution a rough definition: It is the instance or event in which nature randomly selects a person to be the recipient of a lightning strike.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/calico/199866830/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/75/199866830_eec20b13f9.jpg" alt="Lightning Waltz - 7/26/06 Thunderstorm From East Mountains" /></a><br /><br />This bizarre phenomenon gives birth to many questions. What are the factors that contribute to selectrocution? Does this mean that a selectrocuted person is the most wicked person on planet earth? Is this phenomenon a product of chance, or did specific natural forces pave the way for it to happen?<br /><br />According to research, the probability of a person to be hit by a lightning is 1 out of 600,000. This might sound like selectrocution is very rare, but experts said that about 500 to 1,000 people per year are injured or killed by lightning strikes. What's even more interesting is that lightning seems to be selective of gender. According to a recent lightning hit survey in Florida (the most lightning stricken state in the world), 87% of the persons struck by lightning are males. However, only 34% of the males actually died, but 44% of the females were killed.<br /><br />Another selectrocution fact: Lightning hits OAK TREES more than any other species and structures on earth. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/norby/46320583/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/24/46320583_53f34ce94e.jpg" alt="Lightning Storm 09/05" /></a><br /><br />In short, we need to answer the question presented in the title of this article: Why does lightning strike certain people? Why does Selectrocution really happen?<br /><br />The answer is, we may never truly know for sure. Experts have pointed out various causes, such as high electron levels in the body and the hair of the victim (which has not been proven). Others blame it on poor walking habits, such as frequently walking in a huge empty field all by one's self. When someone is alone walking on an empty field, that person is more likely to be hit by lightning. Others meanwhile, blame selectrocution on pure Ugly Chance. On the lighter side, if you ask Fox Mulder and Dana Scully (from the X-Files TV series), I'm sure they will think that selectrocution is a byproduct of an alien invasion.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chavals/2051356298/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2051356298_340af12c86.jpg" alt="Lightning at The Royal" /></a><br /><br />Our conclusion is this: Lightning is absolutely selectrocutive, so don't fight it. Get out of harm's way by staying at home during a thunderstorm.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FSelectrocution-Why-Lightning-Strikes-Certain-People.249789"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FSelectrocution-Why-Lightning-Strikes-Certain-People.249789" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:10:37 PST</pubDate></item>
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<title>The Art of Sign Spinning</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/The-Art-of-Sign-Spinning.242935</link>
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<h3>The History of Sign Spinning</h3>
<p>The advent of sign spinning started in Southern California, when a young man who has paid to hold a giant arrow, became bored of having to just stand on his corner, and began to move his sign and create tricks. &amp;nbsp;The first tricks were very basic, consisting of flips, and spins. &amp;nbsp;This young sign spinner then went on to create <a href="http://www.aarrowads.com/rapp/static/welcome" target="_blank">Aarrow Ad's</a>, the World's first sign spinning company. &amp;nbsp;Since then, sign spinning has grow into a new form of extreme sports, where young men, and women, compete on the corners, and on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">Youtube</a>, to out-do each other. &amp;nbsp;The tricks became more and more complex, as spinners connected tricks together into combos.</p>
<p>The anything goes environment, warm weather, and surfer/skater cliche made Southern California&amp;nbsp;the perfect area for sign spinning to start, develop, and grow. &amp;nbsp;But sign spinning quickly spread across the nation, and is even starting to cross over international boarders. &amp;nbsp;I have come across a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP9BTmwLaAM" target="_blank">Costa Rican Sign Spinning Team</a> that watches the Youtube videos of American Sign Spinners, and copies what they see. &amp;nbsp;I plan to keep a close eye on them and other sign spinners world wide, because thats where new ideas, tricks and styles are going to emerge.</p>
<h3>How Does Sign Spinning Work as a Form of Advertising?</h3>
<p>Most people that drive by sign spinners often declare "I can't even read the sign with them moving it around so much". &amp;nbsp;The reason that they cannot read the sign is because they weren't targeted. &amp;nbsp;Sign spinning is much different than billboards. &amp;nbsp;Where as bill boards stand still and are often very large in size, people only read them when they want to, where as with sign spinning, the spinner draws your attention in with tricks, before stopping, or pausing, to deliver their advertisement. &amp;nbsp;Because of this, sign spinning is a very personal and effective form of advertisement.&amp;nbsp; Sign Spinning has been used to sell jewlery, houses, cell phones, and advertise for various TV shows and grand openings of stores.</p>
<h3>Sign Spinning as an Extreme Sport</h3>
<p>Sign Spinning is an emerging and developing sport. &amp;nbsp;Organized competitions take place every so often, while individual 1-on-1 competitions take place everyday between spinners. &amp;nbsp;Organized competitions normally consist of &amp;nbsp;three rounds with three or more judges keep score. &amp;nbsp;1-on-1 competitions are judged by the crowd, while the spinners take turns showing each other up until the crowd is pleased and declares a winner, usually by round of applause.</p>
<h3>Final Thought</h3>
<p>What started off as a form of advertising has turned into a method of self expression. &amp;nbsp;A good sign spinner can turn a corner into a concert. &amp;nbsp;They can get people to laugh, and some to laugh so hard they cry. &amp;nbsp;They can incorporate everything from break dancing to spewing fire into their routine. &amp;nbsp;They are putting an extreme spin into the advertising world, and are spreading a path of unity to the world by helping out fellow sign spinners abroad. &amp;nbsp;So next time you see a sign spinner on the corner, smile, wave, honk, or maybe just bring him something cold to drink.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FThe-Art-of-Sign-Spinning.242935"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FThe-Art-of-Sign-Spinning.242935" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 06 Sep 2008 07:40:21 PST</pubDate></item>
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<title>Extremely Weird and Ridiculous Phobias</title>
<link>http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/Extremely-Weird-and-Ridiculous-Phobias.237221</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<h3>The Fear Of Long Words, Or 'Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia'</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amandac/2028230885/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/2028230885_cc1ccb2c42.jpg" alt="fear of long words" /></a><br /><br />I'm afraid I might catch this kind of phobia if I try to spell the word mentioned above! Next time you see someone with this kind of fear, don't ever tell them the name of their phobia because it will surely freak them out. People with Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia (whew) can't sleep with a dictionary or thesaurus present in their room. They believe that long words are diabolic creatures with two horns, a tail, and a pitchfork.</p>
<h3>The Fear Of Laughter, Or 'Geliphobia'</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27902542@N02/2817293704/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2817293704_32da03d1c1.jpg" alt="laughter" /></a><br /><br />Does Popeye make you laugh? If it does, then don't watch it when you're with a Geliphobic person. I've never seen a Gelophobic person in my entire life, but I suspect my former biology professor had this fear. Whenever an innocent member of the class laughed at an illustrated diagram of the reproductive system, or a swelling mouth of a poisonous frog, the professor felt something was wrong and started to become defensive. He seemed to think, "The laughter must be stopped at all costs!"</p>
<h3>The Fear Of Swallowing Air, or 'Aerophobia'.</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/-chinadoll-/2190589430/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2145/2190589430_d9c49aa60e.jpg" alt="Find The Laughter" /></a><br /><br />Yes, people with aerophobia are afraid that air might get into their stomach, become ill digested, and eventually poison the body. Perhaps their dream is to finally live on the moon, where there's no air present. For the meantime, while they're still on earth, they carefully watch every breath that they take, making sure that the lips are tightly closed during inhalation. It's safer, you know.</p>
<h3>The Fear Of Looking At Oneself In The Mirror, or 'Eisoptrophobia'</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmoorr/1921632741/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/1921632741_baee2c47b8.jpg" alt="There's a monkey in my mirror" /></a><br /><br />The old saying is correct: "You can't face the problem if the problem is your face". That's the reason why Eisoptrophobic people can't look themselves on the mirror. We may never know why they have this fear, but I'll make a wild guess. Perhaps they see the Bride of Chuckie or Bigfoot himself each time they look at the mirror. Or I could be wrong.</p>
<h3>The Fear Of Thinking, Or 'Phronemophobia'</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/silverartist/2118807777/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/2118807777_fca0791bb2.jpg" alt="Genius in Bottle" /></a></p>
<p>The ideal hobby for Phronemophobics is blinking, or any other involuntary movement. They are afraid to do anything beyond that. Think about it! If you make a Phronemophobic person think, he won't think twice about throwing you out the window. He'll do it instantly.</p>
<p>Reminder: This article is only for entertainment purposes and does not attempt in any way to make fun of those who are suffering with phobias. It is advisable for sufferers of real life phobia to seek medical help as soon as possible.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FExtremely-Weird-and-Ridiculous-Phobias.237221"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.purpleslinky.com%2FOffbeat%2FExtremely-Weird-and-Ridiculous-Phobias.237221" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2008 06:30:48 PST</pubDate></item>
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