December 1, 2009
What About The Children No One Thinks About The Children . . . . .
In Spain, Taking Some Joy Out of the Happy Meal
"Ana Idolo may be too young to order her own food, but the 2-year-old knows what she wants. As her father Marco unpacks the Happy Meal he ordered for her at a Barcelona McDonald's, she ignores the chicken nuggets and French fries, and instead holds out her hand in eager anticipation for the best part of the meal: a small plastic statue of the Star Wars character Yoda. "Sometimes I think we just buy these for the toys," says Marco.
Toys in children's food may be as old as Cracker Jack (the caramel-covered popcorn has had "a prize in every box" since 1912), but in Spain, the tradition may soon go the way of liquor commercials on TV and smoking in restaurants. Concerned about rising rates of childhood obesity, the Health Ministry is backing legislation that, if approved, would ban restaurants and food manufacturers from including toys and prizes with their products. It's an initiative sure to make multinational corporations — to say nothing of untold millions of children — unhappy, but one that health experts say is necessary."
(Time)
"Ana Idolo may be too young to order her own food, but the 2-year-old knows what she wants. As her father Marco unpacks the Happy Meal he ordered for her at a Barcelona McDonald's, she ignores the chicken nuggets and French fries, and instead holds out her hand in eager anticipation for the best part of the meal: a small plastic statue of the Star Wars character Yoda. "Sometimes I think we just buy these for the toys," says Marco.
Toys in children's food may be as old as Cracker Jack (the caramel-covered popcorn has had "a prize in every box" since 1912), but in Spain, the tradition may soon go the way of liquor commercials on TV and smoking in restaurants. Concerned about rising rates of childhood obesity, the Health Ministry is backing legislation that, if approved, would ban restaurants and food manufacturers from including toys and prizes with their products. It's an initiative sure to make multinational corporations — to say nothing of untold millions of children — unhappy, but one that health experts say is necessary."
(Time)
Today's Intriguing Message . . . . .
You were a good caddie, and you beat the other kids in golf. Did it occur to you that you might have special ability?
Hell, no. When you're poor, you know nothing about the future, you know nothing about the world, nothing that goes on outside 300 yards around you. See, it's not very hard for me to understand people in some of these small countries that are isolated, that have dictators, and nobody lets them have anything. Think of North Korea: There are people in those mountains who have no idea what the rest of the world is like. So why dream? What are you going to dream about?
Q&A With Lee Trevino (GolfDigest.com)
intriguing
Hell, no. When you're poor, you know nothing about the future, you know nothing about the world, nothing that goes on outside 300 yards around you. See, it's not very hard for me to understand people in some of these small countries that are isolated, that have dictators, and nobody lets them have anything. Think of North Korea: There are people in those mountains who have no idea what the rest of the world is like. So why dream? What are you going to dream about?
Q&A With Lee Trevino (GolfDigest.com)
intriguing
At USC They Don't Teach You To Slide, Only Throw Or Hand Off . . . . .
Jets bring in Yanks manager Girardi to teach Sanchez how to slide
If he want to UCLA on the other hand, this would not be a problem.
(SI)
If he want to UCLA on the other hand, this would not be a problem.
(SI)
With Every Tragedy Comes Comedy . . . . .
Hey, Phil, it's me, Tiger
Golf.com intercepted a phone conversation between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson late Monday night. Here is the exchange in its remarkably unrevealing entirety
TW: Hey, Phil, it's me Tiger.
PM: Yo, buddy! What's the word? How was your T-Day?
TW: I've had better. [Chuckles weakly.]
PM: What happened? You overcook the turkey?
TW: Cute, Lefty. Man, what a nightmare this whole ordeal has been.
PM: What do you mean? What ordeal? Sorry, kinda been outta the loop. Took Amy and the kids to Bora Bora for the week. Just got back this evening. We didn't have Web access, newspapers, TMZ, nothing. It was beautiful. Quiet. Super relaxing. Anyway, listen to me rambling on. What happened to you?
TW: You serious? You haven't heard?
PM: Heard what? C'mon, T-Dubs, what?
TW: Oh ... um, well ... um ... not much. It wasn't a big deal, really. Just, um, banged up my car a bit.
PM: Your car? You okay?
TW: Yeah, I'm fine. Just peachy. Well, you know, couple scratches, a little black and blue. It is what it is.
PM: Were you alone?
TW: Yeah, yeah, just me. Dinked the hydrant at the end of the drive. Then clipped my neighbor's tree. I may have been unconscious at one point. A little incoherent mumbling. Nothing serious.
PM: Whoa, how'd that happen?
TW: Um, well, I, I, I ... [Mickelson hears what sounds like rustling papers.]
PM: Whatcha doing over there, Woodsie? Reading notes? [Lefty laughs heartily.]
[Woods laughs, too — nervously. More rustling.]
PM: Seriously, what happened?
[Silence.]
PM: Tiger? Tiger? You still there?
TW: Yeah, yeah, I'm here. [Clears throat.] Tiger Woods — um, I mean, I ... I was in a minor car accident outside his — my — home last night ... I mean, Thursday night — well, early Friday morning. Whatever. I was admitted, treated and released in good condition. We appreciate very much everyone's thoughts and well wishes.
PM: We? Tiger, you feeling okay? Did you bang your head? You sound a little, I don't know — rehearsed.
TW: I ... I ... have some cuts, bruising and right now I'm pretty sore. [Woods begins delivering his statements with more conviction.] This situation is my fault, Phil, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me. I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again.
PM: Tiger! Tiger! Slow down there, chief. What situation? What's embarrassing? What won't happen again???
[More rustling.]
TW: This is a private matter, Phil, and I want to keep it that way. Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible.
PM: $&#@$%^!!! That's enough, Tiger!!! Are you reading from a prepared statement??? Did Steiny put you up to this? Talk to me like we're Ryder Cup partners — check that, like we're a couple of old high school buddies. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Start from the beginning.
TW: The only person responsible for the accident is me. My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.
PM: That's just it, pal — I'm not making any assertions. I just want to know what the hell you're talking about.
TW: This incident has been stressful and very difficult for Elin, our family and me. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes that we have received. But I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy no matter how intrusive some people can be.
PM: Ooooooookay, whatever, dude. You're the boss. Hate to be rude, but I gotta roll. Good luck at Sherwood this week.
TW: Due to injuries sustained in a one-car accident last week, I will be unable to play in the 2009 Chevron World Challenge.
[Mickelson sighs.]
TW: I am extremely disappointed that I will not be at my tournament this week. I am certain it will be an outstanding event and I'm very sorry that I can't be there.
PM: Me too, buddy. Me too.
TW: Woods will not participate in any other tournaments in 2009 and will return to action next year.
PM: Cool — see you then, Woods. Good catching up.
(Golf.com)
Golf.com intercepted a phone conversation between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson late Monday night. Here is the exchange in its remarkably unrevealing entirety
TW: Hey, Phil, it's me Tiger.
PM: Yo, buddy! What's the word? How was your T-Day?
TW: I've had better. [Chuckles weakly.]
PM: What happened? You overcook the turkey?
TW: Cute, Lefty. Man, what a nightmare this whole ordeal has been.
PM: What do you mean? What ordeal? Sorry, kinda been outta the loop. Took Amy and the kids to Bora Bora for the week. Just got back this evening. We didn't have Web access, newspapers, TMZ, nothing. It was beautiful. Quiet. Super relaxing. Anyway, listen to me rambling on. What happened to you?
TW: You serious? You haven't heard?
PM: Heard what? C'mon, T-Dubs, what?
TW: Oh ... um, well ... um ... not much. It wasn't a big deal, really. Just, um, banged up my car a bit.
PM: Your car? You okay?
TW: Yeah, I'm fine. Just peachy. Well, you know, couple scratches, a little black and blue. It is what it is.
PM: Were you alone?
TW: Yeah, yeah, just me. Dinked the hydrant at the end of the drive. Then clipped my neighbor's tree. I may have been unconscious at one point. A little incoherent mumbling. Nothing serious.
PM: Whoa, how'd that happen?
TW: Um, well, I, I, I ... [Mickelson hears what sounds like rustling papers.]
PM: Whatcha doing over there, Woodsie? Reading notes? [Lefty laughs heartily.]
[Woods laughs, too — nervously. More rustling.]
PM: Seriously, what happened?
[Silence.]
PM: Tiger? Tiger? You still there?
TW: Yeah, yeah, I'm here. [Clears throat.] Tiger Woods — um, I mean, I ... I was in a minor car accident outside his — my — home last night ... I mean, Thursday night — well, early Friday morning. Whatever. I was admitted, treated and released in good condition. We appreciate very much everyone's thoughts and well wishes.
PM: We? Tiger, you feeling okay? Did you bang your head? You sound a little, I don't know — rehearsed.
TW: I ... I ... have some cuts, bruising and right now I'm pretty sore. [Woods begins delivering his statements with more conviction.] This situation is my fault, Phil, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me. I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again.
PM: Tiger! Tiger! Slow down there, chief. What situation? What's embarrassing? What won't happen again???
[More rustling.]
TW: This is a private matter, Phil, and I want to keep it that way. Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible.
PM: $&#@$%^!!! That's enough, Tiger!!! Are you reading from a prepared statement??? Did Steiny put you up to this? Talk to me like we're Ryder Cup partners — check that, like we're a couple of old high school buddies. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Start from the beginning.
TW: The only person responsible for the accident is me. My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.
PM: That's just it, pal — I'm not making any assertions. I just want to know what the hell you're talking about.
TW: This incident has been stressful and very difficult for Elin, our family and me. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes that we have received. But I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy no matter how intrusive some people can be.
PM: Ooooooookay, whatever, dude. You're the boss. Hate to be rude, but I gotta roll. Good luck at Sherwood this week.
TW: Due to injuries sustained in a one-car accident last week, I will be unable to play in the 2009 Chevron World Challenge.
[Mickelson sighs.]
TW: I am extremely disappointed that I will not be at my tournament this week. I am certain it will be an outstanding event and I'm very sorry that I can't be there.
PM: Me too, buddy. Me too.
TW: Woods will not participate in any other tournaments in 2009 and will return to action next year.
PM: Cool — see you then, Woods. Good catching up.
(Golf.com)
We Can All Go Back To Living Our Normal Lives Now . . . . .
Woods cited for careless driving
"ORLANDO, Fla. -- Tiger Woods will be cited for careless driving in a car crash outside his Orlando-area mansion, but will not face criminal charges, the Florida Highway Patrol said Tuesday.
Woods faces a $164 fine and four points against his driver's license, not close to enough to have it suspended. The citation closes the investigation of last week's crash.
The patrol "is not pursuing criminal charges in this matter nor is there any testimony or other evidence to support any additional charges of any kind other than the charge of careless driving," Sgt. Kim Montes said.
According to an accident report, Woods crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree at 2:25 a.m. Friday. The airbags did not deploy and Woods' wife told Windermere police she used a golf club to smash the back windows to help him out."
(ESPN)
"ORLANDO, Fla. -- Tiger Woods will be cited for careless driving in a car crash outside his Orlando-area mansion, but will not face criminal charges, the Florida Highway Patrol said Tuesday.
Woods faces a $164 fine and four points against his driver's license, not close to enough to have it suspended. The citation closes the investigation of last week's crash.
The patrol "is not pursuing criminal charges in this matter nor is there any testimony or other evidence to support any additional charges of any kind other than the charge of careless driving," Sgt. Kim Montes said.
According to an accident report, Woods crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree at 2:25 a.m. Friday. The airbags did not deploy and Woods' wife told Windermere police she used a golf club to smash the back windows to help him out."
(ESPN)
A Home Where The Heart Was Along With Other Body Parts . . . . .
The German Cannibal's House of Horror
"Convicted only of manslaughter and sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison for killing, dismembering and eating another man who allegedly agreed to the arrangement over the Internet.
Indeed, home is where the heart is—and the lungs, liver and kidneys too.
For this is the chilling house of horror where jailed cannibal Armin Meiwes, pictured right, butchered, froze and cooked his willing victim.
As the killer yesterday began his controversial 8-year sentence for manslaughter, locals in the central German village of Rotenburg were calling for the rotting half-timbered mansion to be pulled down.
For Meiwes' spooky, 44-roomed half-timbered sprawl was nicknamed "the ghost house" long before he started luring potential dinners back.
Police took away truckloads of contents after discovering Berlin computer expert Bernd Brandes had been stabbed to death, filleted and eaten there.
But although Meiwes was sensationally found not guilty of murder on Friday—as the victim was a consenting participant—our exclusive pictures reveal the isolated house on the hill still reeks of evil.
It looks eerily like the Bates Motel in Alfred Hitchcock's classic big-screen heart-stopper Psycho."
(FrancesFamersRevenge)
"Convicted only of manslaughter and sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison for killing, dismembering and eating another man who allegedly agreed to the arrangement over the Internet.
Indeed, home is where the heart is—and the lungs, liver and kidneys too.
For this is the chilling house of horror where jailed cannibal Armin Meiwes, pictured right, butchered, froze and cooked his willing victim.
As the killer yesterday began his controversial 8-year sentence for manslaughter, locals in the central German village of Rotenburg were calling for the rotting half-timbered mansion to be pulled down.
For Meiwes' spooky, 44-roomed half-timbered sprawl was nicknamed "the ghost house" long before he started luring potential dinners back.
Police took away truckloads of contents after discovering Berlin computer expert Bernd Brandes had been stabbed to death, filleted and eaten there.
But although Meiwes was sensationally found not guilty of murder on Friday—as the victim was a consenting participant—our exclusive pictures reveal the isolated house on the hill still reeks of evil.
It looks eerily like the Bates Motel in Alfred Hitchcock's classic big-screen heart-stopper Psycho."
(FrancesFamersRevenge)
A Real Man's Manwich . . . . .
The 30,000 Calorie Sandwich
Contents:
15 Fried Mushrooms
14 pieces of Bacon
18 Onion rings –
1/4 lb. Ground Beef
2 Corndogs
4 slices of Swiss Cheese
4 slices of Provolone Cheese
4 slickes of Cheddar Cheese
1/4 lb. of Sliced Ham
1/4 lb. Sliced Turkey
1/4 lb. of Pastrami
1/4 pound of Sliced Roast Beef
1 Bratwurst
1/4 lb. Braunschweiger
1 lb. of Wheat Bread
1/2 head of Lettuce
4 oz. Feta Cheese
6 oz. Italian Salad Dressing
50 Grams of Oregeno
50 Grams of Salt & Pepper
100 Grams of Parmesan Cheese
(Manofest)
Contents:
15 Fried Mushrooms
14 pieces of Bacon
18 Onion rings –
1/4 lb. Ground Beef
2 Corndogs
4 slices of Swiss Cheese
4 slices of Provolone Cheese
4 slickes of Cheddar Cheese
1/4 lb. of Sliced Ham
1/4 lb. Sliced Turkey
1/4 lb. of Pastrami
1/4 pound of Sliced Roast Beef
1 Bratwurst
1/4 lb. Braunschweiger
1 lb. of Wheat Bread
1/2 head of Lettuce
4 oz. Feta Cheese
6 oz. Italian Salad Dressing
50 Grams of Oregeno
50 Grams of Salt & Pepper
100 Grams of Parmesan Cheese
(Manofest)
Why Is Vodka Always The First Choice . . . . .
Vodka Soon Available in Pill Form
"A researcher at a Russian university has developed a powdered form of alcohol that will soon make the consumption of vodka more convenient. From The Times of India:
Russian professor Evgeny Moskalev of Saint Petersburg Technological University has evolved a technique that allows turning alcohol into powder and packing it in pills. The new technique can solidify any kind of alcohol, including whisky, cognac, wine and beer. The new technique can solidify any kind of alcohol, including whisky, cognac, wine and beer.
“Dry” vodka can be wrapped in paper and carried around in a pocket or a bag. Vodka in form of a pill would come handy at parties when “consumers” would be able to calculate their exact required dosage. “Dry” vodka can be wrapped in paper and carried around in a pocket or a bag. Vodka in form of a pill would come handy at parties when “consumers” would be able to calculate the exact required dosage.
Verily, we live in an age of medical wonders."
(Neatorama)
"A researcher at a Russian university has developed a powdered form of alcohol that will soon make the consumption of vodka more convenient. From The Times of India:
Russian professor Evgeny Moskalev of Saint Petersburg Technological University has evolved a technique that allows turning alcohol into powder and packing it in pills. The new technique can solidify any kind of alcohol, including whisky, cognac, wine and beer. The new technique can solidify any kind of alcohol, including whisky, cognac, wine and beer.
“Dry” vodka can be wrapped in paper and carried around in a pocket or a bag. Vodka in form of a pill would come handy at parties when “consumers” would be able to calculate their exact required dosage. “Dry” vodka can be wrapped in paper and carried around in a pocket or a bag. Vodka in form of a pill would come handy at parties when “consumers” would be able to calculate the exact required dosage.
Verily, we live in an age of medical wonders."
(Neatorama)
Custom Band-Aid Dispenser . . . . .
"Although the concept here is good, I can’t help thinking that if you need a Band-Aid (elastic bandage, sorry) longer than an inch or so, you probably need something more than a Band-Aid. Except for things like grass and paper cuts, injuries more than an inch in any direction generally don’t just go in a straight line. And what about covering up hickies?"
(CrunchGear)
Nothing Is More Awesome Than This . . . . .
SuicideGirl’s Fight Club
"The first rule of Fight Club: You do not talk about Fight Club. Unless of course you’re the Suicide Girls, in which case you should talk about AND photographically document it. Missy did just that.
You may have heard of SuicideGirls (unless you are referring to the girls themselves it’s one word) already; in case you haven’t, here’s the deal. It was founded in 2001 to showcase the beautiful naked girls that don’t necessarily subscribe to what society considers “normal.” Basically, the Suicide Girls are the hot tatted, pierced, take no prisoners girls that you are afraid to talk to at the bar. They also like to get naked.
In the case of Fight Club (Under no circumstances should you view this at work. Absolutely NSFW), not only did they get naked, they beat the shit out of each other. Girls, you’re all winners in our books."
(Warning - NSFW)
Video link
(CoolMaterial)
Thailand - The Asian Version Of Florida For Retirees . . . . .
It is Not Only Sex that Attracts Men to Retire in Thailand
"I would never admire people who exploit women, but the issue in Thailand is never so black in white. Most of these older guys do not end up with twenty year old Thai chicks, and quite a few of them don't have any partner at all. Those retired expats that do end up with someone a bit younger tend to pick people in their late thirties and forties. These are most often women who are divorced from husbands who don't give them a penny, and who are left struggling to bring up kids. If an older western guy wants to come along and support them then why not? In most cases sex has little to do with it; I mean how demanding can these older guys be?
In my opinion these relationships have a lot more to do with providing companionship for the retired westerner and providing a breadwinner for the woman. It may not start out as love, but the reality is that most marriages in the world have nothing to do with love and those that do most often end up in disaster. It is well known that arranged marriages in India are far more successful than 'love' marriages in the west. The retired westerner with the younger Thai women might not be a marriage made in heaven, but real affection can and does grow."
(AssociatedContent)
"I would never admire people who exploit women, but the issue in Thailand is never so black in white. Most of these older guys do not end up with twenty year old Thai chicks, and quite a few of them don't have any partner at all. Those retired expats that do end up with someone a bit younger tend to pick people in their late thirties and forties. These are most often women who are divorced from husbands who don't give them a penny, and who are left struggling to bring up kids. If an older western guy wants to come along and support them then why not? In most cases sex has little to do with it; I mean how demanding can these older guys be?
In my opinion these relationships have a lot more to do with providing companionship for the retired westerner and providing a breadwinner for the woman. It may not start out as love, but the reality is that most marriages in the world have nothing to do with love and those that do most often end up in disaster. It is well known that arranged marriages in India are far more successful than 'love' marriages in the west. The retired westerner with the younger Thai women might not be a marriage made in heaven, but real affection can and does grow."
(AssociatedContent)
Interesting Take On Workplace Holiday Celebrations . . . . .
Does your workplace violate the law during holidays?
"The holidays can provide a delightful workplace atmosphere but also can be a legal disaster for the company, according to two attorneys at Rutan & Tucker LLP in Costa Mesa.
Showing appreciation for a year of loyalty and hard work is always appropriate, but watch out for results that range from inappropriate to catastrophic, say partner Jeffrey I. Wertheimer and associate Brandon Sylvia.
The leading pitfalls include:
* Alcohol consumption
* Entertainment options
* Gift exchanges
* Office decorations
* Forced celebration
The number one source of holiday party mayhem is the consumption of alcohol, Wertheimer and Sylvia warn. Intoxicated employees could offend, sexually harass or even harm others and the employer could be liable."
(OCRegister)
"The holidays can provide a delightful workplace atmosphere but also can be a legal disaster for the company, according to two attorneys at Rutan & Tucker LLP in Costa Mesa.
Showing appreciation for a year of loyalty and hard work is always appropriate, but watch out for results that range from inappropriate to catastrophic, say partner Jeffrey I. Wertheimer and associate Brandon Sylvia.
The leading pitfalls include:
* Alcohol consumption
* Entertainment options
* Gift exchanges
* Office decorations
* Forced celebration
The number one source of holiday party mayhem is the consumption of alcohol, Wertheimer and Sylvia warn. Intoxicated employees could offend, sexually harass or even harm others and the employer could be liable."
(OCRegister)
A Drag Car Built To Fly On The Track . . . . .
1,050-hp 1956 Mercedes Gullwing drag car
"This ungainly little creature had an area all to itself at this year's Essen Motor Show. Built over four years by Swiss drag racer Stefan Winter – who is a roofer by trade – the most important thing to say is this: Winter did not mangle a genuine 1956 Mercedes 300 SL to create this beast, and we can thank all the gods that be for that. He copied the body in fiberglass and placed it over a tube chassis, hiding a small block Chevy in front that's been bored out to 422 cubic inches.
With modified pistons, crankshaft, cylinder heads, and a bit more black-art-ness, the gullwinged monster puts 1,050 horsepower to the ground through a 3-speed transmission and rear tires 15 inches across. The 1/4-mile rolls off in 8.1 seconds at 166 mph."
(Autoblog)
You Might Soon Be Referring To Him As Congressman Pac-man . . . . .
"Manny Pacquiao files his candidacy at local election office Tuesday in the southern Philippine township of Alabel in Sarangani province. Pacquiao is hoping to win a seat as a congressman in the province of Sarangani on the island of Mindanao during the 2010 national Philippines election."
(SI)
This Is Definitely The Boneheaded Play Of 2009 . . . . .
Vokoun hospitalized after accidental hit
"ATLANTA -- Florida Panthers goaltender Tomas Vokoun was taken off the ice on a stretcher after being accidentally hit in the head by the stick of teammate Keith Ballard in the opening period of Monday night's game against the Atlanta Thrashers.
Vokoun had a cut on his ear but was alert when he was placed in an ambulance and taken to a local hospital, a Panthers spokesman said.
"Vakoun is going to be fine," Florida coach Peter DeBoer said after a 4-3 loss to the Thrashers.
"There was no internal ear damage, just a laceration," Panthers general manager Randy Sexton said. Vokoun will meet the team at the airport and fly home with them, he said.
It will be determined Tuesday whether Vakoun will be available for Florida's next game, at home against Colorado on Wednesday, Sexton said.
The injury occurred after Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk scored a goal at 8:54 of the first period, knocking in his own rebound. In apparent frustration, Ballard swung his stick at the net, inadvertently striking Vokoun in the head.
Vokoun was wheeled off the ice after about a 10-minute delay."
(ESPN)
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