6/28/2008
DIY Cardboard Box Solar Oven
Eco-friendly weblog The Daily Green details how to turn a cardboard box into a DIY solar oven for a little weekend fun in the sun. All you'll need is the box, some construction paper, tin foil, plastic, and a few other items you're likely to have around the house, and when you're done you'll have a full-fledged cardboard cooker. Unfortunately the post is a little light on photos, but the text is detailed enough to figure it out. If you give it a go, send a few images or video our way via the Lifehacker Tip Tester Flickr pool for a better look at the oven in action. If you like the idea of impressing friends and family by cooking with the sun but don't love the cardboard box idea, a parabolic cooker might be more your speed.
Refurbish Appliances with Stainless Steel Contact Paper
Instead of buying costly new appliances for your kitchen, it's cheap and easy to give the old ones a face lift. With cleaning fluid, a toothbrush, and some stainless steel contact paper, you can make old appliances look new, and the Handyman Fix Home Repair site details how. The instructions detail the process for a refrigerator and stove, but it's probably easier to start off with a smaller appliance. The same principles apply—do a deep cleaning and go slow and steady with the paper. Cut a few strategic holes for buttons and knobs, and that hand-me-down toaster is looking a lot more usable. Thanks Kevin!
Chinese investor pays $2.1M to eat with Buffett
Chinese investment fund manager won the chance to have lunch with billionaire Warren Buffett by bidding $2.1 million in the most expensive charity auction ever held on eBay.
Zhao Danyang of the Hong Kong-based Pureheart China Growth Investment Fund won the auction, which ended Friday evening with a bid of $2,110,100.
A spokeswoman for the Glide Foundation, which receives all the proceeds from the auction, identified the winner Saturday.
It appears that Zhao and Buffett share a similar investment philosophy. But Zhao could not be reached Saturday, and no one answered the phone at Buffett's Omaha office.
The auction Other Top Headlines Photos
Chinese investor pays $2.1M to eat with Buffett
100
will provide a significant boost to Glide, which provides social services to the poor and homeless in San Francisco. The foundation operates on a $12 million annual budget, spokeswoman Denise Lamott said.
"It almost feels like a miracle," Glide's founder Reverend Cecil Williams said in a statement. "We are amazed and ready to continue our work of breaking the cycles of poverty."
Last year's lunch brought in $650,100.
A group of Glide staff members and supporters gathered in a small hotel ballroom Friday to watch the auction results. Lamott said there were shouts of celebration when the bids topped $1 million.
"It was absolutely unbelievable," Lamott said.
Zhao and up to seven friends will dine with Buffett at the Smith & Wollensky steakhouse in New York City whenever the two men can schedule it. Last year's winners collected their prize only Wednesday.
The investment philosophy Zhao's fund describes on its Web site is similar to Buffett's approach of finding companies with an enduring competitive advantage that are selling for significantly less then they are worth.
Buffett, chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is primarily known for his investing success. Berkshire owns more than 60 subsidiaries including insurance, clothing, furniture, jewelry and candy companies, restaurants, natural gas and corporate jet firms and has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co., Anheuser-Busch Cos. and Wells Fargo & Co.
But Buffett is also known for his philanthropy.
In 2006, he announced his plan to give away the bulk of his nearly $49 billion fortune over time. Most of his shares of Berkshire stock will go to five charitable foundations, with the largest going to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Lamott said eBay officials confirmed that this year's lunch with Buffett was the most expensive charity item the site has ever sold.
Kate’s Hair For Sale on eBay
Want to have Kate Moss‘ lovely locks??
Then sign into your eBay account and bid on her hair extension, which was picked up from the ground by a German paparazzo dude named John Farr and promptly put up for sale. In defense of his actions, Farr is donating all the proceeds to an anti-drug group called Keine Macht den Drogen (No Power to Drugs).
Bidding ends of July 3 and currently sits at the afforable price of $135.
6/26/2008
Stating the obvious: cross country rallies have huge carbon footprint
The main concern with cross country rallies is usually reckless driving at triple digit speeds. However, with the ever-increasing concerns over the environmental impact of cars, it was only a matter of time before someone raised concerns over 200 or so supercars traveling 3,000 miles with single digit fuel mileage. ABC News did, and calculated that the 200 cars in the rally generate nearly 650,000 pounds of CO2. To get an idea of how much that is, the Union of Concerned Scientists states the average American generates approximately 40,000 pounds of CO2 in an entire year. Rally founder Tim Porter askes, "Why can't car enthusiasts have a little fun?" Answer him in the comments below
Spy Shots: Twin-turbo V8 BMW X5
BMW has continued to deny the existence of an M-version of the X5, and by all accounts, it's true. The blokes from Bavaria maintain that the 'ute's size, weight, height and packaging won't warrant the tri-tones of the vaunted M. But the doesn't mean BMW can't produce a hotter version of its biggie-sized SUV.
Using the same 407 hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 found in the recently released X6, BMW is taking aim at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. KGP was able to snap off a handful of shots of the turbo'd X5 running the 'Ring, and despite the lack of a factory-approved M on the hatch, it's looking decidedly more aggressive than its siblings. The front fascia is taking all the normal cues from BMW's motorsports department, with massive air intakes and a gaping central air dam, while a set of quad exhausts are framed within a new rear bumper. There's no word on when the hotter X5 will debut, but with the Paris Motor Show right around the corner, BMW surely has a few things up its sleeves.
6/22/2008
Cool Stuff: Hot Toys’ Iron Man and The Dark Knight
Hot Toys’ 1/6th-scaled Ion Man, Batman, Batpod and Tumbler were on display at the 2008 Tokyo Toy Show. No word on street dates or price, but boy are these sweet. I’m amazed at the incredible detail. Even the replaceable sculpts of Christian Bale and Robert Downey Jr are incredibly accurate. And if you aren’t impressed with the figures, look closely at the Batpod scaled replica below. WOW
6/19/2008
Porsche's new PDK transmission trims 911 lap time on the 'Ring
Porsche decided to do a little 'Ring running in three different 2009-spec 911 models and quietly let the results slip during a press event. A 2009 911S fitted with Porsche's new twin clutch system (PDK: Porsche Doppelkupplung), Porsche Active Stability Management and "sport tires" took the top place, scoring a 7:50. The new PDK shifts a whopping 60-percent faster than the old Tiptronic S.
The first place getter was followed by what is assumed to be a 2009 911S with a manual transmission some eight seconds back, and then a 2008 911 S another four seconds back, at 8:02. There's no word on who was driving the cars, or what exactly counts as a "sport tire."
According to FastestLaps.com, Walter Rohrl did a 7:49 in a 997 turbo two years ago. If the next year's 911S is really that close to the twin-blower, that's not a bad feat. Still, the Cadillac CTS-V did the thing in 7:59 -- and so did the C6 Corvette that puts the current Porsche to bed and is an A-pillar away from the 2009... but who's counting?
will give away F4 superbike
It seems that motorcycle manufacturers are finally starting to see the value in product placement, as big budget films like Indiana Jones 4 and the upcoming Transformers sequel can attest. While the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta has been making noise as it searches for a new owner, it has also apparently been hard at work getting its products the screen time they deserve. In The Dark Knight, Batman will have his very own custom bike to ride, but Bruce Wayne will be seen riding a new F4 superbike from the Italian manufacturer. To celebrate this achievement, MV Agusta will be teaming up with The Hershey Company to give away a new Dark Knight themed bike valued at $35,000. We clearly want to win this item very badly.
2010 Chevy Camaro named Official Vehicle of SEMA Show
We are giving you the heads up now. Expect to see a fair share of Camaros when November rolls around and the automotive community turns its attention to Las Vegas for the annual SEMA Show. The 2010 Camaro was just named the Official Vehicle of the show, and we're guessing that General Motors will be using the opportunity to make it the most popular car in Vegas. The automaker is currently accepting proposals for project vehicles, and we're betting that everyone is scrambling to get their hands on a 2010 Camaro. With its LS-based V8 and retrotastic design, it won't take long for a plethora of aftermarket parts to become available. The real question left to answer is when will GM debut the production version of the Camaro? It clearly has to happen at or before the SEMA Show in November. Our bet is that the Camaro's debut will take place the week before the Woodward Dream Cruise in August.
6/16/2008
A380 World's Biggest Plane Takes Off to Singapore
This March, the travel industry will be changed forever as the A380 - the biggest passenger aeroplane ever built - takes off from London, en route to Singapore. The massive airliner, manufactured by Airbus, is a double-decker, four engine plane. Nicknamed the 'Super-jumbo', the plane allows for a cabin with 50% more floor space than the next biggest plane, the Boeing 747-400.
This will be the third A380 to join Singapore Airlines' fleet, which is already using the aircraft for its Singapore to Sydney route. The plane is causing much excitement in the travel industry due to its advanced engineering and new onboard facilities. The A380 produces 50% less cabin noise than a 747 making it the quietest airliner ever built, and the increased strength of the fuselage means it can withstand higher cabin air pressure. Both these features are expected to reduce the effects of travel fatigue on passengers. The A380 also delivers substantial fuel burn reductions per seat mile meaning it's a cleaner, greener alternative for long haul travel.
Every airline that has purchased an A380 is asserting their identity by designing unique interiors. Singapore Airlines offers twelve fully-enclosed first-class suites; these are private cabins which have been deemed "a class beyond first", on its A380, each with one full and one secondary seat, full-sized bed, desk, personal storage, and 58-cm (23-inch) LCD screen. Business class will offer 60 seats which can be transformed into full flat beds.
However the benefits of the A380 aren't limited to the upper class zones alone; the wider cabin allows for extra width (48cm compared to 43cm) of the 399 economy seats as well, plus there'll be 27cm LCD screens in each seatback and an AC power supply available to most passengers.
The new plane would certainly add an interesting novelty value for those travelling to Singapore, which continues to play a key role in international trade, and is a popular tourist destination. The beauty of Singapore as a holiday destination is its compact yet diverse nature, and intoxicating mix of urban chic and untouched nature. It is often said that shopping is a national sport in Singapore and with around two hundred malls and shopping zones all over the city, it's certainly something that both locals and visitors alike spend plenty of time doing.
However, despite its reputation as a pulsating and vibrant city, there is plenty for the outdoor enthusiast and nature lover, such as The Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, and Underwater World, which features a ray pool, coral reef exhibits and even a unique Fish Reflexology zone. Singapore is also ideally located for visitors to make visits to Malaysia, or nearby Bintan in Indonesia, a paradise island just 45 minutes by ferry from Singapore which offers peaceful beaches in beautiful settings; an ideal contrast to the bustle of Singapore central.
With the new A380 taking off from London soon, even more travellers will be expected to take Singapore holidays; visiting this small country offers a bewitching blend of East and West, an endless world of shopping, a great culinary excellence plus fascinating colonial history and outstanding natural beauty.
This will be the third A380 to join Singapore Airlines' fleet, which is already using the aircraft for its Singapore to Sydney route. The plane is causing much excitement in the travel industry due to its advanced engineering and new onboard facilities. The A380 produces 50% less cabin noise than a 747 making it the quietest airliner ever built, and the increased strength of the fuselage means it can withstand higher cabin air pressure. Both these features are expected to reduce the effects of travel fatigue on passengers. The A380 also delivers substantial fuel burn reductions per seat mile meaning it's a cleaner, greener alternative for long haul travel.
Every airline that has purchased an A380 is asserting their identity by designing unique interiors. Singapore Airlines offers twelve fully-enclosed first-class suites; these are private cabins which have been deemed "a class beyond first", on its A380, each with one full and one secondary seat, full-sized bed, desk, personal storage, and 58-cm (23-inch) LCD screen. Business class will offer 60 seats which can be transformed into full flat beds.
However the benefits of the A380 aren't limited to the upper class zones alone; the wider cabin allows for extra width (48cm compared to 43cm) of the 399 economy seats as well, plus there'll be 27cm LCD screens in each seatback and an AC power supply available to most passengers.
The new plane would certainly add an interesting novelty value for those travelling to Singapore, which continues to play a key role in international trade, and is a popular tourist destination. The beauty of Singapore as a holiday destination is its compact yet diverse nature, and intoxicating mix of urban chic and untouched nature. It is often said that shopping is a national sport in Singapore and with around two hundred malls and shopping zones all over the city, it's certainly something that both locals and visitors alike spend plenty of time doing.
However, despite its reputation as a pulsating and vibrant city, there is plenty for the outdoor enthusiast and nature lover, such as The Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, and Underwater World, which features a ray pool, coral reef exhibits and even a unique Fish Reflexology zone. Singapore is also ideally located for visitors to make visits to Malaysia, or nearby Bintan in Indonesia, a paradise island just 45 minutes by ferry from Singapore which offers peaceful beaches in beautiful settings; an ideal contrast to the bustle of Singapore central.
With the new A380 taking off from London soon, even more travellers will be expected to take Singapore holidays; visiting this small country offers a bewitching blend of East and West, an endless world of shopping, a great culinary excellence plus fascinating colonial history and outstanding natural beauty.
Last Minute Cheap Airline Ticket Specialist-3
Are you tired of your work? Do you want to get rid of the day to day monotonous activities? Then you must think about some kind of relaxation. Take a small vacation and plan for a trip, which will be full of fun, relaxation, and enjoyment.
To fulfill your expectations and for a hazard less trip, here is Eros Tours and Travel (ETT) with their 24 years of experience. Unlike other travel agencies, they give you the last minute ticket in the cheapest rate. You can get a discount as much as possible. No need of waiting, their employees are always there to help you, even after business hours.
You can go anywhere within USA and abroad also like Caribbean, Hawaii, Canada, Europe, Asia, South Pacific, Mexico, and South Central America. Being the wholesale agent of Air Tran Airways, you can save up to 45% on all your last minute domestic travel. Being the wholesale agent of Air India we can provide generally the best over seas travel bargain to international destinations including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and also Nepal. Thereby you can save up to 70% on international flights, whether traveling in Coach (Economy Class), Biz (Business Class), or First Class. No advance purchase is required for most of the fares.
ETT has their own booking engine where you can have a free membership and can get deals from time to time via email. Even for nonmembers also it offers a host of different options, some of them are……………
Search flights with different dates and with different airlines.Make online reservations with all major credit cards and debit cards too. Save on Flight booking, Hotel, Car rental, Cruise reservation, and Vacation packages.For deals on direct flights between Atlanta (ATL) and Los Angeles (LAX), ATL and San Francisco (SFO), and ATL and Las Vegas (LAS), please call us at our direct line 1-213-955-9695.
For cheaper flights available online you are prompted to call our toll-free number 1-800-247-4775 while making online reservation of flight. For assistance with a live person you call us during 8:10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (PST) California Time (Monday-Friday) and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (PST) California Time on Saturday. We quick reply for any query for customer, we keep the full care of the travelers of any kind services. We receive the customers request on world span, telephone as well as email also.
To fulfill your expectations and for a hazard less trip, here is Eros Tours and Travel (ETT) with their 24 years of experience. Unlike other travel agencies, they give you the last minute ticket in the cheapest rate. You can get a discount as much as possible. No need of waiting, their employees are always there to help you, even after business hours.
You can go anywhere within USA and abroad also like Caribbean, Hawaii, Canada, Europe, Asia, South Pacific, Mexico, and South Central America. Being the wholesale agent of Air Tran Airways, you can save up to 45% on all your last minute domestic travel. Being the wholesale agent of Air India we can provide generally the best over seas travel bargain to international destinations including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and also Nepal. Thereby you can save up to 70% on international flights, whether traveling in Coach (Economy Class), Biz (Business Class), or First Class. No advance purchase is required for most of the fares.
ETT has their own booking engine where you can have a free membership and can get deals from time to time via email. Even for nonmembers also it offers a host of different options, some of them are……………
Search flights with different dates and with different airlines.Make online reservations with all major credit cards and debit cards too. Save on Flight booking, Hotel, Car rental, Cruise reservation, and Vacation packages.For deals on direct flights between Atlanta (ATL) and Los Angeles (LAX), ATL and San Francisco (SFO), and ATL and Las Vegas (LAS), please call us at our direct line 1-213-955-9695.
For cheaper flights available online you are prompted to call our toll-free number 1-800-247-4775 while making online reservation of flight. For assistance with a live person you call us during 8:10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (PST) California Time (Monday-Friday) and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (PST) California Time on Saturday. We quick reply for any query for customer, we keep the full care of the travelers of any kind services. We receive the customers request on world span, telephone as well as email also.
A Guide to Female Hair Loss Myths
Hair loss commonly occurs because of hormonal factors. As a result, biological events like puberty, pregnancy and menopause that effect female hormone levels can also cause female hair loss. Some of the myths about hair loss are exposed.
With so many people, both male and female, commerce with hair loss, it is easy to understand why so a lot of myths about hair loss abound. Perhaps one of the most prevalent myths about hair loss is that the genetic predisposition to baldness is inherited from the maternal grandfather.
In some folks, however those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss a group of hormones called androgen's interferes with this natural process. According to dermatologist Michael Reed, MD, androgen hormones include testosterone, androsteinedione, and dihydrotestosterone all of which are made in men´s bodies in big amounts, and in women´s bodies in little amounts.
Other causes of female hair loss incorporate dieting. Quick weight loss over a short period of time promotes hair loss and some supplements such as unnecessary vitamin A also contribute to hair loss. Physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss but this usually only occurs when the trauma is excessive and of a long duration.
Day after day stress does not promote hair loss.
Azizz adds that thyroid disorders, anemia, even chronic illness or the use of certain medications can also origin hair loss in women that is often undiagnosed.
Some common myths related to female hair loss are that regular washing and shampooing, and wearing of wigs and hats all cause hair loss. In addition, rumors abound that permanents, coloring, and other cosmetic treatments can grounds permanent hair loss.
Steroids and Vitamins?
Think about this, if you were losing hair because of a lack of vitamins or minerals in your diet, why can would the back and sides of your head be affected? In actuality, vitamin deficiency results in an even distribution of hair loss all over the head. Of course, it doesn't hurt to take vitamins on a regular basis for your overall health.
Your follicles width and amount are based on heredity. So claims of hair growing miracle drugs or natural hair loss treatments are untrue.
However, steroids use can origin hair loss. Research has proven that anabolic steroids elevate the levels of baldness-inducing male hormones. For those who are genetically prone to hair loss, this can speed up the loss in as little as 3 to 6 months. While this loss may be reversed, it can be permanent.
Other myths are that brushing your hair everyday will create healthier hair, that shaving your head will cause hair to grow back thicker, and that stress causes permanent hair loss.
Sexual Activity to Grow Hair?
Unfortunately, there is no truth to the idea that the more sex you have, the less hair you will lose! And the same goes for the rumors that the chemicals released during sex can affect hair loss. Science has yet to uncover any proof to this fantasy. But that doesn't mean you can't keep experimenting.
The Hair Loss Family Tree
Many men believe that if their father has a full head of hair, they will keep a good head of hair. But hair loss or hair growth is set by a genetic combination determined by both sides of your family.
Of course, if your family tree is filled with balding scalps, you do have a better chance of losing hair.
Finally, other myths are that there is a cure for female-pattern baldness and that dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
These are only a few frequent myths associated with female hair loss. If you have too much hair loss, you should see a licensed dermatologist for a meticulous diagnosis and treatment options.
With so many people, both male and female, commerce with hair loss, it is easy to understand why so a lot of myths about hair loss abound. Perhaps one of the most prevalent myths about hair loss is that the genetic predisposition to baldness is inherited from the maternal grandfather.
In some folks, however those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss a group of hormones called androgen's interferes with this natural process. According to dermatologist Michael Reed, MD, androgen hormones include testosterone, androsteinedione, and dihydrotestosterone all of which are made in men´s bodies in big amounts, and in women´s bodies in little amounts.
Other causes of female hair loss incorporate dieting. Quick weight loss over a short period of time promotes hair loss and some supplements such as unnecessary vitamin A also contribute to hair loss. Physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss but this usually only occurs when the trauma is excessive and of a long duration.
Day after day stress does not promote hair loss.
Azizz adds that thyroid disorders, anemia, even chronic illness or the use of certain medications can also origin hair loss in women that is often undiagnosed.
Some common myths related to female hair loss are that regular washing and shampooing, and wearing of wigs and hats all cause hair loss. In addition, rumors abound that permanents, coloring, and other cosmetic treatments can grounds permanent hair loss.
Steroids and Vitamins?
Think about this, if you were losing hair because of a lack of vitamins or minerals in your diet, why can would the back and sides of your head be affected? In actuality, vitamin deficiency results in an even distribution of hair loss all over the head. Of course, it doesn't hurt to take vitamins on a regular basis for your overall health.
Your follicles width and amount are based on heredity. So claims of hair growing miracle drugs or natural hair loss treatments are untrue.
However, steroids use can origin hair loss. Research has proven that anabolic steroids elevate the levels of baldness-inducing male hormones. For those who are genetically prone to hair loss, this can speed up the loss in as little as 3 to 6 months. While this loss may be reversed, it can be permanent.
Other myths are that brushing your hair everyday will create healthier hair, that shaving your head will cause hair to grow back thicker, and that stress causes permanent hair loss.
Sexual Activity to Grow Hair?
Unfortunately, there is no truth to the idea that the more sex you have, the less hair you will lose! And the same goes for the rumors that the chemicals released during sex can affect hair loss. Science has yet to uncover any proof to this fantasy. But that doesn't mean you can't keep experimenting.
The Hair Loss Family Tree
Many men believe that if their father has a full head of hair, they will keep a good head of hair. But hair loss or hair growth is set by a genetic combination determined by both sides of your family.
Of course, if your family tree is filled with balding scalps, you do have a better chance of losing hair.
Finally, other myths are that there is a cure for female-pattern baldness and that dandruff causes permanent hair loss.
These are only a few frequent myths associated with female hair loss. If you have too much hair loss, you should see a licensed dermatologist for a meticulous diagnosis and treatment options.
6/15/2008
Retirement
A doctor had just bought a villa on the French Riviera, when met an old lawyer friend whom he hadn't seen in years, and they started talking. The lawyer, as it turned out, owned a nearby villa. They discussed how they came to retire to the Riviera.
"Remember that lousy office complex I bought?" asked the lawyer, "Well, it caught fire, and I retired here with the fire insurance proceeds. What are you doing here?"
The doctor replied, "Remember that real estate I had in Mississippi? Well, the river overflowed, and here I am with the flood insurance proceeds. It's amazing that we both ended up here in pretty much the same way."
"It sure is," the lawyer replied, looking puzzled, "but I'm confused about one thing - how do you start a flood?"
"Remember that lousy office complex I bought?" asked the lawyer, "Well, it caught fire, and I retired here with the fire insurance proceeds. What are you doing here?"
The doctor replied, "Remember that real estate I had in Mississippi? Well, the river overflowed, and here I am with the flood insurance proceeds. It's amazing that we both ended up here in pretty much the same way."
"It sure is," the lawyer replied, looking puzzled, "but I'm confused about one thing - how do you start a flood?"
How Much Is 2+2?
A businessman was trying to choose a lawyer, but was being very careful about it. He scheduled appointments to interview three lawyers.
At the first lawyer's office, after an initial exchange of pleasantries, the businessman said, "Okay, let's get down to business. I have an important question for you, and I want you to think carefully before answering. How much is two plus two?"
The lawyer raised his eyebrows. "two plus two is four." The businessman thanked him for his time, and proceeded to his next appointment.
The second lawyer, who was also a CPA, seemed a bit more particular than the first lawyer. After an initial discussion, the businessman again announced that he had a very important question, and asked, "How much is two plus two?"
The second lawyer went over to a computer, and entered figures into a spreadsheet. "According to my calculations, two plus two is approximately four." The businessman thanked him for his time, and proceeded to his next appointment.
The third lawyer sat behind a big mahogany desk, and smoked a cigar. He seemed rather self-important as compared to the other two, but at the same time appeared to be much more successful. The businessman again announced, "I would like you to answer a very important question for me, before I decide whether I should use your services. How much is two plus two?"
The lawyer pulled the shades, locked the door to his office, and asked in a hushed voice, "How much do you want it to be?"
At the first lawyer's office, after an initial exchange of pleasantries, the businessman said, "Okay, let's get down to business. I have an important question for you, and I want you to think carefully before answering. How much is two plus two?"
The lawyer raised his eyebrows. "two plus two is four." The businessman thanked him for his time, and proceeded to his next appointment.
The second lawyer, who was also a CPA, seemed a bit more particular than the first lawyer. After an initial discussion, the businessman again announced that he had a very important question, and asked, "How much is two plus two?"
The second lawyer went over to a computer, and entered figures into a spreadsheet. "According to my calculations, two plus two is approximately four." The businessman thanked him for his time, and proceeded to his next appointment.
The third lawyer sat behind a big mahogany desk, and smoked a cigar. He seemed rather self-important as compared to the other two, but at the same time appeared to be much more successful. The businessman again announced, "I would like you to answer a very important question for me, before I decide whether I should use your services. How much is two plus two?"
The lawyer pulled the shades, locked the door to his office, and asked in a hushed voice, "How much do you want it to be?"
How Far Was It?
At a trial, an attorney was putting witnesses through an exacting cross-examination, and was taking great delight into forcing witnesses to admit that they did not remember every single detail of an automobile accident. While the lawyer knew that no witness has a perfect memory, he had honed a skill in exploiting minor inconsistencies and lapses of memory in order to challenge the credibility of honest witnesses. After a series of scathing cross-examinations, he was looking forward to his examination of yet another witness.
"Did you actually see the accident?" he asked.
The witness responded with a polite, "Yes, sir."
"How far away were you when the accident happened?"
"I was Thirty-four feet, seven and three quarters inches away from the point of collision."
"Thirty-four feet, seven and three quarter inches?" the lawyer asked, sarcastically, "Do you expect us to believe that your memory is so good, and your sense of distance is so precise, that months after the accident you can come into court and give that type of detail?"
The witness was unphased. "Sir, I had a hunch that some obnoxious, know-it-all lawyer would ask me the distance, and would try to make it seem like I was lying if I could not give an exact answer. So I got a tape measure, and measured out the exact distance."
"Did you actually see the accident?" he asked.
The witness responded with a polite, "Yes, sir."
"How far away were you when the accident happened?"
"I was Thirty-four feet, seven and three quarters inches away from the point of collision."
"Thirty-four feet, seven and three quarter inches?" the lawyer asked, sarcastically, "Do you expect us to believe that your memory is so good, and your sense of distance is so precise, that months after the accident you can come into court and give that type of detail?"
The witness was unphased. "Sir, I had a hunch that some obnoxious, know-it-all lawyer would ask me the distance, and would try to make it seem like I was lying if I could not give an exact answer. So I got a tape measure, and measured out the exact distance."
The Car Wreck
A doctor and a lawyer got into a car accident, on a small country road. The lawyer had figured that nobody else would be on the road, and had raced through a stop sign. The doctor, on a cross street, had no time to react and couldn't have missed the lawyer if he had tried. Fortunately, neither driver was hurt.
The lawyer, seeing that the doctor was a little shaken up, helped him from his battered car and offered him a drink from a hip flask.The doctor accepted, took a deep drink, and handed the flask back to the lawyer. The lawyer held the flask for a minute or two, and gave it to the doctor again. The doctor took another swig. He again returned the flask to the lawyer, who closed it and put it away.
"Aren't you going to have a drink yourself?" asked the doctor.
"Not now," answered the lawyer. "I'll have something after the police leave."
The lawyer, seeing that the doctor was a little shaken up, helped him from his battered car and offered him a drink from a hip flask.The doctor accepted, took a deep drink, and handed the flask back to the lawyer. The lawyer held the flask for a minute or two, and gave it to the doctor again. The doctor took another swig. He again returned the flask to the lawyer, who closed it and put it away.
"Aren't you going to have a drink yourself?" asked the doctor.
"Not now," answered the lawyer. "I'll have something after the police leave."
Lawyer Joke
Q: What is a contingent fee?
A: A contingent fee means, if the lawyer doesn't win your suit, he gets nothing. If the lawyer does win it, you get nothing.
A: A contingent fee means, if the lawyer doesn't win your suit, he gets nothing. If the lawyer does win it, you get nothing.
6/14/2008
Area Grandmother Tries Indian Food
BLOOMINGTON, MN—Characterizing the experience as "different," local grandmother Eileen Rutherford, 78, ate Indian food for the first time Saturday.
Although Rutherford was initially reluctant to try the cuisine, she was persuaded by her visiting grandchildren Melissa, Brandon, and Allison, who told the septuagenarian she needed to "expand her horizons."
"I couldn't believe that she had lived through three wars and the Great Depression and never even tasted Indian food once," said Rutherford's eldest grandchild Melissa, 22. "I was like, 'Grandma, you've got to try it. It's so good.'"
Brandon, 19, made further entreaties, convincing a skeptical Rutherford that Indian food "has lots of sauces, sort of like spaghetti sauce" and repeatedly assuring her that she would like the bread. After Rutherford's offer to instead make cold-cut sandwiches for everyone was rebuffed, she relented and accompanied her grandchildren to the nearby Bombay Delights restaurant.
"She only lives two blocks from the place, but she never went in there," Allison, 20, said. "That's just sad."
According to Melissa, upon entering Bombay Delights, Rutherford seemed apprehensive about the restaurant's Hindu-themed décor, sitar music, and Indian people. Rutherford did, however, offer a positive comment on the table's elegantly arranged red linen napkins, saying, "These napkins are very nice."
Rutherford's attempt to order food was mired by several setbacks, including a struggle to locate her reading glasses and an assertion that she did not know what anything on the menu meant. Despite Allison's best efforts to explain that the entrée selections were clearly divided into sections by types of meats, seafood, and vegetables, Rutherford encouraged her grandchildren to "go ahead and order" for her.
Witnesses reported that Rutherford seemed overwhelmed by the unusual aromas upon receiving her first course. She appeared delighted, however, after she cut into the deep-fried pastry shell of a samosa and a recognizable pea rolled out. Rutherford went on to talk about peas for 15 minutes, including an anecdote about how she enjoyed shelling peas from their pods when she was a little girl.
"It's cool that we were able to get Grandma to experience a whole new set of flavors and textures," said Brandon, adding that it was gratifying to see his grandmother sample coconut chutney and dum aloo vindaloo. "Now that she's tasted Indian food, I wouldn't be surprised if she starts coming here all the time."
"And the look of awe on her face when they brought out the fluffy poori bread was so cute," he added. "When we deflated it with a fork, she just smiled."
Rutherford's grandchildren said the highlight of the evening was watching in giddy anticipation as Rutherford took her first bite of the main course, an authentic goat curry dish. According to Brandon, Rutherford raised her eyebrows slightly, silently nodded several times, then took a sip of water. For the remainder of the meal, Rutherford, who had never consumed goat meat before, ate primarily rice and plain naan.
In a statement given after the meal, Rutherford described the entrée as "just a little too flavorful."
"They put an awful lot of spices in there," said Rutherford, adding that she liked the sweetened "little ball things" they had for dessert. "It was very unusual."
Following the completion of the meal, the Bombay Delights waiter asked Rutherford how her food was, to which she responded that it was "nice to spend time with [her] grandchildren."
After leaving the restaurant, Rutherford returned home, made herself comfortable in her favorite chair, covered herself with a blanket, and ate tuna straight from the can
Although Rutherford was initially reluctant to try the cuisine, she was persuaded by her visiting grandchildren Melissa, Brandon, and Allison, who told the septuagenarian she needed to "expand her horizons."
"I couldn't believe that she had lived through three wars and the Great Depression and never even tasted Indian food once," said Rutherford's eldest grandchild Melissa, 22. "I was like, 'Grandma, you've got to try it. It's so good.'"
Brandon, 19, made further entreaties, convincing a skeptical Rutherford that Indian food "has lots of sauces, sort of like spaghetti sauce" and repeatedly assuring her that she would like the bread. After Rutherford's offer to instead make cold-cut sandwiches for everyone was rebuffed, she relented and accompanied her grandchildren to the nearby Bombay Delights restaurant.
"She only lives two blocks from the place, but she never went in there," Allison, 20, said. "That's just sad."
According to Melissa, upon entering Bombay Delights, Rutherford seemed apprehensive about the restaurant's Hindu-themed décor, sitar music, and Indian people. Rutherford did, however, offer a positive comment on the table's elegantly arranged red linen napkins, saying, "These napkins are very nice."
Rutherford's attempt to order food was mired by several setbacks, including a struggle to locate her reading glasses and an assertion that she did not know what anything on the menu meant. Despite Allison's best efforts to explain that the entrée selections were clearly divided into sections by types of meats, seafood, and vegetables, Rutherford encouraged her grandchildren to "go ahead and order" for her.
Witnesses reported that Rutherford seemed overwhelmed by the unusual aromas upon receiving her first course. She appeared delighted, however, after she cut into the deep-fried pastry shell of a samosa and a recognizable pea rolled out. Rutherford went on to talk about peas for 15 minutes, including an anecdote about how she enjoyed shelling peas from their pods when she was a little girl.
"It's cool that we were able to get Grandma to experience a whole new set of flavors and textures," said Brandon, adding that it was gratifying to see his grandmother sample coconut chutney and dum aloo vindaloo. "Now that she's tasted Indian food, I wouldn't be surprised if she starts coming here all the time."
"And the look of awe on her face when they brought out the fluffy poori bread was so cute," he added. "When we deflated it with a fork, she just smiled."
Rutherford's grandchildren said the highlight of the evening was watching in giddy anticipation as Rutherford took her first bite of the main course, an authentic goat curry dish. According to Brandon, Rutherford raised her eyebrows slightly, silently nodded several times, then took a sip of water. For the remainder of the meal, Rutherford, who had never consumed goat meat before, ate primarily rice and plain naan.
In a statement given after the meal, Rutherford described the entrée as "just a little too flavorful."
"They put an awful lot of spices in there," said Rutherford, adding that she liked the sweetened "little ball things" they had for dessert. "It was very unusual."
Following the completion of the meal, the Bombay Delights waiter asked Rutherford how her food was, to which she responded that it was "nice to spend time with [her] grandchildren."
After leaving the restaurant, Rutherford returned home, made herself comfortable in her favorite chair, covered herself with a blanket, and ate tuna straight from the can
Battlestar Galactica: The End
So last night was the mid-season finale of the Sci-Fi Channel's space Bar Mitzvah Battlestar Galactica. Yep, no more episodes til January, so I paid special close attention. Actually, no, of course I didn't. I didn't even know it was the mid-season finale until I read it in the news this morning! So this week's roundup is just as whiskey-warbled as ever. This time I know there are spoilers, so keep out if you care about that. If not, jump!
Old Eyepatchy just outed himself to Miami Vice! "I'm one of the four." Kill him!
But Miami Vice thinks Eyepatchy just has a chip in his head. "When I met you you had hair. I never heard of a skin job aging."
But Eyepatchy has a way out! You can live! You can live! Freeeeeedom!
Miami Vice: "There is no fracking earth!" Geez, kinda cheer up already, old man. These space people look up to you!
Yeah, torture Eyepatchy! Torture him to madness!
Hey wait! You're not President Boringface Actorman. You're gonna kill the fleet? You're the bad guy?! Kill him!
Don't you people point your guns at Blonde Tomboy Space Girl! Shoot Chief Fatty Q. Workingstiff in his gut if you wanna, but leave Blonde Tomboy Space Girl alone!
OMG! Cyclons! Cyclons everywhere!
You Secret Cyclons are fucked!
Yes! Blonde Tomboy Space Girl is in her space plane! She'll save everyone! She is God with a pretty nose and nice hair!
Awww! Look how happy she is! She knows something...
I'm gonna put exclamation points here! here! and here!
Oh Jesusface. You're the good guy?!
Kill President Boringface Actorman! Kill him dead!
Oh shut up Xena. They'd forgive you for what you did on the colonies if you'd stop killing them. So stop killing them!
Blonde Tomboy Space Girl did it! She saved everyone! Yaaaaaay!
Amnesty for the Secret Cyclons! Yaaaaay!
Boringface and Lady MacDeath and Miami Vice are all best buds now. Yaaaaaay!
Earth! Earth! Earth! Earth! Earth! Yaaaaaaay!
Um, uh? What the fuck is up with earth? It's all...
You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you! Damn you all to hell!
6/13/2008
Final Firefox 3 State of the Add-ons Report
The clock's ticking down till Tuesday June 17th, when the final version of Firefox 3 will be ready to download—and there's big progress on the add-ons compatibility front. Mozilla product manager Alex Polvi reports big news this week: Greasemonkey and Del.icio.us Bookmarks are both officially Firefox 3-compatible, and hot on their heels is Tab Mix Plus, and Firebug, which have compatible versions slated to hit the official Add-ons site this weekend. If you're planning to help Mozilla set a Guinness World Record when you download Firefox 3 on Tuesday, you can also throw or attend a Firefox party while you're at it
Can you die of boredom?
Boredom is like an emotional oxymoron. Your mind itches for something to do, but your body doesn't respond.
This universal human experience ranks at the bottom of our list of desirable emotions, and while boredom springs from a various sources, people report almost uniform sensations of lazy restlessness [source: Martin et al]. But what happens when that flat-lined feeling doesn't go away? Can you -- as the saying beloved to angst-ridden teenagers goes -- really die of boredom?
Maria Teijeiro/Getty Images
Even a cheerful bonsai tree isn't enough to pull this bored girl out of her humdrum stupor.
Run-of-the-mill boredom alone won't kill you. But, in a roundabout way, it can pose problems for adolescents. Today's teenagers in particular may be susceptible to boredom from a combination of overstimulation and lack of coping skills when action dies down [source: drugs and alcohol.
Some adults, however, don't grow out of typical teenage boredom. Certain personalities that gravitate toward high-risk lifestyles also experience chronic boredom. While the relationship between the two isn't completely understood by science, it can spiral into danger. In fact, boredom-prone people are more likely to engage in activities including alcohol abuse, drug addiction, compulsive gambling and eating disorders [source: Gosline].
This type of endless ennui also happens more to men and people with brain injuries and certain psychotic disorders. For drug addicts, fighting boredom can predict their success in kicking their habit as well.
In cases like these, boredom simultaneously serves as a symptom and a stimulant for adverse behavior. People may not have the coping mechanisms and ability to put circumstances in perspective to overcome boredom, leading to continuous dissatisfaction [source: Todman].
What exactly is this elusive phenomenon of boredom, and why is it so unpleasant? We'll stoop down and take a closer look at this lowest of the lows on the next page.
This universal human experience ranks at the bottom of our list of desirable emotions, and while boredom springs from a various sources, people report almost uniform sensations of lazy restlessness [source: Martin et al]. But what happens when that flat-lined feeling doesn't go away? Can you -- as the saying beloved to angst-ridden teenagers goes -- really die of boredom?
Maria Teijeiro/Getty Images
Even a cheerful bonsai tree isn't enough to pull this bored girl out of her humdrum stupor.
Run-of-the-mill boredom alone won't kill you. But, in a roundabout way, it can pose problems for adolescents. Today's teenagers in particular may be susceptible to boredom from a combination of overstimulation and lack of coping skills when action dies down [source: drugs and alcohol.
Some adults, however, don't grow out of typical teenage boredom. Certain personalities that gravitate toward high-risk lifestyles also experience chronic boredom. While the relationship between the two isn't completely understood by science, it can spiral into danger. In fact, boredom-prone people are more likely to engage in activities including alcohol abuse, drug addiction, compulsive gambling and eating disorders [source: Gosline].
This type of endless ennui also happens more to men and people with brain injuries and certain psychotic disorders. For drug addicts, fighting boredom can predict their success in kicking their habit as well.
In cases like these, boredom simultaneously serves as a symptom and a stimulant for adverse behavior. People may not have the coping mechanisms and ability to put circumstances in perspective to overcome boredom, leading to continuous dissatisfaction [source: Todman].
What exactly is this elusive phenomenon of boredom, and why is it so unpleasant? We'll stoop down and take a closer look at this lowest of the lows on the next page.
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