Saydrah

Toyota Unveils Thought-Powered Wheelchair, Controlled by User's Brain Waves

2009-06-29T22:53:00Z

Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota has taken its brainwave interface technology to the next level by unveiling a wheelchair controlled by the user's thoughts, with a revolutionary system allowing "nearly instant" movement forward, right, or left. Previous brainwave-controlled wheelchairs took several seconds to read signals from the user's brain. Toyota's creation, below, takes a mere 25 milliseconds to read signals from a brain-scan electroencephalograph (BSE).

A cap worn by the user relayes electrical impulses from the brain to an on-board computer that analyzes them almost instantly and transmits commands controlling the chair in order to move it forward or turn it. The wheelchair isn't quite so easy to stop, however: Its user must inflate one cheek to trigger it to halt.

Battle of the Sexes

2009-06-25T22:36:00Z

These jokes were emailed to me. This post is for everyone who's ever had a ridiculous argument with their partner. Live, love, laugh it off in the morning!

Understanding Women (as told by a man)

I know I'm not going to understand women. I'll never understand how you can take boiling hot wax,
pour it onto your upper thigh, rip the hair out by the root, and still be afraid of a spider .

The Silent Treatment

A man and his wife were having some problems at home and were giving each other the silent treatment. Suddenly, the man realized that the next day,he would need his wife to wake him at 5:00 AM for an early morning business flight. Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and lose), he wrote on a piece of paper, "Please wake me at 5:00 AM " He left it where he knew she would find it.

The next morning, the man woke up, only to discover it was 9:00 AM and he had missed his flight. Furious, he was about to go and see why his wife hadn't wakened him, when he noticed a piece of paper by the bed. The paper said, "It is 5:00 AM. Wake up."

Pushing Buttons

A husband read an article to his wife about how many words women use in a day: 30,000 to a man's 15,000.

The wife replied, "The reason has to be because we have to repeat everything to men."

The husband then turned to his wife with a great, big smirk and slyly asked, "What, dear?"

Division of Chores

A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning.

The wife says, "You should do it, because you get up first,and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee."

The husband says, " You are in charge of cooking around here and you should do it, because that is your job, and I can just wait for my coffee."

Wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides, it is in the Bible that the man should make the coffee."

Husband replies, "I can't believe that. Show me."

So she fetches the Bible, and opens the New Testament and, sure enough, right at the top of several pages, it says, "HEBREWS!"

Photo by Steve Wampler.

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Back When Game Shows Were Funny, Not Scripted

2009-06-23T22:32:00Z

I ran across some old "best of" quotes from Hollywood Squares today, and thought I'd share them here. Does anyone else still love watching reruns from a time when game show hosts and guests genuinely made funny quips off the cuff, rather than having a team of writers to prepare their "spontaneous" puns?

Q.. Paul, what is a good reason for pounding meat?

A. Paul Lynde: Loneliness!
(The audience laughed so long and so hard it took up almost 15 minutes of the show!)

Q. Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.

Q. If you’re going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.
A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

Q. You’ve been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: That’s what’s been keeping me awake.

Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he’s married?

A.. Rose Marie: No wait until morning.

Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?

A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency..

Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say ‘I Love You’?

A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty..

Q. What are ‘Do It,’ ‘I Can Help,’ and ‘I Can’t Get Enough’?

A. George Gobel: I don’t know, but it’s coming from the next apartment.

Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking?

A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I’ll give you a gesture you’ll never forget.

Q. Paul, why do Hell’s Angels wear leather?
A. Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

Q. Charley, you’ve just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?

A. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I’m too busy growing strawberries.

Q. In bowling, what’s a perfect score?

A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.

Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other?

A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures.

Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?

A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I’m always safe in the bedroom.

Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?

A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.

Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do?

A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?

Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?

A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.

Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?

A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.

Q. It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it?

A. Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn’t neglected.

Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?

A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.

Q. Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant?

A. Paul Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?

Q. When a couple have a baby, who is responsible for its sex?

A. Charley Weaver: I’ll lend him the car, the rest is up to him

Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?

A. Charley Weaver: His feet.

Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed?

A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh

20 Amazing Albino Animals Say "Different is Beautiful!"

2009-06-18T20:05:00Z

Do you ever feel like you stand out in a crowd? Think everyone is staring? So do these albino animals (and a few animals that look like albinos, but aren't-- read on for the explanation). But as you can see from this collection of photos, different is beautiful. Next time you think someone's staring at you, take a cue from our first albino animal and strike a pose!

1. White-Tailed Deer

Only about one in 30,000 white-tailed deer is a true albino like this fawn! There are also white deer who are not albinos. These are the result of a color mutation similar to the one responsible for pinto horses, affecting only hair color but not eye or skin or hoof pigments. This inquisitive little fellow was captured on film by paulobrandao.

2. Nutria

No, that's not a giant guinea pig-- it's a Nutria. These large, semi-aquatic rodents have been bred in captivity in several colors for fur production, but most wild individuals are solid brown and look like large muskrats. Albino nutria are very uncommon but not unheard-of. One was even taken into police custody in May of 2009, in Lake Oswego, Oregon, after a frightened homeowner called police to remove the strange animal that had become trapped in a crate. This albino Nutria was photographed by ndomer73.

3. Wallaby with Joey

Albino wallabies occur very rarely in the wild, but are more common in captivity due to inbreeding that can bring out a hidden gene for albinism. This albino wallaby has passed on her albinism to the joey in her pouch. Sheepies photographed the pair in a UK zoo.

4. Ladybug

Albino ladybugs are at quite the disadvantage, lacking the red and black coloring that dissuades predators from munching on their normally colored relatives. Nonetheless, this one stuck around long enough for Stephen Poff to photograph it.

5. Snapping Turtle

Turtles sold as "albino" are usually actually amelanistic, meaning totally lacking in the pigment melanin. In a human or most mammals, amelanstic individuals would be true albinos (lacking all pigment) because melanin is the only pigment present. However, many reptiles also have xanthin and etherin pigmentation, meaning amelanistic reptiles may be yellow, orange, or pink instead of completely white. This snapping turtle, photographed by ericbegin, is a rare true albino with no pigment at all in its skin, eyes, or shell.

6. Porcupine

Albino porcupines in the wild are often a source of great confusion for observers, as they often are very difficult to recognize as porcupines due to the lack of distinctive striped quills. Some also have softer, hair-like quills rather than the sharp stabbing implements wielded by normally colored porkies. A sleepy albino porcupine made headlines in Chelsea after a photographer mistook it for an unknown species. Loochie photographed this albino porcupine at the London Zoo.

7. Peacock

White peacocks aren't actually true albinos. They're a color variation of the Indian Blue Peacock. While albino peacocks do exist, the white color mutation is much more common. True albinos will have pink eyes, unlike this white peacock photographed by wwwflickrcomphotosciddone.

8. Pekingese Dog

Pekingese are among a very few breeds of domestic dog where albinism is present and some breeders intentionally select for it. However, albino Pekingese are not permitted in American Kennel Club dog shows, and a number of health problems are associated with albinism. This pup, owned by cpc-a-gogo, looks healthy and happy, but may suffer from blindness or skin cancer later in life.

9. Monitor Lizard

This monitor lizard is amelanistic, rather than a true albino. He has no melanin, but other pigments produce the yellow color that you see on his body. The little fellow, photographed by demozthenes2, looks like he's had an accident involving a highlighter!

10. Domestic Horse

This horse has almost all the characteristics of a true albino, but there are in fact no albino horses. This horse is likely white due to two copies of the creme gene, which is a partially dominant gene that produces cremello or perlino foals when homozygous. This horse was photographed by castormariana.

11. African Pygmy Hedgehog

I have one of these! You can see him posing for #3 in my 20 Reasons I Love Hedgehogs post. This one belongs to Meantux.

12. Diabolical Squirrel

I don't know about you, but I'd be afraid to try to take this squirrel's nuts. He looks pretty protective. Speaking of protective, there's a whole society dedicated to the preservation of albino squirrels. Now that's nutty! This squirrel was snapped on a picnic table by liquidindian.

13. Spider

Anyone know what type of spider this is? I couldn't find anything identifying it. Giorgio_f took this lovely photo of it tending to its garden. At least, that's what I'd rather believe it's doing, as opposed to waiting to suck the guts out of anything smaller than itself that comes along. Or get in my hair. I hate that.

14. Moose

This moose has developed camouflage to protect himself from Sarah Palin. Actually, he's just a very rare white moose-- 1 in 100,000 wild moose carry the white gene. In south-eastern Idaho, however, as many as 1 in 10,000 may be white. This photo was taken by samuelbouchard.

15. Axolotl

As if they aren't strange looking enough when they're colored! Photo by natman.

16. American Alligator

No, that's not a horror movie set-- it's a real albino alligator. For quite some time it was believed that there were no albino alligators because most white hatchlings were eaten before anyone saw them, due to their lack of camouflage! It was only when albinos appeared in captivity, like this one photographed by olliesphotos, that humans realized alligators can be albino.

17. Angora Rabbit

This one actually has less fur than most Angoras! Photo by jose_kevo.

18. Skunk

Skunks are actually very cuddly, loving pets if descented and handled from an early age. Keeping a skunk takes a lot of time, care, and knowledge, and is illegal in many areas. This one, photographed by mcwetboy, is assisting its keeper with an educational talk.

19. Pelican

This albino pelican was photographed in Brazil by mcdemoura.

20. Siberian Tiger

Beautiful though white tigers are, they're unfortunately not generally healthy and are always inbred and cross-eyed. Approximately 80% of cubs born to white tigers die of birth defects due to cross-breeding. Read more about the truth about white tigers here. This photo by sirpsico.

Want to see more amazing animals?

20 Adorable Rabbit Photos

Animals Celebrating the First Day of Spring

What Happens When You Order a Cosmopolitan in a Bar in Western Australia

2009-06-08T21:14:00Z

I hope the customer took his ribbing in good humor and tipped the bartender well.

Want to see another funny receipt? This one was actually given to me at a burger joint-- I think they're a little too honest.

More humor?

Photo source: Emailed to me by a friend who tends bar in Perth, WA. If this is your receipt, speak up! What did you really order?

10 Strangest Mutts (or "Designer Dogs") Currently Waiting for Adoption -- Part 3

2009-05-27T18:45:00Z

"Designer dogs" may be cute, but why not spend the $2,000 on puppy toys and adopt an adorable, bizarre rescue mutt instead? Just look at the cuties currently looking for homes. Since the last installment of "strangest mutts," six of the dogs featured in part two are listed as adopted or removed from Petfinder (which also usually means they were adopted or possibly claimed by the owner who lost them). Of the original top ten strangest mutts, eight are adopted or removed, and two still need homes. Now, let's take a look at 10 more odd mixes currently needing homes. Can you take one home or pass this on to someone who's seeking a new fuzzy family member?

10. Murphy the Lhasa Apso/Poodle Mix

Murphy, if you keep making that face, you'll get stuck like that. Worse yet, I might have to head to Colorado Springs, CO and adopt you myself! I just can't resist the head-tilt, especially from a curly, adorable, and possibly hypoallergenic ~~mutt~~ designer dog. If that cute face and those little rear socks are calling to you, click here to find out how you can adopt Murphy.

9. Puggle/Yorkie Mix Puppies (Unnamed)

Just look at all these chubby little mixed up pups! I think, given their breeds and bellies, we should dub them "Porkies." Who doesn't want a Porky-pup? They're in Provo, UT, and even if you're not, I think something that adorable is worth a little drive. Not convinced? Check out this close up of a couple of the pups:

You know you need a Porky in your life. Just look at that smushed face and the eyebrows that look drawn on with a bleach pen. If you're ready to bring him home, click here to learn more about adopting your very own Porky puppy.

8. Kody the Mastiff/Great Pyrenees Mix

Kody was relinquished to rescue for not being very good with sheep, and he looks pretty morose about it. Actually, he probably looks this depressed all the time, with those wrinkles! Plus side: When you tell him all about your rough day at work, you know he'll look appropriately concerned, even if he's really thinking, "So when are you going to install a dog flap in the refrigerator door?" Kody is in Aurora, CO, and you can find out more about how to bring him and that adorable frown home with you right here.

7. Kizar the Dachshund/Scottish Terrier Mix

I'm loving Kizar's little beard and the one raised ear! This silly little Doxie/Scottie mix was a stray and is now waiting for a forever home in Albuquerque, NM. He's not too fond of cats or very young children, but with that combination of breeds, I bet he'd be the perfect buddy for an active adult or senior, or a couple with older kids who want a fun dog to tussle with and take for long walks. Learn more about adopting Kizar by clicking here.

6. Nala the Welsh Corgi/Chihuahua Mix

Look, a miniature Corgi, with the addition of a tail! Nala is a petite girl who likes kids and being picked up and carried. Between the Chihuahua side and the Corgi side, she's also got some world champion ears, as you can see! Nala lives with a foster mom in Peralta, NM. You can find out more about adopting Nala here.

5. Kovu the Pug/Spaniel Mix

Kovu is only four months old, and bears a striking resemblance to a raccoon. It's not clear what type of Spaniel his Spaniel half was, but that's what doggy DNA tests are for, right? Kovu enjoys playing with other dogs and fetching, and I bet that adorable curly tail will wag every time you throw a ball for him. Like Nala, Kovu lives in Peralta, NM. To learn how you can adopt Kovu, click here!

4. Rusty the Golden Retriever/Shar Pei Mix

So you've got a Golden Retriever-- the archetypal family dog-- mixed with, of all things, a Shar Pei, one of the strangest-looking purebreds on Earth. Rusty seems to have turned out pretty cute for this odd mix-- but where's the tail? Both Goldens and Shar Peis have tails, but Rusty seems to have lost his somewhere. Want to help him look for it? He's in Rawlins, WY, waiting for the special person who'll love him, tail or no tail. Find out more about adopting Rusty here.

3. Poppy and Magic the Japanese Chin/Dachshund Mixes

That's Poppy on the left in basic black, while Magic is her black-and-tan brother. These two goofy-looking small (and extremely shiny) dogs are siblings, the result of an accidental breeding. Poppy and Magic are in Hutchinson, KS, waiting for a forever home that will keep the bonded pair together. Is that you? Click here to learn more about adopting these two. Odd mutts are like potato chips.You can't have just one!

2. Eskimo Joe the Siberian Husky/Basset Hound Mix

Eskimo Joe has a small picture, but he makes up for it by having a second one also, where you can see that cute bicolor piggy nose even better:

So, seriously, whose bright idea was this? Husky/Basset? I don't even want to contemplate the positions involved in the conception of this cute, mixed up pup. I mean, Bassets are what, six inches tall and four feet long? Okay, I'm going to stop wondering which parent was which and just say, Eskimo Joe is adorable, long, shaggy, almost like a Shiloh Shepherd sawed off at the knees, and you should go to Yukon, OK immediately to take him home. Find out all about adopting Eskimo Joe here.

And the strangest mutt of the month is (drumroll please) ......

1. Cashew the Chinese Crested/Italian Greyhound Mix

No, Cashew hasn't been shaved or dipped in Nair or irradiated-- he's really that strange looking, all the time! That's what you get when you mix the naturally hairless and mottled Chinese Crested dog with the naturally trim and almost-hairless Italian Greyhound. I don't think this Greyhound will be winning any races (except maybe a race to your lap) but here's a little secret about hairless dogs: They're not just hypoallergenic-- they're also really, really warm, and most of them love to cuddle! So, if you don't mind applying sunscreen to Cashew and putting his jammies on when it's cold outside, he promises to be the perfect lap warmer. All you have to do is make the trek to Golden, CO, and adopt him. Find out how to do just that here!

People with Down Syndrome Rarely Get Cancer; Scientists Discover One Reason Why

2009-05-21T18:25:00Z

You won't find "reduced risk of cancer" on most lists of the effects of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), but scientists have long known that people with the condition rarely get most types of cancer. Now, a Harvard study has identified one of the factors that protects people with Down Syndrome against tumors. The discovery could lead to new methods of protecting all patients against cancer.

People with Down Syndrome have extra versions of 238 different genes due to their third copy of human chromosome 21. The extra chromosome is also responsible for the more well-known aspects of the condition, including developmental disability.

One of the 238 genes found in the third chromosome 21 is called Down syndrome candidate region-1 (DSCR1, also known as RCAN1). This gene, Harvard researchers found, affects angiogenesis-- the process by which tumors grow blood cells to nourish themselves. Specifically, DSCR1 codes for a protein that suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF — one of the compounds necessary for angiogenesis. DSCR1 also affects calcineurin, a biological compound often studied by cancer researchers.

By studying induced pluripotent stem cells from a volunteers with Down Syndrome, as well as mice genetically altered to have a condition similar to Down Syndrome, Harvard University's Sandra Ryeom and colleagues discovered DSCR1's affect on tumor growth. The study also points to another gene, DYRK1A, which is implicated in tumor suppression in individuals with Down Syndrome.

More On Down Syndrome:

Mom Determined to Help Son with Down Syndrome Lose Virginity

Google Execs Face Jail Time for Video of Youths Bullying Boy with Down Syndrome

Photo by Phototropism, from "Shifting Perspectives 2008" exhibition. Used via Creative Commons.

Man Denied Permission to Build Wheelchair Ramp Outside Condo At His Own Expense; Told It Would Be an "Eyesore"

2009-05-19T00:14:00Z

A wheelchair user in Ponte Vondra Beach, Florida, is a prisoner in his own condominium after being denied permission to build a wheelchair ramp around the stairs outside his condo. James Ballas, a stroke survivor and octogenarian, is preparing a federal lawsuit in hopes of obtaining permission to build his ramp.

Ballas and his wife, 84-year-old Lucille, have repeatedly over the course of a year requested the condominium association and management company's approval to build a wheelchair ramp at their own expense. The couple were told that the ramp would be an "eyesore."

James Ballas now considers calls home his "jail," and is unable to leave the house even to visit the beach or go to the grocery store with his wife. On the rare occasions that he must leave his condo in order to see a doctor, James must be carried down the steps by friends or family members, then placed back in his wheelchair.

The attorney representing James Ballas, David Cronin, says anyone willing to pay for reasonable modifications due to disability is entitled, and denying permission to build such a ramp is clearly illegal under federal guidelines. Similarly, enforcing a no-pets rule against a tenant who is blind and needs a guide dog would be illegal.

Some people play the lottery and see if they don't get caught, or they simply don't know the law," said Roberto Ortiz, a Human Rights Commission specialist who investigates fair housing discrimination. "Condominiums are a big deal - they are not above the law."

What do you think? Should Ballas get permission to build his ramp? Will he win his lawsuit?

Of Interest:

DIY Dialysis Clinic Shuttered by Chinese Government

World's Tallest Dog Becomes World's Tallest Canine Amputee

2009-05-15T20:35:00Z

The Great Dane recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's tallest dog has lost one of his front legs to osteosarcoma, according to his owner. Gibson's front leg was amputated in order to prevent the bone cancer from spreading and metastasizing.

According to Gibson's sponsor, K9 Grass, "Doctors report that dogs recover from this type of surgery and adapt well to the loss of the limb. Gibson's owner Sandy Hall is looking forward to continuing Gibson's work as a certified therapy dog and, most of all, bringing happiness to everyone he meets."

Donations will be accepted by Paypal, snail mail, or telephone toward Gibson's treatment and recovery. For more information on donating, click here.

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in dogs. It usually develops deep within leg bones, and becomes extremely painful as the cancer spreads outward. Amputation is recommended in most cases, since it alleviates pain caused by the cancer. Most dogs adjust well to losing a leg and are able to run, play, and live an active life within a few weeks of surgery.

Gibson will undergo chemotherapy in about two weeks in hopes of removing the remaining cancer cells from his body. I wish Gibson a speedy recovery and long life. If and when photos of him as a tripod are released, I'll post them here also. For now, he's recovering from surgery at home with his owner. In the meantime, let's look back at some classic photos of Gibson with all four legs:

More About Animal Amputees:

Bionic Dog Gets $18,000 Prosthesis

Quarter Horse Filly Given Second Chance After Losing Part of Her Leg

Maltese Puppy with No Front Legs Gets a Wheelchair

Color My World: 15 Beautiful Colored Pencil and Crayon Macro Photos for Your Inner Child

2009-05-14T19:32:00Z

You know what I miss about Kindergarten? A brand-new box of crayons being the world's most exciting gift. Even the boxes with only twelve were like an extra Christmas morning every time my mother came home from the grocery store with a pack of Crayolas. I loved to feel the sharp, flat points of new crayons, and then draw the first line with each color. New crayons were the height of luxury.

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Then, when I got a little older, it was colored pencils. I loved to keep them extra-sharp to color in little details like eyes and buttons on clothing. I always saved my favorite dark violet color for the most extra-special pictures.

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Is your inner child awake and begging to color yet? Good! You're never too old for a new box of crayons or colored pencils. Here are 13 more colorful macros to make that inner child giggle and squeal in delight.

Very creative, jek-a-go-go!

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Did you like this? Wanna see some pretty leaves? You know you do, you macro lover, you. Or, for a change of pace, check our some urban wildlife photos.

Photos all used under Creative Commons license-- thanks to their creators!

Happy Mothers Day! 50 Cute Photos of Animal Mothers with Baby Animals Demonstrate Why Moms Are Great

2009-05-08T20:52:00Z

Happy Mother's Day! Moms of the world, give yourselves a big pat on the back-- on Mother's Day, and every day. For your enjoyment, here are some animal mothers doing what moms do best-- think of it as a Mother's Day poem in pictures. Feel free to pass it along to the mothers in your life!

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Need More Cute?

Urban Wildlife: Wild Animals Move Into Suburbs and Cities

20 Cute Bunny Photos

Camouflaged Animals: 15 Cool Photos

Kyle Maynard, Man with Congenital Amputation (No Arms or Legs), to Make Debut as MMA Fighter

2009-04-27T23:06:00Z

Kyle Maynard was born with congenital amputation, but his lack of complete arms or legs didn't stop him from finishing high school with a 35-16 record as a varsity wrestler, and it's not stopping him from making his debut as a Mixed Martial Arts fighter this Saturday. Maynard, weighing 135 pounds, is said to have the strength of an average 200-pound fighter, and referee Cam McHargue expects Kyle to win his fight Saturday.

"I think Kyle's going to win this fight," McHargue said. "If the opponent tries to engage him, Kyle is strong enough to take him down. Kyle didn't have an accident part way through his life; he was born like this. He hasn't had to adjust, so he knows how to handle all the moves he needs."

Maynard has fought for nearly two years for his right to fight in MMA events. His first fight was originally scheduled for Sept. 14, 2007, in Atlanta, Georgia. At the last minute, Kyle's petition for a license to fight was denied, and his promoter was penalized by the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission for promoting the fight before Maynard's license had been approved. The decision stung, but Maynard pressed on and eventually discovered he wouldn't need a license to fight in Alabama, where he'll make his official debut this week.

Maynard is focused, prepared, and hopes to win in a fair fight against an opponent "willing to punch (him) in the face."

"My arms go from shoulder to elbow; it's not like I have no arms at all," Maynard said. "Five weeks ago I did a 420-pound butterfly press, so I have the power in my arms to deliver strikes. If I had to guess, I'm probably stronger than a lot of 135-pounders."

"Hopefully," says Maynard, "I go more than 30 seconds."

Why Cats and Computers Go Together. With 20 Cute Photos of Nerdy Cats on Computers.

2009-04-24T19:33:00Z

Let me be clear: It's a good thing to be a computer nerd. I'm a nerd, I love nerds. That said, every nerd needs an equally nerdy cat. What good is a computer without a cat getting in the way while you type? Cats and computers just plain go together. After all, they probably secretly know more about using your computer than you do-- they're just too lazy to prove it. Without further ado, 20 reasons cats and computers go together:

1. Older, bulky monitor? No. New, ergonomic cat bed.

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2. Cats won't judge you for surfing the web in bed when you should be sleeping.

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3. Cats know what it feels like to get into an argument with someone who is wrong on the Internet.

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4. There's even a cat version of the infinitely repetitive "Myspace Pose."

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6. If you're a programmer, a cat will gladly correct your code. This cat's advice: "Sleep on it."

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7. Cats will help you fix your computer. Hey, they can't be worse than the Geek Squad.

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8. When you're excitedly setting up a new computer, the cat would rather have the box, thank you very much.

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9. Cats love "New Gadget Smell."

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10. Cats won't make fun of you for retouching your photos on your online dating profile.

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11. They will, however, tell you when your long webcam chats with your online girlfriend get really, really boring.

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12. For nerdy cats, every day is Nerd Pride Day.

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13. You didn't really think "Kitten on the Keys" referred to piano keys, did you?

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14. And wait a second, "One Laptop Per Child?" That's got to be a typo. They meant "One Laptop Per Kitten," right?

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15. Cats sit scornfully on your old iMac. Time to upgrade...

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16. Cats get addicted to silly online games just as quickly as you do.

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17. Cats know all about the dangers of online phishing.

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18. They know that's not really a mouse, but they'll always check just one more time to make sure...

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19. Cats know that "working from home" really means "a whole day to play with your kitten."

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20. Cats won't tease you if you fall asleep at the computer. Unless you take their spot.

Photo Credit

So, there you have it. Cats and computers: A perfect match. I believe this theory explains the lolcat phenomenon, the Internet's swift action to bring Kenny Glenn to justice [graphic content], and the general love affair of the Internet with everything related to cats. It's a symbiotic relationship. Or, maybe the Egyptians had it right, and cats are just little Gods that have figured out how to get humans to meet their every need.

Cats and Books (15 Bookstore and Library Cats)

All images in this post used under Creative Commons license and remain the property of their respective creators, credited beneath each photo.

The Economy Is So Bad.... 55 Jokes About the Recession

2009-04-23T21:56:00Z

How bad is the economy, really?

The economy is so bad that African television stations are showing 'Sponsor an American Child' commercials!

The economy is so bad, a picture is now only worth 200 words.

It's so bad, Snoop Dogg had to start eating regular brownies.

The economy is so bad, I saw the CEO of Wal-Mart shopping at Wal-Mart.

The economy is so bad, I went to my bank the other day and the teller handed me a note saying, "This is a robbery!"

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The economy is so bad, George W. Bush appeared in a flight suit and declared economic recovery was complete.

The economy is so bad, Bill Gates had to switch to dial up.

The economy is so bad, Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

The economy is so bad, Dr. Seuss rose from the grave to write a new book: Green Eggs and Spam.

The economy is so bad that I went to my bank to get a loan, they said, "What a coincidence! That's just what we were going to ask you!"

The economy is so bad, rapper 50 Cent had to change his name to 10 Cent.

The economy is so bad, Barack Obama changed his slogan to "Maybe We Can!"

The economy is so bad, my ATM gave me an IOU!

The economy is so bad that the highest-paying job in town is jury duty.

The economy is so bad I saw a man in Costco buying one roll of toilet paper.

The economy is so bad that I saw a van full of legal immigrants illegally crossing the border to Mexico.

The economy is so bad, I became a Pastafarian hoping that a meatball will appear to me.

The economy is so bad that parents in Bevery Hills are considering raising their own children.

The economy is so bad that even people who aren't in Barack Obama's cabinet aren't paying taxes.

The economy is so bad I saw a polygamist with only one wife.

The economy is so bad that I saw someone using the sun to get a tan!

The economy is so bad that wives are having sex with their husbands because they can't afford batteries.

The economy is so bad, I saw four CEOs playing miniature golf.

The economy is so bad, Hot Wheels stock is trading higher than GM.

The economy is so bad, Obama met with three small businesses to discuss his Stimulus Plan: GM, Pfizer, and Citigroup.

It's so bad, McDonalds is introducing the 1/4-Ouncer.

The economy's so bad, Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

The economy is so bad, mothers in Ethiopia are telling their children, "Finish your meal! Don't you know there are starving children in the US?"

The economy is so bad, that a prostitute asked me if she could borrow $20 until she can get back on her back.

It's so bad, a stripper was killed when her audience showered her with rolls of pennies while she danced.

The economy is so bad, that Martha Stewart did a show on creative uses for food stamps.

The economy is so bad, Angelina Jolie adopted a child from America.

The economy is so bad, my sister had an exorcism but couldn't afford to pay for it, and they re-possessed her!

The economy is so bad, that I bought a toaster oven and my free gift with purchase was a bank.

It's so bad, I got a pre-declined credit card in the mail.

The economy is so bad, hobos in Beverly Hills now have to drink tap water.

The economy is so bad, Barack Obama unveiled his plan to close Guantanamo Bay for good: He's turning it into a bank!

The economy is so bad, that the White House turkey turned down his Thanksgiving pardon-- all his wealth was in stocks, and he has nothing to live for.

The economy is so bad, Sarah Palin is only shooting moose for food, not for fun.

It's so bad, I ordered a burger at McDonalds and the kid behind the counter asked, "Can you afford fries with that?"

The economy is so bad, my niece told me she wants to dress up as a 401-K for Halloween so that she can turn invisible.

The economy is so bad, that instead of a coin toss at the beginning of the Super Bowl, they played "Rock, Paper, Scissors."

The economy is so bad that Roy's tigers are now eating him out of necessity.

The economy is so bad, the Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas is now managed by Somali pirates.

It's so bad, they built an Indian reservation on a casino.

The economy is so bad, people are standing behind George Bush wherever he goes hoping for free shoes.

The economy is so bad, Michael Phelps has to share a bong.

The economy is so bad that when Bill and Hillary travel together, they now have to share a room.

The economy is so bad, a certain celebutante changed her name to "Paris Holiday Inn."

The economy is so bad, Malia and Sasha Obama started a lemonade stand to raise money for bailouts.

It's so bad, the Lone Ranger sold his silver bullets on Ebay.

The economy is so bad that 7 of 10 houses on Sesame Street are in foreclosure.

The economy is so bad that the only company hiring this week is the one that sends people to scrape bankers off the sidewalk on Wall Street.

It's so bad, they renamed Wall Street "Wal-Mart Street."

The economy is so bad, Angelina had to adopt a highway.

Quadriplegic Reaches North Pole: A Milestone for Disability and Technology

2009-04-21T22:26:00Z

David Shannon has become the first person with quadriplegia to reach the North Pole. Along with expedition co-leader Chris Watkins, Shannon developed "Team Independence 09" to promote accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities. Upon reaching the North Pole, Shannon raised a disabled parking sign and a Canadian flag, as seen in the picture on the left.

David said of the accessible parking sign placed at the North Pole, "This sign represents all peoples who have faced challenges or adversity in their lives and have dreamed of overcoming them. If we as people, work together in our homes, our cities, our countries and in our global village, there is no dream that cannot be realized."

Along the way to the North Pole, the team battled life threatening cold, made worse by David's spinal cord injury, which impaired his ability to retain heat. Chris suffered frostbite on his fingers, and David contracted a serious infection in the last week of the expedition. Both Chris and David have made a full recovery and returned home to Canada.

Video of Team Independence Reaching the North Pole: