12 foot ladder sticking out from a car window on Interstate 59 in Texas

Once in a while, you will find a funny pictures about people doing some stupid circus act but this takes the cake for being funny and dangerous at the same time.

Amazing that he did not take out a lot of cars (or cause a major accident) in his dumb act. This guy was driving on Interstate 59 in Houston.

 Picture taken by a local Houstonian. 

Big Brother Google will store your medical records

With Google expanding into new areas, this is just another area where they plan to expand into… Patients’ Health Record will be stored online by Google.

On Feb 21, 2008 Google announced that they will launch a pilot project will involve 1,500 to 10,000 patients at the Cleveland Clinic who volunteered to an electronic transfer of their personal health records so they can be retrieved through Google’s new service, which won’t be open to the general public.

Google Inc. will begin storing the medical records of a few thousand people as it tests a long-awaited health service that’s likely to raise more concerns about the volume of sensitive information entrusted to the Internet search leader.

Each health profile, including information about prescriptions, allergies and medical histories, will be protected by a password that’s also required to use other Google services such as e-mail and personalized search tools.

PetsMart – Free shipping on orders over $25

Halloween Promotion. PetsMart is having a free shipping on orders over $25. Expires 11/09/07.

http://www.golfer-review.com/deals.php?d=233&t=PetsMart_-_Free_shipping_on_orders_over_%2425%20#233

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$10 off $25 at Lowe’s

Sign up and receive printable $10 off $25 certificate by email.

One-time use. In store only.
Valid on merchandise, services, and rentals.
Not valid on John Deere, gift cards, and certain appliances.

http://www.golfer-review.com/deals.php?d=231&head=%2410+off+%2425+at+Lowe%27s+Home+Improvement#231

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David Copperfield – Magician’s sex scandal

David Copperfield, one of the most well know magician – illusionist within the last 2 decades is involved in a magician’s sex scandal. According to a two law enfocement souces that told CNN, a Seattle woman’s alleged that she was sexually assaulted by illusionist David Copperfield.

Copperfield’s lawyer, David Chesnoff, has said the allegations “are false because David Copperfield has never forced himself on anyone.” Neither Chesnoff nor law enforcement officials have provided details about the investigation.

On Wednesday (Oct 24, 2007), FBI agents to raid a warehouse Copperfield owns in Las Vegas and to search the Las Vegas hotel where he frequently performs. A dozen FBI agents stormed the warehouse and took a computer hard drive and a memory chip from a digital camera system, as well as $2 million in cash that was inside a safe, reported KLAS news channel in Las Vegas, citing a source close to the investigation.

Copperfield’s camp cancelled all tours in Asia. He was suppose to perform in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in the coming weeks.

Info from Wikipedia:
David Copperfield (born David Seth Kotkin, September 16, 1956) born in Metuchen, New Jersey, Copperfield began practicing magic at the age of twelve, and became the youngest person ever admitted to the Society of American Magicians. By age 16, he was teaching a course in magic at New York University. At age 18, he enrolled at Fordham University, and was cast in the lead role of the Chicago-based musical The Magic Man.  

According to Forbes Magazine, it was reported that David Copperfield earned $57 million in 2003, making him the tenth highest paid celebrity in the world. It also estimated that he made $57 million in 2004 (35th) and $57 million in 2005 (41st) in merchandise and tour revenue.Copperfield performs over 500 shows per year throughout the world.

Move over Segway, here comes “I-Real”

Segway, the “personal transported” was the buzz when it first came out but Toyota is getting into this niche market too. On Wednesday, it unveiled its latest concept – a vehicle shaped like a chair.

The “I-Real” is a single seat vehicle and is equipped with a sensor technology that detects nearing obstacles and passes information to the passenger by vibration and sound to avoid collision.

From what it was mentioned, it can hit a max speed of 20 mph. 

10 things to see and do in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY

The state of New Jersey lies on the eastern side of the North American Continent. It is divided into 21 countries with a total of 566 municipalities. Atlantic City is located at the southern most part of New Jersey and north of Cape May. It is widely known as America’s Playground famous for its 1870 Boardwalk, Casino resorts, Spas, first-class entertainment, incredible attractions, fine dining, and an endless list of remarkable things to do and places to visit! The location of Atlantic City in South Jersey which embraces the Atlantic Ocean primarily appeals to estate developers thereby making it an ultimate all-year round vacation getaway. The marshlands and the islands situated nearby “AC” also made it an attractive beach destination.

The presence of the Atlantic Ocean surrounding New Jersey brought a humid continental climate to the state. Winter in Atlantic City is usually cold but doesn’t get as much snowfall unlike that of the northern New Jersey. Summers are generally coller than inland areas because of the sea breeze coming from the Atlantic. The weather during Spring and Autumn is primarily unpredictable but it primarily brings cool summers but its advisable to check forecasts because temperatures change from time to time.

Atlantic City offers a wide-range of activities that will surely fit your taste no matter how long will choose to stay. Spring is good for testing your skills in one of the grand Golf courses in town. There are also numerous festivals and awesome events for you to attend to. Strolling along the famous Boardwalk at night is a perfect activity during summer. Relax along the magnificent beach or ride a boat and see the sunset. Winter can be cold so why not try to relax and keep warm in one of our casinos, spas, or evena ttend a hockey or baseball game. Attend some concerts, world-class comedy performances during Fall. Your stay will surely never be boring!

Boardwalk
The Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall now known as the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall is considered as a National historic landmark. The building was actually not designed to accommodate modern-day special events but the $90 million renovation transformed the historic Boardwalk into a state-of-the-art event center. Visit the Boardwalk Hall and be amazed with the amazing scaffolding, balconies, lighting systems, and everything! Truly a pride of the Atlantic people! Visit th Atlantic City Convention Center at One Miss America Way, and call 609-449-2000 for upcoming events and latest news.

Ripley’s Believe or not Museum
The gathering place of the most unusual and bizarre exhibits conceived and drawn by Robert Ripley are scattered in 13 states in America. And Atlantic City is proud to have a share of the 20,000 photographs, 20,000 artifacts, more than 130,000 cartoon panels, and more of Ripley’s odd and novelty collections from his travels and excursions! You will absolutely love the peculiar entrance, the strange exhibits, and the famous roulette wheel made of jellybeans exclusive here in Atlantic City. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum is located right on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Please call (609) 347-2001 for details and other educational admissions.

Steel Pier
 A tourist attraction will surely be a perfect family getaway if there are amusement parks especially intended for kids and of course for all ages!  Known as “the Amusement City at Sea”, “the Showplace of the Nation”, the 1,000 ft long Steel Pier is located opposite the Boardwalk from Trum Taj Mahal that has been operating since 1898. Remember the acts of the famous High Diving Horse, Rex the Wonder Dog? These are among the things that people are still coming back! The Pier features exciting rides on steel roller coasters, entertainment, a food court, exciting shows, and a whole lot more!  The 1882 world’s first Oceanside amusement Ocean Pier and the 1906 Million Dollar Pier are also a-must-place to meet excitement and fun!  Call 609-347-2001 for the latest Pier events.  Remember Steel Pier, your ultimate family entertainment provider in Atlantic City.

The Ocean Life Center
 Welcome to the Atlantic City Aquarium! Located in Atlantic City’s Historic Gardner’s Basin at the New Hampshire Avenue and the Bay, the 14,500 sq-ft and 3-story Atlantic City Aquarium houses 29, 800 gallons of live exhibits with a total number of more than 100 varieties of fish at the main atrium, and interactive exhibits, 16 computer stations and a 577-square-foot expanse with the state-of-the-art communications technology for an in-depth Ocean Life Education at the second floor.  The marine educational facility also has touch tanks that contains marine creatures like sea bass, sand tiger sharks, hermit crabs, sea urchins, sea stars, stingrays, and a bunch of other marine animals!  Call 609-348-2880 for the latest events in the city Aquarium and be one of the lucky persons to see and feed the friendly marine creatures.

Atlantic City Historical Museum
Expect Mr. Peanut to greet you as you enter the Atlantic City Historical Museum.  He will show you the way to a miniature Boardwalk and beach area that displays original sand art collections.  The museum preserves the astonishing history and famous landmarks of Atlantic City.  See the “Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation” exhibition that advertises artifacts, posters, photographs, souvenirs, and a variety of Miss America’s legacy.  Be sure to watch the “Boardwalk Ballyhoo: The Magic of Atlantic City” historical video that features the early beginnings of the resorts, famous shows in Steel Pier before, and the Miss America beauty pageant to name a few  shown continuously throughout the day.  Visit the Historical Atlantic Museum and see the newest exhibit “Shore Deco: Atlantic City Design Between the Wars” For more information, call (609) 347-5839.

Atlantic City Free Public Library
The Atlantic City was established with 1,000 books as its starting point.  It was privately run by a cultural organization called Women’s Research Club and was open to the public on 1903 in a wood frame house at the Pacific Avenue.  The modern two-story 3.8 million dollar Atlantic Library today houses 135,000 volumes with three times the reading space of its predecessor.  Have access to the libraries great number of books, periodicals, research materials, CD’s, DVD’s, and other educational materials that can be accessed through internet.   There are exhibits and a variety of educational programs for you to witness so call 609-345-2269 for schedules and details of the Atlantic City public library.

Summer Breeze sailing Charters
Welcome aboard the 34-ft Catalina with the US Coast Guard Licensed Captain, Ken Wescoat!  Catalina is open for six passengers at a time, and dinner and evening cruises, bay and ocean sailing, and sightseeing while listening to the songs of the dolphins as the sailboat glides along the Atlantic City and Brigantine waters.  Whether it’s a friend, family, or business trip, you will certainly fell in love with Atlantic!  The Summer Breeze Sailing Charters sail past the Southern New Jersey beaches spotting different marine creatures as well as some of Atlantic’s pride like famous Boardwalk and casinos.  Experience a wonderful time while sailing past the Atlantic skyline.  Call 609-652-8743 for details.

New Jersey Korean War Memorial
The monument is dedicated to commemorate and recognized the sacrifices of the men and women of this state who served and fought in the Korean War.  It is legitimate to pay tribute to the patriots of the forgotten war and this monument stands to witness the people involved that should never be forgotten.  The people behind this felt the same need so the committee of the Korean Veterans Memorial was formed and the historical landmark was established on July 22, 1986 by Governor Christine Todd Whitman and the Legislature. Visit the site at Brighton Park and call 609-530-7049 for more information.

Absecon Lighthouse
 The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and 3rd tallest in America lies strong and sturdy at the Pacific Island and Rhode Island Avenues at the Atlantic City.  First lit in 1857, the lighthouse is only a walking a distance from Showboat Casino.  Prepare yourself because the 228 steps will surely challenge your strength but the breathtaking view of Atlantic City will absolutely erase all your tiredness away! The lighthouse is considered to be one of the oldest in the country but the multi-million dollar restoration is worth seeing for – the replica of the Light keeper’s dwelling, an educational museum, the Fresnel Lens exhibit, and the original first-order Fresnel Lens, first lit in 1857. Call 609-449-1360 for details.

Atlantic City
 Located on Mississippi Avenue, just a few blocks away from the casino strip, Dante Hall Theater of the Arts was originally built in 1926 that houses a balcony, wood floor and a small stage. It was famous for amateur performances, school basketball games, spaghetti dinners, and most significantly the performances of St. Michael’s Opera Company that delighted the Italian viewers.  After the years of fame, it served as a storage area until a redevelopment emerged in the mind of a pastor.  Today, Dante Hall promotes a variety of musical, theatrical, and other performing events that are usually fundraising events for the benefit of the Columbus Day Committee. Witness one of the performances and adore the three-story granite façade that features intricate details of designs that resembles an Italian renaissance-style palazzo.  Not enough details? Visit Dante hall at the Pacific and Vermont Avenues and call 609-449-1360 for more information.

Visit Atlantic City and without doubt you will ask for more! The perfect all-year getaway for all occasions is proudly brought to you by the America’s leading travel package provider Wyndham Vacation Resorts.  You one-stop vacation area for casino gaming, nightlife, cultural attractions, historical landmarks, piers and arcades, golf, water sports, shopping and a bunch of activities for you!

Water damaged tech gadget: How to save it

Saw this on CBS early show and I thought I would share it.

Have you ever dropped you cell phone, iPod or other portable electronic devices in a puddle, toilet or worst of all, through the washing machine?

Their experiement. 5 cell phones, same model. It went through the washing machine for 30 minutes. That is at least 2-3 wash cycle and it can’t get any wetter.

Most important of all.
DON’T power up your gadget.
-Reason: When you power up the gadget, you will have electricity running through the gadget. With water in there, you will definately fry any components.

REMOVE battery and cards
-Reason: With the battery connected, eventhough it is not powered up, there is a small amount of voltage that is being sent through the unit. As for the cards, remove the memory card to prevent any loss of data.

After going through the washing machine
Phone 1: Leave it out to air dry for 24 hrs.
Verdict: The phone did not work.

Phone 2: Used uncooked rice
Have a sealable container and put uncooked rice in there along with your gadget. Leave it for 24 hrs in the sealed container.
-Reason: Rice contains will help dry moisture.
Verdict: Phone was able to power up and make a call but some the phone sounded a bit unclear.

Phone 3: Cat litter
Have a sealable container and put cat litter (Fresh Step) in there along with your gadget. Don’t get the clay but rather the synthetic blue pebbles. Leave it for 24 hrs in the sealed container.
-Reason: The Fresh Step or other synthetic pebbles cat litter is designed to capture moisture (cat pee) and works well to dry out things.
Verdict: It works much better than the rice.

Phone 4: Vodka
Dump your phone in Vodka or something with really high alcohol content. Have a glass full of alcohol and dump your phone in.
-Reason: Alcohol evaporates faster water. It’s better to have alcohol in there and it will remove the water when it evaporates.
Verdict: Yeah Right. It’s an urban legend.

Phone 5: Professional dryer
There are gadgets out there designed to dry electronics. It is widely designed and used for people with earpiece hearing kits. It cost about $100.
-Reason: These are professional dryers that were made to circulate dry air through your wet gadget.
Verdict: It works. They did not discover any problems with the phone.

Oh, also checkout my post about fixing a wet keyboard.

If all else fails, go buy a new gadget.
All the best.

Arnold Palmer partners with Wyndham

With the recent Wyndham Championship, the folks at Wyndham Vacation Resorts took the opportunity to work with one of the golf legends – Arnold Palmer. Mr Palmer worked with Wyndham to produce a few commercials and a website geared towards golfer by proving people the opportunity to sharpen their golf skills.

From the website:
Wyndham Vacation Resorts has entered into an exclusive relationship with Arnold Palmer, known around the world as one of golf’s leading icons, to offer you an opportunity to experience a vacation like never before.

Arnold Palmer Golf Holidays by Wyndham invites you to try your hand at some challenging and impressive golf courses in such well-known destinations as Orlando, Myrtle Beach, San Antonio, Sedona, Nashville, or Williamsburg. These lush greens are so much more than par for the course.

Our golf vacation packages include your accommodations, golf rounds, and more.

Former Astronaut, Romantic Rival Testify At Court Hearing

ORLANDO, Fla. — Astronaut Lisa Nowak had never met Colleen Shipman, but she knew they were in love with the same man. Nowak knew how to find the younger rival for space shuttle pilot Bill Oefelein’s attention, and seven months ago she did.

The two faced each other again Friday in court for a pretrial hearing, the first time since Nowak allegedly stalked Shipman at Orlando International Airport last February and attacked her with pepper spray. Again, the meeting was against Shipman’s wishes as it was Nowak’s attorneys who called her to testify.

Nowak was asking Circuit Judge Marc L. Lubet for permission to remove the GPS ankle bracelet that tracks her movements as she awaits trial on charges of attempted kidnapping, battery and burglary with assault.

Nowak, a 44-year-old mother of three who has been dismissed by NASA, is free on $25,500 bail and the tracking bracelet is a condition of her release. But the Navy captain and pilot says it’s bulky, uncomfortable and expensive. Lubet did not rule Friday, saying another hearing will be necessary on the bracelet and other issues, including whether her statement to the police should be thrown out.

Nowak appeared on the stand far longer — more than a half-hour. But she kept answers short, deferring a more emotional testimony until a 3-minute public statement outside the courtroom thanking friends and family and criticizing the media.

Shipman was under oath only a few minutes. Speaking firmly, she told Lubet she’s still afraid of Nowak and felt better having her tracked. Shipman had wanted her lawyer to make a statement in her place, but Nowak’s attorneys asked to hear her testimony and Lubet put her on the stand.

“When I’m home alone and there’s nobody there with me, (the bracelet) is a comfort,” Shipman said.

But under questioning from Nowak attorney Donald Lykkebak, Shipman acknowledged visiting her boyfriend in Nowak’s hometown of Houston several times since the alleged attack. She didn’t say if that boyfriend was Oefelein.

Speaking to reporters and at times fighting tears, Nowak apologized to Shipman and said she never meant to hurt her.

“I would like her to know how very sorry I am about having frightened her in any way and about the subsequent public harassment that has besieged all of us,” Nowak said.

She said she was “shocked and overwhelmed” at media coverage she compared to tabloid journalism. Nowak criticized reporters for staking out her neighborhood and “assaulting my neighbors with interview attempts and trashing their lawns.”

“I’ve also received many media requests presented as offers to help me and tell my side of the story. And while it may be that some of these are sincere, I do not see any possible way that additional exposure can help anyone involved,” Nowak said.

“Therefore, at this time I have no plans to further discuss this unfortunate episode in a public forum.”

Nowak testified mostly in brief response to questions from the prosecution and defense. Besides the bracelet request, Nowak’s defense on Friday asked Lubet to throw out a lengthy interview Nowak gave police and items found in a search of her car. Police say they found a duffel bag with a steel mallet, 4-inch knife and a BB gun.

Nowak was quiet and reserved on the stand. Wearing a black pantsuit, she was called three different times.

She said the bracelet was bulky and painful, and prevented her from exercising as she’s required as a military officer. She said it costs her $105 a week to rent — $3,000 so far. She said it needs new batteries twice a day and it can’t get wet in a bath tub or swimming pool. An alarm sounds if the batteries are not immediately replaced.

“I can do weights. I don’t have other suitable aerobic exercises,” said Nowak, who has pleaded not guilty. “There’s no specific exercise required, but staying in shape is a requirement of the military.”

Nowak promised to abide by all court orders if the device is removed, including not having contact with Shipman.

Assistant state attorney Pamela Davis suggested Nowak could do certain exercises, and has been able to function despite the inconvenience. She also dismissed the expense.

“You’re paying a media consultant — fire the consultant,” she told Nowak.

Testimony also addressed whether Nowak wore diapers to avoid stopping on her 1,000-mile drive from Houston to Orlando. Astronauts use them on shuttle missions, and that detail has made Nowak a punchline on comedy shows and around the world.

In June, Lykkebak called it “the biggest lie in this preposterous tale,” and criticized the media for circulating the story.

Lykkebak never mentioned it Friday, but Orlando police detective William Becton reiterated that he found three dirty diapers rolled up in a garbage bag inside the former astronaut’s BMW. He said Nowak told him she urinated in them on the long drive from Houston to Orlando to limit stops, though Becton initially feared they were from an unattended child.

Lykkebak said the diapers were left in the car after a long-ago hurricane evacuation. Becton acknowledged they looked as if they would fit a baby.

Nowak is petite — 5-foot-4 and 110 pounds, according to the charging affidavit.

Lykkebak said police searched Nowak’s car without her permission or a warrant. He said in additional court filings that she gave a 72-page interview with Becton under duress — after being held for three hours, deprived of sleep and a phone call and unadvised of her constitutional rights. The interview persisted, Lykkebak said, despite Nowak saying “Should I have a lawyer?” at least three times.

Lykkebak said Nowak didn’t sign written forms authorizing a search and waiving her Miranda rights. Becton, the detective, said he was relying on the tape recording of their conversation as proof.

Becton portrayed Nowak as a crafty, calculating interview subject, comparing their lengthy talk to a “chess game” in which the two sparred for details.

“I realized I was dealing with somebody who was more intelligent than I was, more educated,” Becton said. “I was having a very difficult time gaining any information from her.”

Becton said Nowak seemed most interested in asking what Shipman knew.

Nowak told detectives she and Shipman were vying for the affection of the same space shuttle pilot and that she confronted Shipman because she wanted to know “where she stands.”

Fellow astronaut Piers Sellers, who served on a July 2006 shuttle mission with Nowak, testified Friday that she changed late last year. Sellers said she lost at least 15 pounds.

“In December through January I noticed her looking a lot thinner and not terribly well off,” Sellers said. “I asked if she was OK and she would always say something like, ‘Yeah, I’m OK.’ … It meant ‘let’s change the subject.’ So I dropped it.”

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