Really Real Big Fish

Wow, It was just a month ago we were amazed by a 124-pound catfish. Move over for this big guy. This must have been a big lake. Thanks to SJ Field Correspondent Chris Elder for the lead on this story.



A 646.2-pound (293 kg) Mekong giant catfish, netted in Thailand, may be the largest freshwater fish ever found. The fish was documented as part of a World Wildlife Fund-National Geographic project to identify and study and conserve freshwater fish around the world that exceed 6 feet in length and 200 pounds in weight. (Stringer/Thailand/Reuters)

See also "Real Big Fish" post from 05/30/2005.

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Surprise Visit to Ohio

Dad and I took a trip north to surprise his father on his birthday. It worked!





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Ball St. Sportscast

Boom goes the dynamite! By popular demand, here is the Ball State University sports cast from earlier this year. This is one of the funniest things I have seen. Watch it a couple of times. Enjoy!

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Bummer

Irish Man Fails to Set World Bee Record
TIPPERARY, Ireland - An Irish man tried to break a world record Saturday by coaxing more than 350,000 bees to land on his body, but the bees just wouldn't settle. In nearly two hours, Philip McCabe, 59, got only 200,000 black bees — or 60 pounds of them — to cover him.

"We had bees flying around so much, we couldn't get them to land," McCabe said. He blamed it on the 63-degree Fahrenheit weather.

Had it been 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the bees would have been warm enough follow their docile queen bee, which McCabe had on his chin.

McCabe said his feet fell asleep after about two hours, forcing him to get rid of the swarm before he fell over.

Seven bees stung McCabe's arms as he jumped from the scale, but he said he is used to stings and they didn't bother him.

He wore only underwear, a back brace and goggles.

A key challenge was remaining calm.

"If I was giving off a strong smell of aggression or anxiety, they'd sting me," McCabe said, adding that he stayed calm by thinking about his family and childhood. "I hadn't a fear in the world."

The current Guinness Record of 350,000 yellow bees on the body, or 87.5 pounds, set in California in 1998.

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Mexican Dorkfest 2005

Again, does anyone really care? I wonder how many pocket protectors were here.
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Thousands of chess players gathered Saturday, June 25, 2005, in Pachuca, Mexico, in an attempt to set a world record for simultaneous playing, at a public park in central Mexico. Mostly children arrived on a cloudy, windy morning, hoping to earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. The current simultaneous chess record was set in Havana in 2002, where 11,320 competitors gathered to played chess at the same time.

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More Danica

Here is another look at the great Danica Patrick. She is such a talented driver. See also May 30, 2005 post.



Danica Patrick attends the film premiere of 'Herbie: Fully Loaded' in Hollywood, Calif. on Sunday, June 19, 2005. (Fashion Wire Daily/Rio Leyva)

See also "Danica Can Race" post from 05/30/2005.

Bit the bullet

Man Wakes Up With a Bullet in His Tongue

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Police say a man who woke up with a serious headache walked 12 blocks to a hospital with a swollen lip and powder burns. Doctors discovered the problem. 47-year-old Wendell Coleman had a bullet lodged in his tongue.

Coleman told police that a woman stuck a gun barrel in his mouth during a dispute around 2:30 Tuesday morning and that he heard the gun go off.

Police say Coleman then went home to sleep.

What authorities did with the bullet wasn't clear last night.

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12 blocks, he walked 12 blocks with a bullet in his mouth? Interesting... Does he realize how lucky he is?

Story from Yahoo! and AP

Is this Gay?

Remove the sports element from this photo, and these guys are in a loving embrace. It is normal to bump chests or slap the posterior, but this is a little too much for me.


New York Yankees players Derek Jeter (L) and Gary Sheffield

So what can we do, Dick?

No matter what we do, we will not please everyone. This is a good example of to much free time.

Sen. Dick Durbin, who recently compared U.S. personnel at the Guantánamo Bay terrorist-detention facility to Nazis, took the Senate floor today to slam U.S. troops in Iraq for their "progressive poisoning" of the imprisoned Saddam Hussein with snack foods.

The Illinois Democrat's criticism follows published reports that the former Iraqi president sometimes eats an entire family-sized bag of Doritos in 10 minutes.

While Doritos contain no trans-fats, eating such a large quantity at a single sitting subjects Mr. Hussein to high-levels of salt and puts him at risk of acute salivary-depletion syndrome, Mr. Durbin said.

"In our name, these junk-food jailers have loaded up Saddam with non-nutritive calories, thereby tarnishing our nation's reputation in the Muslim world," the Senator said. "President Hussein is locked up in a horrifying high-sodium slammer. No wonder the insurgents attack our troops."

Story by Scott Ott, scrappleface.com

McDonald's Of Baghdad

At a ground breaking ceremony Friday, Secretaries of Defense and State Donald Rumsfeld and Condoleezza Rice, along with a Ronald McDonald clown, turned over the first three shovels of dirt for what is to be the first McDonald's in Baghdad. Secretary Rumsfeld proclaimed: "It's our new program, McGuns & McButter."

The Golden Arches were the winning bidder over competing chains Wendy's and Burger King. Secretary Rice stated that "Wendy's bid was quite aggressive, but in the end the chain couldn't adapt to the cultural changes necessary to make the venture viable." Sources close to the negotiation claim talks stalled because Little Wendy refused to don the traditional berka. Repeated calls to Wendy's have not been returned...

Read full story from spoof.com

This is funny

Okay, this is my last post concerning Tom Cruise. This was to funny to pass up. A "reporter" in London walked up to Tom to ask him a question about his new movie. The reporter asked the question and pointed the mic at Tom to record his response. This is where the bit begins. It was a fake mic. As Tom begins to answer, a stream of water squirts out in the mega-star's face. Ha, Ha, Ha, Tom did not see the humor...



Hollywood star Tom Cruise wipes his face with a towel, Sunday June 19, 2005, in central London after being doused with water during his walkabout before the premiere of his new film War of the Worlds. Cruise was speaking to journalists when a man with a microphone squirted water in his face and all over his jacket. (AP Photo/PA, Multimedia)

Has Tom gone crazy?

This photo will help explain why some believe that Tom Cruise has flipped his lid.



Tom Cruise gestures at the world premiere of his latest film 'War of the Worlds' in Tokyo June 13, 2005. For the first time in his career, Cruise is facing heavy scrutiny from the media. Everything from his latest romance to 26-year-old Katie Holmes, to his religion of choice, Scientology, is under the media's microscope. (Issei Kato/Reuters)

Review: Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room

Tremendous movie! This is a documentary of the rise and fall of Enron. What a tragic story. After seeing this film, there is NO question that Ken Lay (Founder & Chairman) and Jeff Skilling (CEO) are as guilty as can be. The impact that Enron had on America is incredible. Stretching from California to India and Texas to Washington, DC. I better understand what they did. I have no idea how they got way with it. Everyone was getting rich. Andy Fastow (CFO) took a plea deal and will get away pretty unscaved. Ken, Jeff and a few others should be headed up the river.

Check out the IMDB Movie Page for more info.

Bush had porn star for dinner?

I brought attention to the Democratic or self proclaimed "ass" party (See "Nice T-Shirt" post, 6/14). Now its the Grand Old Party's turn. What message are we sending to the young Republicans George? It seems as though George had an interesting dinner guest, amoung other distinguished guests, the other evening.



Porn star and former California gubernatorial candidate Mary Carey shows off the outfit that she will wear to the National Republican Senatorial Committee dinner for President Bush on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Way to much free time

A pile of broken bowling balls lie beside the lane as Suresh Joachim attempt to set a new world record for longest bowling marathon in Toronto June 12, 2005. Suresh sets a new Guinness World Record for bowling continuously for 100 hours, beating the former bowling record of 60 hours and 15 minutes held by Giancarlo Tlie of Italy.



Does anyone other than Guiness care? NO! Where do you put this on your resume?

Nice T-Shirt

I am not a Democrat, nor do I support the party, but I have to give it to them for this t-shirt. Pretty funny...



Former President Bill Clinton, left, talks with Ball St. student Erin Graham of Muncie, Ind., as he signs her copy of his autobiography, 'My Life Bill Clinton' in Indianapolis, Wednesday, June 8, 2005.

Going to California

Wow, I am now convinced. I need to move to California. Not for the same reasons that Led Zepplin sang about. I want to go because you can get away with anything there... What would have happen to Jacko if he lived in Texas?

Tyson is Done!

Okay, can we finally close the book on "Iron" Mike Tyson? He was just been defeated by a spare Irish dude, Kevin McBride.


Tyson after being pushed down by McBride.

Tyson's corner threw in the towel after six rounds. As he was fading, Mike went to his bag of dirty tricks. He tried to break McBride's arm at one point. Come on, is this the heavyweight fighter that for a brief time was a world beater? What a downward spiral it has been. Because of his enormous debt, I am sure this circus will travel someone and fight another spare boxer. Will anyone watch? Does anyone care?

I don't think Tyson will ever be forgotten. Unfortunately he will not be remembered for his great moments. He will be remembered for losing to the great James "Buster" Douglas and the infamous biting of Evander Holyfield.

News: The Christian Gender

SJ has just learned the gender of the soon to be first born to Julie and Kevin Christian. In a meeting at an undisclosed location, Kevin confirmed that his wife is pregnant with a girl! He also confirmed that Julie is doing well and due in early November. Kevin would not disclose the name chosen for the lovely couple's first child. I think it is safe to say that the last name will be Christian.

Stay tuned for any developments in this breaking story!

Do what with chocolate?

A Chinese model parades a chocolate dress during China's first Chocolate Fashion Show as part of Salon Du Chocolat held at Grand Hyatt in Beijing. Salon Du Chocolat, is a yearly event which started in Paris, is participated by over 20 world's top chocolate makers.



My only question is: Why did China wait so long?

More cycling lanes please

I give an "A" for effort, but I would want nothing to do with this:



A group of naked cyclists ride past the Cibeles statue in central Madrid Saturday June. 11, 2005. The cyclists were protesting the lack of cycling lanes in the capital drawing attention to the numerous accidents with other vehicles.

Interesting...

Just when I thought I had seen everything.



A chandelier made of tampons, entitled 'The Bride' and created by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, hangs at the arts Biennale in Venice.

Poor Girl

This photo made available in London, Thursday June 9, 2005, by Zoo Magazine, shows Manchester, England, police officer Rachelle Pantoja, 27, who is under investigation by the Internal Affairs department at Greater Manchester Police, and has been put on restricted duties and transferred to the Traffic Division, after posing for the magazine in a swimsuit.



She can come to the US and be a police officer/swimsuit model as far as I am concerned. She is just trying to make a living, for crying out loud! Is that so wrong?

Review: Pei Wei

For lunch today I ate at Pei Wei (Pay Way). It is a self proclaimed Asian Diner. It is part of the PF Chang group. I eat there pretty often and would highly recommend it. Today, as I do often, I had the "Dan Dan Noodle Bowl." It is a TREMENDOUS dish. I would also recommend the honey seared chicken, lemon pepper chicken, crab wontons and the edamames (soybeans). Click here to see the menu.

The place is always packed, but don't let the line at the door scare you away, it goes fast! I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Pei Wei in Frisco. It is reported to be headed this way very soon.

My advise to you is to go and eat at Pei Wei if you like Asian food!

Cool Website: Ohio Barns

Nathan MacCarter told me about his father's world renowned website, OhioBarns.com. Wow, what a cool site. The great state of Ohio and the heartland of the US are home to many barns. Growing up in "the heart of it all" I guess I really did not pay much attention. Big, tall, long, round, historic, Mail Pouch, OSU, even a NASCAR barn. Any kind of barn you can think of, he has found. The fun doesn't stop with barns. You can find the world's largest thermometer and rod and reel, tanks that look like corn on the cobb and lots of other cool stuff. Well done Mr. MacCarter!

Nice Try

I can't make this up. A woman on a flight from Singapore to Melbourne shows the 51 live tropical fish hidden in a specially designed apron under her skirt in this photograph from the Australian Customs Service on June 3, 2005. Customs officers became suspicious after hearing 'flipping' noises coming from the vicinity of her waist, and an examination revealed 15 plastic water-filled bags holding concealed fish.

IDIOT!

Jon Heder, star of the film 'Napolean Dynamite' accepts the Male Breakthrough Performance award for his role in the film at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards. He also won the Best Musical Performance award for his role in the film with a huge cult like following. I am not sure if Pedro, Kip or Uncle Rico where there.

Wedding announcement

SJ is pleased to report that Drew Matter has asked a women for her hand in marriage. She, Susie, reported to say "Yes!" The lovely couple is set to wed in early January of 2006. Congratulations Drew. I look forward to meeting the lucky woman.

The couple:

Nate was in town

Nathan MacCarter was in town over the weekend. I am sorry to report that I have no pictures to document this visit. Nate is retiring from the US Army in July and is making his final rounds in Texas. He has been stationed at Fort Hood in Kileen, TX for the past five years. He is headed back to Ohio to attend The Ohio State University in the fall. I can report that he looks great and is in great spirits. He is ready to move on with his life outside of the Army. Good for him! Thanks for all you have done for our country Nate!

Only at the Circus

Ouch! Okay, the human body was NOT meant to do this:




A contortionist practises at the Mongolian National Circus in Ulan Bator. The Mongolian National Circus which is best known for its contortionists, also known as 'rubber girls' or 'Girls without Bones'.

To them I say, "Good luck with all that!"

$15,000 Piece of Toast

Interesting...

Perry Lonzello, 48, holds a piece of toast with a drawing of runaway Georgia bride Jennifer Wilbanks on it that he posted on EBay on a whim Thursday in Newton, N.J. When the auction ended Sunday, Lonzello said a California man had submitted the winning bid of $15,400.

Bicycle Kick

Carlos Ruiz buries this bicycle kick to give FC Dallas a win over DC United during MLS play on May 28, 2005. This would make Pele proud!

Should this be legal?

Wow, is this move legal for viewing by public audience? Is this from the movie Dirty Dancing?



Ewan McGregor (R), playing Sky Masterson, dances with Summer Strallen, playing Missouri Martin, as they rehearse for the forthcoming production of the musical Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre, in London.

Will the Rocket land in Arlington?

Local gossip has Roger Clemens, The Rocket, headed to Arlington to pitch for the Texas Rangers. The Houston Astros are in the midst of a very sub-par season and Roger wants to pitch for a contender. I think its interesting that the Rangers are even considered a contender is amazing. Roger's first choice is the NY Yankee's, but they are not doing so hot either.

To quote the great Andrew Kerr, "...the Astros suck, and the Rangers are awesome." I guess this move would make Andy really happy.

I guess the LAstros are once again living up to thier nickname!

Andy and Courtney Jasper

Streaming John was pleased to learn that Andy Jasper and Courtney Kender have wed. They were joined in a ceremony this past September in San Diego. To them I say Congratulations!! For those who know the lovely couple this is no shock. If I recall, this romance was sparked at good ole Stanley Cleaners almost ten years ago. Wow, has it been that long? Who could forget the tattoo experience in Deep Ellum? The couple is reported to be living in terminally terrific San Diego and has no plans to relocate any time soon. The couple has not been reached for comment. Stay tuned for breaking developments in this story.

Review: Kicking and Screaming

This is not a good movie. I am a huge fan of the Will Ferrell, but this movie lacks a lot of luster. Way over-rated. There are a few moments of great humor, but Will cannot make a whole movie of it. He should remain in the supporting role, i.e. Old School (Greatness). I thought he was pretty funny in Ron Burgundy, but it was over-rated too. Mike Ditka makes Kicking and Screaming worth it. He was very good.

I was glad my ticket was at matinee price.