Magnificent Pictures of LIONS
Magnificent Pictures of LIONS
by Shazy | 9:40 AM in Amazing, Animals, Beautiful, Cool, lions, Magnificent Pictures of LIONS |
Weekend Events
by Shazy | 4:52 AM in Adrift in America, Bake Sale for Japan, Buffalo Springfield, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Odd Future, St. Stupid's Day Parade, The Book of Mormon, Weekend Events, What's Happening This Weekend |
Weekend Events
It's no joke: Spring brings fun both in the usual and surprising ways. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., is under way, the NCAA Final Four happens this weekend and the Sony Ericsson Open comes to a close in Miami. But there is also a very controversial hip-hop troupe of teens performing in Ponoma, Calif., bake sales happening across the country to aid Japan, a Mormon musical and a St. Stupid parade in San Francisco.
Clearly the only way to combat bad news is with sweet treats. To help raise money for the victims of Japan’s recent earthquake and tsunami, Bakesale for Japan will be held Saturday at locations across the country, with proceeds going to Peace Winds Japan.
Adrift in America at the Museum of Moving Image
This year’s buzziest museum reopening in New York was the Museum of the Moving Image, which received a dazzling $67 million makeover. The Astoria museum features excellent movie exhibits plus a swank new theater that showcases restored film classics and one of New York City’s most creative lineups of indie flicks, old and new. This weekend is a good example: The series "Adrift in America" (April 1–3) features the thought-provoking films of indie director Kelly Reichardt, who will be in attendance on Friday night to discuss her films. Also starting this weekend is the series, "Spring Training," of great sports documentaries.
Come early to wander the museum and fully appreciate its sleek new look, which the New York Times aptly summed up as a “...face-lift that might even put Hollywood cosmeticians to shame.”
Buffalo Springfield
What’s that sound? Americans of a certain age will know it when they hear it: It’s the sound of Buffalo Springfield reuniting and hitting the road. Together with the Byrds, the short-lived ‘60s band helped create the California folk-rock sound. It also launched the careers of Neil Young and Stephen Stills. Young, Stills and fellow surviving bandmate Richie Furay reformed for a charity gig last year, and now they will tour for the first time in 43 years. Tickets go on sale today for June shows in Oakland and Los Angeles. They’ll also play Santa Barbara before heading to Bonnaroo. And there are hints of a wider tour to come in the fall.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Have a blooming good time at one of the nation's most storied celebrations. D.C. is certainly at its loveliest in the spring: The weather is temperate, the green grass on the Capitol's lawn reemerges and of course the cherry trees unfurl their buds.
Although this spring is chillier than most, the florets will be out (the festival planners promise) and the parades, lantern walks, fireworks, music, baseball games and more will proceed as planned through April 9.
The Book of Mormon
Mormonism… funny? Sweet Jesus, yes. If you think South Park is hilarious, you’ll collapse with laughter (and be totally offended at least a half-dozen times) at The Book of Mormon, the wicked new musical from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, co-creators of South Park, and Tony Award-winner Robert Lopez of Avenue Q.
On paper, the premise seems straightforward: Two young Mormon missionaries are sent to Uganda to save the souls of the locals. In execution, it’s anything but. There’s the dance number featuring cameos by Jeffrey Dahmer and Genghis Khan. The tribal general whose name is so naughty it can’t be printed here without blacking out most of the letters. And, the ribald skewering of the Lion King, so that you’ll never, ever be able think of “Hakuna Matata” the same way again. In short, it’s so good you may almost want to convert to Mormonism. Almost.
On paper, the premise seems straightforward: Two young Mormon missionaries are sent to Uganda to save the souls of the locals. In execution, it’s anything but. There’s the dance number featuring cameos by Jeffrey Dahmer and Genghis Khan. The tribal general whose name is so naughty it can’t be printed here without blacking out most of the letters. And, the ribald skewering of the Lion King, so that you’ll never, ever be able think of “Hakuna Matata” the same way again. In short, it’s so good you may almost want to convert to Mormonism. Almost.
St. Stupid's Day Parade
If you're in the mood to cut out of work early this April Fool's Day, why not slip into San Fran's 33rd Annual St. Stupid's Day Parade as it passes by your office? Put on a ridiculous hat and blend in with the fools as they make their pilgrimages to various sites throughout the Financial District, including the venerable Leap of Faith at the Plaza of the Holy Lug Nuts.
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All
No musical act has seen more of a meteoric rise in press recently than Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (often shortened to Odd Future or OFWGKTA), a Los Angeles-based hip-hop collective whose recent string of high-profile live performances -- from a much heralded appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to packed sets at South by Southwest -- have launched the group into mainstream consciousness.
Adored by critics and legions of fans for their subversive lyrics and showmanship, derided by others for the often obscene and offensive content of their songs, few acts in recent years have been as compelling and game-changing as these young (most are in their teens), ultra-talented, self-aware rappers. The group takes the stage April 1 at The Glass House in Pomona, Calif., and will be one of the most sought-after tickets at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival April 15-17.
Adored by critics and legions of fans for their subversive lyrics and showmanship, derided by others for the often obscene and offensive content of their songs, few acts in recent years have been as compelling and game-changing as these young (most are in their teens), ultra-talented, self-aware rappers. The group takes the stage April 1 at The Glass House in Pomona, Calif., and will be one of the most sought-after tickets at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival April 15-17.
Winning Group Exhibit
Just like "Two and a Half Men," Charlie Sheen has become fine art. Starting this Friday night, Hyaena Gallery in Burbank will make that the literal truth with "Winning," a group art exhibit dedicated to the man who has given the world a brand new lexicon for losing it.
Start with "Afro-Sheen," the Charlie portrait that re-imagines him as with 70s style and a massive Afro, then move on to "Hot Shots," a faithful drawing of the Warlock's pose from the film of the same name. But make sure to take your time with "Aladdin Insane," which replaces David Bowie with Sheen on the former's Aladdin Sane album cover.
Start with "Afro-Sheen," the Charlie portrait that re-imagines him as with 70s style and a massive Afro, then move on to "Hot Shots," a faithful drawing of the Warlock's pose from the film of the same name. But make sure to take your time with "Aladdin Insane," which replaces David Bowie with Sheen on the former's Aladdin Sane album cover.
the Final Four
The final weekend of the college basketball calendar features the sport's centerpiece event. Houston is the host for Final Four, and the teams that take the court at Reliant Stadium April 2 form one of the most unlikely Final Four fields in the history of the NCAA Tournament. Connecticut and Kentucky -- two of the sport's blue bloods -- meet in one semifinal, upstarts Virginia Commonwealth and Butler in the other. The winners advance to the national championship game April 4.
Connecticut and Kentucky have rosters filled with high school All-Americans and future NBA players (Connecticut guard Kemba Walker was selected as an All-American this week), while the other half of the bracket showcases two of the game's young, rising coaching stars -- VCU's Shaka Smart and Butler's Brad Stevens.
Connecticut and Kentucky have rosters filled with high school All-Americans and future NBA players (Connecticut guard Kemba Walker was selected as an All-American this week), while the other half of the bracket showcases two of the game's young, rising coaching stars -- VCU's Shaka Smart and Butler's Brad Stevens.
Derby at MOCA Chicago
It’s April, spring is officially here despite what the weatherman reports and that means it is time to shake up your winter-proof routine of couch potato-ing and get out. This Friday, the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts their monthly First Friday events that attract swarms of young Chicago singles to partake in the fun that includes drinks and apps. This month’s celebration is derby themed so get ready for a make-your-own-hat creation station, scavenger hunt, the world’s only iMac G5 dating bar and of course live music from local DJs.
Source:Specials
Common Health Problems
by Shazy | 1:25 AM in Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, cancer, Common Health Problems, Diabetes, diseases, Health, Heart disease, High blood pressure, Obesity, stroke, Top 10 common health problems |
Common Health Problems
Top 10 common health problems
Top 10 common health problems
Chronic diseases and conditions are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, according to the federal agency that tracks public health matters. In 2005, nearly one out every two adults had at least one chronic illness. Read this list of the most common health problems and learn about ways to combat them.
Scroll down to read about:
Obesity
Obesity
More than half the U.S. adult population is considered overweight or obese, according to this calculation. The resulting conditions are often gateways to chronic diseases and are a major health concern.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure
Public health authorities estimate that more than 73 million people in the United States have high blood pressure. Unfortunately, many of them are unaware that they suffer from a silent killer.
Allergies
Allergies
Affecting more than 50 million people in the U.S., allergies are one of the nation's most common medical problems. Indoor/outdoor allergens, such as those causing hay fever, lead the sniffly list.
Arthritis
Arthritis
With roughly 50 million sufferers in the United States, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the nation.
Diabetes
Diabetes
As more people in the U.S. develop weight problems, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing, too. Roughly 26 million people now suffer from the complex disease.
Asthma
Asthma
In the last few decades, asthma has made a strong comeback among the chronic ailments. With nearly 20 million sufferers in the United States, this common illness can be fatal.
Heart disease
Heart disease
Heart disease, a collective banner for many cardiovascular aliments, is the deadliest chronic illness in the United States. Coronary artery disease leads the pack, with nearly 18 million sufferers.
Cancer
Cancer
It's the No. 2 cause of death in the United States, but cancer survivors number 11.7 million. Lung cancer is the most prevalent type for both men and women, mainly due to cigarette smoking.
Stroke
Stroke
For stroke, the third leading cause of death in the United States, health statisticians place the number of sufferers at 6.7 million. It is a major cause of disability and almost always connected to other chronic diseases and conditions.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease
The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia disorders stands at roughly 5 million sufferers. It's the only major chronic illness with no known prevention or cure, which might be the reason it's an ongoing topic on a prime-time hit.
Source:Specials
Best April Fools Day Pranks
by Shazy | 12:54 AM in April, April Fools Day, Best April Fools Day Pranks, Car pranks, Easter egg pranks, Faucet spray prank, lifestyle, Phone pranks, Pranks on family members, Short-sheeting a bed, Stolen car pranks |
Best April Fools Day Pranks
Best April Fools' Day pranks
Best April Fools' Day pranks
Birthday surprise
I gave a friend the spare keys to my truck and took my wife to dinner (her birthday is March 31 and I had to work). My friend took a jar of broken glass and made it look like someone stole my truck ... she liked dinner, didn't care much for the prank.
An awkward conversation
An awkward conversation
Since I was 18, I've always pranked someone close to me about me having a kid or getting a girl pregnant. Nothing like an awkward phone call with your dad talking about how the condom must have broken. Once I had been seriously dating a girl for about four weeks, and just after midnight I told her about my 3-year-old son, Peter, I had with my ex, and that I miss him and should go see him this weekend. Wait for her awkward reaction.
The wrong kind of turndown service
The wrong kind of turndown service
Short-sheeting my parents' bed. Tuck the top of the top sheet under the top of the mattress and then fold up the bottom to look like the top and bottom sheet. When they try to get in they will hit the fold and not be able to straighten out. It's priceless!
Dude, where's your car?
Dude, where's your car?
I replaced my boss' Ford Taurus with a rental car with the same color and features. It was a hoot to watch him go to the parking lot and try to start the car.
Easter Bunny prankster
Easter Bunny prankster
The Easter Bunny did a 'practice run' on April Fools' Day for my 7-year-old daughter. She woke up to see our collection of plastic Easter eggs hidden all over her bedroom and the living room (empty, to her chagrin.) She was so surprised, and still claims the Easter Bunny fooled her!
A nozzle idea
A nozzle idea
Tape the button down on the kitchen faucet nozzle button. Aim the nozzle forward. Victim comes to use the faucet, and when they turn it on, the nozzle is activated and the victim gets sprayed with water.
Wrong number, Bert
Wrong number, Bert
Once I recruited a bunch of my friends to call my co-worker throughout the day asking for a certain person (Bert Williams) and attempting to leave messages for him. My co-worker politely told each one of them that it was the wrong number, but they all insisted that it was the correct number. Then at the end of the day, the last call was my friend, who said, 'Hi, this is Bert Williams. I'm calling to retrieve my messages.'''
April Fools', honey!
April Fools', honey!
I had to take the kids to the dentist about 20 miles from our house. I called my husband at home and told him I had a flat tire along the way and all sorts of people were stopping to help. Of course he was not too pleased but said he would be right there. When he arrived and saw no flat tire, he was extremely not pleased. We all shouted, 'April Fools'!' Probably not the smartest thing to do at 7:30 a.m.
All play and no work
All play and no work
I pull this one every year on my boss. After he comes back from lunch, I give him a note to call Myra Mains. The phone number belongs to the morgue.
Neighborly care
Neighborly care
My brother and I and two other friends went to a neighbor's farm late at night and dismantled their buggy, hauled it to the rooftop of their barn and then put it back together again. In the morning they saw their buggy on top of the barn roof.
Is that dish water I taste?
Is that dish water I taste?
I baked my husband a cake. He asked what kind it was. I told him it was a sponge cake. When he went to get a slice, it was a bit tough to cut. Then as the cake started to fall apart I said, 'April Fools'.' He looked confused. I picked up the frosted sponge from the plate. I told him I use the same kind to wash dishes.
Voice command humor
Voice command humor
I put an 'official' note on our color copier/scanner that it was now a voice-command-only system. People would now need to state their name and how many copies they would like as it would now only work with voice commands. Hard to not crack up when someone walks up to a machine and says, 'John Smith, two copies.' Best day ever!
Something's fishy
Something's fishy
I filled a 5-gallon water jug halfway with water, put five goldfish in it, then plastic-wrapped and rubber-banded the end to seal. I put it on the water cooler so those going for a refill thought they were filling up with goldfish water.
Fooling the folks
Fooling the folks
My husband was hard at work installing software on his new laptop. My daughter, about 8 at the time, offered him a cup of water, but she intentionally tripped, spilling the entire contents of confetti all over his lap. To his surprise, the wet spot didn't come from her cup, if you know what I mean.
Wrap it in plastic
Wrap it in plastic
'You take clear plastic wrap and put it under the seat of a toilet. Next person comes in makes a big mess.'
A germaphobe's worst nightmare
A germaphobe's worst nightmare
My older sister is paranoid about germs, so on April 1 I snuck up behind her and with a little bit of tap water on my hand and pretended to sneeze on her while splashing the water on her neck. She immediately screeched; it was hilarious. She dashed screaming to the bathroom to wash her neck while I collapsed on the floor with laughter.
A chilly exit
A chilly exit
During a family reunion, I took all the towels, rugs and anything else that can be used to cover up out of the bathroom while my uncle was in the shower, leaving him with nothing.
It doesn't hold water
It doesn't hold water
Jacking up a friend's car, taking the wheels off, letting the air out of the tires and then filling them full of water -- it took a while. He could not for the life of him figure out what was wrong with his car. Of course we did not let him get too far. Come to think of it, he couldn't. Water does not compress.
Gullible reporter falls for office prank
Gullible reporter falls for office prank
I would leave co-workers a note to call Mr. Lyon and give them the number for the zoo. One of my victims decided to use the same prank on her husband, a TV news reporter. When he insisted that he needed to speak to Mr. Lyon, the person who answered the phone told him, 'I'm sorry, we took the phones out of the lions' cages years ago.'
She missed her flight
She missed her flight
I had my friend take me to the airport for a flight to Mexico, but I really didn't have a flight. She was so mad at me, but I got a good laugh.'
Mousing around
Mousing around
I put a piece of paper over the eye of the computer mouse. It appears the cursor is stuck, till they figure it out. Heehee.
School of mischief
School of mischief
When my students weren't watching, I dialed my own number and hung up so my phone would ring. I answered it and began the following conservation: 'Yes, Mrs. Miller, the main water line broke and can't be fixed until tomorrow. Have the students ready to board buses by 9.' I hung up the phone to loud cheers from my students. I just smiled and said, 'April Fools'!' However, I was an open target the rest of the day.
A rude awakening
A rude awakening
When I was about 5, my dad woke me up in the morning by excitedly telling me that there was a parade going by my window at that very moment. I jumped out of bed to see and found our short dead-end road empty. I was only disappointed long enough for him to tell me that my mom was still asleep and we could play tricks on her next!
Old news
Old news
I bought all the newspapers from a paper box. I saved them for a year. The next April 1, I replaced the day's papers with last year's.
No wonder they broke up
No wonder they broke up
My ex-husband had a habit of putting his next day's work clothes out each night before going to bed. I went in his bathroom after he was asleep on March 31 and sewed shut the fly on his shorts. He wasn't aware of it until he made his first pit stop on April 1. A few years later, we got a divorce.
Funny money
Funny money
I bought a lottery ticket with the winning numbers from the night before, then replaced my co-worker's ticket inside his desk. When he checked his ticket against the morning paper, he thought he had won the lotto!
Source:Specials
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