BagOfNothing.com: 2005-12-18

The traditional hat, known as a camauro, was commonly worn by popes in the medieval period to keep their heads warm on cold days and it featured on many paintings at the time, but it has rarely been worn in modern times.

Read the whole article here.

The Resume' of Jesus Christ

I don't think it's blasphemous, if anything pretty creative and scripture is referenced.

Not sure if this balloon Jesus is blasphemous, but I think it looks neat.

View the resume here.

A great article about the loss of Tony Dungy's son

For those of you who do not know Tony Dungy, he is the head football coach for the Indianapolis Colts. He is a man of strong Christian faith, and his 18 year old son was found dead yesterday.

Christmas, playoffs, losing a son . . . I can not imagine.

The Len Pasquarelli article can be found here.

Your mother . . . TREBEK!

One of the best Saturday Night Live skits every . . . Celebrity Jeopardy!

Camera Watch Phone

The Telson TWC 1150 is a cameraphone that’s meant to be worn on your wrist. It supports a RUIM card which can be used in GSM phones for international roaming. It also has a 256 color LCD, 0.3MP plug-in camera, infared wireless earpiece, speakerphone, stopwatch, and planner.

Santa + Cops + Claymation = A funny video

Click here to watch.

Don't Hassel The Hoff

For the die-hard Seinfeld fan - Festivus Poles are for sale

In an episode of Seinfeld, Frank Costanza (George's father, played by Jerry Stiller) declared the establishment of a new holiday to replace Christmas. It was called Festivus and the centerpiece was a bare aluminum pole. Now a company is selling the poles.

According to Frank Costanza, the Festivus celebration includes three major components:

The Festivus Pole
The tradition begins with a bare aluminum pole, which Frank praises for its "very high strength-to-weight ratio." During Festivus, an unadorned aluminum pole is displayed, apparently in opposition to the commercialization of highly decorated Christmas trees, and because the holiday's creator, Frank Costanza, "find[s] tinsel distracting." Local customs vary and you may be able to decorate your pole with non-threatening plain decorations, or ordinary green garland.

The Airing of Grievances
At the Festivus dinner, each participant tells friends and family all of the instances where they disappointed him or her that year.

The Feats of Strength
The head of the family tests his or her strength against one participant of the head's choosing. Festivus is not considered over until the head of the family has been pinned to the ground. A participant is allowed to decline to attempt to pin the head of the family only if they have something better to do instead.

Student Newspaper uses a Widows format

I'm sure BosBan would find this kinda cool

Check out the Finals Week Edition of the student paper at the University of Minnesota.

Every semester, we redesign our paper during finals week, just to fit your needs. During all the seriousness and stress of finals week, we are providing something fresh and exciting: the redesign of the redesign.

Medicine Dispensing Pacifier

You insert a dose of the dreaded liquid inside the pacifier and con baby into thinking he’s getting his good’ole sucking rubber. Apparently, the fact that you’ll be delivering the medicine at the back of the throat makes it so that the liquid bypasses most taste glands.

View it here.

Just venting . . .

It annoys me when a person questions someone's faith. I like to give the benefit of the doubt in most cases, and above all, it all pretty much lies between the individual and The Almighty. I just don't think it's our place to judge, and it all goes back to that whole plank in the eye thing. Maybe as individuals we should first focus upon our relationship with Christ rather than judge others.

I'm talking about this because an old friend sent me an email asking me to read an article about Bono and to let him know my thoughts. Sometimes I question why he does this sort of thing to me from time to time, but above all I know his heart and love him to death. It's not him who I'm concerned with, but more so the author and/or magazine.

In a nutshell, the author is upset at Bono for saying something at a concert. She quotes him as saying, "Jesus, Jew, Mohammed-all true. Jesus, Jew, Mohammed-all true." Then she goes on saying that she has heard of urban legends regarding Bono's great faith in Christ and how dissappointed she is in him (even mentions she felt like she was winessing an antichrist). Her biggest beef appears to be that she is upset that Bono is telling the world that all faiths lead to God.

My issue with this author and magazine - the quote is wrong and taken out of context. Not only is it misquoated, but she doesn't include the entire quote. This is what Bono says during the concerts, "Jesus. Jew. Mohammed. It's true -- All sons of Abraham." I checked my U2 Chicago DVD when I got home, and I have the quote correct. Even checked it with some other websites, and this is how it appears. She has the quote dead wrong, and should not have edited out the "All sons of Abraham" part. There may be some others that have the quote slightly different, but I question the motives of those websites.

Bono isn't saying all faiths leads to God, he is just talking about the historical context of the religions.

It's sad how the Christian community is always looking to crucify someone. Whether it be Disney or Bono. The author didn't take the time to verify the quote, or better yet the editors of the magazine didn't take the time. I feel like her agendy was just to spark some controversy and get noticed - much like the Geraldo Rivera's and Jerry Springer's of this world. Talk about leading a flock astray.

Personally, I don't think Bono is Holy, I think he is a rock star that has a great agenda that I support. I feel that Bono has a relationship with Christ, but I can't be certain. Just as I can't be certain that Amy Grant or George W has a personal relationship with Jesus. Besides, that is between them and Jesus, I'm not the one to judge. But I do like a lot of what Bono says and I feel like that along with his music has brought me closer to Christ. May not be the case for everyone, but I feel so in my heart.

Unfortunately I did some research on this wacko of an author. She has her own website with a message board. I was stupid enough to join her website just so I could comment on it's message board regarding her article.

Fortunately through that message board I found some quotes from a person named Nathan Hart, a youth minister in NYC. I thought he had some great things to say, and found out he even has his own blog. I enjoyed his writing so much, that his blog is now one of my favorites.

This topic has worn me thin. I may get some emails about this, but they will probably be deleted as I have said my peace and no longer want to spend any more time on what a rock star says during a concert, a rock star by his own admission states he isn't a good representation of Christianity.

Here's hoping we can coexist.

"Als de zon weer gaat schijnen"

If you ever needed to get your mind off of something or just need a good laugh - then I have the video for you. Please make sure to have your sound turned up or headphones on.

It is intrestinly strange and funny, yet totally safe to watch.

View it here.

Thanks to brakula4 for the link!

Canstruction®

Canstruction® combines the competitive spirit of a design/build competition with a unique way to help feed hungry people. Competing teams, lead by architects and engineers, showcase their talents by designing giant sculptures made entirely out of canned foods. At the close of the exhibitions all of the food used in the structures is donated to local food banks for distribution to pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, elderly and day care centers.

Rudolph's Revenge

The other reindeers use to laugh and call him names - not any more!

Click here to play.

A full-sized authentic stuffed horse on eBay

The last I checked, there were no bids.

View the auction here.

Here is the description:
This is a full-sized, authentic stuffed horse. Real animal hair, hooves, mane, tail. Stuffed in a very unusual position. Measures approximately 60" x 36" x 75" Free standing, doesn't need pedestal. Old style taxidermy, not done anymore. Highly unusual prop for stage or theatre, wonderful gift for horse-lover, conversation piece for living room, unique and rare. Chestnut color, black mane and tail. Front right leg is missing, approximately 3". Some tears in skin - approximately 5-10, no longer than 1". Two tears in back, approx. 8". More pictures on request. Contact seller for shipping fees.

Shoe Size 638-D

Read about it here.

Create music with elves

Click on a note or chord to add sound. Click and drag an elf to change the timing of a sound.

I prefered to listen to the pre-made songs.

http://www.zefrank.com/xmas/

Head-Propping Pillow For Chronic Gamers

4,179 Yen or about $36 U.S. dollars + shipping.

Double-Mouthed Fish Pulled From Neb. Lake

Read the story here.

Coyote Fur Hat

Relive the era of the mountain man with this authentic full-body coyote Mountain Man Hat. The hat drapes down in the back for added warmth and protection on your neck and shoulders.

Buy one here.

Police: 4th grader tried to pass counterfeit bills

December 14, 2005 (GARY, Ind.) - The cafeteria worker thought it was odd that a fourth grader would pay for his lunch with a 20-dollar bill.

And there was something odd about the bill too. The cashier at Marquette Elementary School in Gary noticed that the texture of the paper wasn't right. The cashier alerted the school police officer, who talked to the ten-year-old boy. The boy then pulled more phony cash out of his pockets.

Police confiscated a total of 179-dollars in counterfeit money from three fourth graders -- two boys and a girl. All three face charges of forgery and theft.

One of them eventually told police that he had printed the money on his home computer.
Secret Service agents are assisting in the investigation.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Texas License Plates - Sports Teams

Turns out if you live in the state of Texas, you can get a speciality license plate to help support your favorite Texas professional sports team.

However, only 4 teams are available. If I was a Spurs, Rockets, Rangers, or Astros fan - I would be a litted peeved.

A Disney Duck Family Tree

Yup, someone has too much time on their hands.

Check it out, here.

The Bush Family Cookbook : Favorite Recipes and Stories from One of America's Great Families

With easy instructions and vivid color photos, De Guzman presents more than two hundred of the Bush family's favorite recipes, collected over the years from friends, relatives, favorite restaurants, and even visiting dignitaries. The dishes featured here cover the everyday to the more elaborate.

Check it out here.

I haven't read it, but I have a feeling each recipe starts with, "Tell the butler or chef to . . ."

Anchorage man builds monster snowman

16 Feet Tall!

The kids and I started out doing a snowman, and it started getting kind of big, then it started getting kind of out of hand," he explained. "And then (my neighbor), he comes over and says, 'Man, looks like you've got a big project.' I says, 'Yee-aah.' He says, 'Well, I'll help you with it. 'So he jumped in and that's kind of how it went."

Click here for the article.

No arms and no hearing . . . No Problem!

Thought I would share this short video because it was touching. The kid has no arms and can't hear, yet functions extremely well and appears to be very intelligent. He also is a good dancer as you will see at the end of the segment.

View it here and then count your blessings.

A Christmas Shooter Game

Stop Derek- stop the many Dereks from stealing your Christmas presents.

Make sure to pay attention to your radar.

By the way, radar is my favorite palodrom.

What time is it?

Click anywhere on the map to find out the local time - look at local pictures and blogs. You can also check the weather and currency. The interface is real similar to Google Maps.

Click here to see what I'm talking about.

The Neck Stretcher

Buy one here.

Topless Sandals

Topless sandals - also called "down unders" - simulate walking barefoot while protecting your feet. Topless sandals stick to the bottom of your feet, but leave no residue on your feet when you take them off. The "stick" is guaranteed for a year, which is the typical life span of a flip flop.

Buy them here.

Speed Laces

SPEED LACES®, is a revolutionary new lacing system which replaces ordinary laces n minutes and provides runners with amazing advantages.

Medical History of the Presidents of the United States

Another website I spent entirely too much time on because I found it so fascinating.

See what I'm talking about here.

Some highlights:

George Washington was known as "The Potomac Stallion."
John Q Adams liked to exercise. He was an excellent swimmer. Often, he would rise early in the morning, walk from the White House to the Potomac River, strip, and swim. On one occasion, someone stole his clothes, and the naked President had to ask a passing boy to run to the White House and fetch him some others!
In 1978, Carter had to leave a Christmas party for White House staffers "to receive emergency treatment" for a painful hemorrhoid that left him "almost completely incapacitated from participating in any kind of public events."
If you have ever wondered whether a signed document transmitted over a fax machine is legally binding, consider the fact that in connection with his colonoscopy Bush transferred Presidential power to Vice President Cheney, and later resumed power, by faxing signed documents to Congress

Dual Spout Decanter

Why pour one glass at a time when you can pour two?

Purchase one here.

Fun yet hard Christmas game

Santa traded in his sleigh for a helicopter. Presents got scattered, it's your job to round up all the presents. Play it here.

Current Goal ...

24 of 31.

Christmas Lights Gone Wild

You may remember a video on this site about a Christmas light display set to music. Well, I think this one just trumped that other display.

For the Arachnophobiacs

The Spider Catcher

Order one here.

Have a gas problem? Get a Fart Filter

This flatulence deodorizer (also known as Flat-D) is a high tech filter that was original designed to defend against chemical warfare.

Buy it from a store here.

Buy it on eBay here.

Teen accused of killing dad over grades

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — A 15-year-old boy allegedly killed his father, then set their home on fire because he was afraid his father would find out he was failing some classes, prosecutors said.

Sad what kids are doing today. Scared of some accountability.

Read the whole story here.

Look carefully, she just got put on the naughty list

Album Cover Talk

I'm too young to know most of these covers, but I found them interesting.

Shock & Awe (Banned Cover Art)

Some of the most tasteless album covers ever

The Chappelle Theory

Not sure if this is a joke or something serious. A site dedicated to why Chapelle never did a third season of his show.

Read it here if you are interested.

A portable inflatable meetingroom - only $6900

Buy it here.

I just thought this was a really cool pic

I learned two things watching this clip

1. Santa needs more fiber.
2. Why my letter never reached him.

View it here.

MAN DATES GAL ON INTERNET FOR SIX MONTHS -- AND IT TURNS OUT SHE'S HIS MOTHER!

MARSEILLES, France -- Skirt-chasing playboy Daniel Anceneaux spent weeks talking with a sensual woman on the Internet before arranging a romantic rendezvous at a remote beach -- and discovering that his on-line sweetie of six months was his own mother!

"I walked out on that dark beach thinking I was going to hook up with the girl of my dreams," the rattled bachelor later admitted. "And there she was, wearing white shorts and a pink tank top, just like she'd said she would.

"But when I got close, she turned around -- and we both got the shock of our lives. I mean, I didn't know what to say. All I could think was, 'Oh my God! it's Mama!' "

Read the whole thing here.

Twelve things about this model's photo have been retouched.

I thought this was actually pretty cool. Shows how much a magazine photo can be changed and how models are not everyday people. Click here to see what has been changed.

President Bush talks about his iPod

Last year there was something mentioned about what was on W's iPod.

This foreign correspondent decided to ask W about his iPod in person.

View the interview here.

Turns out that Bono even gave him a U2 iPod.

Chewbacca wishes you a Merry Christmas

Make sure to have you sound turned on.

Click here to see what I'm talking about.

Top Ten Villainous Moments In Comic Book History

I don't read comics, but I do love a lot of these characters. I also spent wayyyyy too much time on this site because some of the story lines were pretty darn cool. It all started by reading about what the Joker did to Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) and then what happened to her from there.

Click here for the whole list.

Here are some notables:

8 Joker Cripples Barbara Gordon
Joker shot Barbara Gordon in front of her father, then undressed her and took a few tasteful photos. Though Batgirl was lost, an new kind of hero, Oracle, was born from the incident.

6 Doomsday Kills Superman

4 Bane Breaks Batman's Back

Would-be Israeli brides leave intimate offering for rabbi

JERUSALEM (AFP) - Hundreds of young Israeli women hoping to find themselves a husband have been placing their underwear on the tomb of a venerated rabbi in the hopes that their marriage prayers will be answered.

According to Jewish tradition, anyone who is unmarried will meet their soulmate and marry within a year if they visit his tomb.

Read the whole article here.

Merry Christmas From The Pitts - Year 2018

Today's somewhat tempting pictures of the day

A black widow catches a snake in her web.

Pic One
Pic Two
Pic Three

Guide to castles of the United States

After you get through his rant at the top of the page, the castles are broken down into the different states in which they are located. View it here.

This picture is of Castle Edway in New Jersey

Time names Bono, Bill and Melinda Gates Persons of Year

At Friday's photo shoot for Time, Bono said, "I'm experiencing an unusual feeling. I think it's called being humbled.

"For being shrewd about doing good, for rewiring politics and re-engineering justice, for making mercy smarter and hope strategic and then daring the rest of us to follow, Bill and Melinda Gates and Bono are Time's Persons of the Year," the magazine said.

To be a part of the effort to eliminate extreme poverty, HIV, and malaria in Africa, here are some place to check out:

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/default.htm
www.data.org
www.one.org

BagOfNothing.com

Friday, December 23, 2005

To all my readers . . .

Pope stuff I didn't know