Simple Browser

Aug 9, 2008

Born on 8/8/08, at 8:08 a.m., 8 pounds, 8 ounces

Yesterday was a memorable day because of the date. It was 08-08-08, that means 8th of August, 2008. There are reports that two babies were born at 8:08 a.m. on 8/8/08, weighing 8 pounds, 8 ounces, in neighboring states. Interesting isn't it? Let's meet Hailey Jo Hauer and Xander Jace Riniker.

Lindsey Hauer thought staff at Lake Region Hospital in Minnesota were joking when they told her the time of her daughter's birth. And then she got a call from the birthing suite noting Hailey's weight. Xander, born at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the eighth grandchild for his mother's parents.

The Daily Journal, http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com
The Gazette, http://gazetteonline.com

Aug 8, 2008

Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony Photos

The Opening Ceremony of 2008 Beijing Olympic started today 08.08 pm local time. More than 15000 athletes from 204 countries attended the opening ceremony of the Olympics, making it the biggest in history. Take a look at some pictures from the Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Aug 7, 2008

Marriage on Wings of Flying Plane

A daring couple from Lancashire tied the knot at 1,000ft altitude. Can you believe this? Take a look at the picture. The dare-devil couple used three aircraft for this ceremony. The groom, Darren McWalters, 24, stood on the top wing of a biplane while his bride, Katie Hodgson, 23, flew alongside on the wing of an identical aircraft in full bridal gown. And Rev George Bringham, 67, was on the wings of a third plane that flew ahead of the other two aircraft.

The odd marriage ceremony took place above Rencomb airfield, in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. About 50 close family members and friends watched the ceremony from the airstrip and heard their vows over sets of loud speakers. Jets of white smoke fired from the back of the aircraft as the couple exchanged their vows. AP

Interesting! Isn't it? Watch the video below to get a taste of the marriage ceremony.

Aug 6, 2008

The World's Smallest Snake

Take a look at the creature on the picture above. This is Leptotyphlops carlae, the World's Smallest Snake. It is just about 10 centimeters long (less than 4 inches) and could easily be mistaken for an ordinary earthworm. It has been discovered by biologist Blair Hedges of Penn State University, on the Caribbean island of Barbados.

A second new species, only slightly larger, was also found on the neighboring island of St. Lucia. Proper genetic tests and studies of the snakes' physical features identified the animals as new species. Both these new species belong to a little-known group of known as thread snakes or worm snakes or slender blind snakes.

According to the Blair Hedges, this little snake species may be on the verge of extinction, as all the original forests have been cleared from the area where it was found.

read more “The World's Smallest Snake”

Photos of Angelina Jolie Twins

The first photos of the newborn twins of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, have been sold for a reported US$14 million. The celebrity couple sold the rights to the photos to Getty Images, which then sold them to magazines. Getty said that the proceeds would go "entirely to charity". In the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine the photos of Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline appeared in the front page. Take a look at the cover of this week's PEOPLE magazine. This issue also includes interview with Brad and Angelina and 19 pages of intimate family photos.

Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline

The happy family of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Beautiful Olympic Lego Exhibition

A replica of Beijing Olympic village has been created with the help of more than 300,000 Lego bricks and 4,500 Lego people. This replica contains almost all important venues including the National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest) and the amazing Water Cube aquatics centre. The tower blocks of the athletes’ village have also been replicated.

A dozens of sports including tennis, football, table tennis, sailing and wind surfing can be seen on this beautiful replica of Beijing Olympic village. This Olympic Lego Exhibition was created by the Hong Kong Lego User Group. It will be on display at Grand Century Place in Hong Kong until Aug 31.

Aug 5, 2008

Bullet-proof Bras for German Police Women

Female police officers in Germany will now get better protection from bullets! Because, a new bullet-proof bra has been developed for them. These bras are made from cotton, polyester, elastic and some other synthetic materials, thickly padded and with no metal or plastic studs or fasteners.

The common bullet-proof vests stops bullets but causes injuries by pushing the plastic and metal parts of femal underwear into their flesh. So, this new underwear will act as a second barrier of defence for the female police officers. About three thousand front-line women police officers in Germany will now be required to wear these special bras while on duty. Link

Chef puts Toxic plant in Salad recipe

Celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson committed a deadly mistake by recommending a toxic plant in salads. The 57 year old British chef made the recommendation for a weed called henbane in an interview for the August edition of Healthy And Organic Living magazine. In fact, henbane is a highly toxic plant and is a Schedule III poison under the Medicines Act. If taken, it may cause hallucinations, convulsions, vomiting and even death.

As the magazine was printed in advance, the magazine editor had to issue a apology letter stating that it was a mistake and Antony had a different plant in mind! Thanks God, there was no causalities. The chef also apologized and stated that he confused henbane with fat hen, an edible weed said to be delicious in salads.

Aug 4, 2008

Don't Worry, Be Happy

I am sure that most of you have heard the popular single 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin. The song has a very catchy way of conveying its message of being happy to everyone. Living a happy, resilient and optimistic life is wonderful, and is also good for your health. Bobby Mcferiin's simple message surely made a lot of people by telling them not to worry. To be happy is relatively easy, just decide to be a happy person. So, Don't Worry, Be Happy and let's enjoy the song once again!

Zimbabwe $100 Billion Note - A Collectors Item!

Zimbabwe is facing hyperinflation and according to the official figures, the inflation rate is 2.2 million percent. The situation is so worse that the Central Bank of Zimbabwe issued a 100 biillion dollar note in July, 2008.

The Z$100 billion note is the highest currency denomination in circulation and it is becoming popular among the currency collectors all around the world. On eBay, a Z$100 billion note has already attracted some good bids. Notes of $50 billion and Z$25 billion are also up for sale. The interesting point is that the real value of the Z$100 billion note is just Z$10 or hardly US$1!

Why these notes are becoming favorite among colectors. The reason is simple. They are not like the traditional bank notes and have date of issue and date of expiry printed on them. Those notes are valid only till the end of 2008. And after their expiry period they will be replaced by new notes and coins. So, they are definitely precious for collectors.