In today’s economy, employees have gotten used to the bare minimum at work. With widespread pay cuts and rampant layoffs, it’s not unusual to consider free coffee a great perk. But some companies are still working hard to keep their employees happy, going above and beyond the standard benefits and rewarding them with everything from on-site massages to unlimited paid vacation time. Jealous yet? Read on to learn about corporations that are not all work—and plenty of play. S.C. Johnson
If you work at this cleaning product giant and are short on time, you don’t need to worry: There’s an on-site concierge service that offers discounted services, like mailing your packages, sending flowers, picking up and delivering groceries, researching car insurance deals, changing the oil in your car and even standing in line for concert tickets. And the benefits don’t stop once you retire: Former employees get a lifetime membership at the company fitness center. Photo courtesy of SCJohnson.com.
Amgen, Inc.
Employees of this California biotech company have 17 paid holidays a year (on top of three weeks of vacation), which is nearly two times the average. Parents can drop their kids off at the on-site day care center, pick up bouquets at the in-house gift shops and grab a takeout breakfast or lunch at the cafeteria, which prepares healthy meals to go. New moms enjoy a variety of perks at Amgen, like on-site Lamaze and breastfeeding classes, lactation rooms and a nutritional program with one-on-one counseling. Photo courtesy of Amgen.com.
Google, Inc.
You’ve probably heard Google is a great company to work for. Here’s why: lunch, dinner and snacks from a choice of 16 gourmet cafes are free. Plus, employees can bring their dogs to work, stressed-out workers can get subsidized massages, there are free laundry machines, four gyms, on-site doctors and much, much more. Google even lets new moms and dads expense up to $500 for takeout meals during the first three months they’re home with their new baby. Photo courtesy of Google.com.
Netflix, Inc.
Employees of this movie-delivery company don’t need to request vacation days because there’s no set number of them. "If you hire adults who practice adult behaviors, you don't need requirements like dress codes and vacation policies," says Steve Swasey, vice president of corporate communications. CEO Reed Hastings has so much trust in his employees that nobody even keeps track of how many days they're out of the office. Photo courtesy of Netflix.com.
Genentech, Inc.
Child (and doggie!) day care are available to employees at this San Francisco biotech company. Also on the benefits menu: six-week paid sabbaticals to prevent burnout, drop-off laundry service, seasonal produce stands in company cafeterias, made-to-order sushi, free cappuccinos and two 24-hour libraries. And at the end of a stressful workweek, employees can let loose on Fridays at the weekly socials, or “Ho-Hos.” Photo courtesy of Gene.com.
MillerCoors, LLC.
When employees of Miller Brewing head to the nearest bar for happy hour, they don’t have to go very far. In 2004, Miller CEO Norman Adami opened Fred's Pub, an on-site pub for Milwaukee employees to gather and relax in after-hours. Even better: The beer––seven kinds on tap and 13 varieties of bottled brew––is free. And, MillerCoors just opened a new headquarters in Chicago which features a 16th floor rooftop bar and outdoor terrace that overlooks the Chicago River. The beer is, of course, free. The pub is called Fred & Adolph's, after the founders of Miller and Coors Brewing Companies. Photo courtesy of MillerCoors.com.
SAS Institute, Inc.
If employees at this business software company are feeling stressed out, they can head to the campus recreation and fitness center for a massage, at a subsidized cost, according to the company’s website. Or they can utilize the gym, weight room, billiards hall and Olympic-size pool. An article from 2010 reports that SAS also offers high-quality, low-cost child care, unlimited sick days and a free medical center staffed by four physicians and 10 nurse practitioners. Plus, the two in-residence artists have been known to offer artwork and framing supplies to employees at a discount. Photo courtesy of SAS.com.
F5 Networks, Inc.
According to their website, at the end of each week, this networking application company relaxes with Beer Friday, a party that features microbrews, wine and snacks in the company game room. While they imbibe, employees can play foosball, pinball, air hockey and Ping-Pong. They also get a $100 monthly stipend to try alternative transportation options. They can get massages at work two times a week or break a sweat on the nearby running trails. Employees are encouraged to excel with the company’s quarterly “High Five” awards. Photo courtesy of F5.com.
Chesapeake Energy Corp.
An on-site day care center, generous benefits package and discounted scuba certification classes at nearby lakes are all part of the job for employees of natural gas company Chesapeake Energy. Once they’re certified, employees can sign up for one of company’s scuba trips to Cozumel, Mexico. They can also take advantage of some perks on dry land: the campus’s new employee garden takes up a full city block, and will have a garden pavilion for everything from cooking demonstrations to yoga classes. Photo courtesy of CHK.com.
An image taken through night vision glasses shows soldiers in northern Afghanistan. New technology could make night vision more widely available. AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus
Adapting technology found in flat screen television sets, scientists have created a thin film that converts infrared light into visible light. The technology could give cell phones, eyeglasses and car windshields cheap, lightweight night vision.
"This device can convert any infrared image into a visible image and would weigh no more than a pair of eyeglasses," said Franky So, a scientist at the University of Florida who describes his new night vision technology in a recent article in the journal Advanced Materials that was funded in part by advanced technology powerhouse DARPA.
Most night vision devices today use massive amounts of electricity -- often several thousand volts, according to So -- and heavy, glass lenses that maintain a vacuum to make the night come alive. So's device takes a radically different turn, replacing glass with thin plastic, eliminating the vacuum and using energy-efficient, organic LEDs.
So does this by using technology borrowed from flat screen TVs. Infrared light enters the film and is detected by the first of seven separate layers, which generates a slight electrical charge. Additional electrical energy -- about three to five volts -- amplifies that signal, which is then converted back into visible light.
Like most of today's night vision cameras, So's device emits an eerie green light. Unlike most night vision technology today, however, So's design would weigh less than 100 grams (less than a quarter of a pound). Part of that weight is the proof of concept small size -- about one square centimeter -- but So says that even a full scale device could weigh as little as 10 grams and be only a few microns thick.
In other words, heavy and bulky night vision goggles could be replaced with a thin, lightweight coating weighing less than half a deck of playing cards.
It will take about 18 months to scale up the device for practical applications, such as car windshields, lightweight night vision eyeglasses and cell phones cameras.
"Ten years ago when people talked about putting cameras in cell phones, people asked why would you want to do that," said So. "Now you cannot find a cell phone without a camera. In the future, you might not be able to find a cell phone without night vision."
Night vision cell phones could be just the start. So said his team also plans to create cell phones that can see, and more importantly, measure heat as well. A cell phone equipped with heat vision could instantly take a patient's body temperature to see if they had a fever. A car windshield could make pedestrians crossing the street much easier to see and avoid.
Other scientists are enthusiastic about the new research. "This has a high potential to revolutionize night vision," said Yongli Gao, a professor at the University of Rochester. "It could be very useful in detecting heat loss from homes to reduce energy consumption, and for military applications as well."
sacbee.com —Visitors to Shanghai's World Expo say organizers have plenty of kinks to iron out before the event -- the biggest-ever World's Fair -- formally opens on May Day. Some 70 million people are expected to visit. The Expo runs May 1-Oct. 31. Elevated highways are illuminated by LED lights on April 18, in Shanghai, China.
Elevated highways are illuminated by LED lights on April 18, in Shanghai,China.ShanghaiWorld Expo will be held from May 1 to Oct 31, expecting 70 million visitors. Getty Images / Feng Li
This Friday a new version of the classic horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street slashes its way into theaters, proving once again the enduring power of the franchise that filmmaker Wes Craven created 26 years ago.
As a new actor, Jackie Earle Haley, prepares to take up Freddy Krueger's razor glove and fedora, we take a look back at the best and worst of the eight previous films that gave new meaning to the term "recurring nightmare."
What is it about these movies that we all love? What do we hate? (You may be surprised by some of the behind-the-scenes talent as well: Frank Darabont??)
Take a look. But don't fall asleep ... A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
A mysterious man in a red-and-green sweater targets Springwood's teenagers in their dreams. Written and directed by Wes Craven, starring Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund, John Saxon. Why It Works: Craven targets teen insecurities and combines them with familiar dream scenarios to create a compelling, creepy film. Why It Sucks: Craven doesn't quite define Freddy's mythology, creating enough ambiguity in the final scenes to allow lesser filmmakers the chance to change it over and over again in the sequels. Why It Matters: Created one of the '80s most iconic movie monsters and took slasher films into a new realm—the subconscious. Also established Englund as the definitive Freddy Krueger. A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)
Freddy returns to haunt the next family that moves into the house from the original film. Written by David Chaskin, directed by Jack Sholder, starring Jesse Walsh, Clu Gulager, Englund. Why It Works: In addition to crafting one of the most homoerotic horror movies of all time, the film showed how Freddy could extend his influence outside the world of dreams. Why It Sucks: Other than the location, it has nothing to do with any of the other installments in the series. Why It Matters: It proved that Freddy was a viable franchise, no matter the quality of the film, and encouraged distributor New Line to pour more resources into resurrecting the character for additional episodes. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
Nancy returns to tussle with Freddy after he aims to expire the last children of the Elm Street parents, all of whom have been institutionalized. Written by Craven, Bruce Wagner, Frank Darabont and Chuck Russell from a story by Craven and Wagner, directed by Russell, starring Langenkamp, Craig Wasson, Patricia Arquette, Englund. Why It Works: Connecting parts 1 and 3, the film offers a cathartic payoff for Nancy while creating a larger world for Freddy to play in. Why It Sucks: In killing Nancy off in this film, it allowed future films to throw new, random people into the mix, requiring constant retroactive continuity from here on out. Why It Matters: It set the stage for Freddy's eventual transformation into more of a jokester than a deadly killer, which created some interesting kills but made him more of a metaphorical than literal cut-up. A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)
Alice becomes the guardian of "good dreams" after Freddy is resurrected for more dreamtime mayhem. Written by Brian Helgeland, Jim Wheat and Ken Wheat, directed by Renny Harlin, starring Lisa Wilcox, Englund. Why It Works: There's an interesting coming-of-age story in Alice's trajectory as she adopts the powers of her fallen friends, and the finale features a dream-reality loop that hints at the series' possible deeper exploration of its themes. Why It Sucks: It only hints at those deeper themes, instead opting for a more glib and gross series of deaths that have less than ever to do with the original ideas behind the films. Why It Matters: Although it received only mixed reviews, this was the second-highest-grossing film in the series after Freddy vs. Jason and ensured that Freddy would live on for several more years. A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child (1989)
Alice's baby becomes the vessel for Freddy to resurrect himself one more time. Written by Leslie Bohem from a story by John Skipp, Craig Spector and Bohem, directed by Stephen Hopkins, starring Wilcox and Englund. Why It Works: There's an actual interesting conversation about abortion (of all things) in the film; meanwhile, Freddy enjoys some of the series' most memorable kills. Why It Sucks: What the film spent in set design it saved in acting salaries, producing unconvincing performances in a story that essentially existed for the gore. Why It Matters: This was the official point at which the films gave up on the idea of Freddy's victims needing to sleep, producing installments that were all about the aggressive set pieces and Freddy's "imagination" rather than anything resembling a real movie. Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)
Freddy returns for seemingly no reason to wreak havoc and reunite with his long-lost daughter. Written by Michael De Luca from a story by Rachel Talalay, directed by Talalay, starring Lisa Zane and Englund. Why It Works: Exploring Freddy's motivation is an interesting idea—the concept that he's taking revenge on the people who took away his own child. Why It Sucks: The film's hamfisted acting, directing and storytelling create sympathy for Freddy's plight and then undermine it, over and over again; also, the finale is literally a scuffle where Freddy and a potential victim roll around on the floor arguing over the fate of his glove. Why It Matters: The film provided the final nail in Freddy's coffin, at least in terms of the jokey, unscary iteration that strayed so far from the character in the original film. Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)
The original cast and crew return after Freddy's spirit revives itself in the real world. Written and directed by Craven, starring Englund, Langenkamp, Miko Hughes, Tracy Middendorf. Why It Works: A meta-movie predecessor to the Scream series, it merges mythmaking and monster movies with startling effectiveness. Why It Sucks: How are you going to have a movie like this where Robert Englund and Freddy never come face to face? Why It Matters: A fitting and fascinating completion to Wes Craven's collaborations on the franchise and a satisfying refinement to the mythology that essentially allowed for future interpretations to exist. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
Freddy Krueger brings Jason back from hell to wreak havoc on the teenagers of Elm Street. Written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, directed by Ronny Yu, starring Englund, Ken Kirzinger, Monica Keena, Jason Ritter. Why It Works: Yu turns the title bout into a MMA spectacular thanks to wire work and a terrifically agile sense of humor. Why It Sucks: Too much of both monsters together, but not enough of either one alone. Why It Matters: Using a few small cues from previous films, including the sleep-drug Hypnocil, the filmmakers tenuously connect this to the rest of the installments and establish—if nothing else—that people still want to see Freddy haunt their dreams.
What's your favorite?
You have an old used book and you plan to drop it in garbage? Well, after reading this post you might change your mind about that and try to make some cool paper-cut sculptures from its papers . I always liked those books for kids with different sculptures and objects which would fold up when you open the book. Even when I grew up I was always fascinated with such kind of books.
Su Blackwell realized that she actually could create some artworks in a similar way. Those are not the books which are made only for kids and those paper sculptures definitely do not fold up when you open them, but they are great examples that you can create a true artwork even from old used book.
Su has made some really amazing sculptures cut from books’ papers and we will show you here some of her most interesting artworks. Author site .
Though the Dutch are known for their windmills, they may be looking to underwater turbines for energy in the near future. In 1953 a massive flood decimated a large part of The Netherlands, killing 1,800 people on the south-west coast of the country. Dikes were devised and installed along the coastline to prevent future flooding. In their wake they left a host of man-made freshwater lakes — now stagnant and home to unpleasant algae — and shut the tides out of the large estuaries. A group of engineers is now proposing a plan to cut a few holes in the structures to allow the saltwater to return. The revised dikes would reinstate natural habitat and could create a network of tidal power plants that would provide electricity to the region.
Following the 1953 flood much of The Netherlands followed the south-west region, installing dikes to prevent future catastrophes. The natural Dutch estuaries have been all but destroyed because of what has been referred to as one of the seven wonders of the modern world — along with the Panama Canal and the Chunnel. Without the constant rush of saltwater tides the estuaries have become stagnant and much of the wildlife once present has died off. They are home to smelly algae and the regions have lost much of their prior natural glory.
The Dutch government believes that with new technology the country’s dikes could be used to generate power while keeping the safety of the citizens and the welfare of nature in mind. The government’s committee is hoping that their plan to restore beauty to the region, tap the tides for energy and keep the populous safe will tempt other parts of the country to crack a small hole in their dikes and dams as well. Sounds like the Dutch are going underwater with their mills and we think it’s a great plan.
If you have a printer/scanner and a bottle of Coke, you can make one of the most epic cheat sheets of all time. This method looks harder than studying...but also a bit more fun. [EatLiver via 9GAG via thenextweb]
AFP/File – A picture taken in 2004 shows the Mount Ararat. A group of Chinese and Turkish evangelical explorers …
HONG KONG (AFP) – A group of Chinese and Turkish evangelical explorers said Monday they believe they may have found Noah's Ark -- four thousand metres up a mountain in Turkey.
The team say they recovered wooden specimens from a structure on Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey that carbon dating proved was 4,800 years old, around the same time the ark is said to have been afloat.
"It's not 100 percent that it is Noah's Ark but we think it is 99.9 percent that this is it," Yeung Wing-cheung, a Hong Kong documentary filmmaker and member of the 15-strong team from Noah's Ark Ministries International told AFP.
The structure had several compartments, some with wooden beams, which were believed to house animals, he said.
The group of evangelical archaeologists ruled out an established human settlement on the grounds that one had never been found above 3,500 metres in the vicinity, Yeung said.
Local Turkish officials will ask the central government in Ankara to apply for UNESCO World Heritage status so the site can be protected while a major archaeological dig is conducted, Yeung added.
The biblical story says God decided to flood the earth after seeing how corrupt it had become, and told Noah to build an ark and fill it with two of every animal species.
After the flood waters receded, the Bible says, the ark came to rest on a mountain. Many believe that Mount Ararat, the highest point in the region, is where the ark and her inhabitants came aground.
Britain's smallest mum told today how her baby son already towers above her - aged just 14 months.
Proud Amanda Moore, 25, became the shortest woman ever to give birth in the UK when son Aidan was delivered by Caesarean section last year.
She suffers from a rare bone disease which has left her measuring just 3ft 1in. But because the condition has left her unable to stand, Aidan already towers above her at 2ft 6in.
Amanda says Aidan could end up being as tall as his father Steven Fyfe, 20 - who is a lanky 6ft 1in.
Proud mother: Amanda Moore with 14-month-old Aidan, who already towers over her when he stands up
She said: 'Aidan is getting so big, he takes after his dad. I always knew he would be taller than me but he's shot up. When I sit on the floor to play with him, he is taller than me already and he's only 14 months old. He's getting so big and strong that soon we'll have to tell him to be gentle with mummy.
'It's been a struggle because he's been running rings around me since he was crawling. But now he's walking he's more than a handful for someone my size. Most boys are bigger than their mums, but not after a year. He'll always be my little boy.'
Amanda, of Hinckley, Leicestershire., suffers from brittle bone disorder. She was born with 14 broken bones and resigned herself to never having children because experts feared that her tiny frame could not cope with a pregnancy. But she accidentally fell pregnant and defied doctors' advice to have an abortion. Amanda said: 'Doctors advised me to have a termination and we did think about it. I didn't want to die and there was a real and likely possibility that the baby growing inside me would kill me.
'But at the same time I felt a strong love developing for our unborn child I just couldn't dismiss. We both wanted this baby so much.'
Happy family: Steven and Amanda have not ruled out having a second child
She began suffering blackouts at 35 weeks and was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after blacking out at an Asda store in Swindon, where she and Steven lived at the time.
Aidan was born on February 27 last year weighing 5lb 5oz and had not inherited his mother's bone condition.
At 14 months, he already tips the scales at 22lb - nearly half the four stone his mother weighs.
She said: 'Soon Aidan will be bigger than me and we are working out how I can move him around the house in my chair while Steven is at work.
'Aidan is starting to say a few words and is really mobile - but he'll never be too big for a telling off from his mum.'
Steven, who works for a taxi firm, said they haven't ruled out having another child even after the stressful pregnancy and the danger of passing on Amanda's condition.
He said: 'It's been a struggle but Aidan is doing so well. He's a big boy and will soon be much bigger than his mother. When Amanda became pregnant doctors told us she or the baby could die, or even both of them.
'But they are both fighting fit and we are a very lucky family. We are not ruling out having another child - Aidan would make a great big brother.'
Most of us are at least somewhat familiar with the English folk legend of Robin Hood. There have been several variations since its medieval origins, but the most popular tells the story of a young nobleman (and skilled archer) whose lands and title are snatched by bad Prince/King John and his cronies. Taking the name Robin Hood, he goes to Sherwood Forest and gathers a band of "merry men" who rebel against the tyrannical powers that be, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, until good King Richard the Lionhearted comes back from the Crusades and sets things straight.
The tale has been given many film treatments over the years and director Ridley Scott has now thrown his feathered cap in the ring with an action-packed epic ('Robin Hood,' out May 14) starring his main muse Russell Crowe, with Cate Blanchett as Lady Marion. Judging from previews -- and the fact that Crowe's playing him -- this Robin is a tougher, more seasoned outlaw than his predecessors and the movie features huge battle scenes on par with previous Scott/Crowe epic 'Gladiator.'
Let's take a look at some previous depictions of the legendary outlaw and see how he's transformed over the years:
Douglas Fairbanks in 'Robin Hood' (1922)
The dashing, acrobatic Fairbanks was the silver screen's first big-budget Robin, and he literally throws himself into the role. Graceful and charismatic, Fairbanks is jaunty and good-humored as the disenfranchised nobleman-turned-warrior hero, lacking the edge that later characters would have. Similarly, the (silent) movie is bigger on spectacle than emotion -- the immense set with thousands of extras impressed the heck out of audiences back then, as did its sword fights, jousting scenes and stunts in general.
Errol Flynn in 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' (1938)
Flynn, arguably the greatest swashbuckler ever to grace the screen, was 28 when he made this movie and his sexy, charming -- and roguish -- Robin is still considered by many to be the definitive incarnation of the medieval hero. Flynn and Olivia de Havilland (Maid Marian), aside from being two of the most attractive actors of their day, have the necessary chemistry to pull off the movie's intensely romantic scenes. The supporting cast is equally strong (Alan Hale, Claude Rains, Basil Rathbone) and the visuals, in relatively new Technicolor, are spectacular. The movie's a classic in every sense.
Frank Sinatra in 'Robin and the 7 Hoods' (1964)
Trust the Rat Pack to bring their inimitable irreverence to the RH legend (talk about your merry men). Set in 1928 Chicago, with guns replacing bows and arrows, this entertaining musical is only loosely based on the classic story, but it has several important elements: a corrupt sheriff and no-good racketeer (Peter Falk) team up to knock off the big boss; Robbo (Sinatra) refuses to relinquish his territory, gives money to an orphanage and later hooks up with the deceased boss's daughter Marian. Sure, it's not a very faithful homage, but Frank, Dean, Sammy --and Bing Crosby -- sing and dance up a storm and that's really what counts.
'Robin Hood' (1973)
For many kids, this cheerful Disney musical, with animated animal characters, was their first exposure to Robin Hood and, following tradition, the charismatic fox (voiced by Brian Bedford) who plays the hero is a handsome, debonair lead (Marian is a good-looking fox, too, natch). Most of the story's main elements are there, but the movie's obviously not going for authenticity. (Tagline: Meet Robin Hood and his MERRY MENagerie!)
Sean Connery in 'Robin and Marian' (1976)
Director Richard Lester took a very different (but faithful to legend) approach with a movie featuring a weary, middle-aged -- but still noble -- Robin, who comes back to Sherwood Forest with his faithful companion, Little John (Nicol Williamson), after 20 years abroad fighting in the Crusades. Renowned for his earlier deeds, he's once again enlisted to fight the tyrants in charge. As its title indicates, the movie is mainly a love story: Robin is reunited with Lady Marian (Audrey Hepburn), and they rekindle their romance despite the fact that she became a nun in his absence.
Kevin Costner in 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' (1991)
This modernized version boasted a muddy, de-glamorized look and a thoughtful, more socially responsible hero (Roger Ebert described Costner's Robin as "sort of a populist guerilla, Che Guevara with a bow and arrow"). It was also an enormous, some say overblown, Hollywood production. The story's fleshed out, with the hero returning from the Crusades to find his father dead and his home in the possession of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman at his hambone best). With his Moorish sidekick (Morgan Freeman) and band of fellow rebels, Costner's Robin is a kind of laconic, Americanized version of the legend, complete with a not-quite-English accent.
Patrick Bergin in 'Robin Hood' (1991)
With Kevin Costner starring in the above-mentioned high-profile production, this competing project, helmed by John Irvin, wound up going straight to cable TV. Harder-edged and lower-key than 'Prince of Thieves,' complete with a grittier, no-nonsense Maid Marian (Uma Thurman), this film's considered one of the most historically accurate versions ever brought to screen. Bergin, sporting a heavy-duty 'stache, is a dark, moody -- yet charming -- Robin, befitting the movie's general tone.
Cary Elwes in 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights' (1993) Mel Brooks predictably takes all sorts of liberties with our hero and his milieu in this ultra-shticky lampoon, but Elwes, looking a bit like Errol Flynn, is perfect as the dashing Robin. He plays it relatively straight amid an impressive supporting cast that includes Dave Chappelle, Richard Lewis and Tracey Ullman. Classic Brooks touch: The character of Friar Tuck has become Rabbi Tuckman (played by Mel himself).
JellyWoo1014—April 22, 2010 — In Hong Kong, because of the space, apartments are small and expensive. Gary Chang, an architect, decided to design a 344 sq. ft. apartment to be able to change into 24 different designs, all by just sliding panels and walls. He calls this the "Domestic Transformer."
This video is not owned by me and I do not take any right of it.
Visit us at http://jellywoo.com/ for more news related to tech and just life in general.
Thanks to Lifehacker, OhGizmo, and all the other sites that mentioned this!
Towering over her teacher and friends 16-year-old Marvadene Anderson stands six feet eleven inches tall making her the world's tallest teenage girl.
Marvadene towers over her teacher Peter Richardson, who is 5 foot 8 inches tallPhoto: BARCROFT
Currently studying under a scholarship at Rutgers Preparatory School in New Jersey, Marvadene is terrorising opposition teams across the state playing for the school basketball team.
Originally from Jamaica, Marvadene is five inches taller than her idol, the basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Marvadene, weighs 15st and wears size 11 shoes, and it seems it runs in the family as her older sister, Kimberly, is 6ft 4in and calls her sister the "baby giant."
"Marvadene is wonderful addition to the school and the basketball team here," said JJ Quenault, 42, a teacher at Rutgers Preparatory School.
"The other girls were stunned by her height when they first met her and I must admit so was I, but now she is almost irreplaceable in the team.
"She is going to be a star in the world of girls' basketball and even though she has only recently adapted to basketball from netball, we expect a big future from her."
Attending classes at the New Jersey school, Marvadene is used to towering over her teachers.
"I work in the school photographic department and so have taken a few pictures of Marvadene," said JJ.
"To see her standing over her teacher Peter Richardson is quite amusing, as he is five foot eight and she of course is the world's tallest teenage girl at 6ft 11in."
Marvadene took the title from Thai national Malee Duangdee who stands at 6ft 10in.
"People are friendly with me because of my height and my personality. If I was tall and mean, I think I'd have a problem," she said.
"The rudest thing anybody ever said about my height is that I'm not going to be able to find a husband."
Lawrence Taylor is an outrageous man: from his play on the field to his behavior off of it and even in his acting career, he's just kind of silly. Except in a mean, scary, "omfg he could kill me and no one would ever know or care" kind of way.
Because of that, when he says stuff, people believe him. Like, for instance, the claim he made yesterday to Sports Illustrated as to own draft day experience, in which he stated that he doesn't remember anything about it except for the fact that he drank 41 Coors Lights.
Now, all plausibility as to drinking that much beer aside, the real question is: "how does he remember the exact amount?" It's an excellent question, since, you know, after about the first 20 or so beers, most people would stop being able to see, much less "remember" anything. But it's Lawrence Taylor, and somehow, it seems totally logical.
Shell has a new oil that is formulated to clean the inside of your engine – so what better way to prove that then to build a functional glass car to prove it? Shell decided there was no better way, so they built exactly that – and filmed it for your enjoyment.
Shell has a new oil, known as Helix, which they tout for its “active cleansing technology,” and a tagline that claims “performance you can see.”
In order to back up their bold claims, Shell outsourced the building of a completely see-through car, made out of clear Perplex (plexiglass). The car of choice is a Nissan 370Z, recreated with immense detail and at least some functionality.
The engine itself was made double the size of the original – purely to allow for the video to capture the oil as it worked it way through the engine. The end result is an interesting perspective not often – if ever – enjoyed by the human eye.
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All you art collectors out there. Here is a chance to get a Giclee copy of some of Ian M Sherwin work. Ian is planning on doing a whole series of Marblehead, Massachusetts paintings. His work is amazing.
. I always liked those books for kids with different sculptures and objects which would fold up when you open the book. Even when I grew up I was always fascinated with such kind of books.
Most of us are at least somewhat familiar with the English folk legend of Robin Hood. There have been several variations since its medieval origins, but the most popular tells the story of a young nobleman (and skilled archer) whose lands and title are snatched by bad Prince/King John and his cronies. Taking the name Robin Hood, he goes to Sherwood Forest and gathers a band of "merry men" who rebel against the tyrannical powers that be, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, until good King Richard the Lionhearted comes back from the Crusades and sets things straight.
Douglas Fairbanks
Errol Flynn
Frank Sinatra
'Robin Hood'
Sean Connery
Kevin Costner
Patrick Bergin
Cary Elwes
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