It’s back-to-work Monday and nothing’s better than starting off the week with a few laughs, at other people’s expense.
Here’s your round-up of ODD news from the past week...
N.Y. court sniffs at ex-cop’s drugged-dinner claim Associated Press
NEW YORK — A former New York City counterterrorism detective who says he was unfairly fired as a result of a failed drug test he blamed on his wife’s marijuana-spiked meatballs has lost a court bid to get his job back.
A state appeals court upheld Anthony Chiofalo’s dismissal Thursday. The 22-year veteran was suspended in 2005 after failing a random drug test and was fired in 2007.
Catherine Chiofalo told police investigators she secretly substituted marijuana for oregano in meatballs, hoping a failed test would make her husband leave police work.
Anthony Chiofalo’s lawyer, Philip Karasyk, says he’s considering options for continuing the case.
Police department lawyer Edward Hart says there was more marijuana in Chiofalo’s system than the meatballs could explain.
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N.Y. driver used mannequin in car pool lane Associated Press
ISLANDIA, N.Y. — The tip-off was the sunglasses.
A New Yorker faces a $135 traffic fine for using a mannequin as her “plus one” in the high-occupancy vehicle lane of the Long Island Expressway.
An alert sheriff’s deputy on Long Island became suspicious this week when he saw the “passenger” wearing sunglasses and using the visor.
The problem: The sky was overcast.
The mannequin used as a plus-one in the high-occupancy lane of the Long Island Expressway. (AP Photo/Suffolk County Sheriff)
When he stopped the vehicle, he found the mannequin, fully dressed with a long dark wig, blazer, shirt and scarf.
The 61-year-old driver left with a summons.
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Man dumped over embedded text messages UPI
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Suggestive text messages embedded in a new cell phone cost a Winnipeg, Manitoba, man his relationship when his girlfriend discovered them, officials said.
The 49-year-old man, who didn't want to be identified, told the Winnipeg Free Press his girlfriend of more than two years found the messages on the phone and a break-up fight ensued.
He said he didn't even know the Samsung Virgin Mobile phone was text-equipped, but the three messages that came with the phone cost him the relationship.
They included "Booty call," "Where u at," and "Be there soon," the newspaper said.
He said Virgin Mobile advised him to file a written complaint.
He also showed the messages to staff at the Future Shop store where he bought the cell phone.
"At first, we didn't believe him," said sales associate Mike Ford. "But when we looked at a couple of the same phones he bought, and found they all had the same messages ... we all felt horrible."
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Police say man stuffed 75 bottles of lotion in pants Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Police say a Massachusetts man who stuffed 75 bottles of body lotion in his pants couldn’t slip away from authorities, hampered by slacks that were nearly bursting at the seams.
Springfield police say 30-year-old Chamil Guadarrama of Framingham was charged with larceny after the incident Wednesday night at Bath and Body Works in the Eastfield Mall.
Police say mall security officers chased Guadarrama, but he had stuffed so many of the eight-ounce lotion containers in his pants that he could barely run. Police say he could not bend over to get in the police cruiser until some of the bottles were removed.
It was unclear if Guadarrama has an attorney. A telephone number for him could not immediately be found Thursday.
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Some random ODD questions:
Are you a fan of meatballs?
Would you seat a big stuffed teddy bear in the car to keep you company?
Sexiest text you've ever sent?
Bra stuffing — Go for it or just plain wrong?
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O&E ODD images of the day: The lotion thief should've gone with this tactic...
It's Super Bowl Sunday! Are you watching the big game or going shopping where the stores shouldn't be as crowded?
For those who may be anticipating what the best commercials are, here's what people are saying to watch out for:
10 ads to look for during the Super Bowl By EMILY FREDRIX
AP Marketing Writer
Ten ads to look for during the Super Bowl:
ANHEUSER-BUSCH: The brewer has five minutes of ads this year to pitch Bud Light, Budweiser and others. Scientists choose to drink when they realize an asteroid is coming and a man loves Bud Light so much he builds his house out of its cans. Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong appears in an ad for low-calorie beer Michelob Ultra.
Part of a Bud Light television ad to air during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Anheuser-Busch)
DENNY’S: The restaurant chain is giving out free Grand Slams again and shows what the announcement will mean for chickens, who are urged in the ad to take any unused vacation time so they can miss out on the extra work involved in serving more people.
BOOST MOBILE: The 1985 Chicago Bears reunite to perform a new version of the Super Bowl Shuffle, this time pitching the prepaid wireless carrier. Original shuffler Jim McMahon stars, riding on an electric scooter. Other originals including Mike Singletary, Willie Gault, Otis Wilson, Richard Dent, Steve Fuller and Maury Buford, reappear, as does coach Mike Ditka. William “Refrigerator” Perry is absent.
(AP Photo/Boost Mobile)
COCA-COLA: The world’s largest soft drink maker has two Super Bowl ads this year. In one, miserly Mr. Burns, the richest man on “The Simpsons,” loses his fortune but finds happiness. In another, a man goes sleepwalking through an African safari.
KIA: Children’s toys, including a teddy bear and sock monkey, joyride in the Sorrento SUV. They go bowling, get a tattoo, and party in Las Vegas, set to rock tune “How do you like me now?” by British band The Heavy.
(AP Photo/Kia)
DOCKERS: Men march across a hillside, singing happily about not wearing pants. But the ad for Dockers, a Levi Strauss & Co. brand, tells men it’s time to “wear the pants” as part of a new campaign to reinvigorate sales of khakis.
HOMEAWAY.COM: The vacation rental site launches a yearlong campaign tied to the Griswold family of “National Lampoon’s Vacation” fame. The ad, starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo as the quirky, traveling Griswold family, sends viewers to a 15-minute film on the company’s Web site.
Beverly D'Angelo, left, as Ellen Griswold, and Chevy Chase, as Clark Griswold, appear in an ad for vacation-rental Web site HomeAway. (AP Photo/HomeAway)
TACO BELL: Basketball star Charles Barkley rhymes about everything diners can get in the NBA 5 Buck Box.
SNICKERS: Actress Betty White plays football and tears past her opponents to set herself up for a pass in this ad for the Mars brand. In a teaser, the announcer says, “She’s one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood but would you want her on your team? Watch the Super Bowl and find out.” “Barney Miller” actor Abe Vigoda also appears.
Part of a Super Bowl ad featuring actress Betty White. (AP Photo/Snickers)
VOLKSWAGEN: The car brand reinvents the game of “punch buggy” to acquaint Americans with its lineup. In the new version called “Punch Dub” (short for “W”), people hit each other when they see any type of Volkswagen, and shout out its color. Comedian Tracy Morgan appears.
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I tend to look forward to the halftime shows though I can't seem to remember the last good one I saw. But here's a look back at one very popular one...
Michael Jackson halftime show for some nostalgic times
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Anyone remember this Super Bowl commercial last year? So ODD...
I've always been fascinated by this subject as I've been told I do more than just talk in my sleep. It's amazing how someone who is obviously sleeping can form coherent sentences (though most people probably mumble) and seem to be carrying on a one-sided conversation.
If one was really curious on what was being said in his or her sleep and didn't want to depend on someone to tell them what was heard the next day, I wonder if doing a recording would work. Or would you subconsciously not sleep talk that night because you know it is being recorded?
Well, I guess the main thing is your partner doesn't log down what you say in your sleep and then make your bedtime sounds a public diary...
A woman who blogs the nocturnal musings of her sleep-talking husband has seen his ramblings become an online sensation.
Karen, from New York, says she decided to start logging some of the things her English husband Adam says in his sleep because they are too good to miss.
A typical night can see Karen woken up by Adam saying things like "I'm making pillows. Burn them slowly, keeps them fluffy! Mmmmmm, pillows."
He often comes up with five or six odd sayings in a single night, which are the following day posted to the Sleep Talkin' Man blog, which is read by thousands of people.
Karen has now even started selling T-shirts with some of his funniest late-night mumblings.
Don't leave the duck there. It's totally irresponsible.
I haven't put on weight. Your eyes are fat.
Legs time! Everybody get your legs!
I can't control the kittens. Too many whiskers!
Badger tickling: Proceed with caution
Do you like what you see? Well, bloody look harder!
So this is what it feels like to be a gummy bear
I can't believe in God when I'm THIS good
My vision of hell is a lentil casserole
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What's the best line you ever heard from a sleep-talker?
Are you a sleep-talker? I've been told I grunt, grumble and often shout in my sleep. So the world pisses me off in my sleep also? I find this so ODD considering I always go to bed thinking about my fantasies... I guess I'm just a poor, tortured and tormented soul.
And if you don't sleep talk much, do you dream much? Anyone have recurring dreams (or nightmares) that they can clearly remember? Or do most of you have ODD dreams?
Many times I dream I'm doing something that I need to do (such as remember to bring my checkbook to work) and go through the motions hoping it will actually happen. Very strange as I have to remember the next morning to actually do the said task...
No story today, but just passing on another fun e-mail. The stereotype is that athletes are all brawn and no brain though I'm sure there are many exceptions to that rule.
As I don't follow sports very much, maybe some of you can tell us if these quotes from these famous sports stars were really said... I especially liked #7.
Why Athletes Can't Have Regular Jobs
1. Chicago Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson on being a role model: "I wan' all dem kids to do what I do, to look up to me. I wan' all the kids to copulate me."
2. New Orleans Saint RB George Rogers when asked about the upcoming season: "I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first."
3. And, upon hearing Joe Jacobi of the 'Skin's say: "I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl," Matt Millen of the Raiders said: "To win, I'd run over Joe's Mom, too."
4. Torrin Polk, University of Houston receiver, on his coach, John Jenkins: "He treats us like men. He lets us wear earrings."
5. Football commentator and former player Joe Theismann: "Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein."
6. Senior basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh: "I'm going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes." (Now that is beautiful)
7. Bill Peterson, a Florida State football coach: "You guys line up alphabetically by height." And, "You guys pair up in groups of three, and then line up in a circle."
8. Boxing promoter Dan Duva on Mike Tyson going to prison: "Why would anyone expect him to come out smarter? He went to prison for three years, not Princeton."
9. Stu Grimson, Chicago Black Hawks left wing, explaining why he keeps a color photo of himself above his locker: "That's so when I forget how to spell my name, I can still find my clothes."
10. Lou Duva, veteran boxing trainer, on the Spartan training regime of heavyweight Andrew Golota: "He's a guy who gets up at six o'clock in the morning, regardless of what time it is."
11. Chuck Nevitt , North Carolina State basketball player, explaining to Coach Jim Valvano why he appeared nervous at practice: "My sister's expecting a baby, and I don't know if I'm going to be an uncle or an aunt." (I wonder if his IQ ever hit room temperature in January)
12. Frank Layden, Utah Jazz president, on a former player: "I told him, 'Son, what is it with you? Is it ignorance or apathy?' He said, 'Coach, I don't know and I don't care.'"
13. Shelby Metcalf, basketball coach at Texas A&M, recounting what he told a player who received four F's and one D: "Son, looks to me like you're spending too much time on one subject."
14. In the words of NC State great Charles Shackelford: "I can go to my left or right, I am amphibious."
15. Amarillo High School and Oiler coach Bum Phillips when asked by Bob Costas why he takes his wife on all the road trips, Phillips responded: "Because she is too damn ugly to kiss good-bye."
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So share any memorable lines from some of your favorite and no-so-favorite athletes. Interesting how misuse of the English language can be so ODD!
We all know how addicting video games or computer games can be. Some spend hours playing and others' main mission seems to be getting a higher score than their opponents...
If you're one of these gaming addicts, how do you know your limits? Do you give yourself a set playing time or maybe stop when you reach a certain score? Or is it more when your vision gets blurred and your hands tired?
Well, as long as you don't go to prison, I suppose you can play to your heart's content...
Game over: Inmate can’t play Dungeons & Dragons By SCOTT BAUER
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. — A man serving life in prison for first-degree intentional homicide lost his legal battle Monday to play Dungeons & Dragons behind bars.
Kevin T. Singer filed a federal lawsuit against officials at Wisconsin’s Waupun prison, arguing that a policy banning all Dungeons & Dragons material violated his free speech and due process rights.
Prison officials instigated the Dungeons & Dragons ban among concerns that playing the game promoted gang-related activity and was a threat to security. Singer challenged the ban but the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last week upheld it as a reasonable policy.
Dungeons & Dragons players create fictional characters and carry out their adventures, often working together as a group, with the help of complicated rules.
Singer, 33, has been a devoted player of the fantasy role-playing game since he was a child, according to the court ruling. After the ban went into effect, prison officials confiscated dozens of Dungeons & Dragons books and magazines in his cell as well as a 96-page manuscript he had written detailing a potential scenario for the game that players could act out.
Prison officials enacted the ban in 2004 after an inmate sent an anonymous letter expressing concern about Singer and three other inmates forming a “gang” focused around playing the game.
Singer was told by prison officials that he could not keep the materials because Dungeons & Dragons “promotes fantasy role playing, competitive hostility, violence, addictive escape behaviors, and possible gambling,” according to the ruling.
The prison later developed a more comprehensive policy against all types of fantasy games, the court said.
The appeals court said the prison’s policy was reasonable and did not violate Singer’s rights.
“After all, punishment is a fundamental aspect of imprisonment, and prisons may choose to punish inmates by preventing them from participating in some of their favorite recreations,” the court said.
Singer was sentenced to life in prison in 2002 after being found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide in the killing of his sister’s boyfriend. The man was bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer.
Department of Corrections spokesman John Dipko said the department was pleased with the decision and will continue to enforce rules that are designed to maintain a safe environment.
Singer’s court-appointed attorney, W.C. Turner Herbert of North Carolina, also did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
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What are your thoughts on so-called luxury activities for inmates? Can certain games really become a real-life threat to security?
Do you enjoy all types of games or have your personal favorites? I've always been a fan of puzzle or word games. Strategy games are the most intriguing to me. I also like simple graphics and a noncomplicated objective. Ms. Pac-Man, Bejeweled, Zuma.
What are some of the more ODD game titles you have seen or played? Are those games still around today?
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O&E image of the day: Honey Toast time! Guess which BEE is sitting next to me. Anyone recognize that shoulder?
