Weird News of the World Thread - Part 1

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Some good finds Alex, I really like the one about the ancient Earth remnants

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Macau Police Raid Illegal Multi-Million Dollar World Cup Gambling Rings

Police in Macau have raided two illegal gambling rings that have yielded million dollars of bets related to this year's World Cup tournament. Officers arrested 26 in two raids on a hotel in the Chinese city, apprehending bookmakers who had been taking bets online and on the phone from across the world.

Information from the raid revealed that one gambler had placed a bet of more than $5 million alone. According to BBC News, "Gambling is mostly illegal in mainland China, although it is allowed in Macau and, to a lesser extent, Hong Kong."

There has been a recent crackdown on gambling in the Chinese cities, however, due to criminal gangs getting involved in the underground networks, authorities say. Those who were arrested were handcuffed and paraded in front of the media with with black bags over their heads.

According to the South China Morning Post:

Since the World Cup kicked off in Brazil in the early hours of Friday last week, Hong Kong police have arrested 39 suspected illegal bookmakers and confiscated betting slips worth nearly HK$85 million.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-27956173

That's a lot of cash. I know there are some seriously pissed off people upon hearing this news

 

[Alex_Spider]

http://www.trueactivist.com/scientists-link-selfies-to-narcissism-addiction-mental-illness/

Scientists Link Selfies To Narcissism, Addiction & Mental Illness

The growing trend of taking smartphone selfies is linked to mental health conditions that focus on a person’s obsession with looks.

According to psychiatrist Dr David Veal: “Two out of three of all the patients who come to see me with Body Dysmorphic Disorder since the rise of camera phones have a compulsion to repeatedly take and post selfies on social media sites.”

“Cognitive behavioural therapy is used to help a patient to recognise the reasons for his or her compulsive behaviour and then to learn how to moderate it,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

A British male teenager tried to commit suicide after he failed to take the perfect selfie. Danny Bowman became so obsessed with capturing the perfect shot that he spent 10 hours a day taking up to 200 selfies. The 19-year-old lost nearly 30 pounds, dropped out of school and did not leave the house for six months in his quest to get the right picture. He would take 10 pictures immediately after waking up. Frustrated at his attempts to take the one image he wanted, Bowman eventually tried to take his own life by overdosing, but was saved by his mom.

“I was constantly in search of taking the perfect selfie and when I realized I couldn’t, I wanted to die. I lost my friends, my education, my health and almost my life,” he told The Mirror.

The teenager is believed to be the UK’s first selfie addict and has had therapy to treat his technology addiction as well as OCD and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Part of his treatment at the Maudsley Hospital in London included taking away his iPhone for intervals of 10 minutes, which increased to 30 minutes and then an hour.

“It was excruciating to begin with but I knew I had to do it if I wanted to go on living,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

Public health officials in the UK announced that addiction to social media such as Facebook and Twitter is an illness and more than 100 patients sought treatment every year.

“Selfies frequently trigger perceptions of self-indulgence or attention-seeking social dependence that raises the damned-if-you-do and damned-if-you-don’t spectre of either narcissism or very low self-esteem,” said Pamela Rutledge in Psychology Today.

The big problem with the rise of digital narcissism is that it puts enormous pressure on people to achieve unfeasible goals, without making them hungrier. Wanting to be Beyoncé, Jay Z or a model is hard enough already, but when you are not prepared to work hard to achieve it, you are better off just lowering your aspirations. Few things are more self-destructive than a combination of high entitlement and a lazy work ethic. Ultimately, online manifestations of narcissism may be little more than a self-presentational strategy to compensate for a very low and fragile self-esteem. Yet when these efforts are reinforced and rewarded by others, they perpetuate the distortion of reality and consolidate narcissistic delusions.

The addiction to selfies has also alarmed health professionals in Thailand. “To pay close attention to published photos, controlling who sees or who likes or comments them, hoping to reach the greatest number of likes is a symptom that ‘selfies’ are causing problems,” said Panpimol Wipulakorn, of the Thai Mental Health Department.

The doctor believed that behaviours could generate brain problems in the future, especially those related to lack of confidence.

The word “selfie” was elected “Word of the Year 2013″ by the Oxford English Dictionary. It is defined as “a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website”.

"Selfies". The new accomplishment of the modern world

 

[Alex_Spider]

Inside the Garbage of the World (Documentary)

Is the Plastic Trash Island floating in the Pacific Ocean a myth? Are we getting poisoned? How long do we have before a worldwide disaster happen? This Documentary includes interview from Capt. Moore (Algalita Marine Research Institute), Anna Cummins (5 gyres Institute), Dr Andrea Neal (Jean-Michel Cousteau), Surfrider Foundation and a variety of Scientist and […]

[YT]LtoGdrkt9EY[/YT]

 

[Teelie]

http://www.trueactivist.com/scientists-link-selfies-to-narcissism-addiction-mental-illness/

"Selfies". The new accomplishment of the modern world

Too bad selfies have existed since there have been cameras. t:

Robert Cornelius struck a casual pose as he looked into the bright sunlight and took a picture of himself. In our digital age, self-portraits are literally taken a million times every day. But Robert Cornelius had to stare motionless for over five minutes when he took his own picture in October or November of 1838. It was possibly the first time anyone had ever done this.

 

[Alex_Spider]

Too bad selfies have existed since there have been cameras. t:

We got to destroy all of 'em instruments of the devil

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

http://www.trueactivist.com/scientists-link-selfies-to-narcissism-addiction-mental-illness/





"Selfies". The new accomplishment of the modern world

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Soccer Star Hope Solo Arrested On Domestic Violence Charge

Goalkeeper and Olympic gold medalist Hope Solo, aka Hope Amelia Stevens, is being held without bail at the South Correctional Entity Regional Jail in Des Moines, Wash. in an investigation on two counts of domestic-violence assault.

The goalkeeper for the Seattle Reign FC was arrested overnight after being accused of striking her sister and nephew. The report in the case says both suffered "visible injuries." Officers were called to Stevens' house, which she shares with former NFL player Jerramy Stevens, around 1am.

Kirkland police's Lieutenant Mike Murray told The Seattle Times that "There was a big party going on at her house. It was an out-of-control situation." According to USA Today, no release date for Solo has been set.

According to the Kirkland police's account of the incident, Solo appeared intoxicated.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...arrested-on-domestic-violence-probe/11207907/

This could go in the stupid thread as well but it's just so freaking weird to here about an Olympic gold medalist going to jail

 

[Octoberist]

I didn't realize that Hope has so many personal issues. Mostly due to her husband, who doesn't seem like a good guy and now she's being dragged into it, becoming a lowlife like him.

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Royal Family's Apartment Has Asbestos, Will Cost Only £4 Million to Fix

Kate Middleton and her double tufts of hair in body sacks, Prince William and porkpie Prince George, have been living in Medieval squalor at their Kensington Palace apartment. With no running water and tons of asbestos infiltrating their happy home, the repairs on the palace are reportedly going to cost UK taxpayers nearly £4 million.

These aren't the first repairs made on the royal trio's abode. Before little man-baby George was born, renovations were made to the tune of £1 million, causing a polite uproar among Brits everywhere.

As Carole Malone wrote in an op-ed last year for The Mirror:

Buck House insists these grand *palaces have to be maintained and held in trust for the nation. Really? So when was the last time any of us were invited to any of the private royal residences for tea and a digestive?

Quite! But spokespeople for the upcoming renovations stand by their decision to make the Plebeian people pay for the upkeep of a house they'll never live in.

Via BBC News:

"We also had to take into account the fact that Kensington Palace is a scheduled ancient monument, and all elements of the refurbishment had to be agreed with English Heritage.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid privately for all the internal furnishings, including carpets and curtains.

"They were also at pains to ensure that the specification is not extravagant."

Their house was last renovated in 1963 and the official details and costs of the fix-up are to come next week.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27955689

That's why her in 'Murica we have guns, so the king of England can't come and push us around!

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

N.Y. Prison Power Plant Could Be Converted Into A Museum

Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in New York state, may see its adjacent power plant turned into a prison museum in the near future, supporters say. Though many prisons in America have been converted into visitors' sites, this would be one of few nationwide with the adjoining facilities still open.

The power plant once supplied electricity for the electric chair at the Ossining, N.Y.-based prison. Plans for a museum at the prison were enacted as early as 2005, but had never gone into effect due to the economic crisis. Now, with New York state budgets focusing on tourism and construction, the plans have been resurrected.

Via the Associated Press:

Supporters envision thousands of tourists streaming "up the river" from New York to see artifacts including "Old Sparky," as the chair was known; a metal "head cage" used when prisoners were transported; and a display of prisoners' weapons, from axes made in metal shop to shivs fashioned from plastic forks.

Arthur Wolpisnky, the prison's historian and a correctional officer at the facility, believes that the museum will be a big draw. "Electrocutions, riots, escape attempts. And so much has changed over the years. Inmates can have cable TV in their cells now," he said.

The power plant is separated from the prison facility by high wall topped with guard tower, and unlike the Angola Museum at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, visitors will not get a tour of the prison itself.

Supporters of the museum say that the Sing Sing power plant museum could get up to 250,000 visitors a year.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/sing-sings-power-plant-could-become-prison-museum

Is there really that big of a market for tourist at an old prison? This is the chair we fried people with!

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Couple Rescued After Treading Water for Fourteen Hours

After falling off of their boat and treading water for over 14 hours, a couple in Florida was rescued on Saturday morning by a group of men who were out fishing. They were spotted seven miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean.

50-year-old Sean McGovern and 52-year-old Mellisa Morris fell off of their 30-foot Island Hopper boat in Key Largo at around 6 P.M. on Friday. According to WSVN, they were treading water until they were found the next morning—over 14 hours—without any life vests or means to communicate with nearby boaters:

"When we heard their story, it was pretty impressive," said [Broward Sheriff's Office firefighter Keith] Silvis, who helped pull 50-year-old Sean McGovern and 52-year-old Mellisa Morris from the Atlantic Ocean.

"[They were] pretty distraught, tired," Silvis continued. "You could tell they had been in the water for a long time."

To make matters worse, McGovern told his rescuers that they had been stung by three or four jellyfish during the course of the evening. According to BSO detective Josh Webb, who aided in the rescue, they got to the pair just in time:

"Another 30 minutes to an hour, it probably wouldn't have the same outcome as it did today, because they were in pretty bad shape. They were both cramping pretty bad, they were both very dehydrated, very tired. They appeared [to be] mildly hypothermic."

"We originally thought they were fish," said rescuer James White.

http://www.wsvn.com/story/25837505/2-boaters-rescued-off-hallandale-beach-after-drifting-overnight

After my time in the Navy and being out in the middle of the ocean with nothing around for miles, falling off a boat is one of my most feared ways to die. It would just suck so bad

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Truck Full of Pigs Overturns in Spain, Kills 2 Cyclists

A truck full of live pigs in the north of Spain in Caparosso overturned on the highway on Sunday, killing two cyclists and injuring one. The cyclists were training for an upcoming race.

Officials on the scene said that a helicopter, three ambulances, and three fire trucks had to be sent to presumably return the highway to working order and also chorale the pigs. The highway northeast of Madrid has been shut down since this morning and police are looking into the cause of the accident.

File "death by overturned pig truck" under ways I hope to never die.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/pig-truck-crash-spain-kills-2-cyclists

Such an odd way to leave this earth

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Scientist Ejected From Classical Music Concert For Trying To Crowd Surf

A recent attempt to provide an "accessible and informal" alternative to traditional classical music performances by encouraging audience members to "clap and whoop" to the music misfired this week, when an overly enthusiastic audience member attempted to crowd surf on his fellow concertgoers.

An excerpt from The Independent's coverage, one of the most consistently hilarious news-pieces we've encountered this year:

Before the performance, [Bristol Old Vic artistic director Tom Morris had] invited the audience to bring their drinks into the standing area in front of the stage and instructed them: "Clap or whoop when you like, and no shushing other people."

But [David Glowacki], a Royal Society Research Fellow, was so overcome during the 'Hallelujah Chorus' he began lurching from side to side with his hands raised and whooping before attempting to crowd-surf, witnesses claimed.

Irritated by the distraction, audience members proceeded to physically eject the Bristol University academic from the area, in what Mr Morris claims is the first such incident at a classical concert since the 18th century.

Some ticket holders are now urging Mr Morris to set clearer guidelines for acceptable behaviour but the director is unwilling to re-impose the strict rules of etiquette which he has sought to cast off.

http://www.independent.ie/world-new...surf-at-classical-music-concert-30371249.html

This is hilarious

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Buncha Mashed Potatoes All Over This Highway

There are a bunch of mashed potatoes all over a highway in North Yorkshire, England.

A section of the highway in North Yorkshire was blocked in both directions this weekend after a truck spilled its load of instant mashed potato mix. The Press—which reports that freezing chemicals used to lift the mash did not work, so high powered hoses had to be used instead—spoke to a police officer who said, "Instant mash is covering the road and cars have skidded as a result of the mash swelling up." Yum!

No one was injured in the incident.

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/112...mash_blocks_A64_in_both_directions/?ref=var_0

Waste of good mashed potatoes

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Missing MIT Student Found Dead After Falling Down Ravine in India

Kaitlin Goldstein, a doctoral student at MIT who had been missing for a week, was found dead in a ravine below a trail in a remote part of India. Goldstein, 28, apparently slipped and fell while running on the trail. She had been missing since June 14 and was in the country to attend an energy and development workshop.

Her parents travelled to India to help local authorities—as well as the State Department, the FBI, and a private security firm hired by MIT—search for their missing daughter. They told MIT, which released a statement today, that she had slipped on some loose rocks, causing her to fall several hundred feet off a cliff.

Goldstein was in her fourth year of a doctorate architecture program at MIT. Just days before her body was discovered, her brother Adam told WPRI that he was terrified that his sister might have been kidnapped.

"My hope is she just wanted to get off the grid for a while and be by herself, but anything could have happened," he said.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mit-grad-student-found-dead-in-india/

Horrible tragedy, she seemed like she had a bright future ahead of her. You have to be super careful joggin in unfamiliar places and I would never advise going running on mountains. I saw some of the mountains and cliffs they have in India on Anthony Bourdain's new show and they are no joke

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Buncha Mashed Potatoes All Over This Highway

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/112...mash_blocks_A64_in_both_directions/?ref=var_0

Waste of good mashed potatoes

When I was reading that, I thought it said high powered horses. It actually says hoses.

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Talk about horse power!

 

[Teelie]

I saw the same thing at first but my excuse is I've only woken up.

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Drug Cartel Busted Using Fake Watermelons to Smuggle Weed Into U.S

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers stopped the driver of a tractor trailer carrying what appeared to be watermelons near Tucson, Arizona Thursday. After X-ray scanning the suspicious fruit, they found millions of dollars worth of cannabis hidden inside.

The watermelons, it turned out, weren't watermelons at all, but painted facsimiles that fell somewhere in the uncanny valley of delicious fruit replicas. The faux-melon smuggler, working for a Mexican cartel, made it into the U.S., but was stopped about 20 miles from the border.

Tucson border patrol agent Bryan Flowers told Fox News:

These criminals use a lot of unique ways to try to conceal their narcotics. We've seen individuals use false compartments in the seats and gas tanks. We've also found marijuana in tractor trailers here before.'

It wasn't the first time the fruit has been used to disguise weed. In 2008, cartels were busted bringing 5,000 pounds of pot — about $8.3 million worth — into Nogales, Ariz., hidden among actual watermelons.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/06/2...smuggle-marijuana-painted-to-look-like-fruit/

What will those sneaky smugglers come up with next?

 

[Monsieur Xavier]

Royal Family's Apartment Has Asbestos, Will Cost Only £4 Million to Fix





http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27955689

That's why her in 'Murica we have guns, so the king of England can't come and push us around!

Guillotine works better than guns in that regards ( spelling ?? )

 

[DJ_KiDDvIcIOUs]

Feds Ask Judge to Dismiss Lawsuit by Insane Clown Posse

The U.S. Justice Department, busy with many, many other much more important things, has asked a judge to throw out a lawsuit filed by members of the Insane Clown Posse that objects to the FBI's 2011 classification of the group of Faygo-swillers as a "violent gang." The feds simply do not have time for this crap.

According to a report in the Associated Press, Shaggy 2 Dope and Violent J feel the gang classification violates the group's right to free speech and due process. The U.S. Justice Department says "it is not liable for any problems caused by law enforcement groups that might use information in the 2011 FBI report."

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/feds-want-lawsuit-insane-clown-posse-dismissed

While the Juggalos are a crazy, rowdy bunch of people I don't think they should be labeled as a gang. As was pointed out to me by a recent cracked article they actually do a lot of good charity work and they give these things hilarious names. Case in point, take this Juggalo group in Florida, which picks up litter from local forests and highways in honor of a fellow fan named Stephanie who died from diabetes. (In true Juggalo fashion, they named themselves the Dead Stephanie Memorial Cleanup.)

 

[Marvolo]

Too bad selfies have existed since there have been cameras. t:

Selfies predate cameras. Rembrandt and other artists put their own visage on canvas.

 

[KevanG]

True but it usually took a lot more work than anyone is willing to do for a selfie these days.

 

[Hellion]

Selfies predate cameras. Rembrandt and other artists put their own visage on canvas.

Thank you! I say something similar jokingly to my friends and they look at me so clueless…and we're artists…designers and they can't put it, string it together…

You made my day thanks…