(Photo by J. Paul Morton) Help Wanted: Completely ethical, reasonable, and sane scientist (though they called me mad! Mad, am I? I'll show them. I'll show them all!) needs discreet assistant for unique recycling projects at a ground-breaking startup. Benefits include private working conditions, flexible hours (must be available on dark and stormy nights), and plenty of physical exercise. We're looking for someone who is detail-oriented and has a knack for jumping in and digging up leads. Get in on the ground floor (or even below the ground) of this electrifying opportunity. Candidates with own shovels and ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal brains preferred. Hunchbacks encouraged. Whistle-blowers and those with scruples or weak stomachs need not apply. No background check. Please contact Dr. V. Frankenstein, Abandoned Castle at the Top of the Hill, Transylvania. EOE. Suggested Sites... Find a Grave - inspired to dig up someone famous? Here's where to find them. The International Society of Mad Scientists - dedicated to disseminating information about unusual projects in any field. Improbable Research - awarded for achievements that "first make people laugh, and then make them think." Mad Scientists and the Movies - "to a new world of god and monsters!" Wikipedia: List of Mad Scientists - from Dr. Jekyll to Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and every stop in between.

Directory categories: Funerals, Frankenstein, Zombies, Transylvania, Horror Movies

Archived under: Crime, Death, Halloween, Horror, In Character, Science, Zombies

Post a comment (1) | Email this posting

(Photo by Bialy-Fox) For many residents in the northeastern U.S., Halloween isn't the scariest night of the season at all. That dubious distinction belongs to tonight, Devil's Night, when the scares are more tangible than supernatural. Also known as Mischief Night or Cabbage Night in some places, the theme is the same all over: devious pranksters get a head start on the "trick" part of trick-or-treat by toilet-papering houses, smashing pumpkins, and committing other minor acts of vandalism. However, the allure of destruction proved too tempting for some in places like Detroit. For much of the 1980s, Devil's Night turned the economically-struggling Detroit into a war zone, with serious acts of vandalism and rampant arson. The destruction peaked in 1984, shortly after the Tigers won the World Series, when over 800 arson fires were set, doing millions of dollars in damage to an already depressed city. Since then, the Devils' Night destruction has declined with the help of a city curfew and the efforts of concerned Angels' Night volunteers. These angels patrol the streets and guard vacant buildings against arsonists, protecting their community from devils and idle hands. Suggested Sites... Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Detroit's Devil's Night But Were Afraid to Ask - a first-hand account from a Detroit resident. Halloween Pranks - Prank Institute forums for sharing tricks. Angels' Night Volunteer Campaign - 50,000 Detroiters make the night less devilish.

Directory categories: Devil's Night, Halloween, Detroit, Practical Jokes and Pranks

Archived under: Crime, Halloween, Society and Culture

Post a comment (2) | Email this posting

Photo by Emiliano Spada For many, a typical meal is a quick burger, a bucket of fried chicken, or a couple slices of double-stuffed pizza. Said meal is too often eaten on the run, standing up, at a desk, or while speeding down the highway. As so many dine at the altars of Ronald, Wendy, or Jack, some folks think we could slow it down and eat better. In response to the proliferation of fast food, some high-minded food fanatics began the Slow Food movement in 1989. Like all good revolutionaries, they created a manifesto with a simple message: Slow down and enjoy "good, clean, and fair food" -- all while promoting biodiversity. This weekend in Turin, Italy, the biennial Terra Madre is serving up fresh eats from around the globe. Dubbed a "world meeting of food communities," the Terra Madre attracts sustainable food producers from all corners of the globe. Savor Albanian cheese. Sample Zambian honey. The Terra Madre is spreading the word about good, healthy food so foodies can kick back and delight in their meals, one taste bud at a time. Bon appetit! Notice of edit: The word "alter" was incorrectly used in the place of "altar." Thanks to our watchful readers for alerting us about the mistake. - Yahoo! Editors Suggested Sites... Slow Food - trying to stem the tide of fast food. Terra Madre 2006 Blog - all about good food. Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity - conserving biodiversity to improve lives, communities, and cultures. Edible Schoolyard - one school in Berkeley, California, is trying to spark a revolution in the way kids eat. NPR: Saving Slow Food in Turin - reminding people to savor their sustenance.

Directory categories: Slow Food, Food Organizations, Cooking Techniques, Food Magazines

Post a comment (3) | Email this posting

Shopping for a new helicopter (From MillionaireFair.com) Sure, Warren Buffet wears cheap suits and noshes burgers at the local diner, but other folks with mounds of moola like to spend, spend, spend. Whether it's Paris Hilton slurping fancy water, Euro swingers splashing off the back of their yachts, or hedge-fund dudes building massive estates, spending money is usually not a problem for the rich. Alas, some confused millionaires need a hand in unloading their dough. Thankfully, for muddled magnates looking for that first helicopter there is the Millionaire Fair -- a glittering orgy of luxury goods for VIPs and "the political, administrative, business and cultural elite." If you think your alligator skin wallet can take the hit, and you want to get in on the glitz, pack your diamonds and furs on a private jet to Moscow. Don't miss your chance to buy the latest jewel-encrusted cell phone, sample chichi champagne and cavier, or pick up a small boat. Suggested Sites... Millionaire Fair - one-stop shopping for all the essential millionaire products. Born Rich - looking for ways to help you spend money. Luxist - blog about really pricey luxuries. Rich Guy - wealthy-speak for dorks. The World's Billionaires - those millionaires better start saving if they want to keep up with Bill and Warren.

Directory categories: Shopping, Shopping Blogs, Diamonds, Furs, Financial Planning

Archived under: Business, Events, Fanatics, Millionaires, Shopping

Post a comment (109) | Email this posting

A Wiccan priestess performs a self-blessing ritual (Photo by Kelly Houser) When England got around to repealing its anti-witchcraft laws -- in 1951 -- a guy called Gerald Gardner had cause to celebrate. A long-time Wiccan, Gardner was finally able to publish his book "Witchcraft Today" in 1954. It ignited the revival of Wicca. Known for casting spells and worshipping the Horned God, Wiccans historically suffered persecution throughout Europe. Witch-haters falsely linked Wicca with Satanism and declared the religion evil. For centuries, Wiccans were imprisoned and executed for believing in magic, for celebrating the Pagan holy days, and for choosing the pentagram as their spiritual symbol. In popular culture, images of scary witches riding brooms and brewing up curses have obscured the real practice of witchcraft. The earth-based Wiccan religion possesses an altruistic moral code to promote peace, just as most other religions, and today Wiccans still fight for equal rights and respect all over the world. No matter what your beliefs are, it couldn't hurt to try a simple ritual to bless your morning brew. Suggested Sites... The Witches' Voice - peek into the lives of Wiccans and Pagans. The Wiccan/Pagan Times - interviews with witches and druids. BBC: Wicca - learn about Wicca through a summary covering origins, gods, structure, and rites. Wicca.com: Witchcraft, Wicca, and Paganism FAQ - get answers to common questions about everything Wiccan. Bewitching Ways.com: Rituals - the Wiccan way to cast circles, invoke deities, and purify yourself.

Directory categories: Wicca, Witch Hunts, Wiccan Beliefs and Practices, Paganism

Archived under: England, Regional, Religion, Society and Culture, Witches

Post a comment (1) | Email this posting