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With the Army's disclosure that Army Spc. Ivan Lopez was being evaluated for post-traumatic stress disorder before he went on a shooting rampage Wednesday, there were once again questions about whether the Army could have prevented the violence at Fort Hood.
Experts in mental health say (even as more facts about Lopez emerge) that it's highly unlikely the violence could have been predicted. Just raising that question, psychologists and psychiatrists say, shows how much Americans misunderstand the link between mental illness and violence.
One national survey in 2006 found that most Americans — 60 percent — believed people with schizophrenia were likely to be violent. But the vast majority of people with psychiatric disorders are not violent. In fact, another study found they are far more likely to be the victims of violence, and that 1 in 4 experience violence every year.
Dr. Carl Bell, a psychiatrist at the University of Illinois at Chicago, says being able to predict who will be violent in advance "is impossible."
"The reality," Bell says, "is that prediction of violence is only useful in an immediate clinical situation: Someone comes in and says, 'I'm going to kill myself.' Then you take their word for it, and can predict violence in the short term. But you cannot use that to predict violence in the long term."
Army officials said Thursday that Lopez had seen a psychiatrist in the past month, but there were no indications that he was suicidal.
Dr. Thomas Grieger, a clinical and forensic psychiatrist who worked in military hospitals for three decades, says that one reason violence is so hard to predict is because it is so rare. "Acts of extreme violence and acts against yourself — suicide attempts — are so infrequent that it really becomes almost impossible to predict when any individual or situation is going to escalate to that," Grieger says. "So many factors come to play: interpersonal relationships, difficulty in the workplace, issues at home, career issues and true mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorder or psychosis."
Medications are another complicating factor — which ones and whether a soldier was taking them. For many troops back from deployment, multiple medications are prescribed to deal with pain, mental health issues and other problems. Army officials say Lopez had been prescribed Ambien, a drug to help him sleep, and other medications to treat anxiety and depression.
Still, there are a few factors that are more likely than others to be present among people who do become violent. The best predictor of future violence is whether a person with a psychiatric illness has been arrested or acted violently in the past. And people with substance abuse problems, on top of mental illness, are also at a greater risk of committing violence.
Bell says there's growing study of "mass murder preceding suicide." In these cases, someone who goes on a shooting spree wants to die, but wants to do so in a way that gets a lot of attention.
"There's a huge dynamic in suicide where people get angry because they're hurt," Bell says. "They say, 'I'll fix you. I will kill myself and I'll get even with you.' What better way to get even (and make a big splash) than to kill a bunch of people before you kill yourself?" It's been reported that Lopez shot himself, bringing his shooting spree to an end, after he was confronted by a police officer.
This was the second mass shooting at Fort Hood in less than five years. Last year, Maj. Nidal Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, was sentenced to death for killing 13 people and wounding 32 others in the November 2009 shooting that remains the worst mass murder at a military installation.
It's more reasonable to question whether the Army could have prevented Hasan's violence — but not because of mental illness. The FBI had seen email that Hasan had sent to the website of terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki, expressing his own sympathy toward suicide bombers.
And, as my NPR colleague Daniel Zwerdling reported, Hasan's supervisor at Walter Reed Army Medical Center was so concerned about Hasan's "pattern of poor judgment and a lack of professionalism" that he wrote a memo sharply criticizing the doctor. That kind of document could have ended a military career.
But instead, the Army — with a shortage of psychiatrists and a flood of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with mental health problems — kept Hasan working.
After the 2009 shootings, the Pentagon commissioned a report on how to prevent a repeat of the shootings. The report made 47 recommendations for how to improve security. One was to improve training so that military personnel could better "identify contributing factors and behavioral indicators of potentially violent actors." Another was simply to realize that its own soldiers could be a threat. Another was to find ways to restrict the carrying of personal firearms on military bases. Lopez, it's been reported, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound from a .45-caliber Smith & Wesson semiautomatic pistol. The gun, according to media reports, was purchased at the same Killeen, Texas, store where Hasan bought his pistol.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Gage County Criminal Lawyer
Top Gage County Criminal Lawyers are Here to Help
Criminal charges can be tough to deal with and often make a big impact on your life. Everything from your community reputation to your criminal background record is on the line. You need professional support from a criminal attorney today.
Gage County criminal attorneys are waiting to hear from you and are ready to help. The sooner you pick up the phone and make the call, the better your chances are to avoid fines and jail time. Our highly trained lawyers will assist you and your family as you recount the facts of the case. They practice high ethical standards and will communicate with you throughout the process of your criminal case. You will just need to share your side of things with your Gage County defense attorney and trust his or her advice. Don't waste any more time. If you are facing charges, contact our attorneys today for your free consultation.
Many Areas of Practice
The lawyer that will be a good fit for you is the one that knows the state and county laws that concern your case. Our Gage County attorneys are experienced with a wide variety of charges. They will provide you with excellent legal protection for a wide spectrum of criminal charges like domestic violence, assault, juvenile crimes, fraud, theft and many more. While you have the right to remain silent until you meet with a lawyer, do not forget you must also cooperate with legal authorities. Don't put off giving us a call. Whether you have just been charged with a crime or you expect charges to come down, you should start the process as soon as possible to make sure you are protecting your rights.
Quality DUI Defense
DUIs are some of the most frequent charges that are brought against individuals. Many attorneys practice DUI defense but county charges vary greatly. Depending on specific county laws, you may be looking at jail time, alcohol education courses and even hefty fines or suspended driver's license.
Our DUI defense attorneys will be able to help you explore the options you have for your case. Depending on the exact details of your case and the experience of your lawyer, you may be able to receive minimal penalties. An experienced lawyer will also help you understand if you may qualify as a first offender, what type of penalty you may face and will work with you to plan a strategy for defense.
A criminal record could have many negative effects on your life including your ability to volunteer, win scholarships, be accepted to colleges and even maintain good standing with your employer. If you don't fight a DUI charge it could result in even more penalties than the ones given by the county. Relying on a skilled defense attorney can help ease the strain on your life and family and offer the support you need.
Getting the Help from a Gage County Defense Attorney You Need
County law is extremely specific and the statutes in one county will not always conform to those in another. This is why it is very important to seek the specific advice of a criminal attorney in your own area. Our local lawyers understand what you are going through and they have built relationships with local authorities like judges and prosecutors which can help if your case must to go to trial.
Your Initial Meeting with Your Gage County Attorney
During your first meeting, you will be able to discuss the specific details of the charges. Your lawyer will be able to offer recommendations and you will talk about different available options like court cases and plea bargains.
It is very important that you are totally honest about your side of the story as this will help your attorney figure out the proper steps to take. The more you are able to share, the better your chances are at making an informed decision about your case.
This initial consultation should be done as soon as possible so you can protect your rights. Charges from the county could affect your job, you community standing and much more. You can get the protection that you and your family need when you contact your lawyer right away.
Helping Your Lawyer
During the consultations with your attorney, you should be forthcoming and honest. You should also bring all paperwork that is needed, be respectful of time by keeping appointments, and properly follow the advice that your lawyer gives you. It is also important to remain patient throughout the case. While it is understandable that you may be stressed and frightened, you also need to give your attorney time to get your case in order.
Contact a Gage County Criminal Lawyer Right Now
Now is the time to set your defense in motion in order to protect your rights. Local law is complicated but you can trust that our county criminal attorneys are experienced, confident and trustworthy. You can avoid further issues by contacting one of our lawyers today.

subset: commoncrawl


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For about two weeks now, 24-year-old Aimee Copeland has battled a rare flesh-eating bacteria she contracted after cutting herself when she fell from a homemade zipline. The disease claimed her left leg and will likely take her fingers as well, but her family reports she is showing signs of recovery.
Although necrotizing fasciitis is rare, it's a very serious disease. Within a short period of time, it can destroy skin, fat and tissue surrounding muscles. According to WebMD, about 1 in 4 people die from the infection, regardless of how healthy they are when they contract it.
(MORE: Morgellons Mystery: No Medical Explanation for 'Crawling Skin' Disease)
Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by several kinds of bacteria, including some of the same bacteria that causes strep throat. The bacteria that infected Copeland is called Aeromonas hydrophila and can be found found in warm, brackish waters. Aeromonas hydrophila is typically contracted through swallowing, which results in nausea, but it can also infect open wounds, as in Copeland's case.
Copeland, a psychology graduate student at the University of West Georgia, was kayaking with friends when she tried a homemade zipline that snapped, causing a large gash in her left calf. She was immediately sent to the hospital where doctors closed her wound with 22 staples. A few days later, Copeland's friend returned her to the hospital after she reported continued pain. She was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis and airlifted to JMS Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia where doctors amputated her left leg. Following the surgery, Copeland went into cardiac arrest, but was resuscitated, CNN affiliate WGCL reported.
(MORE: Bugs Crawling Under Your Skin? It's All in Your Mind)
"When [Aeromonas hydrophila] gets into those deeper tissues, it has a remarkable ability to destroy the tissues that surround it in sort of this hunt for nutrition. When it does that, those tissues die, and you see the inflammation and the swelling and the destruction that can be very difficult to control," Dr. Buddy Creech, an assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University, told CNN. Creech says Copeland's case was more uncommon since she was not affected by swallowing, but her wound got "infected and the infection (ran) wild."
Doctors were initially unsure Copeland would survive the night after her surgery, but she continues to show slow recovery signs. On Saturday, the University of West Georgia psychology department (where Copeland is a student) posted on their blog:
Aimee will suffer the loss of her fingers, however physicians have hope of bringing life back to the palms of her hands, which could allow her the muscle control to use helpful prosthetics. They are awaiting a safe time before embarking on surgery for this.
Read more about necrotizing fasciitis symptoms and treatment from the National Institutes of Health.


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Date(s): 22/03/2023
Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM (UTC+00)
Quantum Research Group.
Experiences & research of mind in the Quantum Space.
What we do.
Our work is related to various kinds of experiments related to the information field, quantum entanglement, information transfer over a distance, space-time and zero point as a gate to other dimensions.
At the same time, we are also carrying out development work on new versions and additional modules of the Holographic Quantum Machine.
Private Groups.
If you have several friends and an interesting topic to explore in extended states of consciousness, we invite you to create your own private group. Sessions in the Quantum Space add depth to all paths of self-development. If you want to try your first quantum session, check out here.


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You are logged in as:
Your tax invoice can be downloaded on flysaa.com under Manage & Fly 72 hours after the e-ticket has been issued.
If a Tax Invoice has been successfully generated from the South African Airways Tax Invoice System, the onus rests on the recipient to ensure that his/her mailbox has enough space to receive an e-mail - with a PDF attachment; and that his//her service provider or exchange server allows for delivery of such e-mails. South African Airways, can not take responsibility for undelivered e-mails due to any other reasons beyond our control including the above.
Prescribed details required from the South African Revenue Service on a tax invoices
Tax invoices must ordinarily reflect the following details as prescribed by the South African Revenue Service Act, 1997 (Act No. 34 of 1997):
Johannesburg, 22 July 2012. South African Airways (SAA) today announced a number of additional flights, as well as additional capacity on popular summer holidays routes.
Effective 03 October 2012, SAA will offer non-stop daily flights between Johannesburg and Mumbai in India. The additional frequency comes hot on the heels of the fifth (5th) weekly frequency the airline launched on 16 June 2012 and the sixth (6th) due to start on 21 August 2012.
"The increase in frequencies echoes our commitment to the Indian market and means that SAA customers can catch a direct flight between Johannesburg and Mumbai any day of the week. This is also SAA's response to market demand as over the last three years there has been a consistent growth in the market between southern Africa and India. South Africa's entry into the BRICS alliance has also played a significant role leading to noticeable increase in investment activities between India and South Africa," said Theunis Potgieter, SAA's General Manager Commercial.
This is good news for travellers looking for convenient and faster direct flights as SAA is currently the only carrier that offers non-stop services between South Africa and India.
The route is serviced with an A330-200 Airbus, one of SAA's newest and most fuel efficient aircraft, with 36 business and 186 economy class seats.
"This announcement is part of SAA's overall route optimisation which is in line with our strategy to ensure better, more frequent regional and long haul services on routes showing a growing demand for business and leisure travel to and from South and southern Africa. The strongest growth is currently being experienced on SAA routes to various destinations in Africa, Asia, Australasia, and Latin America. Passengers flying with SAA realise the convenient connectivity to 26 (soon to be 28) African destinations and to key cities in South America and Australasia offered through our hub, OR Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg," Potgieter explained.
Nairobi to get three additional flights, bringing the tally to ten Effective 13 September 2012, SAA will add three (3) flights to its daily schedule which increases the service between Johannesburg and Nairobi in Kenya from seven (7) to ten (10) flights per week.
"Kenya is a key destination in our East Africa operation and by increasing capacity we are again rewarding our loyal customers with a variety of travelling options that they can tailor to match their travel needs. We will continue operating this route with a combination of the Boeing 738, offering 32 business and 125 economy seats, and the Airbus A319 with a capacity of 25 seats in business class and 95 in economy," said Potgieter.
Additional flights ahead of the peak summer season To meet demand, SAA will be adding capacity to its popular summer holidays routes. First in line will be Brazil with the current ten (10) flights weekly between Sao Paulo and Johannesburg increasing to eleven (11). This additional capacity will be added between 06 October 2012 and 13 March 2013; using a combination of the Airbus A332 and A343.
Further, during the summer holidays, a wide-body aircraft will be deployed to meet demand on the Johannesburg to Mauritius route, which has historically proved to be more popular during the said period.
Between mid-December and mid-January; the same will happen on the Johannesburg to Cape Town route when a bigger aircraft will be deployed to cater for an increase in demand by holiday travelers.
"In addition to adjusting our schedules as per seasonal changes, we have also planned accordingly to ensure that we meet leisure travel demand that usually peaks during the summer holidays. Cape Town, Brazil and Mauritius have year after year showed consistent demand during these holidays. Our reservations system has been updated accordingly and we encourage travellers to make bookings early," Potgieter concluded. *** ENDS ***
For more information contact: Dileseng Koetle Head: Communications Tel: +27 11 978 2298 Mobile: +27 83 400 0041 Email: email@example.com Or
Kabelo Ledwaba Communications Manager (External) Email: email@example.com Mobile: +27 (0)83 414 4720 Tel: +27 (0)11 978 2760
About SAA South African Airways (SAA) is the leading carrier in Africa, serving 26 destinations across the continent, as well as major destinations within South Africa and internationally from its Johannesburg hub. It is a member of the largest international airline network, Star Alliance. SAA's core business is the provision of passenger airline and cargo transport services together with related services, which are provided through SAA and its four wholly owned subsidiaries: SAA Technical; Mango its low cost carrier; Air Chefs, the catering entity of SAA and South African Travel Centre (SATC). SAA CEO Siza Mzimela is the first woman to be appointed to the IATA Board of Governors in its 67 year history. Siza Mzimela is also the President of the African Airlines of Southern Africa (AFRAA). SAA is the winner of the 'Best Airline in Africa' Award in the regional category for nine consecutive years and the winner of 'Service Excellence Africa' for two consecutive years. Mango and SAA hold the number one and number two successive spots as South Africa's most on time airlines.


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The remains of two people, presumed to be a missing passenger and crew member from the ill-fated Costa Concordia, have been located by divers near the site of the wrecked cruise liner that was righted last week in a dramatic salvage operation off the Italian coast.
Authorities say DNA tests will be needed to confirm whether the remains are of an Indian waiter, Russel Rebello, and passenger Grazia Trecarichi of Sicily. The two are the last unaccounted for among the 32 people killed in the January 2012 wreck.
Coast Guard and Customs Service divers found the bodies near the center portion of the ship, where the two were reportedly last seen alive.
The Associated Press quotes Civil Protection chief Franco Gabrielli telling reporters that victims' relatives, who had traveled to the island in hopes that their loved ones' remains could be found, were immediately notified of the discovery.
The Costa Concordia's captain, Francesco Schettino, is currently on trial in Italy for manslaughter and abandoning his post during the disaster.
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Lindsay Lohan vows her troubled past is behind her
NEW YORK (AP) — Lindsay Lohan says this time it's going to be different.
In an interview that aired Sunday with Oprah Winfrey, the trouble-prone actress declared that this, her sixth stint in rehab, has put her on a path of recovery.
Lohan said she's in "a different head space" now and vowed to stay "present and clear-headed and focused."
"I feel whole again," she told Winfrey, "and I have such a desire to want to keep this feeling and stay this way, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
Lohan, 27, completed her latest court-ordered stay in rehab in July. She must continue therapy into late next year.
She acknowledged an addiction to alcohol, which "in the past was a gateway to other things for me," but she offered no specifics other than cocaine, which she said she has used no more than 15 times.
Winfrey asked her what she's on these days. Lohan replied, "Vitamins."
"You're not on any prescription drugs?" Winfrey pressed.
"No, no," Lohan insisted, then checked herself: "I take Nexium. Because I have acid reflux."
Clad in a form-fitting orange dress, Lohan said a comfort level with her past chaotic life had fed her much-reported partying and her brushes with the law. But she added that she takes full blame for her mistakes.
When Winfrey asked if she can turn her life around this time, Lohan said with no hesitation, "Yeah."
The interview aired as an episode of "Oprah's Next Chapter" on the Oprah Winfrey Network, which will spotlight Lohan next year in an eight-part docuseries based on her life.
During the hour, an advertisement appeared for Cliffside Malibu, the rehab facility where Lohan was recently residing. That ad boasted of a treatment program so successful, it's guaranteed.
Lohan's latest film, "The Canyons," is currently in limited release.


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Emergency flooded basement cleanup service for Rochester, Minnesota . Local disaster cleanup contractors providing professional restoration and repair services. Sewer Backups, Sump Pump Failures, Storm Damage cleaning and dryout services. Certified IICRC contractors will quickly respond to clean up commercial or residential basement flooding anywhere in the Rochester, Minnesota and surrounding area.
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We are the leading disaster cleanup firm serving all of Rochester, Minnesota and surrounding areas. A flooded basement can occur for a multitude of reasons; some examples are faulty plumbing systems, a natural disaster, or even a cracked or broken pipe that has leaked. When you undergo water damage to your basement, it is not only the flooring or upholstery that sustains the damage. You may also lose personal possessions and furniture. Luckily, we can help you with your water loss and get your property, and your life, back to normal in no time. The Flooded Basement Cleanup Pros have extensive experience in dealing with water damage to properties of any size, and we want to be the company you call in your time of need.
When dealing with a flooded basement, it is important to leave it to the professionals. This is because we have the right tools, including manpower and equipment, to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and the right way. In most cases, we can arrive to your location within an hour of your call to our dispatch center. We only want the best of the best for our customers when it comes to the service they receive. That is why we stay updated on the most recent advances in the water mitigation industry, and only employ the best techs in Rochester, Minnesota . All of our equipment is state of the art, high tech, and the best available in the industry today. Our technicians have gone through many training programs to earn them an IICRC certification, stating that they uphold and exceed all safety and industry standards.
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A flooded basement can be devastating to any home or business owner and can cause a lot of stress. Our caring technicians want to take that stress off of your shoulders. Time is of the essence when dealing with a flooded basement, because the longer that you wait to call; the more damage will be sustained to your property. When water sits in a home or business, it wreaks havoc on the actual structure of the building. When these materials undergo water damage it brings about the need for more work to be done on your property. If this water sits in your basement for an extended period of time, mold spores may begin to grow. This is because mold only needs two factors to begin to thrive, and those are a porous surface, along with a source of excess moisture. A flooded basement is the perfect target for mold, but if the water problem is taken care of in a timely manner, you can avoid this issue altogether. If any of your personal belongings have been damaged due to water, do not fret. The Flooded Basement Cleanup Pros can take your items to our offsite facility. We then will dry them and deodorize them so that they're looking as good as new in no time at all! Because we know that these disasters can happen at any time, we are available for your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year for your convenience
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We work with all major home and property insurance carriers including: Allstate, AAA, Chubb, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, State Farm, USAA


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1 large egg
4 oz fresh crab meat
Going to enjoy this in bed with my significant other this weekend for sure!
Marry me. Please.
What size ramekin would you suggest for this?
I believe mine are 10oz ramekins
Your humour is getting better and better, as well for ur recipes, seriously Chef, I'm a vegetarian mostly scared just by sight of meat and I watch all your videos for your techniques and tricks.
I even add some serious amont of cayenne in my kitchen and when there's none in my recipe I can hear your voice in my mind : Oh Chef! Where's the cayennne?! Have an awsome day!
Does anyone else REALLY love the way Chef John says "enjoy" at the end of his videos? I always watch through to end for that part. Gets me every time!
Thanks, you're all too kind!
Man that looks good.
Would it fake crab meat from a can be a suitable substitute for this recipe. I'm not sure if that stuff is considered 'sweet' for crab meat.
I agree with you Kelly I love the "Enjoy" Cause I always do!
Wow, Chef John, this looks so scrummy I might have to start looking for that super sweet local crab!
By the way, is it possible to substitute the cream with something else such as milk?
This is some serious crabby culinary cunning. Pardon the alliteration but it deserves no less.
Chef John makes me drool and laugh at the same time.
You gratuitous ..yolk breaking B***head.
I can't eat this right now due to medical condition. I will find you and beat you with a Chris Lilly Loaf Pan Chicken.
Sorry ..a little out of sorts.
A classic Chef John recipe if you ask me!
hello chef john, i am Sidra Humaid from Pakistan, your big fan, i tried to contact you through your blog, but i couldnt send the email dnt know why, thats why commenting here.
i am trying your dinner rolls tonight, they are in the oven right now, i want to share pics with you, coz i think i did something wrong with the rolling part, coz the buns are openning up from inside ... :(
i will definitely let you know about their taste :D
Yes, you can use milk!
hey chef, my dinner rolls turned out to be soooo good, couldnt took pictures because my husband was REALLY hungry.
thank u so much for such a nice recipe :)
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG.....I have no words. You're my hero--AGAIN! That dish looks so amazing that, even though I just finished a huge meal and couldn't eat another bite without exploding, my mouth is watering while I watch the video. It looks like the perfect marriage of the best breakfast ingredients. I can't wait to try it (okay, apparently I do have words....) :-)
why is there no old bay added to the crab mixture?
This looks spectacular. One question, though, and one point of mild pique.
The question: do you think lobster stock would be overkill for this? I have some in the freezer that I need to use up pretty soon.
The point of pique: (and this isn't especially about you, since everyone says it) What the heck does "pre-heat" mean? The oven's either heated (at temperature) or it isn't. Can you heat something before you heat it? Is there some ritual involving beads, rattles, and matchsticks? It drives me nuts (and, yeah, I know, it's a short trip -- I really could walk from here).
Chef John,
You have outdone even yourself with this one. Long time follower, new at commenting. Absolutely delicious!
sorry meant to put this one the one with eggs on it.
Lobster stock would be fine!
At 4:40 when you broke that gorgeous poached egg yolk with the fork, I started drooling all over my keyboard.
Chef John!
If I'm making this for around 10 people, would a large casserole dish suffice?
You're the best!
Yes! A casserole will work!
Thank you! My mother loves egg benedict :-)
I love your recipes and videos!
This was awesome!!! on a side note though, we didn't pay super close attention to the recipe for hollandaise so we didn't realize it was for 6 people-ish... split the whole amount between two servings of the crab pudding and nearly died from ingesting 1500 calories in saturated fat in under 15 minutes. doh>.< totally worth it though. i didn't mind the extra run i had to put in later:D
I think I want to give this a go as everything about it appeals to me except the crab :\
Any suggestions as to what else might make a good substitution? I imagine more bacon would be fine, or maybe some sweet italian sausage? What else would work well here?
Would this maintain its awesomeness with lobster instead of crab? I'm on Canada's east coast and fresh lobster is easier to get than fresh crab.
Maybe it's just me, but the video for banana bread is showing up at the bottoms of this!
can i use microwave oven instead? if so how many minutes? i really love your recipes :-)


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Ok, I know what you're thinking.
But hey, in some countries, Mr. Bean IS a celebrity.
(No, seriously, that's supposed to be Mr. Bean.)
Ok, try this one:
Give up?
Here, I'll give you a hint:
it's Zac Efron.
How about a little rock royalty?
Yes, Freddie Mercury: we will Wreck you.
I don't know about you guys, but I like my cakes to have a good head on their shoulders:
Oh, and hey, Mr. Tupac Sugar, keep ya head up!!
(Yeah, I admit it: I had to Wiki him to find that song title.)
'Course, if you think it would be weird to eat a celebrity's effigy, imagine what a weird Situation it is for them:
I would complain about this looking nothing like her, but frankly I think it's worse when the cake is a dead ringer:
Creeepy. Also, I've heard of linebackers being built like refrigerators, but this is ridiculous.
If you really want to bring your "A" game, though, then this next cake will fit you to a "T":


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Watch These Fish Jumping Onto Boats — Daily Distraction
[onescreen item="5068799"]
You would think that a fish would prefer to stay in the water.
But sometimes a fish will, for whatever reason, decide it's time to go airborne. And sometimes they land in boats. Probably not the best outcome for the fish, but hey, it's fun to watch.
The Daily Distraction is your Internet break from reality. Whether you're eating lunch at your desk or avoiding high school exes on Facebook, you might just laugh, say "aaahhh" or not believe what you just watched.


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Recreational services at Hearts & Hands can bring joy to life through companionship, activities, and laughter. We strive to help you enjoy your daily life by offering activities that interest you. Our staff will ask what your interests and hobbies are and introduce you to new ideas for recreation. We will establish an individualized activity program based on your interests and hobbies. You will receive a monthly calendar that features all of the scheduled events, times, and locations so you can plan your activities in advance.
Hearts & Hands offers a variety of recreational programs and events including:
Community Involvement
Hearts & Hands offers events that are conducted by very special people… community volunteers. They provide music, games, and entertainment for your enjoyment. We will also invite you to join us in community events.
Church Services
Church services are offered to you at least once a week for multiple denominations. If you would like additional visitation from a minister or other pastoral services, please let us know.
Holiday Celebrations
We plan special events to celebrate or commemorate the holidays. We encourage the involvement of your family, friends and the community to make these celebrations special.
We take special community trips to a favorite restaurant, shopping mall, to the boardwalk, beach or public event. If these trips would be of interest to you, we encourage you to join us. We also have group activities that explore locations around the world through video, slides, and conversation.
A variety of books, games, puzzles, arts and crafts materials, and music are always available for you to enjoy while relaxing in your room, or with family or other guests. We offer an array of activities, from a relaxing game of cards to more physical games such as Wii bowling.
We have discussion groups that review events, both current and historical. If you have always enjoyed reading the daily paper and discussing the news with friends, we have a group for you. At The Laurels of Bedford, you can participate in creative and educational programs to learn new skills, because it's never too late to be a student.
Special Needs
Our recreation services are designed so that if you require any kind of special equipment or environment to allow you to participate in the activities, we can arrange it. Invite your family and friends to join you in our recreation events.
At any time during your stay with us, you can bring suggestions for a new recreation for our staff. We will work to make it part of our program. Quality of life is best measured by our joy in each day.


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General FAQs
Q- Do you recommend alkaline batteries for use in all of Mag's AAA, AA, C, and D-cell flashlights? But I would prefer to use rechargeable batteries (NiMH) if I can. Is there any reason why NiMH rechargeable batteries can't be used in these lights?
A- Except for the MAG-TAC® flashlight that runs on lithium CR123 batteries, all of Mag's non-rechargeable LED flashlights operate on AAA, AA, C, or D-cell batteries. All of our published ANSI-standard performance data (Light Output, Beam Distance, Peak Beam Candlepower, and Run-Time) are based on testing with alkaline batteries; and when we ship these flashlights with batteries, the batteries we include with them are alkaline. We do this because the designs of these flashlights are optimized for use with (non-rechargeable) alkaline batteries.
Alkaline AAA, AA, C, and D batteries standardly have a nominal output of 1.5 volts. NiMH rechargeable batteries in these sizes typically have a somewhat lower nominal output (1.2 volts). Also, the discharge curves of NiMH batteries typically differ from those of alkaline batteries – so the two battery types may behave differently under load.
That said, the flashlights will operate with NiMH rechargeables, and the use of NiMH rechargeables will not harm the circuitry nor otherwise damage the flashlights in any way. You should not, however, expect the flashlights' performance to be consistent with our published ANSI data if they are operated with rechargeable batteries. (For example, ANSI Light Output may be lower, and/or ANSI Run Time may be shorter with rechargeable batteries.) The degree of difference is hard to predict. We have noted variations in the quality of NiMH rechargeable batteries on the market, and if you choose the best-quality NiMH batteries you might find that any performance shortfall is, for your purposes, not meaningful.
Bottom line, if you are willing to tolerate a possibly significant decline in flashlight performance, there is no reason you can't substitute rechargeable NiMH batteries for (non-rechargeable) alkalines.
Q- How long should an LED last? What is its "life expectancy"?
A- A MAGLITE® flashlight's LED light engine is a permanent component, not a "perishable" or "consumable" item like a battery or an incandescent lamp (either a vacuum or gas-filled xenon or halogen lamp based on the product selected). In normal use, the LED should last for the life of the owner and should never need to be replaced.
The explanation for these statements is a little complicated. It starts with answering a preliminary question, which is, "How do you define when the useful life of an LED is at an end?" With an incandescent lamp (either a vacuum or gas-filled xenon or halogen lamp based on the product selected) (filament) lamp, this question is so easy that nobody even asks it: The life of an incandescent lamp is over when it burns out. The "burning out" of an incandescent lamp is a sudden, catastrophic, complete failure; there's no mistaking it when it happens. "Burnout" occurs when the lamp's filament (typically made of tungsten, a very high-melting but brittle metal), grows so thin and weak that it can't support its weight, especially if it is jarred. So the filament breaks. When it does, the flashlight can't complete the electrical circuit that ordinarily would flow through the filament, so if you turn on the flashlight, it does not give any light. When we say that an incandescent lamp is "dead," what we mean is that its filament has suddenly and catastrophically failed.
But if we ask the same question about an LED – "How do you define when the useful life of an LED is at an end?" – the answer is not nearly that simple because an LED typically does not fail suddenly and catastrophically: There's no filament to "burn out," nor is there any other clear, distinct event you can point to and say that the LED is dead. Instead, what typically happens to an LED is that its light output extremely slowly, and extremely gradually, declines with use.
Much of the literature states that in a typical installation, an LED should perform for 50,000 to 100,000 hours before its light output falls to 50% of its initial output. So if we define 50% as the end-of-useful-life point, and if a flashlight is used for 1 hour a week (and even that might be a lot for a typical homeowner, who would use the flashlight sporadically, occasionally and in short episodes), the LED's "useful life" (as defined above) should be 50,000 to 100,000 weeks – that is, between one and two thousand years. Even if the user is a night watchman whose flashlight is actually on for 4 hours a night, 5 nights a week – which would be a lot — the LED's "useful life" (as defined above) should be between 1,666 and 3,333 weeks (i.e., between 48 and 96 years).
Also to keep in mind is that the "50%-of-initial-light-output" definition of the "endpoint of an LED's useful life" is arbitrary, and one can argue that it is much too short: 50% of the initial light output of a high-powered LED flashlight is still a lot of light, and it seems doubtful that a typical user would discard the flashlight at that point (even if he lived long enough to reach that point). For comparison, the widely-followed ANSI/NEMA FL-1 Flashlight Basic Performance Standard (2009), in prescribing how to rate a flashlight's "Run Time" on a fresh set of batteries, defines the endpoint of the "useful life" of batteries to be the point where light output declines to 10% — not 50% — of initial output. So in the view of the committee that drafted the ANSI Standard, 10%, not 50%, of initial light output is the reasonable point at which to say that the user would likely regard the batteries as no longer fit for use and in need of replacement. If we were to define the end-point for an LED's "useful life" as 10% rather than 50% of initial light output, then we might need to speak in terms of a "useful life" of centuries rather than years.
Nobody would claim, however, that an LED is completely bulletproof under all conditions. It should go without saying that one who uses his LED flashlight as an impact tool or a fire-poker is looking for trouble. And, for example, if an LED were driven grossly more than its design-rated voltage and/or current, it could fail quickly. Even if an LED were driven somewhat (but not grossly) over its rated voltage and/or current over a long period, that could accelerate the rate at which its light output would decline. Excessive operating temperatures could also threaten the longevity of an LED. MAGLITE® flashlights, however, are carefully engineered to keep voltage and current within rated specifications when used with batteries of the correct voltage; and means including good, efficient heat-sinking are built in to keep operating temperature within rated bounds.
Given all this, the statement with which we started this discussion is quite reasonable: A MAGLITE® flashlight's LED light engine should be seen as a permanent component, not a "perishable" or "consumable" item like a battery or an incandescent lamp; and the user should expect the LED, in normal use, to remain serviceable for his or her entire lifetime, never needing to be replaced.
Q- Every time I put a new replacement lamp in my Mag-Lite® flashlight, it burns out. Why?
A- It sounds like you may be using the incorrect replacement lamp for your flashlight. D & C Cell Mag-Lite® flashlights have different numbers of batteries or cells and therefore operate at different voltages, so each size Maglite® flashlight needs its unique lamp size. For instance, if you have a 4-Cell Mag-Lite® flashlight and you put a 2-Cell or 3-Cell lamp inside, it will burn out very rapidly because the 4-Cell flashlight runs at a higher voltage than the lamp of a 2 or 3-Cell flashlight was designed to handle. For our personal size flashlights and your information, we manufacture a 2-Cell AA Mini Maglite® flashlight, a 2-Cell AAA Mini Maglite® flashlight, and a Single Cell AAA Maglite® Solitaire® flashlight each of which requires its unique lamp... If you use the single-cell Solitaire® lamp in a 2 Cell AA or 2Cell AAA, the lamp will burn out immediately. Make sure to buy the correct lamp for your flashlight. It's marked on the packages of our replacement lamps. If you are unsure of which lamp to use in your flashlight do not hesitate to contact us at 1 800-283-5562.
Q- I can't remove the tail cap from my flashlight. I have even put pliers on it and tried to twist it off, but it's stuck. Is this problem covered by my warranty?
A- When you cannot remove the tail cap to change the batteries, it is probable that the batteries leaked and caused corrosion inside. Mag Instrument does not warrant battery leakage. If the flashlight has been damaged by leakage of batteries, do not return the flashlight to Mag Instrument but determine what brand of the battery caused the damage and follow the battery manufacturer's instructions about how to make a damage claim. For details, see the above FAQ entitled "If my flashlight is damaged by a battery leak, what should I do?"
Q- Are Mag flashlights waterproof?
A- We consider our flashlights to be extremely water resistant but we don't advertise them to be waterproof.
Q- I can't get the batteries out of my flashlight. They're stuck inside. How do I change them? Is this covered by my warranty?
A- When this happens, it probably means that the batteries have leaked and are stuck inside the barrel. Oftentimes, batteries will swell before leaking, causing them to get stuck inside the barrel. Mag Instrument does not warrant battery leakage. If the flashlight has been damaged by leakage of batteries, do not return the flashlight to Mag Instrument but determine what brand of the battery caused the damage and follow the battery manufacturer's instructions about how to make a damage claim. For details, see the above FAQ entitled "If my flashlight is damaged by a battery leak, what should I do?"
Q- Are Mag's flashlights "explosion-proof" or "intrinsically safe"?
A- Mag Instrument's flashlights are general-purpose flashlights. We have not had them tested or certified as safe for special-purpose uses under any "intrinsically safe" standard or under any of the various "explosion-proof" standards that exist. We do not label our flashlights "explosion proof" or "intrinsically safe" and we do not warrant that they would be safe if put to such a special-purpose use.
Q- Can alkaline batteries leak and damage my flashlight?
A- Yes, unfortunately, they can.
All alkaline batteries are filled with a caustic material that can damage (corrode) any device, including a flashlight if it escapes from the battery cell. Given the limitations of alkaline battery technology, there is always some risk that a battery might leak under some conditions. There are several specific reasons why this might happen. One is a defect in the battery or physical damage to it. Another reason has to do with the fact that all alkaline batteries have a self-discharge rate, causing them to gradually weaken and die even if they are in a package on a shelf, or in a device that is not used. Leaving dead batteries inside a device can cause battery leakage and result in corrosion damage. Putting new batteries together with old batteries, and/or with batteries of a different type, can also cause rapid discharge, pressure buildup, and leakage. And misuse of the batteries (e.g., by attempting to recharge batteries not designed to be recharged) can also cause leakage that can damage or destroy the flashlight.
Q- Besides staying with reputable brands of alkaline batteries, is there anything else I can do to minimize the battery-leak damage risk?
A- Yes, just follow these simple rules:
- Never leave dead or weak batteries in a flashlight, as they are the ones most likely to leak.
- It is good practice to replace your entire set of batteries at least once a year, even if the batteries still seem to be functioning normally.
- When your batteries get low (which you can generally tell by noticing that your flashlight is less bright than it used to be, or goes from bright to dim shortly after it is turned on), replace the batteries – and be sure to replace the entire set at the same time, with freshly-dated batteries that are all of the same brand and the same type.
- Stick to premium brands of alkaline batteries
- Never mix old and new batteries.
- Never mix different brands or types of batteries (e.g., don't mix alkaline batteries with carbon-zinc or lithium batteries)
- Never try to recharge batteries that are not designed to be recharged.
- Carefully inspect your batteries before inserting them into your flashlight, and make sure all batteries are inserted correctly (with the + and – terminals oriented as indicated for the device). Inspect your batteries at least once a month while they are in service.
- Inspect your batteries immediately after the flashlight has been dropped or otherwise has suffered a hard impact.
- Immediately remove from service any battery that is found to be leaking or swelling, or that shows signs of damage to its casing or terminals – e.g., denting, crushing, or puncture.
- Remove from service any battery found to be past its marked expiration date.
- When removing and replacing a damaged or date-expired battery, replace all other batteries in the same set at the same time, even if they appear undamaged and are not date-expired. (Again, the idea is to never mix old and new batteries.)
- Importantly, when your flashlight is to be stored for a month or longer, or when you otherwise expect to use it less than once a month, you should remove the batteries and store them separately – not inside the flashlight.
Given the limits of alkaline-battery technology, the unfortunate fact is that there's no completely foolproof way to prevent corrosion damage from alkaline battery leakage. But if you follow the simple rules above, you can minimize the possibility that batteries will leak inside your flashlight.
Q- How can I tell if my alkaline batteries have leaked and damaged my flashlight?
A- Visual signs of battery leakage and crusty deposits (corrosion) inside your flashlight are a sign of leakage and damage, and if the flashlight is non-functional, this corrosion damage is likely the cause.
It sometimes happens that batteries become stuck inside the barrel and are hard to remove. If this happens, it likely means that the batteries have leaked and swelled up, and if the flashlight is non-functional, corrosion damage from the leaking batteries is almost certainly the cause.
It also sometimes happens that the tail cap becomes stuck on the flashlight and is difficult to unscrew. When this happens (and there is no evidence of barrel crushing or denting), the cause likely is that a battery leaked and produced corrosion that involved the tail cap threads, seizing of the tail cap onto the flashlight's barrel.
In any of these situations, the likely cause is alkaline battery leak damage.
Q- Is battery-leak damage covered by my warranty?
A- No. Battery exhaustion, battery leakage, and flashlight damage caused by battery leakage are all specifically excluded from your warranty. You may, however, be able to get help from the battery manufacturer if a battery leak damages your flashlight. See the next FAQ below for details.
Q- If my flashlight is damaged by a battery leak, what should I do?
A- Because our warranty excludes battery-leak damage, you should NOT take or send the flashlight to Mag Instrument's Warranty Service Department.
What you CAN do is contact the battery manufacturer to see if it has a program to repair or replace your leak-damaged flashlight.
Every reputable alkaline battery manufacturer has some form of device damage policy under which you may be eligible to have your flashlight repaired or replaced if it has been damaged by leakage of alkaline batteries that came from that manufacturer.
(NOTE: It is good practice to write down and remember the brand name of any batteries you put in the flashlight. If leak damage does occur, it is sometimes difficult or impossible to get the batteries out of the barrel to see what brand they are.)
Different battery makers may call their device damage policies by different names, and the exact terms may differ from one maker to another and may change over time. Some of the policies may have special requirements, so it may be important to contact the battery manufacturer without delay if you discover battery leak damage. And do not discard the flashlight or the batteries before finding out whether the battery manufacturer requires you to submit them as proof of claim.
You should communicate with the battery manufacturer before you send them the damaged flashlight and should confirm exactly what their device damage claim eligibility requirements and procedures are.
Information can typically be found on the battery manufacturer's website, and/or on its retail packaging for batteries, and/or via a customer-service phone number appearing on its website or the retail package.
For your convenience, we provide the following website links and contact numbers through which you can get more information concerning battery-leak-damage policies and procedures of various battery manufacturers.
Duracell® –
Support Team 1-800-551-2355
Energizer® –
Customer Service 1-800-383-7323
Ray-O-Vac® –
Customer Service 1-800-891-6091 or 1-800-237-7000
Please understand that the battery manufacturers are companies separate and independent of Mag Instrument. Mag Instrument did not create, does not control, and cannot be responsible for the terms or operation of battery manufacturers' device damage policies and practices. The above battery manufacturer contact information, current as of late September 2016, is provided to you as a courtesy but is, of course, subject to change by the battery manufacturer.
Q- What Is ANSI?
A- Flashlight Performance Testing – The ANSI Standard
In 2009, the American National Standards Institute, in cooperation with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, published a standard called the ANSI/NEMA FL 1-2009 Flashlight Basic Performance Standard. The ANSI Standard has become widely accepted in the portable lighting industry because it affords a practical way to make "apples-to-apples" comparisons among different flashlights.
Although the ANSI Standard is not mandatory, Mag Instrument has chosen to follow it. That is why, on our product packaging, in our product literature, and on the website, we display certain flashlight performance data in the form of an "ANSI Strip," so called because it uses the officially-designated ANSI logos and reports data taken in the ANSI-prescribed way.
The ANSI Standard defines four basic performance categories and prescribes official logos for displaying results. The following table lists the categories, and each one indicates the unit of measure, the official logo, and the basic meaning of the category:
Light Output versus Beam Distance
Judging from questions and comments we receive, the distinction between Light Output and Beam Distance is a source of some confusion. It is important to understand that these two concepts – Light Output and Beam Distance –deal with quite distinct characteristics that, surprisingly to many people, don't necessarily go hand in hand. A flashlight can have a very high Light Output (measured in lumens), and yet have a very short Beam Distance (measured in meters). And the opposite can also be true: A flashlight can have a very modest output in lumens and yet can be remarkably effective in lighting up an object very far away.
Why is this possible? Because Light Output is simply a raw measure of the rate at which a light source generates light – i.e., how many photons, how much "luminous flux," the source generates per second. It tells nothing about how well or poorly that light is gathered and directed. Beam Distance, on the other hand, is a measure of the maximum distance from which an optimally focused flashlight will cast a useful amount of light on a target. The ANSI Standard effectively defines a "useful level of light" by prescribing that the Beam Distance is the maximum distance at which the flashlight will produce ¼ lux of light. A quarter of a lux can roughly be described as the light level provided by a full moon in an open field on a clear night. That's not as bright as day, but it is bright enough to see by – a good, standard, working definition of a "useful level of light."
So while a flashlight's Light Output – its "lumen rating" – tells you nothing at all about how good or bad a job the flashlight does at forming a useful beam of light, the flashlight's "Beam Distance" rating is all about its ability to form light into a useful beam and send it in a useful direction. "Beam Distance" thus strongly correlates to a flashlight's optical quality; whereas Light Output has nothing whatsoever to do with beam-forming optics. To get a high Light Output score, a flashlight would not even need to have a reflector or lens, at all!
Optics Matter
Since the beginning, Mag Instrument has prided itself on its beam-forming optics — the quality of its precision-designed and precision-crafted reflectors, and the versatility of its spot-to-flood beam focusing mechanism. High-quality optics help a flashlight to direct light in a useful way without excessive power consumption – something that the "brute force" approach of maximizing lumen output cannot do.
Optics and Run Time
High-quality optics can also play a role in slowing battery consumption and prolonging Run Time. As LED technology continues to advance, the number of watts of power consumed per lumen of light generated goes down; but it is still true to say that the more lumens you want, the faster you will consume battery power. So it is still true, and probably always will be true, that excellent beam-forming optics will enhance a flashlight's ability to deliver useful light while avoiding the need for enormous lumen output and correspondingly fast battery drain.
Q- If I wanted to know the current draw and the wattage of a particular Mag® incandescent lamp (say, the LMXA301 Xenon lamp for the 3-cell Maglite® flashlight), how would I find that information?
A- Each of our incandescent lamps was designed and developed with only one purpose in mind – to operate optimally in the particular flashlight for which the particular lamp is designated. We publish data describing how each lamp performs in its flashlight – for example, our website, catalog, and package literature supply light output, peak beam intensity, beam distance, and run-time numbers for the 3-D-cell Maglite® flashlight running the lamp you mention. All such data are based on testing according to the ANSI/NEMA FL-1 Flashlight Basic Performance Standard (2009). We do not, however, test for or publish current draw or wattage figures for the lamp itself, as these are not ANSI performance categories.
Just as we do not publish any claim, we also do not guarantee any rating, as to the current draw or the wattage of the lamp you reference.
You may get at least an approximate idea of how much current your particular specimen of the lamp draws when operating in its intended application, and an idea of the wattage and voltage drop, by putting it in the flashlight for which it was designed (a 3-Cell Maglite® flashlight, in the case of the LMXA301 Xenon lamp) with fresh batteries, illuminating the lamp and using an ammeter to measure the current flow across the lamp terminals, and a voltmeter to measure the voltage, and then doing a wattage calculation according to the formula
Voltage (in volts) times Current (in amperes) equals Power (in watts)
Thus, if the voltage drop is 4.2 volts and the current flow is 720 milliamperes, the power output is 4.2 volts X 0.72 amps = 3.024 watts. You would, however, need to look to the accuracy of your equipment and the correctness of your technique. Mag Instrument is not in a position to warrant the accuracy or the typicality of whatever current-draw, voltage-drop, or wattage numbers you might obtain.
Q- What if I wanted to know one of your lamps' wattage, voltage, or current-draw ratings for purposes of designing a product that would use that lamp?
A- It is against Mag Instrument policy to provide engineering advice to persons seeking to use Mag Instrument parts or components to build non-Mag devices. And of course, we do not warrant, endorse or recommend any such use or any such non-Mag device.
You can, however, obtain approximate wattage, current-draw, and voltage-drop numbers for the lamp in its intended operating environment by following the procedure described in the answer next above.
Q- How do I retrofit my Maglite Flashlight with the new Mag-num Star II Bi-Pin Lamp?
General Battery Care
See links below to alkaline battery care at Energizer and Rayovac.


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Monday, August 31, 2009
Wrong Bumblebee
Monday, August 31, 2009
"...but do you think you could put Bumblebee on it instead of Optimus Prime? You can? Great! Thanks."
Mary S., maybe the Wreckerator was going for the world's best Decepticon. Eh?
- Related Wreckage: Going Down in Flames
76 comments | Post a Comment
Actually, this qualifies as an "Inepticon" . . . I hope Cole got some good presents at least!
- August 31, 2009 at 1:23 PM
OMG-total FAIL.
- August 31, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Um... no explanation really. I don't even have any lame jokes.
Just pure, unblemished WTF?-ness. - August 31, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Thank you. I was getting heartily sick at 'The Office' cake here.
Love the Fumbled Bee. - August 31, 2009 at 1:29 PM
- Unknown said...
This is downright brilliant.
- August 31, 2009 at 1:31 PM
- quichepup said...
Woo-hoo, first post!
Looks like those flames are coming out of that poor bee. Poor bee. Poor Cole.
This is a lot more fun after taking Lortab. - August 31, 2009 at 1:32 PM
WV: conglamo ~ This Cakewreck is a conglamo of mix-ups! - August 31, 2009 at 1:32 PM
- Jennifer Moore said...
ummm...? This is why people should not order cakes over the phone.
~Jennifer - August 31, 2009 at 1:37 PM
- Elizabeth C. said...
fumbled bee... hehe nice
- August 31, 2009 at 1:38 PM
- Half Assed Kitchen said...
At least the flames aren't licking at a kitten.
Angie (from over at www.HalfAssedKitchen.com) - August 31, 2009 at 1:44 PM
I will admit I had to go look up the Transformer movie and bumblebee to find out what SHOULD have been on the cake, but..
If I were a cake decorater and got those instructions, I'd have made sure I knew what they wanted. It would sound odd to me to replace the truck with a bumblebee, so I'd definitely ask for some more info or google it myself (as I did to find out why this was a cake wreck). - August 31, 2009 at 1:45 PM
- Angie said...
You know... just because everybody and their sister felt compelled to point out the likely tribute to The Office on that wedding cake, (personally, I'd just assume that somebody else already made that leap and not put it in my own comment) I still think the cake was horrid and very post-worthy. Just sayin'. It didn't really have to go away.
And this cake... clearly the wreckreator has a serious grudge against bees. - August 31, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Isn't the toy the only reason to get one of these cakes? How is Cole supposed to play with a poorly-made bumblebee blob?
WV: excnvive - one who has been fond of friends and parties in the past, but is now over them. - August 31, 2009 at 1:47 PM
- Jennisashark said...
I work in a bakery in a supermarket, and I often cringe when people order this cake... It's gotta be the worst one, but not worse then the Indianna Jones cake our decorator made the other day. Looked NOTHING like the picture. She's terrible. I'll make sure to email you if I ever find a really good wreck.
- August 31, 2009 at 1:48 PM
- Patricia said...
Poor Cole! Oh, the crap he's going to get from his friends 'til death do them part!
- August 31, 2009 at 1:50 PM
- Laughing Fawn said...
It looks like the cake artist was hungry after all of that work. I think Is that a nibble taken out of the left corner?
- August 31, 2009 at 1:50 PM
- Christina M. said...
Aw, poor Cole. The red flames look a bit like a hand with *way* too many fingers trying to swat the poor bee...
- August 31, 2009 at 1:55 PM
That psychotic flaming bee sorta reminds me of this comic... http://pbfcomics.com/?cid=PBF038-Pyro_Billy.gif
- August 31, 2009 at 2:00 PM
- Unknown said...
Snicker snicker sniicker for some reason I find this utterly amusing!
- August 31, 2009 at 2:03 PM
- Christina said...
Putting aside the wrong Bumblebee...that is still a very ugly cake XD
Hopefully the parents could just throw on a toy car and try to save the disaster. - August 31, 2009 at 2:12 PM
- Shannon said...
I wanted to give the decorator the benefit of the doubt that maybe they just didn't know that BumbleBee is a Transformers character. But then I decided that any IDIOT should have been able to figure it out simply by the choice of a Transformers cake. At least look it up on the internet, for crying out loud!!!
- August 31, 2009 at 2:14 PM
- Megan said...
BAAWHAHAHAHAHAH!!! Oh man...oooohhh maaaan.
- August 31, 2009 at 2:21 PM
- The Courteous Chihuahua said...
wOw...who knew nectar and pollen could make you so gassy?
- August 31, 2009 at 2:24 PM
- Eternal Lizdom said...
While I want to laugh... it actually makes me kinda sad. Poor Cole!
- August 31, 2009 at 2:37 PM
- ME! said...
If only they had created some way to look things up when people ordered them... hmm....
OH WAIT! They did. The internet and dictionary!!! Two of the most difficult things to come by in a bakery. (apparently) - August 31, 2009 at 2:38 PM
- Tamaran said...
Wow. Somebody doesn't get out much-and doesn't watch movies when they're in, either!
- August 31, 2009 at 2:44 PM
- August 31, 2009 at 2:56 PM
oh no, oh no! And the poor lad didnt even get the Transformer sign thingy either...
- August 31, 2009 at 3:03 PM
I bet that poor kid was sooooo disappointed!
- August 31, 2009 at 3:16 PM
- Little Lovables said...
it is awful, but I don't get the comments referring to The Office wedding cake, did I miss something?
- August 31, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Is it just my eyes, or are the letters sort of sliding down the side of the cake? Poor Cole, no doubt scarred for life!
- August 31, 2009 at 3:53 PM
- kyooty said...
how do these people get hired? there should be a "knows current trends" check box at the interviews?
- August 31, 2009 at 3:59 PM
- Neuro Sis said...
Crap! I just ordered that Transformers cake for my son's birthday tomorrow...no substitutions, so I HOPE they get it right!!!
- August 31, 2009 at 4:19 PM
- Nikki said...
My son turned 6 earlier this month, he wanted this cake. I refused out of fear alone, lol. I could just imagine going to the store and having this cake handed to me with the gobs of icing and a plastic truck on it and I just said no. He wanted a Bumblebee cake. I said no. I'm so happy I said no.
- August 31, 2009 at 4:39 PM
- Amanda in Austin said...
That made me laugh out loud. Literally.
I don't usually laugh out loud. Thanks for the chuckle. - August 31, 2009 at 4:41 PM
- Sandi said...
You should put a link to Bumblebee or a pic of him for those who don't know their Tranformers.
- August 31, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Hey Sandi,
Excellent point. Done.
john - August 31, 2009 at 5:45 PM
- r. said...
Ok, I know nothing about Transformers, but if someone told me to replace Optimus Prime with Bumblebee I would assume it was another character/car/robot in disguise (as a child I always thought they said "acrobats in the sky"). But then again, I have common sense.
And why did he not get a car either? - August 31, 2009 at 5:54 PM
When I read this blog, I try to hide the picture so that I get the full build-up from the (excellent) writing.
Even though I saw this coming a mile away, I still laughted out loud.
Poor Cole?!? *Poor Cole's Mom!!* My son loves Transformers and hell hath no fury like a five-year-old with a bug on his cake when he expected a robot. - August 31, 2009 at 5:59 PM
- Lady Winterhart said...
my son would never forgive me if this happened. hopefully it tasted great.
- August 31, 2009 at 6:02 PM
- Unknown said...
wth happened to the "it's your wedding day" post? it's bad form to remove a post with no explanation.
- August 31, 2009 at 6:12 PM
wow! love the "fumbled bee".
- August 31, 2009 at 7:14 PM
- MicheleinCA said...
Until a couple of months ago I would have made the same mistake. It was only after sitting through a double feature of Transformers' I and II at the drive-in (yep, those still exist) with my grand-nephews, did I become familiar with Bumblebee et al.
- August 31, 2009 at 8:18 PM
HA HA HA HA HA..... *Deep breath* HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.... AAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA.
That's great - August 31, 2009 at 8:18 PM
- Melissa (& Billy) said...
Um. 0_o
Well, to be honest, it DOES look like the little air freshener on 'Bee's rear view mirror.
But that's it. Yikes. - August 31, 2009 at 8:22 PM
- Nicole Pelton said...
I'm going to take a wild stab in the dark and guess the decorator does not actually have little kids. Too funny.
- August 31, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Hey google,
We found out that:
A. It wasn't made by a professional
B. It was intentional
C. It was a stolen picture
D. The folks who actually had the cake at their wedding were angry.
It would have been bad form not to take it down. It was a rough morning and we had to use one of our better backup posts to cover it.
Oh well. The life of a blogger.
john - August 31, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Yeah, I so laughed out loud at this one.
- August 31, 2009 at 9:09 PM
- Lyi said...
- August 31, 2009 at 9:10 PM
When I scrolled down I said out loud, "No... don't tell me..."
And sure enough, it was! - August 31, 2009 at 9:21 PM
This is hilarious XD
This design's been discontinued at my workplace bakery. The new Transformers cake is uuuugly, but it does have a tiny Bumblebee figure on it. - August 31, 2009 at 9:24 PM
- Morgan the Muse said...
That is so horrible! I love it!!
- August 31, 2009 at 9:59 PM
- Gale said...
I'm guessing the cakemaker is not a transformers fan. (My son would want bumblebee too...but not the bzzzz kind).
- August 31, 2009 at 10:40 PM
- GJC said...
Several houses down the street, the family of little Miranda stood, perplexed, and tried to figure out what, exactly, had gone wrong with their garden-themed, "Everybody's BUZZING About Your Birthday!" cake.
- August 31, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Poor, poor Cole. Hopefully someone can buy a Bumblebee transformer character toy and just stick it on top of the bee, squishing it... now it's an action shot of Bumblebee!
- August 31, 2009 at 10:57 PM
- Korbl Klimecki said...
I think you meant predacon....
- August 31, 2009 at 11:27 PM
My Transformer obsessed son would be crushed if I showed up with that wreck.
My condolences to Cole and a big martini to the poor Mom who has to deal with the aftermath.
- housewitch - September 1, 2009 at 12:22 AM
- seo springfield missouri said...
Yeah that bumble bee would be like taking your kid to a burned down building and telling him that Disneyland burned to the ground...
- September 1, 2009 at 1:38 AM
NOOOOO! How sad is that?! What a classic wreck. Crappy flames, crooked border, and the bumblebee mix-up! That's why you NEVER stray from the picture when ordering those cakes from the book at the bakery, which I've done several times. They'll ask if I want anything changed, like colors, and I say, No, I want it JUST like in the picture!
- September 1, 2009 at 2:33 AM
I wish to order the same transformers cake................
- September 1, 2009 at 4:28 AM
- Miranda said...
lol Terri perfect! Inepticon rofl!
Do these ppl not have teh intarwebs wif teh google? To scope this stuff out before scribbling bugs on a transfomers cake? UBER SAD.
Jerry, can you spare a tab? - September 1, 2009 at 9:23 AM
- Bri said...
EPICNESS! - September 1, 2009 at 10:16 AM
- Unknown said...
The bee looks like it's shooting flames out it's bum. Haha
Amy B. - September 1, 2009 at 12:25 PM
- Katie said...
I clicked the blog title expecting to see a cake with a tuna can on it. I wouldn't have known what Bumblebee was either.
- September 1, 2009 at 1:07 PM
- Faith said...
This is my kids cake. I called the bakery to find out wth happened. it was the same lady that I ordered the cake from and she said that that was the best they could do since they didn't have a bumblebee transformer toy (she told me the day before that they did and it was no problem to switch it out). I could have cried! Cole was really great about the whole thing (it was his 5th birthday). I don't really think he even noticed it wasn't right at all. The moral of the cake is never order over the phone for something like this and NEVER order from a grocery store bakery.. Next time will go to a real baker to get the cake for my other son's birthday..
There is no martini large enough to help the pain of this disaster. Thanks for all the comments! - September 1, 2009 at 1:41 PM
- Unknown said...
Aw, you guys are so harsh.
I'd least give the baker a "B" for effort!
*dodges tomatoes" - September 1, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Haha, the title says it all... though to be fair, not being familiar with Transformers myself (I know, shame on me), I could very well have made the same mistake. Still, it's funny. :P
- September 1, 2009 at 5:05 PM
"Wazzpinator even get slagged on cake. Why universe hate Wazzpinator?"
- September 1, 2009 at 7:20 PM
- Etiquette Bitch said...
would you believe I had to read this three times (on three separate days, no less) before I understood that there's a *transformer* named "Bumblebee"??? My initial reaction to this CW was, "they said bumblebee...." I suppose the onus is on the customer to explain every little thing: "Bumblebee, the Transformer, he's kinda yellow? And here's a picture..." etc.
- September 2, 2009 at 8:41 AM
- Unknown said...
My 4 yr old thought this was so funny!
- September 2, 2009 at 10:50 AM
- emily michelle said...
@Faith: Thanks for the background! I think that story makes what the decorater did so much worse. I mean, it's one thing for her to hear "bumblebee" and fail to realize that it's pretty weird for the customer to want to replace the robot with a bug. It's much worse, however, for the decorator to understand that Bumblebee is a Transformer, to have actually held a Bumblebee toy in her hand, and then decide that the insect is an acceptable substitute.
- September 2, 2009 at 4:37 PM
- Nonna said...
Bummer for that poor kid...they just love all those junky toys on top of cakes !
- September 2, 2009 at 6:42 PM
I posted a comment earlier expressing my sympathies to you.
I have an almost five-year-old, and I can't imagine the scene. I am laughing to tears with your pain.
The last few birthdays, I have taken to making my own cakes and sticking toys on them.
Same effect. Much cheaper. Tastes better, too. - September 3, 2009 at 10:59 AM
- Mallory said...
This is one of my favorite wrecks.
- September 5, 2009 at 1:31 PM
- BrianX said...
You know, last year my nephew wanted a Transformers cake for his birthday. I offered to make it, but his mother said something about her bf not liking the Spiderman cake I'd made and decorated the year before (yellow cake, strawberry jam filling, and a very carefully piped web of red and blue gel, and probably a bullshit excuse). I was particularly incensed because she picked this particular cake when I had a much better design in mind.
Needless to say, the decorator botched the flames, as always seems to happen with this design, and the cake was twice as big as it needed to be. If he wants a Transformers cake again, I'm doing it. I already have Optimus Prime for the top. - September 18, 2009 at 2:43 AM
- Jess Piehl said...
I think that bumblebee was bad. This cake is clearly a depiction of the bee's flight into hell.
- September 25, 2009 at 10:10 PM
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A Cake Wreck is any cake that is unintentionally sad, silly, creepy, inappropriate - you name it. A Wreck is not necessarily a poorly-made cake; it's simply one I find funny, for any of a number of reasons. Anyone who has ever smeared frosting on a baked good has made a Wreck at one time or another, so I'm not here to vilify decorators: Cake Wrecks is just about finding the funny in unexpected, sugar-filled places.
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It has now become all too common. Peculiar weather precipitates immediate blame on global warming by some, and equally immediate pronouncements by others (curiously, quite often the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in recent years) that global warming can't possibly be to blame. The reality, as we've often remarked here before, is that absolute statements of neither sort are scientifically defensible. Meteorological anomalies cannot be purely attributed to deterministic factors, let alone any one specific such factor (e.g. either global warming or a hypothetical long-term climate oscillation).
Lets consider the latest such example. In an odd repeat of last year (the 'groundhog day' analogy growing ever more appropriate), we find ourselves well into the meteorological Northern Hemisphere winter (Dec-Feb) with little evidence over large parts of the country (most noteably the eastern and central U.S.) that it ever really began. Unsurprisingly, numerous news stories have popped up asking whether global warming might be to blame. Almost as if on cue, representatives from NOAA's National Weather Service have been dispatched to tell us that the event e.g. "has absolutely nothing to do with global warming", but instead is entirely due to the impact of the current El Nino event.
[Update 1/9/07: NOAA coincidentally has announced today that 2006 was officially the warmest year on record for the U.S.]
[Update 2/11/08: It got bumped to second place. ]
So what's really going on? The pattern so far this winter (admittedly after only 1 month) looks (figure on the immediate right) like a stronger version of what was observed last winter (figure to the far right–note that these anomalies reflect differences relative to a relatively warm 1971-2000 base period, this tends to decrease the amplitude of positive anomalies relative to the more commonly used, cooler 1961-1990 base period). This poses the first obvious conundrum for the pure "El Nino" attribution of the current warmth: since we were actually in a (weak) La Nina (i.e., the opposite of 'El Nino') last winter, how is it that we can explain away the anomalous winter U.S. warmth so far this winter by 'El Nino' when anomalous winter warmth last year occured in its absence?
The second conundrum with this explanation is that, while El Nino typically does perturb the winter Northern Hemisphere jet stream in a way that favors anomalous warmth over much of the northern half of the U.S., the typical amplitude of the warming (see Figure below right) is about 1C (i.e., about 2F). The current anomaly is roughly five times as large as this. One therefore cannot sensibly argue that the current U.S. winter temperature anomalies are attributed entirely to the current moderate El Nino event.
Indeed, though the current pattern of winter U.S. warmth looks much more like the pattern predicted by climate models as a response to anthropogenic forcing (see Figure below left) than the typical 'El Nino' pattern, neither can one attribute this warmth to anthropogenic forcing. As we are fond of reminding our readers, one cannot attribute a specific meteorological event, an anomalous season, or even (as seems may be the case here, depending on the next 2 months) two anomalous seasons in a row, to climate change. Moreover, not even the most extreme scenario for the next century predicts temperature changes over North America as large as the anomalies witnessed this past month. But one can argue that the pattern of anomalous winter warmth seen last year, and so far this year, is in the direction of what the models predict.
In reality, the individual roles of deterministic factors such as El Nino, anthropogenic climate change, and of purely random factors (i.e. "weather") in the pattern observed thusfar this winter cannot even in principle be ascertained. What we do know, however, is that both anthropogenic climate change and El Nino favor, in a statistical sense, warmer winters over large parts of the U.S. When these factors act constructively, as is the case this winter, warmer temperatures are certainly more likely. Both factors also favor warmer global mean surface temperatures (the warming is one or two tenths of a degree C for a moderate to strong El Nino). It is precisely for this reason that some scientists are already concluding, with some justification, that 2007 stands a good chance of being the warmest year on record for the globe.
A few other issues are worthy of comment in the context of this discussion. A canard that has already been trotted out by climate change contrarians (and unfortunately parroted uncritically in some media reports) holds that weather in certain parts of the U.S. (e.g. blizzards and avalanches in Colorado) negates the observation of anomalous winter warmth. This argument is disingenuous at best. As clearly evident from the figure shown above, temperatures for the first month of this winter have been above normal across the United States (with the only exceptions being a couple small cold patches along the U.S./Mexico border). The large snowfall events in Boulder were not associated with cold temperatures, but instead with especially moisture-laden air masses passing through the region. If temperatures are at or below freezing (which is true even during this warmer-than-average winter in Colorado), that moisture will precipitate as snow, not rain. Indeed, snowfall is often predicted to increase in many regions in response to anthropogenic climate change, since warmer air, all other things being equal, holds more moisture, and therefore, the potential for greater amounts of precipitation whatever form that precipitation takes.
Another issue here involves the precise role of El Nino in climate change. El Nino has a profound influence on disparate regional weather phenomena. Witness for example the dramatic decrease in Atlantic tropical cyclones this most recent season relative to the previous one. This decrease can be attributed to the El Nino that developed over the crucial autumn season, which favored a strengthening of the upper level westerlies over the tropical North Atlantic, increased tropical Atlantic wind shear, and a consequently less favorable environment for tropical cyclogenesis.
If a particular seasonal anomaly appears to be related to El Nino, can we conclude that climate change played no role at all? Obviously not. It is possible, in fact probable, that climate change is actually influencing El Nino (e.g. favoring more frequent and larger El Nino events), although just how much is still very much an issue of active scientific debate. One of the key remaining puzzles in the science of climate change therefore involves figuring out just how El Nino itself might change in the future, a topic we're certain to discuss here again in the future.


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Hugh Heffner's empire has run afoul of conservative politicians in India, who have decided to halt plans for the country's first Playboy Club.
PB Lifestyle, the Indian firm with rights to the Playboy brand, had hoped that the club in the southwestern state of Goa would be the first of eight to be constructed over the next three years. They were hoping for as many as 120 such clubs in the coming decade.
But that now looks to be on hold. Goa's Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who leads a government dominated by the right-wing Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP, gave the plan a thumbs down on Tuesday for what he called "technical" reasons.
"The Playboy club's application for setting up the facility in beach shack would be rejected as shack licences are usually given to individuals and not to the companies," Parrikar told the state assembly.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the Goa "open-air club" was to have been located on Candolim beach in the former Portuguese colony, a favorite seaside destination for many foreign travelers.
On the Playboy India website on Tuesday, an announcement still reads: "It's official. The legendary Playboy Clubs are coming to India, and so are the Playboy Bunnies." There's also a link on the page to Playboy founder Hugh Heffner, who says he is "thrilled to be opening Playboy clubs in India."
The WSJ reports that Michael Lobo, a BJP member of the state assembly for Goa, threatened to go on a hunger strike if the club were built:
"Playboy is nothing but a glorified dance bar or a glorified prostitution joint," he told India Real Time last week, adding that he was worried the clubs would turn Goa — already popular with partygoers from around the world — into a "sex tourism destination."
The announcement comes just months after Bollywood film star Sherlyn Chopra became the first Indian model to pose nude for Playboy magazine.
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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An Egyptian court has ordered that former President Hosni Mubarak be released from custody while he awaits a retrial on charges related to the killing of protesters during the 2011 protests that led to the toppling of his government, NPR's Peter Kenyon reports from Cairo.
Peter adds that even though that case and others related to corruption charges are still active, Mubarak's release would "likely spark anxiety that the military-backed government now in charge is returning Egypt to the authoritarian state it was in before the Arab Spring."
Prosecutors, Peter also reports, have said they won't appeal the court's order. According to Reuters, the judge said prosecutors couldn't challenge the ruling even if they wished: "The decision to release Mubarak issued today ... is final and the prosecution cannot appeal against it," Judge Ahmed el-Bahrawi said.
The BBC adds that reports from Cairo suggest Mubarak may be released as soon as Thursday.
Mubarak, 85, was convicted last year and sentenced to life in prison for not stopping the killing of protesters in 2011. But the court has now said he should not be kept in custody while appealing that verdict.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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