ID theft dates back to the 1930s

Mrs. Scrader Whitcher comparing  her
real card to the fake printed in wallets.

ID theft is a big problem with which I hope to never have to deal.

One of the earliest recorded misuses of Social Security numbers dates back to 1938, when Hilda Schrader Whitcher's brilliant boss, Vice President and Treasurer of the E. H. Ferree company Douglas Patterson, a wallet manufacturing company , decided to show prospective buyers that a Social Security card fit perfectly in the wallet. I guess people carried their SSN cards around back in the day.

Consequently, others thought it would be a genius idea to use the "specimen" Social Security number as their own. Its usage peaked in the mid-1940s. This ID theft became such a problem that the FBI visited Mrs. Schrader Whitcher to investigate why so many people were using her SSN. The ID theft victim later explained in an interview, " "They started using the number. They thought it was their own. I can't understand how people can be so stupid. I can't understand that." Needless to say, Mrs. Schrader Whitcher was issued a new Social Security number.

The "specimen" card

The crazy thing is that this is not the first time an incident like this has happened. Read more about this story from the Social Security Administration.

[photos: Social Security Administration]

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Pull out your red and blue 3-D glasses

While advances in 3-D technology are far superior compared to 10 years ago, you can never get rid of your red and blue 3-D glasses. I admit I have a pair in almost every room of my home. The glasses came in handy when I stumbled on Swell 3D, a site that features 3-D pictures.

Here are some of my favorites (you will need a pair of red and blue 3-D glasses to view these correctly):

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25% of men travel with a stuffed animal

Personally, I don't see a problem with this. There are a lot worse things men (or women) can take with them in their luggage. An ABC News report stated that a British hotel chain that has hotels all over the world reunited 75,000 with their owners within the span of a year.

ABC News reports:
"Travelodge surveyed 6,000 Britons and discovered that 35 percent of adults admitted they sleep with their teddy because they found cuddling their bear comforting. Additionally, many said the calming feeling of a bear hug helped them lower their stress level after a hard day.

"...Travelodge said that 25 percent of men reported they take their teddy bear away with them when going away on business. The stuffed animal supposedly reminds them of home and -- some say -- helps fill a cuddle-void left by distant partners."


Stuffed animals make great pillows, especially when most normal pillows are torture on my neck. Three cheers for teddy bear travelers!


[photo: Lin Pernille Photography]


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Wizard with a press pass

I came across the funniest review while doing some research on the Universal Life Church. The review is from a person who purchased a press pass from the organization:

"I purchased this Press card with the intent on becoming a wizard or a mystic warrior. My life has changed since I can now do magic. I do not know what to say other than god is great. People look at me differently now. I am the wizard of life and god is my creator. I am the wizard of life and god is my creator."

After laughing out loud, which I don't often do when I'm in a room by myself, I grew curious. What in the world is a wizard (or a mystic warrior) going to do with a press pass? How does magic enhance a press pass? Is is like Doctor Who's psychic paper now?  So many questions...

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I like turtles

What zombie kid in Oregon doesn't like turtles?



She did ask him what he thought.

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Blood-ah

This video was shot after the older brother accidentally hit the baby's mouth, which bled. I'd be laughing, too, if I was holding the camera.



"Blood-ah. Not funny!"



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Hide your kids, hide your wife

"We gonna find you; I'm letting you know now."


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Leprechaun Spotting in Alabama

Some folks in Alabama saw a leprechaun! No way! The best part of this video is the artist sketch of the leprechaun--it is amazing.



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Awesome hotel promo pics

 These pics are from the Club Hotel Dolphin, which actually looks like a really nice resort. These pictures, however, are too funny.

A "Whose Line is it" type sketch?

Check out the enthusiasm of the kids in the pool

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Strange ad

I am all for World Vision, and my youth group has participated in several fundraisers to help their organization. However, this is one of the strangest ads I have ever seen. I know the intent behind it, but still. ...I love the photo-shopped bow, too.

Give a goat.

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Ads that are just wrong

Sometimes I have no idea what was going through the mind of some people when they created these vintage ads or those who approved them for public viewing.

The making of zombie children

For the prompt making of zombie seniors. *Love the cane*

15 cents for cocaine. You can't find that on the streets anymore.

How soon is too soon for cola? Depends on how early
you want your child running a muck in your house.

What in the world? How does killing women and postage meters
relate to one another? (FYI: The answer is YES.)

Yeah, so keep it shut!

Sanitized tape worms=severe malnutrition.

They even worried about VD back then
...but it was okay to give your children cocaine and cola.

Who in the world has conversations like this?

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Lard ads

Lard makes everything better! See for yourself.

When was this? (I had to throw the Spam ad in here)

Yum!!

I'm always in love and young when I eat lard. Cheers!

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Old Smoking Ads

People used to think it was a good idea to smoke. Check out these old ads:

Believing what?

And that's good because....?

...or  you could do something useful with yourself.

What is Santa wrapped in? Doesn't he get enough chimney smoke?

All doctors will tell you about how well smoking and asthma mix.

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BK Pizza Burger

Heart attack in a bun

If the picture is not reason enough to not eat the new $12.99 Burger King pizza burger here are some stats that might change your mind:

Nutritional amounts per serving (total of 6 servings per pizza burger): 

• 2,530 calories
• 144 grams of fat
• 59 grams of saturated fat
• 3,780 milligrams of sodium (more than twice the recommended daily allowance for adults

The pizza burger is only available at the Times Square, NY BK restaurant at the moment. What's great is that it comes in a pizza and the ingredients include four Whopper patties (only?), pepperoni, mozzarella, marinara sauce and Tuscan pesto sauce.

 

You want fries with that?

Essential Manners for Men

Put the toilet seat down...or else

Guys, in the event you do not know how to behave, Peter Post of the Emily Post family created this guide just for you!

We asked Peter Post for the top five mistakes that men make. Here’s what he had to say:

Men can screw up in a lot of places in their lives and, frankly, they can probably get away with it. But here are five essentials which raise the hackles on the backs of the peoples’ necks. Guard against these issues and your life will take a turn for the better.

1. Table manners. For whatever reason people judge people by their table manners. Eat like a slob, people will think of you as a slob. 

And, if you want one table manner above all others to be careful about: don’t chew food with your mouth open. It’s disgusting.

The fact is eating is really a social activity, a time when we join a special someone, our family, friends, co-workers, prospects or clients in a setting where we can talk and have a good time. So focus on the people you are with, think about making their experience with you the very best possible. And then act accordingly. You can bet they’ll want to be with you again.

2. The toilet seat. Raise it to do your business and then put it back down.
 
Here’s why. Look at that rim the next time you go. Would you want to sit on it? Neither does she.
So you think, “Hey, why doesn’t she put it down and share the load.” Because if it’s the middle of the night or she forgets to look, she’s the one that’s sitting on it, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to have to face her afterwards. Neither do you.

It’s simply a matter of being considerate. Anyway, why let something like this potentially turn her off to you. It doesn’t make sense. Put it down.

3. Speaking of being inconsiderate, avoid actions that put people around you down.

Like failing to introduce your significant other to people you are talking to at a party. Instead, let the others know you’re proud to be with her. Or like hogging the remote and watching only what you want to watch on TV.

Do those little things that make her smile when she thinks of you. Like putting dishes in the dishwasher instead of leaving them on the table or in the sink. Like cleaning out the sink after you shave. Like opening the car door for her or holding her coat for her or standing when she approaches the table in a restaurant.

4. Looking vs. staring. You know what I’m talking about.

That head snapping stare doesn’t impress anyone you are with. It’s a matter of focus. If an attractive woman happens by while I’m with my wife, to be sure I notice her. But I don’t let my noticing interfere with the focus of my attention which remains on my wife. The minute my focus shifts to the person I’m looking at, then I’m staring, and I’m going to have a problem.

5. What your mother always tried to teach you; say “please” and “thank you.”

It sounds trite, but it’s some of the best advice you’ll ever get. Think of it this way:
When you say “please,” you turn a demand into a request. When you say “thank you,” you turn expecting someone to do something into appreciating what someone is doing for you. People like to be asked to do something and people really like being appreciated.

Where does this work for you? Everywhere. It’s not just at home. It’s with your friends as well. And it’s with your co-workers, prospects, clients, and suppliers. It’s with your children. You can’t expect them to do the things you ask of them if you don’t model the behaviors yourself.

Saying “please” and “thank you” costs you literally nothing, yet it can make the people you are with think very highly of you and want to do things for you and want be with you.

That’s it. Five little things you can work on to improve your relationships at home with friends and special people, and at work. Bottom line: that’s what etiquette is really about. Knowing what to do and say to build great relationships. I think we all want to be liked, we like to be liked. Etiquette will help us to leave an impression of, “What a great guy he is. I really like being with him.”

Emily Post's Attire Guide

Don't know what to wear? Emily Post can help. Here are her suggestions (the words in italics are mine, the rest are from the site):

White Tie Event
Men:

• Black tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK
• white piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front
• white vest
• white-colored (e.g., mother of pearl) studs and cufflinks
• white bow tie
• white or gray gloves



Aurora is ready for a white tie event

• black patent shoes and black dress socks

 Women:

• Formal (floor length) evening gown
  

 Black Tie Event
 Men:

• Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers
  formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt
• black-colored (e.g., onyx) studs and cufflinks
• black bow tie (silk, shiny satin or twill)
• black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest
• dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional)
• black patent shoes and black dress socks
• no gloves.
• In summer or on a cruise: white dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe.

 Women (excuse the redundant words in the descriptions):

• Formal (floor length) evening gown
• dressy cocktail dress
• Your dressiest little black dress

Creative Black Tie (whatever this means)
Men: 

• Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items, such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund

Women:

• Formal (floor length) evening gown
• dressy cocktail dress
• your dressiest little black dress
• fun or unique accessories (like a rainbow wig?)

Black Tie Optional
Men: 

• Either a tuxedo (see 'Black Tie' above) or
• Dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie
• dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks

 Women:

• Formal (floor length) evening gown
• dressy cocktail dress
• a little black dress
• dressy separates

Semiformal Events
Men: 

• Dark, business suit
• matching vest (optional)
• dress shirt
• conservative tie
• dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks

Women:

• Short afternoon or cocktail dress
• a little black dress
• long dressy skirt and top
• dressy separates

 Festive Attire (usually for the holidays)

Men:

• Seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice, and slacks
• open-collar shirt
• dress shirt and optional "festive" or holiday-themed tie (like the tie with LED Christmas trees)

Women:

• Cocktail dress or
• long dressy skirt and top
• dressy pants outfit or separates
• a little black dress
• feature holiday colors and accessories

Business Formal 
Men:

• Dark business suit
• matching vest (optional)
• dress shirt
• conservative tie
• dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks

Women:

• Suit
• business-style dress (What? No more dressy cocktail dresses?)
• dress with a jacket
• stockings (optional in summer)
• heels, low or high

Business Casual
Men: 

• Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis
• dress shirt with optional tie, or casual button-down shirt
• open-collar or polo shirt
• loafers or loafer-style shoes and socks

Women:

• Skirt, khakis or pants
• open-collar shirt, knit shirt, or sweater (no spaghetti straps or decolleté)
• casual-style dress

Dressy Casual 
Men:

• Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks
• dress shirt, casual button-down shirt
• optional tie
• open-collar or polo shirt

Women: 

• Dress
• skirt and dressy top
• dressy pants outfit
• nice jeans and dressy top

Casual


Men:

• Khakis or good jeans (clean, no holes)
• cargo or Bermuda shorts—depending on occation and climate
• plain t-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, or turtleneck
• casual button-down shirt
• sweater
• loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), or sandals

Women: 

• Sundress
• long or short skirt
• khakis or nice jeans
• shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
• plain t-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, or turtleneck
• casual button-down blouse

Response to 2010's Hurricane Karl

The fault of rap music?

Hurricane Karl is a major storm that is flooding the streets in some part of Mexico. The first comment to MSNs report on the incident follows:

"Oh, here we go....
We are all gonna die, the sky is falling, dogs and cats living together.....
These hurricanes are here for one simple reason. They have been agitated by the collective sounds of rap music coming from the US. Why else would God allow this visitation by mother nature? It's rap music...... and possibly McDonalds whose truly at fault." ~Delayne

The rest of the comments are not much different, but this one really made me laugh hard.

Delta will not accommodate disabled man

Delta fails when it comes to helping the disabled.

My husband and I are gearing up for a cross-country trip in the future. Whenever my husband flies, we request bulkhead seats because he is disabled (mobility issue) and he requires the extra space that these seats offer (because of his height and a chronic pain issue with damaged nerves). The airlines, so far, has changed our itinerary two times.

For the latest flight change, I called Delta to confirm our seat assignment for a 5.5-hour flight because we had special seat assignments to accommodate my husband’s disability for the previous flights before they were changed. I was told by a Delta supervisor (Carrie, agent # H9) that there are no bulkhead seats on the aircraft. So I asked what the next option is, and was told that there is a row designated for “disabled seating.” The difference in these seats is “nothing.” I explained my husband’s situation to the supervisor and told her it is crucial that he have the extra room, and that other airlines have given us first class seats to accommodate the disability when bulkhead seats were not available. I even told her that I would not mind sitting in coach as long as my husband was accommodated. The Delta supervisor said the only way she would give my husband first class seats is if we paid the difference. I then asked her how Delta accommodates disabled passengers who require the extra room when there is extra room available on the plane, but no bulkhead seats. The answer: they don’t. I had no choice but to get the “disabled row” seats.

Well, Delta, this is a big FAIL.

Boring business cards

Now that I have to buy my own business cards I try to make them cool-looking so people keep them rather than throw them away. Seriously, how many business cards have you thrown away or not taken because they looked boring?

This model airplane company figured out how to do their business card right. The pieces in the card pop out so you can make a miniature airplane.

See a video of the assembly.

What to do if you cannot draw well

This is such a good idea! The artist paints on people and takes their photo. The result is the look of a painted portrait. Genius! Time to get some paint...

Thank you, Captain Obvious

This is a photo taken by my dad while traveling in India. The sign above the elephants reads: "Do not enter. The elephants are larger than you. Thank you."  This is a warning, I guess, for those who have no idea what elephants are.

The elephants are bigger than you...ALWAYS.

Fail

I laugh at the misfortunes of others; that's why I love FailBlog.org. Here are some of my recent favorites.


























Saving the best FAIL for last...