Marriage might be a religious institution for some, but it's primarily a legal institution, and that's all that SHOULD matter according to our government's rules (if they would actually adhere to the whole separation of church & state thing).

As for George and Brad.. how anyone can look at that photo and not be filled with joy and happiness for such a perfect couple is beyond me.

How am I a "victim in waiting" by not wanting to be surrounded by defensive weapons? I'd say the person toting the weapons is the one expecting to be a victim, otherwise they wouldn't be carrying it. I just don't walk around thinking about things like that, and I don't feel I should have to. The person bringing the guns out in the open is the one causing the perceived danger, not my fear of a criminal society that I need to protect my family from.

I had a feeling someone would comment on my choice of words. I know that's not really "brandishing," but still. It would make me uncomfortable. I don't like it any more when cops wear them. I just don't like guns period.

There may be people carrying concealed weapons, but when I go to a store, restaurant, movie theater, or any other public place I don't feel it necessary to have it in my face that they're doing so. It doesn't just freak me out, it would create a generally antagonistic atmosphere and put me and I'm sure others on guard and on edge, which in our day and age of high stress, is the last thing we need.

If I saw someone like him, I would probably leave the store. Sorry, but it just scares the hell out of me. I'm sure stores are aware of how many customers like me they'd lose and won't just allow people, no matter what the laws are, to walk into their establishments brandishing weapons. Plus, even if 95% of those doing it are harmless, anyone could use that as a front and then injure or kill in a second. What owner/manager is going to take that chance?

I remember seeing the cigarette machines everywhere when I was growing up (80s/90s). They were mostly in the entrances to restaurants and in hotels and stuff. But I haven't seen one in forever. I don't go to bars but I guess it makes sense that they'd be there if anywhere. In Florida that's the only public place you can smoke anyway (I'm not sure which other states are the same but I know there are several). I imagine this is part of the reason for the change as well as, of course, liability of giving minors easy access to tobacco.

The crow vending machine is truly awesome.

The video going around is not the video shown at the press conference; it was a deliberate fake created the night before by skeptics in the area to show how easy it would be to create such a thing quickly and cheaply (they did it for $90 in 4-5 hrs).

http://www.rockymountainparanormal.com/ufo/

As you can see, it doesn't match the screenshot from the actual video (which wasn't allowed to be taped), but amusingly it's pretty close.

There was a short-lived musical on Broadway about the Hilton twins about 10 years ago. It was called Side Show. Not completely accurate, from what I've read later, but still a great musical.

@TT: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opossum

"They are commonly also called "possums," though that term is also applied to Australian fauna of the suborder Phalangeriformes. The Virginia Opossum is the original animal named "opossum". The word comes from Algonquian wapathemwa. Colloquially, the Virginia opossum is frequently called simply possum."

In other words, in the U.S. you can spell it either way. In Australia, it's always "possum," and since this happened there, it's definitely possum, not opossum.

The jump looks cool.. but sorry, Jackass is one of the stupidest shows to ever be on television, and I can't get behind any stunt that involves cruelty to animals. You might not like snakes, but that doesn't mean they deserve genocide. If that's what brings you happiness, you probably need a better hobby.

Eh, you're more likely to get salmonella from bagged lettuce than from a dropped Oreo. Live a little. =P

Wow, way to be in denial, people.

Those are excellent.

Try just clicking on the Flickr set link. I think something's wacky with the thumbnails.

Well said, MoonCake.

I'm with you, Pol x. I've never heard such a thing; in fact, I find Japanese culture to have some of the most creative and innovative stuff around. Some of it bizarre, sure.. but creative all the way.