Doctors performing surgery on an unnamed man in Japan found out that what they thought was a tumor was a surgical towel that had been left inside him 25 years ago!

The patient had been carrying the cloth since 1983, when surgeons at the Asahi General Hospital in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo left it in him after an operation to treat an ulcer, a spokesman for the hospital said.

The man, now 49, went in to another hospital in late May after suffering abdominal pain.

When examinations found what was believed to be an eight-centimetre (3.2-inch) tumour, he underwent the operation to remove it. It was only then that surgeons realised it was a towel.

Representatives from the first hospital have apologized and are working on a compensation agreement. Link -via Arbroath

Today’s Lunchtime Quiz at mental_floss is about musical cherries. It could be an artist or a song title or something else, but there are more of them than I could come up! I scored 80%. http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/15447

Dan Walsh publishes Garfield comic strip at his site Garfield Minus Garfield with one difference -he takes out all the characters except Jon (featured previously at Neatorama). Garfield creator Jim Davis calls the creations “fascinating”.

Mr. Davis, who has been drawing Garfield for 30 years, said that “Garfield Minus Garfield” has actually prompted him to take a different look at his own work. He compared Mr. Walsh’s efforts to the cerebral approach of Pogo, the comic strip by Walt Kelly.

“I think it’s the body of work that makes me laugh — the more you read of these strips, the funnier it gets,” Mr. Davis said. As for Garfield himself, “this makes a compelling argument that maybe he doesn’t need to be there. Less is more.”

Link -via Geek Like Me

Dr. Wei Sheng has Olympic fever, and he’s displaying his support by sticking 2008 needles into his head!

In a bizarre publicity stunt, Dr Wei Sheng pierced the decorative needles in his head, face, hands and chest in the five colours of the Olympic rings.

The picture of Dr Sheng’s was taken in Nanning, Southern China, and demonstrates the patriotic fervour among the Chinese people in the build up to September’s Games.

He seems to have substituted white for blue in the Olympics colors. Any speculation that Dr. Wei might be an acupuncturist? Link -via Arbroath

(image credit: Maxppp/Barcroft Media)

Internet dating: The entire story is told in one cartoon. It warmed my heart, then brought a tear to my eye (sorta), because it’s so true. I would like to know who the artist is. Link

(Live Leak link)
A clear case of cubicle rage, although there’s no information on what caused it. Security cameras catch the whole thing on video, but no audio. -via Metafilter

After disappearing from the internet for a few months, deputydog has decided to become a full-time blogger. His first act is to solicit designs for a new logo for his site through a contest at Worth1000. The winning logo will earn $400! He wants green for a predominant color, and if you use any capitals, you’ll probably be eliminated. http://deputy-dog.com/2008/06/02/deputydogs-back-anyone-still-here/

Greathouse Labs makes vehicles and fire machines. And vehicles that produce fire. The latest is a wheelchair outfitted with a flame thrower!

According to Lance Greathouse, "It was made for the disabled person looking for something a little different, why drive something that looks like a medical device when you can drive something lethal?"

Link to story. Link to website. -via Unique Daily

Ever thought about taking up a new hobby? 10 Completely Insane Activities Probably Not Covered By Insurance has videos of each, from shark diving to extreme bungee jumping. My life insurance specifically states that any skydiving and bungee jumping activity will void my policy. Link -Thanks, Andy!

We love to read about the people we want to be, like superheroes or wealthy people. Or both! The AV Club looks at 18 obscenely wealthy comic-book and cartoon characters. http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/where_do_they_get_those -via Digg

(Live Leak link)
You know what they say about something too good to be true, and taking candy from strangers, etc etc. -via Unique Daily

Update: Boing Boing posted this and commenters provided more information.

It was made at the Savannah College of the Arts, and was written and directed by Christian Simmons. Heres a high-quality version of the film. Here's a behind-the-scenes video.

Video game villains multiply like... like paleontological discoveries! Today’s Lunchtime Quiz at mental_floss should be easy if you spent the last twenty years playing Super Marios Brothers, OR if you keep up with the many many species of dinosaurs. I scored 73%, mainly due to dumb luck. http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/15377

JobMob has the 150 Funniest Resume Mistakes, Bloopers and Blunders Ever! The best argument for proofreading I’ve seen anywhere, although obviously some of these people really don’t want a job. Here’s a taste:

Application: How large was the department you worked in with your last company? “A: 3 stories.” (Resumania)

A resume listed a skill as “being bi-lingual in three languages” (Ask Annie’s)
Background: “28 dog years of experience in sales (four human).” (Resumania)

In the section that read “Emergency Contact Number” she wrote “911.” (Ask Annie’s)

Candidate drew a picture of a car on the outside of the envelope and said it was the hiring manager’s gift. (Careerbuilder.com)

Languages: “Fluent in English. Also I have been heard muttering Gibberish in my sleep.” (Resumania)

“Directed $25 million anal shipping and receiving operations.” (ResumePower.com)

Link -via Digg

The Suzukaze seat cushion keeps your butt cool as you work. For about five cents a day, a fan blows air through the cushion to keep you comfortable. You may work in an air-conditioned office now, but when energy costs cause your employer to think twice about turning it on, you’ll thank me for this. Link -via Digg

(YouTube link)
Big Buck Bunny is a charming 8-minute animation produced by Ton Roosendaal of the Blender Institute. Link -via Viral Video Chart