I'll start it off, I saw this strange but true article today (perhaps one of the guests shared the same ability of suggestion Tess has...you will not rob us...you will eat the cheese and drink the wine :
A gate-crasher's change of heart
Gunman bursts into party, tastes cheese and wine, gets hug, then leaves
By Allison Klein
The Washington Post
Updated: 5:47 a.m. ET July 13, 2007
WASHINGTON - A grand feast of marinated steaks and jumbo shrimp was winding down, and a group of friends was sitting on the back patio of a Capitol Hill home, sipping red wine. Suddenly, a hooded man slid in through an open gate and put the barrel of a handgun to the head of a 14-year-old guest.
"Give me your money, or I'll start shooting," he demanded, according to D.C. police and witness accounts.
The five other guests, including the girls' parents, froze -- and then one spoke.
"We were just finishing dinner," Cristina "Cha Cha" Rowan, 43, blurted out. "Why don't you have a glass of wine with us?"
The intruder took a sip of their Chateau Malescot St-Exupéry and said, "Damn, that's good wine."
The girl's father, Michael Rabdau, 51, who described the harrowing evening in an interview, told the intruder, described as being in his 20s, to take the whole glass. Rowan offered him the bottle. The would-be robber, his hood now down, took another sip and had a bite of Camembert cheese that was on the table.
Then he tucked the gun into the pocket of his nylon sweatpants.
"I think I may have come to the wrong house," he said, looking around the patio of the home in the 1300 block of Constitution Avenue NE.
"I'm sorry," he told the group. "Can I get a hug?"
Rowan, who lives in Falls Church and works part time at her children's school, stood up and wrapped her arms around him. Then it was Rabdau's turn. Then his wife's. The other two guests complied.
"That's really good wine," the man said, taking another sip. He had a final request: "Can we have a group hug?"
The five adults surrounded him, arms out.
With that, the man walked out with a crystal wine glass in hand, filled with Chateau Malescot. No one was hurt, and nothing was stolen.
The homeowner, Xavier Cervera, 45, had gone out to walk his dog at the end of the party and missed the incident, which happened about midnight June 16. Police classified the case as strange but true and said they had not located a suspect.
"We believe it is a true robbery," said Cmdr. Diane Groomes, who is in charge of patrols in the Capitol Hill area. But it's one-of-a-kind, she said, adding, "I've never heard of a robber joining a party and then walking out to the sunset."
The hug, she said, was especially unusual. "They should have squeezed him and held onto him for us," she said.
Rabdau said he hasn't been able to figure out what happened.
"I was definitely expecting there would be some kind of casualty," Rabdau said this week. "He was very aggressive at first; then it turned into a love fest. I don't know what it was."
Rabdau, a federal government worker who lives in Anne Arundel County with his family and lived on Capitol Hill with his wife in the 1980s, said that the episode lasted about 10 minutes but seemed like an hour. He believes the guests were spared because they kept a positive attitude during the exchange.
"There was this degree of disbelief and terror at the same time," Rabdau said. "Then it miraculously just changed. His whole emotional tone turned -- like, we're one big happy family now. I thought: Was it the wine? Was it the cheese?"
After the intruder left, the guests walked inside the house, locked the door and stared at each other. They didn't say a word. Rabdau dialed 911. Police arrived quickly and took a report. They also dusted for fingerprints -- so far, to no avail.
In the alley behind the home, investigators found the intruder's empty crystal wine glass on the ground, unbroken.
Full Version: Weird Enuff To Be 4400 Sci-fi
Excellent! I do believe its going to be tuff to top that one.
thats gonna be a hard one to top chewy
my first impression would be to say I doubt it played out exactly how they said it did..
but then again, why would they lie? or exaggerate maybe?
someone should be studying that woman who offered him the wine
or maybe the robber really didn't wanna to commit the crime , and was looking for a reason not to?
my first impression would be to say I doubt it played out exactly how they said it did..
but then again, why would they lie? or exaggerate maybe?
someone should be studying that woman who offered him the wine
or maybe the robber really didn't wanna to commit the crime , and was looking for a reason not to?
QUOTE (boooey @ Jul 13 2007, 01:27 PM) 
thats gonna be a hard one to top chewy
my first impression would be to say I doubt it played out exactly how they said it did..
but then again, why would they lie? or exaggerate maybe?
someone should be studying that woman who offered him the wine
or maybe the robber really didn't wanna to commit the crime , and was looking for a reason not to?
my first impression would be to say I doubt it played out exactly how they said it did..
but then again, why would they lie? or exaggerate maybe?
someone should be studying that woman who offered him the wine
or maybe the robber really didn't wanna to commit the crime , and was looking for a reason not to?
Or maybe the robber is from the future and they just don't make a decent Chateau Malescot St-Exupéry wine anymore (Matthew, Oh Matthew Ross..good to see you again buddy!).
"Damn, that's good wine." If the company that makes this wine is smart, I'd produce a commercial based on a true story.
I thought it was strange that the government on the 4400 made a law forbidding the use of promicin abilities, but when I went looking for some genuine peculiar laws, I found fact is indeed stranger than fiction. From Strange But True:
In Texas, it's against the law for anyone to have a pair of pliers in his or her possession.
In Philadelphia, you can't put pretzels in bags based on an Act of 1760.
Alaska law says that you can't look at a moose from an airplane.
In Corpus Christie, Texas, it is illegal to raise alligators in your home.
In Miami, it is forbidden to imitate an animal.
It is against the law to mispronounce the name of the State of Arkansas in that State.
In Illinois, the law is that a car must be driven with the steering wheel.
California law prohibits a woman from driving a car while dressed in a housecoat.
In Memphis, Tennessee, a woman is not to drive a car unless a man warns approaching motorists or pedestrians by walking in front of the car that is being driven.
In Tennessee, it is against the law to drive a car while sleeping.
In New York, it is against the law for a blind person to drive an automobile.
In West Virginia, only babies can ride in a baby carriage.
In Georgia, it is against the law to slap a man on the back or front.
A barber is not to advertise prices in the State of Georgia.
In Louisiana, a bill was introduced years ago in the State House of Representatives that fixed a ceiling on haircuts for bald men of 25 cents.
In Oklahoma, no baseball team can hit the ball over the fence or out of a ballpark.
In Rochester, Michigan, the law is that anyone bathing in public must have the bathing suit inspected by a police officer.
In Kentucky, it's the law that a person must take a bath once a year.
In Utah, birds have the right of way on any public highway.
In Ohio, one must have a license to keep a bear.
In Tennessee, a law exists which prohibits the sale of bologna (sandwich meat) on Sunday.
In Virginia, the Code of 1930 has a statute which prohibits corrupt practices or bribery by any person other than political candidates.
In Providence, Rhode Island, it is against the law to jump off a bridge.
In the State of Kansas, you're not allowed to drive a buffalo through a street.
In Florida, it is against the law to put livestock on a school bus.
In New Jersey, cabbage can't be sold on Sunday.
In Galveston, Texas, it is illegal to have a camel run loose in the street.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for dogs and cats to fight.
In Cleveland, Ohio, it is unlawful to leave chewing gum in public places.
In Virginia, chickens cannot lay eggs before 8:00 a.m., and must be done before 4:00 p.m.
In New York, it is against the law for children to pick up or collect cigarette and cigar butts.
In Massachusetts, it is against the law to put tomatos in clam chowder.
In Washington State, you can't carry a concealed weapon that is over 6 feet in length.
In San Francisco, there is an ordinance, which bans the picking up and throwing of used confetti.
In Kentucky, it is illegal for a merchant to force a person into his place of business for the purpose of making a sale.
It is against the law in Connecticut for a man to write love letters to a girl whose mother or father has forbidden the relationship.
In Michigan, married couples must live together or be imprisoned.
In the state of Colorado, a pet cat, if loose, must have a tail-light.
In Phoenix, Arizona, you can't walk through a hotel lobby with spurs on.
In California, a law created in 1925 makes it illegal to wiggle while dancing.
In Utah, daylight must be visible between dancing couples.
In Michigan, it is against the law for a lady to lift her skirt more than 6 inches while walking through a mud puddle.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for a rabbit to race down the street.
In Georgia, it's against the law to spread a false rumor.
In West Virginia, one can't cook sauerkraut or cabbage due to the odors and the offence is subject to imprisonment.
In Missouri, a man must have a permit to shave.
In Texas, it is still a "hanging offense" to steal cattle.
In Texas, it's against the law for anyone to have a pair of pliers in his or her possession.
In Philadelphia, you can't put pretzels in bags based on an Act of 1760.
Alaska law says that you can't look at a moose from an airplane.
In Corpus Christie, Texas, it is illegal to raise alligators in your home.
In Miami, it is forbidden to imitate an animal.
It is against the law to mispronounce the name of the State of Arkansas in that State.
In Illinois, the law is that a car must be driven with the steering wheel.
California law prohibits a woman from driving a car while dressed in a housecoat.
In Memphis, Tennessee, a woman is not to drive a car unless a man warns approaching motorists or pedestrians by walking in front of the car that is being driven.
In Tennessee, it is against the law to drive a car while sleeping.
In New York, it is against the law for a blind person to drive an automobile.
In West Virginia, only babies can ride in a baby carriage.
In Georgia, it is against the law to slap a man on the back or front.
A barber is not to advertise prices in the State of Georgia.
In Louisiana, a bill was introduced years ago in the State House of Representatives that fixed a ceiling on haircuts for bald men of 25 cents.
In Oklahoma, no baseball team can hit the ball over the fence or out of a ballpark.
In Rochester, Michigan, the law is that anyone bathing in public must have the bathing suit inspected by a police officer.
In Kentucky, it's the law that a person must take a bath once a year.
In Utah, birds have the right of way on any public highway.
In Ohio, one must have a license to keep a bear.
In Tennessee, a law exists which prohibits the sale of bologna (sandwich meat) on Sunday.
In Virginia, the Code of 1930 has a statute which prohibits corrupt practices or bribery by any person other than political candidates.
In Providence, Rhode Island, it is against the law to jump off a bridge.
In the State of Kansas, you're not allowed to drive a buffalo through a street.
In Florida, it is against the law to put livestock on a school bus.
In New Jersey, cabbage can't be sold on Sunday.
In Galveston, Texas, it is illegal to have a camel run loose in the street.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for dogs and cats to fight.
In Cleveland, Ohio, it is unlawful to leave chewing gum in public places.
In Virginia, chickens cannot lay eggs before 8:00 a.m., and must be done before 4:00 p.m.
In New York, it is against the law for children to pick up or collect cigarette and cigar butts.
In Massachusetts, it is against the law to put tomatos in clam chowder.
In Washington State, you can't carry a concealed weapon that is over 6 feet in length.
In San Francisco, there is an ordinance, which bans the picking up and throwing of used confetti.
In Kentucky, it is illegal for a merchant to force a person into his place of business for the purpose of making a sale.
It is against the law in Connecticut for a man to write love letters to a girl whose mother or father has forbidden the relationship.
In Michigan, married couples must live together or be imprisoned.
In the state of Colorado, a pet cat, if loose, must have a tail-light.
In Phoenix, Arizona, you can't walk through a hotel lobby with spurs on.
In California, a law created in 1925 makes it illegal to wiggle while dancing.
In Utah, daylight must be visible between dancing couples.
In Michigan, it is against the law for a lady to lift her skirt more than 6 inches while walking through a mud puddle.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for a rabbit to race down the street.
In Georgia, it's against the law to spread a false rumor.
In West Virginia, one can't cook sauerkraut or cabbage due to the odors and the offence is subject to imprisonment.
In Missouri, a man must have a permit to shave.
In Texas, it is still a "hanging offense" to steal cattle.
QUOTE (boooey @ Jul 13 2007, 01:27 PM)
or maybe the robber really didn't wanna to commit the crime , and was looking for a reason not to?
Mabe the robber was drunk or high already when burst into the house. When people are drunk/high they tend not to act like themselves, or might be unpredictable.
One of my friends got really drunk while we all were hanging out. He's one of those acting tough types. When he was really drunk he said "I really love you guys, you mean alot" etc., asking for hugs, he even hugged a stranger. It was really embarrassing so we took him home, lol. He do not even remember what happened.
This is why I would not want to drink, I don't know how I would act. lol.
Hi Bubba here, ...
Some of these are just flat out funny.
QUOTE (rockingmule @ Jul 13 2007, 06:51 PM)
I thought it was strange that the government on the 4400 made a law forbidding the use of promicin abilities, but when I went looking for some genuine peculiar laws, I found fact is indeed stranger than fiction. From Strange But True:
In Texas, it's against the law for anyone to have a pair of pliers in his or her possession.
In Philadelphia, you can't put pretzels in bags based on an Act of 1760.
Alaska law says that you can't look at a moose from an airplane.
In Corpus Christie, Texas, it is illegal to raise alligators in your home.
In Miami, it is forbidden to imitate an animal.
It is against the law to mispronounce the name of the State of Arkansas in that State.
In Illinois, the law is that a car must be driven with the steering wheel.
California law prohibits a woman from driving a car while dressed in a housecoat.
In Memphis, Tennessee, a woman is not to drive a car unless a man warns approaching motorists or pedestrians by walking in front of the car that is being driven.
In Tennessee, it is against the law to drive a car while sleeping.
In New York, it is against the law for a blind person to drive an automobile.
In West Virginia, only babies can ride in a baby carriage.
In Georgia, it is against the law to slap a man on the back or front.
A barber is not to advertise prices in the State of Georgia.
In Louisiana, a bill was introduced years ago in the State House of Representatives that fixed a ceiling on haircuts for bald men of 25 cents.
In Oklahoma, no baseball team can hit the ball over the fence or out of a ballpark.
In Rochester, Michigan, the law is that anyone bathing in public must have the bathing suit inspected by a police officer.
In Kentucky, it's the law that a person must take a bath once a year.
In Utah, birds have the right of way on any public highway.
In Ohio, one must have a license to keep a bear.
In Tennessee, a law exists which prohibits the sale of bologna (sandwich meat) on Sunday.
In Virginia, the Code of 1930 has a statute which prohibits corrupt practices or bribery by any person other than political candidates.
In Providence, Rhode Island, it is against the law to jump off a bridge.
In the State of Kansas, you're not allowed to drive a buffalo through a street.
In Florida, it is against the law to put livestock on a school bus.
In New Jersey, cabbage can't be sold on Sunday.
In Galveston, Texas, it is illegal to have a camel run loose in the street.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for dogs and cats to fight.
In Cleveland, Ohio, it is unlawful to leave chewing gum in public places.
In Virginia, chickens cannot lay eggs before 8:00 a.m., and must be done before 4:00 p.m.
In New York, it is against the law for children to pick up or collect cigarette and cigar butts.
In Massachusetts, it is against the law to put tomatos in clam chowder.
In Washington State, you can't carry a concealed weapon that is over 6 feet in length.
In San Francisco, there is an ordinance, which bans the picking up and throwing of used confetti.
In Kentucky, it is illegal for a merchant to force a person into his place of business for the purpose of making a sale.
It is against the law in Connecticut for a man to write love letters to a girl whose mother or father has forbidden the relationship.
In Michigan, married couples must live together or be imprisoned.
In the state of Colorado, a pet cat, if loose, must have a tail-light.
In Phoenix, Arizona, you can't walk through a hotel lobby with spurs on.
In California, a law created in 1925 makes it illegal to wiggle while dancing.
In Utah, daylight must be visible between dancing couples.
In Michigan, it is against the law for a lady to lift her skirt more than 6 inches while walking through a mud puddle.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for a rabbit to race down the street.
In Georgia, it's against the law to spread a false rumor.
In West Virginia, one can't cook sauerkraut or cabbage due to the odors and the offence is subject to imprisonment.
In Missouri, a man must have a permit to shave.
In Texas, it is still a "hanging offense" to steal cattle.
In Texas, it's against the law for anyone to have a pair of pliers in his or her possession.
In Philadelphia, you can't put pretzels in bags based on an Act of 1760.
Alaska law says that you can't look at a moose from an airplane.
In Corpus Christie, Texas, it is illegal to raise alligators in your home.
In Miami, it is forbidden to imitate an animal.
It is against the law to mispronounce the name of the State of Arkansas in that State.
In Illinois, the law is that a car must be driven with the steering wheel.
California law prohibits a woman from driving a car while dressed in a housecoat.
In Memphis, Tennessee, a woman is not to drive a car unless a man warns approaching motorists or pedestrians by walking in front of the car that is being driven.
In Tennessee, it is against the law to drive a car while sleeping.
In New York, it is against the law for a blind person to drive an automobile.
In West Virginia, only babies can ride in a baby carriage.
In Georgia, it is against the law to slap a man on the back or front.
A barber is not to advertise prices in the State of Georgia.
In Louisiana, a bill was introduced years ago in the State House of Representatives that fixed a ceiling on haircuts for bald men of 25 cents.
In Oklahoma, no baseball team can hit the ball over the fence or out of a ballpark.
In Rochester, Michigan, the law is that anyone bathing in public must have the bathing suit inspected by a police officer.
In Kentucky, it's the law that a person must take a bath once a year.
In Utah, birds have the right of way on any public highway.
In Ohio, one must have a license to keep a bear.
In Tennessee, a law exists which prohibits the sale of bologna (sandwich meat) on Sunday.
In Virginia, the Code of 1930 has a statute which prohibits corrupt practices or bribery by any person other than political candidates.
In Providence, Rhode Island, it is against the law to jump off a bridge.
In the State of Kansas, you're not allowed to drive a buffalo through a street.
In Florida, it is against the law to put livestock on a school bus.
In New Jersey, cabbage can't be sold on Sunday.
In Galveston, Texas, it is illegal to have a camel run loose in the street.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for dogs and cats to fight.
In Cleveland, Ohio, it is unlawful to leave chewing gum in public places.
In Virginia, chickens cannot lay eggs before 8:00 a.m., and must be done before 4:00 p.m.
In New York, it is against the law for children to pick up or collect cigarette and cigar butts.
In Massachusetts, it is against the law to put tomatos in clam chowder.
In Washington State, you can't carry a concealed weapon that is over 6 feet in length.
In San Francisco, there is an ordinance, which bans the picking up and throwing of used confetti.
In Kentucky, it is illegal for a merchant to force a person into his place of business for the purpose of making a sale.
It is against the law in Connecticut for a man to write love letters to a girl whose mother or father has forbidden the relationship.
In Michigan, married couples must live together or be imprisoned.
In the state of Colorado, a pet cat, if loose, must have a tail-light.
In Phoenix, Arizona, you can't walk through a hotel lobby with spurs on.
In California, a law created in 1925 makes it illegal to wiggle while dancing.
In Utah, daylight must be visible between dancing couples.
In Michigan, it is against the law for a lady to lift her skirt more than 6 inches while walking through a mud puddle.
In North Carolina, it is against the law for a rabbit to race down the street.
In Georgia, it's against the law to spread a false rumor.
In West Virginia, one can't cook sauerkraut or cabbage due to the odors and the offence is subject to imprisonment.
In Missouri, a man must have a permit to shave.
In Texas, it is still a "hanging offense" to steal cattle.
Some of these are just flat out funny.
Bet all the guys love the one from Memphis, Tennessee about how a man has to warn people that a woman driver is approaching!
QUOTE (rockingmule @ Jul 15 2007, 01:08 AM)
Bet all the guys love the one from Memphis, Tennessee about how a man has to warn people that a woman driver is approaching!
You know, that one would still be helpful.
Tai
Careful, Tai. Statistically men are much worse drivers than women, which doesn't surprise me-I have two men in the house and even working together they can't find the trash can or figure out how to change the toilet paper.
Okay, how's this for weird? I was just watching Animal Planet's Most Extreme, and their number one biter on the planet is the cookie cutter shark. This animal once forced a nuclear sub to return to base for repairs, because it took a bite out of the sub!
QUOTE (boooey @ Jul 13 2007, 01:27 PM)
thats gonna be a hard one to top chewy
I dunno...it's just gets weirder and weirder... I call this one "Yes, Alana, I'd much rather live in an alternate reality world" It's really sad.
Police: Babies starved while parents gamed
Couple accused of neglecting young children to surf Web, play video games
RENO, Nev. - A couple authorities say were so obsessed with the Internet and video games that they left their babies starving and suffering other health problems have pleaded guilty to child neglect.
The children of Michael and Iana Straw, a boy age 22 months and a girl age 11 months, were severely malnourished and near death last month when doctors saw them after social workers took them to a hospital, authorities said. Both children are doing well and gaining weight in foster care, prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Michael Straw, 25, and Iana Straw, 23, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of child neglect. Each faces a maximum 12-year prison sentence.
Viloria said the Reno couple were too distracted by online video games, mainly the fantasy role-playing “Dungeons & Dragons” series, to give their children proper care.
“They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games,” Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Children injured, malnourished
Police said hospital staff had to shave the head of the girl because her hair was matted with cat urine. The 10-pound girl also had a mouth infection, dry skin and severe dehydration.
Her brother had to be treated for starvation and a genital infection. His lack of muscle development caused him difficulty in walking, investigators said.
The Straws have been given public defenders. Jeremy Bosler, head of the county public defender’s office, declined to comment to The Associated Press on Saturday.
Michael Straw is an unemployed cashier, and his wife worked for a temporary staffing agency doing warehouse work, according to court records. He received a $50,000 inheritance that he spent on computer equipment and a large plasma television, authorities said.
AMA ponders gaming addiction
While child abuse because of drug addiction is common, abuse rooted in video game addiction is rare, Viloria said.
Last month, experts at an American Medical Association meeting backed away from a proposal to designate video game addiction as a mental disorder, saying it had to be studied further. Some said the issue is like alcoholism, while others said there was no concrete evidence it’s a psychological disease.
Patrick Killen, spokesman for Nevada Child Abuse Prevention, said video game addiction’s correlation to child abuse is “a new spin on an old problem.”
“As we become more technologically advanced, there’s more distractions,” Killen said. “It’s easy for someone to get addicted to something and neglect their children. Whether it’s video games or meth, it’s a serious issue, and (we) need to become more aware of it.”
QUOTE (Chewy @ Jul 16 2007, 10:35 AM)
I dunno...it's just gets weirder and weirder... I call this one "Yes, Alana, I'd much rather live in an alternate reality world" It's really sad.
Police: Babies starved while parents gamed
Couple accused of neglecting young children to surf Web, play video games
RENO, Nev. - A couple authorities say were so obsessed with the Internet and video games that they left their babies starving and suffering other health problems have pleaded guilty to child neglect.
The children of Michael and Iana Straw, a boy age 22 months and a girl age 11 months, were severely malnourished and near death last month when doctors saw them after social workers took them to a hospital, authorities said. Both children are doing well and gaining weight in foster care, prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Michael Straw, 25, and Iana Straw, 23, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of child neglect. Each faces a maximum 12-year prison sentence.
Viloria said the Reno couple were too distracted by online video games, mainly the fantasy role-playing “Dungeons & Dragons” series, to give their children proper care.
“They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games,” Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Children injured, malnourished
Police said hospital staff had to shave the head of the girl because her hair was matted with cat urine. The 10-pound girl also had a mouth infection, dry skin and severe dehydration.
Her brother had to be treated for starvation and a genital infection. His lack of muscle development caused him difficulty in walking, investigators said.
The Straws have been given public defenders. Jeremy Bosler, head of the county public defender’s office, declined to comment to The Associated Press on Saturday.
Michael Straw is an unemployed cashier, and his wife worked for a temporary staffing agency doing warehouse work, according to court records. He received a $50,000 inheritance that he spent on computer equipment and a large plasma television, authorities said.
AMA ponders gaming addiction
While child abuse because of drug addiction is common, abuse rooted in video game addiction is rare, Viloria said.
Last month, experts at an American Medical Association meeting backed away from a proposal to designate video game addiction as a mental disorder, saying it had to be studied further. Some said the issue is like alcoholism, while others said there was no concrete evidence it’s a psychological disease.
Patrick Killen, spokesman for Nevada Child Abuse Prevention, said video game addiction’s correlation to child abuse is “a new spin on an old problem.”
“As we become more technologically advanced, there’s more distractions,” Killen said. “It’s easy for someone to get addicted to something and neglect their children. Whether it’s video games or meth, it’s a serious issue, and (we) need to become more aware of it.”
Police: Babies starved while parents gamed
Couple accused of neglecting young children to surf Web, play video games
RENO, Nev. - A couple authorities say were so obsessed with the Internet and video games that they left their babies starving and suffering other health problems have pleaded guilty to child neglect.
The children of Michael and Iana Straw, a boy age 22 months and a girl age 11 months, were severely malnourished and near death last month when doctors saw them after social workers took them to a hospital, authorities said. Both children are doing well and gaining weight in foster care, prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Michael Straw, 25, and Iana Straw, 23, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of child neglect. Each faces a maximum 12-year prison sentence.
Viloria said the Reno couple were too distracted by online video games, mainly the fantasy role-playing “Dungeons & Dragons” series, to give their children proper care.
“They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games,” Viloria told the Reno Gazette-Journal.
Children injured, malnourished
Police said hospital staff had to shave the head of the girl because her hair was matted with cat urine. The 10-pound girl also had a mouth infection, dry skin and severe dehydration.
Her brother had to be treated for starvation and a genital infection. His lack of muscle development caused him difficulty in walking, investigators said.
The Straws have been given public defenders. Jeremy Bosler, head of the county public defender’s office, declined to comment to The Associated Press on Saturday.
Michael Straw is an unemployed cashier, and his wife worked for a temporary staffing agency doing warehouse work, according to court records. He received a $50,000 inheritance that he spent on computer equipment and a large plasma television, authorities said.
AMA ponders gaming addiction
While child abuse because of drug addiction is common, abuse rooted in video game addiction is rare, Viloria said.
Last month, experts at an American Medical Association meeting backed away from a proposal to designate video game addiction as a mental disorder, saying it had to be studied further. Some said the issue is like alcoholism, while others said there was no concrete evidence it’s a psychological disease.
Patrick Killen, spokesman for Nevada Child Abuse Prevention, said video game addiction’s correlation to child abuse is “a new spin on an old problem.”
“As we become more technologically advanced, there’s more distractions,” Killen said. “It’s easy for someone to get addicted to something and neglect their children. Whether it’s video games or meth, it’s a serious issue, and (we) need to become more aware of it.”
this sounds like my nightly local news.. there are some sick people out there. its scary to think where we are headed as a race
QUOTE (boooey @ Jul 16 2007, 10:40 AM)
this sounds like my nightly local news.. there are some sick people out there. its scary to think where we are headed as a race
Those poor children.
*runs to hug her babies*
I don't make this stuff up folks.
Man calls 911 to save him from police
Cops had surrounded Fla. resident after they got word of a bar disturbance
The Associated Press
Updated: 7:56 p.m. ET July 16, 2007
LARGO, Fla. - A 38-year-old man was arrested after he called 911 and told a dispatcher he was surrounded by police officers and needed help, authorities said.
Police officers met Dana Farrell Shelton after being called to investigate a disturbance at a bar on Sunday but had found no problems and told him to move along.
Shelton, who officers said appeared intoxicated, then called 911 to report he was "surrounded by Largo police," according to an arrest affidavit.
"Our officers were standing there scratching their heads. He called, standing there in their presence," Largo Sgt. Melanie Holley said. "It's one of our 'truth is stranger than fiction' cases."
Shelton was charged with misdemeanor misuse of 911. The charge carries maximum penalties of one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.
Man calls 911 to save him from police
Cops had surrounded Fla. resident after they got word of a bar disturbance
The Associated Press
Updated: 7:56 p.m. ET July 16, 2007
LARGO, Fla. - A 38-year-old man was arrested after he called 911 and told a dispatcher he was surrounded by police officers and needed help, authorities said.
Police officers met Dana Farrell Shelton after being called to investigate a disturbance at a bar on Sunday but had found no problems and told him to move along.
Shelton, who officers said appeared intoxicated, then called 911 to report he was "surrounded by Largo police," according to an arrest affidavit.
"Our officers were standing there scratching their heads. He called, standing there in their presence," Largo Sgt. Melanie Holley said. "It's one of our 'truth is stranger than fiction' cases."
Shelton was charged with misdemeanor misuse of 911. The charge carries maximum penalties of one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.
I actually read about that last one on MSN.com the other day, it's ridiculous what people do! MSN also had an article about Video game addictions as well.
I'll have to see if I can find the article but I read a while back about this family that was discovered to have a gene that caused them to feel no physical pain, not unheard of BUT what made this family so unique was that they still had all their senses. They still had their sense of touch and could feel pressure and heat and so forth, truly fascinating. They are hoping that through studying this gene they will be able to develop a medicine that could help those with chronic pain.
I'll have to see if I can find the article but I read a while back about this family that was discovered to have a gene that caused them to feel no physical pain, not unheard of BUT what made this family so unique was that they still had all their senses. They still had their sense of touch and could feel pressure and heat and so forth, truly fascinating. They are hoping that through studying this gene they will be able to develop a medicine that could help those with chronic pain.
QUOTE (Chewy @ Jul 19 2007, 11:21 AM)
I don't make this stuff up folks.
Man calls 911 to save him from police
Cops had surrounded Fla. resident after they got word of a bar disturbance
The Associated Press
Updated: 7:56 p.m. ET July 16, 2007
LARGO, Fla. - A 38-year-old man was arrested after he called 911 and told a dispatcher he was surrounded by police officers and needed help, authorities said.
Police officers met Dana Farrell Shelton after being called to investigate a disturbance at a bar on Sunday but had found no problems and told him to move along.
Shelton, who officers said appeared intoxicated, then called 911 to report he was "surrounded by Largo police," according to an arrest affidavit.
"Our officers were standing there scratching their heads. He called, standing there in their presence," Largo Sgt. Melanie Holley said. "It's one of our 'truth is stranger than fiction' cases."
Shelton was charged with misdemeanor misuse of 911. The charge carries maximum penalties of one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.
Man calls 911 to save him from police
Cops had surrounded Fla. resident after they got word of a bar disturbance
The Associated Press
Updated: 7:56 p.m. ET July 16, 2007
LARGO, Fla. - A 38-year-old man was arrested after he called 911 and told a dispatcher he was surrounded by police officers and needed help, authorities said.
Police officers met Dana Farrell Shelton after being called to investigate a disturbance at a bar on Sunday but had found no problems and told him to move along.
Shelton, who officers said appeared intoxicated, then called 911 to report he was "surrounded by Largo police," according to an arrest affidavit.
"Our officers were standing there scratching their heads. He called, standing there in their presence," Largo Sgt. Melanie Holley said. "It's one of our 'truth is stranger than fiction' cases."
Shelton was charged with misdemeanor misuse of 911. The charge carries maximum penalties of one year in jail and $1,000 in fines.
I live about 30 min from Largo, that is one of the smarter ones.
Zipity, it's a rare genetic disorder when a person can't feel pain-the TV show House did an episode on a patient who could feel no pain. The worst form is when they not only feel no pain, but they can't cry or regulate their body temperature. I can't recollect the name of the disorder, but I do think it's interesting that perhaps by studying such unfortunate people, they might find better painkillers.
Yeah, I have heard of that before as well Rock but I can't remember what it's called either! Anyway, took me around two hours but finally found it! Here is the article and a link to it as well...
Found this while looking for the other one and thought it was interesting as well...
QUOTE
http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/news/dp/2006121401
Gene mutation which prevents carriers from feeling pain discovered 14 December 2006
After studying three related families with a rare genetic disorder in northern Pakistan, researchers have discovered a gene mutation which prevents the otherwise healthy carriers from sensing pain.
The research, published today in the journal Nature, provides insight into the mechanics of pain and could lead to the development of more effective pain treatments.
The carriers of the very rare genetic mutation are unable to perceive any form of pain but have otherwise completely normal sensory functions. The initial case study was a ten-year-old street performer in Pakistan with the genetic mutation. His inability to feel pain enabled him to place knives through his arms and walk on burning coals. (The young boy died before his fourteenth birthday from injures sustained after jumping off a roof.)
The scientists subsequently studied six individuals with the genetic mutation from three related families, all originating from northern Pakistan. The six relatives had not experienced pain at any time in their lives. Detailed neurological examinations revealed that there was no evidence of motor or sensory disease, and that they could perceive a number of sensations (including touch, warm and cold temperature, tickle and pressure).
As pain is a survival mechanism which enables organisms to minimise damage to tissues, they had all sustained a variety of injuries, including injuries to their lips and/or tongue from biting themselves when young.
By studying these individuals, the scientists were able to determine that a mutation in the gene SCN9A causes a loss of function in the voltage-gated sodium channel it encodes (subunit Nav1.7). Sodium channels are proteins which excite neurons, and though the precise function of Nav1.7 is unclear, as part of a sodium channel it would play a role in exciting sensory neurons.
Dr Geoffrey Woods, from the Department of Medical Genetics and the University of Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), said, ?This paper shows that rare diseases can still be of great importance, because of the insights they give into biological and developmental processes".
Dr John Wood, from University College London, said, ?The work of Geoff Woods and his team has provided us with an exciting new target for pain killing drugs - potentially this is as important as the identification of the morphine receptors. It is fascinating that this same gene, when mutated to encode a hyperactive channel, has also been found to contribute to ongoing pain in some heritable human disorders?.
As individuals with mutations in the gene SCN9A are otherwise healthy, the scientists are hopeful that the development of drugs that prevent Nav1.7 from functioning could be used as new and potentially safer pain medications.
The collaborative study, spearheaded by academics at the University of Cambridge, included researchers from a number of Pakistani and UK institutions (including University College London) and was funded in part by the Wellcome Trust.
Gene mutation which prevents carriers from feeling pain discovered 14 December 2006
After studying three related families with a rare genetic disorder in northern Pakistan, researchers have discovered a gene mutation which prevents the otherwise healthy carriers from sensing pain.
The research, published today in the journal Nature, provides insight into the mechanics of pain and could lead to the development of more effective pain treatments.
The carriers of the very rare genetic mutation are unable to perceive any form of pain but have otherwise completely normal sensory functions. The initial case study was a ten-year-old street performer in Pakistan with the genetic mutation. His inability to feel pain enabled him to place knives through his arms and walk on burning coals. (The young boy died before his fourteenth birthday from injures sustained after jumping off a roof.)
The scientists subsequently studied six individuals with the genetic mutation from three related families, all originating from northern Pakistan. The six relatives had not experienced pain at any time in their lives. Detailed neurological examinations revealed that there was no evidence of motor or sensory disease, and that they could perceive a number of sensations (including touch, warm and cold temperature, tickle and pressure).
As pain is a survival mechanism which enables organisms to minimise damage to tissues, they had all sustained a variety of injuries, including injuries to their lips and/or tongue from biting themselves when young.
By studying these individuals, the scientists were able to determine that a mutation in the gene SCN9A causes a loss of function in the voltage-gated sodium channel it encodes (subunit Nav1.7). Sodium channels are proteins which excite neurons, and though the precise function of Nav1.7 is unclear, as part of a sodium channel it would play a role in exciting sensory neurons.
Dr Geoffrey Woods, from the Department of Medical Genetics and the University of Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), said, ?This paper shows that rare diseases can still be of great importance, because of the insights they give into biological and developmental processes".
Dr John Wood, from University College London, said, ?The work of Geoff Woods and his team has provided us with an exciting new target for pain killing drugs - potentially this is as important as the identification of the morphine receptors. It is fascinating that this same gene, when mutated to encode a hyperactive channel, has also been found to contribute to ongoing pain in some heritable human disorders?.
As individuals with mutations in the gene SCN9A are otherwise healthy, the scientists are hopeful that the development of drugs that prevent Nav1.7 from functioning could be used as new and potentially safer pain medications.
The collaborative study, spearheaded by academics at the University of Cambridge, included researchers from a number of Pakistani and UK institutions (including University College London) and was funded in part by the Wellcome Trust.
Found this while looking for the other one and thought it was interesting as well...
QUOTE
http://www.shoutwire.com/viewstory/71212/R..._Super_Strength
Rare condition gives toddler super strength
Updated Wed. May. 30 2007 9:44 AM ET
Associated Press
ROOSEVELT PARK, Mich. -- Liam Hoekstra was hanging upside down by his feet when he performed an inverted sit-up, his shirt falling away to expose rippled abdominal muscles.
It was a display of raw power one might expect to see from an Olympic gymnast.
Liam is 19 months old.
But this precocious, 22-pound boy with coffee-colored skin, curly hair and washboard abs is far from a typical toddler.
"He could do the iron cross when he was 5 months old," said his adoptive mother, Dana Hoekstra of Roosevelt Park. She was referring to a difficult gymnastics move in which a male athlete suspends himself by his arms between two hanging rings, forming the shape of a cross.
"I would hold him up by his hands and he would lift himself into an iron cross. That's when we were like, 'Whoa, this is weird,'" Hoekstra said.
Liam has a rare genetic condition called myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy, or muscle enlargement. The condition promotes above-normal growth of the skeletal muscles; it doesn't affect the heart and has no known negative side effects, according to experts.
Liam has the kind of physical attributes that bodybuilders and other athletes dream about: 40 percent more muscle mass than normal, jaw-dropping strength, breathtaking quickness, a speedy metabolism and almost no body fat.
In fitness buffs' terms, the kid is ripped.
"We call him The Hulk, Hercules, the Terminator," his mother said.
Liam can run like the wind, has the agility of a cat, lifts pieces of furniture that most children his age couldn't push across a slick floor and eats like there is no tomorrow -- without gaining weight.
"He's hungry for a full meal about every hour because of his rapid metabolism," Dana Hoekstra said. "He's already eating me out of house and home."
Liam's condition is more than a medical rarity: It could help scientists unlock the secrets of muscle growth and muscle deterioration. Research on adults who share Liam's condition could lead to new treatments for debilitating ailments such as muscular dystrophy and osteoporosis.
If researchers can control how the body produces and uses myostatin, the protein could become a powerful weapon in the pharmaceutical arsenal. It also could become a hot commodity among athletes looking to gain an edge, perhaps illegally, on the competition, experts said.
For Liam, the condition has one potential drawback: Infants and toddlers need some body fat to feed brain growth and the development of the central nervous system.
Without adequate body fat, a child's growth can be stunted and the central nervous system can be impaired, said Dr. Erlund Larson, an internist at Hackley Hospital who is familiar with Liam's condition.
That Liam appears to be thriving, physically and mentally, is almost as amazing as his feats of strength. The product of a troubled mother who gave him up for adoption at birth, Liam was born with a suite of medical problems.
The fact that Liam was adopted by a physician assistant's family hundreds of miles from his birthplace -- a stable family with the knowledge and means to give him all the food, nurturing, horseplay and love he needs to thrive -- might be the most miraculous part of his story.
"God works in mysterious ways," said Neil Hoekstra, Liam's adoptive father.
Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy was first documented in beef cattle and mice in the late 1990s, according to scientific literature.
In 1997, researchers at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore determined that Belgian Blue cattle, an unusually muscular breed, had mutations in the gene that produces myostatin. Those scientists also produced muscular mice by deactivating the rodent version of the myostatin gene, according to scientific journals.
The first human case was documented in 2000, in a German boy, but wasn't reported in medical literature until 2004. The condition is so rare in humans that scientists don't know how many people have it, said Dr. Kathryn R. Wagner, a genetics expert at Johns Hopkins.
A genetic mutation prevents some people from producing myostatin. Those individuals can have twice the normal amount of muscle mass, according to medical literature.
In Liam's case, the myostatin his body produces is rejected by muscle cells. He and others with his condition can have up to 50 per cent more muscle mass than the average person, experts said.
The result of both types of myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy generally are the same: above average growth of skeletal muscles, incredible strength, a warp-speed metabolism and minimal body fat.
"Liam's never had any body fat," his mother said. "The only fat he has is in his cheeks."
The so-called myostatin blockade has generated tremendous interest in the bodybuilding community. Some nutritional supplements claim to block myostatin, but researchers have said the claims are not scientifically valid.
"If the myostatin protein is knocked out, muscles grow and rejuvenate much more quickly," Dr. Larson said. "It has potential for great abuse in the future as the new steroid."
For Liam's parents, the most pressing challenge is feeding the boy enough protein every day to fuel his body's high-performance motor. The wiry but muscular toddler eats six full meals per day and still struggles to gain weight.
Dr. Larson, the first physician to suspect Liam had myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy, said he was amazed by the toddler's strength.
"He was able to grab both of my hands and nearly do an iron cross," Dr. Larson said. "This is not something that happens for most men, ever, and here is this kid with this kind of power."
Larson said Liam's strength gives him a huge edge over other children, physically and in terms of self-confidence.
"When you've got that kind of power and that kind of strength, the world is open to you," Larson said. "He's agile because he's so strong -- when you've got that incredible power as a kid you're going to try a lot more things."
Liam's father, a die-hard University of Michigan fan, already is dreaming big things for his adopted son.
"I want him to be a football player. He could be the next Michael Hart," Neil Hoekstra said, referring to U-M's star running back.
Liam was born four weeks early and had a small hole in his heart. He also had eczema, enlarged kidneys, was lactose intolerant and had severe stomach reflux that made him vomit several times each day, his mother said.
No one knew then that the baby was among the few people known to have myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy.
Dana Hoekstra said her suspicion that Liam was physically different quickly intensified. Two days after he was born, Liam could stand up and support his weight if someone held his hands to provide balance, she said.
His heart and kidneys healed within a few months, but it took 18 months before he stopped throwing up daily.
Liam's muscular thighs at 5 months of age gave him the appearance of a miniature Lance Armstrong. By 8 months, Liam was doing pull-ups and, a month later, climbing up and down stairs, his mother said.
What really amazed his parents was the way Liam fell.
"When he fell backward, he would land on his butt, but he never hit his head on the ground," Dana Hoekstra said. "His stomach would tense up and he would catch himself before his head hit the ground. You could see his stomach muscles. He had a little six-pack."
Liam has given his mother a black eye and once punched a hole in the plaster wall during a tantrum. "That's called attitude," his mother said.
After a series of stunning physical exploits, Dana Hoekstra's father -- retired Muskegon attorney Darryl Cochrane -- told Dr. Larson about the boy.
"Grandparents like to brag and Darryl was bragging about how powerful this kid was," Dr. Larson said. "I had to see for myself."
Dr. Larson said Liam exhibited phenomenal strength.
"When I saw him I knew he had some condition," said Dr. Larson, who considered it "a wild longshot" that Liam could have myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy.
After Dr. Larson observed Liam, the boy's pediatrician referred the toddler to the genetics clinic at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Doctors there said Liam was well below average for height, weight and head circumference.
But they noted "significant hypertrophy (enlargement) by the Hoekstras. The diagnosis: Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy.of his leg, calf and arm muscles as well as increased strength," according to medical records provided
The doctors at Spectrum said Liam likely inherited the condition from his biological father, who was reported to be unusually strong, according to medical records.
An ultrasound performed on Liam when he was 14 months old revealed he had 40 percent more muscle than average, Dana Hoekstra said.
Liam's condition also caught the attention of Johns Hopkins researchers who were studying myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy.
A blood test determined that Liam did not have the genetic mutation that blocks all production of myostatin. Rather, he has the myostatin blockade, his mother said. His is one of roughly 100 known cases in the world, according to experts and medical literature.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins wanted to include Liam in a study of people with the condition. When they found 100 adults to participate, Liam was no longer needed. That was a relief for his parents, who did not want to subject Liam to the painful muscle biopsy that would be required of everyone in the study.
Dana Hoekstra said she was prepared to allow Liam to be part of the Johns Hopkins study if it could have led to new treatments for muscular dystrophy patients.
For now, the Hoekstras are content to let Liam lead a normal life. They have no plans to take the advice of friends who have jokingly suggested they hire an agent for Liam to line up pro sports deals or modeling contracts.
"It's great that he's going to have some extra muscle mass, but I don't want him to be viewed as some kind of freak," his mother said.
Dr. Larson said Liam shouldn't be viewed or treated differently than other children.
"He's a normal kid. He's just got that lucky twist," Dr. Larson said. "It's going to be fun to watch him grow."
Rare condition gives toddler super strength
Updated Wed. May. 30 2007 9:44 AM ET
Associated Press
ROOSEVELT PARK, Mich. -- Liam Hoekstra was hanging upside down by his feet when he performed an inverted sit-up, his shirt falling away to expose rippled abdominal muscles.
It was a display of raw power one might expect to see from an Olympic gymnast.
Liam is 19 months old.
But this precocious, 22-pound boy with coffee-colored skin, curly hair and washboard abs is far from a typical toddler.
"He could do the iron cross when he was 5 months old," said his adoptive mother, Dana Hoekstra of Roosevelt Park. She was referring to a difficult gymnastics move in which a male athlete suspends himself by his arms between two hanging rings, forming the shape of a cross.
"I would hold him up by his hands and he would lift himself into an iron cross. That's when we were like, 'Whoa, this is weird,'" Hoekstra said.
Liam has a rare genetic condition called myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy, or muscle enlargement. The condition promotes above-normal growth of the skeletal muscles; it doesn't affect the heart and has no known negative side effects, according to experts.
Liam has the kind of physical attributes that bodybuilders and other athletes dream about: 40 percent more muscle mass than normal, jaw-dropping strength, breathtaking quickness, a speedy metabolism and almost no body fat.
In fitness buffs' terms, the kid is ripped.
"We call him The Hulk, Hercules, the Terminator," his mother said.
Liam can run like the wind, has the agility of a cat, lifts pieces of furniture that most children his age couldn't push across a slick floor and eats like there is no tomorrow -- without gaining weight.
"He's hungry for a full meal about every hour because of his rapid metabolism," Dana Hoekstra said. "He's already eating me out of house and home."
Liam's condition is more than a medical rarity: It could help scientists unlock the secrets of muscle growth and muscle deterioration. Research on adults who share Liam's condition could lead to new treatments for debilitating ailments such as muscular dystrophy and osteoporosis.
If researchers can control how the body produces and uses myostatin, the protein could become a powerful weapon in the pharmaceutical arsenal. It also could become a hot commodity among athletes looking to gain an edge, perhaps illegally, on the competition, experts said.
For Liam, the condition has one potential drawback: Infants and toddlers need some body fat to feed brain growth and the development of the central nervous system.
Without adequate body fat, a child's growth can be stunted and the central nervous system can be impaired, said Dr. Erlund Larson, an internist at Hackley Hospital who is familiar with Liam's condition.
That Liam appears to be thriving, physically and mentally, is almost as amazing as his feats of strength. The product of a troubled mother who gave him up for adoption at birth, Liam was born with a suite of medical problems.
The fact that Liam was adopted by a physician assistant's family hundreds of miles from his birthplace -- a stable family with the knowledge and means to give him all the food, nurturing, horseplay and love he needs to thrive -- might be the most miraculous part of his story.
"God works in mysterious ways," said Neil Hoekstra, Liam's adoptive father.
Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy was first documented in beef cattle and mice in the late 1990s, according to scientific literature.
In 1997, researchers at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore determined that Belgian Blue cattle, an unusually muscular breed, had mutations in the gene that produces myostatin. Those scientists also produced muscular mice by deactivating the rodent version of the myostatin gene, according to scientific journals.
The first human case was documented in 2000, in a German boy, but wasn't reported in medical literature until 2004. The condition is so rare in humans that scientists don't know how many people have it, said Dr. Kathryn R. Wagner, a genetics expert at Johns Hopkins.
A genetic mutation prevents some people from producing myostatin. Those individuals can have twice the normal amount of muscle mass, according to medical literature.
In Liam's case, the myostatin his body produces is rejected by muscle cells. He and others with his condition can have up to 50 per cent more muscle mass than the average person, experts said.
The result of both types of myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy generally are the same: above average growth of skeletal muscles, incredible strength, a warp-speed metabolism and minimal body fat.
"Liam's never had any body fat," his mother said. "The only fat he has is in his cheeks."
The so-called myostatin blockade has generated tremendous interest in the bodybuilding community. Some nutritional supplements claim to block myostatin, but researchers have said the claims are not scientifically valid.
"If the myostatin protein is knocked out, muscles grow and rejuvenate much more quickly," Dr. Larson said. "It has potential for great abuse in the future as the new steroid."
For Liam's parents, the most pressing challenge is feeding the boy enough protein every day to fuel his body's high-performance motor. The wiry but muscular toddler eats six full meals per day and still struggles to gain weight.
Dr. Larson, the first physician to suspect Liam had myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy, said he was amazed by the toddler's strength.
"He was able to grab both of my hands and nearly do an iron cross," Dr. Larson said. "This is not something that happens for most men, ever, and here is this kid with this kind of power."
Larson said Liam's strength gives him a huge edge over other children, physically and in terms of self-confidence.
"When you've got that kind of power and that kind of strength, the world is open to you," Larson said. "He's agile because he's so strong -- when you've got that incredible power as a kid you're going to try a lot more things."
Liam's father, a die-hard University of Michigan fan, already is dreaming big things for his adopted son.
"I want him to be a football player. He could be the next Michael Hart," Neil Hoekstra said, referring to U-M's star running back.
Liam was born four weeks early and had a small hole in his heart. He also had eczema, enlarged kidneys, was lactose intolerant and had severe stomach reflux that made him vomit several times each day, his mother said.
No one knew then that the baby was among the few people known to have myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy.
Dana Hoekstra said her suspicion that Liam was physically different quickly intensified. Two days after he was born, Liam could stand up and support his weight if someone held his hands to provide balance, she said.
His heart and kidneys healed within a few months, but it took 18 months before he stopped throwing up daily.
Liam's muscular thighs at 5 months of age gave him the appearance of a miniature Lance Armstrong. By 8 months, Liam was doing pull-ups and, a month later, climbing up and down stairs, his mother said.
What really amazed his parents was the way Liam fell.
"When he fell backward, he would land on his butt, but he never hit his head on the ground," Dana Hoekstra said. "His stomach would tense up and he would catch himself before his head hit the ground. You could see his stomach muscles. He had a little six-pack."
Liam has given his mother a black eye and once punched a hole in the plaster wall during a tantrum. "That's called attitude," his mother said.
After a series of stunning physical exploits, Dana Hoekstra's father -- retired Muskegon attorney Darryl Cochrane -- told Dr. Larson about the boy.
"Grandparents like to brag and Darryl was bragging about how powerful this kid was," Dr. Larson said. "I had to see for myself."
Dr. Larson said Liam exhibited phenomenal strength.
"When I saw him I knew he had some condition," said Dr. Larson, who considered it "a wild longshot" that Liam could have myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy.
After Dr. Larson observed Liam, the boy's pediatrician referred the toddler to the genetics clinic at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Doctors there said Liam was well below average for height, weight and head circumference.
But they noted "significant hypertrophy (enlargement) by the Hoekstras. The diagnosis: Myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy.of his leg, calf and arm muscles as well as increased strength," according to medical records provided
The doctors at Spectrum said Liam likely inherited the condition from his biological father, who was reported to be unusually strong, according to medical records.
An ultrasound performed on Liam when he was 14 months old revealed he had 40 percent more muscle than average, Dana Hoekstra said.
Liam's condition also caught the attention of Johns Hopkins researchers who were studying myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy.
A blood test determined that Liam did not have the genetic mutation that blocks all production of myostatin. Rather, he has the myostatin blockade, his mother said. His is one of roughly 100 known cases in the world, according to experts and medical literature.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins wanted to include Liam in a study of people with the condition. When they found 100 adults to participate, Liam was no longer needed. That was a relief for his parents, who did not want to subject Liam to the painful muscle biopsy that would be required of everyone in the study.
Dana Hoekstra said she was prepared to allow Liam to be part of the Johns Hopkins study if it could have led to new treatments for muscular dystrophy patients.
For now, the Hoekstras are content to let Liam lead a normal life. They have no plans to take the advice of friends who have jokingly suggested they hire an agent for Liam to line up pro sports deals or modeling contracts.
"It's great that he's going to have some extra muscle mass, but I don't want him to be viewed as some kind of freak," his mother said.
Dr. Larson said Liam shouldn't be viewed or treated differently than other children.
"He's a normal kid. He's just got that lucky twist," Dr. Larson said. "It's going to be fun to watch him grow."
QUOTE (zipity @ Jul 19 2007, 11:32 PM)
Yeah, I have heard of that before as well Rock but I can't remember what it's called either! Anyway, took me around two hours but finally found it! Here is the article and a link to it as well...
Found this while looking for the other one and thought it was interesting as well...
Found this while looking for the other one and thought it was interesting as well...
Wow. These two subjects are fascinating. Thanks so much for posting them Zipity. I'm going follow Liam's progress. I saw a picture of him. Cute kid!
Things that make you go hmmmm.....
Freed in error, inmate visits victim
Before re-arrest, he apologizes to man — who feared he might be killed
The Associated Press
Updated: 1:27 p.m. PT July 20, 2007
HOUSTON - A prison inmate mistakenly released 36 years early was re-arrested after approaching his victim in a bar and apologizing for shooting him in the head.
Willie Joe McAdams had been sentenced to 40 years in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, but because of a clerical error, he was released in May after just four years, said Michelle Lyons, a Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman.
McAdams shot Cedric Thomas in a sports bar in March 2003, blinding him in one eye. Thomas was stunned when McAdams approached him in a bar during the July 4 weekend, shook Thomas' hand and apologized.
"What if he still had malice in his heart and wanted to kill me?" Thomas said.
McAdams was re-arrested on Thursday. He will be eligible for parole in 16 years.
Lyons said the mistake occurred while McAdams' personal information was being keyed in during his 2004 transfer to the prison system. Such clerical errors are rare, she said.
Harris County District Attorney investigator Johnny Bonds said someone within the prison system wrote "4" instead of "40" years for McAdams' sentence, so he was discharged without even being put on parole. The prison system has launched an internal affairs investigation.
"Somebody dropped the ball, that's for sure," Bonds said.
Freed in error, inmate visits victim
Before re-arrest, he apologizes to man — who feared he might be killed
The Associated Press
Updated: 1:27 p.m. PT July 20, 2007
HOUSTON - A prison inmate mistakenly released 36 years early was re-arrested after approaching his victim in a bar and apologizing for shooting him in the head.
Willie Joe McAdams had been sentenced to 40 years in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, but because of a clerical error, he was released in May after just four years, said Michelle Lyons, a Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman.
McAdams shot Cedric Thomas in a sports bar in March 2003, blinding him in one eye. Thomas was stunned when McAdams approached him in a bar during the July 4 weekend, shook Thomas' hand and apologized.
"What if he still had malice in his heart and wanted to kill me?" Thomas said.
McAdams was re-arrested on Thursday. He will be eligible for parole in 16 years.
Lyons said the mistake occurred while McAdams' personal information was being keyed in during his 2004 transfer to the prison system. Such clerical errors are rare, she said.
Harris County District Attorney investigator Johnny Bonds said someone within the prison system wrote "4" instead of "40" years for McAdams' sentence, so he was discharged without even being put on parole. The prison system has launched an internal affairs investigation.
"Somebody dropped the ball, that's for sure," Bonds said.
QUOTE (Chewy @ Jul 21 2007, 07:48 PM)
Wow. These two subjects are fascinating. Thanks so much for posting them Zipity. I'm going follow Liam's progress. I saw a picture of him. Cute kid!
I thought they were pretty interesting myself, glad you enjoyed them. That Liam sure is an adorable little one isn't he!
That last one is a pretty neat article, I hope the situation helped the victim to put some things behind him.
QUOTE (PromicinDealer @ Jul 14 2007, 10:33 PM)
This is why I would not want to drink, I don't know how I would act. lol.
Just make sure that everyone you're hanging with is drinking as much or more than you. Then it really doesn't matter.
From strange-facts.com
-An average dairy cow produces four times its body weight in manure each year.
-Kiwis are the only bird that hunts by smell.
-A birds eye keeps everything in focus at all times.
-A sheep trained to turn the lights on and off will leave them them on 82% of the time.
-A blind chameleon will still change color to match its surroundings.
-All dogs except the Chow have a pink tongue, the Chow's tongue is bluish black.
-Nine out of ten extinct species were birds.
-Lions sleep 17 hours per day.
-Most wild birds live only 10% of their normal life span.
-Mouse sex only lasts five seconds.
-Florida officals recieve 8,000 complaints each year about alligators.
-Pigeons have three sets of eyelids.
-Male monkeys go bald just as men do.
-Giraffes have no vocal cords, they communicate with their tails.
-The stomach of a hippo can be up to 10 feet long and hold up to 400 pounds of food.
-An Elephant's tusks never stop growing as long as it lives.
-If left alone, a dog will spend up to 3 hours a day remarking its scent posts.
-The horseshoe crab has sky-blue blood.
-A snapping turtle can only swollow when its head is under water.
-When given unlimited access to mice, cats will kill about 15 before stopping.
-Lobsters and jellyfish never stop growing.
-The seahorse is the only fish that swims upright.
-Cat milk is 10% protein where cow milk is only 3%.
-Crocodiles can't move their tongues.
-The pouch on a pelican's beak can hold up to 2 gallons of water.
-A homing pigeon will not be able to find its way home if a magnet it attached to their neck.
-The speckles on a bird's egg are as individual as a fingerprint.
-The upstroke of a bird's wing moves it forward, the downstroke only keeps it airborn.
-A giraffe can run faster than a horse and go longer without water than a camel.
-A freshly hatched crocodile is three times longer than the egg it came from.
-Polar bears are left-handed.
-An average dairy cow produces four times its body weight in manure each year.
-Kiwis are the only bird that hunts by smell.
-A birds eye keeps everything in focus at all times.
-A sheep trained to turn the lights on and off will leave them them on 82% of the time.
-A blind chameleon will still change color to match its surroundings.
-All dogs except the Chow have a pink tongue, the Chow's tongue is bluish black.
-Nine out of ten extinct species were birds.
-Lions sleep 17 hours per day.
-Most wild birds live only 10% of their normal life span.
-Mouse sex only lasts five seconds.
-Florida officals recieve 8,000 complaints each year about alligators.
-Pigeons have three sets of eyelids.
-Male monkeys go bald just as men do.
-Giraffes have no vocal cords, they communicate with their tails.
-The stomach of a hippo can be up to 10 feet long and hold up to 400 pounds of food.
-An Elephant's tusks never stop growing as long as it lives.
-If left alone, a dog will spend up to 3 hours a day remarking its scent posts.
-The horseshoe crab has sky-blue blood.
-A snapping turtle can only swollow when its head is under water.
-When given unlimited access to mice, cats will kill about 15 before stopping.
-Lobsters and jellyfish never stop growing.
-The seahorse is the only fish that swims upright.
-Cat milk is 10% protein where cow milk is only 3%.
-Crocodiles can't move their tongues.
-The pouch on a pelican's beak can hold up to 2 gallons of water.
-A homing pigeon will not be able to find its way home if a magnet it attached to their neck.
-The speckles on a bird's egg are as individual as a fingerprint.
-The upstroke of a bird's wing moves it forward, the downstroke only keeps it airborn.
-A giraffe can run faster than a horse and go longer without water than a camel.
-A freshly hatched crocodile is three times longer than the egg it came from.
-Polar bears are left-handed.
QUOTE (rockingmule @ Jul 22 2007, 01:27 PM)
From strange-facts.com
-Mouse sex only lasts five seconds.
-Mouse sex only lasts five seconds.
I'm sure that mankind (womankind?) would appreciate the extra 2 seconds.
QUOTE (Dobie @ Jul 22 2007, 12:49 PM)
I'm sure that mankind (womankind?) would appreciate the extra 2 seconds.
QUOTE (Dobie @ Jul 22 2007, 12:49 PM)
I'm sure that mankind (womankind?) would appreciate the extra 2 seconds.
was gonna say my ex-husband must be part mouse.
QUOTE (Phanta @ Jul 22 2007, 02:09 PM)
was gonna say my ex-husband must be part mouse.
HA! Now I know why no one ever answers the question "Are you a man, or a mouse?"
They actually don't know the answer!!
QUOTE (Dobie @ Jul 22 2007, 01:16 PM)
HA! Now I know why no one ever answers the question "Are you a man, or a mouse?"
They actually don't know the answer!!
They actually don't know the answer!!
LOL
At the Airport, You Better Smile
‘Behavior Detection Officers’ are now watching passengers’ facial expressions for signs of danger. It’s a new level of absurdity for America.
By Patti Davis
Updated: 12:40 p.m. ET Aug 16, 2007
Aug. 16, 2007 - It was bound to happen. Now even a frown or grimace can get you into trouble with The Man.
“Specially trained security personnel” will be watching passengers for “micro-expressions” that will reveal treacherous agendas and insidious intentions at airports around the country. These agents, who may literally hold your fate in their hands have been given a lofty, Orwellian name: "Behavior Detection Officers."
Did anyone ever doubt that George Orwell’s prophecies in “1984” would arrive? In that novel, he wrote, “You had to live—did live, from habit that became instinct—in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized.”
In the study of “micro-expressions”—yes, it is actually a field of study and there are some who are arrogant enough to call it a science—it has been decided that when people wish to conceal emotions, the truth of their feelings is revealed in facial flashes. These experts have determined that fear and disgust are the key things to look for because they can hint of deception.
Let’s see, fear and disgust in an airport? I’m frightened and disgusted weeks before I have to show up at an airport. In fact, I’ve pretty much sworn off the whole idea of going anywhere by airplane. It’s bad enough that I might be trapped in a crowded plane with no food or water and nonworking toilets for hours; now there are security agents interpreting our facial expressions. The face police, in place at more than a dozen U.S. airports already, aren’t identified as such. But the watcher could be at curbside baggage, the ticket counter or near the metal detectors and X-ray machines. The Transportation Security Administration hopes to have as many as 500 Behavior Detection Officers on the job by the end of 2008.
But what about the woman who is getting on a plane to see a dying relative? Or the man who is traveling to another state to see a cancer specialist in a last bid for extending his life? What about the guy who just had a fight with his spouse and now worries that a plane crash would mean their last words were in anger? We’ve all had the experience of having a bad day, being in a rotten mood—especially at the airport, which has become a modern-day chamber or horrors. On those days, doesn’t it seem like everyone we meet looks sour and unpleasant? The opposite is also true. When we’re happy and joyful, we look at others and see happiness in them. Or even if we don’t, we look at them kindly and with compassion. It’s human nature to look at others through the lens of our own reality.
Here’s where it gets really absurd. Apparently, these Behavior Detection Officers work in pairs. One scenario is that an officer might move in to “help” a passenger retrieve their belongings after they’ve been screened. And then the officer will ask where the passenger is headed. If the passenger’s reaction sets off alarm bells in the officer’s well-trained mind, another officer will move in and detain them. Let’s be really clear here. If a stranger moved in on me like that, I’d tell that person to go to hell, throw in a few other expletives for good measure and probably give them the finger as I stomped off. Of course, I wouldn’t be stomping very far.
So while TSA employees are confiscating our scissors and water bottles, they’re going to secretly be staring at us, looking for some telltale sign of terrorist intent in a grimace, a sigh, a crinkled nose? Who knows what? In the end, the Behavior Detection Officers are the ones who are really acting suspicious. Which is the truth of the matter anyway.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20298840/site/newsweek/
‘Behavior Detection Officers’ are now watching passengers’ facial expressions for signs of danger. It’s a new level of absurdity for America.
By Patti Davis
Updated: 12:40 p.m. ET Aug 16, 2007
Aug. 16, 2007 - It was bound to happen. Now even a frown or grimace can get you into trouble with The Man.
“Specially trained security personnel” will be watching passengers for “micro-expressions” that will reveal treacherous agendas and insidious intentions at airports around the country. These agents, who may literally hold your fate in their hands have been given a lofty, Orwellian name: "Behavior Detection Officers."
Did anyone ever doubt that George Orwell’s prophecies in “1984” would arrive? In that novel, he wrote, “You had to live—did live, from habit that became instinct—in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard and, except in darkness, every movement scrutinized.”
In the study of “micro-expressions”—yes, it is actually a field of study and there are some who are arrogant enough to call it a science—it has been decided that when people wish to conceal emotions, the truth of their feelings is revealed in facial flashes. These experts have determined that fear and disgust are the key things to look for because they can hint of deception.
Let’s see, fear and disgust in an airport? I’m frightened and disgusted weeks before I have to show up at an airport. In fact, I’ve pretty much sworn off the whole idea of going anywhere by airplane. It’s bad enough that I might be trapped in a crowded plane with no food or water and nonworking toilets for hours; now there are security agents interpreting our facial expressions. The face police, in place at more than a dozen U.S. airports already, aren’t identified as such. But the watcher could be at curbside baggage, the ticket counter or near the metal detectors and X-ray machines. The Transportation Security Administration hopes to have as many as 500 Behavior Detection Officers on the job by the end of 2008.
But what about the woman who is getting on a plane to see a dying relative? Or the man who is traveling to another state to see a cancer specialist in a last bid for extending his life? What about the guy who just had a fight with his spouse and now worries that a plane crash would mean their last words were in anger? We’ve all had the experience of having a bad day, being in a rotten mood—especially at the airport, which has become a modern-day chamber or horrors. On those days, doesn’t it seem like everyone we meet looks sour and unpleasant? The opposite is also true. When we’re happy and joyful, we look at others and see happiness in them. Or even if we don’t, we look at them kindly and with compassion. It’s human nature to look at others through the lens of our own reality.
Here’s where it gets really absurd. Apparently, these Behavior Detection Officers work in pairs. One scenario is that an officer might move in to “help” a passenger retrieve their belongings after they’ve been screened. And then the officer will ask where the passenger is headed. If the passenger’s reaction sets off alarm bells in the officer’s well-trained mind, another officer will move in and detain them. Let’s be really clear here. If a stranger moved in on me like that, I’d tell that person to go to hell, throw in a few other expletives for good measure and probably give them the finger as I stomped off. Of course, I wouldn’t be stomping very far.
So while TSA employees are confiscating our scissors and water bottles, they’re going to secretly be staring at us, looking for some telltale sign of terrorist intent in a grimace, a sigh, a crinkled nose? Who knows what? In the end, the Behavior Detection Officers are the ones who are really acting suspicious. Which is the truth of the matter anyway.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20298840/site/newsweek/
Sea-monster captured by Japanese fishing trawler!
Just kidding, folks. This is actually the decayed carcass of a basking shark. Pretty weird, don'tcha think?
Just kidding, folks. This is actually the decayed carcass of a basking shark. Pretty weird, don'tcha think?
QUOTE (rockingmule @ Aug 16 2007, 04:36 PM)
Sea-monster captured by Japanese fishing trawler!
Just kidding, folks. This is actually the decayed carcass of a basking shark. Pretty weird, don'tcha think?
Just kidding, folks. This is actually the decayed carcass of a basking shark. Pretty weird, don'tcha think?
looks like my ex mother in law.
QUOTE (Dobie @ Jul 22 2007, 08:16 PM)
HA! Now I know why no one ever answers the question "Are you a man, or a mouse?"
They actually don't know the answer!!
They actually don't know the answer!!
I always knew it!!
Ok, if any of you kept up with some of my post earlier this week you know I had a tooth pulled and I had a severe allergic reaction to the Codeine they gave me for pain. Thanks to the ER I LIVE. As I was going through all the paperwork I received from the hospital, I found the "instructions" sheet. The first sentance on what to do was "Do not take anymore of the Codeine perscription." Really? You mean IF I take it again I could have another Allergic reaction? Say it isn't so. It is a sad world when they have to put that in the instructions. Are there really people out there who would have a severe allergic reaction bordering on anaphelactic shock that would actually take the medicine that caused it in the first place, unless they were told? Crazy.
QUOTE (zipity @ Jul 19 2007, 11:32 PM)
Yeah, I have heard of that before as well Rock but I can't remember what it's called either! Anyway, took me around two hours but finally found it! Here is the article and a link to it as well...
Found this while looking for the other one and thought it was interesting as well...
Found this while looking for the other one and thought it was interesting as well...
I realize this is a two year old post but I just saw the show on TV.
I was trying to find Dr. Erlund Larson who was cited in the article. There may be things he would like know to compare.
I'm curious why they think this is so strange. People are just different. Some stronger than others.
This can't be so rare. It seems perfectly normal to me. My son, who is now 8, has super strength. Same as me and his grandfather. When he was two, he ran out of our apartment in NYC and ran up the block. I was out the door right behind him, yet he was 3/4 the way around the block before I was able to catch up to him. I was 52 at the time, but in pretty good shape. He is faster and amazingly stronger than any kid even two years older. He loved fighting with me. since before 2 he could seriously hurt me, especially his legs. His musculature has always been very well defined. The same as the boy in the article.
They didn't talk about coordination. That is amazing as well. From the first ball he ever threw, he hit his target. When he was 5 I showed him how to handle a football. In the park it took him about 15 minutes before he was throwing perfect spirals at impressive distances. And the same for his moves to avoid tackle. I showed him a few fakes and spiral rolls to evade. In an hour I had real trouble stopping him. At 8 he continues to be amazing. But not so interested in team sports. He like science and art. Go figure.
When I was 7 my father was teasing me for not being able to do more than 30 sit ups. Two days later I was doing over 350.
It just seemed odd to me that they were making such a big deal of this. My father and I were always that way. We all have very dense muscles. I'm 59 now. Three weeks ago I decided to get back in shape after not exercising much for years. I had lost a lot of muscle mass and biceps were non-existent. I used 15lb weights and could do a max of 13 arm curls. In 3 days I was doing 71. A week later 151 after 3 weeks from the start I was doing 271. My biceps are now quite large. I am strong and powerful. This is a month after I started. I am now back doing my Karate Kata that I had not done in almost 20 years. It's just the way we are.
When in high school, everyone asked what my workout routine was like. I did some weight training, but rarely. I didn't need to. I was asked to try out for gymnastics at the Mexico Olympics, I guess that was in 1969? I couldn't imagine I was good enough for that. I never thought of being very special. Although I was a good gymnast. Especially on the still rings. In my younger years I would be matched up with others 50%, or more, bigger by weight than I was. It was an even match. They looked much bigger, with large muscular bodies and 6' 2'' plus. I was much smaller at 5' 9''.
I chalked it up to our Scottish heritage. I have know some very strong Scots.
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