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Got Panda?
Man bites panda after panda bites man
Thu Sep 21, 2006 8:08am ET
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BEIJING (Reuters) - An intoxicated Chinese man who tried to give a
panda a hug at Beijing Zoo found himself biting it in self defense
after his clumsy attempt at affection was savagely rejected, local
media reported Thursday.Zhang
Xinyan, a building worker on holiday from China's central Henan
province, climbed into an enclosure that held Gu Gu, a seven-year-old
panda, at Beijing Zoo after the man had drunk four pints of beer during
lunch at a nearby restaurant, the Yanzhao Metropolis Daily said.Zhang,
who couldn't remember the incident clearly, had wanted to hug the panda
and shake its hand after having watched similar scenes on television."When
I was in there, the panda was eating bamboo. Then, it seemed some
people shouted, which startled the panda. He rushed over to bite my
leg," Zhang said.Zhang, who tried in vain to push the panda away, was bitten twice and forced to the ground, the paper said.
"I took the opportunity to bite the panda's back, but its fur was too thick," Zhang said.
Eventually, a zoo worker sprayed water from a hose to rescue Zhang from the panda's clutches, the paper said.
Both
were worse for wear after the tussle. Zhang was rushed to hospital and
given tetanus and rabies shots, while Gu Gu lost her appetite, Xinhua
news agency reported."It was scared by the intruder and refused to eat for one and a half days," a zoo spokeswoman, surnamed Ye, told Xinhua.
Continued...© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserve
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Travolta Gay???
You decide: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=404299&in_page_id=1773&in_a_source=
Either way, if he is...he should just be out with it. why be ashamed? Homosexuality is not something to be ashamed of. Too bad though, he and Kelly Preston are so cute together!
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i want a tickle me elmo!!!
Fisher-Price unveils T.M.X. Elmo
By CAROLYN THOMPSON, Associated Press Writer Tue Sep 19, 9:28 AM ET
Reuters Photo: Mattel Inc. on September 19, 2006 unveiled the 10th anniversary edition of its Tickle Me...EAST AURORA, N.Y. - Fisher-Price, a unit of Mattel Inc., on Tuesday took the wraps off T.M.X. Elmo, ending months of unprecedented secrecy that's had the toy industry abuzz. Until the unveiling, only about 50 people had seen it. He's still red, fuzzy and really ticklish, but now Elmo's laughing fits have him slapping his knee, falling to the floor, rolling over and pounding his arm.
if (window.yzq_a == null) document.write("ADVERTISEMENT Predicted to be a hot holiday seller, the new and improved Tickle Me Elmo made its debut on ABC's "Good Morning America" as customers lined up at Toys "R" Us, Wal-Mart and KB Toys.
The "X" in T.M.X. stands for extreme.
"When I originally saw a picture of how it moves, I really thought there were some sort of wires, like a puppet, moving it," said Jim Silver, editor-in-chief of Toy Wishes, a trade publication. "We've never seen a stuffed animal that has this type of movement."
The debut of T.M.X. Elmo was timed to the 10th anniversary of Tickle Me Elmo, the must-have toy of Christmases past that giggled when its stomach was pressed. In the new version, Elmo's squeaky laugh and body movements grow more pronounced with three successive tickles.
Mattel president Neil Friedman had been president of Tyco Toys, now a unit of Mattel, when it launched the original Tickle Me Elmo, which had parents of preschoolers elbowing each other in the aisles.
"With today's technology, this one is even more incredible," Friedman said. "You really have to see it to believe it."
Executives at KB Toys Inc. and Toys R Us Inc. said pre-orders for the toy, which retails for $39.99, have exceeded expectations.
Silver expected demand to be high, not only for the buzz and novelty, but because the advanced technology could limit the number produced.
"If there are Elmos around December first, I will really be surprised," said Silver. He said the excitement built by the stealth marketing will be good for the entire toy industry, which has struggled in recent years as children have sought out video games and other gadgets at a younger age.
Before Tuesday, the Fisher-Price Web site pictured T.M.X. Elmo only in shadow. Much of East Aurora-based Fisher-Price's own sales staff had not been allowed to see T.M.X. Elmo, even when they pitched it to retailers.
Each year since the original Tickle Me Elmo, the company has come up with another incarnation with a new skill like doing the Chicken Dance or Hokey Pokey or singing Rock 'n Roll.
Mattel Inc., the world's largest toy maker, in July reported a second-quarter profit due to reduced tax expenses. Gross sales for the Barbie brand slipped 1 percent, while Hot Wheels sales fell 7 percent and Fisher-Price sales rose 10 percent.
___
On the Net:
Fisher-Price: http://www.fisher-price.com
Mattel: http://www.mattel.com
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CHEAPER PARKING SEARCH!
If anyone is from SF and familiar with the Embarcadero Center, can you recommend a cheaper place to rent a parking space near Embarcaedor Center One?
I just need a cheaper hourly parking spot while I am at work.
THANK YOU!
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Is He the One?
10 Questions to Ask Yourself
- Affection
Affliction: When... [q&a] - How to Create
Quality Couple Time [article] - Don't Sweat the
Small Stuff in... [article]
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What is the best advice for getting a second date? Appearance matters Get your kiss on No "ex" or baby talk 
Want to know whether your current Mr. Right could be your mate for life? In this excerpt from Is He the One? 101 Questions That Will Lead You to the Truth, Whatever That Is, author Susan Swimmer says the honest answers to a few key questions could help you find out. Here are 10 to get you started:1. Does he think he's a lucky guy?
You'd like to think that he is a man who understands that life is made
up of part luck and part hard work, and that both elements will affect
him at some point. A man who thinks himself lucky in any way is someone
who radiates gratitude, which in turn creates an aura of joyousness.
And that's all good. But what really matters is that, at the very
least, he is a man who feels wildly fortunate to have you in his life,
because a guy who feels that way will make sure you know you're adored.
And how lucky is that?2. Are his little faults things you can handle?
Everyone is bugged by something. Does he drink directly from the
carton? Hang sweaty clothes on the bathroom door? Stockpile old
newspapers? Say no more. Ladies, there will always
be habits that could drive you batty enough to head for the door, if
you let them. But accepting someone, little faults and all, is part of
love. You've got to think big picture here: Don't let his habit of
rattling ice in a glass cloud your vision of a man who's caring,
respectful, honest and loving. And that's to say nothing of the fact that you crack your knuckles and leave half-empty coffee cups all over the house.3. Can you name the parts of you that he finds
most beautiful?If you know right now,
without asking, that he loves the small of your back, or the way your
belly sort of bulges when you lie on your side, or that your cheeks are
the softest part of your face, then he must have told you more than
once. And that's a beautiful thing.4. Would he take the last sip of milk for his morning coffee?
Even in a sleep-deprived, late-for-work, barely-able-to-select-a-tie stupor, the man who leaves you
the last splash of milk for your coffee is a man who understands
consideration. If he thinks to take your needs into account when it
comes to all of life's little "I'm thinking of you" gestures, then he
probably knows what they add up to.5. Can he keep a secret?
Not all secrets are the same, and we all know that. Some are meant to
be told and others are meant to be taken to the grave. That you got
drunk one night might be a secret that gets told in the form of a funny
story. That you have an STD might be one you'd like to take to the
grave. What's most important is that the two of you categorize secrets,
both large and small, in the same way.6. Do you know how much money
he has?Not to the penny, but a ballpark figure. And here's the catch: You
should know because the two of you have discussed it openly and
honestly, not because you surreptitiously accessed his computer files
while he was grilling out back.7. Has he seen you when you're at
your worst?Worse than no makeup. Beyond bad hair. We're talking about the really
evil side of you that's a brutal cocktail of bitter depression,
stunning irritability and Olympic-level bitchiness. It's the you that nobody should be subjected to. You know the you we're talking about here. Yes, that one. If he's seen that you and he can handle it without calling 911, then he may be a keeper.8. Does he kiss you firmly?
A listless, uncommitted kiss is like a limp, clammy handshake (nice to meet you, sort of). Even the most gentle, tender kiss needs to feel like it knows where it's going.
9. Does he wear a seatbelt?
Wearing a seatbelt is a tiny gesture that says he cares about himself
and his well-being. Like eating vegetables. Or wearing sunscreen. Takes
a minute, lasts a lifetime.10. Is he fun?
A fun man is someone who enjoys life. He laughs at jokes, enjoys a good
meal, finds entertainment and dances when the mood strikes. There's a
certain youthful lightness to a man who's fun, because he knows how to
live in the moment-- he takes a good look at his surroundings, sees the potential, and partakes of the possibilities. Now that sounds like fun.Reprinted with permission from Is He the One? 101 Questions That Will Lead You to the Truth, Whatever That Is. Copyright © 2004 by Susan Swimmer, Andrews McMeel Publishing, Kansas City, MO.
- Affection
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You Should Be With a Water Sign! 
Why? You crave intimacy and connection in your relationship
And while most guys can't open up enough for you, a Water Sign can
Not that you're whole relationship will be soul gazing
A Water Sign matches your goofy sense of humor - and desire to help others. -
traits
i find the articles on askmen.com to be funny but also insightful. here's two to check out. single or not. sometimes it's good to see if you're realistic or not. cheers!
Top 10: Traits Of A Great Boyfriend
Eric Heston
Relationship Correspondent - Every 2nd Sunday
PAGES: | 
A successful romance can be quite formulaic, for there are certain elements of dating
that guys should never overlook. And with all the women out there who
complain that their boyfriends are not satisfying them one way or
another, one has to wonder: Do guys really know how to be good
boyfriends or is it just impossible to satisfy women?With that, here are 10 positive traits of attached men. And if you
possess just about all of the following, then perhaps the problems in
the relationship don't lie with you.Number 10You listen
When words come out of her
mouth, do you actually pay attention to what is being said, or does
your brain just process mumbling sounds while you stare at her chest? A
good boyfriend is an active listener, meaning he asks questions and
doesn't just sit there, waiting for his turn to speak.Showing her that you have a genuine interest in what she has to say
means, among other things, that you respect her opinions and find her
interesting; two things that will meet any woman's criteria.Number 9You're spontaneous
A great
relationship is one that never feels stale. So to avoid having your
flames of desire burn out, you have to be unpredictable and mysterious
in order to keep her guessing (and on her toes).Whether you whisk her away to a Mexican resort at the last minute or
show up, for no apparent reason, with Chinese takeout, wine and a pair
of handcuffs, spontaneity can add some real excitement to the romance,
and intrigue her all the more. Women love to be swept away in as many
different ways as possible; it's up to you to come up with as many
ideas as you can.Number 8You satisfy her bedroom desires
Saying that sex is important would be a gross understatement. A good
boyfriend must satisfy his woman's every romantic need (and yes, she
should reciprocate). There's a difference between making love
just for the sake of it, and being passionate about it. That means
never skipping foreplay, sending her soothing messages during the act
(Note: it's okay to ask her, point-blank, what she likes), and not
falling asleep the minute you're done.Number 7You're not whipped
She may feel more
empowered by it in the beginning, but in the long run, no woman wants a
passive, submissive man who completely compromises his personality to
make her happy. Retain your personality, stand by your opinions, and
don't give in too easily. Show her that you are strong, confident, and have a spine.Number 6You notice the small stuff
Did she
suddenly get highlights in her hair, shed a few pounds, or buy a new
dress? These are all things you need to take note of; most women
instinctively flock to guys with keen eyes. It shows that you are attentive and don't skim over life's more subtle details.
Number 5You give her space
Trust is the foundation of any good relationship. Part of that entails giving her the freedom to have a life separate from yours without asking 20 questions or having jealous fits, and knowing that she's not taking your trust for granted.
Keep things in perspective; would you like a girlfriend who kept tabs
on every move you made? Probably not, and the same goes for her. And
always look for a silver lining; in this case, you'll have time to hang
out with your buddies, and have something to talk to her about the next time you see her.Number 4You respect her (and her family)
It's
important to avoid letting your ego get the best of you, so if your
mentality is stuck in the '50s, you must adjust to changing times. You
have to understand that she's an equal part of the relationship, so
appreciate her company.Likewise, try to embrace her family early on. In addition to scoring
precious points, being kind and courteous toward her parents is a good
way to show that you're serious about the relationship. This includes,
but is not limited to, bringing the parents thoughtful little gifts
every so often, and planning activities that include her whole family,
like a picnic. Of course, I'm assuming that you've already survived
that dreadful first meeting.Number 3You better yourself
Demonstrating
what a positive effect your woman has had on you is a fantastic way of
gaining leverage. Whether you're getting yourself back into shape,
improving your vocabulary, or forgetting about the television
long enough to take dance lessons with her, it doesn't matter.
Improving yourself is a great way of letting her know she deserves the
best, and she'll be flattered that she was the inspiration behind your
desire to aim higher.Number 2You challenge her to be better
Likewise, your role in her life should be just as beneficial. You should inspire her to make changes
that reflect the positive effect you've had on her. If, for example,
you see her letting a great talent go to waste, encourage her; maybe
that's all she needs. Don't be afraid to sign her up for an art class,
or push her to pursue a career you know she'd be good at. The fact that
you care that much about her well-being will make her want to keep you
around longer.Number 1You make her feel beautiful
Reminding
her how beautiful she is comes with making her feel good, and makes you
a poster boyfriend. Best of all: simplicity and honesty are all you
need. Buy her, say, a card that expresses your appreciation, compliment
her at odd times, and if you feel that she's the most gorgeous creature
you've ever laid eyes on, be sure to let her know. Women want to look
good for their men, and proving to her that you only have eyes for her
will be a validation of that.keep each other happyWhat it all boils down to is making her feel good about herself and
appreciating her in an unselfish way; find success in this department,
and she will love you eternally. More importantly, however; if I've
just finished describing you and she still takes issue with the little
things, then maybe it's time for you to reevaluate how good a partner she really is.
Article Suggested By:Michael Lowell, Cleveland, OH
Suggest an article.---------------
Top 10: Traits Of A Great Girlfriend
PAGES: | 
I must admit that playing the field is a whole lot of fun, but so is being in a serious relationship
-- provided that it's with the right woman. But how do you know if she
really is the right woman for you? If she possesses the following 10
traits, you better hold on to her for dear life or, before you know it,
a guy who already knows where it's at will get his hands on your
"goods."Number 10She's independent
No one wants a girlfriend they have to baby-sit. Once in a while, like
if she's had a rough day at work, it's great to be her shoulder to cry
on, but if she can't seem to function without you and is constantly
after you, she will eventually make you feel like you're suffocating,
which is a surefire way to get you running out the nearest exit.On the other hand, if she has her very own personality and opinions,
can stand on her own two feet, both financially and emotionally, and is
able to enjoy time away from you -- while still missing you, of course
-- then she must be a great girlfriend.Number 9She's intelligent
I hate to be the one to tell you this, but the bimbo routine gets real
old, real fast. A woman who can meet you at an intellectual level is a
total turn-on. Instead of being the one in total control, you'll find
yourself trying to figure out what she's really thinking behind those
glazed eyes of hers -- or if she's actually thinking at all.An intelligent woman will constantly surprise you and keep you on your
toes. She won't let you get bored of her. Besides, it's nice to have
something to talk about between all that chandelier-hanging sex.Number 8She's sexual
While we're on the topic, a great girlfriend has to be sexually
compatible with you. For instance, if you're into S&M and she's
more the "fluffy lingerie"
type, that's a problem. The two of you have to be on the same page --
or, at least, she has to be willing to wear leather and use a whip from
time to time.Of course, this doesn't imply that she has to know all the right moves
straight away; it simply means that you and she have an undeniable attraction
towards each other, and are able to communicate your desires verbally
(or with physical cues). It is important that you please each other in
the bedroom, or on top of the dryer -- whatever the case may be.Number 7She's beautiful
I know, this one is kind of obvious, but important nonetheless. A great
girlfriend will not only want to look good for you, but also for
herself. She should always look her best and be well put together --
matching lingerie is a definite plus.You have to be proud to have her on your arm and enjoy the sight of her
in any light. And this doesn't mean that she has to be a Heidi Klum
clone. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so if you think her full bottom or uncontrollable curls are beautiful, you're allowed.Number 6She respects you
This is a biggie. Your woman must respect you. This means that she
listens to you, even if she doesn't necessarily agree with what you're
saying. And, of course, she never tries to demean or belittle you in
any way, shape, or form.A great girlfriend won't ever cause scenes in public or in front of
your friends and family, and will always wait to discuss matters with
you in private. If she respects you, chances are that she will behave
in a tactful and diplomatic manner in most situations, which is
definitely a good thing.Does your woman bring you and the guys beer on poker night?
Next >>
Number 5She lets you be a man
Do not -- I repeat -- do not get involved with a woman who tries to get
you to eat cottage cheese and fruit for breakfast and insists that you
give up poker night with the guys. You will end up resenting her more than you can imagine. A good girlfriend
lets you be a guy in all your glory, poker night and all. If she's a
great girlfriend, she'll even bring you and your buddies a couple of
beers and make you some of her famous sandwiches.She has to understand that men and women are different and should allow
you to be yourself. Just like you wouldn't deprive her of going
shopping with her best girlfriend, she shouldn't expect you to give up
the guys for her.Number 4She's nagless
There is nothing worse than a nag!
A great girlfriend knows this and chooses her battles wisely. She knows
when to speak-up and when to let it slide. You don't want a girlfriend
who will give you the heights of hell for leaving a couple of dishes in the sink occasionally.However, if you live together and you stay out all night without
calling her, and she lets you have it, then you're setting yourself up
for disaster. This is a situation that nobody would let slide -- not
even a great girlfriend.Number 3She gets along with friends & family
A great girlfriend will not only help your mom in the kitchen, listen
to your dad's stories, and hang out with your friends, she will enjoy
it. She'll make a real effort to get to know and love the most
important people in your life. And she won't try to get you to ditch
your best buds.She'll actually empathize with your brother's getting dumped and
suggest that you guys take him out to cheer him up. Not only that, but
your friends won't roll their eyes and moan when you mention that
she'll be joining you guys when she gets off work (yes, women like this
do exist).Number 2She loves you
If you have found a woman who loves you for who you really are and not
who you pretend or try to be sometimes, you should definitely hang on
to her. A woman who doesn't try to change you is hard to find. Of
course, everyone has their slightly annoying habits that their mate has
to contend with, but if she really loves you, she will be able to cope
with these.Another way to know if she really loves you is by observing the way she
looks at you and treats you on an everyday basis. If the sight of you
doesn't seem to faze her either way, and she doesn't really seem to
care about what you have to say, she's either playing very hard to get,
or sees you as just some guy. But if a surprise visit or phone call
from you makes her light up, there's no denying that she loves you.Number 1She makes you want to be a better man
Stop making that face... Any man who has a great girlfriend or wife
will tell you that she makes him want to be a better man. She doesn't
have to say or do anything; it just is that way. If you suddenly feel
bad about how you treated your sister or find yourself trying to get
your finances in order, you might want to think about your motivation
for doing so. It could be love.do you already have her?So, if this list seems to describe your current flame, you, my friend,
are styling. In fact, you are probably the envy of all of your friends,
even if they tease you for losing your status as "king player."However, if the woman you are dating
is more like the polar opposite, then I don't think that getting
serious with her would be in your best interest -- but you knew that
already, didn't you?
Article Suggested By:Stan B., Miami, FL
Suggest an article. -
Whitney Houston Seeks Separation
Whitney Houston seeks legal separation from Bobby Brown after 14 years of marriage, 1 child
LOS ANGELES, Sep. 14, 2006
By JOHN ROGERS
Associated Press Writer
(AP)
(AP) Their
troubles were tabloid fodder and their relationship seemed to outsiders
to be a mismatch. But for 14 years, Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown
publicly professed their love for one another. The couple's tumultuous
marriage appears to be coming to an end. Houston filed papers in Orange
County Superior Court on Friday requesting a legal separation from
Brown because of irreconcilable differences.Houston's publicist, Nancy Seltzer, said the Grammy-winning singer would have no comment on the action.
"It
is a legal separation. It is not a divorce or a divorce petition," said
Phaedra Parks, an entertainment lawyer in Atlanta who represents Brown.Houston,
43, asked that she be granted custody of the couple's 13-year-old
daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and that Brown, 37, be allowed visitation
rights. She asked that property rights be determined later.When
the couple wed in 1992, Houston was one of the best-selling singers in
history and was a glamorous, pop superstar with a super-clean,
princess-like persona. Brown, on the other hand was a sometimes coarse
R&B singer with a more street-wise image after rising to fame as a
member of the boy band New Edition.But as the years wore on, it
would become hard to determine which one was more troubled. Brown _
best known for hits like "My Prerogative" and "Every Little Step" _ was
arrested numerous times for drugs and alcohol, and once for hitting his
wife, while Houston's own battles with substance abuse sullied her
image.In a 2002 ABC interview with Diane Sawyer, an
erratic-sounding and wan-looking Houston, with a profusely sweating
Brown by her side, admitted dabbling in drugs but denied using crack,
then uttered the now famous phrase: "Crack is wack."Houston
checked into a drug rehabilitation program in 2004 and again in 2005,
announcing the second time that she was also using prayer to help
overcome her drug problems. Brown said at the time he was doing what he
could to help her.The couple did separate for a time a few
years ago, but their marriage endured, despite rumors and speculation.
Their life was put on display last year with Brown's reality series,
"Being Bobby Brown" on Bravo.But earlier this year, the
speculation of a possible split intensified. Brown's sister made
headlines when she alleged in a National Enquirer interview that
Houston was addicted to crack.Recently, Houston has made
attempts to clean up her public image. On Tuesday night, she attended a
public event with cousin Dionne Warwick and mogul and mentor Clive
Davis in Beverly Hills. And she is working on an album of new material;
she hasn't released a record since 2002.Houston won multiple
Grammys in the 1980s and 1990s, including two for the megahit "I Will
Always Love You," from the 1992 film "The Bodyguard," in which she also
starred opposite Kevin Costner.Her musician husband recently
reunited with New Edition for a show at July's Essence Musical
Festival. The show got mixed reviews from the audience when Brown
jumped suggestively around the stage and made vulgar remarks about his
sex life with Houston. -
I will be happy.
I yearn to be deliriously happy. Idealistic maybe, but this is something I find myself demanding and needing.
I want to be around people who also just want to be happy and make others happy. It is amazing how monumental a goal and requirement this is in practice. In theory it sounds plausible. But the reality is that few ever take the effort anymore. And I'm realizing that I am a generally happy person, whose hopes of happiness are just squashed by those too anchored in reality that refuse to enjoy life and be a source of kindness in the lives around them.
I hereby promise to make happiness a reality for myself. Life is too short to be this sad and disappointed - to settle for anything less than what one truly yearns for. To be around people who want to drag you down. It's just ridiculous.
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