How the Media Manipulates Photos

Have you ever wondered whether the photographs you were looking at in your paper or the magazine you were reading have been doctored? May be those photos looked just too good to be true? After all, modern technology has given everyone the power to decide how the picture will look and which story will it tell. This short video by some forensics expert available at Cristian Science Monitor site gives us few tips as to what to look for next time we are admiring the front page. For my money I would have liked to see more dramatic examples, like showing that the ayatollah (on the left) is in fact Boris Karloff in disguise. Still,

The Verdict? It's a PLUG!

Balls Up!

BBC reported on Sunday that a demonstration has been held in south-east Afghanistan accusing US troops of insulting Islam after they distributed footballs bearing the name of Allah.

Apparently, the balls displayed amongs others the Saudi Arabian flag which features the shahada, one of the five pillars of Islam - the declaration of faith. The words, which include the name of Allah, are revered and to have a verse of the Koran on something you kick with your foot would be an insult. You don't say...

The offending balls were dropped from a helicopter in Khost province and were intended as a gift to Afghan children. The US military said the idea had been to give something for Afghan children to enjoy and they did not realise it would cause offence. Hmm.

Credits: BBC, Crooks and Liars, and The Tude - thanks, guys, carry on the good work.

The Verdict? It's a PLUG!

Boned in Siberia

This marvel of nature, some 4.5 feet long massive walrus penis bone was sold today at auction for $8000 to a museum. Seen on the photograph is only a portion of a fossilized member.

Discovered in Siberia, the fossilized baculum, or penis bone, is from a species of walrus that went extinct 12,000 years ago. The piece curves to a point and is covered with weathered skin and dry muscle tissue. The auction house said it was believed to be the largest known mammal penis fossil. "We are glad it's going to a museum and not a private collection, so it can on public display. It's definitely something everyone should see once in their life." Here, here!

The story comes from Associated Press via Boing Boing, however they overlooked an important detail. As a native Russian speaker, I can vouch that one of strongest Russian swearing expressions is 'the walrus prick' - the fact that puzzled me greatly through my University years until one of my biology lecturing friends educated me on the subject of walrus's anatomy. Makes sense if you have to make love in cold climate... Absolutely brilliant!

The Verdict? Definitely a PLUG!