Arch West, The Creator of Doritos, Has Died at 97

Arch West created Doritos in 1964
Arch West created Doritos in 1964

Arch West, the inventor of Doritos, passed away on Sept. 20, 2011 in Dallas, TX at the age of 97. Arch West is the person responsible for you having to lick that orange paste off of your fingertips after you finish a bag of chips. If you really think about it, that is something we have all done. This man created something that created a common memory for us all. Just thinking about having to lick Dorito dust off of my fingers…well, it makes me smile.

I couldn’t find much online about Mr. West, except that he served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy during WWII, and before taking a position as a marketing VP with Frito-Lay in Dallas, TX, Mr. West worked in New York City on Madison Avenue.

According to the story on chron.com:

…daughter Jana Hacker of Allen tells The Dallas Morning News the family plans on “tossing Doritos chips in before they put the dirt over the urn.”

Now that is awesome. I really think all funerals need to have something memorable and fun. Arch’s family is doing it right.

BTW I also learned a few things about Doritos today. It turns out that Doritos were the first tortilla chips to be marketed nationally in the United States. And the word ‘Dorito’ is close to ‘doradito’, which means ‘little golden’ in Spanish.

RIP, Arch West.

Pictures: 8.9-Magnitude Earthquake & Tsunami Hits Japan (March 2011)

As you have already heard, a super massive earthquake hit earlier today about 60 miles off the coast of Japan. You can find news updates at the usual news sites, but here are some picture galleries from Japan. The pictures of the earthquake’s aftermath are stunning – extreme evidence that we are at the mercy of nature’s whims.

Pictures from the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan today:

  • NationalPost.com: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
  • TheAtlantic.com: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
  • Boston.com: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
  • Cleveland.com: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
  • HuffingtonPost.com: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
  • DailyMail.co.uk: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
  • Telegraph.co.uk: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
  • BBC.co.uk: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link & link)
  • TheGlobeAndMail.com: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
  • Yahoo.com: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
  • ABCnews.Go.com: Japan earthquake & tsunami pictures (link)
Tsunami: Pictures from the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan (March 2011)
Tsunami: Pictures from the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan (March 2011)
Whirlpool: Pictures from the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan (March 2011)
Whirlpool: Pictures from the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan (March 2011)

The Day the Internet Saved 52 Horses in Barnesville, Ohio

Earlier today, I noticed a few Facebook status updates that read:

52 thoroughbred horses need homes. Will go to Sugarcreek this Saturday for slaughter. Gentleman died & his son wants nothing to do with them. Most broodmares are broke and some are in foal weanling, yearlings, 2 yrs/3 yrs old most are gelded. FREE & papered. Friend of the deceased is trying to find homes 440-463-4288 or 440-463-4288 Barnesville, OH.

Then I saw some posts about how all 52 horses had been rescued. Awesome, right? Well, then I saw a note that the whole thing was a hoax and/or a scam. I altered this blog post a few times, going back and forth on scam/no scam. But after several comments about the authenticity of this amazing story (and some awesome commenters who left a few links), I’m happy to report that this story is true. It’s legit. People are awesome, and social media is a powerful tool.

I was able to piece together a Facebook post/thread from Lynn Boggs. Lynn appears to be the original source of this entire event. It’s amazing that her original Facebook status update went viral. Well, this is the era of social networking, so maybe it was meant to go viral – almost like it had no choice! It all started on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011:

Original Facebook Status Thread by Lynn Boggs regarding the 52 horses in Barnesville, OH
Original Facebook Status Thread by Lynn Boggs regarding the 52 horses in Barnesville, OH

So there you have it. Dr. Daniel Charles Stearns III (1921-2011) was obviously an amazing person who meant so much to so many (people and animals!). His recent passing left 52 horses in need of care. And the internet came to the rescue.

One of my favorite parts about this story is the role that Twitter and Facebook played. Here, the Humane Society says that all 52 horses have been rescued:

The Humane Society Announces the 52 horses have been rescued
The Humane Society Announces the 52 horses have been rescued

@humanesociety: To those concerned about the 52 horses in OH, we have heard word that they have all found homes.

And here is a Facebook update from Jillian Michaels Facebook (link) that mentions the 52 horses:

Jillian Michaels says we should all get badges for helping
Jillian Michaels says we should all get badges for helping

ok crisis averted! All the horses officially have homes. Nice work everyone. We should get some sort of girlscout / boyscout badge for this one no?

Yes, there were several other famous people, sites, blogs, and forums who also pitched in. I’m sure you can find them. I just wanted to brag about the power of social media and the good will of people. And I’m pretty sure this viral event will turn out better than the most recent charitable viral sensation, Ted Williams. Poor guy. Too much, too soon. Let’s hope these horses don’t drift back into a life of booze and drugs. And I digest…

Yep. 52 horses were saved from the glue factory today. I think that’s pretty damn awesome. Go social media!

BTW, thanks to commenters Marc, Melissa and Kelly for helping me out on this one. 🙂

And now, enjoy this picture of horses. They are awesome creatures.

Horses

7.0 Earthquake Hits Near Okinawa, Japan (Tsunami Warning)

As if our world needs any more disasters after the Haiti earthquake, it seems that there was a massive earthquake in Okinawa, Japan today. The epicenter is the Ryukyu Islands, about 50 miles off Naha, in Okinawa. Check out the USGS information.

February 26, 2010: Massive Earthquake Strikes Near Okinawa, Japan
February 26, 2010: Massive Earthquake Strikes Near Okinawa, Japan

Here’s the story from CNN:

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Ryukyu Islands early Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The quake was centered about 6 miles (10 km) deep and struck at 5:31 a.m. about 53 miles (85 km) from Okinawa.

From @BreakingNews on Twitter:

First tsunami waves expected on Okinawa Island about 4:05 p.m. ET – NHK

From Breitbart:

TOKYO, Feb. 27 (AP) – (Kyodo)—A strong earthquake jolted Okinawa Prefecture early Saturday morning, the Japan weather agency said.The 5:33 a.m. quake registered lower 5 on the Japanese intensify scale of 7.

The Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warning off the main Okinawa island.

From the BBC:

A tsunami alert has been issued in Japan after a powerful earthquake struck near the Okinawan coast.

The Japan Meteorological Agency gave the strength as 6.9 while the US Geological Survey put it at 7.3.

It struck at 0531 (2031 GMT), 84km (52 miles) east of Naha, on the island of Okinawa, 29km (18 miles) below the seabed, Reuters news agency reports.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in the country, which is often hit by earthquakes.

In 1995, a magnitude-7.2 quake in the port city of Kobe killed 6,400 people.

Mag-7.3 Earthquake Hits Near Okinawa, Japan
Mag-7.3 Earthquake Hits Near Okinawa, Japan

From MSNBC:

A magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck off southern Japan early Saturday, and Okinawa’s seashore was evacuated after Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning.The Japanese agency predicted 3-foot waves following the quake, which hit just east of Okinawa and Ryukyu, south of Japan’s main islands. Tsunami waves also were expected on the islands of Amami and Tokaro.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, and the Tsunami Warning Center in Oahu said waves generated by the earthquake were not expected to be destructive.

Update: @BreakingNews First tsunami waves minor; warnings lifted for all but Okinawa; advisory in effect for several islands

Action Comics #1 & Detective Comics #27 Sold for $1,000,000+ Each

To be clear, I am not a comic book guy. In high school, I read one issue of The Silver Surfer. That is pretty much the extent of my experience with comics. I was, however, a collector of baseball cards, so I do know the excitement involved in collectibles. I always hoped that my Ken Griffey, Jr. rookie card would help me pay for my first car. Or maybe my Jim Kelly autographed football would put me through college. But no. That is not how it works. Well apparently it does not work that way unless you have invested in some extremely rare, near-mint comic books.

In the past few days, there have been two astronomically-priced comic books up for sale. The first was Action Comics No. 1. It was first issued in June 1938, and it was the first appearance of Superman. Someone dished out $1,000,000 for this comic book, which was sold at ComicConnect.com. Don’t look now, but that is 10 million times the comic book’s original price in June 1938!

ComicConnect advertised this sale as a world record price for a comic book. This was the first comic book to ever sell for $1,000,000. Here is Action Comics No. 1 featuring the first appearance of Superman:

Action Comics No. 1: The first appearance of Superman in a comic book (June, 1938)
Action Comics No. 1: The first appearance of Superman in a comic book (June, 1938)

As it turns out, records are made to be broken. According to a Dallas Observer blog post, a copy of Detective Comics No. 27 sold yesterday for the price of $1,075,500. This comic book is famous because it featured the first appearance of the Batman. And like the Action Comics sale, this issue of Detective Comics sold for over 10 million times the original sales price of $0.10. And to make it even more astounding: the seller picked up this issue 40 years ago for $100. Now that is a hefty return on investment. Simply amazing.

Here is the Detective Comics No. 27 comic book that was sold for $1,075,500 yesterday at Heritage Auction Gallery in Dallas, TX:

Detective Comics No. 27: The first appearance of Batman in a comic book (May, 1939)
Detective Comics No. 27: The first appearance of Batman in a comic book (May, 1939)

Now go forth and keep collecting. Look for deals. Who knows? Maybe in 40 years, you will have a piece that is worth $1 million dollars. Good luck!

Tiger Woods Jokes List (with Kanye West, too!)

"Yo Tiger, you have a great swing and Imma let you finish, but Elin had the best drive of the night! OF THE NIGHT!
"Yo Tiger, you have a great swing and Imma let you finish, but Elin had the best drive of the night! OF THE NIGHT!

By now, you have all heard that Tiger Woods crashed his car into a fire hydrant and a tree last week. And his wife Elin apparently came out of the house to “rescue” him. Yeah, she rescued him by smashing in his rear windshield with a golf club and then pulled him out of the back window.

Me thinks not all is well in Woodsville. Where there is smoke, there is fire. Personally, I think Tiger needs to admit to his alleged affair with Rachel Uchitel. By lying about it, the story is being dragged out over a week’s time frame. Alex Rodriguez admitted to using steroids. The story died. David Letterman admitted to having sex with a coworker. The story died. Tiger should take a lesson from those guys. Their PR people obviously know how this game works. And now with the 911 call, a voicemail and text messages making the news, as well as another woman who is claiming to have had an affair with Tiger, the lie will have to end.

Elin & Tiger Woods pose for a recent picture
Elin & Tiger Woods pose for a recent picture

I’m still a Tiger Woods fan. Everybody makes mistakes. I can forgive. And I’m glad to see that people can joke about this news. Isn’t it good to be able to laugh a little bit?

  • Apparently the police asked Tiger’s wife how many times she hit him. She said “I don’t know exactly… but put me down for a 5.”
  • Tiger Woods is so rich that he owns lots of expensive cars. Now he has a hole-in-one.
  • What’s the difference between a car and a golf ball? Tiger can drive a ball 400 yards……..
  • What were Tiger Woods and his wife doing out at 2:30 in the morning? They went clubbing.
  • Tiger Woods crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree. He couldn’t decide between a wood and an iron.
  • Phil Mickelson contacted Tiger’s wife to pick up some tips on how to beat Tiger!
  • What is the penalty for getting it in the wrong hole? Ask Tiger, he knows.
  • Elin’s excuse? She had to play a bad lie.
  • We now see that tiger woods drives very well on the fairway but doesn’t fare very well on the driveway.
  • What does Tiger have in common with a baby seal? They’ve both been clubbed by a Norwegian.
  • Whats the difference between a golf ball and a caddy? Tiger can drive a golf ball.
  • Tiger Woods wasn’t seriously injured in the crash, but he’s still below par.
  • What was Elin doing out at 2.30 in the morning? Clubbing.
  • Why did Tiger Woods crash into a fire hydrant and a tree. He couldn’t decide between a wood or an iron.
  • It’s been a tough year for tiger. 2nd time he has been beaten by a nine iron.
  • Nike wants to drop their endorsement, apparently Tigers balls go everywhere.
  • Apparently, Tiger had a 2:30 Tree Time.
  • Did you hear that Tiger is changing his nickname? Yeah, it’s still in the cat family: Cheetah.
  • All of this happened because Tiger picked up another birdie.
  • Tiger Woods is apparently giving up pro golf. According to him, “My putting is still good, but I keep driving into the trees.”
  • The Bitching wedge would have been another solution.

Rest In Peace: Ken Ober & MTV’s Remote Control

Ken Ober - Host of MTV's Remote Control 1980's Game Show
Ken Ober - Host of MTV's Remote Control 1980's Game Show

Well, another part of my childhood is gone. Ken Ober, host of the 1980’s MTV game show, Remote Control , died on Sunday, November 15th. He was 52. It was an awesome game show/party from back when MTV was awesome and original. Adam Sandler and Colin Quinn were regulars on the show. Anyways, I’ve gathered a collection of pictures of Ken Ober and all things Remote Control. It’s like a picture tribute to a man and a show that was the funniest of its day. I hope you enjoy them.

Ken Ober - MTV's Remote Control Game Show Host
Ken Ober - MTV's Remote Control Game Show Host
MTV Remote Control at Home Board Game
MTV Remote Control at Home Board Game
Bonus Round on MTV Remote Control
Bonus Round on MTV Remote Control
MTV Remote Control Needs Contestants Flier Ad
MTV Remote Control Needs Contestants Flier Ad
Ken Ober on set at MTV's Remote Control Game Show
Ken Ober on set at MTV's Remote Control Game Show
MTV Remote Control Logo
MTV Remote Control Logo
Nintendo Game: MTV's Remote Control
Nintendo Game: MTV's Remote Control
Nintendo Game Screenshot: MTV's Remote Control
Nintendo Game Screenshot: MTV's Remote Control
MTV Remote Control T-Shirt
MTV Remote Control T-Shirt
Ken Ober - Host of MTV's Remote Control 1980's Game Show
Ken Ober - Host of MTV's Remote Control 1980's Game Show
Ken Ober on MTV's Remote Control (Sing Along With...)
Ken Ober on MTV's Remote Control (Sing Along With...)
Ken Ober on MTV's Remote Control (Wheel of Jeopardy)
Ken Ober on MTV's Remote Control (Wheel of Jeopardy)

RIP, Ken. We’ll miss you. Thanks for all the great memories.

Eva Mendes & Calvin Klein Team Up for Sexy Billboard in SoHo, NYC

Controversy: Eva Mendes & Calvin Klein team up for this sexy billboard in SoHo, NYC
Controversy: Eva Mendes & Calvin Klein team up for this sexy billboard in SoHo, NYC

Remember this controversial, sexy Calvin Klein billboard? Well, it seems Calvin Klein is at it again in SoHo, NYC. Only this time the billboard ad features superhot Eva Mendes. And. She. Is. Hot. This billboard covers the entire side of a building at the corner of Houston Street and Lafayette Street in SoHo. I’m booking a flight right now. I’ve gotta go see this in real life. And what’s with the controversy? What’s wrong with beautiful people selling products? In fact, what’s wrong with half-naked people using their sexual energy and passion in a billboard advertisement to sell products for a company that makes sexy products? Isn’t that smart marketing and advertising? I guess that’s just the way it is. Like Tupac said.

BTW, this is not the first controversial CK ad featuring Eva Mendes. Previously, Eva was featured in a CK commercial for the Calvin Klein fragrance, Secret Obsession. The ad was pulled in the US, but you can see it here (thanks to the miracle of YouTube).

Balloon Boy Meme Hits the Interwebs!

I don’t know about you, but I like memes. Yesterday’s Balloon Boy news created a great scenario for a meme. And wouldn’t you know it, the Balloon Boy Meme is official. Falcon Henne of Fort Collins, Colorado is a star. And even though we know it was a hoax, the meme is still pretty funny. Enjoy!

I want to believe (Balloon Boy Meme)
I want to believe (Balloon Boy Meme)
Thank you! But your child is in another hot air balloon. (Balloon Boy Meme)
Thank you! But your child is in another hot air balloon. (Balloon Boy Meme)
To infinity and beyond! (Balloon Boy Meme)
To infinity and beyond! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Go Falcon, Go! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Go Falcon, Go! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Fresh Prince Theme Song (Balloon Boy Meme)
Fresh Prince Theme Song (Balloon Boy Meme)
Fresh Prince Theme Song (Balloon Boy Meme)
Fresh Prince Theme Song (Balloon Boy Meme)
Grounded (Balloon Boy Meme)
Grounded (Balloon Boy Meme)
I just wanted to do hoodrat stuff with my friends. (Balloon Boy Meme)
I just wanted to do hoodrat stuff with my friends. (Balloon Boy Meme)
Yo Balloon Kid, Imma let you finish, but Baby Jessica was the best... (Balloon Boy Meme)
Yo Balloon Kid, Imma let you finish, but Baby Jessica was the best... (Balloon Boy Meme)
Meghan McCain's boobs (Balloon Boy Meme)
Meghan McCain's boobs (Balloon Boy Meme)
Never Forget 10/15/2009 (Balloon Boy Meme)
Never Forget 10/15/2009 (Balloon Boy Meme)
Oh hai! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Oh hai! (Balloon Boy Meme)
You got punk'd! (Balloon Boy Meme)
You got punk'd! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Inquisitive Raptor (Balloon Boy Meme)
Inquisitive Raptor (Balloon Boy Meme)
Twitter Status Update (Balloon Boy Meme)
Twitter Status Update (Balloon Boy Meme)
Disney Pixar - Up (Balloon Boy Meme)
Disney Pixar - Up (Balloon Boy Meme)
I heard you like balloons, so.... (Balloon Boy Meme)
I heard you like balloons, so.... (Balloon Boy Meme)

How about that?!?!! Balloon Boy is a hit!

2009 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Catalog Out Now!

Hey folks! It’s that time of year again. Yes, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is now available online. I have taken a look through the 160-page online Christmas catalog, and here are my favorite 3 items for sale.

1. One His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)

His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)
His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)

I’ve never seen anything quite like this. I want 2 of them. In fact, I want one of them for each of my 5 best friends, so we can race them! From the official ICON A5 page on the Neiman Marcus website, here are 10 WOW! factors for this aircraft:

  • An amphibious hull and landing gear to take off and land just as easily on water as on land.
  • The ability to run on automotive gasoline or aviation fuel.
  • A sexy, streamlined two-seat interior with intuitive controls, including
  • FAA-approved flight instrumentation and
  • a state-of-the-art GPS system, so you don’t get lost.
  • A range of 345 land miles or 300 nautical miles.
  • A next-generation lightweight carbon fiber frame.
  • Spy-movie wings that rotate up and fold back out of the way.
  • Removable side windows to dangle your arms out into the wind and sun.
  • A custom, high-tech trailer for fast and easy loading and unloading from land or water.
His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)
His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)

2. Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book: Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)
Neiman Marcus Christmas Book: Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)

The Customized Cupcake Car is #2 on my Christmas List by virtue of its WTF??!!?! nature. I mean, I would love to “…Bring it to work and buzz the breakroom. Crash parades! Putter about the ‘hood…” My only concern involves transporting this cupcake from point A to point B. I guess I’d have to purchase a truck. In fact, maybe I could get a matching truck. A boy can dream, right?

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book: Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)
Neiman Marcus Christmas Book: Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)

3. Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Guitar and Case ($12,000)

Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Acoustic Guitar and Case ($12,000)
Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Acoustic Guitar and Case ($12,000)

Now this is what I’m talking about. I love guitars. And I love Martin acoustic guitars. Naturally, I would love to own the $12,000 Neiman Marcus “Metal Arts” Martin Guitar and Case. Actually, $12,000 is not too bad for a custom C.F. Martin acoustic guitar. Out of all the big items in the catalog, this one is probably the most logical for me. It’s a custom music instrument whose value will increase over time. Count me in!

Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Acoustic Guitar and Case ($12,000)
Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Acoustic Guitar and Case ($12,000)

Well, enjoy the upcoming Christmas holidays. And if you find some awesome gifts out there, send them to me. I’ll review them. And keep them.