Archive for June, 2009

Afternoon Delight: Everything Michael Jackson

Friday, June 26th, 2009

In honor of the “King of Pop” passing on Thursday, we offer a look back at his work, fun stuff and more about the pop culture icon.

First, here’s a photo gallery of the star through the years.

Here are 21,003 Jackson-related items you can bid on at eBay.

Here’s a fun link about the shoe that allowed Jackson and company to perform that leaning dance in the “Smooth Criminal” video.

Here’s the “Smooth Criminal” video – the leaning begins at about 3:50 in. Watch the dancer on the right – his shoe gets caught.

There was this Eddie Murphy – Michael Jackson project in the early 90s – “What’s Up With You?”

There was the Pepsi ad where Jackson burned his hair.

This was just released: TMZ has the 911 call from Jackson’s home.

And finally, we want your thoughts and fun links to MJ memorabilia, oddities and more. Share them with a comment below.

Michael Jackson: A legend in photos

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

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The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was found dead today in his Los Angeles home. The pop culture legend was 50, and reportedly died of a cardiac arrest. Read the complete story here.

Here is a gallery of photographs of  his four decade career in music, including many iconic photos that defined her career from his time as a young boy performing with the Jackson 5 to his later years, when his musical career had withered after a series of bizarre events.

Farrah Fawcett: A life in photos

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

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Farrah Fawcett died today at age 62 of cancer.

Here is a gallery of photographs of  her life through the years, including many iconic photos that defined her career.

Parkersburg coach: Video of football return

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

This morning, Aplington-Parkersburg coach Ed Thomas was shot and killed in the school’s weight room.

Last fall, Tim Gallagher traveled to Parkersburg to tell the story of the school’s return to the football field after the town was devastated by a June tornado.

Thomas led the team for years, tallying 19 state playoff appearances for the school, and was one of the state’s most respected high school coaches. During his time at A-P, he coached four students who went on to play in the NFL.

Here is the video he shot of the team’s home opener at Ed Thomas field.

Your Health: Peddle exerciser keeps up heart rate, even at the office

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

Interested in looking at peddle exercisers on the market? Here’s a place to start.

Afternoon Delight: What’s your favorite Onion story?

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

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It’s summer and that means that kids are out of school and frolicking in the streets and breaking pool rules.

But this little gem from the Onion just crossed my desk for the second time (the first was years ago and I still recall it as one of the best Onion stories I’ve seen.)

By the way, if you’re a fan of the Onion, here’s a story about how they write stories. They start with the headline, which in the case above begins as such: Fifth-grade science paper doesn’t stand up to peer review.

Got a favorite Onion article that others should see? Share it with a comment below.

LIVE BLOG: Severe weather updates

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

A storm is moving across Nebraska that is likely to bring severe weather to the Siouxland region today.

Follow the details, and submit your own information as you see it in your neighborhood, on this live blog. Click play below to read updates and add your observations.

Afternoon Delight: The Jon and Kate saga

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

There isn’t a television show or web site these days that doesn’t have some mention of the Jon and Kate saga.

Today the couple is slated to make a big announcement.

The situation is nearly laughable, and all seems to be played as if on schedule to get the maximum media attention for the parents of 8.

So just for fun, we searched YouTube and found this endless list of JK8 videos, including this one titled “Leaked video of Jon caught cheating “. You be the judge on this one.

Fireworks shopping season heats up

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

In this week’s Your Home, we show you how to get more bang for your buck. Literally. There are fireworks on sale to fit any budget.

But where can you light? The consumer fireworks laws in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota are different.

Here’s a rundown by state:

Iowa

Specifically allowed: Gold sparklers containing no magnesium, chlorate or perchlorate, and snakes containing no mercury.

Specifically prohibited: Firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles and daygo bombs.

Nebraska
Selling period: June 25 to July 4

Items allowed: Novelty items such as snakes and sparklers and other items in which the pyrotechnic composition does not to exceed 50 mg. each.

Other restrictions on consumer fireworks exist. The state issues a permissible retail fireworks list annually.

South Dakota
Selling period: June 27 to July 5

Items allowed: All fireworks that comply with CPSC regulations.

Items prohibited: All consumer fireworks made wholly or in part of dynamite, nitroglycerin, or giant powder.

Other restrictions: Sale or use prohibited in the Black Hills, and in any national or state forest or park.

Storm Chasers breeze through Sioux City

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

By Tim Gallagher 

I’m at lunch today enjoying one of the best sandwiches in Sioux City (the Super Steak made by Lisa Rippke of The Great Steak & Potato Company) when a group of storm chasers enters Southern Hills Mall for a bite.

The group from the College of DuPage near Chicago spends 10 days on the road at a time in at least two mobile meteorology units chasing storms and more.

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