Pulp Free

You think you’ve heard it all… But here’s another interesting story that begs a read… I’ve highlighted my favorite part…

From James Hannah, Associated Press Writer:

DAYTON, Ohio - A mother was arrested on suspicion of murdering her newborn daughter by microwaving the baby in an oven. China Arnold, 26, was jailed Monday on a charge of aggravated murder, more than a year after she brought her dead month-old baby to a hospital. Bail was set Tuesday at $1 million.

“We have reason to believe, and we have some forensic evidence that is consistent with our belief, that a microwave oven was used in this death,” said Ken Betz, director of the Montgomery County coroner’s office.

He said the evidence included high-heat internal injuries and the absence of external burn marks on the baby, Paris Talley.

Arnold was arrested soon after the baby’s death in August 2005, then was released while authorities investigated further. Betz said the case was difficult because “there is not a lot of scientific research and data on the effect of microwaves on human beings.”

The death was ruled homicide by hyperthermia, or high body temperature. The absence of external burns ruled out an open flame, scalding water or a heating pad as the cause, Betz said.

Arnold’s lawyer, Jon Paul Rion, said his client had nothing to do with her child’s death and was stunned when investigators told her that a microwave might have been involved.

“China — as a mother and a person — was horrified that such an act could occur,” Rion said.

The night before the baby was taken to the hospital, Arnold and the child’s father went out for a short time and left Paris with a baby sitter, Rion said. The mother didn’t sense anything out of the ordinary until the next morning, when the child was found unconscious, Rion said.

Arnold has three other children.

In 2000, a Virginia woman was sentenced to five years in prison for killing her month-old son in a microwave oven. Elizabeth Renee Otte claimed she had no memory of cramming her son in the microwave and turning on the appliance in 1999. Experts said that Otte suffered from epilepsy and that her seizures were followed by blackouts.

Without sounding cheesy (okay - it probably will…) this is my favorite demo so far, old or new. I found this as part of the top 10 list on scene.org after I decided to head out onto the net and rediscover the demoscene. Coming from the demo group called Farbrausch - this demo combines some great pop music and the following of a disco strutting iconic character’s wanderings (The disco ball for a head is fantastic!) Click on the thumbnails below for larger screen captures:

Download Demo: Farbrausch - FR-025: The Popular Demo
Download Demo Music (MP3): Wayfinder - FR-025 Soundtrack

Today I’m going to start linking to some of my favorite “demos” that I’ve found over the last few years. Actually - I’ve been downloading and playing these animation and music selections from way back in the 90’s when I first discovered them on AOL. Most of those that I remember are no longer around or won’t work under today’s more “modern” operating systems. However, I have a few more recent entries that I’ve hung on to that I feel merit a few words, screenshots and links.

This first entry comes from a group called Conspiracy and is called Beyond Expectations. The amazing part of this demo is that it’s only 64kb in size. (Please feel free to checkout scene.org if you want more background on different types of demos.) The demo does a great job at using particle effects and providing the illusion of flying by planets, through solar systems and eventually the universe. Click on the thumbnails below for larger screen captures:

Download - Conspiracy - Beyond Expectations

Since I was a little kid, I always dreamed about having a Tron costume. Well, actually - I wanted Tron to be real and that I could really be inside it with the cycles and tanks and clothes. Well - you get the idea. This morning I stumbled upon this picture and I thought, “this is probably the best it’s ever going to get”.

While I’m not a big fan of the no hair, this girl has it just about 100% right. What I want to know is how was it done?? I want one!! (I’d really like to have a cycle and I’m not sure if costume would look all that good on me… But that’s not the point!)

Tron Costume