OOB #17
Yep, once again the sun sets on yet another exciting month here at the Zone. Thrills, chills, spills – and that’s just what’s happening at MY desk! Just imagine what else has been going on out there…
Note from the Proprietor: Oddly enough, there didn’t seem to be that much unusual stuff come across my desk this month. Probably not paying attention. But what the heck, here’s a few items that might tickle your fancy.
That’s right, ladies and gentlemen – the time has come for another exciting edition of… OOB!
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Dept. of Transportation
(A tip o’ the hat to Dennis McMullin for bringing this to my attention.)
In case you missed it, Seattle made the news recently when a new streetcar came into use in the Cascade area that’s undergoing considerable renovation. Apparently the neighborhood is, um, less than thrilled about it. But in the spirit of cooperation, they’re showing remarkable support for the change, even printing and wearing commemorative T-shirts and everything.
Now, before you applaud their attitude, you might just want to know, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story.
See, the official name is the South Lake Union Streetcar (or S.L.U.S. for short). So far, so good, right? However, local residents swear by what they say was the original name for it (that is, until officials discovered the, er, unfortunate acronym): the South Lake Union Trolley (S.L.U.T.).
At least, that’s their story and their sticking to it!
More Than You Needed to Know Dept.
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to be a lot more careful when I travel. The Travelodge Hotels in London are reporting a 95% increase in customers’ sleepwalking! But that’s not the disturbing part – no, the problem is, most of them are, um, somewhat scantily clad!
Experts say that sleepwalking “can be brought on by stress, alcohol, eating cheese or consuming too much caffeine” (which, except for the alcohol, unfortunately sounds like the menu during every job-related trip I’ve ever been on).
Oh, well, I guess I better make sure Mrs. MZM packs the pajamas!
Music for Life Dept.
Next time your child complains about having to take music lessons, why not tell him how it just might save his life! Think I’m kidding?
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a little boy on his way to school was hit by a speeding car, and if it hadn’t been for the violin case he was carrying (which took the brunt of the impact), he would have been much more seriously hurt!
As it was he only suffered minor cuts and bruises. Alas, still no word on how the violin made out.
Dept. of Self-Promotion
Did you know there’s a new installment of OOB every month? Yes indeedy! So if you’re interested in an even bigger helping of the strange, the unusual, and the just plain whacko (that is, as opposed to extraordinary whacko), you might want to check out previous editions.
Hey, it’s easy! Just go to the categories list over there on the left and click on “OOB“. In fact, I double-dog dare you! (But don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
(By the way, if you have any great suggestions for future OOB items, by all means drop me a line at rhruzek@sbcglobal.net. If I use one of your suggestions, to demonstrate my undying gratitude, I’ll mention your name and link to you.)




Further proof that if there’s something you like doing; something that really gives you a thrill, whatever you do, don’t try to make a business of it! That giant whooshing noise you hear might just be all the fun being sucked out of it.
Did you know there’s a new installment of OOB every month? Yes indeedy! So if you’re interested in an even bigger helping of the strange, the unusual, and the just plain whacko (that is, as opposed to extraordinary whacko), you might want to check out previous editions.

Surely you’ve heard (yes, I know – don’t call you Shirley!) some ring tones that just drive you up the wall, right? Whether it’s a short clip from whatever song happens to be popular to assorted sound effects, it is absolutely ridiculous the things you hear popping up in elevators, shopping malls and church sermons. Especially those irritating animal sounds; dogs barking, cats meowing, eagles screeching … ugh! I don’t know about you, but it’s enough to make me want to get out the BIG hammer.
Dept. of International Relations
Hey, if you’re one of millions looking for a really high-powered job, well my friends, get a load of
And Bill Clinton was worried about his legacy? Sheesh! Well, that’s something Roger Bennatti won’t have to wonder about – he already knows what his will be.
Thanks to 
Attention, all scientists! And all outstanding Heads of Scientists! If you happen to have long, flowing hair (yes, you read it right!), you may be qualified to become an exalted member of the amazing
1. Go to
And finally, for those of you who are perhaps new to this site, or unfamiliar with the concept of OOB. It stands for “Out Of the Box” and rhymes with, well, “oob” (well, it does!) If you’re feeling REALLY lucky, you might want to check out all the earlier episodes (#1 explains it all):




