Anderson Cooper is a Gay Racist.

I don't even know what to say, except that I think everyone deserves three clowns on their birthday.

Anderson Cooper seems to have a problem with Freudian slips. In a 2004 interview with The Reverend Jerry Falwell, while the pair were discussing civil unions for homosexuals, Cooper got frustrated with Falwell and stated "You know we pay taxes!"

Since then, Cooper has all but come out of the closet. It seems to be all but common knowledge that he is gay, but Cooper maintains, "I understand why people might be interested. But I just don't talk about my personal life. It's a decision I made a long time ago, before I ever even knew anyone would be interested in my personal life. The whole thing about being a reporter is that you're supposed to be an observer and to be able to adapt with any group you're in, and I don't want to do anything that threatens that."

So if Cooper's slips are inevitably true, what am I to make of his statement on Anderson Cooper 360° this past Friday, November 7th, 2008, when he came within one syllable of referring to Barack Obama's Inauguration as his "In-nigger-ation"?

You heard it here first, Anderson Cooper: Emmy Award winning gay racist.

David Hasselhoff: Swiss as Cheese.

Hasselhoff brings it to a whole new level for Sings America by representing the entire nation with such heartwarming hits as "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head," "You've Lost That Lovin Feeling," "These Boots Are Made For Walking," and "Rhinestone Cowboy."

Superstar pop-culture icon David Hasselhoff is at it again. Two short years on the heels of the Brandy wars, the Hoff is back on the multinational scene, making slanderous comments about both America and Greece by declaring - on live national television - that Harlem performance artists The James Gang were "as American as the Olympics."

Yes David, I can't think of anything more comparable to baseball and apple pie than be-bopping 1920's stereotypes performing a spoken word act mixed with magic... Oh wait; how about a french-revived ancient greek multinational tournament of athleticism?

In honor of Hasselhoff's absolutlely mind-numbing comment I'd like to name some other things that are as American as the Olympics:

• Euthanasia
• Chinese Food
• Atlases
• Mario & Sonic
• Toilet Paper
• Oxygen
• Germany

3DHDDVD's?

"Ooh, baby give me one more chance?" We can only pray that Eo never makes it to 3DHDTV

Does your television lack depth? No, I'm not talking about daytime programming or physical dimensions, just optically perceived planes of depth. Well, if leading technology researchers and marketers have it their way, it soon may not. Preceding a European 3DTV Conference in May of 2007 there have been a rush of news releases by leading tech companies, all hoping to get a name recognition 'leg up' on competition in the burgeoning field before their thunder is stolen by the effects of rampant free publicity.

So what kind of 3D are we talking about? Not holographic projection, which has been in its infancy for the last decade, and may take another decade or two to appear in marketable form. The type of 3DTV on the near horizon, unaided stereoscopic television, can be thought of as an evolution of the same 3-D technology used by Michael Jackson to terrify small children in Disney's "Captain Eo" until 1997. The most recent evolution of stereoscopy unencumbers the viewer from the hallmark blue and red cellophane glasses, and purports to be slightly less nauseating, but only if not watching "Captain Eo."

Dynamic Digital Depth is one pioneer already offering 3D conversion software in mobile phones and laptops, converting a standard optical image to an unaided stereoscopic one. Wondering when you can get your hands on one? In September of 2006 professor Onural of Turkey's Bilkent University optimistically stated that "(unaided) stereoscopic 3D will be commonplace in homes and cinemas in about three years." Commonplace might depend on the definition, however, when one considers the number of homes still without HDTV; the last television revolution. Still, available is certain. Phillips forecasts a 2008 product, perhaps prompted by Samsung's announcement of a 2009 delivery, or vice versa.

Stingrays Strike Back

Could this be a WMD?

A Florida man is in critical condition after a Florda Stingray somehow breeched the water, boarded his boat, and stabbed him in the heart, proving once again that Stingrays have a wicked good aim and working knowledge of human anatomy.

Following wilder-dude Steve Irwin's death at the hands of an Austrailian Stingray, Austrailians took to the water to confront the rays, killing the docile beasts. This latest agression against a citizen of the United States, within our own boarders, can only be taken as a declaration of war from the Stingrays. Americans, it's your duty to avenge this man (just assume he takes a turn for the worse and dies). Take to the water and kill rays, stay the course, if we give up now, the Stingrays win.

YOUR World, Cavuto.

There's a reason why I've never watched an entire episode of Cavuto. This is definitely not my world.

Today on 'Your World with Neil Cavuto': New York Times columnist John Tierney tells Neil why Wal-Mart deserves the Nobel Prize, bookended by news that the DOW closed at a record high of above 12,000 and Coca-Cola & McDonald's quarterly profits rose 15%.

Wow. God Bless America.

Ley Antiterrorista

Of interesting note: The artist, Nerilicon, has only two restrictions on this image; to print the artist's attribution (Milenio, Mexico) and that the image may not be reprinted in Mexico. How very odd.

Salvation Through Epantsipation

Bible Tracts

I can't see why we haven't converted everyone in Iraq yet, it looks so easy.

Please don't leave bible tracts where I shit, I'm begging you. I'm sure Jesus would love you (more?) for making the public restroom a place of worship in a passive/aggressive sort of way, but there are better places to spread his word. If this continues I just might have to shit in your church; after all, the address is right there on the tracts.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf

President Musharraf was in the United States recently along with Unocal patsy, I mean Afghani President Hamid Karzai, speaking with American President George Bush concerning the resurgence of violence in the region. While selling his memoir to American audiences, President Musharref made 'Daily Show' history, being the first sitting world leader to ever appear on the program. I wonder if he ever saw this clip:

Democracy Inaction: Spotlight on Alaska

Don Young

Republican Congressman for Alaska Don Young ran unopposed this term in his primary. It's really not surprising when you consider that Young has had a monopoly on the whole congress schick in Alaska for three quarters of its statehood; Young has been Alaska's only Congressman for thirty four of its 47 years in the union. Recently, Young has refused to debate with his democratic challenger, Diane Benson, in town hall style. Perhaps Young thinks that he is entitled to a life appointment? Or, perhaps Young realizes that as long as he avoids any sort of attention, there is nothing that Benson could do to cost him his job. All Young has to do is stay out of sight (which he's pretty good at) and he'll easily retain his seat.

Ben Stevens

Alaska State Senate President Ben Stevens, son of Senator Ted Stevens, has never been secretive about his oil interests. He once held a $250,000 a year 'consulting' job with Veco at the same time as his State Senate seat. Many were surprised when Stevens office was raided twice by the FBI, but only because none of us can believe that there's anything he could be doing in private that's more objectionable than what he does right in front of our faces.

Bryce Edgmon

State Representitive Democratic nominee Bryce Edgmon had an exact 50% chance of receiving his party's nomination this primary. The race between Edgmon and incumbent Representitive Carl Moses was decided in the following fashion: Two polished stones from the Aleutian islands were adorned with either candidate's name and placed in a hand woven grass basket by Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman. Elections director Whitney Brewster drew the stone with Moses' name, and Moses chose the Walrus side of the gold-and-silver commemorative coin, which was flipped onto an otter pelt. Unfortunately for Moses, the coin landed showing the Alaska State seal, proving once and for all that democracy is still alive.

Politics Should be a Drinking Game

How odd, when all the problems of the world seem so simple, simple motor function can be so difficult.

Drinking last night with my father-in-law, a Vietnam veteran, the conversation migrated toward war; in particular, an inquiry on my part into his personal perception of how the Vietnam campaign was handled in general - in retrospect.

Hazily, the conversation quickly made it back through the current Iraq campaign, ambled over towards Hugo Chavez, lightly touching on the mainstream media, Israel's Lebanon campaign, on to international oil, over to international policy, and eventually somehow ended up at the fatalistic human mentality concerning the environment. Basically we covered the entire state of current human affairs; coming to reasonable and acceptable conclusions that were mutually agreeable on each topic as we progressed.

(e.g. YES, as a country, when it all shakes down, despite public discontent, America needs to do whatever it takes to stay on top, economically, if we all intend to enjoy the standard of living to which we are accustomed. {aside from whether it's morally correct}

However, it is possible that not everything that can be done is being done to ensure our cultures existence for more than the next generation, perhaps two; but it is debatable, ethically, as to whether is our responsibility to plan any further, and that it is more than apparent that no one as of yet has. Blah, Blah, Blah, Etc...)

My basic conclusion of the night was that everyone at the recent U.N. summit should have been drunk. Really drunk. I bet they would have passed a lot more resolutions that way.

Thank you, and goodnight.

Hugo Chavez on George Bush

Princeton Outs Diebold

Now I usually let video posts speak for themselves, but I couldn't let this one go without a bit of editorial. First, as you watch the video, replace every instance of the word 'criminal' with 'Republican,' and you'll get the gist. Second, notice that no one in the MSM will address the probability that vote fraud has ALREADY occurred (Ohio). Third, if you have more than a ten second attention span, sit down and write a letter to your Congressman and ask them to decommission any Diebold machines used in your state in light of the proven possibility of vote fraud. The real tragedy will be if nothing is done and these easily manipulated machines continue to be used.

Norm MacDonald on Steve Irwin

R.I.P. - At Least Ten Australian Stingrays

Revenge is a dish best served raw, with a bit of Wasabi and a seaweed wrap.

Apparently, grieving Steve Irwin fans have been honoring Irwin's legacy the best they know how; by killing and mutilating defenseless stingrays off the Queensland coast. Actually, that's only a partial truth, as Steve himself would vouch. The rays do have an occasionally accurate system of defense, capable of wounding or even killing predators; or Australian television personalities.

Some may be consoled by the fact that Steve Irwin died doing what he loved, because I'm pretty sure he REALLY loved getting stabbed in the heart by stingrays.

We love and miss you, you crazy son of a bitch.

UAA Supports my Habit

What, Exactly, IS a "Sea Wolf"? Is that like the canine equivalant of a "Sea Lion"?

My life has come full circle it seems. I had an MMORPG addiction in 2004 that facilitated my decision to drop out of college. This fall, I finally returned to academia, and with the Help of University of Alaska's wireless network and my new WiFi capable laptop, I can now play Star Wars Galaxies while pretending to pay attention to the professor's lectures while attending class.

Some Old News: Now you see me...

I thought 'Hollow Man' proved that we would all be rapists if we were invisible. Is that what you want, a bunch of invisible rapists?

In a breaking months old story that I've been meaning to get around to; Apparently, some scientists think it may be possible to someday use nano machines to arc light rays around an object so that one would see the light reflected off of all visible objects except the one around which the light is being manipulated.

Or at least that's what I was able to come away with after my rigorous 30 second perusal of said article. All that means to me is that we might just have 'cloaking' technology before the Klingons.

Or there's always this little thing, which is practically already marketable.

Murkowski & BP Save the Last Dance

"Maybe they just weren't used to somebody who calls them as he sees them," said Murkowski. Or maybe, just maybe, you're a complete fucking douchebag piece of shit and that's why no one voted for you.

28% of Alaska's residents have spoken, and only 18.6% of those voting were in favor of Alaska's senile, arrogant governor Frank Murkowski. Murkowski, proven a liar by his statement; "If I do run, I will win" officially tucked his tail between his legs on Tuesday night, when Sarah Palin, grass roots outsider of the cycle, won the state Republican primary.

Recent scare tactics used by Murkowski and oil giant BP, such as shutting off 50% of Alaska's crude oil production in order to pressure lawmakers into making a hasty decision on petroleum tax reforms, were apparently unsuccessful; except for the lawmakers making that hasty decision regarding the petroleum tax reforms. Therefore, following news of Murkowski's loss in the primary, BP announced that due to discoveries of asbestos in pipeline insulation, repairs have been hindered and production is to drop an additional 50%. Alaska now produces half of half of its crude capacity. 'Discoveries'? How exactly does BP not know the composition of pipeline insulation that it installed?

Regardless of BP's tightening grip, lawmakers now seem unlikely to be prodded into any rash action in the scant 3 months that Murkowski has in office, regardless of how many special sessions he calls. Alaska's residents breathe a collective sigh of relief that no matter how bad Frank tries to fuck us over in his last two months, we at least have a new governor in line who has promised to clean up the mess.

So, do you think all of that will stop Frank Murkowski from using an obscure Alaskan law that allows him as Governor to sign off on any issue that remains unresolved after three special sessions, the third of which has been called for early November? Murkowski said he wouldn't exercise that power, but he also said he would win.

Murkowski Scare Tactics Pay Off, So Far.

According to the gauges, it's time for some good old-fashioned Republican fear-mongering.

When one of oil giant BP's transit lines broke this march, spilling some 210,000 gallons of oil (the largest land spill in the history of Alaska) not one person looked up from their morning corn flakes. However; a small 210 gallon leak in a supply pipe this Tuesday at Prudhoe Bay oil field caused by corrosion (due to insufficient maintenance by BP) brought about BP's decision to shut off the entire Prudhoe Bay field for inspection and maintenance. Prudhoe Bay accounts for approximately half of all Alaska's oil production, oil accounts for approximately 80% of Alaska's total income. Oil carries heavy leverage and the timing of the shutdown is amazingly coincidental, considering that Frank Murkowski was able to use it as a tool to pass his oil and gas tax, and will likely use it to gain an edge in the primaries.

With the stranglehold tightened and the governor's whip cracking at their backs, lawmakers (conveniently already in a second special session called by Governor Murkowski to push his tax plan) passed the controversial new tax restructuring that they had been holding out so adamantly against immediately after hearing of BP's shutdown. The new oil and gas tax plan is based on net profits of the oil companies, with credits for reinvestment and maintenance (like the possibility that the State will pay for full replacement of BP's currently degrading pipe system) and assures that with a little creative bookkeeping big oil will share little profit with the state.

After the biggest pipeline leak in Alaska history is old news, why continue pumping oil for five months and then shut down the pipeline for a measley 210 gallons exactly one week before party primaries? Must be nice to have that kind of pull at BP, Frank.

Hasselhoff Declares War on Brandy

Hasselhoff makes a remark about 'certain types of people' while Brandy makes perfectly clear who he is referring to for the home viewer.

In a brazen move of strong-arm diplomacy, actor/singer David Hasselhoff has declared war on actor/singer Brandy Norwood. Hasselhoff and Norwood (known to America simply as Brandy) are both judges on the American Idol inspired talent show America's Got Talent, and nearly came to blows during an episode which aired July 12.

The argument grew out of a disagreement between the two about the worth of one of the night's acts, Vladik, a juggler. Mr. Hasselhoff berated Vladik, stating that there were many much more talented acts present, and became irritable when confronted by Miss Norwood concerning his prejudice of jugglers. When Mr. Hasselhoff's began to bang against his podium with decisive hand gestures while arguing his defense, he triggered the 'check' button on his podium, signaling a passing vote for Vladik from Hasselhoff. Hasselhoff was clearly stunned at this turn of events.

Brandy interjected that it was "Too late," because Hasselhoff "gave him a check." Hasselhoff, who was wearing a wrist brace, had not noticed that he hit his button, and immediately accused the young pop star of subterfuge. Enraged, believing his vote had been cast for him, Hasselhoff scooted back in his chair, turned to face miss Norwood and threatened, "You know what? You had better watch your checks next time!" Clearly stunned, Brandy remained speechless, so Hasselhoff plainly stated: "THIS IS WAR NOW!"

No word yet on when Hasselhoff will schedule troop deployment, or on the condition of Brandy's defenses.

The Daily Show Effect

Is there a prescription you can take if your news is always soft?

An article published in American Politics Research journal finds that when exposed to The Daily Show, people report more confidence in their "ability to understand the complicated world of politics", but are more likely to be cynical of the electoral system and the news media at large.

Jody Baumgartner and Jonathan S. Morris, researchers and authors of the article, come to the conclusion that though research shows a contribution of 'Soft News' to democratic society by drawing in new interest in politics and world news, their "findings indicate that The Daily Show may have more detrimental effects," such as "driving down support for political institutions and leaders among those already inclined toward nonparticipation. "

Bad Stewart, no Emmy!

The Most Important News EVER

I don't know what's more terrifying; the Rodriguez Leela, or imagining that rendered Zoidberg speaking with Billy West's Jewmitation. (irrepressible new hybrid word for Jew Imitation)

WELCOME BACK FUTURAMA!

That's right, bitches! Comedy Central has purchased the rights from Fox for exclusive control of the Futurama franchise, including all past episodes and the ability to produce new content! Production is under way for a season of at least 13 episodes, set to air when Cartoon Network's lease on the old Futurama episodes runs out in 2008.

Creators Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, as well as voice talent Billy West, John DiMaggio, and Katey Sagal have all agreed to reprise their roles. I know 2008 is a long time out, but at least I have my wedding and the live action 'Transformers' movie in 2007 to pass the time.

R.I.P. - Patricia Ramsey

Must... Not... Laugh...

This morning at 3:30 am in Atlanta, Patricia Ramsey, mother of murdered child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey, died of cancer. Ramsey was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1993, but managed to live many years cancer free until karma caught up to her.

Regardless of whether or not she was involved in her daughter's death as many believe, Patricia did indeed put a 6 year old girl in makeup and high-heels, then paraded her in front of thousands of strangers. Had JonBenet not been strangled to death, she would have certainly had issues in her adult life.

How the Death Star Works

You, too, can own a Lego Death Star for the paltry sum of $299 US

The humorous aspect of this is not the fact that someone took the time to write an article on how the Death star works, but that they took it so damn seriously. It's posted in the 'science' category.

Bullysticks: For Your Dog's Pleasure

Finally, a product to satisfy your dog's hunger for penis.

That's right, Bullysticks are made from 100% natural bull penises, no additives, "smoked for your dog's pleasure." Bullysticks come in a variety of sizes and shapes, just the way god intended. "Whether you're looking to please the littlest dog or the largest," claims the website, "we can help."

The Jumbo Select Bullysticks come highly recommended and are 2-3 times the girth of standard Bullysticks. Select Bullysticks are for the average experience, Standard Bullysticks vary in girth and may contain the, ahem, "end."

Jumbo bullys are available in 6" only, Selects and Standards can be ordered in lengths of up to 36". Now that's a lot of penis.

Karl Rove, Standing Tall

Someone told Karl that you've got to resist or you end up looking like a pussy.

Since my regular site for news about Karl Rove, I Love Karl Rove, hasn't posted an update since April 26, 2006, I somehow missed the news that good 'ol Karl (or 'baby-face Rove' as I sometimes call him) won't be going anywhere any time soon. After a good "hard look" into matters, Pat Fitzgerald declined to press charges.

You know, I bet that guy that murdered O.J.'s wife was the one who leaked Valarie's name. We have GOT to catch that guy.

Buttered with Justice.

I bet they keep every single security deposit, and only one person in fifty sues.

I'm sure you remember that I've been pretending to be a lawyer lately, fighting my former Slumlord in civil court. The lawyers on the other side knew I had a case, so right before trial call they offered me my $700 deposit back. I informed them that the $700 already belonged to me and they would have to do better than that. They asked if I had a counter-offer and I told them that I wouldn't take one penny under $1,250. When they came back with $1,000, I asked if they had heard me correctly or if they wanted to go back into the courtroom.

They didn't.

See Dick be Jane

How old must you be to choose your gender?

In Broward county Florida, a child named Nicole is excited about her first year of public education. Nicole's parents, however, are concerned about whether her school is prepared for the special needs of their child. Nicole's special needs are not in education, though, but in understanding.

You see, Nicole was born Nicholas. Nicholas had "always been attracted to the flowers, the bright colors, his Barbie dolls, and his beloved mermaids," said his mother. His parents indulged his desires, believing it to be a phase, until one day Nicholas told his mother "I want the fairy princess to come and make my penis into a vagina."

Nicole's parents did not grant this wish, but Nicholas has been Nicole ever since, and she's the country's first gender transitioned kindergartener.

The Always Predictable Conclusion

What Kane really needed was a sweet pilot name, like 'Maverick' or 'Iceman'

When I concluded my Security Aviation story last month, I left with the assumption that Kane was going to go up on charges as a public scapegoat for the company, and that he would end up doing minimal time, as a mere formality. My opinion of the case was that Kane was definitely doing something unscrupulous with his fleet of military jets but was being given a blind eye, if not a helping hand, by uncle Sam. The whole bust had the feeling of being a mistake in communication between levels of government, an embarrassing oversight, to be quickly glossed over and forgotten.

Given the nature of the case, even with its amazingly low profile of late, I was shocked to hear that the jury found Rob Kane and Security Aviation not guilty on all charges relating to the two rocket launchers. Sort of what I imagined, but without even a symbolic punishment. Fitting, for a story titled 'Lords of War in Alaska' that the case would have such a similar conclusion to the film.

I can just picture Rob Kane now, reciting those last few lines from the film. Telling the federal prosecutor "Here's how this is going to go..."

40 Years of Star Trek: The Collection

Here we see the Trekker in their natural habitat - The Convention.

Christie's Auction House is having a spectacular auction of Star Trek memorabilia, including such items as ship and building models (from the days before CGI), props (weapons, instruments, jewelry), and wardrobe (including Picard's first season jumper).

The collection to be auctioned is making a world tour including stops in Germany, England, and the United States before heading back to Christie's to be auctioned on October 5th through the 7th. You can pre-order the auction catalogue for $90, or $500 for the special edition boxed set, both include admission to the New York viewing.

Most items are estimated in the $1,000 to $10,000 range, with a few high profile models and costumes estimated in the $15,000 range.

Osama Bin Whozit?

Political cartoons; proving once again that death and war are hilarious.

I had a sit down chat two weeks ago to the day with a soldier who recently served in Iraq. Although I'm sure he must have been quite tired of the subject, we tended to focus on Iraq and the circumstances of his return. The soldier was back in the states following his survival of a suicide bombing at an Iraqi market.

One bit of news this soldier was particularly happy to relay was that Al-Zarqawi had been either killed or captured before he left. "We got 'im," was the exact quote. He said that we wouldn't hear about it for a while, but he was certain his information was correct.

The curious part of this story is the news coverage of Al-Zarqawi's death states that he died in the air strike conducted on Wednesday, a week and a half after I was let into the loop. Either the soldier I spoke to has a magnificent sixth sense, or there was a bit of funny business involving the entire situation. It wouldn't be the first time, I'm sure.

At any rate, Al-Zarqawi's death is great news in the war on terror. Now if we could only find Osama Bin Laden, Saddam's weapons of mass destruction, or our missing civil liberties. Oh, and someone tell the insurgents that they can stop killing people now.

The Wine Kone on Tom Cruise

Mutant Awareness

Never mind the stigma, think about the practicality. I'd give my left arm for another left arm.

Liu Junjie, a two month old baby in China, has had his extra arm removed by Chinese doctors. I can only wonder; why? Jie Jie's third arm was almost perfectly anatomically formed, and though it couldn't extend fully, could likely have become fully functional. His remaining hand has no palm and flexes in either direction.

Accurate figures for humans that have grown extra limbs are impossible to obtain, as a large number of mutant fetuses are miscarried or aborted. In the case of most children who are born with excess appendages, the mutant limb is almost always easily identifiable and is surgically removed.

It's time to end this prejudice, sick practice and embrace the evolutionary change that nature is forcing upon us. Mothers of the world, birth those mutant children. Doctors of the world, don't remove their extra limbs. If we continue to systematically eliminate mutants we're no better than Hitler. Didn't anyone pay attention to X-Men III?

Party Like Michigan

What, did I miss the end of the war on terror?

Well, June 6th 2006 has passed and apparently the apocalypse can wait another hundred years. In order to commemorate the momentous occasion, a remake of a fairly creepy movie about the son of Satan was released, and some people went to Michigan to party. I'd say that they're all going to Hell, but I guess technically they're already there.

John Cologne a.k.a. Odum Plenty, the mayor of Hell, pulled out all the stops for today's party. Bringing home some souvenirs in limited runs of 666 each, selling for $6.66 will boldly state that you are either an atheist, non-Christian, or think that Jesus gets a chuckle out of sacrilege. Hey, nobody's passing judgment here, maybe you just took the kids for the 66 cent ice cream, or to send them through the "Gates of Hell" at the children's play area. "They're 8 feet tall and 5 foot wide and each gate looks like flames, and when they're closed, it's a devil's head," boasts the Cologne.

The best part is that the town got the name when someone asked George Reeves what to call the town he helped settle once Michigan gained its statehood and he replied "call it Hell for all I care." What a mean old bastard.

R.I.P. - Whitney Cerak, OOPS, er, Laura VanRyn

Whitney reportedly took a swing at one of the VanRyn family during what must have been a very awkward and frustrating recovery.

A fatal car crash April 26 on I-69 in Indianapolis left four students and one staff member of an Upland, Indiana Christian College dead. One student, identified by school staff as Laura VanRyn, survived and was hospitalized in a coma for weeks afterward. The VanRyn family waited patiently by her bedside for any change in condition, making frequent Weblog updates.

Meanwhile, Whitney Cerak, a fellow Taylor student involved in the crash was laid to rest in a memorial service attended by her friends and family.

When the girl in the hospital bed awoke and began to vocalize, the VanRyn family slowly came to realize that she was not their daughter. Laura VanRyn was buried in the Cerak Family plot, and Whitney Cerak had been attended to for weeks by complete strangers.

One family's miracle is another's travesty.

UPDATE: The VanRyn family has deleted their blog, but who can blame them?