Daily archives: December 19, 2005

Stalingrad, Manchester

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A building site near the Mancunian Way was used to film re-enactments of the fighting in Stalingrad in the Second World War.

Jez, who has already spent three years making the series for the History Channel, said: “We have filmed in Stalingrad itself, but we were delighted to be given the opportunity to re-create battle scenes here.

“The remains of old factory buildings and rubble provided the right backdrop for a very authentic setting.”

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C'mon Barbie let's go Guantanamo

This entry was posted in Barbie Beer Fest on by

Once upon a time, at a Beer Fest long, long ago, I raised over £100 to drive a nail through the CD of Barbie Girl (does anyone have pictures?) A recent survey of 11 year olds has revealed a similar attitude to the doll itself, with many of them being tortured and dismembered.

“The girls we spoke to see Barbie torture as a legitimate play activity, and see the torture as a ‘cool’ activity in contrast to other forms of play with the doll,” said Dr Agnes Nairn, who headed the study.

“The types of mutilation are varied and creative, and range from removing the hair to decapitation, burning, breaking and even microwaving.”

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Don't worry, be happy

This entry was posted in chocolate on by

Feeling good is the key to success, according to research published today.

“There was strong evidence that happiness leads people to be more sociable and more generous, more productive at work, to make more money, and to have stronger immune systems,” said Prof Lyubomirsky.

Meanwhile, experimental studies showed that an instant injection of high-spirits could generate success. “Inducing a happy effect leads people to make more money in a computer simulation.”

…

But there is a caveat: your happiness boosters should not be dangerous, like driving fast, or counter-productive, like eating lots of chocolate.

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