Bored of the gym and your same-old routine? Hoopnotica might just be the solution for you. This growing fitness trend originated in Los Angeles in 2004, and has recently gained popularity all over the world. Using weighted fitness hoops and rhythmic movements, this latest fitness craze takes hula hooping to a whole new level. Not only does it allow you to have fun and get a good cardio workout at the same time, but it’s also relatively inexpensive. 


Avid fans of this workout regime can’t stop dishing about its benefits, including core strengthening and weight loss. In fact, the CEO of Hoopnotica, Gabriella Redding, claims to have lost 55 pounds just through hula hooping. The American Council on Exercise has reported that this new workout strategy burns up to 420 calories per hour – similar to that of boot-camp classes and aerobics.


Hoopnotica is now available in 13 different languages, in over 30 countries. There are trained instructors around the world, including the US, EU, Japan, and Canada. Just last year alone, this innovation has made $1 million dollars in sales, and has been nominated to appear on Forbes “Names You Need To Know 2011” List. 


More information can be found at www.hoopnotica.com.

Foam Weapon League

An inventive blend of live action role play, Dungeons and Dragons and war reenactment, the Foam Weapon League’s special brand of fighting first took shape in the mind of Los Angeles-based Scream Queen actress Michelle Morrow. 


Donning outlandish costumes, they batter each other with foam swords and clubs in the hope of seeing their opponent spurt fake blood from the pouches strapped to their suits. Breaking blood bags is the way to secure points. The one who spills the most blood, wins. 


The FWL is currently traveling the US to set up teams in other cities. They are recruiting for Major and Minor leagues to represent Los Angeles in national fight competitions.

The Real-Life "UP"

Have you ever wondered if Disney/Pixar’s movie, “Up”, were possible (minus the talking dog, of course)?  A group of scientists, balloon pilots, and engineers have made it a reality.

In about two weeks time, a wooden house 16 x 16 feet was built for flight.  Once constructed, 300 helium-filled balloons were attached to the structure, and we have lift off!

For more photos, go to the National Geographic Channel’s website.  For a more in depth look on the project, check out the series “How Hard Can It Be” on the National Geographic Channel this Fall.

Daphneyland

Walk into Daphneyland and you will be greeted by a crowd of wagging tails and long floppy ears. Daphneyland is a Basset Rescue Network that was founded in 2005 by Carol Ashley and Dawn Smith. Located in suburban Los Angeles, the shelter is comprised of volunteers from all walks of life, who donate their time, talents, and labour to assist in saving the lives of Basset Hounds.

Animal rescues and shelters have all suffered a blow due to the recession. At Daphneyland, donations have been down 40 percent, the rescue full, and volunteers have had to quit. “We are bringing in $5,200 a month in donations and we need $10,000 to survive,” Smith said. Things are starting to look up now, but the rescue still gladly accepts donations, sponsors, or volunteers.

There are also always dogs up for adoption. You can visit their website at www.daphneyland.com.

Real Life Magneto Boy Pulls Crowds

Ivan Stoiljkovic is a six year-old boy from Croatia who has become a major attraction in his local village. While he shares a liking for football and the accordion, Ivan’s fame stems from one uncanny ability that sets him apart from the other kids — the ability to attract metal objects.

Ivan has already showcased his unusual talent to a group of local journalists, sticking up to 25 kilograms of cutlery, frying pans, and dumbbells to his body. Other objects that cling to him include dishes, mobile phones, and even remote controls. According to his family, Ivan is also able to heal those in pain with his bare hands. The boy has reportedly cured his grandfather of a stomach ache, as well as put a stop to the pain in a neighbor’s leg after a car accident.

Certain people remain unfazed by this supernatural ability, and  have got together on Facebook to prove that magnetism is no big deal and is something just about anyone can do. The Facebook group ‘We are all Magneto Boy’ includes photos of various people with metal objects stuck to parts of their bodies. They claim all that is necessary is placing the metal object onto a smooth, hair-free body part.

Croatian news story on Ivan

Amputee Sky Divers Defy the Odds

An 8-man team of amputee Vietnam veterans get ready for their latest thrill. Each one has their parachute clasped tightly and securely on his back as they snap their goggles into place.

This incredible group of men, who served in one of the worst wars in recent memory, all lost limbs during the brutal Vietnam war. But these tough vets didn’t let one less leg or arm get in their way of pursuing a full and exciting life, leading them to form a team that supported each other in every way, and on the side, would jump out of airplanes for fun.

The only team of skydiving amputees, the team appropriately call themselves “pieces of 8.” During the war, many of these men strapped parachuted on their backs and dove into the hellfire below, and never lost that sense of calm and joy they felt when they leaped from an open plane.

Once back home, the veterans decided not to let their amputations hinder their lives and pledged to keep on skydiving. Once a year, the group gets together to skydive out in Perris, CA. These brave men show that no matter what has happened in your life, giving up is simply not an option.

To see pictures from the whole story, click here.

World's Tallest Cop

You had better think twice before crossing this cop! David Burks is America’s tallest cop, measuring in at an incredible 7 feet and 1 inch, literally towering over not only most drivers, but his fellow cops as well.

Burks’ 310- pound frame is astounding and always makes an impression when he pulls a driver over. His hulking frame can be seen bent over cars, trying to write down the driver’s information and making sure they know exactly how fast they were going.

“Size does have its advantages in law enforcement work,” says Burks. “People think twice before they mess with you.”

The giant police officer, who wears a size 14D shoe, is an investigator with the Caddo Parish Sherrif’s Department in Louisiana. He says that there have been times he’s appeared in the middle of a brawl, and just his presence there can break up a fight. Now that’s power!

To see pictures from the whole story, click here.