Polygamy & reality TV

With Utah authorities investigating a reality-show husband for having multiple wives, we look at polygamy in history, culture, religion and the law.

The Brown Family

The small-town family stars in a new cable show (clips) that chronicles this form of marriage. How is the lifestyle against Utah law?

Brigham Young

The most famous American polygamist became the second leader of the Mormon Church after its founder died this way. What happened to Young's 19th wife?

Warren Jeffs

The imprisoned leader of the polygamous sect, Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was convicted on multiple counts of this crime. What is the status of his appeals?

Carolyn Jessop

This anti-polygamist activist (video) recounted her childhood and life as a sister wife in this best-selling book. What Hollywood actress will portray her on the big screen?

Big Love

The HBO series follows a modern-day polygamous family, but the Lifetime channel recently released this movie. It's not the first time that the channel has dabbled in the subject.

Weird College Classes

It's that time of year when bright young minds start to fill college campuses with their backpacks filled and pencils sharpened. Instead of such chestnuts as Psych 101 and Intro to Spanish, their class schedules are now just as likely to include The Psychology of Facebook, Intro to Reality TV and even dance classes held at the local laundromat.

College kids these days have the freedom to really explore their passions, no matter how far-fetched or obscure they may seem. Before you go taking out a second mortgage just to pay tuition, check out some of these "non-traditional" courses and degrees being offered in today's halls of higher ed.

Philosophy of Ufology

First, wrap your mind around the fact that "ufology" is a word. There are no prerequisites for this humanities course, save for a belief that we are not alone in the universe. Star-gazers not content to just take an intro course can head to Australia, where they
can earn a Ph.D. in E.T.

Zombies!

They say "You are what you eat." So, why should it be a shock that academics are studying zombies in Alabama? The brain-gobbling ghouls of film fame apparently have ties in ancient and classic literature. Check out where the class takes its outings, what they have for snack and their version of extra-curricular activities.

History of Furniture

If you fancy French country, or want to delve deeper into divans, pull up a chair at this seminar. The course preps students for further explorations into this field.

Tree Climbing

Sure, adolescents have been doing it for centuries, but there is an art to climbing trees. At least, that's what this New York school is professing at its institute (watch videos). You can learn everything from rappelling to rescuing, all with a bird's-eye view. The PE course even takes a tropical class trip.

The Joy of Garbage

This environmental science course ranges from the reason garbage stinks to weightier issues. You can probably guess where their field trips are held. We're assuming all those term papers and course packets are appropriately recycled when the semester's over.

The Science of 'Harry Potter'

Professor George Plitnik -- inspired by this author and, of course, this one -- applies real-life physics to the magical world of Quidditch and flying broomsticks (watch movie clips). No, this isn't all taking place at Hogwarts; it's an honors course offered in Maryland.

The Art of Walking

This philosophy class uses a major 18th century mind as its muse. The general gist seems to be thinking and walking -- deep thought and conversation, while roaming hither and yon. Homework includes freelance-walking assignments. Here's hoping financial aid covers comfy shoes.


Maple Syrup: The Real Thing

Long before there were roadside pancake chains, there were syrup crafters. Time-tested production methods, the sweet liquid's many uses and visits to sweet-centric festivals are all a part of an honors course at this upstate New York school with more than a few freewheelin', far-out classes.

Learning From YouTube

How meta is this? Southern California students come together to discuss YouTube videos, and then post their discussions on the online video channel. One would imagine it's like this show, only without the laugh track and commercial breaks.

Arguing with Judge Judy

Don't be so quick to judge those 20-somethings watching TV in the middle of the day. If they're enrolled here, they may be doing homework. Instead of merely laughing at the ridiculous cousin vs. cousin squabbles, on the agitated arbitrator's show -- and others like it -- those couch potatoes might actually be researching logical fallacies.

Bowling Industry Management

There's so much more to working in a bowling alley than just disinfecting tacky shoes and mopping up beer spills. This two-year school teaches would-be kingpins the finer points of lane maintenance, customer service and first aid (bowling can get cutthroat). Sound dull? Well, that's only because you're not up on the latest in pinspotters and mill drills.

Muppet Magic

Students attend lectures on Kermit, Miss Piggy and, of course, the genius behind those hand-held stars of the big and little screen. The course discusses how the fuzzy puppets went from kids' fare to adult-friendly comedy and assigns some pretty entertaining homework

Tae Kwon Do

Sure, New York college kids can earn a belt in a recreational club. But if they want a master's or a Ph.D. in the martial art, they should head East. Some of the professions students pursue range from teaching to protecting.

Heavy Artillery Pumps

Lauren Tennenbaum of (In)Decorous Taste has to be a shoe God, considering how there’s no other way to describe her creativity and ability to create these awesome DIY projects.

Her latest includes layers of harnesses, studs, crystals, and a pair of heels. This is the perfect equation for an incredible pair of heavy artillery pumps. These strapped heels are fashioned with black and nude leather, then layered to create a unique texture and design. Be sure to check out the gallery for a closer look at the shoe by Lauren Tennenbaum of (In)Decorous Taste.

The Tragedy at the World Championship of the Sauna

World Championship Sports sauna - this is a stupid sport, during which people do not enjoy the sauna, but try not to die.

It starts quietly and comes to the final 6 people.
In the finale comes the same sheet.
The temperature in the steam room 110 degrees every 30 seconds on the stove, poured half a liter of water.
The winner is the person who last released from the sauna at his feet.
This year's final meet Russian Vladimir Ladyzhenskii and Finn Timo Kaukonen.
Six minutes in the sauna, they both lost consciousness.
They immediately took out, but Russian Vladimir Ladyzhenskaya can no longer be able to help. Finn Timo Kaukonen with terrible burns, was taken to hospital.

From the University of Miami Hospital

I do this all the time! I guess I won't be doing it ANY more !

A few days ago, a person was recharging his mobile phone at home. Just at that time a call came in and he answered it with the chargingInstrument still connected to the outlet.

After a few seconds electricity flowed into the cell phone unrestrainedand the young man was thrown to thefloor with a heavy thud. As you can see, the phone actually exploded. His parents rushed to the room only to find him unconscious, with a weakheartbeat and burnt fingers.

He was rushed to the nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Cell phones are a very useful modern invention.

However, we must be aware that it can also be an instrument of death. Never use the cell phone while it is hooked to the electrical outlet! If you are charging the cell phone and a call comes in, unplug it from the charger and outlet.

Star Wars Yoga

Star Wars and Yoga don’t have that much in common , unless maybe the mysticism that surrounds both the Jedi arts and the ancient meditative discipline, but that didn’t stop a fanboy from combining them in an awesome set of Star wars inspired Yoga positions.

While contemplating names of various Yoga poses, young Matthew Latkiewicz, a big Star Wars fan from the UK, decided to come up with some ingenious poses of his own, inspired by his favorite sci-fi franchise. Before long he came up with some geeky Star Wars Yoga poses that he then sent to Wired UK magazine, who actually published them.

His awesome Star Wars Yoga poses draw inspiration from the original Star Wars trilogy, but Matthew is considering developing a new series of poses based on the more recent prequels. He says it would be known as ‘The Disappointed Fanboy’. Very inspired name, I must say.