Sunday Overnight Open Thread - September 7, 2025 [Doof]

Howdy Hordelings! Welcome to the Sunday ONT. Your humble host has returned from adventures aboard a cruise ship and time spent in Bermuda. Open thread responsibilities have forced my return. Peruse the content. Enjoy the music. Banter in the gray boxes. Come on in, the water's fine!

Feel Good Story

Boy With Cerebral Palsy Lights Up as Stranger Takes Him for Spin on the Ice

A video captured the moment a boy with cerebral palsy lit up when a stranger took him for a spin on the ice in his wheelchair.

Bleu Greenwood has a severe form of cerebral palsy—stage five quadriplegic—and relies on ventilation to keep his airways open.

After spending six months on such life support this year, his mom Rielle and her family decided to get out of the house in England to enjoy an outing, and they took Bleu along.

Last Sunday they drove to the National Ice Centre in Nottingham, and the 10-year-old boy was so excited as they arrived at the skating rink.

Suddenly, Bleu was approached by a stranger who offered to take him for a spin on the ice. He said he was a hockey player, so their son would be in good hands.

Tyler carefully guided Bleu’s wheelchair across the ice and the boy beamed with joy as his “overwhelmed” mum cheered from the sidelines.

Check out the whole thing. Video at the link.

Science Corner

This seems kinda cool. Wish I could understand it better.

A new crystal that 'breathes' oxygen expands possibilities for clean energy and electronics

A team of scientists from Korea and Japan has discovered a new type of crystal that can "breathe"—releasing and absorbing oxygen repeatedly at relatively low temperatures. This unique ability could transform the way we develop clean energy technologies, including fuel cells, energy-saving windows, and smart thermal devices.

The newly developed material is a special kind of metal oxide made of strontium, iron, and cobalt. What makes it extraordinary is that it can release oxygen when heated in a simple gas environment and then take it back in, all without falling apart. This process can be repeated many times, making it ideal for real-world applications.

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Until now, most materials that could accomplish this kind of oxygen control were too fragile or operated only in harsh conditions like extremely high temperatures. This new material works under milder conditions and remains stable. "This finding is striking in two ways: only cobalt ions are reduced, and the process leads to the formation of an entirely new but stable crystal structure," explains Prof. Jeen.

The researchers also showed that the material could return to its original form when oxygen was reintroduced, proving that the process is fully reversible. "This is a major step toward the realization of smart materials that can adjust themselves in real time," says Prof. Ohta. "The potential applications range from clean energy to electronics and even eco-friendly building materials."

Any of you science nerds able to give us an opinion of this?

Just Stick to Photography

16 breathtaking images from the 2025 Ocean Photographer of the Year contest

Oceans cover 71 percent of our planet. Inside these mighty waters, creatures massive and tiny struggle to adapt to warming waters and habitat destruction. The 2025 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition celebrates Big Blue’s striking beauty

There are some really awesome photos at the link.

Also typical cringeworthy stuff:

“In the midst of a deepening climate and biodiversity crisis on our blue planet, ocean photography has never been more important,”

Ch-Ch-Ch Chia!

In case you're less than regular, the ONT has you covered!

11 High-Fiber Chia Seed Smoothies to Help You Poop

Chia seeds are a small but powerful way to eat more fiber, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is in your morning smoothie. With at least 6 grams of fiber per serving, each of these smoothie recipes will give you that extra boost of energy and can help with digestion and regularity. If you’re in need of a delicious breakfast that’s good for your gut, these creamy blends like our Blueberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie or our Green Smoothie are the perfect solution to keep things moving.

'Ette Couture (Courtesy of Piper)

It's that time of the week - when we turn the ONT over to our good friend Piper for a bit. Here's this week's fashion pr0n.

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Giorgio Armani: The Sultan of Style with a Surprising Trump Twist

When you think of Giorgio Armani, you envision buttery-soft suits, dazzling red-carpet gowns, and a fashion empire that married high couture with everyday elegance. The Italian maestro, who passed away on September 4, 2025, at 91, didn’t just dress the world—he redefined it with his visionary designs. But, y’all, hold onto your hats: did you know Armani may have played matchmaker?

Born in Piacenza, Italy, in 1934, Armani’s journey took him from humble roots amidst World War II’s hardships to the pinnacle of global luxury. His big break came in the 1970s with his game-changing unstructured jacket, tossing out stiff padding for a relaxed, sophisticated vibe. That style stole the spotlight in 1980’s American Gigolo, where Richard Gere’s character wore Armani’s fluid suits—silk shirts unbuttoned just right, wide-legged trousers, and those iconic jackets that served effortless cool.

Armani’s romance with Hollywood was pure magic. He dressed over 100 films, from The Untouchables (1987) to The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and turned the red carpet into his personal runway. Think Jodie Foster’s shimmering gown at the 1992 Oscars—glam yet graceful—or Anne Hathaway’s ethereal mermaid dress at the 2009 Oscars. More recently, Cate Blanchett’s plunging Armani Privé gown at the 2022 SAG Awards showed off his haute couture line, launched in 2005. Armani once said, “Elegance is not about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.”

Armani didn’t just dress stars—he sparked a power couple! At a 1998 New York Fashion Week bash he hosted, Armani reportedly introduced Melania Knauss to Donald Trump. That’s right, folks—he may have lit the spark for the future 45th President and First Lady!

President Trump and Melania in 1998

Melania turned to Armani for her show stopping 2005 wedding dress—a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. Armani, ever the class act, stood by her when other designers balked after Trump’s 2016 election, saying, “Why shouldn’t I dress a beautiful woman? This goes beyond politics.” Swoon!

The day after Armani’s passing, Melania honored him at a private White House dinner on September 5, 2025, wearing a sleek black sleeveless Armani dress with a crossover V-neck and a chic belt—a perfect tribute to the designer who supported her.

Armani recognized there is a connection to ethics in the fashion world and he was the first designer to ban underweight models in 2007. His deconstructed silhouettes challenged norms, his red-carpet innovations glamorized restraint, and his business acumen built an independent empire worth billions. As Donatella Versace noted, the world lost a giant.

Bonus Fashion Pron! Because I know y’all were waiting with baited breath for this information- The Taylor Swift Engagement outfit! The dress is Polo Ralph Lauren, striped silk blend in 1932 Stripe, black and white. The watch is a Cartier Santos Demoiselle, gold and diamond.

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Thanks, Piper - Although that last one was unnecessary!

DJ Doof - This Date in History Edition
(from thisdayinmusic.com)

On this date in 2003: US singer, and songwriter, Warren Zevon died. He had worked as a session musician and was the piano player and band leader for the Everly Brothers.

Born on this date in 1947: Gloria Gaynor, American singer best known for the Seventies disco era hits I Will Survive, 'Never Can Say Goodbye' and 'I Am What I Am'

Born on this date in 1936: Buddy Holly singer, songwriter, The Crickets, who had the 1957 US No.1 'That'll Be The Day', the 1959 UK No.1 single 'It Doesn't Matter Anymore', plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles.

Also born on this date - Chrissie Hynde in 1951.
Most important Pretenders song ever (You know what it is, and why)

Weekly commenter stats for week of 9-7-2025

AoSHQ Commenter Statistics:
Number of posts: 86
Number of comments: 21724
Number of unique hashes: 1902

Top 10 commenters:
1 [519 comments] 'TheJamesMadison, growing up with John Hughes' [73.69 posts/day]
2 [363 comments] 'whig'
3 [354 comments] 'Hadrian the Seventh '
4 [309 comments] 'Skip'
5 [303 comments] 'Bulg'
6 [283 comments] 'Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ '
7 [280 comments] 'Sponge - F*ck Cancer'
8 [258 comments] 'm'
9 [257 comments] 'Archimedes'
10 [241 comments] 'Duncanthrax'

Top 10 sockpuppeteers:
1 [158 names] 'Faggy whether they're gay or not' [22.43 unique names/day]
2 [103 names] 'Currituck Chuck'
3 [69 names] 'Quarter Twenty '
4 [62 names] 'Yellow Fever'
5 [56 names] 'Duncanthrax'
6 [45 names] 'Big Green Dildo'
7 [34 names] 'I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper'
8 [31 names] 'gKWVE'
9 [29 names] 'Jerry '
10 [27 names] 'Admiral Ackbar'

Tonight's ONT brought to you by engagement dinner specials

Mystery click dedication from T-Swizzle to your humble host?

posted by Open Blogger at 10:00 PM

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