Lottery winner caught on tape!

So the 8 winners of the record Powerball lottery have come forward. But I'm still bothered by this article from a couple of days ago.

"[A] clerk reviewing surveillance tapes narrowed it to one of four customers." Is no one else bothered by this? There was no crime committed. There was no alleged crime. And yet a low-wage worker is allowed to look at the tape to figure out who bought the ticket?

Suppose that the winners didn't come forward for a week. Or a month. Then maybe the convenience store offers a little game. "We know the serial number on the winning ticket was 1000006. So, if you have a losing ticket with a serial number between 1000002 and 1000009, bring it in and we'll give you $100! Oh, and then we'll find you on our little 'security' tape and figure out who the winner is.

"But wait, there's more! Once we figure out who it is, we're holding a party/candlelight vigil on their front lawn! Free hot dogs for all!"

I guess it is called a "surveillance" tape and not a "security" tape. Maybe this is perfectly legal. But it still makes me sad.

Random Projects you would never do if you didn't have kids (or me telling you)

So you're going to have a Super Bowl party. (Can I call it a Super Bowl party? Or is the NFL going to sue me unless I call it a "Party for the Big Game?"

You want something different. Something that's cool whether your team wins or loses. Whether you like football or not. Whether you're drunk or not.

The answer is a a paper dragon that looks like it moves its head and follows
you around the room. I'm serious here-- forget about the dumb Super Bowl tie-in above. You have to try this.

Here's a video. And here's a template (which is a pain to cut ... but it's just so cool.)