After hearing rumors of the infamous "Big Chicken," I decided it was time to seek out the mythological creature for myself. Ken joined me for the quest and together we braved traffic and ventured to lands Outside the Perimeter.

As we neared its native habitat of Marietta, I had only my instincts (and Google Maps) to guide me.

Our journey was not without trials -- we lost the track on more than one occasion -- but each wrong turn only strengthened our determination, until finally, we spotted the monstrous beast:

Another successful hunt for C.Merrill, intrepid explorer of suburbs. (More photos)

As promised, here are some results from the first ever North Reader Survey:

I was surprised to see that two-thirds of North readers don't use the RSS feature. I guess RSS isn't as mainstream as I thought.

If I extrapolate the survey response to include all users, everyone who has visited the site has left a comment at some point. Then again, the margin of error is probably exceedingly high considering the number of responses, so I imagine that it's unwise to think that everyone who visits will leave a comment.

Everyone loves Flickr -- almost. This chart will help me determine how prominent these features are in the upcoming restyling of the site.

Apparently no one is actively uninterested in anything I post. I guess that makes sense since 100% of the responses came from people who knew me directly, and therefore are the most likely to want to know what I'm up to.

One of the most fun things about this survey is trying to figure out whose survey was whose. I can guess a few pretty easily based on the comments, but others are tougher. I imagine this is how it feels to be a professer getting evaluations at the end of the year and trying to figure out which student is which based on the handwriting.

On another note, thanks to everyone who participated in the first-ever North reader survey. The results, which I will post here soon, will be helpful.

Update (May 26, 2006): I'm now receiving calls from T-Mobile users. All is well.

Update (May 23, 2006): I learned this weekend that I'm not getting calls or voicemail from T-Mobile users. Hopefully this, too, shall pass.

Update (May 13, 2006): I've got my phone and plan activated. Feel free to call.

Previously (May 7, 2006): After switching to pre-paid, I'm taking my number and jumping back on the monthly plan bandwagon. During the transition, I'll probably be a little scarce for telephone conversations.

I got a cheap-o cassette player and ripped the sublimlinal bowling tape. I present, for your listening pleasure, the introduction (470k MP3). I thought about posting the whole thing, but I don't want Mike to cheat.

Even though David Blaine didn't make it nine minutes while holding his breath, it was a respectable attempt, but the show still didn't meet some of my expectations.

When the show began, I was really looking forward to seeing segments of David Blaine's street magic. There were a few, but far too few for a two-hour special. I have to say watching him take out a woman's teeth and then spit them back into place was dumbfounding and that trick alone made the entire two hours worth watching.

I was also somewhat surprised by the stunt itself. I had expected him to be wrapped in chains, but instead he simply had handcuffs on his hands and feet. Also, he had the key to the handcuffs. I could escape from underwater if I had the key to the handcuffs (though admittedly, not after holding my breath for four minutes already).

The skepticism I held for the stunt was tossed when he was pulled unconscious from the tank. His lips were the darkest shade of purple I've ever seen occur naturally. As they pulled him body out so he could sit on the platform his body was convulsing. I respect the fact that he's pushing his body to the limit (and beyond), but these stunts just aren't as entertaining as his street magic.

Liveblogging the show was a challenge. It was hard to keep up, and I feel like I missed some good moments because I was briefly looking at the monitor instead of the TV. As the countdown began, it got really tough, because the save and post function ate up precious time that I wanted to spend typing about what was going on. Looking back over the text, though, I feel like I captured the general sense of the show, but only those were keeping up as I was going can really testify to that.

Please take a moment to fill out the first ever North reader survey. I will leave the survey open for two weeks, and then compile and report the results.

Update: Survey closed