Dec 24th, 2008 · One man's attempt to speed up snow removal on his back porch seriously backfired. The Massachusetts homeowner hooked up a blowtorch to a 20-pound propane tank and took aim at the ice and snow. In a hot minute, the fire spread to the home's second and third floors causing $30,000 in damage. The Standard-Times of New Bedford reported it took 25 firefighters to put out the flames — no one was injured.
Oct 24th, 2008 · When John McCain stopped campaigning in Michigan, a pizzeria owner made customers an offer: free pizza to people who brought in John McCain signs. Diana Franzoni apologizes, saying she didn't know people would steal yard signs for free food. McCain is still campaigning in Florida. That includes Key West, scene of a giant costume parade. One of the hottest-selling masks is of Sarah Palin.
Aug 28th, 2008 · Many people in South Ossetia hope their region will eventually rejoin with Russia. Earlier this week, Moscow formally recognized that breakaway region in Georgia as independent. Officials in South Ossetia are careful not to talk about unification. They say if they were to become part of Russia right away, the situation could backfire because it would look like annexation.
May 8th, 2008 · U.S. officials are pressuring Yemen to get tougher on militants, including those involved in the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000. Yemeni officials say the government isn't strong enough to defeat the extremists militarily, and warn that Washington's hard stance could backfire.
Sep 28th, 2007 · This summer, the board of supervisors of Virginia's Prince William County approved a crackdown aimed at driving out illegal immigrants. Officials have recommendations of which county services to deny to the undocumented. The plan, which will be voted on next week, also includes more police questioning. Hispanics say the move has divided the community, and will backfire.
Sep 17th, 2007 · Mike Huckabee has ignored campaign advice that runs counter to his instincts ever since he lost a U.S. Senate bid in 1992. Consultants had advised the Baptist pastor to attack his opponent, Sen. Dale Bumpers, and the strategy backfired.
Jul 19th, 2007 · Demonstrating The Wombats U.K.'s firm grip on multi-part harmonies and bouncy choruses, "Backfire at the Disco" represents everything that can go right with melodic guitar pop. The song chronicles a disastrous date from singer Matthew Murphy's perspective.
Feb 22nd, 2007 · Mandating vaccines for school children is a common U.S. practice. But a lobbying campaign by drugmaker Merck appears to have backfired when it comes to the HPV vaccine, which is given to girls to guard against cervical cancer.