Random information, and then some

In the movie "Jurassic Park," an enraged (or maybe just hungry) Tyrannosaurus rex gallops after a speeding car filled with screaming morsels of, uh, people.

The scene was contrived. Outside of Hollywood, nobody believed T. rexes could actually run that fast. However, a new University of Manchester (in England) study suggests that while the big dinosaurs weren't exactly speedsters, they could still run at a pretty good clip.

Using a supercomputer to calculate the running speeds of five carnivorous dinosaurs, based upon biomechanical data specific to each species, scientists estimate a 6-ton adult T. rex could sprint at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour, slightly quicker than a professional soccer player.

Faster still, though, was the 10-pound Compsognathus, which was able to dash along at almost 40 mph - 5 mph faster than the computer's estimate for the fastest living animal on two legs, the ostrich.

Said paleontologist Phil Manning, "Our research, which used the minimum leg-muscle mass T. rex required for movement, suggests that while not incredibly fast, this carnivore was certainly capable of running and would have little difficulty in chasing down footballer David Beckham, for instance."

That's pretty cool to know.  In case, you know, you're being chased by a T. Rex.  Or in case you really don't like Beckham and you have a pet Tyrannosaur rolling around.  Beckham's old, though - I doubt he could run anywhere near 15mph.  Based on his performance with Real Madrid, I'd say he's about ready for a walker.

Oh, but wait!  There's more:

Start with a five-letter word meaning "a bunch of birds." Change one letter in that word to create a new word describing the second phrase below. Change that second word by one letter to form a third word describing the third phrase, and so on.

1. a bunch of birds
2. a device for measuring time
3. what you can do with a mouse
   
4. a baby chicken
5. a device to prevent wheels from moving
6. a surprise
7. a small house
8. a pile of cards
9. a small piece of wood
10. unable to move