Sunday, April 25, 2010

"Spitzer" – The Movie, Wii teaches monogomy, and coconout oil addictions

German researchers have developed a new technology that lets drivers steer cars using only their eyes, which move the car in whatever direction they're looking. So far this has led to a breakthrough in automobile engineering, and the deaths of dozens of attractive women.


Israel has ended its ban on Apple's iPad, which was imposed over concerns its wireless signal could be disruptive. Prior to the ban, at least 10 iPads were seized at the country's international airport, where security guards are still trying to figure out how to make calls on them.


A much-anticipated documentary about former New York governor Eliot Spitzer premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Ashley Dupre, the former call girl involved in the scandal, was not interviewed for the film, however, as she was busy working that night.


A new lawsuit alleges that the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Naples, Fla., recently honored a British couple's request to not be served by "people of color" or those with foreign accents. The couple did, however, unknowingly allow both parties to spit in their food.


A new Nintento Wii game for girls aims at boosting self-esteem, by filling its screens with messages from famous women telling them they can do anything, even be president. Wii plans to create a similar game for young men with messages from famous athletes telling them they can do anything, even be monogamous.


A proportion of people who repeatedly use tanning beds may actually be addicted to them, according to new research. Signs of addiction include waking up in random tanning beds surrounded by empty bottles of coconut oil.


A new Arizona law allows policemen to ask people who look like illegal immigrants to provide documentation of their residency. Police haven't had time to do anything else since the law was enacted.


England's Medical Research Council are saying that computer brain games may not offer the big mental boost many were hoping for, such as increasing general brain power on other tasks or increasing IQ. The games do, however, increase the likelihood of living in your parents' basement well over the age of 30.


An 18-minute film that traces the life of a plastic bag, called "The Plastic Bag," is gaining popularity on the Internet. A follow up to the movie, called "Another 18 Minutes of Life You'll Never Get Back," is already in the works.


McDonald's said its sales have risen across all its global markets, earning the company $1.09 billion. More impressive is the direct correlation between the growth of the fast-food chain and its customers' waistlines.


The new Disney film Oceans is getting great reviews, as it features shots that include rare fish in their natural habitats and an ocean floor crawling with crabs. Movie critics are calling the movie enthralling, while food critics are calling it delicious.


According to a survey from the Pew Research Center nearly 8 in 10 people in the country say they don't trust the federal government and nearly half say the government negatively effects their daily lives. Next researchers plan to poll people outside of the Republican Party.


Britain's Foreign Office apologized to Pope Benedict XVI after the publication of an internal memo that included jokes about him launching a brand of condoms and singing a duet with Queen Elizabeth II. The Pope accepted the apology and is meeting with British officials to brainstorm further business opportunities.


Stan Benjamin, director of NOAA's Forecast Branch for Global Systems Division said that while volcanic ash has caused billions in damage to the airline industry, "There may be some nicer sunsets over North America this week." Earlier in the year, Benjamin noted the sailing opportunities created by Hurricane Katrina and looks forward to the "barbecue weather" provided by global warming.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Snakes, nude performers, and white supremacists

A female guest at a Hampton Inn hotel in Nebraska was about to sit on the toilet, but stopped, due to a snake slithering in the bowl. The woman has reserved the same room for the next two weeks.


According to an annual report on airline performance, 2009 was a good year for the airline industry. More than 79 percent of flights arrived on time, fewer than 4 bags per 1,000 travelers were lost or damaged – oh yeah, and there was that one time a huge plane didn't crash into the Hudson.


To celebrate Earth Day's anniversary, the EPA is asking for video clips of people holding up signs saying "It's My Environment" on paper that would otherwise be used for something lasting more than five seconds.


The success of the Red Cross text-messaging program is shifting the way money is raised for relief efforts. More than $32 million has been raised for Haiti, people are still texting to help Chile, and The Red Cross has even set up a direct line for supporters of Dick Cheney.


A non-profit group that exposed the overseas dumping of U.S. electronic waste has launched a program to ensure companies don't dump old computers and other electronic waste in U.S. landfills, but rather dispose of it properly by recycling it or selling it on craigslist.


The Smithsonian Institution said Thursday that it has licensed its renowned gem and jewelry collection to create a line of accessories with the TV shopping network QVC. The collection includes the famous Hope Diamond, Marie Antoinette earrings, and Larry King's first wedding ring.


According to a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatricians need to work harder to discourage teens from drinking alcohol because it damages their developing brains. R. Kelly is questioning the accuracy of the study and will explain why to any teen over a drink.


Visitors to a nude exhibit at New York City's Museum of Modern Art have been asked to leave because they are touching the "art." Performers have apparently complained of being pushed and prodded by attendees, while some patrons are just happy they could finally get their husbands to the museum.


A white supremacist group rallied against illegal immigration in downtown Los Angeles Saturday. The rally didn't last long, however, as protesters had to get home to watch their relatives on Jerry Springer.


President Obama wants the government to embrace a grass-roots approach to conserving the nation's rivers, coastlines, farms, forests and other outdoor spaces. This is a slightly different approach than that of President Bush, who wanted to rip up grass roots and look for oil.


Tiger Woods completed his return to golf, finished fourth Sunday in the Masters, five shots back of winner Phil Mickelson. Woods said of his finish. "I had too many mistakes. I hit the ball too poorly on the weekend." Officials are calling that the understatement of the year.


CBS Masters announcer Jim Nantz is criticizing Tiger Woods' on-course behavior at Augusta National, saying "If I ever uttered those same words ... I would be fired." Actor Christian Bale, however, said he saw nothing wrong with Woods' remarks.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Casual sex, iPads, and bacon between breasts

The suit, tie and shirt that O.J. Simpson wore on the day he was acquitted of murder have been acquired by the Newseum in Washington. Simpson, however, is denying he ever owned the clothing.


Major companies are stepping up their recycling efforts to be more eco-friendly. Target has launched recycling stations at all U.S. stores and Whole Foods Market has incorporated drop boxes for recycling wine corks. 7-Eleven, meanwhile, is contributing by reusing its coffee from the night before.


President Obama has declared himself "African-American" on the U.S. Census form. Spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama had no hesitation on the question. K-Fed, however, is still torn on the issue.


The government said it will charge Toyota $16.4 million for holding off on notifying authorities about its safety problems. The law says an automaker must tell the government about a defect within five business days after discovering the problem. Banks, however, do not have to notify the government until the entire market collapses.


Thousands of U.S. homes tainted by Chinese drywall will need to be completely gutted, as the material has been linked to the corrosion of wiring, computers, and China's otherwise stellar reputation for safe, quality merchandise.


A sociologist at the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has found that people in nonromantic sexual relationships are likely to have multiple partners. He asked 783 heterosexual adults how many people they had been sexually involved with during their most recent relationships. He then asked if he could be added to that list.


After weeks of hype over the new touch-screen tablet, Apple is now acknowledging that the device sometimes has trouble connecting to the Internet. On a message board on Apple's support site, several people said laying the iPad on a flat surface worsened the problem, but shaking the device while cursing at it did make them feel better.


Hyundai announced that its new flagship luxury car, the Equus, will have an iPad in lieu of a printed owner's manual. The iPad, however, will come with an owner's manual, which can be stored conveniently in the car's glove compartment.


Phoenix police are investigating an incident on a Southwest Airlines flight where a woman allegedly grabbed a child who was kicking the back of her seat. The mother's police report claims the woman shook her son and slammed him back on his seat, but fails to mention the standing ovation she got from fellow passengers.


European airline Ryanair announced that is will be the first in the world to charge passengers to use the restroom. A trip to the bathroom will cost travelers about $1.55, with a $5 surcharge being imposed on persons who had Mexican the night before.


Spirit Airlines has become the first airline to say it will charge fliers for putting carry-on bags into its overhead storage bins. That news came this morning as part of a complicated new fee and fare scheme that has customers paying to join Spirit's "$9 Fare Club" and also encourages them to pay a $25 "safe landing" fee.


Republican national chairman Michael Steele on Saturday acknowledge errors regarding his committee's decision to spend $2,000 at a sex-themed California night club, saying that had committee members spent $3,000, they would have actually gotten to touch the dancers.


Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas has set a new record as the first cruise ship to sail with more than 6,000 passengers on board, or 3,000 when filled with passengers from Wisconsin.


Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently raised eyebrows when he said biking and walking would get the same consideration in transit projects as motorized transport. Power walkers, however, will still get made fun of.


KFC plans to nationally roll out a sandwich that uses two boneless chicken fillets as the bun — then squeezes two pieces of bacon, two slices of cheese and some sauce in between. KFC's president was scheduled to hold a press conference on the topic, but fell into a cardiac arrest shortly before the event.