Very Small Talk

WCIU, The U / You and Me This Morning / Home / Micro Art

2010-04-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

WCIU, The U / You and Me This Morning / Home / Micro Art

Coolest Alien Ever

2010-04-15T15:08:00.001-07:00

I know we've been away from the blog for a while, and I hate to return just for a shameless plug.
Still, I wanted to share this story we did at WCIU.
Feel free to check out more of out stories at wciu.com

Blog on Hiatus

2010-04-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

Avid readers of this blog will notice that it has been neglected recently. Life has gotten really busy and the blog has taken a back seat. We really appreciate all the readers who supported us over the last year. The blog will not die. I hope to resurrect it one day. I will notify all of you at that time. Thanks so much. Happy summer!

Funnies leaving newspaper

2010-03-16T06:01:00.001-07:00

Out of control bride

2010-03-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

Wedding season will be here soon.

Lohan the New Cher?

2010-03-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

Apparently Lindsay Lohan is as popular as Cher or Madonna. After all, don't we all just referre to her as Lindsay. That is the story Lohan's lawyers want the court to believe.
In case you have not heard, Lohan is suing E*Trade over their Super Bowl commercial. Lohan is upset over the line “And that milkaholic Lindsay wasn’t over?” According to the New York Times In Lohan says the second baby girl was modeled after her because the one-word name “Lindsay” was identified with her.
Here's the commercial. You decide.

Secrets to a Happy Marriage?

2010-03-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

They are at it again. You know They. They are the people who study all things that don't really impact your daily life. This time They is the government, more accurately the CDC Yes, the same people who were on the ball for that whole swine flu thing . A new report tries to unlock the secrets to a happy marriage.

What did they tell us? Depends on who you ask. MSNBC says they headline is "Living together does lead to marriage." ABC News says "Moving In Together Before Wedding Can Decrease Chances of Having a Lasting Marriage."

I guess the bigger question is when did marriage become a disease? I mean why else would the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (I guess they left the P off their initials) spend tax money studying marriage.

Jetsons Here We Come

2010-03-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

Plans are in place to make your stove as much of a relic as your land-line telephone. Electrolux is unveiling its kitchen of 2050. Yeah, yeah, I know we were supposed to be in the kitchen of the future like 10 years ago. It is still cool to see what the so-called "experts" are working on. My only quation is where do I park my flying car?

Scary Shit

2010-02-28T17:27:00.000-08:00

This will stop you in your tracks.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Caption Contest

2010-02-27T06:58:00.001-08:00

This picture says a lot. Let the caption contest begin!

Hacking Elvis Passport

2010-02-27T06:26:00.000-08:00

Elvis Presley got a passport and it worked.

A small world

2010-02-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

If you ever wonder how other people live... if they really are so very different from the rest of us, then y0u must watch these stories.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

PSA seen around the world

2010-02-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

This PSA is having an impact far beyond its intended target. Some call it the best PSA ever.

http://www.embracethis.co.uk/

Yep, they blurred a tree

2010-02-20T16:42:00.000-08:00

I do love the pop ups.

Anchor Barbie

2010-02-17T05:07:00.001-08:00

The cliché has become a reality. After years of television executives trying to find the next best thing, the one and only Barbie is stepping behind the news desk.
Mattel's iconic distortion of female reality is getting 2 new jobs: Computer engineer and TV anchor. Providing further proof that this blonde can't hold a job, these are Barbie's 125th and 126th job titles.
Girls picked the TV job in a popular vote. No word on what genius put her in the skirt and shoes that any real reporter will tell you just won't work in the field.

Bush Billboard

2010-02-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

I am a little late in getting to this... a billboard along a Minnesota highway shows former President George W. Bush with the words "Miss Me Yet?" There was some mystery over who paid for the billboard. That's been revealed.

The Smurfs Return

2010-02-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Hollywood loves blue people. First Avatar and its blue people, now the Smurfs.

Yes, the Smurfs are coming to the big screen. According to several web reports the remake will be a -action/CGI hybrid picture-action/CGI hybrid picture.

Now the word is Papa Smurf will be voiced by Jonathan Winters. the 84-year old actor last appeared in a movie in 2006.

Sports Version of "Dewey Beats Truman"

2010-02-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

Big oops! The Virginian-Pilot is quickly trying to clean the egg off its face. People in Hampton Roads woke up to discover Peyton Manning has joined the list of all time greats with a Super Bowl win.
Oh, yeah one problem. The Saints won.
The paper printed the final score Colts 31 New Orleans 17. Here's the hastily rewritten correction.

The editors were so good at getting the page pulled off the web, the only picture we have is the famous Chicago Tribune's original oops.

Shoes....

2010-02-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

Need I say more? Ladies, the next time someone says you have too many shoes, point to this story.

Hottest Fashion Accessory: An Orphan

2010-02-04T02:35:00.000-08:00

Online video games are not known for their taste and restraint. But, a new one called "My Minx," has people upset.

Admittedly, these are the same people who are still not happy that sitcom couples are no longer sleeping in their Donna Reed-esc single beds.

"My Minx," is under fire because the secrets to being "stylish" are things like buying kids and adopting third-world kids. The so-called real-life kids of celebrity parents are singled out by name. As London's Daily Mail reports, in the game, Angelina Jolie's 4-year-old Zahara is said to be Ethiopian and a fan of eating guinea pigs, while Maddox enjoys cockroaches.

Candidate with a Funny Name

2010-02-02T02:28:00.000-08:00

First let me be clear, we are in no way endorsing any candidates here on your (hopefully) favorite blog.
Today is election day in Illinois, the state that made Blagojevich governor. That by itself is always ripe for comedy. But, this ad for comptroller made us laugh.
After all, how many candidates have you seen run on the funny name platform.

Blame it on the Couch?

2010-02-01T02:15:00.000-08:00

It is a serious and often heart wrenching topic for many couple, the struggle to get pregnant. Now comes one of the strangest twist on this complicated subject.
Leave it to Cal-Berkeley, but a recent study that your furniture may play a role in fertility. It turns out harmful chemicals found in electronics, furniture, carpets, plastics and upholstery fabrics may be why you're having trouble getting pregnant.
The Sun baked egg-heads at Berkeley 97% of us have detectable levels of PBDEs (or polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in our bloodstream. If 97% of us have it, how can anybody get pregnant.
If you don't want to dig through the academia-talk, here is a version of the story in the L.A. Times. Hey that's as close to an understandable write-up I can find.

Obama as Guest Star

2010-01-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

President Obama may be auditioning for his next job. Either that or there is just an eager producer for CBS basketball. Either way, the President's brief stint as color commentator during this weekend's Duke vs. Georgetown game was humorous.

Rewarding Skinny People

2010-01-29T16:17:00.000-08:00

Apparently Whole Foods takes the whole healthy body image thing seriously. Maybe a little too seriously. You decide.
The New York Daily News is reporting employees who have lower body mass index, cholesterol, and blood pressure get a bigger discount than others.
It turns out everybody has an advocacy group these days. A spokeswoman for the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance was quoted as saying, "Why are you rewarding people who are naturally thin? We believe it's discrimination." The group is calling for a boycott.

After 10 Years it Needed to be BIG

2010-01-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

It took this couple 10 years to set a date, so their save-the-date announcement had to be big. This video however, takes big to a whole other level

Rupert Murdoch as American Idol judge

2010-01-25T03:16:00.000-08:00

Some think Simon is not replacable on American Idol. Judge Randy Jackson has an idea.

The Real Life Story of Extraordinary Measures

2010-01-24T11:12:00.000-08:00

The movie "Extraodrinary Measures" was based on the book "The Cure."

Kimmel on Leno's Own show

2010-01-15T08:13:00.001-08:00

What the F***?

2010-01-14T01:34:00.000-08:00

Forget eating better or getting in shape. The City Supervisor in San Francisco has a whopper of a New Year's Resolution. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Chris Daly has vowed to dropped the F-bomb in every Board of Supervisors meeting this year.

According to the Chronicle, the board president wasn't too happy about the plan. Board President David Chiu reportedly bought a bar of soap and delivered it to Daly's office.

The $60 Snuggie: It's Electric.. Boogie, Woogie

2010-01-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

It's the Blanket with sleeves. It is the Snuggie. You already know they come in your favorite school colors and there are even Snuggies for dogs. Now, there is a new Snuggie hitting the market and this one costs $60.

USA Today reports the next big thing is the "Toasty" a fleece electric blanket that boasts sleeves and a built-in thermostat.

"Toasty keeps you toasty warm all winter without limiting your activities," says Ion Audio (the company that makes the Snuggie) managing director Gregg Stein.

You will have to wait until spring until you get a Toasty

No Cougars Allowed

2010-01-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

The cougars of the world will just have to keep their prowling confined to land. After all, cats don't really like water right?

According to the AP, Carnival Cruise Lines has banned any "Cougar" themed cruises. Apparently a singles group in Miami wanted to load a ship up with Cougars and cubs, and watch the debauchery ensue.

While Carnival hasn't given any reason for the ban, industry peeps say it is likely a move to protect Carnival's "family-friendly" image. The singles group says they are having no such problem with Norwegian and Royal Caribbean.

Seriously People it is a MOVIE

2010-01-11T12:46:00.000-08:00

Avatar is number one at the box office. As Bina said, it is BIG. Apparently it is too big for some folks. As CNN reports, there is a growing problem with people suffering from "Avatar Depression."
There are even people considering suicide after the movie, because they can't go live with the 10 feet tall blue people.
As one post-Avatar Depression sufferer wrote online, "When I woke up this morning after watching Avatar for the first time yesterday, the world seemed ... gray. It was like my whole life, everything I've done and worked for, lost its meaning It just seems so ... meaningless. I still don't really see any reason to keep ... doing things at all. I live in a dying world."
You can't make this stuff up. One clinic shrink was even quoted as saying the movie is so engaging that after sitting through the 2 and a half hour movie these people are having classic separation anxiety. Other suffers say they have been helped by playing the Avatar video game. The doctor on the other hand says human connections are what suffers should look for instead of suicide. Of course, if they had any real human connections would they be getting depressed over a movie?

George's Record Toppled

2010-01-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

In the show that gave us Festivus, "Master of your domain," and "Yada, Yada, Yada," there was also the George's fictional Frogger hi-score of 860,630. Seinfeld fans will no doubt remember the great lengths George went to in order to save his one big accomplishment (see below.)
Well now George has been bested by A father of two from Westport, Conneticut. As AOL.com reports, Pat Laffaye's 896,980 points was confirmed by a gaming organization.
The standard was set in a 1989 episode, and was so high a gaming company once offered a prize if anybody could top George's score in 2005. Nobody did.
The record-breaking game reportedly took almost 6 hours.
Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza on the sit-com was reached in Hollywood. His quote, "Mazel Tov. You beat a fictional character with a fictional score. Give your parents back whatever they paid for your college."

The most interesting Andy Roddick interview ever

2010-01-08T04:20:00.000-08:00

There's not much to say about this. Just watch. Oh yeah, and watch the Koala's over tennis player Andy Roddick's shoulder.

Botox for your Dog

2010-01-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

As if the dog Snuggie wasn't proof that we as a society have lost our freaking mind, you can now get your dog plastic surgery. In a scene straight out of the Ricki Lake, the picture to the left comes from AOL and is the before and after of a dog in Australia.

This dog is Roland and was a stray shar pei . According to the Sydney Daily Telegraph the dog's wrinkles caused his eyelashes to turn inwards. That is apparently a common problem with this breed and can cause blindness. So the RSPCS spent a grand to get this DOG-- a full face lift and double eye lift.

The chief vet told the paper the dog is more adoptable because potential owners aren't facing that major financial burden upon taking the pup home.

The Most Useless Machine

2010-01-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

In the coming days you are going to hear a lot about the latest "must-have" technology. That's because of the big Consumer Electronic Show in Vegas. That's where all the tech companies unveil their newest "revolutionary" devices. You'll be hearing about everything from Google's new smart phone, to 3D TV, to Apple's tablet.
This is one machine that won't change the world. In fact it is more useless than the old Commadore 64 you have sitting in a closet somewhere. It comes form a company called SaskView, and yes it looks like a wooden box, and is a little creepy. Because as Arthur C. Clarke said, "there is something unspeakably sinister about a machine that does nothing -- absolutely nothing -- except turn itself off."
That's right, once you turn this on all it does is turn itself off. Just watch the video below.

Supreme Court: Sexting at work

2010-01-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

When your job pays for your blackberry, sexting may not be a good idea. Yet, for some reason a California cop is suing after he was fired for sending sexually related texts on his work pager. The case is going all the way to the Supreme Court.

Apparently the case could have wide ranging implications, including whether your boss can read your work emails. That's because the The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the cop has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

On the other hand, in today's Chicago Tribune they cite one study, that says fully half of employers said they monitor their employees' Internet usage.

25% say they have fired someone for inappropriate use of e-mail.

The Decade of Double-Talk?

2010-01-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

Everywhere you look someone is engaging in the futile effort to define the decade just past (Yes, decades end in 09. I don't care if there was no year 0. It is just easier this way.) It is going to be hard when we can't even agree on what to call the last 10 years. However, a recent Chicago Tribune editorial called this "The Decade of Double-Talk." That seems as good a title as any, but in that same article they outline generations of Extreme Euphemisms.
For example, we have not failed to capture Osama bin Laden. No, former Homeland Security adviser Frances Townsend says it is "a success that hasn't occurred yet."
Nobody likes being laid off. So Nokia conducted a "synergy-related headcount restructuring."
As George Carlin pointed out (below), "shell shock" is now "post traumatic stress disorder."
But, this isn't new. after the Civil War, people often referred to the death of hundreds of thousands as "The Late Unpleasantness."
The again, we may have jumped the shark when some school systems dropped "phys-ed" or "gym" for "kinetic wellness."

Keeping Resolutions

2010-01-03T17:42:00.000-08:00

Many of us made New Year's resolutions to live a healthier life. Come February, when the crowds thin out at the gym, here are some tips to remember. You can start my clearing out your kitchen as USA Today suggests.

It is all about New York (Just ask Bina)

2010-01-02T04:04:00.000-08:00

If You have not seen Stephen Colbert's duet with Alicia Keys check out Bina's post from a few days ago. Now it appears everyone is getting in on the game. And while folks from New York will tell you there is only one "real" city, CNN reports there are more than 100 remixes of Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" online. Most are rewritten for other cities. I'll take their word on the numbers, but just go to You Tube and search "empire state of mind" and any your city. You're likely to find something.
Below is one that made me laugh, an ode to the 6,000-person farm town of New Holland in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
"I thought it would be really cool to make a song about my hometown, which is the exact opposite of New York City," said college student Matthew Besson, who wrote "New Holland State of Mind."

You Tube's Top Videos of 2009

2010-01-01T04:17:00.000-08:00

2009 will be remembered for a lot of things. I mean nobody will ever be able to hike the Appalachian Trail without laughing again, and a year ago Swine Flu sounded like a bad B movie. But, it was also the year You Tube exploded.
So the folks at You Tube grabbed their top 4 clips of the year. Hopefully, this will be the only time you see any Twilight related video on this sight, but the Trailer for New Moon did get 24 million views in just 7 months.
The top clip was of course, Susan Boyle's breakout on Britain's got talent. As of the end of the year, 83 million people watched that clip on You Tube.

Below are the top 4; Susan Boyle, David after the Dentist, JK Wedding Entrance Dance, and New Moon Movie Trailer.

Susan Boyle Stuns Crowd with Epic Singing - Watch more Funny Videos

Too Drunk? There's an App for that

2009-12-31T09:54:00.000-08:00

Just in time for anyone who plans on throwing a few back to ring in the New Year. In Today's USA TODAY there is an article about an iPhone app that reads your blood alcohol level. "R-U-Buzzed" is a free app. And get this, it was created by the Colorado Department of Transportation (tax dollars going to something useful for a change.)

Stacey Stegman, spokeswoman for the Colorado DOT says, "We just wanted this to be used as a guide because most people don't realize that with just a few drinks your ability to drive may be hampered."

Of course, MADD has to weigh in. "We are not against the application but we believe it should be stressed that people should determine, before they start drinking, a sober, safe ride home," says CEO Charles Hurley

Even the Best Job Can Kill You

2009-12-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

Remember all the hype about the so-called "Best Job in the World?" People from across the world, including yes yours truly applied for the job as caretaker of a tropical Australian island.

Well some British guy won. But, get this. Although his official duties are just to live on a tropical island and write a blog, there may be a bit of danger.

According to FOX News, Ben Southall, the guy who won, was stung by a potentially deadly jellyfish. Southall is quoted as saying, "Horrible incident. Lesson learnt — always wear a stinger suit." He is now in a hospital in stable condition.

Ode to NYC from Colbert Nation

2009-12-27T04:53:00.000-08:00

In case you missed this version of "Empire State of Mind" by Alicia Keys and Stephen Colbert...

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down

http://www.colbertnation.com/

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Economy

Hottest Cheated On Stars

2009-12-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

The "what as he thinking" element of the Tiger Woods Story only sky rockets when you see pictures of the other women. But, Elin Woods is not alone. The list of Hollywood Hotties that found themselves in her position is pretty shocking. Stylelist.com compiled a list that includes Christie Brinkley, Victoria Beckham, Carrie Underwood, Elizabeth Hurley, Halle Berry, and Shania Twain.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

We're taking a short break to spend time with family. We hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

GAP's Goof

2009-12-23T11:36:00.000-08:00

The GAP has created a bit of a mess. Their recent Christmas advertising featured a sexy high-heeled construction boot. Apparently it was a big hit. There is just one problem. You can't buy the boot at any GAP store, or on the GAP website, or at any of their sister stores.
The LA times got the GAP's PR peeps on the phone. They said the boots are sold exclusively at Barney's for $395.
Still not sure why the GAP is advertising items you can't buy at The GAP.

Pepsi Making Changes

2009-12-22T11:36:00.000-08:00

The same folks who gave us Cindy Crawford's iconic Super Bowl commercial is making changes. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Pepsi is getting out of the Super Bowl commercial game.

Remember Pepsi is the same company that gave us ads featuring Puff Daddy, Jackie Chan, Cindy Crawford, and Ozzy Osbourne.

Guys this just means the ad world is changing. But hey, at least Bud Light is still in the Super Bowl Biz.

Santa's Secret: The Naughty or Nice Flowchart

2009-12-21T11:36:00.000-08:00

Yes even Santa has crossed over to Power Point. An the folks at HolyTaco.com got their hands on Santa's secret flowchart.

Kid's Christmas Wish: Arrest Me

2009-12-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

A little boy in Tennessee really wanted just one think for Christmas. It wasn't a toy train or those zhu zhu things. He wanted to get arrested.

Santa Shot: Neighbors Not Happy

2009-12-19T06:29:00.000-08:00

Your Neighbor's inflatable Santa may not seem so bad after all. A guy in Santa Maria, California set up a display Jesus shooting Santa Claus and a run-over Rudolph. Click here to see KCOY's report on the display.

The homeowner says Santa represents the commercialism of Christmas.
A neighbor has a different take, "I know it's freedom of speech, but it's pretty disturbing and there are lots of children. That's our main concern."

Facebook: It is OK to Lie

2009-12-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

You've heard all the noise about Facebook's privacy settings. Basically if you don't adjust your settings, your facebook page is open game on Google and Bing.

Facebook's answer; just lie. Yup, in a recent Wall Street Journal article Facebook spokesman Barry Schnitt said you are free to lie about you hometown, take down your profile photo, and now have the option to hide your friend list.

There is a problem with that, Facebook's terms of service, which states, "Facebook users provide their real names and information, and we need your help to keep it that way."

In another article on TechChruch, Schnitt says he was paraphrased, but he did go on to say, "you can indicate that your current city is 'Atlantis,' 'Valhalla' or, again, anything you like."

Obama Squares Off with John Cena

2009-12-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

From the same people who gave us Doink the Clown and Koko B. Ware, comes a presidential smackdown. Barack Obama will appear on an upcoming WWE show.

The president is taping a message to the troops which will air during NBC's "WWE Tribute to the Troops" special. This isn't even Obama's first appearance on WWE. He, McCain and Hillary Clinton all taped messages during the election.

Somthing for the Ladies

2009-12-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

The Bunny Ranch may be getting some company. A Brothel in Nevada is looking to expand their business model. Shady Lady Ranch owner Bobbi Davis wants the state to legalize male prostitution. She hopes to start hiring guys within the next month, now that state health officials have approved a method to test men for infectious diseases. Davis told The Associated Press, "with so many other male revues going on in Vegas, we thought it was time to give this a try."

It's Gettin' Hot in Here

2009-12-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

This one is for everyone with a space heater stashed under their desk. According to a survey by CareerBuilder, one-third of workers say the temperature in their office affects their productivity. While we seem to disagree over whether it is too hot or too cold, those surveyed say they have a hard time concentrating if it is not just right.

What's worse, 10 percent of worker say they have fought a co-worker over the thermostat.

The Good Wife: No More

2009-12-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

She may not have gone hiking the Appalachian Trail, but Jenny Sanford does have her walking shoes on. In the midst of Tiger-gate this one may have slipped through the cracks, but the wife of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford dumbed him.

As Time magazine writes, by not standing by her man, Jenny Sanford may come out the real winner in this mess. While he cried over his soul-mate she maintained her dignity. After a few months of "trying to make it work" she walks away not as the woman scorn, instead as a woman who did everything right.

While we're at it, Time also gave us the Top 10 scandals of 2009 , and the Top 10 political sex scandals.

Plants: poisonous and otherwise

2009-12-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

The yin and yang of plants.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Admit It You've Done It

2009-12-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

You are guilty. No Doubt we all are. But, it is still funny when AOL recently complied a list of the 10 things to never say at work. In true Casey Kasem style we're counting them down, and I'm adding my own thoughts.

10. Urgent or Crisis: My take: unless you work with nuclear weapons when is the last time you truly faced a crisis?

9. Past history: Can you have history that isn't in the past?

8. Quite unique: It either is unique or not. Usually not.

7. I, personally: No You, personally. OK done with the redundant section.

6. Drill down: Are you in the Gulf of Mexico looking for oil.

5. The ball's in your court: This one just makes you sound stupid. No way around it.

4. It's not rocket science: Well, that makes everything easier

3. Sweat equity: Not even sure what this was ever supposed to mean, but it has been so abused it is laughable.

2. Throw it against the wall and see what sticks: The only thing that really sticks usually leaves a stain.

1. Pick your brain: Picking anything at work.. generally a bad idea.

Cheating Golfer: It's in the game

2009-12-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Tiger is no stranger to video games. His EA Sports games are some of the company's best sellers this side of John Madden.

Now Tiger has some new games hitting the market. Only difference is this time his wife is the one swinging the clubs. Several scandal influenced games have hit the net. For example, Tiger Parking Slam, from Addicting Games you have to park Tiger's SUV without tearing up the neighborhood. In another one called Tiger Hunting the goal is to avoid the club swinging blonde.

Sued for Cheating

2009-12-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

As if you needed a reason to not cheat, it could cost you big money. In some states you can sue the other woman, or other man. According to CNN they are called "alienation of affection" suits, and they are fair game in Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota and Utah.

Basically it all goes back to the days when women were property, and some other guy sleeping with your wife devalued your...well... we'll go with assets.

In Carolina juries have handed out more than $1million for a few of these cases. CNN quotes divorce attorney Lee Rosen, "If your spouse is going to cheat, you really would like them to cheat with somebody who has a lot of money."

Harry Potter Sex Scene

2009-12-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Apparently directors just love making Daniel Radcliffe (the actor who plays the boy wizard) get naked. You've no doubt heard about the young actor's risque turn on stage. Now Britain's Telegraph is reporting the new Harry Potter movies will include two scenes in which Harry is nude.

The first one is a scene where a monster uses magic to show Harry and Hermione together, in order to make Ron mad. Director David Yates is quoted in the Telegraph as saying, "We’ll create something that feels very sexy ."

Yates goes on to say, “There is another scene in King’s Cross station, where Harry almost dies and sees Dumbledore. In that scene, he will also be naked.”

The first of the two-part final chapter of the Harry Potter films is due out next November.

What the NFL doesn't want you to see.

2009-12-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Here in Chicago, the Bears and the Blackhawks teamed up for some creative television commercials. They featured stars from both teams. But, the NFL says you'll never see them.

The NFL in their traditional big brother type move is refusing to allow their logos to be used in promotion for any other league. That is despite the fact that the Blackhawks picked up most of the check.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the NFL prohibits use of team marks and logos in connection with the promotion of other sports except by a three-quarters vote of the league's 32 clubs.

Watch Out: Here comes Man Cleavage

2009-12-06T00:02:00.000-08:00

Grab your leisure suit, shine up the gold chains, and unbutton your top few buttons. The latest trend on fashion runways, is men showing off cleavage. It even has a name, "heavage."

Dick Clark; Just Depressing?

2009-12-05T00:30:00.000-08:00

What happens when the man who never ages, gets old all of a sudden?
This year Dick Clark will once again we watching the ball drop in Times Square. But, since his stroke in 2004 Clark just has not been the same. Putting him next to the younger Ryan Seacrest doesn't help.
Now there are growing calls for Clark to step aside. According to the Wall Street Journal, the 80 year old Clark just makes us all feel old.
You have to admire Clark who has been ringing in the New Year since 1972, and he certainly has plenty of supporters. Larry Klein, the show's longtime producer says, "He created the show. He's an American institution. He deserves to decide on his own when and if he'll leave."

Tiger's Trouble: He's Got Company

2009-12-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

Tiger's Torrid Tale. It is everywhere this week. By now, you know all the latest details. But, Eldrick Tont Woods is not the first superstar to find himself on the wrong end of an angry wife and possibly a 3 iron.

In just the sports world you have the legendary (Babe Ruth, and Joe DiMaggio) and the infamous (Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant.) By the way, none of those guys are remembered for their indiscretions.

The experts say the stars cheat for the same reason Joe Blow does. In The USA Today, Israel Helfand, a marriage and family therapist says, "The underlying piece is the fact they're not getting the kind of attention or intimacy they're looking for within their primary relationship. That's true for women as well."

In the end, it does appear the media is partly to blame for all the attention. But, even the experts agree celebs tend to have issues. Hefland says, "A lot of rich and famous celebrities have a pretty poor self-esteem. For them, I would agree it's not so much about the sex as it is feeling about being desired."

Window on the world

2009-12-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

NYC is known for its holiday window displays. You can often find long lines in front of Macy's, Bloomingdales and gawkers at Saks. This is a twist on the holiday window and it is also drawing a crowd.

Beyond Drunk

2009-12-02T11:40:00.000-08:00

She's only 21, but I think it is fair to say one young woman in Australia has a problem.

According to The Daily Telegraph the woman was stopped for drunken driving. Her blood alcohol level, according to police, was more than 19 times the legal limit. Try 0.385. That is one of the highest levels ever recorded. The legal limit for a driver as young as she is in Australia is .02. By the way, .55 is generally considered fatal. However, the highest recorded blood alcohol level recorded by a survivor is thought to have been set in 2005 by a Bulgarian man whose test showed 0.914.

Too Much of a Good Thing?

2009-12-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

It is banned in 13 states. The folks behind Samuel Adams beer are releasing a beer with 27 percent alcohol. If that doesn't scare you off, maybe the $150 a bottle will. According to the AP Alabama and West Virginia recently passed laws to allow higher alcohol content in beer. Lawmakers in Iowa and Mississippi are considering similar legislation.

Surprisingly MADD isn't too upset. Chuck Hurley, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving said "Right now, we're reserving judgment." Basically they only want the stuff to be properly labeled and not marketed to kids. I think the $250 price tag took care of that.

Chelsea Buries the Lead

2009-11-30T12:23:00.000-08:00

So Chelsea Clinton is engaged. The best part of the story is how she told her friends; by mass email. He popped the question between turkey and pie. The next day she sent out the email.

The AP has the actual email which reads: " We're sorry for the mass email but we wanted to wish everyone a belated Happy Thanksgiving! We also wanted to share that we are engaged! We didn't get married this past summer despite the stories to the contrary, but we are looking toward next summer and hope you all will be there to celebrate with us. Happy Holidays! Chelsea & Marc."

By the way, the guy is Marc Mezvinsky -- the son of former Rep. Ed Mezvinsky, D-Iowa, and former Rep. Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinksy, D-Penn. -- the two met at Stanford University.

Father-of-the-Year

2009-11-29T01:11:00.000-08:00

It is all about priorities. A father in Indianapolis is accused of making a pit stop at a strip club. The problem, he left his 5-year-old son in the tractor-trailer.

Apparently he spent too much time inside. The AP says he got so drunk he forgot where he parked, and called the cops to report his truck stolen and his child missing.

The kid was sitting in the cab watching cartoons the entire time.

Easiest Escape Ever

2009-11-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

This is NOT the Great Escape. WDSU in New Orleans reports a woman recently got away by walking out an open door. The 31-year-old was arrested after a fight with her boyfriend. She was recaptured the very next day.
The jail and the cops are all pointing fingers about whose to blame, but this is the seventh person to escape from the same prison this year.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Rocketman Fails to Launch

2009-11-27T00:52:00.000-08:00

Wet, cold and alone, guys this is apparently what happens when your rocket flames out early. Get your mind out of the gutter. I'm talking about a Swiss daredevil who was trying to fly from Morocco to Spain with jet-powered wings strapped to his back.

This genius only made it 5 minutes into his planned 15-minute flight. The AP says he's fine. Yves Rossy says he'll try again in the new year.

Too hot for Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here is commercial you may not have spotted during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade this morning. That's because many NBC stations around the nation (mostly in the south) banned PETA's vegan inspired spot. PETA claims the little girl just "tells it like it is, for the turkey." The stations say it is not in the spirit of the parade.

Loaded Hot Dog

2009-11-25T03:49:00.000-08:00

As we are all thinking about overindulging @ Thanksgiving, how about a Sonoran Hot Dog. They are easy to make and ridiculously delicious. Just ask Patrick who ate all of them.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Love with a robot

2009-11-24T02:53:00.000-08:00

Robot love? Is it possible?
Straight out of science fiction, it may be closer than you think. While women have had mechanical help for years, leave it to guys to take it to the extreme.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

A different kind of prayer

2009-11-23T03:44:00.000-08:00

Check out Father Leo.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

The Oprah Effect

2009-11-22T07:42:00.000-08:00

If you thought Oprah leaving broadcast TV in 2 years was not a big deal, the fact that Al Jazeera covered the story says something.

Are you a good multi-tasker?

2009-11-20T05:58:00.001-08:00

Some of us are better than others.

Real Estate Deal of the Century

2009-11-20T02:01:00.000-08:00

A one bedroom, 30,000 bath fixer-upper for $583,000. The Pontiac Silverdome. Yes, the former home of the Detroit Lions and the Pistons went for the cost of an upper middle class home. Wikipedia says it sits on 27 acres . The place cost close to $55 million to build.

According to CNN Money.com the big deal breaker was that the city of Pontiac needed to get the stadium off their books. The city had been paying $1.5 million in annual upkeep. Also, the city was encouraged by the new owner's plan to bring a soccer team to town.

Have You Seen This Person?

2009-11-19T10:14:00.000-08:00

LABankrobbers.org is "devoted to the identification and apprehension of bank robbers (a.k.a. bank bandits) in the Southern California territory... the region we cover is typically referred to as the 'Bank Robbery Capital of the World.'"

They currently have a list of 72 serial bandits with surveillance cam images... and cool bandit names! My favorites are "Bad Teeth Bandit," "Scrawny Bandit," and "Starlet Bandit" (pictured above).

Makes me wonder if I were to turn to a life of crime, what name would they give me?

Government: Oops, we need our money back.

2009-11-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

It turns out the IRS made a mistake. Guess who gets to pay for it.
Remember the big tax rebate we all got as part of the Economic Stimulus Plan? Ok, so maybe you never saw a check in the mail but you did get about 10 extra dollars on each paycheck.

The Washington Post and AP say more than 15 million taxpayers may owe the government.

It turns out the IRS forgot to factor in those of us who have a spouse who also works, that some people work two jobs, or if you are retired. So, say for example you work 2 jobs. You were only supposed to get $400, but because the government's goof-up you actually received $800. When tax time come, you'll have to give that money back.

Is The Gap Censoring the Word "Christmas"?

2009-11-17T22:37:00.000-08:00

The American Family Association's website has articles with titles like: "Even Muslims Say that Muslims Shouldn't Serve in U.S. Military," "Obama Bows to Emperor of Japan," and "The Fundamental Flaw in Liberal Thought: Not Facing Reality."

On November 11th, the AFA called for a 2-month boycott of Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic stores. The AFA website reads:

For years, Gap has refused to use the word Christmas in its television commercials, newspaper ads and in-store promotions, despite tens of thousands of consumer requests to recognize Christmas and in spite of repeated requests from AFA to do the same. ... Christmas is special because of Jesus. It's not just a "winter holiday." ... The Gap is censoring the word Christmas, pure and simple. Yet the company wants all the people who celebrate Christmas to do their shopping at its stores? Until Gap proves it recognizes Christmas by using it in their newspaper, radio, television advertising or in-store signage, the boycott will be promoted.

The LA Times pointed out today that the AFA is mistaken. It's true. See for yourself.

The Weather Outside Is Frightful...

2009-11-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

These incredible outdoor space heaters not only create less CO2 emissions (according to their manufacturer) but also come with lights built in or (bizzarely) an media player that you can use to play videos or music from your iPod.

Possible Comeback for Dinosaurs

2009-11-16T05:46:00.001-08:00

Dinosaur's legacy are among us.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

War art you have never seen before

2009-11-15T16:29:00.000-08:00

Some of these pieces are remarkable. Actually, I did not know they existed.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Water on the Moon

2009-11-14T08:05:00.001-08:00

Maybe it is time to buy some real estate on the room. It just could be the best Christmas present.

Man-gaged

2009-11-13T02:45:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies, why wait for a guy to propose? How about getting man-gaged?

A Better Mouse

2009-11-12T22:50:00.000-08:00

Many inventors dream of building a better mousetrap.

Apple thinks they've built a better mouse.

The "Magic Mouse" is, in Apple's words, the world's first "multi-touch" mouse. According to PCMag.com, "The mouse doesn't feature physical buttons, instead relying on touch, taps, and swipes. As Apple puts it, "the mouse itself is the button." Users can scroll, flip through Web pages and photos, and can click or double-click anywhere on the mouse's surface." Mark Kellner at the Washington Times said that the mouse "truly is magic." I don't know... kind of sounds like the touchpad on my aging Dell XPS to me... I guess it's time to go to an Apple store and test drive one to see if Apple really did build a better mouse.

Does E.T. Have a Soul?

2009-11-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

The Catholic Church is looking to the stars. Yes, the same guys who got so upset with Galileo.

In a scene straight out of ABC's new show V, according to the Catholic News Service, the church is wondering what the discovery of extraterrestrial alien life would mean for the church. Rev. Jose Gabriel Funes, is an astronomer and director of the Vatican Observatory. He says, "The questions of life's origins and of whether life exists elsewhere in the universe are very suitable and deserve serious consideration."

The Church's views have come a long way since an Italian philosopher by the name of Giordano Bruno was

burned at the stakes for suggesting other worlds could be inhabited.
Rev. Funes says , "just as there is a multitude of creatures on Earth, there could be other beings, even intelligent ones, created by God. This does not contradict our faith, because we cannot put limits on God's creative freedom."

J-Lo's Freaky Side

2009-11-11T03:33:00.000-08:00

You know she can act, sing, and dance. Soon, you may see what other talents J -Lo has in the bedroom. It turns out her ex-husband, some guy named Ojani Noa, has some steamy sex tapes.

He told the Daily News, "She is destroying my life..This is another proof of her power and money trying to stop me from moving on with my life."

It may be a while before we see how Lopez really moved her money maker, for now a judge has issued a restraining order blocking Noa. Oh and by the way he says he is just trying to make a mocumentary.

Is it possible to have too much quiet?

2009-11-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

Peace and quiet...

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Nature in your eveyday life

2009-11-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

Who knew?

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Fashion industry's new reality

2009-11-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

It's a reality most women have known for a long time. The women on the fashion runways do not look like most of us. The industry now knows the mathematics of size zero models do not add up.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Soccer Psycho

2009-11-07T03:47:00.000-08:00

All I have to say is OMG!

White House Garden in the spotlight

2009-11-06T03:52:00.000-08:00

The White House goes reality TV. The First Lady just taped an appearance on The Food Network's Iron Chef America .

The whole idea was to promote healthy eating. The chef's even used veggies from the Obama's new garden. No word on what the secret ingredient will be.
We do know there is some extra star power in the episode. In addition to Mrs. O, The New York Times reports two pairs of chefs will compete: Cristeta Comerford, the White House executive chef, and Bobby Flay against Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse.
It turns out this isn't the Obama Garden's first turn on reality TV, the garden gets a star turn on Tuesday night’s episode of “The Biggest Loser.”

Sesame Street: For Adults Only

2009-11-05T11:01:00.000-08:00

Big Bird and gang are turning 40 years old. As the show that changed children's television turns 40, we are learning that some classic Sesame Street episodes are not appropriate for kids.

As CNN reported, the set itself has received a makeover. The street, which was supposed to represent the inner city has been cleaned up.

But, what may surprise you is that even the sketches have been cleaned up.

You can now get the original episodes DVD, and the discs come with this warning "These early 'Sesame Street' episodes are intended for grown-ups, and may not suit the needs of today's preschool child."

Some of the "questionable" content includes Cookie monster smoking a pipe while hosting "Monster Piece Theater." He then of course eats his pipe thinking it is a cookie. That was before we ever heard the words childhood obesity.

As CBS quotes Sherrie Rollins Westin, executive vice president of Sesame Workshop, "In the very first episode, Gordon takes a little girl's hand who he's just met on the street, befriends her and takes her into his home to give her ice cream... That's something we wouldn't do on the show today."

Even Oscar is no longer as mean as he used to be, and of course the kids were allowed to ride bikes without helmets.

Your Belly is Full of Junk!

2009-11-04T17:51:00.001-08:00

This gets my vote for the strangest ad on the web I've seen in a long time.

"Your Belly is Full of Junk! Learn the trick to removing the undigested food inside of you..." The picture shows what appears to be a Big Mac and fries sitting undisturbed in a cutaway view of a woman's torso.

Send the Cops: I'm Drunk

2009-11-04T02:42:00.000-08:00

Here's how you know you shouldn't be behind the wheel, you call 911 on yourself. According to KTLA a Wisconsin woman called 911 and told the dispatcher, "I don't want to hurt anybody. I'm drunk."

A deputy says her blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. Click here to hear the 911 call for yourself.

Blog Update: Justice Who Refused to Marry Interracial Couple Quits

2009-11-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

A quick update; CNN is reporting the Louisiana Justice of the Peace who wouldn't grant a marriage license to an interracial couple has resigned. Btw, the couple later did get a license in another parish.
The justice says he has no regrets. He was quoted by WAFB as, "It's kind of hard to apologize for something that you really and truly feel down in your heart you haven't done wrong." He still says he is not racist and does not perform interracial marriages because of his concern about the children of such marriages.

Love is Blind

2009-11-03T03:30:00.000-08:00

They say love it blind. For one lucky boy, that's a good thing.