Thursday, April 30, 2009

“Chrysler Crisis”

Chrysler declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy today. Also, Fiat, is stepping in as part owner. Chrysler will benefit from the Italian car company’s fuel efficiency and emissions technology, but all future car designs have to be approved by The Vatican.

Chrysler’s plan for recovery is simple. They are going to do the exact opposite of everything Ford and GM have been doing.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

“Mel’s Russian to the Movies”

Mel Gibson and his girlfriend, Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva made their first public appearance together at a Hollywood screening of X-Men origins: Wolverine Tuesday night. Gibson’s wife filed for divorce only 2 weeks ago. The two separated over irreconcilable differences. They dislike different things. Him: Jews, her: adultery.

Their divorce could be one of the most costly in Hollywood history. Mel is already planning a film about it, in which he would star: The Man Without A Nickel.

Gibson’s estranged wife of 28 years may well be entitled to half of his estimated $900 million fortune, but he may try to, you know, Jew her down.

“Hams Down” or “Pork Chopped” or “Bacon Greased” or “Sent to Hog Heaven”

The Egyptian government has ordered the slaughter of all pigs in the country over fear of the swine flu. Experts say it’s an over-reaction since the illness spreads from human to human, and no swine flu has been reported in that country. In fact, this seems reminiscent of Egypt’s 1970’s attempt to kill Deney Terio after an outbreak of Dance Fever.

Pig farmers whose animals are being destroyed are understandably angry, especially the ones who just moved there to start a new life after being laid off from General Motors.

Some farmers are being told they can still sell the parts from the slaughtered pigs since experts say the flu cannot be contracted that way. The ones who can’t sell all the meat are going into a new business: selling footballs.

The swine flu is serious, having already claimed more than 150 lives. Symptoms include fever, nausea, cold-symptoms, and growing a curly tail.

“Banks’ Account”

Tyra Banks testify against her accused stalker today. She had mixed emotions on the stand, disturbed by the accused calling and showing up at her New York TV studio building, but also excited that it will set up an episode of her talk show called “Confront your Stalker.”

Tyra, age 35, was a Victoria’s Secret lingerie and Sports illustrated swimsuit model before creating America’s Next Top Model. Still, police and the public at large are still baffled as to why the hell she has a talk show.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

“Dog Flight”

A Michigan couple’s Chihuahua has been returned to them after it blew away in a 70-mph gust of wind. The little dog weighs only six lbs. So if you’re ever in Michigan, watch out, Nichole Richie.

The couple is grateful to have their dog back, unharmed, and has promised never to attach her leash to a kite again.

The Chihuahua, named Tinker Bell has been advised to, in the future, avoid pixie dust and thinking happy thoughts.

Tinker Bell’s owners used a pet psychic to help find her. Despite being taken away into the air, the psychic somehow knew that Tinker Bell would be found on the ground.

When the psychic was asked if she could divine how the dog had disappeared, she said it was a breeze.

The owners had been at an outdoor flea market, so Tinker Bell willingly let the wind take her, rather than be at a place called a flea market. Dogs don’t get metaphors.

“Sworn In” or “Taking the ‘F’ Out of ‘First Amendment’”

The U.S. Supreme Court today upheld the FCC’s crackdown on profanity on broadcast television, overturning a U.S. Appeals court ruling. This means that for even an accidental, live expletive, the FCC will enforce their policy against the network and fine the shit out of them.

The justices specifically pointed out the F-word and S-word’s potential offensiveness due to their frank sexual and excretory nature. They are concerned that these words could offend viewers between commercials for Trojan and Ex-Lax.

“Double Dog Dare” or “Glowing Review”

Korean scientists have successfully cloned the first transgenic dogs, which carry fluorescent genes that bring about a red glow through their skin in low light. Academics are impressed, but think future experiments should attempt to advance knowledge instead of being done just on a dare.

The technology to clone glowing animals has already sparked interest from Santa Claus.

Monday, April 27, 2009

“Algae-Whiz”

Researchers say that algae may prove to be a viable fuel alternative to fossil fuels. If it works, the only downside is the potential smugness of alternative energy companies who are literally able to get oil to go green.

Scraping up pond scum is not how energy companies have historically developed their product. Usually, that’s how they find their executives.

“100 Days Later”

Today marked Barack Obama’s 100th day in office, a traditional barometer for how a new president is doing. Political analysts use the occasion to compare a new administration to the previous one. Despite polar opposites between Obama and Bush, however, no one feels comfortable saying that the difference is black and white.

They won’t even say night and day.

Though Obama is under scrutiny from Capitol Hill, the media, and America at large, they are not looking too closely at revised or dropped Bush-era policies, which when you really look at them, were just torture.

And that’s just his domestic policies.

“Pirate Chip on His Shoulder”

A member of the crew of the Maersk Alabama, the U.S. ship that was hijacked by African pirates, is suing the owner of the ship for allegedly putting sailors in danger. He is seeking $75,000 in damages, which just goes to show that nothing can dampen the American spirit.

The man was the chief cook on the ship and was preparing a meal when pirates boarded. Not only was he scared for his life, but the entire crew lost their lunch.

Friday, April 24, 2009

“Salt Shakers” or “Bland Ambition”

In New York City, officials are meeting with food industry reps to limit salt in restaurant meals and condiments. The Big Apple has already banned artificial trans-fats and mandated calorie listings in chain restaurants. City officials are already planning their next policy: when you walk into a fast food restaurant, they call and tell your mother.

Police are already training for future undercover operations to bust up illegal salt rings.

New York may even sanction the oceans.

The city government is trying to help residents arm themselves against health problems such as high blood pressure and obesity. That way, New Yorkers only have to worry about dying from being mugged and murdered in the street.

Or as that’s known in New York, “natural causes.”

“Bullied Moose”

A group of 8th grade students in Alaska frightened and taunted a moose to the point where it fatally injured itself after the animal had wondered onto school grounds. As punishment, the children will be forced to sit through a painfully uncomfortable interview with Governor Sarah Palin.

Then Governor Palin is going to hunt and shoot the children.

And then she is going to shoot the moose, even though it is already dead, “Just for fun.”

In keeping with Alaskan environmental policy, the moose will them be the guest of honor, so to speak, at a memorial barbecue.

Participants are just reminded, “Don’t swallow the buckshot.”

“Blue Jay”

Jay Leno left the Tonight Show studio Thursday to check into the hospital after describing vague symptoms. 30 minutes later, Jimmy Kimmel described funnier, more specific symptoms.

David Letterman was concerned enough to call Jay to make sure he wouldn’t be going back to work right away.

Visitors to Jay’s hospital room first have to endure a long monologue interrupted by uncomfortable banter with Kevin Eubanks.

Jay is expected to return to work Monday, and should be fine as long as the cue card guy isn’t sick.

In case he needs to return to the hospital quickly, Jay will buy his own ambulance for his car collection.

All kidding aside, Jay Leno has always been warm, friendly, and generous to me personally and professionally. I wish you a full and speedy recovery, Jay. Meanwhile, like they say, keep your chin up.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

“Firing Squad”

A long-term study released this week shows that business executives who decide to make layoffs and do the actual firings suffer from stress, loss of sleep, and even health problems. In a related story, good!

Some high level executives even develop a sharp loss of appetite and can barely have their personal assistant feed them bon-bons in the hot tub.

The study says the feeling of laying people off is psychologically similar to the end of a romance or falling out of love in a relationship. To that end, many employers hire temps and independent contractors, to feel they’re getting a little something on the side.

It’s like a company mistress, referred to by those losing their jobs as the Corporate Bitch.

“Schools Leave Trail of Droppings”

A new study found that across the nation, the drop out rate among high school students is 1 out of 4, which is alarming. That’s like, what, a third or something?

Many students who are struggling academically decide to just give up. Some top universities have offered this recommendation: just let the football and basketball teams slide.

In some cases, the students dropping out are bored, but in others, they just can’t wait to get out of school and not be able to find a job.

Bureaucrats have already come up with a perfect solution to get more students to graduate across the board: Lower the standards.

Tutoring and preparatory classes are helping, but may not be enough to motivate struggling students. In a related story, principals have begun to encourage cheating.

In some major cities, like Las Vegas, graduation rates have plummeted to as low as 54.5%. It may get to a point where the only ones graduating are the students who are sleeping with their teachers.

Actually, that would slightly increase the numbers.

“Credit Check”

President Obama is pursuing legislation to protect credit card users from sneaky fees and rate-hikes. Credit card companies have been threatening and intimidating card-holders for years with Big Brother-like phrases such as “Visa: it’s everywhere you want to be.”

Until the economy recovers, the government wants to make sure people are still able to buy necessities such as iPods and HD TVs.

By whittling down the needless fees and hidden costs of credit cards, Obama’s strategy is to force credit card companies into a position where they, too, need a federal government bailout.

Visa, Mastercard, and others may try to fight such legislation. Some customers are already finding that their credit cards have literally been cancelled due to lack of interest.

The Discover card has not been a part of these discussions, mostly because everyone has forgotten that they exist.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

“World Piece”

Today is Earth Day, an event that is meant to focus on our natural resources. This is timely, since all our financial resources have dried up.

Experts say we are working towards a paperless society, as evidenced by both a lack of cash and the bankruptcies of many national newspapers.

The Obama administration is encouraging eco-friendly policies and inviting people to actually go out and explore nature. This is a slight change from President Bush, who encouraged selling Earth-themed plastic or Styrofoam souvenirs and Earth Day logging.

This is the kind of day that can be appreciated by and inspirational to both the left and the right. Liberals see the focus on the planet as a long-term investment in our future, and conservatives like to laugh at the tree-hugging hippies.

“Solar Roll-Back”

In conjunction with Earth Day Wednesday, Wal-Mart announced that it is nearly doubling the size of its clean energy initiative. The retail giant will power up to 20 more stores and distribution centers with solar arrays, and they are already powering several others with employees forced to run in giant hamster wheels.

A Wal-Mart rep said that it is easy to pair the idea of using global indoor solar heat energy with a company already so associated with international sweatshops.

In the business world, Wal-Mart is already recognized as a very green company, but by that they just mean they make more green than everybody else.

Wal-Mart has used their own business model as their inspiration for the plan: they carry cheap merchandise that they bought even cheaper. The sun is better than cheap; it’s free.

The company’s original plan to harness solar power was based on a different philosophy. They thought that if they could control the sun, they’d control the world.

In another environmentally-friendly-sounding statement, Wal-Mart also said that they were always watching out for the insects. Unfortunately, though, that is just how they refer to all their retail competitors.

“Plan B Gets FDA OK”

In a decision reversal, the Food and Drug Administration will now allow 17-year-olds to get the ‘morning-after’ pill without a doctor’s prescription. The controversial change is churning up arguments over women’s rights, parents’ rights, and the safety of minors. Hardest hit of all, lest we forget: the nation’s prescription pad printers.

The pill is made to be swallowed up to 72 hours after unprotected sex in order to prevent ovulation or egg fertilization. Though 17-year-olds will now have access to the pill over the counter, there are no plans yet for a chewable, children’s version.

Purchasing the pill won’t require a parent’s permission, but will cost from $35 to $60, so Mom & Dad, watch your daughter if she starts asking for that advance on her allowance.

Sixty dollars may sound like a lot of money for one pill, but economic studies have shown that it actually costs more to have a baby.

“Dog Fetches Bounty”

An attempted murder suspect shot at A & E reality star Dog the Bounty Hunter, who was trying to take him in armed with a paintball gun. Dog wasn’t hit, and caught the man late that night outside a Toy’s ‘R Us. The theory is that the shooter went shopping for his own paintball gun to match Dog’s fire power.

The suspect is wanted for 2nd-degree attempted murder, domestic violence, and gun charges. He originally escaped on a motorcycle after allegedly firing the gun, and was taken in by a bleach-blonde TV star with a paintball gun. Who’s the tough guy now, eh?

Dog’s TV crew was with him when he tried to make the arrest, but they missed filming when the shot was actually fired. In a related story, that shot might not be the only thing to get fired.

“Love is Magic”

It was announced this week that stunt-magician/escape artist David Blaine got engaged to French model Alizee Guinochet earlier this month. Blaine has no fear of marriage because he already knows what it is like to have a heavy chain around his neck.

Blaine already has his next stunt lined up. After they get married, for the duration of their honeymoon, he will attempt to stay inside Alizee without food, water, or air.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

“The World Is Not Enough”

European astronomers have discovered a nearly earth-sized planet in the constellation Libra. The discovery is exciting because of the possibility of Earth-like features, which would almost guarantee that the new planet has a better economy than ours.

“Equestrian Esther”

Madonna was thrown from her horse today when paparazzi popped out of the bushes to snap pictures of her riding in the Hamptons. Injuries were minor, but the fall may have broken Madonna’s already fractured English accent.

Paparazzi claim that they didn’t realize that she was on a horse; they thought she was on top of a ‘roided up A-Rod.

The poor, graceful creature was scared, but will still be ready to be mounted again soon. And so will the horse.

“Student Body”

The Supreme Court heard arguments today about the rights of schools to strip-search students suspected of having contraband, versus the 4th Amendment rights of the students. One suggested compromise is that students can only be strip-searched by teachers they are already dating.

Another idea is that any student forced to remove their clothes gets their own reality show, so at least they get a lot of attention is exchange for their dignity.

Lawyers for the schools did finally concede that any strip searches should not be done in the teachers lounge, set to music.

“Physi-sick”

Dr. Stephen hawking was hospitalized yesterday for a chest infection that has been plaguing him for weeks. Still in the hospital, the noted physicist is feeling better than yesterday, noting that it is all relative.

Monday, April 20, 2009

“World Tirade Center”

At the United Nations conference on racism in Geneva today, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave a half-hour-plus speech ascribing all problems relating to racism in the modern world to Israel and the Jewish State. Perhaps organizers should have made it clear that a racism conference is intended to be against racism.

Ahmadinejad said the United States and Europe set up the state of Israel as a deliberate anti-Palestinian campaign following World War II, proving that those who do not learn from history are destined to make up their own fake version of it.

Ahmadinejad also said that Zionists controlling the U.S. instigated the war in Iraq in 2003. Racism aside, though, he may have thought that line was doing former President Bush a solid.

About 40 delegates walked out on Ahmadinejad’s speech. It takes a lot to get British and Norwegian diplomats to walk out on a head of state, but no one was surprised to see the French turn their backs and run.

Protesters, expecting such rhetoric, wore rainbow wigs and clown costumes, and tossed red, foam noses towards Ahmadinejad as he spoke. Critics feel that, if anything, this took away from the already circus-like atmosphere of the event.

Ahmadinejad’s exact wordings were monitored carefully by legal experts, noting that the phrase, “Jews start all the wars in the world,” is trademarked and may not be used without Mel Gibson’s permission.

Malibu’s Officer Sugar-Tits could not be reached for comment.

“Who’s Judging Who?”

In last night’s Miss USA pageant, judge Perez Hilton asked Miss California her opinion on same-sex marriage, and the contestant said she believed marriage should be between a man and a woman. She may not be the only one who feels that way, but obviously she’s the only one who didn’t know Perez Hilton is gay.

Some say Miss California’s answer doesn’t represent the majority of Californians, but neither does the fact that she speaks English.

Miss California went on to become First Runner-Up to Miss North Carolina, which is still better than one should expect. After all, what is more gay than a beauty pageant audience?

The newly crowned Miss USA will go on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant this summer, where, having dodged the gay controversy in the USA pageant, will be expected to participate in international lesbian activities.

In another controversial, and some say backwards policy of the Miss Universe pageant, only women from Earth are eligible to compete.

“Fashion Crime,” or “Prom Kink”

Two FBI agents in West Virginia have been charged with spying on teenage girls trying on prom dresses by using mall video surveillance on changing rooms. This may a “wag the dog” attempt by the federal government to make the CIA seem less sleazy.

Agent Fox Mulder has opened an internal investigation with the Triple-X-Files.

The agents hope that the girls will forgive and forget, at least in time for next year’s prom season.

It’s ironic that these young women were victimized, right before the romantic fantasy of high school prom, immediately after which they might forge foggy memories of being coerced into drunken, unprotected, first-time sex with an inept, uncaring partner.

While the public has been appalled at the taking advantage of young girls in various states of undress, Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis is kicking himself for not thinking of it first.

The two FBI agents involved face conspiracy and privacy invasion charges, despite sticking to their own strict code of conduct for what they would and wouldn’t view. Specifically, the “No Fat Chicks” rule.

Needless to say, this is an unfortunate blot of the reputation of the FBI. What happened to the good old, dignified days, when J. Edgar Hoover would just try on his own prom dresses?

Monday, April 6, 2009

“Frozen Assets”

At a conference addressing the 50-year old Antarctic Treaty this week, Hillary Clinton spoke up about the U.S. limiting cruise ships’ size in order to protect Antarctic ice and penguins. Bill Clinton considered Hillary an authority on the subject and vouched for her own personal coldness.

Hillary spoke about limiting the numbers of tourists who go ashore on the frozen continent, saying that if there weren’t always so many people around, maybe the penguins wouldn’t feel like they had to dress so formally.

Mrs. Clinton’s statements were praised by environmentalists, but her talk about penguins offended Antarctica’s nuns.

During the final months of the Bush Administration, Dick Cheney was also paying attention to Antarctica, but only so he could rename it “Hoth” and place imperial walkers there to destroy the rebel base.

“Affairs of State”

In Nevada, divorce papers for Governor Jim Gibbons’ were released, in which his wife alleges his infidelity with 2 other women. Many constituents consider the matter a breach of public trust. Even worse, other governors consider it a breach of the unwritten “One Mistress Rule.”

When the governor was confronted with sending 860 text messages to one woman on his state-issued cell phone, the governor apologized and reimbursed the state the $130 in text charges. At least the governor saved tax payers’ money by paying for his own booty call.

Nevada economists agree, in a state where paying for sex is legal, $130 is not bad.

Friday, April 3, 2009

“Pink Heartland” or “Rainbow Waves of Grain”

Iowa’s Supreme Court upheld a ruling today to allow same-sex marriages, making Iowa the third state to do so. This is seen as a crushing blow to the gay community, who would really rather live somewhere more metro.

In reviewing the lower court’s gay marriage decision, the Supreme Court looked at all legal aspects, top to bottom.

The only difference between gay marriage as defined in Iowa compared to other states is that, after the wedding, instead of rice you have to throw corn.

Officially, Iowa’s farm animals can now eat (finger snap) “Ha-ay.”

Iowa has not been known to have a high gay and lesbian population. Then again, in Iowa it’s hard to spot lesbians because everyone is wearing overalls.

“Bottle Rocket”

In a study by the Centers for Disease Control, 15 powdered baby formulas were found to be contaminated with perchlorate, a compound found in rocket fuel. Exposed babies were not tested because before scientists could get hold of them, they blasted off.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

“Texas Hospital-ity”

In Austin, TX, there were 9 people who accounted for nearly 2,700 emergency room visits between 2003 and 2008, totaling almost $3,000,000 in taxpayers’ money. Many agree that there was wasteful spending, but the ‘free health care for the poor’ part has been a Republican’s nightmare.

Of the 9 patients, 8 have drug abuse problems, 7 suffer from mental illness, and 3 are homeless. Surprisingly, their most common reason for a trip to the E/R: Polo injury.

Regarding the $3 million, the White House said today that the 9 people weren’t trying to be a burden on taxpayers, but rather, they were providing a stimulus to bailout the health care industry.

“On Her Majesty”

Barack and Michelle Obama met Queen Elizabeth II yesterday at Buckingham Palace. In a break with formal protocol, the First Lady hugged the queen at the end of the meeting. Some American media said the show of affection was a faux pas, but the British press, who aren’t used to such displays, called it “hot, girl-on-girl action.”

“Nose Hare”

In Milford, Connecticut, a pet shop owner discovered that one of his new dwarf bunny rabbits has two noses. Other than that, he is completely normal, if you consider dwarfism, long ears and buck teeth ‘normal.’

A zoological expert said the anomaly may have been caused by in-breeding, which sounds a little sad, but was a huge relief to cosmetics companies.

The young critter has already displayed a high level of curiosity. You might say he’s too nosy.

When the pet shop owner was asked how the bunny smells, he answered, “terrible.”

The rabbit is on a steady diet of carrots, mostly because they are supposed to be good for the eyes. Because how would a two-nosed rabbit wear glasses?

Due to his fame already, the rabbit’s future plans include reenacting the fabled race with the tortoise. Experts already predict that the rabbit could win by a nose.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

“Accepting Rejection”

The University of California, San Diego accidentally sent congratulatory acceptance letters to all 46,000 of its fall applicants, even though nearly 29,000 of them were supposed to receive letters of rejection. Luckily, all the rejected applicants are illiterate.

For would-be psych majors, this was a major “Psych!”

Due to the state of California’s money woes, rejected applicants are still invited to pay tuition.

“London Falling”

In London, police arrested over 20 people among the few thousand protesting the G-20 summit, even breaking into the Royal Bank of Scotland as part of an “Abolish money” campaign. The bank break-in allowed the anti-capitalist vandals to get away with zero pounds.

Financial workers and bankers tried to help police by giving a description of law-breakers. This wasn’t very helpful, as it turned out, since they just described them all as “poor-looking.”

On the same day that President and Mrs. Obama met the Queen of England, in Central London, the RSC was painted with graffiti, windows were smashed, equipment was looted, and police were pelted with eggs and fruit. In a related story it’s amazing how far Europeans will go to make Americans feel at home.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

“Madonna, Have Mercy”

Modonna is in Malawi, going through the process to adopt a 4 year old girl named Mercy. A Malawian judge held a hearing yesterday, and will rule on the matter Friday. Whether or not Madonna can adopt the girl may depend on her willingness to adopt the judge, too.

The hearing was presumably to determine whether another young person should be raised by Madonna, and live in her house, by her rules. At which point, Guy Richie burst through the door yelling, “It’s not worth it!”

Answering to accusations that Madonna is trying to use her fame and influence to speed up the adoption, she said she is following the standard procedure. In Malawi, it is standard procedure to adopt a child to distract the media from your recent affair with A-Rod.

“Water Color Conversation”

A water treatment malfunction near Cleveland, OH caused a chemical overload, turning people’s tap water pink. The problem was soon corrected and the colored water cleared. Amazingly, no one bottled the pink tap water to market it as a calorie-free sports beverage.

There were no ill effects from drinking the colored water, based on tests by chemical expert Dr. Henry Jekyll, and confirmed later in an interview with area resident Mr. Edward Hyde.

“Octomom’s Privacy Publicly Protected”

Fifteen Kaiser Permanente hospital workers have been fired for going into “Octomom” Nadya Suleman’s medical records, in violation of patient privacy laws. Hospital policy says employees have to spy out Octomom’s private life on TV and the Internet like everyone else.

Even though they lost their jobs over peeking at Suleman’s files, all 15 workers are still eligible to judge her.

It also may the first time such lengths have been taken to protect the privacy of a person who obviously doesn’t want any.

“Bad Breath”

The EPA announced yesterday that will begin taking air samples outside 62 elementary schools in 22 states. The purpose is to determine levels of pollutants are in the air, and where they might be coming from. This will overrule the longstanding, universal school ground air policy, “Whoever smell’d it, dealt it.”

If air pollution levels outside the school buildings do prove to be toxic, it gives a whole other meaning to the campaign encouraging kids to “stay in school.”

Monday, March 30, 2009

“Term-inator”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, prompted by reporters’ questions, confirmed that the Obama administration has abandoned the term “war on terror.” Instead, the stepped-up military campaign in Afghanistan is going to be called an “Ass-Kicking Stimulus.”

“Ahead of the Pack”

Coyote attacks are up by a wide margin in several states, including Colorado, Illinois, and New York. The only ones not seemingly alarmed by the threat of the coyotes: cartoon roadrunners.

Their spokesman released a statement, saying, “Beep beep!” and then took off at high speed.

Coyotes may be more likely to attack as suburban sprawl continues to infringe on their natural habitat. One warning sign that a coyote feels threatened is when he starts to order more and more elaborate equipment from the Acme company.

“The __it Factor”

Bill O’Reilly said in a Hollywood Reporter interview that he’s boycotting Sean Penn’s films. Politics aside, it was just plain wrong when Spicolli mouthed off to Mr. Hand.

Friday, March 27, 2009

“D-Day”

President Obama has upped the offensive against al-Qaida in Pakistan and Afghanistan today, ordering in 4,000 more troops specifically, he said, “to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaida. This is a strong move, especially since terrorists hate alliteration.

“Technical Error”

A recent USA Today reader poll showed high school students’ most popular career choice as Information Technology. With everyone already adjusting to the changes in the way the economy works, however, students now say they’d rather be a crooked, bonus-eligible CEO.

“Taking the Teen out of Nicotine”

A new federal cigarette tax that takes effect April 1st is expected to reduce smoking, at least according to tobacco companies, because they don’t know that nicotine is addictive.

The higher prices are intended as an incentive to cut down smoking especially among teens. Because addicts would never break the law to get their fix, especially teens who have limited money resources and are already breaking the law every time they buy cigarettes.

Actually, statistics prove that higher costs do reduce teen smoking. This new tax increase may even stop it altogether, at least according to the federal government’s Department of Naiveté’.

The new tax was a natural fit for the Obama administration, who needs funding for his economic stimulus efforts, and as everyone knows, nicotine is a stimulant.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

“Going After the Gold”

A bearded man allegedly stalking 17-year-old Olympic gymnast and Dancing with the Stars contestant Shawn Johnson was arrested after scaling the CBS Studios fence trying to get on set. When Johnson heard about it, naturally, she flipped.

Police found loaded guns, duct tape, and zip ties, along with news clippings and love letters to Johnson in the man’s car. While every suspect is innocent until proven guilty in court, this guy has already won a Gold Medal in “Creepy.”

And he’s still less frightening than Steve Wozniak’s dancing.

The man had packed all his belongings and drove across the country based on a belief that Shawn had been communicating with him through the television using ESP. Everyone hopes this bizarre behavior is really a harmless hoax and that the man just turns out to be Joaquin Phoenix.

“Double-Spaced”

Software billionaire Charles Simonyi made his second vacation trip into space today as a passenger on board a Russian rocket bound for the International Space Station. Experts take it that the world economy is now so bad that rich people are just trying to get off the planet.

Simonyi was a software developer at Microsoft who then became the world’s first “space tourist” with his first voyage into orbit, also aboard a Russian spacecraft. Not to be outdone, Apple is now working on the iRocket.

“Happy Vulcan Birthday”

Leonard Nimoy, most famous as Mr. Spock, celebrates his birthday today, and he is turning 78. Fans who want to say the famous Vulcan catch phrase to him now have to adapt it to, “Live really long and prosper.”

Beyond his iconic Star Trek role, Nimoy has done a wide variety of other TV shows, films, radio theatre, and staged readings. At age 78, his biggest accomplishment is that he has finally lived down his late 1960’s record album of Spock poetry and folk songs.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

“Clinton on Drugs:”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Mexico City to talk to top government officials there about the war with drug cartels. She said, “Our insatiable demand for illegal drugs fuels the drug trade.” And that was just referring to her husband Bill and herself.

The Obama administration has announced a new plan to combat smuggling, including the use of federal agents, high-tech surveillance, and lining the entire U.S./Mexican border with out-of-work auto-workers.

“Restaurants Willing to Eat It”

Many national dining chains are creating cheaper meals and specials to try to drive slumping sales figures back up. For example, even cheap menu items like “Biscuits and Gravy” can now be ordered even cheaper, as just “Gravy.”

Several popular restaurant brands have launched dinner deals. Chili’s has meals under $7, including a burger, freshly bought and unwrapped from McDonald’s.

Applebee’s has dropped some entree prices to under $10, without any effort to improve the food.

Outback Steakhouse said they “decided to get back to the DNA of the brand,” meaning, of course, cheap Aussie favorites like shish koala-bob and kanga-steaks.

The restaurants are also doing more ambitious marketing, too, but don’t want to appear desperate. Maybe that’s why T.G. I. Friday’s went back to their original name after 2 weeks as Please Eat at Friday’s.

“Bertinelli’s Beach Bod”

Actress Valerie Bertinelli is on the cover of People magazine this week, clad in a bikini, after dieting on the Jenny Craig plan for 9 months and losing over 40 lbs. How did she do it? One day at a time.

In the last 3 weeks, knowing the bikini photo-shoot was coming, she trimmed down her food intake to only 1200 calories a day. After so long out of a bathing suit, that wasn’t the only thing she had to trim down.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

“Spiderman Thai’d to Rescue”

In Bangkok, Thailand today, an 8-year-old autistic boy, frightened by his first day at his new special-needs school, had climbed out a window to a 3rd story ledge, but was rescued when fireman in a Spiderman costume coaxed him back inside. Suspiciously, the only one to get any pictures of the brave rescue was New York City freelance photographer, Peter Parker.

When other students asked how Spiderman got there so quickly, the teachers’ answer was simple: he was on the Web.

While at the school, Spiderman taught the teachers one of his superhero skills: locking windows.

One hates to think how tragically this could have ended. For instance, if it had been a Disney character, that firefighter would have been sued by now.

The incident was widely reported with its happy ending, except in the Daily Bugle, where J. Jonah Jameson describes Spiderman as a “menace,” who “drives children out onto window ledges.”

When President Obama heard that the incident took place at a special needs school, he immediately compared the school to his bowling skills.

Monday, March 23, 2009

“On The 'Cat' Walk”

A fisherman at the Thames River in England spotted a catfish walking out of the river and called the Environment Agency, who confirmed and photographed the find. Charles Darwin, himself, promptly sat up in his grave and said, “Holy crap!”

It’s not that surprising that the catfish climbed out of the river, as everyone knows cats hate water.

The walking catfish has pectoral fins that allow it to walk out of water when seeking a new home, and it can also breathe air for extended periods. These catfish can be pests to indigenous species, and are a real pain to firefighters when they get stuck up in a tree.

The biggest danger to the land-bound catfish is being chased by hungry dogfish.

“Brief Mission” or “Fly Boys”

Aboard the International Space Station this week, Japanese astronaut Koicha Wakata’s mission includes testing new underpants made for life in space. The first problem, of course, is that in zero-gravity, underwear tends to ride up.

The underpants are made to be super-absorbent of sweat, insulated, quick-drying, and antibacterial. The only known design flaw is that they have not been able to make them wedgie-proof.
-This is a real disadvantage, since many space exploration scientists are vulnerable due to their classification as nerds.

The real question is, in the tense moments leading up to a landing back on earth, can the underwear handle a splashdown?

Space agencies are trying to extend the life of disposable garments used in space, since there isn’t a sufficient water supply to wash them. Dry cleaning is out of the question, based on the risk that the astronauts might forget their ticket.

The European Space Agency is way ahead of NASA in both the “not washing clothes” and “not bathing” areas.

Mr. Wakata cannot change the underwear more than once a week for the test, an element described as the “mother’s shame” factor.

Japan is confident in Wakata’s piloting skills, as well, stating that he could land a space shuttle on any runway, without so much as leaving a skid mark.

Strict military rank and protocol prevent any astronauts from voluntarily “going commando.”

“P, Katy”

Singer Katy Perry revealed on her blog that during a photo shoot for a magazine, a chimpanzee who was part of the shoot “peed all over her.” The chimp then used sign language to say, “I pissed a girl and I liked it.”

Katy has since cancelled a scheduled photo shoot with R. Kelly and Andy Dick.

“Ash Monday”

Since late last night, Alaska’s Mount Redoubt has erupted in volcanic ash and steam five times, the first such eruptions in almost 20 years. Governor Sarah Palin told everyone not to panic about the volcano, as she plans to hunt and shoot it.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Boob Jobs

In Rhode Island, where unemployment has hit 10.3%, strip club owners plan a job fair tomorrow to hire about 30 new people for 3 clubs. They are looking for ambitious, hard-working people, the type that are willing to bend over backwards to satisfy customers.

It just goes to show, even strippers have to pull themselves up by their own boot straps, particularly if that is all they are wearing.

This could be a good opportunity for someone who is tired of living paycheck to paycheck and would rather live on sweaty $1 bills.

Applicants should bring a resume, but don’t need to bring a C.V. unless it’s Double-D V.

Even if you don’t get hired at this job fair, it’s still a great opportunity for exposure.

The owners say they don’t want any applicants to pad your achievements, but they don’t care if you have them augmented.

One of the girls coming to the job fair said that she’ll give a better interview if you give her $50.
-She is going to get hired.

An important hiring tip for all girls coming to the job fair, especially ones with a lot of stripping experience already: Seriuosly, get someone to watch your kids for you.

“Deep Blue C-3PO”

British scientists have developed robotic fish to detect and transmit pollution data from rivers, lakes and seas. The budget for each fish is about $29,000 most of which is used to build robotic bait to catch them.

The reason the team made the robotic apparatus into fish is obvious. If they made the robots shaped like people, they’d have to spend extra money teaching them to swim.

The other advantage of making the robots fish-shaped is that, if they turn against us and try to terminate humanity, all we need to defeat them is a fishing pole and a grill.

Each robot is carp-shaped and nearly 5 feet long. Of course, by the time the scientists tell the fish story to their friends, they’re saying it’s over 6 feet long.

The fish are equipped with sensors to detect pollution, such as leaks from vessels, chemicals from pipelines, or dolphins tossing cigarette butts.

This technological development may have wider implications. For example, electronic singing novelty fish like Billy the Sea Bass may soon be obsolete.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

“Ripped from Today’s Headlines”

New Jersey’s state cosmetology board may ban “Brazilian” waxes, after reports of injuries and infections have raised concerns about the safety of the hair removal procedure. If it comes down to a vote, it might be a close shave.

Measures to pass such a ban are expected to go smoothly, at first, but could get a little bumpy within a few days.

Customers who insist on getting it done may have to go out of state to do so, which could add a whole new layer to state line inspections.

For many Jersey salons and spas, this could cost them a lot of business, creating a really hairy situation for all.

A spokesperson who gets regular Brazilian waxing done made the following statement: “OOwww!!”

Most people feel that there are more important issues facing the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, mainly New Jersey's persistant mullet problem.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

“It Takes a Village, People”

The State Department reported today that the United States has decided to cosign a U.N. declaration to decriminalize homosexuality. This is part of a proactive plan to improve our nation’s prisons, which are often accused of creating hardened criminals.

Intended to target human rights abuses and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the declaration is part of a pink triangulated effort.

Ironically, at a time when diversity is being almost universally applauded, the U.N. itself is now being targeted as being too homogenous.

Sixty-six other nations have also joined in on the declaration, but rather than a written signature, all the countries’ representatives will kiss each other on the mouth.

The U.N. thought about celebrating with a Human Rights parade, but it was decided that that would be too gay.

Congress was not said to be involved in the agreement to sign the declaration, and there was no bipartisan committee to even look at it. But here were those who were bi-curious.

“Births of a Nation”

The National Center for Health Statistics reported today that last year’s birth rate was the highest in U.S. history. The biggest concern so far is that these babies will grow up and take jobs from our illegal aliens.

In 2007, there were 4.31 million births in America. The previous record was 4.30 million births in 1957. Thanks for pushing us over the edge, Octomom.

About 23% of the babies were born to teen mothers. This is hardly surprising when you consider that Bristol Palin made it seem so cool.

Statistics suggest that teen pregnancy rates will drop in the near future, due to the economy, birth control education programs, and mainly because teens will be too busy taking care of their babies to have more sex.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Green Day

The White House dyed the water green in the North and South lawn fountains today for St. Patrick’s Day. Just another example of the government wasting the taxpayers’ green.

Actually, there was no dye in it. The water was just from a river where corporations have been regulating their own factory waste since the start of the Bush administration.

In keeping with Irish tradition, today is the day that all the Leprechauns come out to celebrate, and if they see their shadow, we have six more weeks of hangovers.

Actually, I don’t know much about St. Patrick’s Day, and my knowledge of its traditions is about as authentically Irish as a Shamrock Shake.

Monday, March 16, 2009

“Non-Pro Posers Throw Blows” or “Emaciated Incarcerated”

In New York, a stampede and near riot broke out late last week among would-be contestants at a cattle call audition for America’s Next Top Model. Interestingly, the story’s inclusion of the words “cattle” and “stampede” has resulted in all the models swearing off all food.

Most models aren’t often involved in such chaos and disorder. Unless, of course, it’s an eating disorder.

Three were arrested and six were injured at the audition. One person was hit with what she thought was a stick, that actually just turned out to be one of the models.

Two of the six injured were taken to the hospital. Several others drove themselves to the hospital, but that was just for more elective plastic surgery.

More people would have been arrested, but there was no way to keep handcuffs on their skinny little wrists.

Sadly, those who were arrested were denied their request to bring a makeup artist for their mug-shots.

Following the incident, Executive Producer and host of America’s Next Top Model Tyra Banks showed genuine concern by encouraging everyone to watch her syndicated daily talk show.

Past contestants were appalled and said the whole incident just made them want to throw up. Which they were planning to do anyway.

No one knows exactly what started the whole melee, but producers expressed their sincere regret that it wasn’t all captured on camera for a highlight reel.

“Stimu-less”

Some Republican governors are rejecting their share of $7 billion for unemployment benefits. But they know how bad job losses are right now. Their thinking is, if there are no new jobs created, that’s that many fewer jobs that people can lose.

“Commander-In-Studio”

The White House has announced that President Obama will make an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday. There was no intention to snub David Letterman, but Leno is still buying brand new American-made cars every day.

In fact, he’s the only one buying any.

Jay better watch it, though. If any of his jokes bomb, Secret Service will take him out.

Many people think that Obama may feel the need to step it up since a new NBC series introduced the idea of the U.S. having a king.

This is the first time a sitting U.S. president will be getting couch-time on a late night talk show. Not that The Tonight Show hasn’t tried before. They always thought a "Jay Walking" segment asking President Bush common knowledge questions would have been hilarious.

In a related story, it could be said that for eight years, Letterman could have shown clips of Bush for any “Stupid Human Tricks” segment.

Friday, March 13, 2009

“Interest in Principle”

South Carolina’s Governor Mark Sanford, a Republican, announced this week that he may turn down part of the stimulus money headed to his state on principle. South Carolina citizens are right behind their governor to say, “Hey, if he doesn’t want the money, we’ll take it!”

Sanford says the money isn’t the issue, and he may be right, especially since all the publicity he is getting is free.

“Hogan’s Smear-o’s”

Hulk Hogan got into a verbal altercation with his wife’s divorce lawyer outside a Florida court yesterday. When Hogan tried to interject a comment to TV cameras, the lawyer said of Hogan, “You’re an actor. You’re acting now,” marking the first time anyone ever considered Hogan an actor.

The lawyer tried to provoke Hogan, asking Hulk if he was going to wrestle him. Not that there could be a fair match-up between the Hulkster and a divorce attorney. One man pounds, chokes, and squeezes other men for a living, and the other is Hulk Hogan.

The lawyer even did all of this after asking Hulk Hogan for an autograph for his son last week. The lawyer had him personalize it, too, asking Hulk to write, “To the highest eBay bidder.”

“Agri-Vation” or “Don’t have a Cow”

Agriculture officials called Texas’ drought a billion-dollar disaster today, in reference to losses to cattle raisers. It’s only going to get worse now, as they are going to be sued by Detroit automakers claiming that “Billion-dollar Disaster” is their new slogan.

The lack of crops means less feed for cattle, which translated to lower sale weights for beef cattle. Yet somehow, American people keep getting fatter.

Simply put, there is less meat from each cow sold. On the plus side, in this economy, who can afford steak anyway?

Thursday, March 12, 2009

“Life Intimidates Art”

An animated family movie called Monsters Vs. Aliens is set to open later this month. In it, a group of monsters have to save the world from aliens, so it’s already prompting protests of discrimination from illegal aliens.

“Identified Flying Objects”

The International Space Station crew had to evacuate into the Russian space capsule Soyuz today over fears of collision with a piece of debris from a 1993 U.S rocket launched,moving towards them at 22,000 miles per hour. In a related story, today, NASA was ticketed for littering.

The piece of debris was only 5 inches long, but at orbiting speed, that enough to penetrate the station’s shielding. This means that in the future, instead of laser weapons, all our space adventurers are going to need are beer cans.

Coors Light: the “Silver Bullet,” indeed.

Star Trek could be re-written. Instead of the Klingons firing disruptor rays at the Enterprise, they could terrorize them by throwing shoes like an Iraqi journalist.

“What You Talking About? Willis.”

The tallest building in America at 110 stories, the Sears Tower in Chicago is about to be renamed. In keeping with the times, the skyscraper will have a new sign in front. One that says, “Foreclosed.”

The real new name will be “Willis Tower,” named for Willis Group Holdings, a London-based insurance broker now leasing. Not yet a well recognized international brand, they decided to use the Willis name after rejecting suggestions such as “Insurance Broker Zone” and “The Chicago Party Station.”

Monday, March 9, 2009

Happy Purim!

"Chasing Amy"

Singer Amy Winehouse had to cancel her planned appearance at the Coachella music festival in April, since she has to appear in court that day for allegedly hitting a fan at a London party. Amy won’t appear in court either, as she already plans to be on a bender and spend that day lying on the floor of a hotel lobby in a puddle of her own filth.

Before becoming a tabloid staple for her court cases and marital problems, Amy used to be an award-winning sloppy mess.

Amy is starting to strongly discourage teens from abusing drugs and alcohol, but she hasn’t been doing so intentionally.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Lightin' Up... or Down

A new report form the American Psychosomatic Society says that people exposed to secondhand smoke may be twice as likely to suffer from depression. Like coughing and choking was supposed to cheer them up?

This same report implies that people consider exposure to carcinogens to be a bummer. I’m guessing the report is not based on an isolated study, but is more likely data collected from what we call “common sense.”

Another new study revealed that secondhand tobacco smoke could also increase the risk of memory problems and dementia in people over 50. For people under 50, if they want to lose some memories and get a little demented, they should stick with smoking pot.

Domestics Disturbed

Reports that Chris Brown and Rihanna were back together after she was allegedly assaulted by him February 8th have resulted in a house-wife backlash against her for “putting up with” violence in the relationship. Sure, everyone wants to bash Rihanna, now that Chris made it trendy.

It may be unfair to judge, and fans may feel better after hearing a spokeman for Rihanna say of her that she is “a strong, courageous woman… who’s just biding her time for revenge.”

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

“Formulaic Story”

Today is square root day, meaning the month times date equals the year, 3/3/09. This is an event that occurs just 9 times a century and was celebrated by math fans everywhere, as soon as they freed themselves from the lockers they’d been stuffed in by jocks.

If you don’t know what a square is, it’s the nerd who that thought up this holiday.

“I Write the Graffiti That Makes the Whole World Sing”

In New Zealand, a large outdoor shopping mall plans to pipe in Barry Manilow music to try to combat problems with teen littering, spray-painting, and other acts of vandalism. It might work, but on the other hand, hasn’t there already been enough pain and suffering?

Obviously, the juvenile delinquents vandalizing the mall must be dealt with. But does everyone else have to suffer?

The plan could really change the atmosphere of the entire mall. If young people become Manilow fans by hearing his music, this mall could become the hottest spot north of Havana.

I think Barry should be appreciated in New Zealand, the beautiful land now synonymous with Middle Earth. In fact, no one reminds me of a Hobbit more than Barry Manilow.

‘Thin at the Mint” or “Short on the Bread”

In the Seattle area, a local troop of girls was paid with 5 counterfeit $20 bills for Girl Scout Cookies. Some stories just make you shake your head. I mean, imagine the nerve of these girls to charge so much for cookies.

Three suspects have been caught and are being charged for passing counterfeit money. The thieves’ lawyers argue that in this economy, real U.S. currency is virtually worthless, anyway.

On the upside, these Girl Scouts have earned their Crime Victim badge.

Monday, March 2, 2009

“Planted Information and Its Roots”

A new study says that children were twice as likely to eat vegetables with cooler names. Four-year-olds ate twice as many carrots presented as "X-Ray Vision Carrots," and peas referred to as "Power Peas." Now that the study has been released, however, those foods will have to compete with "Captain Candy" and "Super Soda."

Scientists say the name changes raise a child’s enthusiasm and expectations for the food. This study was just presented to Washington, D.C.’s School Nutrition Association, but matches previous research by Marvel Moms and Dyno-Dads around the country.

Still a failure: Leprous Lima Beans.

The Department of Education is excited about this approach, figuring if American public schools can push vitamins A, B, C, and D, maybe they can actually teach those letters, too.

School lunch programs expect to see great benefits from this strategy, until, of course, kids sue and put them out of business for deceptive advertising and breach of promise.

“Cat’s High” or “Just Say Meow To Drugs”

An Omaha man was arrested for misdemeanor animal cruelty when he put his cat in a box-like homemade bong. The cat did not appear to be harmed, and has since been spending time writing music, laughing at nothing, and snacking on mice like there’s no tomorrow.

There is also a fear that the cat could move on to harder drugs. In fact, he has already been spotted on the streets, trying to buy catnip.

The Humane Society noted that the cat bit on a ball of yarn for hours, later diagnosing it with a bad case of cottonmouth.

AP Photos showed the bong itself to be a foot-long, duct-taped plastic box with a piece of garden hose attached. The public at large has been outraged, saying, “That’s the worst bong I’ve ever seen! Is there no head-shop in Nebraska? Don’t you at least have the Internet?”

Friday, February 27, 2009

“Airline’s Number One Plan”

Ireland’s Ryanair, the largest budget airline in Europe, is considering installing pay toilets on their airplanes. Great. Because passengers really want to make sure they are carrying more change before they go through airport metal detectors.

It’s even worse in First Class. You’ll still have to deposit a coin to get into the restroom, but then, once inside, it’s expected that you tip the attendant.

What they think they are going to make in toilet fees, though, they are going to lose in drink sales. Either that, or they are just going to have to start also charging for empty cups.

Also, anyone who uses an airplane restroom to join the ‘mile high club’ will technically have to admit to having paid to do so.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

"Fish out of Water"

An illegal pet snakefish named Rocky has won a temporary stay of execution from New York state officials. Snakeheads pose a danger to any other fish they share water with, and have been banned since 2004. Though the state delayed plans to kill the fish, they are keeping him at bay with tarter sauce and a lemon wedge.

Snakehaeds will eat all other fish in a pond or lake, including their own young. They can even survive out of water for three days. Since he was originally purchased legally in 1999, Rocky may have his sentence reduced to being flushed down the toilet.

In the meantime, Rocky is just swimming in his solitary tank, working out, getting tattoos, and waiting to see if he gets a call from the governor.

"Big Wheel"

After 26 years on television, Wheel of Fortune is celebrating its 5,000th episode this week. It has been on a long time. To get around the puzzle board, Vanna White now needs a scooter.

Some of the contestants from the first season’s Kids Week are now coming back for the Senior Citizen Challenge.

5,000 shows, and I still giggle when a contestant spins and then says, “I’ll take a P, Pat.”

They’ve been on for so many years, R, S, T, L, N, & E want to retire.

Over the years, they have had 15,000 contestants. That’s a lot of people for Jeopardy! fans to look down on.

Wheel of Fortune really has been on a long time. In fact, here’s a little of its history:
-Before the Premiere: The Used Letter Board was briefly called the New Letter Board.

-Season 1: Before episode number one, they had to invent the wheel first.

-Season 2: Pat Sajak’s suits were by Botany 1.

-Season 3: The show became more challenging with new puzzle categories and the invention of the alphabet.

-Season 4: Before each round, the producers had to carve the letters into rocks.

-Season 5: The prizes were livestock.

-Season 6: Instead of letters, the contestants had to guess hieroglyphs.

-Season 7: The top monetary value on the wheel was a handful of beads.

-Season 8: Pat Sajak’s cue card lines were painted on a cave wall.

-Season 9: If Vanna was wearing fur, it was from an animal she’d killed that morning.

-Season 10: There were still only 4 vowels.

-Season 11: The winner got cash and merchandise. Second place got a parting gift. Third place was hunted, killed, and eaten.

-Season 12: To widen their audience to more than 50 people, television was invented.

-Season 13: To widen their audience to more than 100 people, the Mid-West was invented.

“Truck Stop Hero”

A Good Samaritan who pushed two elderly women out of harm’s way and was then struck by a truck was cited for jaywalking. The local police have a policy that when a person is injured, they should immediately add insult.

The cop who issued the ticket says he was just doing his job. It’s true; enforcing law and order is his job. When he kicks puppies, though, that’s just for fun.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"Schwarzenegger, the Actor?"

Arnold Schwarzenegger will play himself in a new movie starring and directed by, his friend Sylvester Stallone. Shooting begins late March. This is a great idea since by the end of March, the state of California will be too broke to pay him his salary.

In his cameo appearance, Schwarzenegger will play himself not as an action hero, but as the governor of California. Looking at the state’s budget and infrastructure, critics already agree it’s really a stretch.

The title of the film, written by Stallone, is “The Expendables.” Schwarzenegger is currently working on his own California-inspired screenplay about the biggest battle he has ever faced, aptly called “The Expenditures.”
-It’s a horror movie.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

“De-Grading on a Curve”

A study to be published in The American Journal of Preventative Medicine says there may be a link between teen sexual activity and music that has “degrading” sexual lyrics. In reaction, retailers are quickly pulling all copies of The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold your Hand.”

Results of the study may have already made a bunch of ‘Emo’ kids cry. On the other hand, it’s hard to tell, because they were also crying before the study even began.

Teen boys who prefer hip-hop presented challenges when being surveyed for the study because they were busy degrading their girlfriends sexually during the interview.

Rappers themselves participated in the study, but only so far as to show up unannounced, personally perform degrading sex acts on the researchers, and then leave.

There has been a long suspected link between teen behavior and the music they listen to. This theory has been researched with kids who listen to heavy metal, but has never been proven. This may be because the kids always kill and eat the researchers.

The researchers, all mature adult scientists, also listened to the music for the sake of the study, but it had no affect on any of their sex lives, especially with respect to degrading activities. That’s because, when you're middle-aged, just listening to Top 40 is degrading enough.

Teens’ sexual activity is prompting cultural and economic changes as well, such as iTunes new online-order-only line of iCondoms.

"Batter Up"

Today is National Pancake Day, an annual free-pancakes charity event sponsored by IHOP to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. The nonprofit hopes to make $1 for every inch gained on each customer’s waist.

Each year it has been held, the event has raised over a million dollars for charity in a single day, showing just how warm Americans’ hearts are. Clogged with butter and syrup, yes, but still warm.

“Don’t Fly for Me, Argentina”

Richard Williamson, the controversial, Holocaust-denying bishop, was asked to leave Argentina by their government, and then got into a scuffle at the airport, putting his hand in a TV reporter’s face and then pushing him into a pole. Of course, Williamson claims the pushing didn’t happen, the reporter doesn’t exist, and the pole is a myth created by Jews.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

“What Utah-kin’ ‘Bout, Willis?”

In Provo, Utah, a judge has ruled that a videotaped deposition from actor Gary Coleman will remain sealed until a personal injury suit against him is settled. Because Gary Coleman is in it, one must assume that it was a straight-to-video deposition.

The lawsuit involved Coleman allegedly hitting a man with his truck. It was not reported whether blocks must be strapped to Gary Coleman’s shoes in order for him to drive a truck.

The judge was concerned that release of the video could hurt Coleman’s chance at a fair trial. Coleman’s lawyer said release of the video could destroy Coleman. In a related story, Gary Coleman should fire his lawyer.

“Knight Will Make You See Stars”

Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery charges in Nevada, related to hitting a girlfriend in a Las Vegas Strip parking lot last year. I guess someone doesn’t like to lose at bingo.

Knight also had a knife, Ecstasy, and hydrocodone at the time of his arrest, but the knife was not used in the battery and the drug charges were dropped. Apparently the court felt the slap on the wrist shouldn’t be as hard as he slapped his girlfriend.

The drug charges were felonies that would have each carried up to a 4-year prison sentence. Fortunately, Knight’s attorneys were able to have the case heard in the Celebrity Court, Special Treatment wing.

Suge wound up paying a $340 fine, was ordered to seek counseling, and will now go back to hanging out in nightclubs that cater to violent thugs.

Don’t think that Suge always batters people. Sometimes it’s just assault.

All jokes aside, Suge, please don’t hurt me.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

“Coffee without All the Perks”

Starbucks is innovating a new, premium instant coffee product called Via. The business strategy is simple: if they can make the coffee instantly, they’ll get your money faster.

To combat the idea that instant won’t be as good as brewed coffee, they already have a slogan. “Via coffee. If you’re not a connoisseur, but still want to look pretentious.”

Starbucks wants to assure Via instant customers an equal coffee experience to their freshly brewed cup. To that end, they are training supermarket clerks to act like snobby, stuck-up baristas.

“Like Phish out of Water”

Olympic Gold medalist Michael Phelps will not face charges related to the recent photos that show him allegedly smoking a marijuana pipe. For the record, Phelps is a swimmer, and it was, technically a water pipe. He might have just been training.

Phelps has apologized repeatedly since the incident, and maintains that he would never have even gone to that party if he had known that someone there would have a camera.

Seven other people were investigated and arrested on drug charges stemming from the party and other incidents. It wasn’t reported whether or not they, too lost their million-dollar endorsement deals.

Phelps was dropped as a spokesman for Kellogg’s cereals over the marijuana incident. Ironic, since they advertise so many of their products as either baked or toasted.

The county sheriff said that the person who took the photo of Michael Phelps sold it for $100,000. Experts predict that that’s gonna buy him a lot of weed.

Friday, February 13, 2009

“Moo Juice?”

In India, a company is making a new soft drink made from cow urine to compete with major soft drink brands. The company owner really hopes people will like it, and so does R. Kelly.

This, of course raises the question, just how bad is the water in India?

Studies have shown that one of the best ways to quench thirst is to remove all desire to drink.

India’s Cow Protection Campaign may be able to capitalize on the proposed slogan, “Not Milk?”

It almost seems as if the whole thing must be a giant national hoax, known as an Indian Burn.

The beverage is said to be in the final stages of development. The last stage, however may take years, as it required that they find someone willing to taste it.

The makers of the beverage say it will be inexpensive. Good. Like they say, ‘why would you want to buy the whole cow when you can drink the pee for cheap?’

The soft drink developers want to make sure they have an efficient way of collecting the supply of their ingredients. Every drop wasted is like money down the toilet.

After drinking the divine bovine, hygiene habits suggest that a woman would wipe her mouth with a napkin, whereas a man would just shake it off.

Over time, manufacturer’s research says that their product will eventually be welcome everywhere except at people’s swimming pools. No one wants pee in their pool.

Note: At the last minute, my editor made me change the headline of this story. The original was “Indians Have a Drinking Problem.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article5707554.ece


Special thanks to my friend Dave Wiggins in Arizona for this news story, linked above.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Sex/Education

Ohio fourth-grade teacher Amber Carter was arrested at a motel Tuesday on charges of prostitution after using a school computer to arrange a “date.” The most shocking part: someone in Ohio still has a job.

Superintendent Lawrence Anderson realized he should have been suspicious when Carter started referring to him as Larry the Pimp.

Ms. Carter has been placed on administrative leave pending the case. In the meantime, she has no class.

Obviously these charges may affect her advancement in the school, which is unfortunate, since she was expecting to go for Department Head.

Her career as a prostitute was doomed anyway, since, after her customers were finished, she had a tendency to grade them.
-On a sliding scale, I might add.

Her specialty was the oral exam.

For an extra $20, she might give you extra credit.

Educators nationwide have stood up for Ms. Carter, saying that prostitution is far less demoralizing than teaching fourth grade.

If teaching grammar school pushed her into life as a call girl, you could say she “Hooked on Phonics.”

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

"Say You Want An Evolution"

Today is Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday, and it is being celebrated around the world despite the fact that Darwin himself died 127 years ago. By his own theory, he’d have survived, had he been fitter.

Smaller birthday parties to honor the pioneering naturalist have gone on for many years, but over time, they have really evolved.

Proponents of Evolution use the day to publicize their thinking. They note that choosing Darwin’s birth date to bring attention to their cause seemed to be a Natural Selection.

Ironically, both Darwin’s birthday and his contributions to science were completely ignored by the world’s entire population of monkeys.

"Wal-Mart Clearance"

Wal-Mart is reducing its staff at its Arkansas headquarters by 700 to 800 people, out of 14,000. The employees laid off will be sold out of a giant bin, at rock-bottom prices.

The bad news is that employees being laid off will get no severance package. The good news is they get to keep their Sam’s Club membership.

The company says the layoffs are necessary because its financial plan for the year was flawed, probably due to the fact that it was cheaply manufactured by under-age, third-world labor.

"-Rod Rage"

New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez admitted to using performance-enhancing steroids from 2001 to 2003, when he played for the Texas Rangers. He was very apologetic and admitted he made mistakes, but apparently is content to keep the money.

Rodriguez had denied taking steroids in a 2007 60 Minutes interview. Anabolic steroids are known to affect strength, endurance, and muscle tone. Negative side effects, however, include denial, feigned ignorance, and eventual back-pedaling.

Steroid use can strain the heart and other organs, has been connected to violent emotional outbursts known as “’roid rage,” and inevitably leads to lying to Congress.

Sports Illustrated reported that Rodriguez tested positive for Primobolan and testosterone. Because of this, from now on his nickname will have the hyphen replaced with an asterisk.
It doesn’t look as cool, does it, A*Rod?

Some scientists now speculate that it may be possible that steroids can even be transferred sexually; a theory based solely on Madonna’s biceps.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

"Live Wrong and Prosper" or "Deep Space Crime"

In Denver, CO, a masked man robbed two 7-11 stores armed with a Klingon sword. Obviously the mask was to conceal his nerd glasses.

Local police may seek help in the investigation from Starfleet Command.

The robber hit the two locations within a half hour of each other, leading the police to believe he may have beamed in and out.

This may be the first robbery ever pulled off with a souvenir from Comic-Con.

The community at large has condemned the crime as “highly illogical.”

The clerk at the first robbery site described the robber as male, white, in his 20’s, and despite his weapon, probably from Earth.

Authorities will be on the lookout for anyone who is using a suspiciously large amount of cash to spruce up basement apartment in their parents’ house.

There were no injuries at either robbery, according to the holograghic doctor in 7-11’s sick bay.

At the second store, the robber was refused money and left on foot. I guess his mom wasn’t available to pick him up.

The Klingon High Council has, of course, disavowed any knowledge of the robber’s actions.