Humor

Just how much do you value your laptop? Would you be willing to offer free beer for life to anyone who recovered it, if ever lost? That's exactly what one New Zealand brewer is offering after his adored notebook computer was nicked during a ... break-in. As you might expect, the laptop is loaded with important financial details for the owner's Croucher Brewing Company. (Source: canada.com ) Also on board the missing notebook are label designs, business contact information, and even ideas for brand new beers. Co-owner of Coucher Brewing Co. and single owner of the laptop Paul Croucher is obviously ... (view more)

Since so many tech fans are also, quite naturally, Star Wars fans (myself included), many of you might be interested in what 'ol George Lucas is doing now that his most famous movie franchise is complete. According to some reports, he's taking the ... next logical step: television. You could call it a step down the entertainment ladder, but it only makes sense that Lucas would capitalize on Star Wars' massive popularity by bringing it to TV. However, don't expect to see your favourite characters from the flicks; Lucas assures fans that this will introduce the lives of formerly minor characters. " ... (view more)

Is the truth really out there? Or, is it just a bunch of wiener aliens? Regardless, X-Files fans (and just about anyone else) will be interested in a recently launched California project, which actively searches outer space for signs of ... intelligence. The search, led by astronomer Dr. J. R. Forster, officially began on Thursday with the activation of a radio telescope array. The project, funded by the University of California, Berkeley, is now probing the universe with 42 individual radio dishes collectively referred to as the Allen Telescope Array (ATA). Eventually, Forster and his team hope ... (view more)

Just how much do you think early iPhone buyers deserve in the wake of Apple's decision to drop its price $200 so soon after launch? $100? $200? How about a million buckaroos? That's exactly what one early iPhone buyer seems to believe she's owed, ... seeing as she is currently suing Apple for the rather Regis-like amount. What makes this woman think she's owed so much? Dongmei Li, a New York resident, says she waited four long hours on a hot July day to purchase the 4GB iPhone. She did so just three days after launch, meaning she got the PS3-like price ($599) and not the Xbox 360-like ($399) ... (view more)

Online shoppers were in for quite a surprise recently when they scoured eBay looking for the next great treasure. In addition to the website's standard obscure items was a description that read "For Sale: Belgium, a Kingdom in three parts...free ... premium: the king and his court (costs not included)." The ad also offered free delivery, but was quick to point out that the country came second-hand and that the potential buyer would have to inherit over $300 billion in national debt. (Source: usatoday.com ) The ad, which actually insinuated the sale of the Belgian nation, was posted by one ... (view more)

Although he may appear fairly harmless, Prince is about to attack. That's right, the singer known for partying like it's 1999 and "Purple Rain" will soon flood controversial Internet sites YouTube and PirateBay with allegations of copyright ... infringement. For those who don't know, Prince is a bit of a stickler when it comes to this kind of thing. Recently playing to screaming crowds at The 02 Arena in London, England, the artist banned fans from taking photos or recording video with their mobile phones. Since that probably didn't stop anyone from immediately posting such content on good 'ol ... (view more)

We face stress just about everywhere. Bills, meetings, bullies beating up our kids -- there seems to be no end to the pressure everyday North Americans routinely face. That's why it's not so surprising that a recent report has found that one in ... three office workers suffers from a unique form: stress caused by email. Although the study was been performed upon British subjects by Glasgow and Paisley universities in the United Kingdom, office (and even home) workers around the world can relate to its findings. According to researchers, as emails pile up, so does the frustration. It can ... (view more)

Are you left handed? According to one research team, it could mean you're also a looney tune. The Wellcome Trust for Human Genetics at the University of Oxford has recently completed an international study of southpaws. The findings are a bit ... startling: the same gene that leaves one left-handed may also lead to the development of schizophrenia, a mental disorder that impairs perception and affects approximately 1% of the global population. It's all about brain symmetry. The gene in question, labelled LRRTM1, modifies that symmetry in the human brain. Although in most humans the left side of ... (view more)

Sean "Puff Daddy/P. Diddy" Combs is looking for a new assistant, but don't bother sending him a typed resume. The rap mogul is only accepting video applications uploaded directly onto YouTube. Mr. Combs, now known simply as "Diddy", posted a "help ... wanted" ad on the popular video website hoping to entice the younger generation to help him find a suitable replacement for his long-time personal assistant. (Source: nytimes.com ) In the past, the job has entailed such laborious tasks as holding Diddy's umbrella for him in the rain and chaperoning his very own hip-hop group "Da Band". Outside of ... (view more)

Here's a new and yet very odd tech threat: the particles emitted by your office printer. According to an Australian research team associated with the Queensland University of Technology, these tiny airborne particles, which waft outwards from laser ... printers, can cause health problems including: respiratory issues cardiovascular irritation various types of cancer Unfortunately, researchers remain uncertain exactly what chemicals within the particles directly affect the human body. However, they have some vital tips for ensuring the long-term health of workers who consistently use laser ... (view more)