Out of Context Archive: December 2008
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Jefferson loses re-election bid in La.
Rep. William Jefferson lost his re-election bid in Louisiana — and it doesn't look like retirement is going to be an option for him. Published December 7 2008
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Chemicals spur male-to-female species shift
An abundance of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment is turning males in some species into females. Its the ultimate expression of girl power. Published December 7 2008
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MBA posts resume in his cab
A cabbie in New York City has posted his resume in his cabbie to attract employers. And he conducts job interviews in the car wash. Published December 7 2008
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Credit cards will fade with economy
People in the know say the public will use credit cards less often as the economy worsens. These people aren't "economists." They are credit card holders. Published December 7 2008
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Scientists: Earth needs asteroid shield
Scientists are calling for a $100 million shield to guard the planet from a close encounter with an asteroid. It's a lesson they've learned from the dinosaurs. Published December 7 2008
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Traditional baby names make comeback
Most U.S. parents chose classic names for their children — and their children breathed a huge sigh of relief. Published December 7 2008
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Ted Kennedy seeks Senate seat for Caroline
What would the Senate be without a Kennedy in it? We may never know. Published December 7 2008
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Park visitors allowed to pack heat
The Bush administration is allowing visitor to most national parks to carry concealed and loaded weapons. I think I can hear the Obama administration adding to its list of policies to overturn. Published December 6 2008
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Study: Smart men have better sperm
British researchers have discovered that intelligent men have higher quality sperm than less-intelligent men. Just one more thing to feel inadequate about. Published December 6 2008
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O.J. nixed deal for less prison time
O.J. Simpson rejected a plea deal that would have give him a shorter sentence than the 15-year prison term he received Friday. Once again O.J. proves himself to be the genius we thought he was. Published December 6 2008
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British eye cell phone service on the moon
The United Kingdom's space agency is thinking about placing satellite to provide cell phone service on the moon. I never knew the UK had a space agency — and now I see why. Published December 6 2008
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The rich are getting poorer
Vanity Fair, the tome of economical lifestyles, reports that rich New Yorkers have been shedding some of their extravagances to make ends meet in the economic downturn. The rich are getting poorer! Just remember that "rich" and "poor" are relative terms, as in "if you have a rich aunt, you're not really that poor." Published December 6 2008
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Homeland security chief charged with hiring illegals
Lorraine Henderson, a homeland security director in New England, has been charged with hiring an illegal immigrant from Guatemala. Homeland security ain't what it used to be. Published December 6 2008
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Economy conjures less glitzy Xmas cards
The economy downturn has inspired Christmas card makers to tone down the glitz and festiveness of their work. Now what kind of spirit is that? Published December 6 2008
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Obama raised $104 million
Barack Obama raised $104 million in October and November for his campaign. And people wonder why the economy is out of whack — his campaign sucked up all the money! Published December 5 2008
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Oprah hits Palin rumors
Talk show host Oprah Winfrey says she'd love to talk to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. But only if she promises to jump on her couch. Published December 5 2008
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O.J. to serve at least 9 years
O.J. Simpson, convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas, will have to serve at least nine years in prison. He'll bounce back. He always does. Published December 5 2008
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Obama's not a Zune dude
President-elect Barack Obama's staff says he is still an iPod kind of guy and used a Zune recently by accident. Whew! That was close! Published December 5 2008
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Several cities could have no daily newspapers
A credit rating firm in Chicago says that "several cities" could be without a daily newspaper in just a couple of years. If that happens, what will people use to house train their puppies? Junk mail? Published December 5 2008
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McCain camp spent oodles on Palin's locks
The McCain campaign spent more than $110,000 for a hair stylist and a makeup artist to travel with and tend to Sarah Palin. It just proves the old saying that good hair does not come cheap. Published December 5 2008
