In the News...

Internet analysts are reporting that social networking sites (Facebook et all) have become more popular than surfing for porn. It is said that "young users are spending more time on the network sites leaving little extra time for porn".

More than 20 state lotteries are reporting an uptick in sales...mostly due to those being hopeful during these "tough times". The New York Times.

The public filed 22 million Freedom of Information requests with the government last year...only 1 in 3 was granted. - US News and World Report

About 80% of the marijuana grown outdoors in the USA is on state and federal land. - USA Today

Saudi Arabia is the only remaining country in the world in which all women, both natives and foreigners, are not allowed to drive - Associated Press

The Nevada Highway patrol began fitting Emergency vehicles with "the Rumbler", a siren that omits low frequency vibrations as well as the audible sound. Officials were reporting that drivers play their music so loud in their cars it was too hard to hear the normal sirens.

A Lebanese woman working in a restaurant kitchen opened an oyster and found a cluster of 26 pearls.

74% of Americans believe movie tickets are too expensive, but 55% still went to see at least one movie this summer. 28% of moviegoers said they sneak snacks into the theater to save money. Rasmussen.

Of pregnancies in which Down syndrome is diagnosed in the womb, 90% end in abortion. Wall St. Journal.

While "change" was the most used word by speakers during the Democratic National Convention the Republicans' top word was "taxes" - mentioned, on average 46 times per every 25,000 words. Followed by Business (38). The was a tie for third...."God" and "Change". New York Times.