Google is attempting to do their part in tracking flu outbreaks by keeping tabs on where folks are entering searches for ‘flu symptoms’ and other key phrases into their search engine.

According to The New York Times, Google may be able to better track outbreaks . . .

“In early February, for example, the C.D.C. reported that the flu had recently spiked in the mid-Atlantic states. But Google says its search data show a spike in queries about flu symptoms two weeks before that report came out. Its new service at google.org/flutrends analyzes those searches as they come in, creating graphs and maps of the country that, ideally, will show where the flu is spreading.”

Read the whole article by clicking here, or check out Google’s Flu Trends page by clicking here.

Scientists Turn Tequila into Diamonds
Whoever thought that science was a dry subject might change their mind after learning about a new discovery in which tequila is turned into diamonds. A team of Mexican scientists found that the heated vapor from 80-proof (40% alcohol) tequila blanco, when deposited on a silicon or stainless steel substrate, can form diamond films.

StumbleUpon WebToolbar - phatfusion : googleDrive

carve_pumpkin.swf application/x-shockwave-flash Object

A Florida teenager who used his grandmother in a gangsta rap video has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for, among other things, abusing the elderly.

The teen apparently convinced his grandmother to brandish a gun and make threats to the camera.

You can check out the whole story over at the BBC by clicking here.

Downtown Dallas recently had the world’s largest beach ball dropped from a building onto the street.

The event was part of Carnival Cruise Line’s attempt to break the world record for largest beach ball.

You can check out the full story by clicking here, and yes, there is wonderful video of the ball being dropped and bouncing on the street.

Two good places to start looking…

Cowabduction.com

TG Daily - New solar cell material achieves almost 100% efficiency, could solve world-wide energy problems
Researchers at Ohio State University have accidentally discovered a new solar cell material capable of absorbing all of the sun’s visible light energy. The material is comprised of a hybrid of plastics, molybdenum and titanium. The team discovered it not only fluoresces as most solar cells do, but also phosphoresces.

Kill some time swatting flies…