New pill halts menstrual periods

WASHINGTON - The first birth control pill meant to put a stop to women's monthly periods indefinitely has won U.S. federal approval. Lybrel is the first such pill to receive Food and Drug Administration approval for continous use. Taken daily, it can halt women's menstrual periods indefinitly and prevent pregnancies. The pill, which is not approved in Canada, is the latest FDA-approved oral contraceptive to depart from the 21-days-on, seven-days-off regimen that had been standard since birth control pill sales began in the 1960s. The new pill, made by Wyeth, is the first designed to put off periods altogether when taken without break. Most of the roughly 12 million U.S. women who take birth-control pills do so to prevent pregnancy. A women's health expert said Lybrel would be a welcome addition for the woman who seeks relief from the headaches, tender breasts, cramps and nausea that can accompany monthly periods.

The Associated Press

Celebrity Trivia

The following entries come from the Petras' paperback, Unusually Stupid Celebrities, A Compendium of All-Star Stupidity (Villard, $13.95).

B - Kim Basinger demanded cases of Evian water on a movie set; not for drinking but for washing her hair.
C - Naomi Campbell ordered a sandwich at the famous Le Grand Vefour restaurant in Paris and was "forced" to send back her toast because it was scratching her gums.
I - Enrique Inglesias, who once told an interviewer, "I can never find extra-small condoms and I know it's really embarrassing for people, you know, from experience."
J - Scarlett Johannson hates to be ungrateful but said, "The studio will send you a wilting fruit basket or some mediocre champagne ... some people get cars, that would be nice but will they also pay for my parking?"
L - Courtney Love had her breast implants removed and kept them as souvenirs. Her dog ate one and died.
M - Demi Moore ordered a plane to fly her from her Idaho home to New York City but upon discovering that the plane was too small and she'd have to stack her luggage, had her studio--Sony--provide a larger one.
P - Joaquin Phoenix asked at a news conference: "Do I have a large frog in my hair? Something's crawling out of my scalp. I'm not worried about the looks. I'm worried about the sensation of my brain being eaten...what did you ask me?"
U - Usher has a $1-million watch with his face on the face, surrounded by 1,106 diamonds.
V - Vanna White reportedly makes $3 million to $5 million a year turning letters on Wheel of Fortune and maintains, "It's not as easy as it looks."

Woman dies in stampede for 'magical' amulets

BANGKOK - A crowd of thousands waiting to buy purported magical amulets erupted into a stampede that killed one woman and injured dozens. More than 10,000 people had camped overnight outside a school to buy the Jatukam Ramathep amulets, which have gained a huge following in recent months for what are believed to be their magical qualities.

The 50-year-old woman was trampled when the crowd rushed the school gates Monday morning, said police Lieutenant Suriyon Kaemthong, in Si Thammarat province, 580 kilometres south of Bangkok.

Many Thais carry or wear amulets for good luck. The amulets usually show images associated with Buddhism--the religion of most Thais--though amulets are not formally part of its doctrine.

There is a large collectors' market and rare amulets command prices of more than $35,000.
The Jatukam Ramathep amulets are round, ranging in size from a penny to a silver dollar and come in a variety of colors, including bronze, silver, and clay. People believe the amulet can bring good luck and protect them from evil and violent attacks, including gunshots and knife wounds.

The phenomenon of the Jakukam amulet started spreading when its creator, a highly respected police official, died at 104 last year. Police Major General Khunphantarak Rajadej was believed to possess knowledge of the occult and more than 200,000 people attended his funeral two months ago. Police ordered a halt to distribution of the amulets after the woman died, said Suriyon.

Source: Hamilton Spectator, April 11, 2007, Section A

Global Warming

 I thought this was a great editorial cartoon depicting global warming.

Source: Hamilton Spectator, Saturday May 5, 2007, Section D21

Babel makes audience sick

" The Japanese distributor of the new film Babel is warning audiences that the movie may cause nausea or headaches.
" Gaga Communications has received 15 complaints since the film, starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, opened Saturday across Japan.  Company spokeswoman Aimi Ichikawa syas the company is investigating which scenes caused the illnesses, and hasn't ordered theatres to adjust sound or lighting.
" The problem of nausea or headaches has only been reported in Japan."

Source: The Hamilton Spectator, Friday May 4, 2007, Section Go3

Hiker dies of thirst with water all around

N.J. Man Led By Guides Carrying Water Collapses And Dies On Utah Survival Trek [Source]