Thomas Friedman: Probably the biggest green initiative coming down the road these days,
literally, is congestion pricing — charging people for the right to
drive into a downtown area. It is already proving to be the most
effective short-term way to clean up polluted city air, promote energy
efficiency and create more livable urban centers, while also providing
mayors with [...]

Given that she describes herself as a human pet – and is happy to
walk around on a lead – Tasha Maltby is used to odd looks and even
odder remarks. But nothing had prepared her for the reaction of
the bus driver who allegedly told the self-styled Goth and her
boyfriend: "We don’t let freaks and dogs like [...]

The value of China’s online travel market will reach 3.84 billion yuan
(519 million U.S. dollars) this year, with a projected growth rate of
70.7 percent, according to a nationwide survey.

We’re used to seeing our share of iPod docks, but this borders on the
ridiculous. Okay, it crosses the border screaming and begging not to be
deported. I think it goes without saying that this device is designed
to charge your iPod while you discharge your own product, commonly
known as an iLog. (w/pic)

Here is an odd knock off product that defies reason. A fake iPhone
that’s really a scale. I guess it would be perfect for the “iDealer” in
your neighborhood to weigh his wares on this scale, while having it
look like the latest high-tech gadget when the police storm the door. (w/pic)

Many consumers are unsure of what
to do about the upcoming shift to digital television, according to a
survey of 1,153 US households conducted by Centris on behalf of the Association of Public Television Stations.

A columnist for Wired has an interesting look at how telecommunications are actually making it more interesting to reside in populated areas instead of allowing the complete disregard for distance.

December 2007 data from Nielsen Online AdRelevance cited in a January 2008 MarketingCharts article show the financial services industry still leading online display advertising. Nielsen found that financial services companies spent over a
quarter of a billion dollars on online ads in December 2007, accounting
for 29% of all online ad spending.

Are you obese? Well, blame it on your social nature, for a new study has found
that outgoing and sociable people are more likely to be overweight, while
anxious and worried types tend to be
thin.

The Guardian reports that food prices are rising, which is coming as a surprise to "UK shoppers aged under 50 who have so far never experienced food-price inflation.
The article cites four reasons for the price increase…

"From throwable video cameras to shotgun-wielding robots, these are the gadgets that help you sleep at night, unless you have something to hide…"

Boston art performance group The Institute for Infinitely Small Things just launched a new book called The New American Dictionary Security/Fear Edition.

Can’t sleep? Maybe it’s your cell phone’s fault (and it doesn’t even involve ringing in the middle of the night): a recent study by scientists at the Wayne State University showed that prolonged exposure to cell phone signal can lead to bad sleep.

This retro-futuristic “air car” is now up for sale at eBay. Current bid: US $10,000.00.