If you love a good cocktail and love the taste of bacon, you may be in luck: A new kind of bacon-flavored vodka is now on the market. Yes, this is for real — I think.

Bakon: The Bacon-Flavored Vodka

The aptly named “Bakon” is described as a “superior quality potato vodka with a savory bacon flavor.” Because apparently, that’s just the flavor the world’s been craving.

The company behind Bakon — a beverage-maker called Black Rock Spirits, which has a coming-soon-style page up on its own Web site — says it wanted to create a “savory” alternative to the sweet vodka varieties currently on the market. Teams worked for two years, Black Rock says, to refine the formula. And what they came up with — well, I’ll let them describe it for you:

“It’s clean, crisp, and delicious. This is the only vodka you’ll ever want to use to make a Bloody Mary, and it’s a complementary element of both sweet and savory drinks.”

“Bakon Vodka is also a great Bar-B-Q companion. Use it in a marinade or sip it chilled with a steak.”

“No tinge or burn on the tongue, no obnoxious smoky or chemical flavors, just a clean refreshing potato vodka with delicious savory bacon flavor.”

While I’m not quite fully convinced this isn’t some sort of joke, Black Rock Spirits sure seems to be serious (even if it does refer to the bacon-flavored vodka as a “seductive indulgence”).

Bakon is currently said to be available in “limited quantities” in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Black Rock — based in Seattle — anticipates expanding its distribution in the future, if the demand is there.

Update: A Seattle news station reports sales of Bakon are “sizzling.” Even so, part of me still thinks it has to be some kind of well-orchestrated prank. I mean…bacon-flavored vodka? Really?

Thirsty? Try Bakon, the Bacon-Flavored Vodka is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jennifer Espinosa, a teacher at Maine East High School in suburban Chicago, has been arrested on accusations of having sex with a student. Espinosa is charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to Chicago-area media outlets.

Jennifer Espinosa: Maine East Teacher Arrested

Jennifer Espinosa was arrested on Saturday, when police say they found her in a car with illegal drugs inside. A 16-year-old boy was reportedly with her.

Investigators believe Espinosa had been having a sexual relationship with the boy for the past eight months. He is said to be a former student of hers prior to his expulsion last September. Espinosa, 38, taught science and special education at Maine East High School.

According to published reports, Espinosa told police she had been a “mentor” to the boy during his time at Maine East. She reportedly said the two had sex “numerous times,” both in her vehicle and in her home. She is quoted as saying the relationship did not begin until after the boy had left the school. She also is quoted as saying she “loves” the teenager.

Jennifer Espinosa is currently being held with bail set at $50,000. She is next scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

A spokesperson for school district has said Espinosa will be reassigned to non-classroom duty until the investigation is complete.

Jennifer Espinosa, Maine East Teacher, Accused of Sex With 16-Year-Old is a post from: The Inquisitr

The U.S. Navy’s rescue of an American captain held captive by pirates has now inspired a video game. Saving Captain Phillips, by online gaming site Games2Win, lets players re-enact the pirate rescue with their own keyboards.

Saving Captain Phillips

Saving Captain Phillips is a Flash-based adventure available for both free online play and free downloading. It allows players to take shots at the pirates and try to save the captain’s life.

The game itself is simple enough; it’s presumably its tie to the intense real-world event generating most of its buzz. Games2Win isn’t the only developer to try to get in on the action, either: Kuma Games has also released its own pirate rescue game entitled Somali Showdown: Pirates on the High Seas.

Saving Captain Phillips: The Pirate Rescue Video Game is a post from: The Inquisitr

Jay Bennett, a former member of the band Wilco, has reportedly died. The company that released his 2002 solo album posted the announcement over the weekend.

Jay Bennett Dies

Jay Bennett died Saturday, the posting says. The cause of his death is not immediately clear.

“We are profoundly saddened to report that our friend died in his sleep last night,” the message states. “Jay was a beautiful human being who will be missed.”

Other reports indicate an autopsy is currently underway to determine what caused Bennett, 45, to pass away.

Jay Bennett played with Wilco for seven years up until 2001. He’d been pursuing a solo career since that time and had apparently also been studying at the University of Illinois and Urbana-Champaign.

As of this publication, Wilco had yet to release any statement about the news of Bennett’s death.

Former Wilco Member Jay Bennett Dies is a post from: The Inquisitr

Map the Fallen, a project created to honor fallen troops through Google Earth technology, is launching in honor of Memorial Day this week. The system includes photos and information about more than 5,700 men and women who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Map the Fallen

Map the Fallen was started by a content developer with the Google Earth Outreach team. Using Google Earth, it allows users to sift through thousands of photos, then click on any to see how and where that person died, visit their memorial Web site, and peruse comments left by their family and friends.

Map the Fallen utilizes data from several sources, including the Department of Defense’s Statistical Information Analysis Division, icasualties.org, MilitaryTimes.com’s Honor the Fallen, Washington Post’s Faces of the Fallen, the Iraq and Afghanistan Pages, and Legacy.com. Its data goes all the way through March of this year.

“I recognize that this map is just a slice of the story in these conflicts,” its creator says. “The Iraqi and Afghani people have incurred substantial civilian losses through these wars; there are also U.S. and Coalition civilians, contractors, and reporters who have died as well.”

You can read more about the Map the Fallen project here and can download its software here. Note that you need to have Google Earth 5.0 installed for the program to work.

Map the Fallen: Honoring U.S. Troops Through Google Earth is a post from: The Inquisitr

Police are trying to figure out who set off a Starbucks explosion in New York City. Some sort of explosive device caused the windows to shatter at the Starbucks at Third Avenue on East 92nd Street, on the Upper East Side, just before 4 a.m. on Monday.

Starbucks Explosion: The Details

The actual Starbucks explosion took place on a bench outside the store, according to media reports from the New York City area. The store was closed at the time and no one was injured; however, some residents who live in apartments above the store did have to evacuate their homes.

Media outlets are noting the similarity in time with the Starbucks explosion and past blasts set outside New York’s British Consulate, Mexican Consulate, and Armed Forces recruiting booths. All those explosions also occurred between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m., a commissioner tells WABC-TV.

Starbucks Explosion: Video Report

The following video shows the scene of the Starbucks explosion shortly after the blast took place. It also includes accounts from some of the neighbors who witnessed the explosion from above the store.

VIDEO: Starbucks Explosion in NYC is a post from: The Inquisitr

The shuttle landing scheduled for Friday has been delayed due to inclement weather, NASA has announced. The shuttle Atlantis had been set to return to Florida’s Kennedy Space Center before the weekend.

Shuttle Landing Schedule

With Friday’s return off, the shuttle landing schedule now shifts to Saturday. Atlantis will have four opportunities to land then, both at Kennedy and at California’s Edwards Air Force Base. The first possibility comes at 9:16 a.m. ET at Kennedy.

The space shuttle is wrapping up an 11-day mission repairing the Hubble Space Telescope. If need be, Atlantis has enough resources to remain in space through Monday.

Shuttle Landing Live Webcast

The following is a live Webcast from NASA TV about the shuttle landing and other space-related news. Click the play button to begin the stream.

LIVE WEBCAST: Shuttle Landing Delayed Due to Weather is a post from: The Inquisitr

Mary Kay LeTourneau — the former teacher jailed for having sex with a sixth-grader, back before that kind of thing was even fashionable — is in the spotlight once again. LeTourneau will be hosting a “Hot For Teacher” night at a Washington bar this weekend, Seattle media outlets report.

Mary Kay LeTourneau 2009

Mary Kay LeTourneau served 7 1/2 years in prison until her release in 2004. She’d been convicted of raping Vili Fualaau when he was 12 and she was 34.

Fualaau, now 26 and married to LeTourneau, will be the DJ at the “Hot For Teacher” event. The owner of the establishment, Fuel Sports Eats and Beats bar, tells Seattle TV station KOMO that it’s “all in fun” and he “hopes people take it in the right spirit.”

Mary Kay LeTourneau and Vili Fualaau have evidently hosted similar events at the bar before, but previous engagements were more “low-key,” reports indicate.

Mary Kay LeTourneau Hosting ‘Hot For Teacher’ Bar Night is a post from: The Inquisitr

Hawaii’s Hanalei Bay is the best beach in America, according to a new list released by a guy who calls himself “Dr. Beach.”

Stephen P. Leatherman (oddly fitting last name for a dude who spends his days basking in the sun) published his annual “America’s Best Beaches” list this week. Leatherman — er, sorry, Dr. Beach — says he looked at dozens of different factors in making his selections. Everything from water quality to temperature and cleanliness to safety, he says, came into play.

Hanalei Bay Beyond

While Hanalei Bay, Hawaii takes the honor of best beach, nine other sandy locations are also getting a nod. Here’s Dr. Beach’s list of “America’s Best Beaches” for 2009:

1. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii

2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla.

3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, N.Y.

4. Coronado Beach, San Diego.

5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii.

6. Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.

7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, N.C.

8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Fla.

9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.

10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.

Hanalei Bay Named Nation’s Best Beach is a post from: The Inquisitr

Adam Lambert may not have won American Idol 2009, but — love him or hate him — his performances won’t soon be forgotten. During Wednesday night’s Idol finale, Lambert took the stage with rock legends KISS to perform an anthem of classic rock hits.

Adam Lambert With KISS

The Adam Lambert-KISS teaming sent sparks flying from the stage (quite literally). The gang took on “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” in an epic, fire-filled performance.

Watch Adam Lambert with KISS below. Or, if you prefer the stylings of the other Idol finalist, check out Kris Allen and Keith Urban here as the two perform “Kiss a Girl.”

VIDEO: Adam Lambert With KISS is a post from: The Inquisitr

American Idol is officially over for 2009. While the Idol results are certainly stirring up their share of discussion today, plenty of people are also buzzing about the Idol finale performances.

Kris Allen with Keith Urban

One of the most discussed performances of the night was Kris Allen and Keith Urban teaming up to perform “Kiss a Girl.” Acoustic guitar in hand, Allen joined Urban for a duet that, for many, proved to be one of the show’s most memorable moments.

Watch the Kris Allen-Keith Urban duet video below. Or, if you’re more of a Lambert kind of fan, check out Adam Lambert with KISS here.

VIDEO: Kris Allen and Keith Urban is a post from: The Inquisitr

Christin Engelberth, a sixth grader from Texas, has won Google’s 2009 Doodle 4 Google competition. Engelberth, who attends San Antonio’s Bernard Harris Middle School, has her design featured on the google.com home page today.

Christin Engelberth: Doodle 4 Google Winner

Christin Engelberth’s drawing is entitled “A New Beginning.” She says it’s meant to “express her wish that ‘out of the current crisis, discoveries will be found to help the Earth prosper once more.’”

Here’s one wish come true: For her winning entry, Engelberth will receive a $15,000 college scholarship and a laptop, in addition to having her work on display for the whole world to see. Her school will also get a $25,000 technology grant.

Christin Engelberth is joined by three Doodle 4 Google national finalists who will each receive a new laptop: Miriam Elizabeth Lowery from Covington, Tenn., Blakely Linz from Cincinnati, and Emerald Lu, from Covington, Ky.

The top Doodle 4 Google entries will all be displayed at the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum from now until July 5.

Christin Engelberth Wins Doodle 4 Google is a post from: The Inquisitr

British actress Lucy Gordon has died in what police are calling a suicide. Gordon was found hanging from the ceiling in her Paris apartment Monday, published reports indicate. Gordon would have turned 29 just two days later.

Lucy Gordon, Actress: 1980 – 2009

Lucy Gordon’s career appeared to be on an upward slope: She had played a reporter in 2007′s Spider-Man and had a part in the critically acclaimed Frost in 2008. Two other movies in which she appears, Cineman (a French comedy) and Serge Gainsbourg (in which she played the part of Jane Birkin), are both listed as being in post-production on the Internet Movie Database.

The exact circumstances leading up to Gordon’s death are not yet clear. Police tell media outlets that she “had taken her own life in terrible circumstances” and that they are “not seeking anyone else” in the investigation. A friend of Gordon’s (who, by some accounts, was a boyfriend) reportedly told police he was in the home asleep and found Gordon hanging when he awoke.

Friends of Lucy Gordon have suggested the actress was “deeply affected” by a recent friend’s suicide. Her agents are quoted as simply saying she “ended her own days.”

An autopsy is now pending.

Lucy Gordon, Actress, Dead in Apparent Suicide is a post from: The Inquisitr

Continuing our streak of free stuff announcements this week, today Oscar Mayer is handing out free hot dogs. The Oscar Mayer coupons (sometimes mistakenly called “Oscar Meyer coupons”) are available online as of Wednesday morning.

Oscar Mayer Coupons

Oscar Mayer’s coupons are good for a full pack of the company’s “Jumbo Beef Franks.” Oscar Mayer says it’ll hand out up to $1 million worth of the coupons before ending its promotion.

All you have to do to get yours is head over to OscarMayer.com and enter some basic info (name, e-mail, and mailing address). The company will then send the coupon your way in four to six weeks.

The Oscar Mayer hot dog giveaway is a result of the company’s apparent win in a national taste test. Whatever the reason — and whether you choose to call them “Oscar Mayer hot dogs” or “Oscar Meyer hot dogs” — they’re free, and that’s one price almost always worth paying.

Oscar Mayer Coupons: Free Hot Dogs! is a post from: The Inquisitr

Have you seen the video of a Chinese woman going ballistic at a car dealership? The woman evidently wants her boyfriend to buy her a car and doesn’t stop her antics until he gives in.

In the clip, seemingly shot by someone on a cell phone, the woman screams and starts driving the car around in the showroom. According to translations, she’s yelling: “The car doesn’t suit you. It suits me!”

The boyfriend, translators say, retorts with: “It’s like this each time we go shopping. I’m not buying this car for you!”

After she revs the engine and drives it back and forth in the showroom while screaming for a while, he finally relents, saying: “Stop, stop! I’ll buy it. I’ll buy it!”

I somehow suspect this guy will be working hard to gain back his friends’ respect now that the video is going viral.

VIDEO: Chinese Woman Goes Crazy at Car Dealership is a post from: The Inquisitr

Google has introduced a new autotranslation feature into its Gmail Labs menu. Gmail Message Translation helps you detect what language a message was sent in, then convert it into your own.

Gmail Message Translation

Once you enable Message Translation, any message in a foreign language will have a link at the top: “Translate message to: English” (or whatever your default language is). One click, and the message will be converted.

“If all parties are using Gmail, you can have entire conversations in multiple languages with each participant reading the messages in whatever language is most comfortable for them,” says Gmail Software Engineer Darren Lewis.

“I use this feature everyday to help me work with teammates around the globe (they think my Japanese is much better than it really is…shhhh!),” he jokes.

Gmail Message Translation is now available in the Gmail Labs menu found under the green lab symbol on the top right of the page.

Google Adds Message Translation Into Gmail Labs is a post from: The Inquisitr

Warner Brothers has released the first official Sherlock Holmes trailer, previewing the upcoming 2009 film. The Sherlock Holmes movie stars Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams.

The ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Movie

The Sherlock Holmes movie features Downey in the starring role of Sherlock Holmes. McAdams plays Irene Adler, and Jude Law is Dr. John Watson. The film is currently set to hit theaters this coming December.

‘Sherlock Holmes’ Trailer Video

Below is the official Sherlock Holmes trailer. You can read more about the movie at IMDB here.

Watch the New ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Trailer is a post from: The Inquisitr

We here at The Inquisitr love free stuff, and today P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is giving away coupons for a complimentary lettuce wraps appetizer.

The P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Coupons

The P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps offer is available for anyone in the United States. It’s part of a promotion with PGA tour pro Briny Baird, who teed off from an Omni Hotel roof in San Diego as part of a Navy/Marine Corps benefit Tuesday.

To get the P.F. Chang’s coupons, all you have to do is go here and enter your e-mail address. The company will then e-mail you a printable P.F. Chang’s coupon for a free lettuce wraps appetizer with the purchase of any entrée.

Bon appetit!

Free Stuff: P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Coupons is a post from: The Inquisitr

“The Cosby Show” cast is back together — for a day, at least. The “Cosby” cast reunited on “The Today Show” Tuesday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the show’s first airing. Bill Cosby, Raven-Symone, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and the entire gang all sat down to relive the memories.

‘The Cosby Show’ Cast Reunion

“The Cosby Show” started on NBC back in 1984. The Huxtables quickly became an American staple, and the show stayed on-the-air until 1992.

The following two videos show “The Cosby Show” cast reunion on “Today” this morning.

VIDEO: ‘The Cosby Show’ Cast Reunites is a post from: The Inquisitr

A man and woman from New York say they’ve found Jesus — inside a bag of Cheetos. The so-called “Cheesus” popped out of a snack bag the two bought while driving cross-country recently, and it’s quickly becoming quite the online phenomenon.

Meet Cheesus

Image courtesy Preston Hollow People

Cheesus just “appeared,” the two say, and they’re not sure what to do about it. For now, the Cheeto Jesus is being kept carefully wrapped inside a wristwatch box.

“What I’ve been worried about is if I have it around my house, it’ll get eaten,” the woman, a retired teacher, tells a local newspaper.

The two tell local media outlets their friends have urged them to put the Cheeto Jesus up for sale on eBay, or to try to get it on the Ellen talk show. For now, though, they’ve made no decisions.

Cheesus: The Cheeto Jesus is a post from: The Inquisitr

In an unusual promotion, Yahoo is giving away free popcorn. Want some?

The Yahoo free popcorn deal allows you to submit some basic info — name, address, phone number, and e-mail — and receive a free bag of popable goodness in the mail. It’s part of Yahoo’s digital TV transition page.

“Cuddle up with your old TV before transitioning to digital and get a FREE bag of popcorn, courtesy of Yahoo!” the site says.

I never expected to be receiving free popcorn from Yahoo, but I won’t say no.

Find it here.

Want Some Free Popcorn From Yahoo? is a post from: The Inquisitr

Vice President Joe Biden may have inadvertently revealed the location of his top-secret bunker. The Biden bunker remark came during a dinner in Washington, published reports indicate.

Biden Bunker Revelation

Joe Biden apparently discussed the secret bunker during a Gridiron Club dinner. Reports suggest the vice president described an emergency hiding spot beneath the official vice presidential home, the former U.S. Naval Observatory. The location is believed to be where Dick Cheney was taken in the days following the 9/11 attacks.

A story by Newsweek editor Eleanor Clift states that Biden said he was recently given a tour of the facility. It is “behind a massive steel door secured by an elaborate lock with a narrow hallway lined with shelves filled with communications equipment,” she writes.

“The officer explained that when Cheney was in lock down, this was where his most trusted aides were stationed, an image that Biden conveyed in a way that suggested we shouldn’t be surprised that the policies that emerged were off the wall,” Clift says.

Biden’s Secret Bunker Revealed? is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Sims 3, the hotly anticipated video game by Electronic Arts, has seemingly been leaked online a full two weeks before its official release. Files that appear to contain the game were distributed via sharing site The Pirate’s Bay early Monday morning.

The Sims 3 Leaked

The Sims 3 files posted on The Pirate’s Bay are just under 5GB total and come from a user listed as “lordofwhee.” As of this posting, nearly 750 people had downloaded the files.

“‘Cause I love all of you so very much, I present The Sims 3,” the top of the page states.

Comments from a moderator and others suggest The Sims 3 leak is the real deal. Electronic Arts has yet to comment on the matter.

The Pirate’s Bay, you may remember, was the subject of a major court case last month. A Swedish court found its founders guilty of breaking copyright law and sentenced them to one year in jail along with US$3.6 million in damages.

The Sims 3 Leaked Two Weeks Ahead of Release is a post from: The Inquisitr

Here’s a holiday everyone can get on-board with: Today, May 15, is National Chocolate Chip Day. Had I known about this back on National High Five Day, I certainly would have slapped some skin in its honor.

National Chocolate Chip Day

Not much is known about National Chocolate Chip Day other than that it’s a celebration of all things chocolate chip. And, really, that’s probably more than enough information for revelers.

I can tell you that National Chocolate Chip Day evidently falls on May 15th of every year. And I can suggest an activity that might just be fit for the occasion:

Mars’ Real Chocolate Relief program is in full effect today. The so-called “Free Chocolate Friday” promotion means you can get a free full-sized candy bar just by signing up. It might not technically have chocolate chips…but hey, I say it’s close enough.

Celebrate: It’s National Chocolate Chip Day! is a post from: The Inquisitr

General Motors has announced it is closing 1,100 of its U.S. dealerships. The move comes as the company sits on the brink of bankruptcy. GM is expected to ultimately close more than 2,300 dealerships by the end of 2010.

GM Dealership Closures

The specific General Motors dealerships closing list has yet to be revealed. GM says it will be holding discussions in the coming weeks to make its final decisions. The process, according to published reports, is beginning today.

The GM dealerships in question reportedly have 120,000 unsold vehicles valued at $2.5 billion. All of the GM dealership closures are expected to occur by next October.

General Motors announced it was cutting 47,000 jobs this past February. In April, the company discussed further cuts, including the elimination of the Pontiac brand.

Chrysler, meanwhile, revealed this week that it was shutting down a quarter of its American dealerships. A full list of Chrysler dealerships closing can be found here.

General Motors Dealerships Closing: 1,100 Locations Affected is a post from: The Inquisitr

Wayman Tisdale, a former NBA player and Olympian, has died. Tisdale passed away Friday following a battle with cancer. He was 44 years old.

Wayman Tisdale Death

Wayman Tisdale had been fighting cancer for the past two years. He first learned of his illness after a fall on a staircase shattered his leg bone, sending doctors a signal that something was amiss. Physicians soon found a cancerous cyst below the right knee. Tisdale had to have his leg amputated last August as a result of the disease.

Wayman Tisdale: 1964 – 2009

Wayman Tisdale was a three-time All American at Oklahoma and went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA. He played with the Indiana Pacers, the Sacramento Kings, and the Phoenix Suns. At 6 feet, 9 inches, Tisdale was a tough part of the team to miss. He joined the U.S. Olympic team that took home the gold medal in 1984.

Following his basketball career, Wayman Tisdale turned to jazz, creating several records which made it into the Billboard’s top 10 listings.

Wayman Tisdale was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame just last month. He leaves behind a wife and four children.

Wayman Tisdale, NBA Legend, Dies is a post from: The Inquisitr

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced the Daytime Emmy nominations for 2009. The awards show, scheduled to be broadcast August 30th at 8 p.m. on CW, will be hosted by Vanessa Williams. Sesame Street will be given the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for its 40 years of educational television.

Daytime Emmy Nominations 2009: The Full List

The full list of Daytime Emmy nominations for 2009 follows. It’s no short document, either: There are 50 full pages of Emmy Award contenders. Good luck!

Daytime Emmy Nominations 2009: The Full List is a post from: The Inquisitr

Chrysler is planning close a quarter of its American dealerships, the company has announced. The Chrysler dealerships closing announcement comes as part of the auto-manufacturer’s bankruptcy filing. In a motion filed Thursday, Chrysler indicated it would shut down nearly 800 U.S. dealerships by June 9 of this year.

Chrysler says just over half of its dealers make up 90 percent of its sales, which is why it wants to eliminate the more poorly performing locations. Some of those dealerships have already indicated they will fight the proposal.

The Chrysler dealerships set to close account for 14 percent of the company’s total U.S. sales, representatives say.

Chrysler Dealerships Closing List

The following is a complete list of the Chrysler dealerships closing. You can also find an interactive state-by-state breakdown here.

Chrysler Dealerships Closing: The Complete List is a post from: The Inquisitr

Google now says a traffic routing error caused the massive outage dubbed as #googlefail Thursday morning.

All Google services, ranging from Gmail to the main Google Search page, were unavailable to users worldwide for a period of 60 to 90 minutes. Google SVP of Operations Urs Hoelzle has posted the following explanation to the Official Google Blog:

This is your pilot speaking. Now, about that holding pattern…

Imagine if you were trying to fly from New York to San Francisco, but your plane was routed through an airport in Asia. And a bunch of other planes were sent that way too, so your flight was backed up and your journey took much longer than expected. That’s basically what happened to some of our users today for about an hour, starting at 7:48 am Pacific time.

An error in one of our systems caused us to direct some of our web traffic through Asia, which created a traffic jam. As a result, about 14% of our users experienced slow services or even interruptions. We’ve been working hard to make our services ultrafast and “always on,” so it’s especially embarrassing when a glitch like this one happens. We’re very sorry that it happened, and you can be sure that we’ll be working even harder to make sure that a similar problem won’t happen again. All planes are back on schedule now.

Misrouted Traffic Blamed For Google Outage is a post from: The Inquisitr

NEW INFORMATION: Misrouted Traffic Blamed For Google Outage

Something very strange is going on with Google this morning. Most Google-related services appear to be either down or barely functioning as of Thursday morning.

Even the google.com home page is barely loading, if at all, for many users. Gmail, Google Reader, Google News, and most every other common Google application seems to be suffering similarly.

A quick poll on Twitter confirmed I’m far from the only one experiencing this seemingly widespread outage. I’ve placed calls, e-mails, and tweets to try to get some answers as to what’s happening. If and when I hear anything, I’ll pass it along here.

The SANS Internet Storm Center now reports the Google-wide outage has been going on for about an hour, since about 10:45 EDT.

Update: Massive discussion going on via Twitter: #googlefail and gmailfail.

Update: Google services seem to be (more or less) back online as of about 12:20 p.m. ET. No official word on a cause yet. There’s some speculation via Twitter that the issue may be specific to AT&T Internet customers, though that information has not been confirmed.

Update: Google is “looking into” the issues and promising a full update sometime soon (via the first official statement). Everything appears to be back to normal at this point.

Google Outage Appears to be Over; No Explanation Thus Far is a post from: The Inquisitr

David Martz, a helicopter pilot, has had his pilot’s license revoked over a videotaped incident of mid-flight oral sex. Martz was flying with a porn star named Puma Swede when she apparently performed the act.

David Martz Suspension

The National Transportation Safety Board has just finished its investigation and decided to pull Martz’s license, news reports indicate. NTSB investigators reportedly found Swede’s body was blocking access to the chopper’s controls during the act. Martz will have the option to reapply for his license after one year’s time.

Martz had previously been in hot water over a reckless flying incident, according to San Diego’s KFMB-AM Talk Radio. The station quotes Martz as having responded to the oral sex incident by simply saying: “That’s how we roll and it’s no big deal.”

David Martz Video

The following two clips, obtained by TMZ, show segments of the David Martz video involving Puma Swede. The first begins on the runway and includes portions of the flight, while the second involves an interview with Swede.

The videos are not pornographic; however, the subject matter may be NSFW and inappropriate for some viewers, so play at your own discretion.

David Martz Video: Helicopter Pilot Disciplined For Mid-Flight Oral Sex is a post from: The Inquisitr

A nearly-naked guy from Queens has earned the dubious distinction of being the first streaker at Citi Field. The Mets streaker slid into second base Tuesday night, wearing nothing but a carefully placed stuffed animal.

The Mets Streaker

The man, identified as 29-year-old Craig Coakley, ran from the seats near first base in the middle of the fifth inning of the Mets-Brave game. He had “Let’s Go Mets” painted on his back, and — as a video seemingly made by him and his friends suggest — he may have been planning his “exhibition” all along.

“Right now, I’m about to make history,” a man who appears to be the Mets streaker states on the video. “I’m about to go be the first person to streak on Citi Field.”

Coakley was taken away by security guards. He’s been charged with trespassing and interfering with a sporting event.

Mets Streaker Video

VIDEO: Mets Streaker Takes It Off at Citi Field is a post from: The Inquisitr

Maxim has released its annual Maxim Hot 100 list for 2009, showcasing the most beautiful women of the year. The Hot 100 features some familiar faces as well as some names you may not know.

Maxim Hot 100 2009: Olivia Wilde

The number one contender is Olivia Wilde, the actress from “House, M.D.”

Olivia Wilde’s page from the Maxim Hot 100

You can see Olivia Wilde’s full Maxim Hot 100 gallery here.

Maxim Hot 100 Video

The following Maxim Hot 100 video offers a behind-the-scenes peek at the photo shoot for Jordana Brewster, who came in at number 9 on this year’s list.

Maxim Hot 100: The Full List

The full Maxim Hot 100 2009 list follows. Head over to maxim.com to check out each girl’s photos and information.

100. Deanna Russo
99. Melissa Rycroft
98. Rebecca Mader
97. Marisa Tomei
96. Olivia Munn
95. Padma Lakshmi
94. Yvonne Strahovski
93. Michelle Obama
92. Joanna Krupa
91. Chelsea Handler
90. Roselyn Sanchez
89. Jamie Chung
88. Diane Kruger
87. Summer Glau
86. Ali Campoverdi
85. Michelle Trachtenberg
84. Minka Kelly
83. Whitney Port
82. Emma Watson
81. Heidi Montag
80. Jamie Gunns
79. Jaime King
78. Danica Patrick
77. Stacy Keibler
76. Cameron Richardson
75. Tricia Helfer
74. Amanda Bynes
73. Ashley Tisdale
72. Camilla Belle
71. Gabrielle Union
70. Maria Menounos
69. Jennifer Morrison
68. Ashley Greene
67. Emmy Rossum
66. Emma Stone
65. Amanda Righetti
64. Diora Baird
63. Milla Jovovich
62. Heidi Klum
61. Dania Ramirez
60. Carrie Underwood
59. Ana Ivanovic
58. Miranda Kerr
57. Audrina Patridge
56. Amber Heard
55. Christina Milian
54. Rachel Bilson
53. Kim Kardashian
52. Beyoncé
51. Sienna Miller
50. Taylor Swift
49. Freida Pinto
48. Arielle Kebbel
47. Katie Cassidy
46. Nicole Scherzinger
45. Fergie
44. Avril Lavigne
43. Elisha Cuthbert
42. Nikki Reed
41. Nadine Velazquez
40. Lily Allen
39. Anna Faris
38. Charlize Theron
37. Cameron Diaz
36. Hayden Panettiere
35. Anna Kournikova
34. Scarlett Johansson
33. Blake Lively
32. Ciara
31. Hilary Duff
30. Penélope Cruz
29. Zoe Saldana
28. Danneel Harris
27. Vanessa Hudgens
26. Angelina Jolie
25. Julianne Hough
24. Eva Mendes
23. Lindsay Lohan
22. Kate Beckinsale
21. AnnaLynne McCord
20. Moon Bloodgood
19. Chan Marshall
18. Marisa Miller
17. Britney Spears
16. Gina Carano
15. Katy Perry
14. Christina Aguilera
13. Jessica Alba
12. Leighton Meester
11. Jessica Biel
10. Jennifer Love Hewitt
9. Jordana Brewster
8. Rihanna
7. Adriana Lima
6. Eliza Dushku
5. Mila Kunis
4. Malin Akerman
3. Bar Refaeli
2. Megan Fox
1. Olivia Wilde

Maxim Hot 100 2009: The Full List, Plus Video is a post from: The Inquisitr

A new startup called TrueCar officially launches today with the goal of keeping car salesmen honest. TrueCar, based out of Santa Monica, aims to let you “find out what others really paid.”

The TrueCar Model

TrueCar’s interface is simple enough to use: You enter your zip code, then search by specific make and model to get data on actual sales within your area. The company claims to use real sales data from your city to generate a visual representation of what any particular vehicle is really selling for. The numbers, TrueCar says, represent the past four weeks in car sales.

TrueCar’s service is fully free thus far. The company is backed by Anthem Venture Partners, Global Retail Partners, and Capricorn.

TrueCar

TrueCar Hopes to Add Honesty Into Car Sales is a post from: The Inquisitr

Google is announcing a number of new search-related products at its second annual Searchology event in Silicon Valley today. Among them is a souped-up search option called “Google Squared.”

Understanding Google Squared

Google Squared goes beyond tracking down Web pages about any given topic. Rather, it puts together a virtual dossier of facts from numerous sources based on your search query.

Search for “small dogs,” for example, and Google Squared would give you a table on various small dog breeds. Data ranging from the animals’ heights to weights would be included in (what’s designed to be) an easy-to-digest, organized format. From there, you could click onto any section of the table to get more information from its specific source. You could even save the custom table for later use.

“It is something that pushes search in an entirely new direction,” stated Marissa Mayer, Google’s VP of search products and user experience. “It is a hard, computer science problem to take this unstructured information and present it in a structured way.”

Google Squared is expected to be made widely available within Google Labs before the end of May.

Google Search Options

Google is also previewing an upcoming feature called Search Options that lets you customize queries in greater detail than what’s currently available. The Search Options panel will allow you to set search filters based on time or type of site.

You can see more about Google Search Options in the video below.

Search Gets Organized With Google Squared is a post from: The Inquisitr

Carrie Prejean, the Miss California model who’s found herself in a world of controversy, will get to keep her crown. Donald Trump — who owns the Miss Universe Organization — announced today he would not pull Prejean’s title, despite the numerous calls for him to do so.

Donald Trump’s Miss California Ruling

At a press conference Tuesday morning, Trump announced: “Carrie will remain Miss California. We are in the 21st century.”

Trump went on to say that the organization had “really studied” the revealing photos that surfaced of Prejean earlier this month.

“We’ve made a determination that everything we’ve seen to date that she’s done — some were very beautiful, some were risqué — the pictures taken were acceptable, were fine, and in some cases were lovely pictures,” he said.

In response, Prejean thanked God for “trusting [her] with this large task and giving [her] the strength to stand by [her] beliefs.”

Carrie Prejean will keep her Miss California title through November, when a new winner is announced.

The Carrie Prejean Controversy

Read more about the Carrie Prejean controversy:

• Carrie Prejean Miss California Topless Photos Surface on the Web
• Carrie Prejean Urged to Resign as Miss California by Pageant Organizers
• Carrie Prejean Pictures: Miss California Lashes Back
• Carrie Prejean says gay marriage question came from Satan

Donald Trump: Miss California Won’t Lose Her Crown is a post from: The Inquisitr

Rev up your rhyming spirits, dear friends: Today is Limerick Day, the latest in an endless string of odd holidays we just love to celebrate.

Limerick Day

Limerick Day is celebrated in honor of the birth of English writer Edward Lear, who is credited with making the limerick popular. A limerick, in case you aren’t aware, is a five-line poem in which the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme, and the third and fourth lines also rhyme.

Here’s one of the limericks credited to Lear:

There was an Old Man in a tree,
Who was horribly bored by a Bee;
When they said, ‘Does it buzz?’
He replied, ‘Yes, it does!’
‘It’s a regular brute of a Bee!’

Lear lived from 1812 until 1888. You can read all about his life here and check out much of his work here.

And, for the love of limericks, if you leave a comment — make it rhyme.

All About Limerick Day is a post from: The Inquisitr

Katy Tur, girlfriend of MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann, has reportedly joined The Weather Channel as a “Vortex 2 digital journalist.” Tur, 25, had previously worked as a freelance reporter at New York City’s Tribune-owned WPIX, according to industry news sites.

Katy Tur at the Weather Channel

Katy Tur’s new gig, TVNewser reports, will be “chasing tornadoes” as part of The Weather Channel’s Vortex2 program.

Tur has apparently talked tornadoes on The Weather Channel before: A short video is available here showing her discussing tornado-chasing gadgets.

NBC Universal owns both MSNBC and The Weather Channel. Olbermann tells TVNewser, however, he had nothing to do with Katy Tur getting the job.

“Anybody who suggests so is misinformed, and/or sadly unaware that in this time when the industry is collapsing around us, nobody gets a job based on ‘influence,’ only talent,” he said.

Katy Tur, Keith Olbermann’s Girlfriend, Joins The Weather Channel is a post from: The Inquisitr

Google has announced the finalists in its Doodle for Google design contest. The competition challenged kids to create a Google logo with the theme “What I Wish for the World.”

Doodle for Google Finalists

Google has selected and 40 “regional winners,” all of whom are eligible for one of four overall national finalist spots. The decision is now in the public’s hands: Voting is open on the official Doodle 4 Google site from now until May 18. The winner will be announced on May 20 and appear on google.com on the 21st.

In addition to having his or her logo displayed on the Google home page, the Doodle 4 Google winner will also receive a college scholarship worth $15,000.

More than 28,000 entries were received this year — a jump of 70 percent in participation from the previous year, Google says.

Doodle for Google Finalists Announced is a post from: The Inquisitr

Gary Dell’Abate, known more commonly as Howard Stern producer Baba Booey, probably shouldn’t become a professional pitcher. Dell’Abate threw out the first pitch at a Mets-Pirates game over the weekend — though the word “threw” may be a bit generous.

Baba Booey’s First Pitch

Baba Booey’s first pitch didn’t go near home plate, veering way off to the side instead. “I was really hoping that that would not end up on television,” Dell’Abate told a news crew.

Of course, it did — and now, you can see it for yourself.

Baba Booey’s first pitch was in honor of Autism Awareness Day. Kim Kardashian also appeared for the cause.

VIDEO: Baba Booey’s First Pitch is a post from: The Inquisitr

NASA’s space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Center at 2:01 p.m. EDT today (Monday, May 11). As of mid-morning, NASA says the weather is good and there’s a 90 percent chance of it remaining so. You can watch the shuttle launch live here as it happens.

Space Shuttle Atlantis: The Mission

The space shuttle Atlantis will be traveling to the Hubble Space Telescope in what’s considered the “final space shuttle mission” to service the equipment. The crew will spend 11 days working on the telescope, installing two new instruments and repairing two inactive ones. The repairs are designed to keep the Hubble Space Telescope running through at least 2014.

Atlantis’s crew is scheduled to perform five spacewalks. The mission (STS-125) is commanded by Scott Altman and piloted by retired Navy Capt. Gregory C. Johnson.

You can find the minute-by-minute breakdown of Atlantis’s timeline on our Space Shuttle Launch Schedule 2009 page.

Shuttle Launch Live 2009 Webcast

Below is a live stream from the Kennedy Space Center, courtesy NASA TV. Click the play button to begin the Webcast.

Shuttle Launch Live 2009: Atlantis Webcast is a post from: The Inquisitr

The space shuttle Atlantis is set to launch at 2:01 p.m. EDT today. The coming few hours will be jam-packed for NASA as crew members go about the busy space shuttle launch schedule. A full breakdown of key events follows.

You can read more about Atlantis’s mission on our Shuttle Launch Live 2009: Atlantis Webcast page. There, you’ll also find live streaming coverage of Atlantis from the Kennedy Space Center.

Space Shuttle Launch Schedule 2009

The next major milestone in Atlantis’s space shuttle launch schedule starts at T-3 hours and holding. Assuming everything stays on-schedule (as of mid-morning, NASA is estimating a 90 percent chance of good conditions), the following timeline will occur:

T-3 hours and holding
This built-in hold typically lasts two hours.
* Perform inertial measurement unit preflight calibration
* Align Merritt Island Launch Area (MILA) tracking antennas
* Final Inspection Team proceeds to the launch pad to conduct a detailed analysis of the vehicle as the team walks up and down the entire launch tower
* Closeout Crew proceeds to the launch pad to configure the crew module for countdown and launch and assist the astronauts with entry into the orbiter

T-3 hours and counting
* Crew departs for the launch pad and, upon arriving at the pad, begins entry into the orbiter via the White Room
* Complete close-out preparations in the launch pad’s White Room
* Check cockpit switch configurations
* Astronauts perform air-to-ground voice checks with Launch Control (Kennedy Space Center) and Mission Control (Johnson Space Center)
* Close the orbiter’s crew hatch and check for leaks
* Complete White Room close-out
* Close-out crew retreats to fallback area

T-20 minutes and holding
This built-in hold typically lasts 10 minutes.
* Shuttle Test Director conducts final launch team briefings
* Complete inertial measurement unit preflight alignments

T-20 minutes and counting
* Transition the orbiter’s onboard computers to launch configuration
* Start fuel cell thermal conditioning
* Close orbiter cabin vent valves
* Transition backup flight system to launch configuration

T-9 minutes and holding
This is the final built-in hold, and varies in length depending on the mission.
* The Launch Director, Mission Management Team and Shuttle Test Director poll their teams for a go/no go for launch

T-9 minutes and counting
* Start automatic ground launch sequencer
* Retract orbiter access arm (T-7 minutes, 30 seconds)
* Start auxiliary power units (T-5 minutes, 0 seconds)
* Arm solid rocket booster range safety safe and arm devices (T-5 minutes, 0 seconds)
* Start orbiter aerosurface profile test, followed by main engine gimbal profile test (T-3 minutes, 55 seconds)
* Retract gaseous oxygen vent arm, or “beanie cap”

T-2 minutes, 55 seconds
* Crew members close and lock their visors

T-2 minutes, 0 seconds
* Orbiter transfers from ground to internal power

T-50 seconds
* Ground launch sequencer is go for auto sequence start (T-31 seconds)
* Activate launch pad sound suppression system

T-16 seconds
* Activate main engine hydrogen burnoff system

T-10 seconds)
* Main engine start (T-6.6 seconds)

T-0
* Solid rocket booster ignition and liftoff!

Space Shuttle Launch Schedule 2009: Atlantis’s Timeline is a post from: The Inquisitr

The U.S. Social Security Administration has released its annual list of the top baby names for 2009. The list — which, though released this year, actually looks at baby names from 2008 — shows Jacob holding the top spot for boys for its 10th consecutive years. On the girls’ side, Emma jumped up to the number 1 spot.

Top Baby Names 2009 List

Some interesting points from the list:

• The name Barack blasted up a full 10,000 spots on the list, making it to number 2,409. The SSA expects it to crack the top 1,000 by next year.

• The name Khloe some strong growth, too, catapulting 469 spots from number 665 to number 196. Chloe with a “C” has also broken into the top 10 for the first time ever. Sadly, the SSA ties the surge in popularity to Khloe Kardashian’s growing fame.

• Another pop culture effect can be seen with the name Miley, climbing 152 spots to become the 127th most popular name. The name was never on the list at all until last year.

• Some unusual names that debuted on the list this year: Isla, Mareli, Dayami, Nylah, and Jazlene for girls; and Aadon, Chace, Marley, Kash, Kymani, Ishaan, Jadiel, and Urijah for boys. (There is a Marley brother named Kymani, by the way. Coincidence?)

Top Baby Names: The Top 10 Breakdown

Here’s the top 10 breakdown of most popular baby names for boys and girls.

Boys:

1. Jacob
2. Michael
3. Ethan
4. Joshua
5. Daniel
6. Alexander
7. Anthony
8. William
9. Christopher
10. Matthew

Girls:

1. Emma
2. Isabella
3. Emily
4. Madison
5. Ava
6. Olivia
7. Sophia
8. Abigail
9. Elizabeth
10. Chloe

Top Baby Names 2009: The Miley and Khloe Effect is a post from: The Inquisitr

Dominic DiMaggio, the youngest DiMaggio baseball-playing brother, has died. DiMaggio — known as Dom DiMaggio or sometimes the “Little Professor” — was 92 years old.

Dominic DiMaggio: 1917 – 2009

Dominic DiMaggio played 11 seasons with the Red Sox between 1940 and 1953. Like his brothers Joe DiMaggio and Vince DiMaggio, he played center field. Dom DiMaggio was a seven-time All-Star and secured a still-standing Boston club record with hits in 34 consecutive games.

DiMaggio came close to a Most Valuable Player title, too, finishing ninth in the MVP race in 1946. Following his baseball career, Dominic DiMaggio operated a car carpeting company. He ran that until 1983, when he formally retired.

Dominic DiMaggio died at his home in Marion, Massachusetts, according to the official Major League baseball site. His wife did not tell MLB.com a specific cause of death but did indicate he had been sick. She described him as the “most wonderful, warm, loving man.” The two had been married for 61 years.

Joe DiMaggio died in 1999, while Vince passed away in ’86.

Dominic DiMaggio, ‘The Little Professor,’ Dies is a post from: The Inquisitr

Don’t forget: Today is free chocolate day! Mars Candy is handing out free full-sized candy bars as part of its Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act. Only the first 250,000 people who sign up will get the free chocolate today, so try while you can.

Free Chocolate: How?

Mars Candy announced it’s handing out free chocolate every Friday between now and September as part of its “relief” program. You just have to sign up on RealChocolate.com to get a coupon for a choice of a Snickers, Twix, Dove, 3 Musketeers, or M&Ms.

If you can’t get through today, don’t worry: You have every Friday until September 25 to try. The giveaway opens at 9 a.m. ET each week.

The free chocolate coupons take about five weeks to be mailed to you. Good luck!

Reminder: It’s Free Chocolate Day. Want Yours? is a post from: The Inquisitr

The characters from “The Simpsons” have officially made Postal Service history. The famous cartoon family is featured on its own set of USPS postage stamps in circulation as of this week, becoming the first TV characters to have their own exclusive stamp while their show is still in production.

‘The Simpsons’ Stamps

“The Simpsons” stamps are each 44-cents and are being sold in books of 20. You can get them at post office locations or have them delivered straight to you by ordering online here. You can also register to win a limited-edition “Simpsons” poster signed by show creator Matt Groening — who, by the way, had the following to say about the honor:

“This is the biggest and most adhesive honor ‘The Simpsons’ has ever received.”

The show’s executive producer, James L. Brooks, added the following:

“We are emotionally moved by the Postal Service selecting us rather than making the lazy choice of someone who has benefited society.”

You can vote on your favorite “Simpsons” stamp at the USPS site here.

‘The Simpsons’ Get Their Own Postage Stamps is a post from: The Inquisitr

Ean Evans, the bass player with Lynyrd Skynyrd, has died. Evans had been with the band since 2001, when founding member Leon Wilkeson passed away. He was 48 years old.

Image courtesy LynyrdSkynyrd.com

Ean Evans, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Ean Evans played with Lynyrd Skynyrd through 2008, when he was first diagnosed with cancer. Evans had been playing with a band called the Outlaws when he was offered the gig. Evans was said to have studied the word of Wilkeson during his early years.

“Ean put up a valiant battle with an aggressive form of cancer and he will be sorely missed by family, friends and fans,” Lynynrd Skynyrd’s Web site now reads.

Evans’ death follows the loss of Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Billy Powell just this past January.

Ean Evans Video

The following Ean Evans video shows him performing with Lynyrd Skynyrd prior to falling ill.

Ean Evans, Lynyrd Skynyrd Bassist, Dies is a post from: The Inquisitr

Mars Candy is handing out free candy bars with (as far as we can tell) no catch. It’s part of a new promotion called the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act, and it’s one you probably shouldn’t let slip by.

Mars Candy Chocolate Relief Act

All you have to do is head over to RealChocolate.com on any (or every) Friday between now and September 25. Mars Candy will give coupons for free full-size candy bars — your choice of Snickers, Twix, Dove, 3 Musketeers, or M&Ms — to the first 250,000 people who sign in.

The weekly giveaway will open at 9 a.m. ET and close at 11:59 p.m. ET, or whenever 250,000 coupons have been printed.

You’ll have to give some basic info to get the goods: name, e-mail, and mailing address. The coupon will then be mailed your way within five weeks. You can only get one per e-mail address per Friday, and four per mailing address total over the entire five-month period.

Not too shabby.

Mmm…Mars Candy’s Chocolate Relief Act is a post from: The Inquisitr

In honor of Odd Day (05/07/09), we thought we’d bring you an odd invention from the nation of Japan. Behold Fuwarinka Scented Gum, the only (as far as we know) chewing gum that makes your entire body smell fresh as a daisy. Supposedly.

Fuwarinka Scented Gum

Fuwarinka Scented Gum is said to give your entire body a “fragrant rose aroma.” Peach-jasmine-flavored, a single chicklet of the stuff sends floral fragrances out all of your pores, its makers claim:

An incredibly unique taste, this is peach jasmine flavored gum by kracie with special healing benefits. Not only is this a sugarless gum with added vitamin C, but it also contains hyaluronic acid, an ingredient claimed to help prevent premature aging in the skin, and it even improves the way you smell, adding a touch of rose aroma to your natural body odor.

Well, I’ll be. Rose-scented chewing gum — what’ll they think of next?

Fuwarinka Scented Gum is available for $1.50 a pack, plus a small slice of your dignity that you’ll never get back.

Fuwarinka Scented Gum: Like Deodorant, But In Gum is a post from: The Inquisitr

Feeling odd? You’re not alone. Today, 05/07/09, is worldwide Odd Day, an event that happens only six times a century when a date consists of three consecutive odd numbers. Odd Day first occurred in this century on 01/03/05.

Odd Day: What to Do?

So what’s one to do on Odd Day, other than generally being awed and saying lots of “oohs” and “ahhs”? The folks over at the official Odd Day Web site have some suggestions:

It’s a great day to do your odds ‘n ends, give a friend a high-five, root for the odds-on-favorite, read the Wizard of Odds, watch the Odd Couple, say aaaahd in the doctor’s office, look for sea odders, find that missing odd sock, and beat the odds.

If those things don’t strike your fancy, you can always just talk about how awesome it is to have odd conversations about Odd Day. Try to work in as many “ahhh” sounds as you can — it’s far more fun that way.

Odd Day Contest

Extremely odd behavior could win you the odd sum of $579. The odds may be against you, but hey — it’s worth a shot.

OddDay.net will hand out the cash to the largest and oddest “parade of odd characters,” as well as to the people who writes the best “odd ode” and comes up with the most creative Odd Day celebrations. Head over to OddDay.net to learn more.

For some inspiration, we leave you with this Odd ode, written by the oddballs at OddDay.net:

As Odd as it is, the day will be fine,
You see, it’s the numbers 5,7, and 9.
Three odds in a row to tell you the date,
We’ve only three more, then a 90-year wait.

All About Odd Day: 05/07/09 is a post from: The Inquisitr