Daily Dose of Common Sense

Here are some of our favorite brief Web stories from this week.

Some people had common sense.

• In order to avoid the chaos and tragedy of recent years, many stores have revamped their Black Friday policies. For example, Walmart stores will remain open Thanksgiving night and into Friday morning to prevent a 5AM stampede.
• You may feel, like me, that rude people abound these days. Well, one woman is fighting back, one intervention at a time.
• Kellogg’s has decided to stop bragging that Cocoa Krispies build a child’s immunity. Added vitamins were the company’s defense, but they have now rethought the marketing language after complaints about promoting a sugary cereal as a health benefit.
• Facebook prevented a 19-year old man from going to jail. Arrested as a suspect in a crime, the man was able to prove he wasn’t guilty by the time on his Facebook status update. Social media to the rescue!

And, some did not.

• A Florida man called 911 looking for sex. FOUR times. He said it was the only number he could dial after running out of cell phone minutes. What the WHAT?
• A 24-year old Texas woman lied about having breast cancer in order to get implants. She shaved her head and held a benefit, then spent the money raised on breast implants. Look out, honey. The karma train can be a bitch.
• Three words: Michael Jackson seance.

Here are some of our favorite brief Web stories from this week.

Some people had common sense.

• Science-Based Medicine has a great article on the dangers of homebirth with a midwife. It is the most dangerous form of planned birth in the U.S. As a friend on Twitter said, “Get to the hospital, hippy!”
• In an effort to encourage Californians not to drive so much, pay-as-you-drive insurance plans will now be offered there. If you’ve ever experienced their traffic, any reasonable measure to get fewer cars on the road gets a thumbs up.
• A Wisconsin woman called 911 to report herself as a drunk driver. She said she didn’t want to hurt anyone. We realize she never should have gotten behind the wheel in the first place, but at least she wised up. Most drunk drivers don’t have the cajones to report themselves; instead, they take their chances on the road.
• The two greatest SNL hosts ever–Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin–take over hosting duties for the 2010 Oscars. Smart choice by the producers, who must know that the show format is stale, stale, stale. Here’s hoping for a “Pete’s Schweatty Balls” sketch on awards night.

And, some did not.

• A company has released a $100 mobile device that connects only to Twitter. It doesn’t make phone calls or let you retrieve emails. Only Twitter. In case you didn’t know, you can get an iPhone at these prices, which will give you a whole lot more functionality.
• 53% of Maine voters denied gays the same rights as heterosexuals. Hey, Maine, you think gay marriage is immoral? Blag Hag said it best: Know what else is an abomination, Maine? Lobster.
• Because the airline industry is doing so well, United says “no” to track suits in first class. Shouldn’t they just be grateful that anyone can afford to buy a first class ticket these days?
• A man repeatedly saw Jesus’ image on his truck window. While many look to this as a sign, we think he just needs to wash his truck more often.

Some people had common sense.

• Free Range Kids pointed out that kids are not in danger every time they wait in the car.
• Ricky Gervais will host the 2010 Golden Globes.There’s a very good chance it’ll be funny.
• Director Paul Haggis left the church of Scientology after 35 years in protest over its support of Prop 8.

And, some did not.

• Director Paul Haggis didn’t leave the church of Scientology for 35 years despite its wacky intergalactic overlord named Xenu.
• Fewer than half NYC parents are opting to get their elementary school child the swine flu vaccine. Come on, parents. Give your kids the vaccine.
• Two men in Iowa used a Sharpie marker to draw “masks” on their faces before attempting to rob a home. You’ve got to check out the photos.
• Turns out the Northwest Airline pilots who overshot their destination last week were using their personal laptops in the cockpit. We get sucked into Facebook too, but not while we’re FLYING.

In case you missed any Daily Doses of Common Sense this week, here’s a recap.

From Monday, is Facebook making the summer class reunion a thing of the past?

On Tuesday, are you as tired of those long cell phone voice instructions as we are?

Wednesday looked at the nickel-and-diming of airline passengers. $7 for a pillow?!!

Thursday’s post proposed skipping soda in restaurants for a year to fund a family vacation.

On Friday, we discussed the outrageousness of the cineplex concession stand and shared the shame that we spent $4.50 on a small soda.

From Saturday, we had some advice for the sidewalk hogs of the world.