The concept of good habits is nothing new to those of us who are entering or leaving college. There’s the usual advice about good hygiene and nutrition, people skills and study skills. But there’s one habit that probably isn’t stressed enough, and that’s following the news.
News happens everyday. Even so, sometimes what we see, hear or read might not be particularly appealing or amusing.
Here’s why offbeat news is so great. For one, its weirdness and absurdity are powerful attention grabbers. The offbeat is also a fun alternative to the typical headlines toting scandals and disasters. And there’s something for everyone, which is all the more reason to pay attention to stuff that just might show up on a future current events quiz.
Currently garnering some of the most buzz in the world of offbeat news is the story of Roy Pearson’s missing pants. Pearson, who lost a pair of pants at his dry cleaners in 2005, decided to sue the store owners for $67 million. Although the cleaners’ agreed to settle for $12,000, Pearson would only drop the lawsuit to $54 million. His case is being heard in court this month. Even more perplexing is the news that Pearson, an administrative judge in Washington, D.C., cried in the courtroom while testifying. So far, this guy isn’t proving anything apart from the fact that he’s implacable.
This summer also looks to be one for amazing medical breakthroughs, so gamers, listen up. If you have sore shoulders and a Wii obsession, you might just have Wiiitis.
According to recent news reports, its symptoms are similar to
tennis elbow, and can be treated simply with one week’s worth of Ibuprofen. Wiiitis is hardly the last of video game-related afflictions, so perhaps it’s a matter of time before “Guitar Hero wrist” becomes an official medical term.
Almost anything having to do with animals or Japanese cultural quirks is fair game to the offbeat. The Soladi Care Home in Togichi, Japan, made headlines for being the first 24-hour nursing home for aging dogs. The home also will employ puppies to play with the older dogs. Strange, but it makes sense if you equate the puppies to their human teenage counterparts who volunteer in elder care programs. Soladi’s monthly rate comes to $800. Hopefully the dogs will get the same quality of care as their human owners, if not better.
Entertainment and celebrity news coverage is also a staple this summer. However, the real story isn’t about over-hyped film premieres, the latest reality show upset or supposedly penitent socialites. No, deep down, we’re all wondering who will replace Bob Barker on “The Price Is Right.” The show’s retired host was recently rumored to have endorsed friend and fellow television personality Rosie O’Donnell, but like the rest of us,
Barker doesn’t know who CBS will ultimately hire. In a way, it would be nice to take his word about Rosie, because then at least the whole thing would be settled.
Arguably, some news stories – both hard and offbeat – do get blown up beyond proportion. But isn’t that the fun of it?
Summer is the perfect time to start keeping up with these
stories. Besides, a lot can happen in the next few weeks.
Pearson could be giving away pants on “The Price Is Right,” for all we know.