Some scientists are disturbed at the thought that physical constants might not be constant.

Why are so many weblogs either conservative or libertarian? Norah Vincent argues that it's a response to the liberal bias in the standard news media, which is why these weblogs infuriate the mainstream commentators so much.

Poetic justice: After a flasher unzipped his fly and exposed his genitalia to a 12-year old girl in an elevator, she grabbed his zipper and quickly yanked it up. I bet it will be a while before he "roasts the frank and beans" again... (Link via ObscureStore.)

A Japanese company has invented "smart" drinking glasses that can order their own refills.

Talking washing machine: Electrolux will release a high-tech talking washing machine in India that can sense the wash load and automatically determine the best wash program, wash time, and water level. The machine will also give simple verbal instructions in English and Hindi in a "warm female voice". (Personally, I'd buy one if it spoke in the voice of Apu from the Simpsons!)

The Prisoner's Dilemma can be won by both parties if they are allowed to use strategies based on quantum entanglement.

If you want to build your own real-life "panic room", then you should read these handy tips.

Computer ban ruled illegal: After George Sofsky pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography over the internet, part of his sentence included a provision banning him from using computers for a certain period of time after he got out of jail. In an interesting legal development, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that part of his sentence. According to the article, "the court likened banning computer use to prohibiting people who conduct crimes via phone or mail from using those communication methods", stating that "a total ban on Internet access prevents use of e-mail, an increasingly widely used form of communication..."

Corporate anthems as cult hits: Despite the fact that they are so bad (or perhaps because of it), many corporate anthem songs are now big cult hits on the internet. For the masochist, the current Top 20 list is available here.

Bad karoke singers can now rejoice. The latest version of Taito's karoke sound system will automatically adjust pitch and tempo to individual singers.

Alternate terrorist warning systems: The current color code used by the Office of Homeland Security to warn us about the level of terrorist threat (red, orange, yellow, blue, green) is way too boring. Fortunately, Barry Smith has some humorous alternatives. (Via BKW.)

Automated cameras at stop lights are becoming very popular with cash-strapped city governments looking for ways to issue traffic tickets more efficiently (all in the name of "public safety" of course). But this article examines some of the hidden economic incentives behind these systems, and it also asks "what other law enforcement tool snags the wrong guy over one-fourth of the time, and is still considered a success?" (Thanks to Joshua Zader for the link.)

Floating ads are the next big "innovation" by online advertisers determined to disrupt your browsing experience..., I mean, bring valuable commercial information to your attention.

Francis Fukuyama became famous in the 1990's for predicting that the end of the Cold War would mean an era of world peace and an end to global conflicts. Undeterred by that error, in his latest book "Our Posthuman Future" he frets about biotechnology and how it will adversely alter human nature. (For a more positive analysis of the effects of biotechnology and nanotechnology on human nature, take a look at this intriguing debate between Ray Kurzweil and Max More.)

"Silicon Valley Reboots": Although there were some incredibly stupid internet business ideas in the high-flying 1990's, the hardships of the recent dot.com bust have left the rest of Silicon Valley in a stronger position and poised for an economic rebirth.

Quantum data storage breakthrough: Scientists at Harvard have shown that it is possible to transfer quantum bits (qubits) into a physical storage medium, then retrieve the quantum state intact. This could have major implications in the development of quantum computers.

Canadian dollar falls due to April Fools joke: I'm not saying that the Canadians are gullible or anything but according to this article, "An April Fool's Day internet report that Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin would quit his job to breed Charolais cows and 'handsome fawn runner ducks' sent the Canadian dollar lower Monday, as the market grabbed at the straw of anything that might resemble news." (Via Techdirt.)

Bored by traditional jelly bean flavors? Fortunately, CAP Candy sells bizarre new flavors "such as liver, booger, ear wax and sardines." Unfortunately, "nacho, pickle, and liver" aren't yet available...

"Bogus Bias at MIT": Is gender bias at MIT really a problem? Or could it be that the reports alleging such bias are themselves biased?

Business Week also thinks that nanotechnology "will transform our way of life". Science News warns that it might not always be for the better. (As usual, both the hype and the fears about nanotech are still very speculative...)