News of the Day 1.10.10

• Maybe the Beeb is doing it's part to lure tourists back to Hong Kong following the recent acid attacks in popular sightseeing districts. For whatever reason, it has a close-up of the former British colony's Mid-Levels Escalators, otherwise known as the longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world. Does Dubai have one...?
  
• 2010 - Year of the E-Book. Not so, says 'real' book lover Lisa Jardine, writing for the BBC Magazine. She indulges in the art of books and book-reading, sans gadgetry.
• An article about our big feet denial, that is, denying we have big feet. And by 'we', I mean most people except for me. Small feet aren't worth a damn when you can never find shoes the right size though. Which is why, I suppose, there are perks to spending time on the Asian continent.
• An interesting case for food rationing, also from the BBC Magazine (lots of good stuff this weekend). I wouldn't be too opposed as my no-income budget has already plunged me into a rationing regimen. But after seeing my roommate and her boyfriend use up at least their 2nd full bottle of oil in just 4 months - while I've just reached the halfway point - I worry about the health of our nation, and the world! Oh, but no carrot popsicles, please.
• The animal kingdom reacts to the cold. Iguanas are falling out of trees and turtles become floaties due to shock.
• Guangzhou considers a point-system to curb anti-social behavior in public housing tenants. Officials aim to 'build a civilised, hygienic, safe and harmonious community environment.' One of the proposed penalties is for urinating in public. You gotta start somewhere.
• Of course if you gotta take a wee, why not bring your snoring child to be tested for obstructive sleep apnea? Researches at the University of Chicago suggest that a urine test might keep your kid safe.
• Female frogs inflate to avoid sex. That about says it all.