AUDIO FROM HUDSON PLANE CRASH

THE FAA HAS RELEASED THE AUDIO RECORDINGS FROM THE PLANE THAT CRASHED INTO THE HUDSON RIVER:

Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration released the air traffic control tapes from that plane that crashed into the Hudson River three weeks ago. (--Right after taking-off from LaGuardia Airport in New York on Wednesday, January 15th, U.S. Airways flight 1549 hit a flock of birds . . . lost power in both engines . . . and forced the pilot to make an emergency crash landing in the Hudson River.)

Basically, you hear the air traffic controller telling the pilot, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, that they're going to clear a runway for him to land at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. Without even the slightest hint of fear in his voice, Sully replies, quote, "We can't do it. We're gonna be in the Hudson." (--Dude's seriously got some gonads of steel.)

I have to say, it's pretty amazing how calm and professional Sully sounds on this thing. (CNN)

GOT IT GOIN' ON LIKE DONKEY KONG

IS "DONKEY KONG" THE BEST OLD-SCHOOL ARCADE GAME EVER???

If you spent half your childhood playing video games, then it stands to reason you'd have some pretty strong feelings about which game . . . is the BEST EVER.

Anyway, we stumbled across a list of the ten best old-school arcade games ever . . . according to Spike TV. Check it out . . .

#10.) "Mortal Kombat": http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/games/

#9.) "NBA Jam"

#8.) "Space Invaders" http://www.spaceinvaders.de/

#7.) "Defender" http://www.arcademachine.com/go/java/play/A0160.tam

#6.) "Galaga" http://www.smiliegames.com/galaga/

#5.) "Missile Command" http://games.atari.com/arcade.php?game=missilecommand

#4.) "Centipede" http://games.atari.com/arcade.php?game=centipede

#3.) "Super Street Fighter Two"

#2.) "Pac-Man"http://www.pacmangame.net/

#1.) "Donkey Kong" http://www.flash-games.net/online/1546/donkey-kong.html

(--OK, I really can't argue with any of these selections . . . but there are some classics that have been left off this list. Just off the top of my head, I'd say "Contra", "MIKE TYSON'S Punch-Out", maybe even "Frogger". What else?) (Spike)

WAISTED TIME ON-LINE

FACEBOOK USERS HAVE WASTED ROUGHLY 800,000 WORK HOURS WRITING "25 THINGS ABOUT ME" LISTS:

If you're on Facebook, then you've almost certainly received one of those "25 Things About Me" lists by now. (--If you have no idea what I'm talking about, basically, Facebook users have been writing 25 facts about themselves . . . which they then post on their Facebook page. It's fairly self-explanatory.)

Anyway, according to Facebook officials, 5 MILLION of these "25 Things" lists have been posted on the website in just the past week. That's 125 MILLION "facts".

Now, if you assume it takes each person about ten minutes to create their list, that means Facebook users have wasted nearly 800,000 work hours just this week . . . coming up with "25 Things About Me" lists. (--And you wonder why we're in a recession . . .) (Time)

DON'T BUY THESE THIS YEAR

FIVE VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS TO AVOID:

#1.) A HEART-SHAPED BOX OF CHOCOLATES. It's completely unoriginal and something her parents probably gave her when she was in elementary school. And it'll look like you stopped at K-mart THAT NIGHT to get her something.

Chocolate can be a good Valentine's Day gift . . . if you make the effort to find something unique. Try decorated cupcakes, or a box of her favorite cookies.

#2.) LINGERIE. You want to let her know she's hot, but lingerie just isn't the way to go, unless you've been dating for a while. She may think it's too forward . . . or, worse, you might get the WRONG SIZE.

If you just can't resist getting her something to sleep in, ease into the process by getting something that's focused more on her comfort. Try giving her a satin sleep set in her favorite color.

#3.) FAKE JEWELRY. Women spend WAY more time thinking about jewelry, talking about jewelry, and looking at jewelry, than men do. More than likely, if you get something that's a cheap knockoff, she's going to know.

Instead, get her something that's stylish, like a colorful necklace or a simple bracelet. If picking out jewelry just ISN'T your thing, consider getting her a small jewelry box to store what she already has.

#4.) BATH SOAPS. A basket of bath soaps and lotions is unoriginal. And if you get her the wrong scent, your gift is probably going to end up under her bathroom sink. If you really want a gift that'll help her relax, put her in the hands of professionals. Get her a gift certificate for a massage at a spa.

#5.) KITCHEN STUFF. While you may see this as a sweet way to hone her domestic skills, she might get the impression that you either don't like her cooking . . . or you think of her as cook first, girlfriend second.

You're better off hiring a personal chef for the evening. It's a very thoughtful . . . and original . . . way to go. (Happen Magazine)

THIS MAY BE TOO MUCH

THIS JUST MIGHT BE THE LAMEST PRODUCT EVER . . . "SMITTENS":

Don't you hate it when you're out on a romantic walk with your significant other, but it's so cold that you have to hold hands . . . through your mittens? Of course you do.

That's why you, my friend, need to pick up a pair of Smittens. What are Smittens? Basically, Smittens are mittens which have been specially designed so that two people can hold hands . . . inside of one mitten.

Or think of it this way. A set of Smittens includes one pair of regular-sized mittens (--one for each of you) and an oversized mitten that's big enough to fit both of you . . . so you can hold hands. (Daily Telegraph)

(--You can buy a pair of these dopey things for $34 here . . .)http://www.smittens.biz/Smittens/Home.html

TIME TO PLAY THE GAME ON THE BIG SCREEN

CANDY LAND - THE MOVIE???

You loved the game . . . now see the movie: "Candy Land" is coming to a theater near you sometime in the relatively near future. What makes this a somewhat frightening prospect is that they're doing it as a LIVE-ACTION movie. (--We're not sure what that means. There aren't really any details yet. But if they're going to dress people up as those Candy Land characters, I predict box office failure.)

I would suspect, though, that they'll have live-action people mixing with computer-animated Candy Land characters.

For those of you who haven't seen Candyland in awhile, you can see how ridiculous those characters would look by going to this link and clicking "Explore" . . .) http://www.hasbro.com/games/preschool-games/candyland/

TAKE A BREAK

***THREE STEPS TO RECHARGING YOUR BATTERIES NATURALLY***

I know a lot of us hit the wall halfway through the day, and we're always trying to fix it with sugar and caffeine. But, there are much healthier ways to get an energy boost. Here are three steps to help you recharge your batteries naturally . . .

STEP #1.) WALK AWAY. Take a 10-minute break and get out of the office. After you spend hours at your desk, the walls can start to feel like they're closing in. But a light breeze and the sound of passing cars can stimulate your senses enough to give you a boost.

--The idea here is to wake up naturally. So instead of reaching for your third cup of coffee, take a few minutes to stretch and move around. Your body is ALREADY storing extra energy . . . what you need to do is tap into it.

STEP #2.) DRINK WATER. We're WAY too into energy drinks these days. Most of the time, regular old H2O works much better. Dehydration is often to blame for low energy levels, but if you're not thirsty, just splash some water on your face.

STEP #3.) RETURN WITH A PLAN. While you're away from your desk, figure out how you'll attack the rest of your day. Set a few minor goals and give yourself some incentive. For example, promise to work hard for an hour, and then take another break.

--Giving yourself a goal breaks up your day and keeps you from getting burned out again. (AskMen.com)

NEW STAMPS

STAMP COLLECTORS GET READY!

NICOLE KIDMAN, RUSSELL CROWE, CATE BLANCHETT and GEOFFREY RUSH are being immortalized on stamps in their native Australia. There are two stamps for each of them . . . one of just the actors themselves, and one of them in character.

Nicole's character stamp is from "Moulin Rouge" . . . Russell's is from "Gladiator" . . . Cate's is from "The Queen" and Geoffrey's is from "Shine". --Check 'em out . . .)

JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS NOT TO ASK

**TEN QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD NEVER ASK AT A JOB INTERVIEW***

You know at the end of a job interview, when they ask if you have any questions? The worst thing you can say is "No." Unless of course, you ask one of THESE questions. Here are ten questions you should NEVER ask during a job interview . . .

#1.) WHAT DOES YOUR COMPANY DO? Thanks to the Internet, you're now expected to research any company you're interviewing with BEFORE setting foot in the door. At the very least, you should know what the company does and who its competitors are.

#2.) ARE YOU GOING TO DO A BACKGROUND CHECK? Some people are just worried about credit issues, but asking if there will be a background check makes it look like you have something to hide. And let's be honest . . . if you're asking, you probably DO.

#3.) WHEN WILL I GET A RAISE? Employers won't hire you if they think you'll immediately start looking for a higher-paying job somewhere else. So wait until your second interview, and then ask if the company does a conventional one-year salary review.

#4.) ARE THERE ANY BETTER JOBS AVAILABLE? If you're overqualified, it's okay to talk about it. But don't take yourself out of the running for the job you applied for. Instead, explain that you made more at your last job, or that you had more responsibility.

That's the cue for a good interviewer to highlight any other job openings that might exist.

#5.) HOW SOON CAN I TRANSFER TO ANOTHER POSITION? It's another way of saying the job's not quite what you want. If you want the job, take it. If it's not right, then look for another opportunity. Most employers wait at least a year before approving a transfer.

#6.) CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE BUS LINES TO YOUR OFFICE? Go online and research it for yourself. It's not your employer's responsibility to figure out how you get to work each day . . . and asking this question just makes you look stupid.

#7.) DO YOU ALLOW SMOKING BREAKS? A lot of companies don't permit smoking anywhere on the premises . . . and some don't like to hire smokers at all. So don't ask about it. You'll just end up giving them a reason to hire someone else.

#8.) IS MY MEDICAL CONDITION COVERED UNDER YOU INSURANCE? This is a bad question for two reasons . . .
--ONE: It's weird to tell a perfect stranger about your medical issues . . . especially someone who's thinking of hiring you . . .
--And TWO: They won't know. Any pre-existing conditions probably won't be covered for at least a year, so don't worry about it until they've offered you the job. Then just ask to see a copy of the company's benefits booklet.

#9.) WILL I HAVE TO TAKE A DRUG TEST? If you have a philosophical objection to drug tests, wait until they ask you to take one before bringing it up. Otherwise, it sounds like you think you'd fail a drug test if you had to take one. So don't ask.

#10.) IF YOU HIRE ME, CAN I START IN A MONTH? Most employers expect you to start in two weeks, and they might even ask you to start sooner. Regardless, a late start-date should be requested AFTER you've been offered the job, not during your interview. (Yahoo.com)

MEATBALL CRIMINALS OF THE DAY

IT'S TIME FOR THE SALUTE 2 MEATBALL CRIMINALS

On January 23rd, 31-year-old David Johnson of Maywood, Illinois was sentenced to ten days in jail after he was arrested for driving on a suspended license . . . for the 13th TIME. But just minutes after his sentencing, David walked out of the courthouse in his purple suit and full-length fur coat, got into his purple 1988 Cadillac . . . which has a placard on the dashboard that reads "Pimp Plaza" . . . and drove off. --David was immediately pulled over and arrested for driving without a license for the 14th TIME. (Chicago Sun-Times)

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Our next Meatball Criminal for today comes from Cheboygan, Michigan, where a man got lost while hunting and called 911 for help. Police and a Coast Guard helicopter braved high winds and blowing snow to locate him. But our story doesn't have such a happy ending, at least not for our meatball. After he was rescued, it was discovered he was a convicted felon with outstanding warrants. And did we mention he was prohibited from carrying a weapon, even on a hunting trip? He's under arrest.

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And finally, out Last Meatball Criminals for today come from New Zealand, where Regan Rhodes and Tiranara Hale were being led back to their jail cells after a court appearance when they decided to make a run for it. Deputies tried to spray them with pepper spray but they quickly recovered and ran out of the courthouse. Unfortunately, they forgot that they were handcuffed together and, in a scene right of the Three Stooges, one went on one side of a lamppost and the other went on the opposite side. Officers helped them to their feet and escorted them back to their cells.

DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT HOLD YOU

NEW YORK CITY'S MAYOR, MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, WAS BITTEN BY A GROUNDHOG YESTERDAY:

Let's be honest . . . Groundhog Day is just about the dumbest "holiday" ever and the only people who enjoy it are the politicians who get to hold up the groundhog . . . and use the event as a photo-op.

So it's fitting that yesterday, during New York City's Groundhog Day festivities at the Staten Island Zoo, a groundhog named "Staten Island Chuck" took a bite out of Mayor MICHAEL BLOOMBERG'S hand.

According to Chuck's trainer, "They were trying to lure [Chuck] out with corn but I guess he would have none of it. He was chewing on a bit of it and then he would run back in the house. "[Bloomberg and Chuck] were definitely wrestling there for awhile. They definitely looked like they were involved in a tussle."

A spokesman for the mayor's office says the bite only "nicked" Bloomberg's hand . . . and since he's up-to-date on his Tetanus inoculation, he just washed his hand and put a bandage on the bite. (Staten Island Advance)

(--Oh, and if you care, Chuck didn't see his shadow, which means spring is on its way. Of course, that's the opposite "prediction" made by Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania. Stupid, inconsistent groundhogs.)

(--Check out a video of Bloomberg "tussling" with Chuck. . .)

EWWW! A MOSS BATHMAT

WOULD YOU LIKE A BATHMAT THAT'S MADE OF . . . MOSS???

You drive a hybrid car, you've exchanged all your light bulbs for the energy-efficient, fluorescent kind and, of course, you recycle. But if you don't have a bathmat that's made of MOSS . . . then you're still not doing enough to save the planet.

OK, so that's not entirely true. You can't buy a bathmat that's made of moss . . . yet. But if a Swiss designer named Nguyen La Chanh has her way . . . you'll be able to soon.

Now, I know what you're thinking . . . why in world would I want a bathmat made of moss? --Well, according to Nguyen, "The idea was to find a new way of having your plants inside. Not only plants in pots quietly standing in the corner of a living room, but alive plants evolving in the house.

"I think this mat would appeal to people who miss a corner of nature in their apartment, perhaps if they live in an urban environment, far from parks and nature areas. It's relaxing, feels lovely, is soft under the feet and doesn't need much care."

And how's this for "green"? The moss survives on the bathwater that drips off of your body . . . when you get out of the shower to towel off. (--Cool or gross? You decide.) (Daily Telegraph)

(--Check out some pictures of this bathmat made of moss. . .)

BE HAPPY TODAY!

***FOUR SMALL REASONS TO BE HAPPY***

People everywhere are struggling right now. The economy's in the toilet, jobs are being slashed and the cold weather isn't helping matters. Even die-hard optimists are having trouble staying upbeat.

That's why we're giving you four small reasons to be happy . . .

#1.) CHEAP DATES ARE POPULAR AGAIN. During a recession, it's more acceptable to be careful with your money. That means expensive dinners and opera tickets are out . . .

--And cheap dates involving board games, a bottle of wine, and movies on the couch are in. And you KNOW you're more likely to hook up when the date ends at someone's place.

#2.) GAS PRICES ARE LOW. In fact, gas prices are down almost 60% since reaching an all-time high last summer. That means road trips are suddenly affordable again. Check out websites like GasBuddy.com to find the cheapest gas in your area.

#3.) STORES ARE HAVING MAJOR SALES. People aren't spending money, and there's A LOT of leftover stock from the holiday season. So, if you DO have a few extra bucks to spend, check out the sales racks, because they're overflowing.

#4.) A NEW YEAR MEANS MORE PAID VACATION. Assuming you still HAVE a job, a new year means vacation days to burn. When you need to get away, sites like Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz have great deals on vacation packages right now.

--Just make sure you don't use up ALL your vacation days before the end of February. The way this year's going, you might need another break when summer gets here. (Cosmopolitan.com)

OUCH!!

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO PUNCH IN THE HEAD???

I'm not a violent person, but I've always felt that some people just DESERVE to get punched in the head. For example, if you're an adult and you don't cover your mouth when you cough . . . you should be punched.

Or if you're an overly self-righteous vegan who reminds everyone that eating meat is "murder" . . . again . . . that's a punching.

Anyway, it seems I'm not the only one who thinks so because we found a website . . . called www.PeopleWhoDeserveIt.com . . . which is basically just a list of people who have no one to blame but themselves . . . if they get a fist to the face. (New York Post)

(--Take a look at this website here. My personal favorites are number 49, "Jeans in the Gym Guy," and number 50, which is just a fat hairy guy wearing a Speedo and a crucifix.) http://peoplewhodeserveit.com/

THIS HAMPSTER IS WANTED

THAT'S ONE BAD HAMPSTER

This anchor is doing a serious news story about a murder suspect, but when the mugshot is supposed to appear on the screen, a picture of a hamster pops up instead.

(--Note: The hamster pops up at :18)

ADULT PLAYDATE

***FIVE REASONS ADULTS SHOULD MAKE A "PLAYDATE"***

A company called PlayDate is offering an alternative for people sick of wasting their weekends at bars. At PlayDate, you can dance, socialize . . . or even play Hungry Hungry Hippos. Here are five reasons YOU should make a PlayDate . . .

#1.) NO HANGOVERS. Once we turn 21, a lot of us forget that having fun doesn't HAVE TO involve booze. Drinks ARE available, but spend a night at PlayDate and you'll be more likely to wake up the next day and actually remember all the fun you had.

#2.) IT'S CHEAPER. A night out at the bar can easily cost $50. A trip to PlayDate can offer a lot of fun for a lot less money. $10 gets you in the door, food and drinks are optional, and activities like board games, painting and musical chairs are free.

#3.) YOU'LL MAKE FRIENDS. You hardly every make REAL friends at bars. But outside of the bar atmosphere, you're more likely to connect with people and find real friendships . . . maybe even a relationship.

#4.) YOU TAKE A BREAK FROM BEING AN ADULT. A night at the bar might be a break from life in general, but how often do you get to escape your age? When you're playing Twister and Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, it's hard to NOT feel like a kid again.

#5.) YOU'RE PROBABLY NEAR ONE. The PlayDate company started in Atlanta, but now there are PlayDates in 9 cities around the country, with plans to open 20 more sites this year. You can visit their website, www.PlayDateUS.com to find out more.