SNIPPETS

APRIL 18,  2010

(Reuters) - Cocoa-rich dark chocolate could be prescribed for people with liver cirrhosis in future, following the latest research to show potential health benefits of chocolate.  Spanish researchers said Thursday that eating dark chocolate capped the usual after-meal rise in abdominal blood pressure, which can reach dangerous levels in cirrhotic patients and, in severe cases, lead to blood vessel rupture.

We chocolate freaks are rejoicing.  What a happy Sunday.

APRIL 17,  2010

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 16 (UPI) -- Online filing, touted as a fast and easy way to submit returns, turned into a virtual barrier for Illinois residents trying to file their state returns.  Never fear, though, Illinois Department of Revenue spokeswoman Sue Hofer said the state agency would show leniency about applying late fees to those who were online on time Thursday, but couldn't file their returns until after the midnight deadline, the Chicago Tribune reported Friday.

Silly people.  All they had to do is find a local Illinois official and slip the check into his pocket.  It's a custom, you know.

APRIL 16,  2010

TRACY CITY, Tenn., April 15 (UPI) -- Election officials in a Tennessee county said a town elected a deceased candidate mayor in a landslide -- 268 votes to the incumbent's 85.  Donna Basham, administrator of the Grundy County Election Commission, said Tracy City voters elected Carl Robin Geary, who died suddenly a few weeks ago, over Mayor Barbara Brock, who took office about a year ago after the death of the last mayor, WTVC-TV, Chattanooga, Tenn., reported Thursday.

Ironclad protection against the mayor raising taxes.

APRIL 15,  2010

MAPLE SHADE, Pa., April 14 (UPI) -- A Pennsylvania school said a canceled Women's History Month fashion show was misunderstood by parents who thought their sons were to dress as women.

Misunderstood?  This is from the assignment:  "If your child is a young man, he does not have to wear a dress or skirt, as there are many time periods where women wore jeans, pants and trousers.."  When I went to school, we were taught to write clearly.  Same lesson applies to teachers.

APRIL 14,  2010

This is the end of music as we know it:   (Reuters) - Two Chinese singers have become the first people in the country to fall foul of new rules banning lip-synching nearly two years after widespread criticism of miming at the Beijing Olympics' opening ceremony...The two have been fined 50,000 yuan ($7,329) each, Xinhua added.

The Chinese sleep better at night knowing they're protected from lip synching.