Given the economic crisis, I continue to be amazed at stories like this, this, and this.

And while I'm on the subject of financial lunacy - for all the belly-aching we're doing about the financial strain we are facing, isn't it a little odd that we are willing to buy $40 specially-made gloves for our $200 iPhones?

Michael Phelps is back in the news. Sadly, it's not swimming-related. A photo has surfaced of Phelps clearly smoking marijuana at a November party (2008). It's amazing how one little act can turn a hero into a goat. Then again, this isn't his first offense, so this might not be the public relations nightmare some think it might (or should) be.

Michael Phelps isn't the only celebrity who's been blindsided by photos. Late last week, on virtually every television channel, people were talking about singer Jessica Simpson's supposed weight gain. This sort of thing is awful, folks. Just awful. I actually saw one headline that said "Jumbo Jessica." What have we become? Don't we even realize that what culture has defined as "real beauty" isn't real at all?

Did you miss any of the Super Bowl commercials? If so, don't worry. They're all right here for your viewing pleasure.

Just in time for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day makes me think of love, which makes me think of weddings, which makes me think of one very, very angry sister.

This church might be closed down for helping the homeless.

Does your kid play video games all the time? Does your kid watch television all the time? Is your kid depressed?

The Army suicide rate is at a record high.

What would it be like to go blind in one eye at age 15, only to regain your site at age 87?

A volcano in Alaska is about to erupt.

When you're trying skydiving for the first time, you have to jump with a trainer strapped to your back. Well, one rookie skydiver managed to survive a jump despite his trainer dying in midair.

And just for fun: I thought this story was hilarious.