Rejected Watermelons: The Newest Renewable Energy Source

ScienceDaily (Aug. 27, 2009) — Watermelon juice can be a valuable source of biofuel. Researchers have shown that the juice of reject watermelons can be efficiently fermented into ethanol.

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Steam-powered Batmobile choo choos to world record 140mph (updated with video)

by Vladislav Savov posted Aug 27th 2009 at 5:29AM

We'll burst that bubble right quick and say it's not actually a Batmobile, but it sure reminds us of one. The British Steam Car Challenge might not have reached its original goal of 200mph, but it has finally succeeded in becoming the world's fastest boiler on wheels. We noted preparations for the world record attempt back in April and, somewhat surprisingly, all has gone to plan and pilot Charles Burnett III now has broken a 100 year old record to go with his flamboyant pair of spectacles. That's the Brits for you -- break records in the morning, have tea and crumpets in the afternoon.

Saying 'I'm Sorry' Influences Jurors

ScienceDaily (Aug. 25, 2009) — Apologizing for negative outcomes—a practice common even with children—may lead to more favorable verdicts for auditors in court, according to researchers at George Mason University and Oklahoma State University. The results of the study will be available in a forthcoming issue of Contemporary Accounting Research.

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UK ATMs use cockney slang, we don't Adam 'n Eve it

by Vladislav Savov posted Aug 25th 2009 at 6:13AM

If you're trying to innovate and be more inclusive, it's fine to have a local dialect -- as ATMs run by Bank Machine are doing in East London over the next few months -- but for the love of uncle Fred, don't use a lingo associated with wide boys and notorious criminals. For our American audience, imagine your reaction if your ATM asked if you'd like to "withdrizzle yo' monizzle, homie." Of course, in a world that already includes a Cockney Bible (not a joke), this sort of thing seems positively tame, and it is after all just an option.