Quickies

Model Is Victimized by his Winston ads. Raymond Leopard of Little Rock, Arkansas, is suing R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. saying that he experienced years of stress from appearing as the "Winston Man" in ads from 1978 to 1980. He said he didn’t know at the time that tobacco was dangerous. U. S. News & World Report

The Atmospheric Peril of Cow Burps may not be readily apparent, but cows generate significant amounts of methane, one of natures most powerful greenhouse gases—a known player in global climate change. Now researchers at the University of Nebraska think they’ve found a way to squelch the belch. In test tube studies they’ve found they could block a compound involved in methane production, turning the microbes seen inside cow stomachs toward the production of nutrients rather than gas. FLORIDA TODAY

The Funeral Industry continues to come up with new ideas for their customers. In the past we’ve reported on drive-in viewing, college logos on caskets, caskets displayed on "sets" reflecting the deceased interests and cremains being launched into outer space. Now a South Dakota company is broadcasting funerals live on the internet. Designed for those unable to attend in person, in addition to the funeral service they offer the previous days prayer service, and the post funeral graveside service, and an electronic guest book. Recordings can be viewed online for weeks after the funeral. Or they may buy a videotape or DVD of the service. Ibid

A Real Truth Machine? Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are working on different lie detectors. One has a built in headband that measures blood flow changes in the brain. Another uses magnetic resonance imaging to snap split second images. Another researcher uses "thermal imaging" which trains a heat sensitive camera on peoples faces to measure blood flow around the eyes. Ibid