All I can say is, Wow.

Slate.com has a fascinating slide show about the history of the vibrator. Check out these choice quotes:

"By 1917, there were more vibrators than toasters in American homes."

...

"Also popular were vibrators that doubled as nail-buffer kits, hair brushes, backscratchers, and some that were designed as attachments for vacuum cleaners."

...

"In 1999, Rachel Maines published The Technology of Orgasm, a provocative history of the vibrator that she spent 20 years researching. Maines started out studying needlework but was intrigued to discover that the backs of old sewing magazines were filled with vibrator advertisements. In addition to treating hysteria, these early vibrators were multipurpose: They ostensibly relaxed furrowed foreheads, cured sore throats, and restored plumpness to bony arms."

Mars will NOT be unusually close to the Earth in August

Here's an Urban Legend that I've already heard from a couple people.

Solarbaby (and snopes.com) to the rescue!

To quote the Urban Legend masters:

• Mars passed extraordinarily close to Earth in August 2003: True.
• Mars will pass extraordinarily close to Earth in August 2005: False.
• Mars will pass close to Earth in October 2005: True.

Actually, the closest approach will be November 7th of this year.

Who knew?

It's a third degree felony to steal someone's wireless signal (in Florida anyway).

"Benjamin Smith III, 41, faces a pretrial hearing this month following his April arrest on charges of unauthorized access to a computer network, a third-degree felony."

The sneaking around in his SUV is kind of creepy, but, geesh, if the wireless-owner was so upset about it, why didn't they just learn how to encrypt their signal? It's really not that difficult.

I know, I know, it's still a crime to steal from someone, even if they leave their door unlocked. But seriously, if you noticed someone repeatedly coming into your house, wouldn't you start locking the door??

So pretty

There's no contest for today's Picture of the Day (click on the link! It's worth it, I promise)