By Sarah Masker
Elm Staff Writer
1.) Even in Middle Earth, ulcers happen. Peter Jackson, director of the Academy Award winning trilogy “The Lord of the Rings,” is currently recovering at Wellington Hospital in New Zealand after undergoing surgery for a perforated ulcer. Production of “The Hobbit,” the two-part LOTR prequel, is expected to resume shortly. Bilbo Baggins, your adventure is about to begin. Abcnews.com
2.) Superman, the superhero with what is possibly the worst disguise ever, will be played by British actor Henry Cavill in director Zach Snyder’s remake. Cavill, 27, is best known as Charles Brandon on Showtime’s “The Tudors,” which portrays the 16th century drama of England. Ironically, Cavill was cast as Superman due to his “very modern feel.” The film is set for release in December of 2012. Abcnews.com
3.) This weekend, while Packers and Steelers fans get into bar fights and the regular sports tussles, FBI officers will be dealing with a much larger offense. It’s a little-known fact that the Super Bowl is used to exploit kids as young as 12 years old in child sex rings, as sports enthusiasts around the country gather in the host city. The FBI and local police force will be working together, bringing in extra agents, and doing their best to combat underage prostitution. Usatoday.com
4.) Visit Orlando, book a room in a cushy resort, and order a piping hot pizza. What could go wrong? If you order from an unsolicited menu from the hotel lobby, criminals could coax you to reveal your name, credit card number, and hotel room. The risk this poses to Florida’s $60 billion a year tourist industry has gotten so bad that Walt Disney World is joining the proposed “Tourist Safety Act of 2011.” Through this act, it would be easier for police to arrest flier suppliers in hotels, and they would be permitted to seize the transgressors’ cars. Usatoday.com
5.) Soda infused with THC? It sounds like every teenager’s dream. California’s Canna Cola, the new marijuana soda pop, will contain 35 to 65 milligrams of THC in each 12 ounce bottle. Although the average dose of medical marijuana is about 25 milligrams, Canna Cola has a lower THC count than many drinks that are already on the market, which is a main contributor in its appealing taste. If pot becomes legal in more states, these $10-15 bottles could bring in quite a fortune. Aolnews.com
6.) As Valentine’s Day approaches, couples are brainstorming thoughtful gestures and romantic dates. When it comes to bringing the cute, David Upton and Molly Johnston are pros. The couple ran the Chevron Houston Marathon, starting out simply as girlfriend and boyfriend. At mile 16, however, they were met by family and friends who watched as they exchanged wedding vows by a waterfall. With a small white veil poking out of her running cap, Molly crossed the finish line with her new husband. Aolnews.com
7.) Is it too much to expect “Jersey Shore” viewers to be interested in reading? Star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi has written a book, which she describes as “pretty much like the show, but you’re reading it.” The author, who admits to having read only two books in her life, is doing surprisingly well; “A Shore Thing” is No. 24 on the New York Times Bestseller list as of January 30th . Aolnews.com
8.) In a shocking statement, the FDA announced that candy called Toxic Waste Nuclear Sludge is not safe to eat. The candy, manufactured in Pakistan and wrapped in bright yellow caution tape, contains an elevated lead content that could be harmful to children and pregnant women. At a lead content of 0.31 parts per million, these “treats” are well above the FDA regulation requiring lead content in food to be below 0.1 parts per million. Cbsnews.com
9.) Things are never easy in Florida. Whether it’s saving the Everglades, battling mosquitoes, warming up the oranges, or dealing with all those Disney villains as they run amok, the Sunshine State always seems to be struggling with a plethora of issues. Now, it’s an invasive species: yams. Lately, college students, Cub Scouts, and ordinary residents have been participating in the 12th annual Great Air Potato Roundup, in which they remove as many tubers as possible; these yams turn trees into skeletons, smothering native forests in just a few years. Aolnews.com
10.) In a case reminiscent of Emily Dickinson, no one was aware of Vivian Maier’s passion and talent until after her death, when over 90,000 photo negatives were discovered. In January, an exhibition of her work opened at the Chicago Cultural Center, offering the community an opportunity to experience her photography. Cbsnews.com