Blogs are Stupid

A beer mat that knows when a glass is nearly empty and automatically asks for a refill has been created by thirsty researchers in Germany.

Andreas Butz at the University of Munich and Michael Schmitz from Saarland University came up with the idea while out drinking with their students.

The disc-shaped mat can be attached to a normal beer mat so that it still soaks up spilt liquid and displays an advertisement. But it also contains a pressure sensor and radio transmitter to alert bar staff of the need for a refill.

NEW YORK--Time Warner and Microsoft are in advanced talks over Microsoft buying a stake in Time Warner's America Online unit, the New York Post reported on Thursday.

Citing two unnamed sources familiar with the matter, the Post said the talks concern Microsoft acquiring an AOL stake and then combining it with Microsoft's Web unit MSN.

One of the show's stars, though, may soon make it onto classic-TV network TV Land. Mr. T has signed a deal to star in a pilot for the channel called "I Pity the Fool," in which he'll dole out advice and try to help people in difficult situations. Lions Gate TV is producing the project.

It's presumed that in the course of helping people get their lives right, no jibba jabba will be allowed.

He hopes to break ground next summer, starting with detached single-family houses and "patio homes" for the "active elderly."

Carnock, a University of Maryland MBA, plans to name streets after members of the Terps' 2002 championship basketball team: Dixon Drive, Williams Way, Blake Court. Given the hurdles and his 20-year time frame, however, there will be no fast break. Terrapin Run could develop at a turtle's pace.

Carnock said it's too early to say how much Terrapin Run units will cost, but sale prices will be guided by "affordability, availability and lifestyle." Allegany County's median home prices are the lowest in Maryland -- $77,138 for first-time buyers and $90,750 for others in April this year. That compares with $344,150 and $405,000 then in Montgomery County, and $255,000 and $300,000 in Frederick County.