Offbeat - News February 17, 2011

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Someone swipes giant cactus statue from New Mexico library (San Jose Mercury News)
Police in Albuquerque, N.M., are investigating a thorny theft case of gigantic proportions.

Teen arrested in bank robbery (WANE-TV Fort Wayne)
Police have made an arrest in the robbery of a Chase Bank on Parmer Lane Monday and theA person in question is a former student from Connally High School.

Beauty queen fights to keep her crown (KNVA-TV Austin)
The reigning Miss San Antonio is again asking a Texas court to stop pageant officials from stripping her crown amid claims that the 17-year-old gained weight and broke other rules required of the winner.

TX med students parody 'Bad Romance' (WTNH)
Some medical school students in Houston used hazardous waste disposal bags and gaudy wigs in their costumed parody of the Lady Gaga hit "Bad Romance." The video called "Bad Project" shows the Baylor College of Medicine students dancing in labs, dreaming of good scientific data and complaining that "there ain't no getting out of here." The video has ...

It's over, as IBM's Watson beats up on the all-time Jeopardy champions (examiner)
Colossus (from the film "Colossus: The Forbin Project") and Skynet (from "Terminator") would be proud. IBM's Watson bested its human competition on Jeopardy easily, as it won the second game of the two game, three day event, adding to its total from its earlier game one win to take home the grand prize of $1 million.

Driver's dog helps Oregon deputy make drug bust (WHDH)
An Oregon sheriff's deputy didn't need a drug dog to point out a stash during a recent traffic stop.

New York drug store chain begins selling DIY paternity tests (examiner)
Duane Reade is a chain of drug and convenience stores, primarily located in New York City. They are also believed to be the first retailer in New York state selling a DIY paternity test kit. Reportedly, sales began on ... when else ... Valentine's Day (Monday, Feb. 14).

Androids to run in 1st robot marathon (WWLP)
A technology company is organizing the world's first marathon for robots in Japan, a country known for its love of gizmos.

Woman coughs after tummy tuck and forceps pop out of her navel (dailymail.co.uk)
A patient is launching legal action against her cosmetic surgeon after he left a pair of 4" forceps inside her after an operation

Just in Time: Couple Claims $1M Lottery (MyFoxPhilly)
A North Carolina couple has claimed a $1 million lotto prize just a day before it expired.

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