05/01/2012 – Obi-Wan Kenobi, Startegic Partnerships, and Discrimination
Editor’s Note: The Blip includes short headlines with odd, feel-good, informational, or pointless material. Stories are presented in a fast, easy-to-read format with news that will make you laugh and be enlightened. The Blip is updated daily (Monday through Friday).
Obi-Wan Kenobi arrested
That’s right, everyone’s favorite Jedi Knight was arrested under a charge of hit-and-run.
The 37-year-old originally bore the name Benjamin Cale Feit, but had it legally changed as part of a radio station contest (What sort of contest was that?) to the Jedi master everyone knows and loves.
Kenobi caused a five-car accident and fled the scene afterward. He is scheduled to appear in court April 30th.
Read more here.
Microsoft partners with Barnes & Noble
Last Monday, Microsoft partnered with bookstore giant Barnes & Noble in an effort to bring down the top dog: Amazon. Microsoft has been slow to embrace the e-book industry, and this $300 million investment will help them get a foothold in the business.
Microsoft had once dabbled in e-book software, but lacked a sufficient cache of material. The software will be discontinued on August 30th.
Meanwhile, Barnes & Noble is considering splitting their Nook products into a separate company, currently arbitrarily named “Newco.” The Nook could end up spreading overseas, and the Kindle’s 65% market dominance lessened.
Read more here.
Against discrimination? Download an app
A new mobile application has been developed that allows users to report discrimination by Transportation Security Administration officials. It was developed mainly with Sikhs in mind, as it has been complained TSA targets wearers of turbans. But the app can be used for any sort of discrimination.
TSA spokeswoman Sterling Payne says passengers can speak to an airport supervisor or file a civil-rights complaint. Though several complaint s have risen of TSA discrimination, Payne says, “TSA does not profile passengers on the basis of race, ethnicity, or religion.”
But just to be sure, travelers can use this app for Android or iPhone.
Read more here.
