2008 CHICAGO, Ill. — Because offices frown on workers wearing flip-flops, shoe stores sell a new brand of footwear that has tops with retractable sides. Because they aren't as revealing, businesses allow people to wear these flip-flaps. Full Story

2008 SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — To give people greater control over their sleeping habits, an alarm clock is produced with new settings. In addition to five minutes of ‘snooze,’ these AlaREM clocks allow for ‘nod’ (only a minute delay), ‘doze’ (thirty minutes more sleep), and ‘nap’ (two hours more rest). Full Story


2008 BUCHAREST, Romania — Vampires realize that the blood of tuna fish suits their macabre nutritional requirements as effectively as human blood. The undead begin lurking near the shores of the Black Sea, sucking fish dry and discreetly throwing their bodies into the water. Full Story

2008 ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Botanists realize that trees growing in polluted areas of the country are becoming ill and turning a sickly purple. The scientists appeal to the government to cut back on the use of fossil fuels to save what have come to be known as ‘nevergreen’ trees. Full Story