Loneliness is painful and potentially deadly, according to new research at the University of Chicago that found animals, gadgets and spiritual beliefs - not just friends - ease the sense of being alone. "It's actually a greater risk for morbidity or mortality than cigarette smoking is," says Nicholas Epley, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at the university's Graduate School of Business and lead author of an article on the subject in the February issue of the journal Psychological Science.

A poll commissioned by 20th Century Fox revealed the Star Wars weapon, the Light saber, is considered the best movie weapon in movie history. The weapon beat out other historic weapons made memorable in several movies, such as the crossbow from Robin Hood, the gold gun from James Bond: The Man With The Golden Gun, and the legendary machine gun used by Tony Montana in the classic gangster flick, Scarface.

Former U. K. Prime Minister Tony Blair can now be seen in his cameo role in an online White House video of U. S. president Bush's dog. The Barney Cam, an annual Christmas movie starring the White House Scottish terrier, gives a dog's-eye view of the White House decorated for Christmas.

Bedroom activities are beyond the reach of legislation, at least for now in Germany. The German Parliament learned that lesson after heavy criticism led it to shelf a bill criminalizing ordinary sexual activities between teenagers. The bill proposes lowering the age to 14 from the current 18 which will make a German youth legally liable for a sexual crime. Current national laws on sexual abuse of minors requires the perpetrator to be over 18 and the victim under 16. A new European Union guideline increases the victim's age limit to up to 17, while the German bill makes the perpetrator liable even if he is below 18.

Mark Littell, a former Arizona major league pitcher, recently designed a protection cup for men that would provide better safety and comfort. The former pitching pro unveiled the NuttyBuddy, a protection cup that according to him provided a form-fitting shape for better comfort and safety. This idea was started after a poll conducted by Littell revealed that almost half of current baseball professionals step up to the plate without wearing their safety cups, putting their manhood at risk.