Russian officials apparently consider it somewhat likely that a US-based video game that allows users to shoot people in a fictious Russian airport could have contributed to the attack that killed 35 people. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” allows users to simulate a terrorist attack in the airport. YouTube clips from the game have been seen more than 500,000 times.
Take a look at the picture below, from Cairo. Also, Mother Jones provides a succinct explanation of what’s happening.
(via)
Alabama law firm Beasley Allen filed a class-action lawsuit against Taco Bell for false advertising, alleging that the chain’s beef products contain very little actual meat.
The suit, which does not ask for money, claims that just 35 percent of tacos are actually solid, while just 15 percent contains actual protein. Taco Bell advertises the products as “seasoned ground beef or seasoned beef.”
After testing the product, the lawyers find that the meat filling actually contains “water, isolated oat product, wheat oats, soy lecithin, maltodextrin, anti-dusting agent, autolyzed yeast extract, modified corn starch and sodium phosphate, as well as some beef and seasonings.” The official ingredient list (under “seasoned ground beef”) is available here.
I agree with Grist that the best part of the story is the statment from a Taco Bell representative:
“Taco Bell prides itself on serving high quality Mexican inspired food with great value. We’re happy that the millions of customers we serve every week agree,” Rob Poetsch said. He said the company would “vigorously defend the suit.”
Why, you might ask? Well let me give you a little plot summary of the show, called “Chepe Fortuna.” Our story is partially based on the lives of two sisters, Colombia and Venezuela. The character of Venezuela is a “blabbing, highly emotional secretary.” In one episode, Venezuela loses her pet dog, “Little Hugo” and calls a friend, asking what will become of her without Hugo. Her friends replies, “You will be free, Venezuela…Hugo is messing up everything in the house…he’s making you look bad.”
A local TV station was asked to pull the show off primetime, because it made the country of Venezuela look bad. I don’t really get it. Oh, the leader of Venezuela is named Hugo Chavez and the countries have been in period of rocky relations because of ideological differences. Nah, still don’t get it.
Not Intent on Arriving 