After finally settling in back on the NXT Desk this week, it's time to fire up the Scanner once again. Luckily the Internet has an unending supply of trivial - and hilarious - information readily available for your consumption.

Interesting news out of Bangor - School District creates a Breathalyzer policy to test students?

Avoid this on your Christmas lists: The "Potty Putter," or as Randball aptly calls it "The worst gift ever." And yes, it is what you think.

Also in worst Christmas ideas, The Flat Pack Christmas Tree. Just set it and forget it...and then pack it all up. Is it really that hard?

On the flip side, here's a good Christmas primer courtesy of Neatorama - The Bacon Gift Guide. Now you all know what to send my way. (Thanks to Jen)

Or if you're feeling really generous, why not the V-Pod, which dispenses beer and has a TV.

Looking for a holiday card? Why not try pirate santa or the Jewish ninja? Happy Hanunchucks indeed. [Urlesque]

In more bacon news, turns out 007 is a fan of the bacon, and had special sandwiches delivered to the set each day. I'm officially sold on Daniel Craig. [BaconToday]

Because inaugurations are times to party, the Washington D.C. Council extended bar hours around Jan. 20. Jill Duson was just sworn in as Mayor, can we get an extra hour this weekend?

More political news: Boing-Boing looks at the new cabinet of Bam Bam, president of Toontown, which includes Richie Rich, Mr. Peabody and Johnny Quest.

Daily Intel spotted an awesome New York blotter item on the thief who got locked in the belly-dancing bar overnight.

The recession has bit Google, and aside from scaling back projects, they will also reduce its free cafeteria hours and get rid of afternoon tea in the New York offices. Damn this economy.

Speaking of economic disasters and bailouts, the infamous Pets.com sock puppet went to Capitol Hill looking for cash.

The creep of advertising continues: A California teacher has started putting ads for local businesses on his tests as a way of making money to cover classroom costs.

This kinda makes sense - Boston College is considering no longer giving new students an e-mail address. Many don't use them and already have others, they say.

Best Week Ever looks at the ringtone charts and asks a question: What does it say about our generation that the Super Mario Bros. theme remains so popular?

This Text Can Save Your Life: A UK doctor performed an amputation in the Congo with the help of text message instructions.

Also out of Britain comes news that cell maker Nokia is working on a gadget package to control home utilities like heating.

Finally, reader ac thought folks would get a kick out of this new line of men's products that light up. Can we sue over the name?

E-mail this entry to a friend