Archive for the ‘News/Politics’ Category

Will the Northwest Airlines Pilots Admit to Dozing Off?

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

airplanepicOK, so the Northwest Airlines captain’s story is that he and his co-pilot where wide awake when they missed the Minneapolis airport on their way from San Diego. But let’s backtrack a bit. According to Captain Timothy Cheney and First Officer Richard Cole, the latter took out his laptop to tutor the captain on the new company policies brought about by a recent NWA merger.

While the pilots were simultaneously having their sky-high tutoring session and commanding the aircraft, they reportedly ignored quite a number of radio calls for about 90 minutes. Concealed behind the cockpit door, the session took place during the time when they should have already been preparing the passenger plane to land.

All of this has left everyone guessing whether the pilots where telling the truth and whether they might have actually fallen asleep, causing them to miss the airport. If the tutoring did take place, wouldn’t that mean that the two pilots were wide awake? And isn’t a wide awake person alert under any circumstances requiring sheer focus and attention, his chances of missing a detail slim?

Most people think that two pilots missing an airport by that much could only have been dozing off among the clouds. The pressing question now is will the two pilots admit to sleeping on the plane by 11/10?

So far, 54% of Predicto voters say no while 46% say yes.

While it can be observed that most voters think that the only plausible reason for the two pilots’ blunder was that they were asleep, voters are split when it comes to wondering whether both pilots would admit to napping while cruising. And if they would at all, it wouldn’t be happening that soon. One voter believes that admitting to sleeping while taking full command of the plane could cost the two pilots their jobs — which it did.

Then again, as one voter said, they could just make something up stating that they were just taking a rest and that they didn’t mean to fly to another state.

What do you think is going to happen? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed.

Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Balloon Boy: Headed to a TV Near You (Again)?

Friday, October 16th, 2009

*Oct 15 - 00:05*Yesterday, America was glued to its collective TV set and computer anxiously awaiting the resolution of the Balloon Boy saga.

For those uninitiated few among you, allow Predicto to get you up to speed.

Richard and Mayumi Heene, former participants of the Petri dish experiment known as Wife Swap, are amateur enthusiasts of everything from UFOs to storm chasing. While entertaining themselves with the former, Richard built a balloon that escaped from their backyard.

Earlier in the day, Richard says he repeatedly told his 6-year-old son Falcon to stay away from the balloon. When it began floating into the air and the boy couldn’t be found, the rest of the family feared the worst: that Falcon was inside the balloon.

The four-hour debacle affected air traffic at Denver’s nearby airport and the airwaves, as the cable networks broadcast the balloon floating some 10,000 feet in the air. When debris fell from the floatation device, everyone feared the worst, but when it finally landed and he wasn’t onboard, fears intensified.

Later, when the family was at home, Falcon appeared out of nowhere. He had apparently been hiding in a box in the attic … that was searched twice … by trained professionals.

The story got sketchier when the family appeared on Larry King Live and the boy made a statement that insinuated this had all been a hoax. (Dad’s drive to be on a number of reality show ventures didn’t help matters.)

Hoax or not, Predicto wanted to know if we can expect to see the Heene family in their highly desired reality show? While the vote is close, 53% of voting members say that it will not happen.

“They won’t because it was a hoax,” says member “skin10806.”

“I hope so. We all could use someone to remind us just how many blessings we have and no matter what struggles we have, there’s always a way to overcome,” says “qbh35526.”

“I think they were just trying to get some attention,” says “cqih5596” of the assumingly undeserving family.

“Why would the kid get his own show? That’s ridiculous. He wasn’t even in the balloon!” says “cibj0886.”

Very passionate opinions on this subject. Do you have your own? Visit Predicto.com to register for the text message-based mobile game that has everyone predicting the outcome of sports, pop culture, news and entertainment events. Along with being able to vote on surveys, including this one, you’ll get updates when the answers are revealed. And most importantly, you can express your thoughts on these surveys. Sign up today — and get more Predicto by becoming a fan on Facebook!


Textually Active

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Have you heard of adult sexting? Chances are you’ve not only heard of it, but have probably done it, too. Listen to Predicto TV host Ereka Vetrini’s chat on Your Time with Kim Iverson about the joys and precautions of responsible sexting.


Is General Motors on its Way Back to Being the No. 1 Car Maker this Year?

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Car image for Predicto blogGeneral Motors has been in extremely hot political water since the auto industry bailout from late last year. Prior to that, GM had faced a lot of economic, management and political challenges that one wondered how in the world it ever survived and thrived. For years, it has dominated the car industry with the massive demands and production of its line of iconic muscle cars. The entertainment industry has also played a huge role in ensuring the success of the all-American machine.

In the past couple of years, however, we saw how the mighty had fallen. Not that GM fell completely out of the scene, it merely slid down to the No. 2 spot as the world’s largest car maker. And who now holds its former glory? Not some royal European machine, but a once-lowly industrial brand from Japan, now transformed into the industry giant that is now known as Toyota.

Based on the 2008 ranking on the Fortune 500, Toyota is No. 1 in global unit sales. That says a lot about a company that once manufactured utterly unreliable cars, but now leads the way in pushing hybrid cars to the market. They were in fact one of the first brands to mass-produce and sell such cars. Today, with Toyota’s strong worldwide presence, innovative strategies and strong brand recognition, other car manufacturers, including General Motors, are finding it hard to keep up with Toyota’s pace.

So, will General Motors be able to reclaim its title as the “World’s Largest Automaker” this year? (It certainly is not the largest car maker anymore, but it sure still manufactures the largest cars in the world, and they are not that far behind Toyota.)

Our Predicto voters have spoken. 46% say yes, 54% say no so far. “Usertrlb4180” asserts that the government shouldn’t be the one to make GM get back its former glory, the people should. Well, if GM makes more eco-friendly cars and keep up with the way people have grown so accustomed to compact Japanese cars, maybe they will regain their spot soon enough. But as one of the voters aptly put it, “GM had their time. It’s time for another automaker to have theirs.”

With GM’s fresh funds from the government, it could now be up to something that could make everyone’s jaws drop. Before we know it, the company could be rolling out better cars that could give other automakers a run for their money.

Who else says GM will be No. 1 again this year? Who else says no, they won’t? Let us know what you think by visiting Predicto.com and voting (and leaving comments) on this survey.


The Nobel Peace Prize Goes to … Michael Jackson?

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

michael_jacksonThe late singer, songwriter and pop culture icon Michael Jackson is once again taking control of the headlines. The difference this time is that it’s less about what he did and more about what his fans want.

A petition has gone around campaigning to bequeath the late pop singer the Nobel Peace Prize. This is in recognition of the millions of people he has given aid to through his humanitarian efforts throughout Africa, Asia and elsewhere in the world.

It is difficult to imagine people not ever having heard of the Nobel Peace Prize. Named after industrialist Alfred Nobel, the award is for individuals and organizations whose efforts have been marked by their pursuit of peace, order and harmony among humankind in the world. Distinguished awardees include former South African president Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the 14th Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa and institutions like UNICEF, Amnesty International, the League of Red Cross Societies and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Michael Jackson’s efforts have been centered on helping children and the youth. He is known as an ardent supporter of the United Negro College Fund, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Starlight Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation, and his own Heal the World Foundation.

This proposal to nominate him has not been without resistance from other concerned citizens. Michael Jackson’s colorful life has been marked by highly sensationalized stories. The two high-profile court cases filed against him for his alleged acts of child molestation stand out in particular.

The question then remains: Will Michael Jackson receive a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in February 2010 or not? Will Jackson’s personal life, full of controversy, keep him from the nomination? Is the public clamor for his receiving the award enough to take him forward?

As of August 2009, the current results via Predicto state that some 62% of all respondents have predicted Michael Jackson will be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize come February. A variety of responses have been collected by the Predicto community.

“Userlobb2540” commented “Michael is such an inspiration and … he sure does deserve it.”

“Userjryp8680” said that Jackson “impacted so many lives it’s one of the only honest thing to do to remember his name.”

“GreatGazoo” rejected the idea, asking “What would possibly be the point of Jackson being honored? Has he contributed to the peace process anywhere?”

What do you think? Is Michael Jackson worthy of being in the pantheon of Nobel Laureates? Take part in the discussion! Join Predicto and make your own opinion heard worldwide!


Will Denny’s Get Served … in Court?

Friday, July 24th, 2009

DennysBreakfastYeah, we probably shouldn’t go to Denny’s after those racial incidents happened back in the day. But somehow, it’s hard to hate on a place whose commercials featured Muppets and whose menu has that delicious Grand Slam.

Perhaps your favorite dish is the Moons Over My Hammy? That was the case of a New Jersey man named Nick DeBenedetto, who dined at the restaurant several times over 20 years. Now, because he has high blood pressure, he’s suing the chain in a class action lawsuit because he says that the food contains too much salt.

It wouldn’t be the first time a fast-food joint has been sued for something that seems obvious. Remember that woman who sued McDonald’s because she was burned by their hot coffee? (The cups now come with labels, warning that the drink is hot.)

Does DeBenedetto have a case? And if he does, will it go to court? 58% of voting Predicto Mobile community members says no, it won’t get to court by 12/10.

“If the guy has high blood pressure and he’s eating at Denny’s, then he can’t be the brightest crayon in the box,” says member “felucifer.”

“He knew what he was eating,” says “chenry1310.” “DisturbedPsycho” agrees, saying, “He willingly ate the food.”

“Denny’s won’t want the publicity. It won’t go to court,” says “tdyp5250.”

We don’t know what will happen, but we’re sure hungry to know. If you are too, visit Predicto.com to sign up and vote in surveys just like this. You’ll also receive the news once it breaks. Don’t forget to become a Predicto fan on Facebook!


Will Henry Louis Gates Jr. Get an Apology?

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

10-gates-450Henry Louis Gates Jr. is a noted black scholar who teaches at the prestigious Harvard University. His studies and commentary on race are lauded and solicited by many within his field and in the media, but nowadays, he’ll likely be talking about his latest incident.

Last week, Gates returned to his home in Cambridge, Mass., and allegedly had problems opening his front door. His cab driver, who was also black, tried to help him open the door, but a neighbor called the police, claiming there was a robbery taking place.

When the police showed up is where the stories get sketchy. Both the white sergeant, James “Jim” Crowley, and Gates said that Crowley asked for ID, though each differs in the type requested. This misunderstanding led to some shouting and the officer eventually cuffing Gates supposedly yelling, calling him a racist and not calming down.

Gates claims he showed the proper form of ID and asked for the cop’s name and badge number, but Crowley apparently refused. Crowley says that Gates acted belligerently and failed to show proof that he lived at the residence. A big miscommunication that has become so big that even President Obama made reference to it. 79% of the Predicto Mobile community predicts that the officer, who said he wouldn’t apologize for the situation, will indeed apologize by 9/1.

“I strongly believe he should apologize to him. Some of these cops are way out of line these days,” says member “pijk3367.”

“They are getting out of hand. You screwed up, now at least apologize!” says “orcv2469.”

“I don’t think he will get the apology he deserves because it’s all political and a power trip on the race issue,” says “zulp2680.”

The passionate commentary continues on Predicto.com. Be sure to visit the site to sign up and vote in surveys just like this, as well as get the late-breaking news when it breaks. You can also become a fan on Facebook to get more Predicto!


Is the Daily News Next on Rupert Murdoch’s Shopping List?

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Competition among New York dailies is notoriously fierce, but for all its pluses and minuses, this competition has fortunately led to a plurality of voices. What will happen, then, if two of the biggest names in the New York newspaper industry become one?

Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul behind News Corporation, is reportedly setting his eyes on the New York Daily News, the second-largest daily in the state when it comes to circulation and profitability. The reports came after News Corp. announced its recent acquisitions of the Brooklyn Paper, the TimesLedger and the Courier-Life. The newspaper groups are all based in New York, fueling speculations that the Daily News of real estate tycoon Mort Zuckerman will be next.

Strategic Investing in New York News Industry

“I believe [the acquisition] is something that is being looked at very seriously, although very quietly [inside News Corp.],” says Baldwin, New York media appraiser Kevin Kamen. “Obviously, I can’t say it is definitely happening, but I think it is being considered by Murdoch for sure. Nobody should be surprised, although everyone will be.”

“There is a strategy there,” Kamen adds, referring to the recent acquisitions of three NY-based newspaper groups by Murdoch. “He’s building up the scenery, if you will, the support system.”

If and when the Daily News falls into Murdoch’s hands, News Corp. will have a new addition to its growing list of media assets. This prestigious list currently includes the New York Post, the Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones and the Fox group of broadcasting resources, television networks and movie outfits.

It is an astounding collection of media resources and people are worried about the influence Murdoch will have. Predicto Mobile community member “Usercaeh0904” believes that “less people owning media outlets means more of the truth being hidden from the people.”

“Then the papers will not compete, just work together,” says “Userldwb3957.” “He will have cornered the market.” “That would give two papers the same point of view,” says “Usertjry9241.” Other members of the community, on the other hand, think it will be a good business move. Without one of the big names in the competition, influence and profit will go up for the New York Post.

Daily News Acquisition, Total Fiction?

For now at least, the scenario is more of a big “if” than a “when.” Zuckerman, who last year was embroiled in a stiff bidding war with Murdoch when Newsday went for sale, is not obligated or willing to sell his papers. Zuckerman called Kamen’s predictions “total fiction” and added that “The Daily News is not for sale, has never been for sale and will not be for sale.”

However, as more and more papers are shutting down due to the economic slowdown and the emergence of the so-called new media, Zuckerman may reconsider. Back in 2008, Murdoch and Zuckerman were involved in a series of negotiations to merge the operations of their newspapers. The planned merger was reported as a “money-saving collaboration” between the two news outlets and grew out of their failed attempts to acquire Newsday. This at least proves that the possibility of these news tycoons working together does exist. Newsday, incidentally, went to Cablevision for $650 million.

In addition, the Daily News is “sliding into the red.” Despite being No. 2 in circulation, the Daily News is losing its subscribers and profits to online news channels. Zuckerman remains optimistic and believes that the downward trend of the Daily News will be abetted by a new color printing plant.

“I think this is inevitable,” Kamen says. “Murdoch is never going to have an opportunity to buy the Times, but if he can put together a proposal that’s reasonable for the Daily News, I believe Zuckerman will listen.” Will he? And will it be good for the news? Read what the Predicto Mobile community thinks here and join the discussion.


Has the KFC Code Been Cracked?

Monday, July 20th, 2009

KFCIt ranks among the great mysteries of the Earth, right up there with the disappearance of Amelia Earhart and how the Egyptians built the Sphinx: What are the 11 herbs and spices added to Kentucky Fried Chicken? Having evaded our curious taste buds for decades, one chef thinks he’s finally figured out the fixins.

Ron Douglas of Long Island, New York, runs a Web site dedicated to discovering and replicating the taste at fast-food and sit-down restaurants. The site got so popular that he quit his job on Wall Street to run it full time. Oh yeah, he’s also got a book on the subject, America’s Most Wanted Recipes, in which he serves up what he claims is the magical mix of ingredients that’s been making KFC so delicious.

Since the book is already on shelves (and almost sold out on Amazon.com), we wondered if KFC would confirm or deny if Douglas has the finger-lickin’ flavor right. About 49% of the voting members of the Predicto Mobile community say the fast-food franchise will make a statement confirming or denying his recipe by 11/15, though vocal comments on both sides are being posted right now.

“It would be amazing after all these years for someone to actually figure it out,” says member “qxhl7999.”

“They’ll NEVER confirm if he is right!” says “tjcmomof4,” a statement echoed by “BigA2419,” who says, “Why would they admit to that? Then the rest of the people would know.”

“Scorpiohog” has a different approach: sharing their own recipe. “I, too, know the secret! It’s butter milk, ranch and dill spices. Try it!”

What do you think will happen? There’s only one way to find out … Visit Predicto.com, sign up to vote on surveys like this and to find the latest news when it breaks. We’re also on Facebook, so make sure to become a fan!


Texting While Driving Banned in More States? OMG

Friday, July 17th, 2009

Texting While DrivingHow many of you out there are guilty of texting while driving? Admittedly, it’s sometimes the easiest way to communicate with friends and family during those bumper-to-bumper commutes.

But drivers beware: combining the two is now illegal in eight states and the District of Columbia, and several others have laws on the books that make it illegal for novice drivers or operators of certain vehicles to text on the road.

Since New York was the latest state to join the list that bans any use of electronic devices while driving, Predicto wondered if more join the bandwagon. And the Predicto Mobile community spoke passionately, with nearly 57% of the voting members predicting that 10 or fewer states would institute bans by the end of the year.

“I think it is a good idea to ban texting while driving in all states. It is a dangerous habit,” says member “pucw8561.”

“I believe they should do it in a lot more states than that, but we’ll be lucky if they do it in six,” says “mrru8049.”

“That’s a very hard law to enforce … a dumb one at that,” says “DisturbedPsycho.”

“They should ban it because your attention is not on the road,” says “dottynell.”

What will be the final tally at the end of year? Visit Predicto.com to find out right when the news breaks. You can also sign up to vote on surveys on the hottest topics in pop culture, entertainment and sports. Don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook, but please make sure to text and surf responsibly.