LinkNotes: fake

2008-09-24

NEXTgencode A Fake Biotech Firm

About NEXTgencode, a biotech company promoting genetic engineering as a tool in life enhancement, which actually is part of the promotion of Michael Crichton’s book "Next".

The "company"

Clipped from: Believe It or Not, Fake Biotech Firm Is Key Marketing Ploy for Crichton Novel - WSJ.com

Believe It or Not, Fake Biotech Firm Is Key Marketing Ploy for Crichton Novel
A puppy that never ages. A cactus that grows human hair. Giant cockroaches presented as pets.
Genes run amok at Nextgencode, which is as it should be. The "company" is the creation of News Corp.'s HarperCollins Publishers, and its sole purpose is to gin up interest in "Next," Michael Crichton's coming thriller about genetic research. The publisher plans to post videos on YouTube and other popular Web sites touting the accomplishments and products of Nextgencode.

To the Net surfer, the Web site of Nextgencode on first examination appears to be about a real biotech company.

The site

Clipped from: NEXTgencode - Your Destiny is No Longer in Question

Videos

Clipped from: YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

PermaPuppy
Did you ever wish your puppy would never grow up? PermaPuppy remains young while YOU grow.

Bug DNA 4000
NEW BUG DNA Farm. Play with DNA of real insects.

Losing Blondes
The last natural blondes will die within 200 years, scientists believe.

2008-05-23

Fake Smile Health Risks

clipped from www.spiegel.de

Don't Smile Too Much, German Shop Assistants Warned

A German psychologist has warned "professional smilers" such as flight attendants and shop assistants that too much forced smiling can cause stress, depression and even heart problems. It's unlikely to become a major health issue though -- German customer service isn't renowned for its friendliness.

The stress caused by having to flash one's teeth at customers can lead to depression, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems, Professor Dieter Zapf of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Frankfurt told Apotheken Umschau, a healthcare magazine handed out free at pharmacies in Germany. Zapf's findings are based on research conducted by the university.