Bright Ideas

• Bothered by spicy foods? Researchers in China have developed an artificial “tongue” that can detect spice levels in foods, the New York Post reported on Oct. 29. The small transparent square is placed on the user’s tongue and detects spice levels ranging from nothing to beyond levels perceived as painful. It can also detect flavors such as ginger, black pepper, horseradish, garlic, and onion. No word on when it will be available to the public. [NY Post, 10/29/2025]

• On Oct. 25 in Lille, France, an almost-homeless tech entrepreneur, Dagobert Renouf, married his love, Anna Plynina, People magazine reported. But because of Renouf’s broke status, the nuptials nearly didn’t happen. However, in July, Renouf had a brainstorm: He sold sponsorships for the wedding, with corporate donors getting their logos sewn onto his suit jacket. With Plynina supporting the project, Renouf launched a website, offering spots for $300 up to $2,000, depending on the placement. He promised to wear the jacket in all the wedding photos, which would be shared on social media platforms with 116,000 followers. Twenty-six companies bought in, for a total of $10,000 in advertising revenue. The suit cost $5,200 to make, and Renouf had to pay $2,500 on the income. “I basically got a free suit and $2,000 out of it,” he said. Even better, he got a job: One company was impressed with his ideas and dedication, and “I’ve been absolutely killing it and enjoying it since then,” Renouf said. [People, 11/4/2025]

I Feel Like I’ve Forgotten Something …

• During a virtual hearing in the 36th District Court in Detroit on Oct. 27, police officer Matthew Jackson showed up to testify about a woman charged with drag racing and disorderly conduct. But, WXYZ-TV reported, he forgot one important part of his uniform: pants. “You got some pants on, officer?” asked Judge Sean Perkins. Jackson replied, “No, sir,” and moved his camera up so his bare legs could no longer be seen, and the hearing continued. Jackson was apparently wearing underwear with his uniform shirt. Detroit police apologized and said they would remind all officers about proper etiquette and dress codes for virtual hearings. “It was an interesting day, to say the least,” said TaTaNisha Reed, the defendant’s attorney. [WXYZ, 10/29/2025]

• Meanwhile, Glasgow (Scotland) City Councillor Hanif Raja dropped into a virtual planning meeting in early November but forgot to turn off his camera when he sat down on the toilet. The BBC reported that another councillor asked Raja if he was “aware that your camera is live,” prompting Raja to explain that he is diabetic and needs frequent “comfort breaks.” “The button was pressed and I didn’t notice,” he said. The council removed the livestream and said it would be uploaded after editing. [BBC, 11/5/2025]

Saw That Coming

Hillary Martin of Orange County, Florida, has filed a lawsuit against SeaWorld Orlando following an incident that happened in March, ClickOrlando reported. Martin is seeking $50,000 in damages after she was struck by a duck riding the Mako roller coaster. (We didn’t even know ducks like roller coasters.) Martin said the duck flew into the coaster’s path and struck her in the face, causing her to lose consciousness. She claims the park created a “zone of danger” by placing the ride near a body of water. No word on the duck’s condition or injuries. [ClickOrlando, 10/29/2025]

Florida

On the morning of Nov. 3 at a Publix grocery store in Miami, a man using the restroom stall was assaulted after Alfredo Brindis, 72, “entered the restroom frantically and began to bang on the stall door,” Local10-TV reported. When the victim exited the stall, Brindis yelled at him to “hurry and move,” but Brindis was blocking his way. He said Brindis “presented a knife and waved it in front of the victim” and “tried to cut him.” The victim used his bookbag to shield himself. Brindis told police that he “really needed to use the restroom.” He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. [Local10, 11/4/2025]

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