News In Brief

SPEEDING? NOT ME, OFFICER

You can forget about arguing with a traffic cop about how fast you were driving once - and if - a new European device finds its way into use in the US. The Intelligent Speed Adapter automatically slows down your car if you've exceeded the posted limit. Using satellite technology and a system of highway beacons, the gadget pinpoints a vehicle's location and relies on a digital map inside the car to determine its speed. If the driver insists on trying to "floor it" after a warning signal goes off, the device then cuts fuel supply to the engine. The so-called "spy in the sky," which is being research-tested at Leeds University, would cost about $330 per vehicle to install.

FIRST, I'D LIKE TO THANK ...

If it seems as though there's an awards presentation on TV every other night, well, there probably is. Last year, according to Daily Variety, the US entertainment industry handed out 3,182 trophies at 332 ceremonies. The trade publication cites everything from the Academy Awards to the Silver Sewers. The latter "honor" leading polluters of the American culture. Even the broadcasts of the Oscar, Grammy, and Tony ceremonies won awards: television Emmys.

Oh, Canada! You've certainly got super female singers

The music industry's 42nd annual Grammy Awards, to be presented Feb. 23 in ceremonies in Los Angeles, once again have numerous nominees from Canada. Particularly notable are the number of female vocalists up for major honors. Here are five of the top stars (listed in alphabetical order) with the categories in which they're contenders:

Celine Dion, Best pop collaboration with vocals

Diana Krall, Best album of the year; Best vocal performance in jazz

Sarah McLachlan, Best female pop vocal performance

Alanis Morisette, Best female pop vocal performance

Shania Twain, Best song of the year; Best country song; Best female country vocal performance

- Toronto Globe & Mail

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