Facebook thinks a $1 fee is a fair price to override your privacy

Facebook is testing a service that would make it easier for complete strangers to send private messages directly to your inbox. How? It's simple — with money. In a blog post, the company explained how they will test ways for users to send messages to the inboxes of people they aren't Facebook friends with. Facebook says they're toying with an "economic signal."

Screenshot of a Facebook Inbox (© Facebook)
In everyday terms, senders could pay $1 to have a message delivered to another user. The way Facebook presents it, you could reach out to a speaker you saw at an event or make a professional connection, and the fact that you have to pay to send it might discourage unwanted messages.

A Three-Time U.S. Olympian Was Found Working as a High-Priced Call Girl in Vegas

 44-year-old Suzy Favor Hamilton was a THREE-TIME OLYMPIAN for the U.S.  She competed as a middle-distance runner in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympics.  And it turns out she's been secretly working as a $600-an-hour ESCORT in Vegas.  She has endorsements, she didn't need the money, she's married, and her husband KNEW.  So it appears she was in it for the THRILL.

 

 iPhone/Guitar rapper mixes gimmick with heart

It's a simple equation: "Beatbox + iPhone + Guitar + Fast Rap = Win!" Musician Mac Lethal only needs three tools (his phone, his guitar, his voice) to craft this impressive song about living in the world today. But it's more than just a gimmick; there is real heart in these lyrics. Take a listen.

This guy has got chops. There is some heavy stuff in there between the impressive looping and gadgetry. All opinions are personal, and Mac is certainly not afraid to let his known, so we won't get into that. Except to say one thing: don't text and drive, guys.

DOTTY LYNCH

Chet talks with political analyst, Dotty Lynch, on the fiscal cliff.

-Winter weather on its way.

-Rochester Metro adds some jobs.

-I-Square may be back in business.

NHL

The NHL has wiped out all games through January 14th, and if it needs to make any more cancellations, the entire season could be the next thing to go. So far, 625 regular-season games have been canceled, including nearly 200 in the announcement made yesterday.
 
AHL

AMERKS HOST BINGHMATON TONIGHT AT 7:05

The Rochester Americans announced today that former team captain Dane Jackson and longtime WHEC-TV news/sports anchor Rich Funke will be inducted into the Amerks Hall of Fame on Friday, Feb. 15. Jackson and Funke will become the 53rd and 54th members of the exclusive club as selected by the Rochester Americans Hall of Fame Committee. ALBANY DEVILS ARE AT NORFOLK 7:30

NFL

Bills cornerback and return specialist Leodis McKelvin has been placed on injured reserve because of a groin injury. ..Buffalo signed linebacker Kirk Morrison back to the team after releasing him on Dec. 3 after he was inactive for 12 games

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks returned to practice yesterday after missing practice on Wednesday with a sprained left knee. Nicks says he expects not only to be healthy enough to face the Ravens on Sunday,

Colts coach Chuck Pagano has been medically cleared to return to the team by his physician and could be back as soon as Monday....Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia Sept. 26 and took an indefinite leave from the team to undergo three rounds of chemotherapy
 


COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Poinsettia Bowl
BYU BEAT SAN DIEGO STATE 23-6. ...COUGARS FINISH 8-5


NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder'S 12-game winning streak ended on the home floor of the Minnesota Timberwolves, 99-93.

Miami Heat breezed past Dallas 110-95 for their 11th win in 14 games. LeBron James led the way with 24 points ...James, who has scored at least 20 points in all 23 games, the longest streak to start an NBA season since Karl Malone's 24 in a row opening the 1989-90 season.


KNICKS HOST THE BULLS AT 7:30
BOSTON HOST MILWAUKEE

COLLEGE HOOPS

Mason Plumlee had 21 points and 15 rebounds, and top-ranked Duke beat Elon  76-54 for its 100th straight nonconference win at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

UAlbany (9-2)  looks to extend its winning streak to seven on Friday, Dec. 21 against Quinnipiac at the SEFCU Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

SIENNA IS AT FORDHAM ON SUNDAY
 

MLB

Free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski  has agreed to terms with the Texas Rangers  on a one-year deal,


AP WINNER

Michael Phelps has added another triumph to his list of accomplishments: The Associated Press male athlete of the year...   The retired swimmer edged out LeBron James in voting announced in a fitting payoff for winning four golds and two silvers at the London Games. Phelps is the most decorated Olympian ever.


RUNNERS

New York City Marathon runners can receive a refund of their entry fee after this year's race was canceled because of Superstorm Sandy. Runners can also go for a guaranteed spot in the 2013, 2014 or 2015 marathon. They would have to pay the entry fee again, but at the 2012 rate. Or they can accept a spot in March's NYC half-marathon, paying the entry fee for that race.