Off the Hook

The 2.5 million cellular handsets collected by recycling programs between 1999 and early 2003 represent less than 1 percent of the cellphones discarded during that period, says the research group Inform Inc. About 100 million cellphones, laden with toxic chemicals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium, were thrown away in 2003, with most winding up in landfills and incinerators. The problem will worsen as U.S. cellphone users, now allowed to retain their phone numbers when switching carriers, get new handsets with each switch.

Do Not Pass Go.

NASA is being sued for failure to pay a US $20 parking fee after landing the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft on the Eros asteroid in 2001. Gregory W. Nemitz, who claims to have a monopoly on the asteroid, took NASA to court on 6 November after it refused to recognize his deed and pay the bill. No word whether Nemitz also owns Boardwalk and Park Place.

A Better Car Trap.

A company in Singapore has developed a parking lot surveillance system that uses cameras and intelligent software to assist drivers when entering and exiting. A display alerts entering drivers to the nearest vacant spots. After shopping, a driver can locate his or her car by punching in its license plate number at one of several kiosks equipped with electronic maps. The display indicates the car's position. The system can also warn security about suspicious activity.