Oprah responsible for 1 million votes: University of Maryland economists Craig Garthwaite and Tim Moore claim to be able to measure Oprah's impact on the Obama campaign. "Our results suggest that Winfrey's endorsement was responsible for approximately 1,000,000 additional votes for Obama," they said. This conclusion was drawn from the use of complex numerical equations to determine Oprah's star power, using book sales, TV ratings, voter turnout and other factors, the New York Post reports.

Spas and showers in new commercial airplane: Emirates Airline has introduced a Boeing 777 that will provide a direct, non-stop flight between San Francisco and Dubai. This new plane is equipped with two shower-spas, two lounges and 14 first-class suites that include mini-bars, widescreen video displays and seats that convert into beds. If you are a first-class passenger and would like to indulge with the shower spa, it will cost you a mere $18,000 a ticket! (Kids' college tuition or plane ride? You decide!)

Lindsay Lohan marrying a girl?: The rumor mill is buzzing about Lindsay Lohan's alleged plans to tie the knot with girlfriend Samantha Ronson. Gay marriage recently became legal in California, so she's good to go there. But father Michael Lohan says he won't walk Lindsay down the aisle because of his Christian faith. Is this for real? Only time will tell.

Want to live longer? Move to Japan: Research shows that Japanese women are outliving women in any other culture. An average girl born in Japan this year can expect to live 86 years. Although the exact reason for their longevity has not been determined, it is likely that medical advances in treatments for cancer, heart disease and stroke have definitely been factors. (Is sushi a factor, too? 'Cause we love us some sushi!)
 
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