Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe British government missing computers LONDON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The British government says more than 3,000 of its computer devices have been lost or stolen since 2002. Advertisement An estimated 1,774 laptops, 1,035 desktop computers, 202 hard drives, 195 memory sticks and 676 cell phones have gone missing from the government during the last seven years, The Sun reported. The Ministry of Defense and the Department for Work and Pensions -- each of which handles sensitive and confidential information -- had the worst records, the Sun said. "It demonstrates a culture of carelessness that ministers have done nothing to curtail," said Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Paul Holmes, calling the loss "staggering." The missing computer equipment proves the government "can't be trusted with our personal information," Holmes said. As economy lags, psychics prosper ALBUQUERQUE, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The economic recession has been good for soothsayers across the United States, the American Association of Psychics says. Advertisement Ana Anaya of Albuquerque said this year's financial troubles have resulted in the busiest November and December in her 35 years as a psychic, KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported. "I have been so busy because of the stock market," she said. "I have a lot of people who have lost their jobs. "People come to me from every walk of life. Doctors, lawyers, millionaires, billionaires, people who just walked out of jail." Anaya's predictions for the economy in 2009 are optimistic. "Things are definitely going to get better absolutely -- it will be really good for people," she said. However, not all of the news will be good -- she said she was "sorry to say" that "gas prices will definitely go up." Australian 'Crusoe' seeks 'Girl Friday' SYDNEY, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Australia's self-proclaimed "Robinson Crusoe" has taken out an online personal ad searching for his own "Girl Friday" to share his island life. David Glasheen, 65, who gave up the life of a businessman in Sydney to live the simple life on Australia's northern Restoration Island, wrote in his profile on dating site rsvp.com.au that he is "seeking a Girl Friday to make my island dreams come true," The Times of London reported. Advertisement "One of the last true adventurers! Still looking for my mermaid," the bushy beard-wearing Glasheen wrote. Glasheen holds a 50-year lease on one-third of Restoration Island and the remainder of the island is a national park. He said he has lived alone on his land for 12 years. "There has to be someone out there for me," he told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph. "I've got an eye for the ladies, so I guess I would do anything to meet the right partner." Foreclosures a boon for skaters FRESNO, Calif., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- A California skateboarder who drains pools behind foreclosed homes says skaters the world over are coming to Fresno for the backyard venues. The 27-year-old skateboarder, who gave only his skating alias, Josh Peacock, said he and his friends risk trespassing charges by traveling to foreclosed homes with a gas-powered pump, 5-gallon buckets, shovels and a push broom to transform the derelict pools into improvised skate parks, The New York Times reported. "We have more pools than we know what to do with," Peacock said. "I can't even keep track of them all anymore." He said the high volume of foreclosed homes with pools has brought skateboarders from as far away as Germany and Australia to his area. Peacock said his floor and couch are covered each weekend by the backpacks of visiting skaters. Advertisement The skateboarder said cleaning out the deserted pools is beneficial to the environment. "I'm doing the city a favor," he said. "They're always talking about West Nile (disease) on the news. Those little fish can only eat so much."
