Counter Intelligence: Obamas Set for Vineyard Getaway

The first family preps for Island vacay

By XANA O'NEILL

Updated 10:15 AM PST, Mon, Jul 6, 2009

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See where the Obamas will take their first summer vacation as first family and take a look at our list of must-reads that will have you chatting at the lunch counter, over IM or wherever it is that people actually talk these days.

The Obamas' first summer vacation as first family remains officially classified -- but on Martha's Vineyard word is out that the first family is getting ready for an island getaway. The Obamas are expected to stay in Oak Bluffs and are trying to shy away from the Clintons' star-studded, party-focused Vineyard vacations. Though the Vineyard has been a favorite destination of many politicians, not all former presidents have been smitten with the place. George W. Bush once said, "Most Americans don't sit in Martha's Vineyard, swilling white wine."
One low-cost airline is considering making some of its customers stand during flights or charge passengers less for sitting on "bar stools" with seat belts. Ryanair is in talks with Boeing to make a jetliner with standing room. The space would allow up to 50% more passengers and slash costs by 20%.
Caffeine may reverse the effects of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. Mice that were genetically engineered to have a protein associated with the disease were given a high-caffeine diet. Those on caffeine did better on learning and memory tests than did their uncaffeinated counterparts.
The world's oldest Christian Bible has been digitized. The 4th-century book was written in Greek on parchment leaves and has been digitally reunited after being housed in separate locations for more than 150 years.
Crew members on Katie Holmes latest film set are reportedly being forced to sign contracts that they won't ask the actress about her religion, according to Australian media outlets. The scientology convert is filming her new movie "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" in Melbourne, Australia. Holmes and hubby Tom Cruise are notoriously quiet about their religion.