As you may have heard, the U.S. is preparing to shoot down (UPDATE: has successfully shot down) a dying spy satellite before it crashes to Earth. The drama should be great news for Taco Bell, which has a history of setting up fun little targets whenever man-made stuff falls from space, and offering free tacos in the event of a direct hit. The problem this time may be that the satellite is filled with 1,000 pounds of toxic material (more, in fact, than your average Taco Bell lunch) and may threaten humans if it falls on land rather than in the ocean. FEMA has even issued guidelines advising local authorities to, in so many words, drop the chalupa should it land in their backyard. At the very least, unlucky first responders would seem entitled to a free lunch.

—Posted by Tim Nudd