Patience, and more

Good week for:

Patience, after an Australian website started transmitting text messages to Gliese 581 d, the closest planet outside our solar system likely to support life. Estimated delivery time: 20 years.

Paul Lewis, a 40-year-old British man who survived a 10,000-foot skydiving fall after his parachute failed to open. He landed on the roof of an aircraft hangar, which “broke his fall and flexed sufficiently to reduce impact,” said witness Colin Fitzmorris.

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A vacation in Venice, after a hotel near that Italian city owned by Intercontinental Hotels Group accidentally advertised a room rate of 1 cent a night. “IHG is committed to honoring the 1 cent rate for guests who have valid confirmation,” said spokeswoman Monica Smith. About 230 people took advantage of the offer.

Bad week for:

Clifton Williams of Illinois, who was found in contempt of court for yawning during his cousin’s sentencing. Judge Daniel Rozak said Williams’ yawn was “boisterous” and “disruptive,” and sentenced him to six months in jail.

The Drug Enforcement Agency, after a study found that

85 percent to 95 percent of bills circulating in the U.S. and Canada contain traces of cocaine, up from the 67 percent in 2007.

Skating while texting, after Philadelphia became the first city to ban cell phone use by skateboarders, bicyclists, and inline skaters unless they use hands-free devices. “So, if I, like, have a Double Gulp from 7-Eleven in my hand, and I’m talking on a Bluetooth, that’s okay?” said skater John McCafferty. “That’s cool.”