We’ve reach an era where the strength of a friendship is measured by how often you exchange text messages. Witness this article on the coaches of the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings who are battling it out in the Western Conference playoffs.  They are good friends who text each other regularly. But right now they are not speaking or texting.  However, their “wives still talk to each other and text.”  I’m guessing they haven’t unfriended each other in Facebook though.

Paramount opened Iron Man 2 this past weekend in most other countries (but not the U.S.)  to get ahead of the World Cup and take advantage of May Day weekend.  Here in the new world we’re barely used to the idea of buying scarves to root for soccer (sorry: football!) teams, especially since the MLS season runs through the warmer months.  Most people on the street won’t know the World Cup host country (South Africa).  More significantly, most won’t know about the Haymarket riots and the labor union’s origins of May Day as a holiday.  But we won’t have to wait for Memorial Day weekend to see Tony Stark, we’re only a week behind everyone else.

There’s a new blueberry in town and it’s… pink. Vaccinium ‘Pink Lemonade’ is a media savvy berry plant. Not only does it have a custom domain for its website, it also has its own Facebook page. The plant is available for purchase now, though it was originally scheduled for a 2011 release.

According to Yahoo, searches for “chicken coops” are up 100 percent, while searches for “chicken coop plans” are up 225 percent.

Start-up costs for keeping a few chickens are minimal and 50 pounds of feed costs $20. Some backyard farmers do trick out out their coops though, with fancy interiors and even a chandelier. Keeping chickens was how my parents discovered there was a family of foxes living in the woods near our Connecticut house. And also how loud chickens can be — even without a rooster.

The new $100 bill has its very own website and unveiling video (below).  You can also follow along on Facebook and Twitter (although I don’t think “like” and “follow” will pan out with any free samples or giveaways in this case).

Metro-North, the commuter rail line that runs from New York to Connecticut, is ordering a new fleet of cars to replace the 1970s models now in service. That’s great news, until you talk to the regulars in the bar cars that are unique to the New Haven line. The rolling lounge, with its leather benches, stools, cup holders, and of course a bar, may not be a part of the new fleet. It’s an expensive customization that Metro-North will not commit to yet and the existing bar cars can’t be hooked up with the new cars.  For passengers more interested in a nap and pleasant environment,  the new cars finally have the headrests and improved restrooms that other lines have been enjoying for years.  There will also be power plugs, but alas no Internet access.

San Francisco artist Emiko Oye has a lovely line of jewelry made from repurposed Lego, some set with gemstones.  Maybe if I show this to my son he’ll be inspired to make something for me that isn’t a weapon from Star Wars.

Actor Tom Hanks gave the White House Press Corps an espresso machine six years ago. During his recent visit with the President he noticed the machine had been much appreciated but perhaps not well taken care of.  He sent along a new model with a note that the spout should really be cleaned after every use.

Volcanic ash flight disruptions have bumped up call volumes at Cunard reservations. Their Queen Mary 2 is booked solid for her next three Atlantic crossings.  The waiting list for the April 22nd crossing from Southampton to New York is 1,000 names long.  Other cruise lines with transatlantic crossings are filling up as well.  Celebrity Cruises canceled a brief launch cruise for their new ship, Celebrity Eclipse, and put her in service to collect travelers stranded on tours in Bilboa and bring them back to the U.K. Other travelers stuck on the wrong side of a body of water may wish to consider the mental strength of Katie Spotz who recently rowed across the Atlantic solo in 70 days, aided by 300 chocolate bars and 4 iPods. If you’re stuck in Europe, enjoy the better chocolate while you can and make offerings to Vulcan and Pele.

Eddie Feibusch sells zippers. He’s 86 and going into his 70th year in zipper sales — he opened his NYC store, ZipperStop, on the day Pearl Harbor was bombed.  Feibusch can sell you a 350 inch long zipper for wrapping a hot air balloon.  He can find the perfect match for a dress from the 502 colors he keeps in stock. He has so many zippers he doesn’t know how many he has, “more than a million.” And, just like mom, he says YKK is the best.