Karin Halperin

Dan Nainan had never heard of a home test for HIV until a prospective girlfriend insisted that he take one. Apparently, she didn't trust him. "I'm not some sleaze bag, but she's really suspicious," said Nainan, 31, who works as a comedian. "I'm like, 'Come on, you're kidding me.'" The test became a sticking point in their budding relationship.

Let's face it: Most umbrellas are seriously faulty. They bend, they break, they jam, they poke people in crowds. Hit with an onslaught of wind and rain, they turn inside out. What's more, umbrellas have to be held, leaving only one hand free to carry groceries, keys, a briefcase, coffee -- even a baby or Shih-Tzu -- through rain-soaked streets. What has frustrated many about this everyday weapon against rain inspired Greek designer Athanasia Leivaditou to tackle the umbrella problem head on.

Fifty years after his death, John F. Kennedy continues to captivate and intrigue the American psyche. While thousands of books have been written about his life, White House tenure and assassination, there's still a few things you perhaps never knew about our 35th president.