Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check

Filling a need:

It's about doggone time! Left-handed underwear for men.
   According to the London Telegraph, this is "the first time the underwear needs of southpaws have been considered." (We're doubting that claim.)
   The manufacturer, called Hom Fashion, claims the underwear will "save left-handed men up to three, often vital, seconds when visiting the loo."
   A spokesman said, "We see no reason why an accident of birth should dictate the type of underpants you can wear for the rest of your life."
   They ain't cheap. Prices range from $25-35 bucks a pair.
   Editor's note: A vital three seconds? Maybe, when you're seven. (Maiman)

Holidaze:

The big gift in the 2010 Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog is a houseboat for $250,000 that's described as being like a luxury loft that floats. For $15,000, you can get an edible playhouse made of gingerbread and gourmet candies.

Sucks to be you:

Are you looking for a room mate? We've got the perfect candidate --"Screech" from "Saved by the Bell!" TMZ.com reports DUSTIN DIAMOND is facing foreclosure for the third time in five years because he owes $278-thousand-dollars on his Wisconsin home. The gossip site claims Wells Fargo bank filed papers in the cheese state alleging he's in default and want him out immediately. (Lee)

Broadcast, cable and video news:

Fox has picked up a cartoon series based on the film "Napoleon Dynamite." The animated series will have the voices of JON HEDER and other actors who starred in the original 2004 live-action comedy.

Stars and their movies:

"Bieber Fever" shows no signs of slowing down and the pop tart is ready to launch his movie career. One insider tells AbsoluteNow.com that JUSTIN BIEBER has signed on to star in a remark of "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," but there's just one problem --finding a co-star that can share top billing with the teen sensation. (Lee)

Grace notes:

An upocoming concert by ADAM LAMBERT in Malaysia is under protest. The Islamist opposition party in that country wants the show canceled because the "American Idol" runner-up would be promoting (quote), "gay culture" in the mostly Muslim nation. A government arts official said the concert will go on as scheduled on Thursday, but that Adam has agreed to tone down his performance so as not to upset the locals. (Marino)

KATY PERRY is reportedly about to get married in India, but she's already gearing up for a European tour. The singer's official Web site says her "California Dreams" trek will kick off in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 20th, and wrap up in Bournemouth, England, on March 31st. (Marino)

Your Body:

New findings about obesity could pave the way for new weight loss drugs.
   Researchers have found more than 30 new gene variations linked to obesity. These new variations also explain the way fat is distributed on the body --why some people are pear-shaped and others are apples. Some of the new findings printed in the journal Nature Genetics also explain how genes play a role in influencing appetite.
   It's important to note that while genes do play a role in obesity, researchers say a bad diet and lack of exercise is still the reason for most people's weight problems. (Page)