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So I was thinking, there are weird  and weirder than weird stories that pop up in the news on occasion
So... how about a thread dedicated to posting the news?
Outside of the ren world there are really only a couple of other things I am really into and one is that I am a news/politics junkie. It is my own weird little quirk. I read and watch FOXnews, CNN, BBC and every other news outlet I can squeeze in time for.
One of my favorite things is to find stories that are just... bizarre.
That can be anything from goofy things celebs do to weird stories about regular folks to odd things that organizations try to foist off on the general public.

Keep in mind, not everyone has the same political viewpoints so if we want to have a news thread we need to be tolerant of that and not throw this into a politics discussion (which would get the thread locked in a hurry). I can think of many many things the "other side" does that strikes me as odd but that isn't the kind of stories this thread is for. Politics is OK for this only if it isn't a "choosing sides" kind of story.

Some examples of things to post about:

• The woman who was on the potty so long she was stuck to it (her skin grew around it even)
• The fellow who was arrested in the UK for having sex with a bicycle (on several occasions)
• The two grammar-conscious vigilantes arrested for correcting grammar on national parks signs
• The 14 year old boy who recently was hit by a meteorite (he's OK, just scared and scarred)

So, what strange/odd/weird/bizarre/unusual news have you seen recently?

*Rum shots for whomever comes up with the weirdest story of the week*

The Register - Royal Navy sailors hurl Ronald McDonald into Chilean harbour (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/18/matelots_mcdonalds_dunking_incident/)

Quote from: dbaldock on June 18, 2009, 12:49:29 PM
The Register - Royal Navy sailors hurl Ronald McDonald into Chilean harbour (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/18/matelots_mcdonalds_dunking_incident/)

Guess they were just clowning around...

I'm a huge News of the Weird fan. :) Anybody else read this column?

A News of the Weird Classic (July 2005)
Willie Windsor, 54, of Phoenix has for several years lived as a full-time baby, wearing frilly dresses, diapers and bonnets, sucking on a pacifier, eating Gerber cuisine and habitually clutching a rag doll, in a home filled with oversized baby furniture. According to a long Phoenix New Times profile in June, the diaper is not just a prop. Windsor said he worked hard to learn to become incontinent, even chaining the commode shut to avoid temptation, and the reporter admitted feeling "disconcert(ed)" that Windsor might be relieving himself at the very moment he was describing his un-toilet training. Apparently, Windsor's brother, ex-wife, girlfriend and a neighbor tolerate his lifestyle (though no girlfriend has yet been willing to change his diapers). Windsor is a semi-retired singer-actor and said he's been celibate for nine years. [Phoenix New Times, 6-9-05]

Funny stories!  We used to get a kick out of reading "The Weekly World News," which frequently reported on things like alien abductions, Elvis sightings and completely bogus medical oddities as well as weird celebrity gossip.

I was not having sex with the bike.  Was trying to get the spokes to make that cool motorcycle sound.

Quote from: Anna Iram on June 18, 2009, 01:27:14 PM
Windsor is a semi-retired singer-actor and said he's been celibate for nine years. [Phoenix New Times, 6-9-05]

Gee I can't imagine why.

Don't know where else to post this but this is the funniest auction ever...Man in New Zealand selling a washing machine.  Be sure to scroll down to the comments!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=223309871

Thanks for my biggest laugh of the day, Noble Dreg!

The Register - Underwear obligatory for Florida city workers (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/19/dress_code/)

Quote from: dbaldock on June 19, 2009, 12:32:55 PM
The Register - Underwear obligatory for Florida city workers (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/19/dress_code/)

? someone showing tooo much?

Two squids toss Ronald McDonald over board! Hummmmm, They must have been Campbells! ::)

Quote from: Noble Dreg on June 18, 2009, 09:08:19 PM
Don't know where else to post this but this is the funniest auction ever...Man in New Zealand selling a washing machine.  Be sure to scroll down to the comments!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=223309871

Not only was the man's writing funny, reading the comments and his replies was hysterical.  I "wasted" over an hour reading this and wasn't finished, and I think I spent my time way better than watching something stupid on TV.

Thanks for posting this.  It made my day!   ;D

 I needed that laugh too! I wonder if I could get that guy to write up my room for rent listing? LOL!
What FUN!

*snort giggle*
Monkey Urinates on Zambia President During Press Conference
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Zambia-Monkey-Urinates-On-President-Rupiah-Banda-During-Press-Conference-In-Lusaka/Article/200906415318824?lpos=World_News_Second_Home_Page_Article_Teaser_Region_6&lid=ARTICLE_15318824_Zambia%3A_Monkey_Urinates_On_President_Rupiah_Banda_During_Press_Conference_In_Lusaka

*That coulda made me spray rum if I wasn't at work...*

The Register - Opiate-crazed wallabies create crop circles (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/25/tas_poppyheads/)

Slashdot Science - Artist Wins £20,000 Grant To Study Women's Butts (http://science.slashdot.org/story/09/06/29/1733250/Artist-Wins-pound20000-Grant-To-Study-Womens-Butts)

The Register - Air NZ rolls out naked safety vid (Bare air derrieres) (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/02/air_nz_vid/)

As a scientist, I fully agree with these findings
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/6504229.html
More research could be needed

*I wonder what influence rum would have on the results...*

Quote from: *Teach* on July 02, 2009, 09:56:04 AM
As a scientist, I fully agree with these findings
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/world/6504229.html
More research could be needed

*I wonder what influence rum would have on the results...*

You might try doing your research for a month or two, while drinking some Rum --- and then continue doing your research for another month or two, without drinking your Rum.  With, or without Rum, your research should be fun ...  :D


Take Care,
David Baldock

Man: Bear Mugged Me For Italian Sandwich

A northwestern New Jersey man said he was mugged in his driveway by a sandwich-craving bear.

Henry Rouwendal said he was packing his car last Friday when he was hit from behind and knocked to the ground. He said the culprit was a black bear who took his Italian sandwich.

Rouwendal said he kicked the bear in the snout and throat.

He said the bruin made off with the bread, salami and other meats but left behind the lettuce, onions and tomatoes.

Vernon Township police said it's the first time a bear has attacked a person in the rural community in more than 25 years.

The state Environmental Protection Department so far has classified it as an "incident" and not an attack.

___

Information from: The Star-Ledger, http://www.nj.com/starledger

Squirrely situation (http://news.aol.com/article/squirrel-in-cleavage/555485?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl1%7Clink7%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fsquirrel-in-cleavage%2F555485)

I have put this here or maybe I should have put it in "Puppies, Heavage and Regional Differences?"   ;D LOL

Quote from: NoBill Lurker on July 03, 2009, 10:31:55 PM
Squirrely situation (http://news.aol.com/article/squirrel-in-cleavage/555485?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl1%7Clink7%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fsquirrel-in-cleavage%2F555485)

I have put this here or maybe I should have put it in "Puppies, Heavage and Regional Differences?"   ;D LOL

You've got to show that link to Blue!

So, go ahead and post it in the other thread.

Terminator arrested in Casino (http://www.recordcourier.com/article/20090703/NEWS/907029986/1049)

The Register - Too thick to boil an egg? Buy 'em preboiled - And shelled, naturally (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/07/preboiled_eggs/)

this showed in in google reader.

Repel Flies with a Bag of Water [Summer]
from Lifehacker by Rosa Golijan

We've featured many, many, many different ways to deal with mosquitoes using DIY solutions. But what about the even more common household fly? Turns out all you need to deal with that is a plastic bag or two.

Photo by brookage.

RickyC wrote in to tell us that he recently visited a lakeside restaurant and noticed some clear plastic bags filled with water hanging from the railings. When he inquired about the bags, a waiter explained that they were used to repel flies.

Question-and-answer web site The Straight Dope gives more detail on why this trick works:

    Evidently, houseflies, being highly edible and defenseless, are nervous types, and don't like to sit still when they see something moving nearby, because it could be a predator. The water bag acts a bit like a lens—try it some time—in which the movements of people in the area are reflected. Even if the fly is too far from the action to see it directly, it can see a shifting of light and dark in the water bag, which it interprets as nearby movement, and it will fly away from the bag.

So, next time you have a fly problem, grab a few plastic bags, fill 'em up, and let us know how this trick works for you. Likewise, share how you keep unwanted insects out of your backyard—including whether or not you've tried this method before—in the comments.
What's the Purpose of bags of water hanging in restaurants? [The Straight Dope]

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1956/whats-the-purpose-of-bags-of-water-hanging-in-restaurants

I've seen that technique being used at a restaurant near Dallas that had outdoor dining on some wooden decks.

 Family leave urine trial  to lure lost dog  (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/8143103.stm)

3 Smart Things About Beer Marketing
from Wired Top Stories by Brook Wilkinson

1 // The mountains on a Coors Light can are poor arbiters of taste.
The peaks turn blue at "optimal drinking temperature," or 39°F and colder. But beer loses flavor at that temp: It releases fewer volatile chemicals, and your tongue's ability to taste bitterness is diminished. Luckily, with Coors that makes little difference.

2 // Miller Lite's "triple hops brewed" claim isn't anything special.
Three doses of hops is fairly standard. Some craft breweries throw in more or even add it continuously, to create bitterness, flavor, and aroma.

3 // Budweiser calls itself "the Great American Lager," which is a bit of a misnomer.
The original German lagers were made exclusively from barley. Bud also uses rice. This generally cheaper ingredient can make up a quarter to two-thirds of the grains used in domestic macrobrews. You know, for that oh-so-watery appeal.

Quote from: renfairephotog on July 10, 2009, 12:37:04 AM
Family leave urine trial  to lure lost dog  (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/somerset/8143103.stm)

I hope they meant trail, rather than trial, because ... which court would you go to for a urine trial?  LOL!   ;D

Why a "clinical trial" of course!

This isn't really weird, just pretty funny.  And sad, because things like this happen all the time.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo


I'm surprised they didn't dress up as gorillas for the baggage handlers.

Wow - not only was that song appropriate, it was pretty catchy. I'm still humming it in my head!

News of the WeirdTM
(c) 1999-2001 , Chuck Shepherd. All rights reserved.

WEEK OF JULY 5, 2009

LEAD STORY

A 48-year-old immigrant from Malta regularly hangs out in various New York City bars, but always on the floor, so that he can enjoy his particular passion of being stepped on. "Georgio T." told The New York Times in June that he has delighted in being stepped on since he was a kid. While one playmate "wanted to be the doctor, (another) wanted to be the carpenter ... I would want to be the carpet." Nowadays, he carries a custom-made rug he can affix to his back (and a sign, Step on Carpet) and may lie face-down for several hours if the bar is busy. He is also a regular at "high foot-traffic" fetish parties, where dozens of stompers (especially women in stilettos) can satisfy their own urges while gratifying Georgio. [New York Times, 6-14-09]

Some days, the fetish world amazes me
Not from the ew factor, but from the facts that 1) they actually figured out this is what they like and 2) were able to find others that felt the same way and 3) have covered everything so well that it seems you can't even try and find a new one without discovering there are websites dedicated to them

*hmmm... wanders off looking for a rum fetish group... and of course... there is one*

"No, sherioushly honey, thesh total shtrangersh kidnapped me, dragged me out shomewhere, and forshed me ta drink beer! I'm tellin' ya, it wash *hic* jusht turrible!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,532490,00.html?test=latestnews (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,532490,00.html?test=latestnews)

Quote from: Tipsy Gypsy on July 14, 2009, 05:51:00 PM
"No, sherioushly honey, thesh total shtrangersh kidnapped me, dragged me out shomewhere, and forshed me ta drink beer! I'm tellin' ya, it wash *hic* jusht turrible!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,532490,00.html?test=latestnews (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,532490,00.html?test=latestnews)

I was just going to post this one!! ha!

How terrible... Force fed beer!! This will take years of therapy to get over, I just know it!!  :D :D *hahahahahaha!! *snort* hahahahahahahaha!

*Dear God..... I hope they serve beer in Hell!!*

They will serve beer in hell.
It'll be Milwaukee's Best and it'll be warm, out of the can.

*shudder!*

The Register - Villagers cut off as dripping thong sparks brown out (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/31/power_cut/)

What the heck, nothing else seems to be working! 

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE56M3G020090723 (http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE56M3G020090723)

PETA Unhappy Meals Targeting Kids (http://www.slashfood.com/2009/08/07/peta-unhappy-meals-targeting-kids?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl3%7Clink4%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.slashfood.com%2F2009%2F08%2F07%2Fpeta-unhappy-meals-targeting-kids)

And they don't understand why this is soooooo wrong...  ::)

European Vacation Leads to Hilarious Breakup (http://www.asylum.com/2009/08/11/european-vacation-leads-to-hilarious-break-up?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl5%7Clink7%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.asylum.com%2F2009%2F08%2F11%2Feuropean-vacation-leads-to-hilarious-break-up)

Quote from: NoBill Lurker on August 12, 2009, 06:29:11 PM
European Vacation Leads to Hilarious Breakup (http://www.asylum.com/2009/08/11/european-vacation-leads-to-hilarious-break-up?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl5%7Clink7%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.asylum.com%2F2009%2F08%2F11%2Feuropean-vacation-leads-to-hilarious-break-up)

ROTFLMFAO@!@@@@@@!!!!!!!


That was the FUNNIEST thing I have watched in recent memory!!!!    HUGE props, NoBill!!!


This is the best premise for a movie I've heard of.....and all true!!

Quote from: Seamus Ex Machina on August 12, 2009, 07:43:23 PM

Quote from: NoBill Lurker on August 12, 2009, 06:29:11 PM
European Vacation Leads to Hilarious Breakup (http://www.asylum.com/2009/08/11/european-vacation-leads-to-hilarious-break-up?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl5%7Clink7%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.asylum.com%2F2009%2F08%2F11%2Feuropean-vacation-leads-to-hilarious-break-up)

ROTFLMFAO@!@@@@@@!!!!!!!


That was the FUNNIEST thing I have watched in recent memory!!!!    HUGE props, NoBill!!!


This is the best premise for a movie I've heard of.....and all true!!

Wasn't that just a laugh riot!
I had tears in my eyes after reading that this morning!

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Perfect pet revealed... (http://living.morethan.com/2009/08/13/stroke-of-genius-perfect-pet-revealed/)

Quote from: NoBill Lurker on August 17, 2009, 08:47:14 PM
Perfect pet revealed... (http://living.morethan.com/2009/08/13/stroke-of-genius-perfect-pet-revealed/)

Do they have those at Pets Mart?   :D

Okay...*that's* pretty much guaranteed to give me nightmares tonight..... :'(

Quote from: NoBill Lurker on August 17, 2009, 08:47:14 PM
Perfect pet revealed... (http://living.morethan.com/2009/08/13/stroke-of-genius-perfect-pet-revealed/)

Where did the legs come from?!

Beside wondering about the legs, that's just creepy!

But Anna, how can it give you nightmares as it's the PERFECT PET...

( que the Twilight Zone music now )  ;)  ;D

He must really like Frosties  (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/09/18/spoon.in.lung/index.html)

Irish is the sexiest (http://www.lemondrop.com/2009/11/03/irish-accent-voted-worlds-sexiest/?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl3%7Clink6%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.lemondrop.com%2F2009%2F11%2F03%2Firish-accent-voted-worlds-sexiest%2F)