Oddities spotted in the news

[robkelk]

Since they're not really worth their own threads but are worth bringing to people's attention (for an elastic definition of "worth"), here's a thread for oddities from the news.

Please, actual stories only - no "hey, look at that silly person" pieces.

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http://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as- ... -1.3920989]She didn't have a horse, so this New Zealand teen rides her cow instead

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-c ... -1.3917174]'Real-life Pokémon' growing in popularity as pets, despite restrictions

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-ed ... -1.3919228]Will P.E.I. be the first to fall in the zombie apocalypse?
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Ebony]

robkelk wrote:

---

Will P.E.I. be the first to fall in the zombie apocalypse?

I'm curious as to why Saskatchewan is less likely than its neighbors. I mean, I could understand Nunavut - there's nothing out there - but Saskatchewan borders on the US and has Alberta and Manitoba flanking it, and they're both more likely. Not as likely as Ontario, certainly, but is there really that much of a difference in population density?  
Ebony the Black Dragon
http://ebony14.livejournal.com

"Good night, and may the Good Lord take a Viking to you."

[Star Ranger4]

I'd hazard a guess that is based on more of a clumping effect; or based on something more like how likely it is that an infected individual could enter and initate a critical mass reaction before being discovered.
Hear that thunder rolling till it seems to split the sky?
That's every ship in Grayson's Navy taking up the cry-
NO QUARTER!!!
-- "No Quarter", by Echo's Children

[robkelk]

Squirrel chocolate bar thieves driving [Toronto] shopowner nuts
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Labster]

A few months out of date, but: Harris Tweed-attired Morestead marks Cheltenham 2016 which is a fancy way of saying "Horse in a suit and tie".
-- ∇×V

[robkelk]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/ruby- ... -1.3928881]Newly-discovered red dragon seen alive in Australia
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Skyfire2020]

A Friday 13th Flight to HEL (spelling deliberate)
http://www.wfaa.com/news/world/crazy-bu ... /385820638

Mark

[Labster]

The kicker on the red dragon article was this:

I honestly don't know why I bother inventing #FantasticBeasts.

From personal experience, I recommend you never let the biology majors DM your games because they will come up with the evilest monsters based on reality.
-- ∇×V

[robkelk]

3 deer tear up gas bar store before clerk shows them door

Includes video.
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[hazard]

Took me a bit to properly parse that one Rob.

[robkelk]

Blame the headline writer - that was a direct copy-and-paste.
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Labster]

Nebraska needs new flag after State Capitol flies it upside down for 10 days
This would be my proposal for a new state flag:
??
-- ∇×V

[robkelk]

During the Super Bowl (at about halftime, IIRC), tennis star Eugenie Bouchard accepted a bet on Twitter: if the New England Patriots won, she'd go on a date with student John Goehrke.

Well, they went on that date yesterday.

And it seems that the date wasn't unpleasant - they have a second date planned.

Obviously, the Aesop here is "bet on the long shot".
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[robkelk]

Want to comment on a story? Take a quiz first, says Norwegian broadcaster
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[robkelk]

Nothing says "International Women's Day" like Beer-battered brownies.

(And nothing cures a headache like a ham sandwich.)

The article includes the recipe. You'll have to substitute the specified scotch ale, unless you happen to live in or near Ottawa.
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[robkelk]

Toolbox saves driver's life.
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[robkelk]

Steampunk creations let students show off flights of fancy
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[robkelk]

Jukebox from 1800s entertains guests at P.E.I. inn
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Bob Schroeck]

robkelk wrote:

---

Jukebox from 1800s entertains guests at P.E.I. inn

Heh. There's an antique/junk store on Long Beach Island here in NJ called "The Wizard of Odds" (yeah, I know) which has a beautifully-maintained, fully working Nickelodeon right in the middle of the floor, just begging for nickels. While the device in this article is a different machine, they're not too dissimilar.
-- Bob
---------
Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.

[robkelk]

Exercising one's rights:

Fitness buffs offer free early morning workouts on Parliament Hill
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[Labster]

Does the Parliament's location even count as a hill? The topography looks vaguely convex, I guess.  (If you want a real capitol hill, check out Salt Lake City.  It's like someone put the building high above the tabernacle on purpose...)
How EVE's top scammer led the game's greatest humanitarian rescue mission.  This story's got everything: dangerous Russians, an anti-hero, virtual slavery, and a Big Damn Heroes fleet to save the day.  The hero: in his own words.
-- ∇×V

[robkelk]

Does the Parliament's location even count as a hill? ...

I'd say so ... (goes and looks through the web) ... Here's a photo from Wikimedia Commons.


--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."

- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012

[robkelk]

Charging Bull sculptor accuses NYC of violating his rights with Fearless Girl

I think somebody involved here doesn't understand "death of the artist" or alternative character interpretation (with the bull being the character in question)...

EDIT: Should she stay or should she go?

[DHBirr]

Darn those door-to-door solicitors...!

Today's hopefully unnecessary PSA: do not answer the door for an alligator.

Police in Sarasota County, Florida, shared photos Wednesday of a rogue alligator that, while wandering a neighborhood, trudged right up to the front door of a house. It later tried its luck at the garage door, too, but no one let it in. Imagine!

We do not think it was invited. Perhaps it had the wrong address.

-----
Big Brother is watching you.  And damn, you are so bloody BORING.

[Labster]

Japan facing critical potato chip shortage - Millions forced to subsist on Pocky, cup ramen, real food.
-- ∇×V