‘Zombie nativity’ back in Ohio a year after controversy
A ‘zombie nativity’ that spurred complaints and zoning violation notices last year is on display again in a suburban Cincinnati yard, with a change to avoid fines. Officials have concluded Jasen Dixon’s display complies with local zoning laws because he has removed its roof. Sycamore Township zoning administrator Harry Holbert says the issue was always about the structure and zoning rules, not the zombie figures.
The scene includes a sharp-toothed, grayish figure with black-ringed eyes sitting in the manger where baby Jesus would be in traditional Christmas nativities. Dixon was threatened with fines last year when officials said the display violated rules on size and placement of yard structures. WCPO-TV reports he removed it before being cited and didn’t have to pay fines.
(AP)
Israeli Prime Minister’s dog bites political visitors
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recently adopted dog Kaiya has sunk her teeth into her new position, biting two visitors at an event recently, including the husband of the Deputy Foreign Minister. At a candle-lighting ceremony to mark the Jewish festival of Hannukah, the 10-year-old mixed breed also took a snip at a Member of Parliament from Netanyahu’s likud party.
Knesset Member Sharren Haskel, a veterinary nurse, dismissed the incident, telling Army Radio it was “trivial”.
Netanyahu’s son took the dog in from a rescue home earlier this year. The PM posted a picture on Twitter in August urging dog lovers to seek out adult canines to adopt, saying “You won’t regret it!” Kaiya has met several dignitaries, including US Secretary of State John Kerry. Kerry is believed to have escaped unharmed.
(Reuters)
A lego machine that gives out Nuggets!
A YouTuber has created a working McDonald’s McNuggets vending machine made entirely out of legos. AstonishingStudios, known for creating various working machines out of legos, posted a video showing off the machine’s various functions. The machine is coin-operated and can store several packages of McDonald’s chicken nuggets.
“I was thinking of the next lego machine when I realised you can never fail with McDonald’s,” the unnamed creator wrote. “The McNugget is the greatest invention since the lego brick itself, so I hope you’re lovin’ it.”
The machine is able to recognise different currencies, accepting only specific kinds of coins and featuring a compartment in the back for storing and removing coins.
When the proper coin is inserted into the machine, it is read by a light sensor and then dispenses a box of McNuggets along with a packet of sauce.
(UPI)
$10,000 to couples who don’t get divorced
A startup company is offering couples the chance to be rewarded for their commitment, offering free loans toward a dream wedding for couples willing to stay together for the rest of their lives.
Swanluv, a startup based in Seattle, believes “everlasting marriage should be rewarded,” offering couples a loan of $10,000 toward the wedding of their dreams. The loan is absolutely free for couples who remain married, but any couples who divorce are required to pay back the full loan with interest.
According to the company’s website, winning applicants are chosen using an algorithm based on assessment of online data. Swanluv CEO Scott Avy told Geek Wire that the data found while selecting applicants also helps determine the rate of interest applied to the loan.
The funds gathered from couples whose relationships fail will be used to fund the weddings of new applicants. “It comes back to statistics,” said Avy. “We’ll have the right odds, so we’ll be OK. But they won’t be so crazy that no one wants to do it.”
In addition to the $10,000 loan, Swanluv also promises to provide free marriage counselling to help couples stay together. The company is set to officially launch mid-February, but is accepting applications.
Avy said couples interested in signing up should take the time to evaluate their relationships. “It really depends on where you are in your relationship,” he said. “I’m betting on my relationship I’ve established with my soulmate. It’s going to be a no-brainer for the ones it makes sense for.”
(UPI)
Santa’s helpers get jolly on slopes
Santa and his helpers hit the ski slopes to spread some holiday cheer recently. All told, a mob of 150 right jolly ol’ elves hopped on skis and snowboards for the 16th annual Skiing Santas event at Sunday River ski resort.
The event serves as a festive kickoff to the holiday season. “It’s really fun because everyone is a little wild and crazy,” said Catherine Bolender, 53, of Waterboro, who’s been participating for about a dozen years. “It’s a fun, festive event.”
Thom Bureau, a snowboarder, agreed that it’s chaotic — and unforgettable. “When you’re on the chairlift, you look back as you’re getting off, and the whole chairlift is full of Santas. It’s kind of freaky, actually,” he said.The event has become so popular that it’s difficult to get a ticket.
Brad and Heather Cope of Newton Falls, Ohio, said the online registration filled up in four minutes on November 30. They said they were lucky to make the cut.
“We were both on our computers at noon to make sure we got it,” said Brad Cope, a former ski instructor who installs swimming pools. Heather is a Maine native and nurse practitioner.
(AP)