Swastika banner draws criticism in new york
A banner aiming to change people’s minds about what swastikas stand for has stirred outrage after it flew over beaches in New York City and on long Island.
Some beachgoers were appalled and officials fielded complaints after a plane toted the banner last week. The banner featured swastikas, a peace sign, a Star of David and a “pro-swastika” message. It was arranged by the International Raelian Movement. The group tries annually to remind people that before Adolf Hitler’s rise, the swastika was an ancient symbol of well-being to Hindus and Buddhists, among others. The Raelians — who believe human beings were created by extraterrestrials — have faced controversy over similar swastika banners in summers past.
Some beachgoers say there’s just no way to rehabilitate a symbol that provokes such strong feelings.
(AP)
Singapore ad on gambling lampooned around world
Singapore tried its best to save an own goal last week by updating an anti-gambling ad that starred a despairing boy named Andy telling friends his dad had bet his life savings on Germany winning the World Cup.
The National Council on Problem Gambling’s commercial was lampooned around the world after Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, sparking jokes that the ad would encourage rather than deter gambling.The laughs got louder after Germany beat Argentina 1-0, with many people taking to social media to congratulate Andy on his family’s good fortune.“Andy, okay you can stop smiling. Go get your savings from your daddy.” Minister of State at the trade and Industry Ministry Teo Ser luck wrote on his Facebook page.
Gambling is hugely popular in Singapore but tightly regulated, with soccer bets only allowed to be placed through state-owned bookmaker Singapore Pools.
(Reuters)
Driver finds giant python under hood in new mexico
A woman in Santa Fe, New Mexico, had just left her home last week when her car suddenly stalled. A good Samaritan pulled over to help, but when he opened the hood of the car he didn’t find a dead battery. Instead, he found a living 9-foot, 20-pound python.
“It was looking right at me. It flicked its little tongue, and I kind of freaked out a little bit,” said Jackson Ault. So Ault and the woman, who wasn’t identified, called the local police to help. The first officer on the scene wasn’t anymore interested in dealing with the snake than Ault. But then police lt louis Carlos showed up and the story suddenly became much less frightening and far more adorable.
After soothing the snake, Carlos called animal control services, which picked up the snake and brought it to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society.
(The Sideshow)
Fastest-Talking Woman can say 11 words per second!
Fran Capo holds a world record for her gift of gab at 603 words per minute or 11 words per second.A YouTube video that’s gone viral this week showcases Fran reciting “The Three little Pigs” really, really, really fast. Fran says the video was shot a few years ago, and she’s overwhelmed by the renewed attention. The former broadcaster and current comedienne went on larry King live back in 1986.
The native New Yorker was asked to read the story once again, and the fast talker extraordinaire did it in 15.78 seconds or so!Fran’s always up for a challenge and is always on the move. She hopes others learn to live in the moment too.
(Yahoo News)
Missing cat found 200 miles away
A cat missing for more than a year and a half has showed up — 200 miles away from home. Owner Julia Jauncey was left devastated when Bob disappeared just before Christmas in 2012.
But the 33-year-old and Bob have now been reunited after he was discovered in leicester. A vet from the East Midlands got the shock of his life when he checked Bob’s microchip, the Newcastle Chronicle reports. “I was just in shock and had to check if I was hearing them correctly.
I was devastated when he went missing and I couldn’t wait to get him back,” said Julia.The ginger tomcat was passed to a business owner in January 2013, who had called him Cromitte, and it wasn’t until he was taken to the vet that the then owner noticed he was chipped and belonged to Julia.
“It was so surreal when I went to collect him,” Julia said.
(Mirror)