With the sting of the Arab Spring still lingering, it takes nothing more than a water gun to alarm governments these days.
Society
Kids Do the Darndest Things: Teen Builds His Own Teeny-Tiny Home
For some 16-year-olds, planning for college consists of choosing the best party school. For Austin Hay, it consists of building the house he’ll be living in.
French Man Forced to Pay Ex-Wife a Settlement for Lack of Sex
The payoff in this case: an award of nearly $14,000 to the ex-wife whose needs were apparently not met. It just goes to show that it never hurts to try.
Introducing the 18-Karat Gold ‘Divorce Ring’
Just what we need: a $3,200 reminder that marriages fail.
Pitcher in Pink: Baseball Rookies Wear Girly Backpacks as Part of Hazing Ritual
You can’t expect rookies to enter the big leagues without having to pay proper dues. What is less expected is seeing a professional pitcher strapped to a bright pink backpack adorned with unicorns and polka dots. (via New York Times)
Libya’s Tripoli Zoo: Fighting to Save Animals in a War Zone
Although rebels have taken hold of the Libyan capital, because they continue the important task of searching for fugitive leader Muammar Gaddafi, little has been done to alleviate the stresses zookeepers at the Tripoli Zoo are …
German City Taxes Prostitutes with a Sidewalk Meter
The oldest profession in the book just got a new chapter.
9/11 Coloring Book Sparks Outrage From Muslim Group
It’s not your average coloring book that depicts the burning Twin Towers and the killing of Osama bin Laden. We Shall Never Forget 9/11: The Kids’ Book of Freedom does just that, and much more, in an attempt to “educate.”
Brawl Breaks Out at N.Y. Amusement Park Over Religious Head Scarves
After female members of a group organized by the Muslim American Society of New York were denied entry to certain rides at Playland in Rye, N.Y. because of head coverings, a fight erupted and 15 people were detained by police.
Restrictive Reflection: Woman Vows to Go One Year Without Mirrors
Hey there, Kjerstin Gruys, you’ve got some spinach in your teeth. You can thank us later.
Thanks, Steve Jobs: Americans Rate Computer Industry Best, Government Worst
It’s not really a fair fight when one sector is tasked with fixing the economy while the other’s job is to make iPads more fun.
College Is First in the U.S. to Ask Applicants About Sexual Orientation
This year, when prospective students apply to Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Ill., they will be asked for a little more personal information than usual.