By Radu Alexander
Fact-checked by Jamie Frater
Welcome to another week of bizarre and amusing news stories that may have slipped under your radar. Here are ten of the craziest tales from around the world that are sure to entertain!
10. The Three Gorges Water Monster
A mysterious long black creature was spotted slithering across China's Yangtze River, sparking comparisons to the Loch Ness Monster. Dubbed the "Three Gorges Water Monster," the sighting quickly circulated on social media. However, it was later revealed to be floating debris, possibly rubber tubing or a dislodged mesh sunshade, rather than a mythical creature.
9. Pigeon Poop Problem Provokes Politician
In Chicago, a local lawmaker was discussing the issue of pigeon droppings at a notorious bus station when a pigeon humorously chose that moment to poop on him. State Representative Jaime Andrade highlighted the ongoing problem with these birds, as delays in addressing the situation stem from jurisdictional confusion over who is responsible for the mess.
8. Cattle Semen Lost In Fire
A fire at a genetics lab in Victoria, Australia, destroyed 100 cryogenic cylinders of cattle semen, valued at thousands. The intense heat caused the lids of the cylinders to explode like projectiles, creating a unique challenge for firefighters. Investigators are still determining the cause of the blaze.
7. The Hunt For The Mummy Marauder
In Texas, a man known as the "Mummy Marauder" robbed a bank while wrapped in white gauze to hide his identity. Despite his unusual disguise, he fled the scene with cash. The FBI is searching for him, offering a reward for information leading to his arrest.
6. Don’t Drink & Jive
Two Amish men fled into the woods after being stopped by police for drinking while driving their horse-drawn buggy in Ohio. The deputy, surprised by the scene, pursued the horse as it galloped away with the empty cart. The men remain unidentified as they evade capture.
5. How Viable Is A Poop Knife?
An experiment inspired by an old story tested whether a knife could be made from frozen feces. Despite the intriguing concept, the resulting blades were ineffective, melting and leaving streaks instead of cutting through materials.
4. Neutron Star Too Big To Exist, Almost
Astronomers at the Green Bank Observatory discovered a neutron star that is at the theoretical limit of its size without collapsing into a black hole. This extraordinary finding emphasizes the extreme densities of neutron stars, with one sugar cube's worth weighing about 100 million tons on Earth.
3. A Lint Ball For The Record Books
In Michigan, a massive ball of lint, weighing over 690 pounds, was created as part of a promotional stunt to raise awareness about dryer fires. After being recognized by Guinness World Records, the lint ball was burned to highlight its flammability.
2. Storm Area 51, Finally
The viral campaign to "storm Area 51" turned into a music festival event in Nevada. Despite its origins as a joke, thousands showed up, leading to concerns about local resources. The event showcased the quirky nature of internet culture and how a simple joke can evolve into a large-scale gathering.
1. Thieves Make Off With Gold Toilet
A solid gold toilet valued at $6 million was stolen from Blenheim Palace in England in a heist reminiscent of a movie. The toilet, part of an art installation, was taken in the early hours, and police are investigating the crime, with arrests made but the artwork still missing.
These stories highlight the lighter, absurd side of our world, proving that sometimes reality is stranger than fiction!