Archive: September 24, 2006 - September 30, 2006
Hamster On A Plane
On Friday, a flight from Innsbruck, Austria to Majorca, Spain made an unscheduled landing in Graz, after a passenger's smuggled hamster got loose
By Emil Steiner | September 29, 2006; 11:24 AM ET | Comments (3)
OFF/beat Prisons
The purpose and efficacy of prison systems have long been debated, but two recent cases illustrate just how "interesting" that debate can be.
By Emil Steiner | September 29, 2006; 10:41 AM ET | Comments (1)
Iraq's Police Academy Tanks
"Mission to Moscow" may have some stiff competition for worst police academy ever. On Thursday, U.S. investigators declared Baghdad's $75 million Police College a "disaster" and a "failure."
By Emil Steiner | September 28, 2006; 12:31 PM ET | Comments (3)
Lionesses Prefer A Trimmed Look
Simba may wanna pick up some Nair. It turns out hirsute males are about as attractive in the lion world as they are in the human one.
By Emil Steiner | September 28, 2006; 10:59 AM ET | Comments (3)
How To "Legally" Kill The Scottish
There's an ancient by-law, still on the books, in York, England, which "legally" allows people to kill any Scotsmen found within city walls by bow and arrow. People looking to satiate their blood-lust should do so ASAP as recent "peace treaty" may force lawmakers to repeal York's hallowed homicidal rights.
By Emil Steiner | September 28, 2006; 8:02 AM ET | Comments (4)
Bangkok Bans Tank Strippers
The bloodless Thai coup isn't all smiles after all. On Wednesday, military leaders issued a ban on go-go dancers performing for troops on or near tanks.
By Emil Steiner | September 27, 2006; 3:06 PM ET | Comments (5)
Think About The Children!
In what might be the most ridiculous fooforaw since Marge Simpson brought Michelangelo's David to Springfield, an award-winning Texas art teacher has lost her job after a fifth grade field trip to the Dallas Museum of Art ended with parental complaints that kids had seen a nude sculpture.
By Emil Steiner | September 27, 2006; 11:54 AM ET | Comments (48)
Thong Burglar
A northern Kentucky man wearing only a thong and carrying a knife allegedly videotaped himself attempting a burglary, then left the tape behind
By Emil Steiner | September 27, 2006; 8:46 AM ET | Comments (2)
Chop Shop
Robert Parker, an East Texas used car dealer, allegedly ended an argument with a customer, on Monday, by pulling out a machete and chopping his arm.
By Emil Steiner | September 26, 2006; 9:35 PM ET | Comments (1)
Tow-Jacking
Four Detroit carjackers, demonstrated bombastic perseverance, Monday, when they stole an inoperable vehicle from a woman who was waiting for a tow truck. Sure, they got caught, but on the plus side OFF/beat has honored them with this week's first nomination for the Stupidest Criminal Award.
By Emil Steiner | September 26, 2006; 3:53 PM ET | Comments (1)
Can't Get No Satisfaction
When a faulty penile implant results in a 10-year erection, you'd expect to at least be compensated. That's why Monday's decision by Providence Superior Court to strip Charles "Chick" Lennon of his $400,000 payday seems like a doubly low blow.
By Emil Steiner | September 26, 2006; 12:21 PM ET | Comments (5)
Toddler eBays Car
In what might be eBay's greatest endorsement for usability, a 3-year-old English lad managed to get online and purchase a vintage, Barbie pink, 1 liter, turbo-charged Nissan Figaro, for $17,000.
By Emil Steiner | September 26, 2006; 11:56 AM ET | Comments (3)
Of Lizards, Placentas, & Birth
Wil Kemp, an Australian zoo keeper, announced Tuesday that he plans to feed the placenta from his newborn son to his pet goannas
By Emil Steiner | September 26, 2006; 8:45 AM ET | Comments (2)
Teddy Bear Massacre
A New Hampsire teddy bear has been blamed for the massacre of 2,500 rainbow trout at a government fish hatchery.
By Emil Steiner | September 25, 2006; 3:09 PM ET | Comments (2)
Six Flags Bugs PETA
Six Flags' eat a roach jump the line promotion is not just turning stomachs, it's upsetting the sensibilities of PETA. A spokeswoman for the animal rights organization characterized next month's bug buffet, complete with cooked insect eating contest, as "gratuitously cruel."
By Emil Steiner | September 25, 2006; 1:43 PM ET | Comments (1)
Role Playing Gone Wild
Johns beware, hookers in upstate New York are putting a new twist on the undercover sting.
By Emil Steiner | September 25, 2006; 10:14 AM ET | Email a Comment
Smiling Coup
Thai military leaders ousted the government Tuesday, revoked the constitution, Wednesday, and over the weekend issued a standing order that all soldiers must smile.
By Emil Steiner | September 25, 2006; 8:02 AM ET | Comments (2)
