World Watch
Colombia
A Roman Catholic bishop has offended believers at a conference on gay marriage and adoption. Bishop Juan Vicente Cordoba said that homosexuality was not a sin and that gays were welcomed by the church. He then wondered whether any of Jesus’s 12 apostles might have been gay or Mary Magdalene a lesbian.
Leicestershire, England
A couple born just two hours apart at the same hospital have now married. The pair, now aged 26, were born on the morning of 14 March 1989 at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. They were childhood sweethearts who shared their first kiss 10 years ago.
Belarus
The interior minister of Belarus has caused controversy by turning up at a World War Two commemorative parade in the distinctive tunic of Stalin’s secret police. Many veterans and soldiers in former Soviet states chose to wear vintage military uniforms for parades this month, but the interior minister’s uniform choice was far more controversial.
Beijing, China
Police in Beijing are patrolling the city’s subways and trains to stop people wearing face masks and strange costumes and forming flash mobs, warning that such actions could jeopardise public safety by causing stampedes.
Norway
Three baby penguins have been stolen from an aquarium in a suspected student prank, prompting a desperate search to find the chicks before time runs out. Based on video surveillance evidence, five or six youths have been charged with endangering animals by breaking into the aquarium.
Texas, United States
A home in Houston valued at nearly US$400,000 has been put up for sale for $1 and one compelling essay. The current owners, Michael and Stephanie Wachs, want the new owners of their home to not be burdened by a mortgage. They are asking the hopeful buyers to submit a 200-word essay.
Iceland
The national public broadcaster in Iceland has begun broadcasting 24 hours of live lambing on national television. The audience can tune in to the sheep farm in the northern region of Skagafjordur from the comfort of their own homes. The broadcaster said that it was hoping to give an “insight into the traditional farming life”.
Luton, England
Police are investigating a man who had a tattoo of Jesus done on his right arm then allegedly left without paying. On his left arm, the man also has a large tattoo of praying hands with the words “only God can judge me”. CCTV footage also appears to show the man stealing £1000 from behind the counter.
Sydney, Australia
A teenager from Sydney is in a critical condition after playing Russian roulette. 19-year-old Josh Taylor was in the driver’s seat of a car when he pulled the trigger of a Smith and Wesson gun and the single bullet was fired.
Grapevine
“Canada’s ambitious new target and planned regulatory actions underscore our continued commitment to cut emissions at home and work with our international partners to establish an international agreement in Paris that includes meaningful and transparent commitments from all major emitters.”
- Canada’s Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq. Canada has been criticised for being the weakest among leading economies in the fight against climate change. The Climate Change Action Network has said that Canada’s measures are not enough and is pressing the government to impose a moratorium on new oil sands development and a complete phase-out of coal from the electricity sector.
“I hope this verdict provides a small amount of closure to the survivors, families, and all impacted by the violent and tragic events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon. We will forever remember and honour those who lost their lives and were affected by those senseless acts of violence on our city. Today, more than ever, we know that Boston is a city of hope, strength and resilience that can overcome any challenge.”
Facts & Figures
Astronauts cannot burp in space. There is no gravity to separate liquid from gas in their stomachs.
A champagne cork is more likely to kill you than a poisonous spider.
Peanut butter is an effective way to remove chewing gum from hair or clothes.
A giraffe is able to clean its ears with its own tongue.
57 sheets of toilet paper is used by a person each day.
Only 30% of people can flare their nostrils.
29% of people are supposedly virgins when they get married.