Weird News: Dicey Ice
What’s in a Name?
It’s election time in the town of Arcis-Sur-Aube in France, where the office of mayor is up for grabs. Metro News reported on March 19 that the burg’s 2,785 people will have a choice between Charles Hittler, the incumbent, and Antoine Renault-Zielenski, the 28-year-old far-right candidate. Hittler isn’t a fan of the fuss: “If people were talking about the town and our policies, that would be one thing,” he said. “But all they’re interested in is our names.” He said his father considered changing his name after World War II, but it would have been too expensive. The election is scheduled for March 22.
Discharge Dilemma
Most people can’t wait to leave the hospital after a stay for medical care. But at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare in Florida, one patient isn’t budging. WCTV reported on March 16 that a patient has occupied a room there since at least October, having been admitted for “acute care hospital services.” The first formal discharge order was filed on Oct. 7, with subsequent orders filed on Nov. 24 and March 2. Hospital staff have made repeated efforts to “safely complete discharge,” including coordinating with family members and arranging transportation. A hearing is set for March 30.
Crime Doesn’t Pay
Patrick Alexander, 33, was THIS CLOSE to walking out of the Chesterfield County (Mississippi) Detention Center on March 16, having been ordered to pay a $250 bond on a trespassing charge. He handed three $100 bills to the judge, WSB-TV reported, and said, “Keep the change.” But the sharp-eyed judge noticed something weird about the bills -- an unusual color, along with Chinese writing on the backs. A counterfeit detection pen backed him up -- the bills were fake. Alexander faces an additional charge of forgery, and he was returned to custody.
Dicey Ice
On March 10, a man and woman from Germany, who had been trying to ski 104 miles across a frozen lake between Finland and Sweden, had to be rescued after the ice around them broke up, the New York Post reported. They had been camping on the Gulf of Bothnia, which typically is frozen for much of the year, when almost all of their equipment went into the water. Finnish border guards received a distress signal and sent out a search plane and hovercraft. Fortunately, the couple had spelled out SOS with ice blocks and were rescued about five hours after their ordeal began. They were “of course cold” but were unharmed.
Consider Your Cat
If you’re wondering where all your hair ties go, maybe check in with your family feline. United Press International reported on March 17 that the HALO No-Kill Rescue Shelter in Sebastian, Florida, recently took in Midnite, a cat who had been diagnosed with an intestinal blockage and marked for euthanasia at another facility. When Midnite underwent surgery, doctors found the cause of the blockage: 26 hair ties. “This is an important reminder that small objects around the house can be incredibly dangerous for pets,” the shelter posted on Facebook. Midnite is recovering and displaying a healthy appetite.