Dave Barry's Blog

R.I.P., JOE HELLER

Here's a funny obit.

Here's the story behind it.

(Thanks to many people)

OOPS

A state-of-the-art fire station in western Germany that was completed last year at a cost of tens of millions of euros has burned to the ground because it had not been equipped with a fire alarm.

(Thanks to The Perts)

THERE ARE SOME FOREIGN THINGS THAT PROBABLY SHOULD NOT BE IMPORTED

This is one of them.

(Thanks to Dave Vander Ark)

SEEMS KINDA NITPICKY

Coca-Cola recalls 'zero sugar' drink after it's found to be full of sugar

(Thanks to The Perts)

IF YOU WANT IT TO STOP, THREATEN TO SPAY THEM

Teenagers in Russia and the former Soviet Union have been dressing up as dogs and cats and attacking people in a viral trend that politicians want to ban.

(Thanks to Ralph)

CANADA: A NATION STILL FIGHTING WORLD WAR II

The Department of National Defence confirms unexploded bombs from the Second World War lie buried inside the Mer Bleue Bog, a popular hiking and skiing area in Ottawa’s east end.

(Thanks to The Perts)

No word on why the Germans would have bombed a Canadian bog. France etc.

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

Pringles is ditching the can for the brand’s first bagged snack in 15 years

(Thanks to Emily, Leslie and w, who ask "Is there nothing left to believe in anymore?")

THEY'RE ESCALATING

Rats and 'fire-starting squirrels' set to invade Britain's homes to avoid freeze

(Thanks to Annette)

We're supposed to believe this is just a coincidence: Invasive 2m-long snake breeding inside walls and attics across UK, scientists warn

(Thanks to Doug Ogg)

Update from Edmond Orignac:

The snakes in question are very common non-venomous snakes from continental Europe, similar to the corn snakes or rat snakes of the USA. This blog argues that they have been present in the UK since the 1980s and could have escaped from a biology lab.

Herpetologists in Europe have known for more than 100 years that Aesculapian snakes enter attics or barns and even houses when hunting for rodents. It is conceivable that they could eat grey squirrels.

The Aesculapian Snakes In The News section of the blog is amusing, the British tabloids are trying really hard to manufacture a panic, but it is difficult to get on high alert about a snake that was according to Pliny the elder a very popular pet in ancient Rome (the name comes from Aesclapios, the god of medicine).

THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO BELIEVE IN

Aquarium's whale shark seen by thousands of visitors revealed to be a robot

(Thanks to Ron Wylie and pharmaross)

WE ALL FEEL A LITTLE SAFER

Airport bans hugs that last longer than three minutes

(Thanks to Emily, Leslie and w)

AND IN SPORTS

Horticulture teacher wins pumpkin-weighing contest with gigantic gourd: ‘I had to work for this one’

(Thanks to pharmaross)

CANADA: LAND OF EXCITEMENT

In Point Leamington, an entire museum is devoted to gloves and the stories they carry

(Thanks to The Perts)