Curiosities

Pharaoh's passion for hunting proved fatal

Pharaoh Tutankhamun of the 19th dynasty lived just over 18 years, but for nearly a century he has remained a sure-fire advertising symbol of Egyptian antiquities. It is not surprising that the next…

Epoch of Geographical Overlaps

While Russian lawmakers, who staged a reality show last summer by planting a Russian flag on the bottom of the Arctic Ocean, prepare for re-election on a wave of patriotic fervor, British diplomats…

Turning Swords into Viagra

During the pre-Nobel week at Harvard, as is customary, the parody Ig Nobel Prizes were awarded. While the Stockholm academics, following Alfred Nobel's will, evaluate scientific achievements with…

Aborigines Return to New Zealand

The history of the Maori people in New Zealand has entered a Renaissance era. New Zealand Minister of Maori Affairs Parekura Horomia is confident of this. She announced government initiatives that…

Four Indians and the Premier

Four Indians illegally crossed the border of Great Britain in Tony Blair's car. British police arrested them on charges of illegal immigration. However, the Indians decided, 'at the instigation' of…

Above Fujiyama

Law Goes Below the Belt

Some laws passed in American states, counties and towns have long entertained the public. For example, in Indiana, the law does not allow opening cans by shooting a pistol, and in Pennsylvania…

Large fine for a place in the sun

Six Italian pensioners vacationing at the Ligurian resort of Diano Marina were each fined €1,032 the other day. The oldest of them recently turned 83, and they were charged with violating the law on…

Weightlessness in Its 'Pure Form'

The 'richest' tourists on the planet, who can afford a week-long tour to the International Space Station, are entitled to have almost any of their whims fulfilled. Including a spacewalk. A…

God Ganesha Left All Alone

Elephants, revered in India as a symbol of wisdom and prosperity, have become unwelcome guests in the country's business center, Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Authorities announced a ban on keeping…

Female Students Demand Horn Equality

The ghost of feminism has reached the northern Spanish town of Pamplona, known for its rather extravagant pastime of encierro – running of the crowd in front of a herd of bulls through narrow…

Star-Spangled Wars

Before the start of the electoral battle for the US presidency, the issue of the American flag takes on special significance. The pride of many American patriots is wounded by the fact that China…