The CIA has funded some odd programs throughout its history. Like, luring men with prostitutes and then drugging them to observe the effects of acid and LSD. And implementing cats with microphones to spy on the Russians. Fun!
Weird
Potted plants and posters line the streets: China turns 60 in style
China is ready to celebrate its big 6-0. The streets have been cleaned, ‘unity columns’ and digital screens erected and the soldiers are warming up by singing barrack ballads.
No-one will rain on China’s parade, especially not the weather!
China’s air force has conducted the largest ever “weather modification” project in time for the Republic’s 60th anniversary. 18 planes sprayed “environmentally-friendly” chemicals at clouds to force them to rain. Ouch.
Dog gives birth to human-like creature
If you squint really hard…
Video of the Day: What happens when First Dog suggests a video
Hall and Oates. And keyboard cat. And Helen Hunt. Of course.
Video of the Day: The comfort wipe — because toilet paper is “archaic”
You’ll never need to touch your bum again. Introducing the comfort wipe.
Amazon frog’s secretions turn humans into killing machines
Deep in the Amazon rain forest hides a very special frog called the Phyllomedusa bicolor. The Mayoruna tribe uses this frog’s gooey secretions to obtain superpowers that transform them into killer hunting machines. This helps them target their prey — monkeys. Yes, they eat monkeys.
Russian girl with ‘Mowgli’ syndrome discovered in Siberia
A feral girl who has spent her entire life shut up in a flat in the company of cats and dogs has been taken into care by police in Siberia.
Man without fingerprints confounds US customs
An estimated one in 50 people around the world lack matchable fingerprints. One cancer patient’s fingerprints were so eroded by the medication he was taking that the US authorities couldn’t let him into the country.
Japanese publisher prints horror novel on toilet roll
A story called Drop that you can read on the long drop.
Pleased to meat you
Introducing the beef jerky business card. Perfect for butchers.
10 strangest MP claims
Glitter toilet seat, Kit Kat bars, mole whacking… British MPs claimed it all.
Inflatable toast mattress
Breakfast in bed? No breakfast is the bed.
Nicole Kidman’s strange Slumdog-Australia-Schweppes ad
Nicole Kidman stars in a commercial for Schweppes that’s a bit Slumdog Millionaire meets Australia. Videogum is uncomfortable: Why did she start to take her dress off and then run to the soft drinks?
China tells officials to smoke for the economy
China’s central province of Hubei is telling officials they must smoke nearly a quarter of a million packets of cigarettes — to boost the economy — or risk fines.
So hot right now: Burnt Food Museum
The museum’s “collection” includes burnt cutlery, waffles, lemons and more – truly, a marvel to behold. You can even submit your own addition to the collection.
Indian voters hurl abuse, and dinner, at their pollies
Inspired by the Iraqi shoethrower, this election Indians are registering their dissatisfaction by throwing dinner at their politicians.
Attacked by a giant snake? Call the Python hotline!
Over the years enough pet Burmese pythons in south Florida have been released into the wild that one National Park Service scientist has estimated now there could be as many as 30,000 of them in the Everglades National Park area.
Video of the Day: Why Thais are so chilled
Thai TV’s meditation song, “I’ve told you, sit relax”, sung by a crocodile cowboy.
