Strange News

National

Crossword Enthusiast's Sleuthing Leads To Flirty Twitter Fight With NYTimes Crossword

9:44am August 28, 2016

When a frequent crossworder noticed a hidden message in the New York Times crossword puzzle, he began an epic Twitter quarrel that got romantic, and a little bit sexy.

Why Would Millions Tune Into 'Slow TV'?

8:49am August 26, 2016

by NPR/TED Staff

Norwegian TV producer Thomas Hellum describes why his programs — which feature hours of train rides, fishing, and knitting — help viewers slow down and return to life in 'real time.'

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What Happens In The Brain Of An Extreme Procrastinator?

8:49am August 26, 2016

by NPR/TED Staff

Blogger Tim Urban explains his process of extreme procrastination in which his brain wages war between instant gratification and the moment of pure panic just before a deadline.

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The stubby squid that caught the attention of the Nautilus team

Science

'Googly-Eyed' Stubby Squid Captures Internet's Attention

12:25pm August 20, 2016

Researchers from the Nautilus exploration vessel came upon the bright purple creature with giant eyes. It may look like a cartoon character, but it's real. It's also pretty tough, a researcher says.

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Cale Whicker, with Miss Felicia Fancy Feet, displays their award for the competition's best-dressed chicken.

National

Beaks On Fleek: Meet Some Of Colorado's Most Charming Chickens

7:00am August 05, 2016

by Luke Runyon

Some of the chickens perform tricks — one pale-feathered rooster named Bruce pretends to sleep on command — while others, like Buff Brahma hen Miss Felicia Fancy Feet, don dapper costumes.

Philly Officials: 'We Are Not Screwing Around' With Dumpster Pools

6:57am August 05, 2016

After people rented a giant dumpster, filled it with water from a fire hydrant and swam in it, the city told residents it won't issue permits for the pools, noting: Opening fire hydrants is dangerous.

A Company In Denver Has Created Wine For Dogs

5:56am August 05, 2016

The Canine Vino — choose ZinfanTAIL and CharDOGnay — isn't made with alcohol or grapes; it contains brewed peppermint or chamomile. The company recommends getting an OK from your vet first.

Behold the livestream from the 2016 International Yo-Yo Contest, which is being in Cleveland through Saturday.

Sports

Watch This Competition To Learn The Divine Secrets Of The Yo-Yo Brotherhood

1:37pm August 04, 2016

by Glen Weldon

At the 2016 International Yo-Yo Slam, being held now in Cleveland, several adorable nerds in T-shirts are getting their yo-yos out.

How To Get A Bear Off Your Truck? This Garbage Man Found Out

6:41am August 04, 2016

A bear in New Mexico climbed atop a garbage truck and rode at least 5 miles. (Maybe he thought it was an Uber?) Finally the driver took a suggestion to back up to a tree so the bear could climb down.

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Atheists In Australia Tell Jedi They're Mucking Up The Census

6:07am August 04, 2016

As of 2011, 64,000 Australians claimed their religion as "Jedi." An atheist organization urged them not to do so in the upcoming census, saying it makes Australia look more religious than it is.