Buzz
It's Saturday, the ideal time to unwind and catch up on some of the week's most significant stories. You can explore the jaw-dropping events that took place here. Otherwise, continue reading for a list highlighting bizarre and fascinating news pieces.
This week had some incredible stories featuring the 'most extreme' of various categories. We dive into topics like the discovery of Poland's oldest human remains, the youngest person to cycle solo around the world, and the discovery of Earth's oldest fossils.
If that doesn’t pique your interest, there are also stories about a deceased pimp, a scarf with a striking resemblance to genitals, and a vote to abolish slavery.
10. A Tragic End for a Neanderthal Child
Anthropologists from Jagiellonian University in Krakow and Washington University in St. Louis have studied the oldest human remains uncovered in Poland. They reveal the tragic tale of a Neanderthal child who met a gruesome fate around 115,000 years ago.
The remains were discovered a few years back in Ciemna Cave. Just two tiny phalanges, roughly one centimeter (0.4 in) long, belonging to a Neanderthal child between five and seven years old, were found. Initially, they weren’t identified as human, as they were unearthed alongside animal bones.
Lab tests confirmed the bones belonged to a Neanderthal. A closer look revealed that the bones were riddled with tiny holes, a sign that they had passed through the digestive system of a massive Ice Age bird. However, experts can't determine whether the bird attacked and killed the child or scavenged the remains.
9. In The Pumpkin Patch, No One Can Hear You Scream
A Canadian couple gained attention online after recreating the iconic 'chestburster' scene from Alien as part of their pregnancy announcement.
In 1979, a tiny xenomorph famously burst from Officer Kane, creating one of horror’s most memorable moments. Earlier this month, Todd Cameron from Nanaimo, British Columbia, stumbled upon a model of that alien at a garage sale and snatched it up for $15.
Nicole, Todd's wife, was expecting, and the couple wanted a creative maternity shoot to share the news with their loved ones. They weren’t interested in a typical approach but instead aimed for something more theatrical. The couple felt that an Alien maternity scene, fittingly, reflected their shared passion for drama and the fact that they met at a Halloween party.
The shoot begins innocently enough with Todd and Nicole walking through a pumpkin patch. However, things take a dark turn when the xenomorph makes its grand entrance, 'tearing open' Nicole’s stomach. Todd then chases it through the patch, and the shoot culminates with the proud parents posing with their alien offspring.
8. Could Slavery End in Colorado?
Next month, Colorado residents will have the chance to vote on a measure that could abolish slavery in the state.
Currently, the state constitution states that 'there shall never be in this state either slavery or involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.' This means that slavery could still technically exist in certain situations.
This will mark the second time in recent history that Coloradans will vote on ending slavery. A similar amendment was introduced two years ago but failed to pass. Activists against slavery blamed the wording, arguing that voters were unclear on whether they were voting for or against abolition. This time, the amendment simply states that 'there shall never be in this state either slavery or involuntary servitude.'
7. Police Academy 8: Mission To India
An Indian police officer from Uttar Pradesh became an internet sensation for mimicking gunshots during a criminal confrontation after his pistol malfunctioned.
Last week, police in the city of Sambhal chased a group of lawbreakers into a sugarcane field. As officers surrounded them, Sub-Inspector Manoj Kumar discovered his gun had jammed. Unable to shoot, he resorted to the next best option—shouting 'thain, thain,' the Indian equivalent of 'bang, bang.' He also yelled 'maaro' ('shoot') and 'ghero' ('surround'). Kumar explained that his goal was to make the criminals aware they were surrounded with no chance of escape.
While his actions amused people online, Kumar's superiors were impressed. He is set to receive a bravery commendation. Sambhal Police Superintendent Yamuna Prasad hailed the sub-inspector as a hero for not giving up the fight and shouting 'motivational words' to his colleagues in a strategic move.
6. Beer Supply at Risk
Researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) warn that future extreme climate events could lead to a global shortage of beer.
The beer industry accounts for about 17 percent of global barley consumption. However, intense heatwaves and droughts are predicted to reduce barley yields, which will subsequently impact the global beer supply.
A recent study published in Nature Plants predicts grain losses ranging from 3 to 17 percent, depending on the severity of weather conditions. In the best-case scenario, beer consumption could fall by 4 percent, with beer prices rising by 15 percent. In the worst-case scenario, prices could double, and beer consumption could drop by 16 percent, equating to a loss of approximately 29 billion liters (7.6 billion gallons) of beer.
The beer shortage will not be felt equally worldwide. Countries with a strong beer culture, like Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Germany, are expected to be hit hardest, with their beer supply potentially shrinking by 27 to 38 percent after extreme weather events.
5. Play It Again, Alex
A former researcher was sentenced to three years on the piano for embezzling government funds.
A few years ago, Dr. Alexander Neumeister was a highly-paid neurological scientist at New York University, earning over $200,000 annually. Despite his substantial salary, he misused $87,000 in research funds between 2012 and 2014 on flights, hotels, and expensive dinners for himself and his family. Additionally, while working at Yale University from 2004 to 2010, he stole $76,000.
In 2017, Neumeister was caught, pled guilty, and was sentenced by US District Judge Analisa Torres on Wednesday. Thankfully for Neumeister, the judge discovered he was a trained pianist and decided on an unconventional punishment. Due to his clean record, cooperation with authorities, and apparent remorse, the former researcher was sentenced to play piano for senior citizens.
For the next three years, Neumeister will visit senior living facilities across Connecticut, performing one-hour sessions at least twice a week. Although he could have returned to Austria, Neumeister opted to remain in the U.S. to make amends and regain some of his lost integrity.
4. Someone Stole Colin
Eighteen-year-old Charlie Condell set out earlier this year with an ambitious goal: to become the youngest person to bike solo around the world. However, he's encountered a major setback—his bike was stolen.
Hailing from Bristol, Charlie began his journey in July. His route will span over 30,000 kilometers (18,000 miles) and is expected to take around eight months. So far, he has cycled unsupported through 17 countries across Europe and Asia.
On Tuesday, marking the 103rd day of his adventure, Charlie woke up in a hostel in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, only to find that someone had stolen all his camping gear, clothes, equipment, and passport. To make matters worse, the thief also took his bicycle, which he had named Colin.
The teenager lost around $5,200 worth of gear and described the situation as 'sub-ideal.' Despite the setback, Condell remains optimistic and plans to continue his journey, aiming to complete it by March. His next destinations are New Zealand and North America.
3. The World’s Oldest Fossils Or Just Some Rocks?
A fresh study published Wednesday in Nature questions the evidence that was once considered to be the remains of the oldest
In 2016, Australian scientists discovered what they believed to be 3.7-billion-year-old stromatolites in Greenland. These rocks are composed of layered sediments that were formed by the growth of early microbes known as cyanobacteria. As such, their presence is often seen as evidence of ancient life.
Prior to this discovery, the oldest confirmed stromatolites were found in Australia and dated back 3.45 billion years. This finding extended the timeline of life on Earth by 220 million years. However, scientists at the California Institute of Technology dispute this claim. They argue that a 3-D analysis of the rocks reveals a lack of internal layers, distinguishing them from true stromatolites. Additionally, they suggest that the ridges of the supposed fossils were shaped by a natural process called metamorphism, which happens over millions of years.
The scientific community is still deliberating over the new evidence. Some experts have already voiced support for the revised interpretation of the findings.
2. Fendi's Fashionable Faux Pas With a Furry Twist
The Italian fashion brand Fendi found itself the target of online mockery after releasing a new shawl that many felt resembled a giant vulva.
The shawl, which was priced at $990, has since been removed from Fendi's website following the widespread ridicule it received. However, it is still available in blue and red versions. Some critics chose to focus on the design, while others took issue with Fendi’s use of real fox fur in its creation.
1. The Dead Pimp Who Could Win an Election
Dennis Hof, the renowned brothel owner, passed away just days after celebrating his 72nd birthday. Despite this significant setback, many still consider him the leading contender in an upcoming election for state assembly.
Hof, who owned several legal brothels in Nevada, was best known for the Moonlite Bunny Ranch, the setting of the HBO series Cathouse, where he frequently appeared. In recent years, Hof ventured into politics, running as a Republican candidate for the Nevada state legislature and branding himself as the ‘Trump from Pahrump.’
Chuck Muth, Hof’s campaign manager, insists that the late brothel owner will remain on the ballot, and he is confident in Hof’s victory. Should he win, Hof’s district will be represented by a team led by county commissioners.
Hof’s passing might unexpectedly bolster his political campaign. While Republican voters already outnumbered Democrats two-to-one in his district, some had hesitated to support Hof due to his controversial past. With his death, Muth believes that more voters will feel comfortable backing Hof, knowing he won’t be able to take office.
