Ned the snail has looks, patience and absolutely no luck in love
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — If you have trouble finding dates, spare a thought for Ned, a perfectly nice snail with dire romantic prospects. Only 1 in 40,000 common garden snails have shells that coil to the left like Ned’s, instead of the right. Their shells have to match to mate, which means Ned faces a life of celibacy unless another left-coiled snail is found. A New Zealand woman discovered Ned in her garden in August and began a campaign to find a match, but hasn't found one so far. New Zealand’s strict biosecurity controls rule out long-distance love, though a successful campaign for a British lefty snail a few years ago gives hope for Ned's quest.
Devotees say Bolivia's lightning-struck 'miracle tree' conjures luck
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — A pine tree in Bolivia's capital, La Paz, has become a symbol of hope and devotion after being struck by lightning 10 years ago. Known as the “miracle tree,” it draws pilgrims from across the country to the city's largest cemetery. People bring offerings like coins, flowers, and sweets, hoping the tree will grant their wishes. Some devotees have discovered the tree through social media, while others have long believed in its powers. A study suggests lightning can benefit trees, but local shamans have long seen such events as divine. The tree's allure continues to captivate visitors.
The perfect property listing in England for a buyer with a bunker mentality
LONDON (AP) — A Cold War-era bunker in western England is going up for auction later this month. Built to withstand a nuclear blast, it's one of about 1,500 shelters constructed for the Royal Observer Corps to monitor nuclear attacks. Most of these bunkers now sit empty, occasionally coming up for resale since being decommissioned in the 1990s. Last year, a similar bunker sold for $64,000 in northern England. The bunker, located in the village of Hallen, is described as a unique investment opportunity. It features a single room with basic amenities and is being sold separately from the larger property.
A Nigerian group attempts a 431-hour reading marathon to set a Guinness World Record
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — In Lagos, Nigeria, three men and two women have been reading aloud for over 431 hours to set a Guinness World Record. They're part of a campaign to promote literacy in Africa’s most populous country. The group read 79 books by Nigerian authors, taking turns to keep the marathon going. The current record is held by a group from the Dominican Republic, who read for 365 hours in 2011. The Guinness World Record is yet to confirm the new record. The event, organized by the nonprofit Naija ReadFest, aims to celebrate Nigerian literature, highlight local authors and the need for inclusive education.
Lost boy wandering elevated monorail line in Hersheypark is saved by another parkgoer
HERSHEY, Pa. (AP) — A lost boy is safe after wandering a monorail line high above the crowd at Hersheypark. A news release from the chocolate-themed park says the boy was reported missing at around 5:05 p.m. Saturday after he became separated from his parents. While employees searched for him, he made his way to a closed monorail station and then onto the tracks. A video posted to social media shows a park visitor climbing onto a building, jumping onto the tracks, and scooping up the boy to cheers from below. The park says he was reunited with his parents and was unharmed.
Thousands of redheads celebrate their strands at a festival in the Netherlands
TILBURG, Netherlands (AP) — Thousands of redheads from all over the world are gathering in the southern Dutch city of Tilburg for a once-a-year festival to celebrate their flaming locks. The 2025 edition of the Redhead Days festival this weekend includes music, food trucks and workshops tailored to particular needs of redheads, including makeup explainers and skin cancer prevention. The festival continues a two-decade tradition of bringing redheads together to celebrate their unique and vibrant manes.
Tons of overripe tomatoes become projectiles in Spain's ‘Tomatina’ food fight
BUÑOL, Spain (AP) — Thousands of people from around the world seeking a uniquely messy thrill have spent a wild hour flinging bushels of overripe tomatoes at each other. Spain’s “Tomatina” is the mother of all food fights. The celebration Wednesday painted a packed central street bright red in the eastern town of Buñol as revelers hurled 120 tons of the overripe fruit. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the eye-catching event that party lore says began when local children tossed tomatoes in 1945. Since then it has grown from a yearly tradition to an event that draws a significant international crowd.
Little legs, big dreams: More than 100 teams compete in Lithuania's international Corgi race
VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) — Thousands of people gathered over the weekend in Lithuania's capital Vilnius to watch teams of corgis compete in an international race. Some 120 teams of adorable Welsh corgis, widely known for their association with the British royal family, took part from countries including Poland, Latvia, Germany, Austria and Italy. The events included a solo sprint, a contest for the “mightiest voice,” costume challenges and a group race. A corgi named Amigo, wearing a factory-themed costume complete with two tiny chimneys and “Fur Factory” lettering, was named the proud winner of that contest.
From empty party to an all-night stadium bash, a Mexican teen’s 15th birthday goes viral
AXTLA DE TERRAZAS, Mexico (AP) — Fifteen-year-old Isela Anahí Santiago Morales' coming-of-age party has become a sensation. Initially, her family's modest party in Axtla de Terrazas, Mexico, saw few attendees, but when her father posted on Facebook about leftover food, it sparked unexpected support and transformed her life. A local photographer and DJ offered services, and donations poured in. Two thousand people attended the event, held at the town's stadium. More than a dozen local music groups performed free of charge on two stages. Isela asked for toy donations for vulnerable children instead of gifts, but still received a plot of land and a scholarship.
Don't fret: Air guitar world title returns home to Finland after 25 years
OULU, Finland (AP) — Finnish air guitarist Aapo “The Angus” Rautio has plucked victory from thin air, grabbing the world championship title for his homeland for the first time since 2000. This year’s Air Guitar World Championships reached the climax with a final on Friday evening on a square in the western city of Oulu. The three-day event held in Finland brings together competitors from 13 countries. Contestants are judged on the performance of two songs in two separate rounds, each lasting 60 seconds, with the singers pretending to play an imaginary guitar. Props and costumes are allowed, but backup bands and real instruments are off-limits.
