Strange World: Well, I thought it was safe
Better check those labels again. The owner of a strip club attempted to prove to safety inspectors that the paper decorations in his business were in accordance with fire safety codes, Ananova.com reports. However, when he lit one of the decorations with a lighter, a quick-spreading blaze broke out, and not only destroyed the strip club, but a restaurant next door. No one was injured in the fire, officials said.
Gloucester, England
This trial or is it you that stinks
Jurors smelled something unusual about a blackmail trial, but they didn't have to look far -- just next to them. A case of body odor forced the judge to dismiss the jury, Ananova.com reports. According to The Sun, Judge Carole Hagen said: "Two jurors have complained about the personal hygiene of one sitting next to them. It seems entirely unreasonable to expect any citizen to have to contend with that for two to three days."
Barlad, Romania
Way beyond her duties
After receiving threats that the residents would set him on fire, a mayor has told his secretary to carry a fire extinguisher and trail the politician around. The town's citizens are upset that a proposal for inexpensive housing was dismissed, Ananova.com reports. The mayor also has a photographer following him around to record a possible attack.
Rome
May we have them back
Italy's culture minister said New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art agreed to consider returning antiquities allegedly looted from Italy if it can be proven that the works were stolen. Italy is seeking the return of a painted Greek vase from the sixth century B.C. called the Euphronios Krater. News reports have said Italy also has asked for other artifacts, but Met and Culture Ministry officials refused to say how many were in dispute.
More Trib p.m. headlines
- Transportation planners outline pitch for projects in 10 counties
- Officials discussing downsizing options for city schools
- Ward voted NFL's dirtiest player
- Pryor wants 'Terrelle Cryer' T-shirt
- Heroes pick sides in 'Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2'
- Today's mayoral race is all about the numbers
- Campaign volunteer: 'It's been dead all day'
- The link: Michael Stern

