DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
Minions (not this one) have been appearing in the Australian town of Warrak. PICTURE: Jonas Stolle/Unsplash
• Minions have been appearing around a small town in the Australian state of Victoria – and no-one seems to know whose been putting them there. Locals in the town of Warrak (estimated population 70) reportedly said the small metal sculptures, some of which are designed as mailboxes and others as plant-holders, started appearing just before Christmas and now numbered some 24. Shane Goninon, who owns a wine business, told the ABC that no-one has been able to identify the creator (although he had his suspicions). “There were some stills from a CCTV camera of two people putting one in, but one was dressed as Santa, so no one could recognise who it was,” he said. “That’s the only time we’ve seen anyone do it.
• There’s not many who can claim to have lived in the same house for 100 years. But that’s been the case for 102-year-old Nancy “Joan” Gifford who was born just a few months after the end of World War I and since the age of two has lived in a three bedroom, Victorian-era house in the village of Street in the UK county of Somerset. Gifford, whose family bought the house in 1921 for £200, has now put it on the market for £169,950 as she moves into an aged care facility. “Back in the day most children our age knew everybody, and we all had an open house, and it was fine to leave your door on the latch,” Gifford’s son John, who still lives in Street, was quoted as saying by the BBC. “We were all poor, but everyone was happy.”
Not too fussed. Labrador retrievers have been displaced as most popular dog in the US by French bulldogs. PICTURE: Alessandra Sawick/iStockphoto
• They’ve held the top spot for three decades years but the labrador retriever’s time as the most popular dog breed in the US has finally come to an end. The American Kennel Club says that after 31 years at the top, the labrador retriever has been displaced by the French bulldog. It’s been something of stellar few years for the French bulldog which has risen from 14th place 10 years ago to top dog today. “The French Bulldog has seen a surge in popularity over the years, and for good reason,” said the kennel club’s executive secretary, Gina DiNardo. “Frenchies are playful, adaptable, loyal and outgoing. They make wonderful companions for a variety of people, but it’s extremely important to do your research to not only find the right breed for your lifestyle, but to ensure that you’re getting a well-bred dog from a responsible breeder.” The labrador retriever dropped just one place to number two followed by the golden retriever, German shepherd dog and poodle.
