Offbeat News

Offbeat City sues parking meter 'Robin Hoods'

By Associated Press Published: May 15, 2013 at 7:51 AM PDT Last Updated: May 15, 2013 at 7:51 AM PDT

The city of Keene, N.H., has sued a group that feeds change into parking meters that are about to expire, saying members are harassing enforcement officers.

Offbeat Drunk college student left at hospital with Post-it note

By Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 8:38 PM PDT Last Updated: May 15, 2013 at 12:15 PM PDT

An Arizona State University student who passed out and was left in a wheelchair in a hospital lobby with a Post-it note to tell doctors that he had participated in a drinking competition apparently put back about 20 shots of tequila.

Offbeat Intruder charged in overnight feast at supermarket

By Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 8:02 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 8:02 AM PDT

Authorities in Kentucky have charged a man who officers say had an overnight feast in a closed supermarket outside Louisville.

Offbeat Cop trying to help cat in tree needs fire department rescue

By Associated Press Published: May 14, 2013 at 8:10 AM PDT Last Updated: May 14, 2013 at 8:10 AM PDT

Authorities say a New York police officer who went after a cat stuck in a tree got caught himself and needed a little help getting back down to the ground.

Offbeat Billionaire Richard Branson swaps suit for skirt to honor bet (Photo Gallery)

By SEAN YOONG Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:10 PM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 11:12 PM PDT

British business magnate Richard Branson has lost his latest job because of orange juice.

Offbeat Mermaid: 'Exactly what I wanted to do with my life' (Photo Gallery) (Video)

By Alyssa Stade, Oregon NewsLab Published: May 13, 2013 at 1:18 PM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 1:18 PM PDT

Emily Cooke slides into her silver neoprene fin. “I wasn’t into the mermaid thing forever," she said. "It starts with a pretty bad story." She dives into the water, at peace with herself. Emily wasn’t always this happy.

Offbeat Watch: Bowie's 'Space Oddity' performed...in space! (Video)

By Hanna Brooks Olsen Published: May 13, 2013 at 7:45 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:10 AM PDT

Commander Chris Hadfield's video dispatches from the International Space Station have captured the hearts of space nerds (and regular people) worldwide, as he's explained how even basic tasks like dental care function without gravity. But it's his most recent video, where the Canadian musician and explorer performed a classic hit by David Bowie, that has drawn attention to his array of talents and generally friendly nature.

Offbeat UN's new weapon to fight hunger: edible insects (Photo Gallery)

By FRANCES D'EMILIO Associated Press Published: May 13, 2013 at 8:06 AM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 8:06 AM PDT

The U.N. has new weapons to fight hunger, boost nutrition and reduce pollution, and they might be crawling or flying near you right now: edible insects.

Offbeat Photos: Chainsaw Carving Invitational (Photo Gallery)

By The Associated Press Published: May 11, 2013 at 4:30 PM PDT Last Updated: May 13, 2013 at 10:18 AM PDT

Offbeat Derelict mom books tell blunt truths about parenting

By LEANNE ITALIE,Associated Press Published: May 11, 2013 at 3:33 PM PDT Last Updated: May 11, 2013 at 3:33 PM PDT

The authors behind a fresh round of parenting books love their munchkins, to be sure, but there's something about the scorched earth narrative that sells memoirish parenting books these days.

Offbeat Boxer Mike Tyson set to become a cartoon detective

By Associated Press Published: May 10, 2013 at 5:52 PM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 5:52 PM PDT

Adult Swim says it's turning Mike Tyson into a cartoon detective.

Offbeat Say what? Woman accused of hitting deputy to stop smoking

By Associated Press Published: May 10, 2013 at 8:08 AM PDT Last Updated: May 10, 2013 at 2:08 PM PDT

A California woman has been arrested for investigation of battery after she allegedly slapped a sheriff's deputy because she wanted to go to jail in order to stop smoking.

Offbeat Oregon smokejumpers skydive into illegal pot garden

By Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 4:48 PM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 4:48 PM PDT

A team of smokejumpers parachuting into a fire in the mountains of Southern Oregon landed in an illegal marijuana garden being prepared for growing season.

Offbeat Miracles happen: Woman survives harpoon shooting

By STAN LEHMAN, Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 7:35 AM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 7:36 AM PDT

A 28-year-old woman miraculously survived after her husband accidentally shot her in the mouth with a harpoon, Brazilian officials said Wednesday.

Offbeat Cemetery officials ban profanity on rapper's headstone

By Associated Press Published: May 9, 2013 at 7:41 AM PDT Last Updated: May 9, 2013 at 7:41 AM PDT

Commissioners at a Massachusetts cemetery have said no to profanity on headstones.