Another man’s treasure
One rusty, old barge floating sadly on the Columbia River is home to one man, David Harris. He has lived aboard this forgotten scrap heap for weeks now, sharing the space with a mattress, a barbecue and an electric pump to keep the thing afloat.
Despite Harris’ persistence and claims to a squatter’s right of ownership, the government will not help to bring the barge ashore, where Harris could get roughly $75,000 worth of scrap metal out of it. Without help to run it aground, the barge will sink.
In the meantime, this diligent Washingtonian is doing a fine job keeping his personal goldmine above sea level.
Just scratching the surface
Chris Walton, aka “The Dutchess,” has a special characteristic, which will land her in the 2012 edition of the Guinness World Records. With fingernails spanning a total of 19 feet, 9 inches, it’s not hard to see why.
Walton never meant to break any records, and claims her curling appendages just kind of … happened.
Church or state
Southern Alabama authorities are exercising a new policy affectionately called “Operation Restore Our Community.” Nonviolent offenders will have a choice of punishment now: go to jail and pay a fine, or go to church every Sunday for a year.
The type of church is up to the offender should he choose religious services over jail time, provided he check in weekly with police and the pastor. Fifty-six churches are already participating in what will no doubt make church services a more interesting affair.
Anyone for craps?
A 21-year-old Oregon man was taken into protective custody Saturday night at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln police station, and for good reason. Stumbling into the police station after a college football game, the man, ostensibly assuming the station to be a casino, asked the front desk for blackjack chips. After being made aware of his mistake, he left, only to return to his imaginary casino, asking once again for blackjack chips.
He instead got a blood-alcohol test, registering at more than three times the legal driving limit. The jackpot this time was detox.