About UPI  |  My Account  |  UPI en Español
Free News Update:
Sign up
United Press International - News. Analysis. Insight.™ - 100 Years of Journalistic Excellence
  • Home
  • Top News
  • Entertainment
  • Odd News
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Science
  • Health
  • Analysis
    • Energy Resources
    • Security Industry
    • Emerging Threats
  • Video
  • News Photos
Search:
Go
Bookmark this Page
You are here:  Home / Odd News / UPI NewsTrack Quirks in the News

Odd News

View archive | RSS Feed

UPI NewsTrack Quirks in the News

Published: Jan. 23, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Order reprints  |  Print Story  |  Email to a Friend  |  Post a Comment
Theaters warn of 'Cloverfield' nausea

OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Two Oklahoma City cinemas have posted notices warning moviegoers that the hit horror film "Cloverfield" may cause rollercoaster-like nausea.

The Quail Springs and Crossroads mall movie theaters posted warnings that the J.J. Abrams-directed movie, which was shot to mimic a home video recording during a monster invasion in New York, may cause some viewers to feel sick to their stomachs, KOCO-TV, Oklahoma City, reported Wednesday.

"Due to the filming method used for 'Cloverfield,' guests viewing this film may experience side effects associated with motion sickness, similar to riding a rollercoaster," the notices read.

Some moviegoers have demanded refunds or other compensation from theater managers after experiencing sickness during the film.

"I heard a few people kind of whining about it," said moviegoer Thomas Dozier. "They were talking about, like, 'I have got to get out of here.' Everyone around me was freaking out."

However, despite the apparent health risks, "Cloverfield" broke a January box office record for its opening weekend, bringing in $41 million.


City must pay for emasculated statue

PENTICTON, British Columbia, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- A British Columbia court has ruled the city of Penticton must pay an artist for a statue of a naked man whose genitals kept being vandalized.

Artist Michael Hermesh was awarded $14,000 in damages Tuesday after the statue called "Frank the Baggage Handler" was ordered removed from the center of a traffic circle, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., reported.

The 6-foot statue of a naked man surrounded by bags of luggage was unveiled three years ago, but within weeks vandals repeatedly knocked off the genitals, and Hermesh made repairs.

The city balked at paying for the work, and Hermesh sued, the report said.

"They canceled my contract, refused to pay me for having made the piece and then refused to pay for repairs," the sculptor told the CBC.

The work has since been purchased by a local winery and is safely displayed indoors, the report said.


Traditional British dog breeds at risk

LONDON, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Fox terriers, greyhounds and field spaniels are among the dog breeds becoming rare in Britain as animal fanciers turn to exotic foreigners like Llasa Apsos.

Since 2003, the Kennel Club has released a list of breeds with fewer than 300 registrations during the year, The Scotsman reported Wednesday. Experts say that a breed needs at least that many to remain viable.

Some of the endangered breeds have had an important place in British life. Queen Elizabeth II is known for her devotion to her Welsh corgis, while Greyfriars Bobby, the dog that earned a statue in Edinburgh for its devotion to its master's grave, was a Skye terrier.

The otter hound dates back to the Middle Ages when it was bred as a hunting dog.

"It's essential that we do all we can to protect these breeds so that people can discover what great characters they are and to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy their companionship," said Caroline Kisko, a Kennel Club spokeswoman.

One traditional breed has maintained its popularity. About 1,000 more bulldogs are registered now than two years ago.


Thief pelts cashier with egg

BEDFORD, Texas, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Police in Bedford, Texas, are trying to crack the case of a thief who threw an egg at a 7-Eleven cashier and ran off with a burrito.

Investigators said the thief, who was described as 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, hit a clerk in the back of the head with an egg and ran off without paying for his small burrito, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram reported Wednesday.

The clerk told police the man sped off in a white car.


News Photos Slideshows
Photos of the Day
Week in Photos
News
Entertainment
Sports
Features
Most Popular
Stories
Photos
Videos
1.
Peeping tom victims told to fix blinds
2.
$4 million ATM error leads teen to spend
3.
Gas station brawl draws 200-strong crowd
4.
Many Dutch prepare for 2012 apocalypse
5.
Mounties scramble to herd 12 million bees
Advertise on UPI.com
Videos
Enlarge Video
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Bush signs war spending bill
Friday, July 4
Young Americans speak out about D.C. voting rights
Young Americans speak out about D.C. voting rights
Thursday, July 3
Home funerals: Tending to their own
Home funerals: Tending to their own
Thursday, July 3
Students say 'I do' to wedding class
Students say 'I do' to wedding class
Tuesday, June 10
© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
United Press International, UPI, the UPI logo, and other trademarks and service marks, are registered or unregistered trademarks of United Press International, Inc. in the United States and in other countries.
Search: Go
Official_Government_Wires  |   About UPI  |   Site Map  |   Terms of Use  |   Privacy Policy  |   Advertise Online  |   Contact Us
Sponsored Links: Auto Dealers - College Football Tickets - prom dresses - Prom dresses and gowns - tattoos - Wedding and Honeymoon Experts - Conventions - Trade Shows - Conferences - Motivational Sports Speakers Bureau - Press Release Services - Real Estate Properties in the world