Of Human Interest: News lite

ENGLISH VILLAGE FOR SALE

For about $47 million, a piece of movie history -- the picturesque English village of Hambleden -- can be yours.

The British Broadcasting Corp. says the town, immortalized in such classic "101 Dalmatians," "The Avengers," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "The Big Sleep," is for sale by Henry Smith, heir to the WH Smith fortune.

Residents told the BBC they were concerned, one woman saying, "If it is sold in bits and pieces I would call it the rape of our village. But for the moment we are all in the dark."

Film makers love the hamlet, with its traditional Post Office and English pub making a perfect backdrop for many films.

MINT JULEP HAS ARAB ROOTS

The refreshing mint julep, the drink of the Kentucky Derby, has its roots in the Arab world, says Chris Morris, a Woodford Reserve Bourbon and American spirits historian.

During the 129th Run for the Roses on May 3, the Kentucky Derby expects to serve more than 80,000 mint juleps.

"Centuries ago, there was an Arabic drink called julab, made with water and rose petals," Morris said. "The beverage had a delicate and refreshing scent that people thought would instantly enhance the quality of their lives."

When the julab was introduced to the Mediterranean region, the native population replaced the rose petals with mint, a plant indigenous to the area, creating the mint julep, which later was Americanized by adding whiskey to the recipe.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS FELINE STYLE

There is a saying that if you want the best seat in the house, you'll have to move the cat. Friskies hopes to cash in on the notion with its Cat Habitat, premiering at the Atlanta Home Show this week.

The kitchen "Cat-fe" features a Friskies feeding system activated by the touch of a paw. It's interactive so it stimulates a cat's natural instinct to hunt prey.

A 6-foot tall Kitty Castle Agility Course offers a mirror mobile that captivates cats with the reflection of light, a motorized mouse to chase, a moat filled with fish and a secluded kitty hammock for catnaps.

An indoor garden, complete with a 5-foot tree, water fountain and digital kitty TV, also is new, as well as a shared workstation for pet owner and cat. As a cat parent surfs the Internet, the cat rests on a comfy bed placed at eye-level -- providing a high, safe and close place to bond.

CURBING FAN VIOLENCE

Two ugly incidents of spectator violence at the home of the Chicago White Sox have spurred action. Illinois state Sen. Mattie Hunter says she will introduce a bill mandating jail time and minimum fines for anyone who trespasses onto the field, court or rink of a professional sports arena.

The legislation calls for a mandatory 30-day jail sentence, a minimum $1,000 fine, and possible alcohol and drug evaluation for violators.

Last week a fan ran onto the field and attacked first base umpire Laz Diaz after the eighth inning of a game between the White Sox and Kansas City Royals at Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field.

The incident was eerily similar to the one on Sept. 19, 2002, when a father and son attacked Tom Gamboa, then the Royals' first base coach, at U.S. Cellular Field. Last Tuesday's game between the teams featured three other instances of fans running on the field.