Watercooler Stories

Mailbox kitty adopted by postal employee

BOSTON, June 23 (UPI) -- A kitten found abandoned in a Boston mailbox has been adopted by a postal service employee in New Hampshire, animal rescue officials said.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it chose the new owner for Postina, the kitten discovered in a Boston mailbox last week, after the man read about the discovery and contacted the organization about bringing the young feline into his family, WCVB-TV, Boston, reported.

The society said the new owner, who adopted a dog through the group 11 years ago, had been searching for a cat to adopt ever since his previous feline died last year. The organization said the man was chosen from a long list of people who inquired about adopting Postina.

"Postina has captured the attention of pet lovers across the globe and shone a much needed light on the seriousness of pet abandonment," said Meagan Rock, manager of the MSPCA-Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center. "We also want to remind the public that Postina's story is shared by thousands of homeless cats that are dumped, neglected as well as abused each year and come to us looking for care and a new home. We currently have hundreds of homeless cats in our care and urge the public to adopt today."

Men allegedly bulldozed trees, bridge

KENT, Ohio, June 23 (UPI) -- Police in Ohio accused two men of using a bulldozer to destroy a recently created trail along the Cuyahoga River.

Briton Woolf, 20, and Bryan Gaugh, 23, allegedly knocked over trees and damaged a covered bridge at the Portage Hike and Bike Trail behind the Kent Water Reclamation Facility at about 2:45 a.m. Monday, WEWS-TV, Cleveland, reported.

Kent police said the pair, who were arrested after a brief foot chase by officers responding to a noise complaint, caused about $5,000 worth of damage. Authorities said the bulldozer used by the men was stolen.

Woolf and Gaugh were both charged with felony theft and vandalism.

Clerk: No weapon, no robbery

BRIDEWATER, Australia, June 23 (UPI) -- A man who busted into an Australian gas station and demanded money was told by the unimpressed clerk that no payments will be made to unarmed robbers.

Crown Prosecutor Jane Williams said John Newall, 27, was nearing the close of a four-day amphetamine binge when he walked into the United service station in Bridewater and exclaimed: "I want the money," The Mercury of Tasmania, Australia, reported. The clerk, however, was not impressed by the attempted robber, authorities said.

"You need a weapon," he said. "I have to fear for my life. You can't just have the money."

Newall managed to run off with $400 from the cash register after the clerk opened it for another customer, authorities said. He used the money to buy food at McDonald's and lost the rest on poker machines at a casino.

Newall was arrested the following day and was identified using surveillance video from the gas station.

Newall pleaded guilty to stealing and was sentenced to four months in jail. He is also serving jail sentences for unrelated offenses, The Mercury said.

W&M mascot ideas: Phoenix, asparagus

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., June 23 (UPI) -- Officials at Virginia's College of William and Mary say the 375 submissions for a new school mascot include a mythical phoenix, a wren and a stalk of asparagus.

Members of the committee charged with whittling the dozens of ideas down to a single mascot said no ideas are being ruled out.

"It's been fun," selection committee member Susan Evans said. "We have a lot of great options to consider."

Among those options are a Fresian horse, a favorite of the historical William and Mary, and a character that combines alums Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported.

The Tribe's previous mascot, a green blob named Colonel Ebirt, was retired in 2005.