Jockstrip: The world as we know it.

Wild chickens attempt mass escape in NYC

NEW YORK, March 8 (UPI) -- Dozens of wild chickens set to be moved from a New York parking lot to an upstate sanctuary were recaptured after attempting a mass escape, volunteers say.

Volunteers captured 35 chickens after the birds made a dash for freedom before being sent to their new location by K&N Parking Lot manager Ramon Lopez, the New York Daily News reported.

Hiding under parked cars and dashing through fences, the chickens eluded their pursuers until Farm Sanctuary volunteers deployed bird feed, crates and nets to bring the birds in.

"It's between serious strategy and luck," volunteer Kim Korona said.

Lopez has been raising chickens for more than two decades, but was forced to send the animals away amid threats of a city fine and the increasing cost of housing the birds.

Middle-aged women living cheerleader life

DETROIT, March 8 (UPI) -- Julie Hecker of Royal Oak, Mich., says she is part of a group of middle-aged women who don fishnets and go-go boots to serve as cheerleaders for Detroit.

Hecker said she formed the Motor City Rah Rahs four years ago and the cheerleading group has helped promote Detroit with appearances at events such as the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Hamtramck Blowout, The Detroit News reported.

"Our city was really desperate for some cheerleaders," Hecker said.

The group performs at shows held by local bands and is scheduled to take part in the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Parade in Detroit.

"I'm truly reliving my youth and I was kind of able to re-create it with a bunch of women that are just fabulous," Hecker told The Detroit News. "We are a group of mature women who refuse to get old."

Participants don kilts for record ski run

AVIEMORE, Scotland, March 8 (UPI) -- More than 200 skiers and snowboarders in Scotland helped set a world record for the most people going down a ski run while wearing kilts, organizers say.

The BBC said the record-setting run on CairnGorm Mountain involved 235 people adorned with the traditional Scottish knee-length garments, including two pipers and a drummer who were the first to cross the finish line Saturday.

All proceeds from the event were given to charity and to help fund a schools skiing program, the report said.

CairnGorm Mountain spokesman Colin Kirkwood applauded the record-setting effort, saying the event was a great way to recognize the amazing skiing season being enjoyed in Scotland.

"It was an impressive sight and we wanted to do something to celebrate the great ski season we've been having and do something which could involve the public," Kirkwood told the BBC.

Making a hog of yourself on Pig Day

BROOKFIELD, Ill., March 8 (UPI) -- The Brookfield Zoo in the Chicago suburb of Brookfield, Ill., celebrated National Pig Day Saturday with pig-themed activities, officials say.

The Chicago Sun-Times said children were encouraged to join in a scent game, mud play, "Pin the Tail on the Pig," "Pig Tac Toe" and storytelling, as well as watch a "porkformance" by the zoo's domestic pigs, Harley and Penelope.

After the activities and performances, zoo officials planned to invite families to join in singing "Happy Pig Day" as Harley and Penelope are presented with a bouquet of carrots.

The Sun-Times said National Pig Day was created in 1972 by sisters Ellen Stanley of Texas and Mary Lynne Rave as a way to honor and give thanks to pigs.