Jockstrip: The world as we know it.

Thermal imaging finds suspect in leaf pile

HASTINGS, Mich., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- Police in Michigan said they used thermal imaging to find a fleeing suspect who turned out to be hiding in a leaf pile.

Hastings police said an officer responding to an alarm at a restaurant Friday saw a man with a backpack running away and gave chase, The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press reported Wednesday.

The officer used a thermal imaging device to find the suspect hiding in a pile of leaves. The man again fled, this time jumping into a river, police said.

Hastings officers, along with Barry County sheriff's deputies and state police troopers, found the man's wet footprints and followed them to a fence near the Park View Motel.

The man was seen climbing the fence and was identified as the same man who fled earlier. His backpack was found near the river bank and officers said they discovered methamphetamine waste inside.

Police said the man had been making meth in his room at the motel.

The man was arrested on a probation violation and police said charges of possessing meth lab components and marijuana are likely.

British consuls 'not a concierge service'

LONDON, Nov. 10 (UPI) -- British expatriates and travelers have turned to their consuls for everything from domestic advice to Prince Charles' shoe size, officials said Thursday.

Jeremy Browne, minister for consular affairs, said the list of questions was released to teach travelers what consular offices are -- and are not -- for.

"Our priority is to help people in real difficulty abroad and we cannot do this if our time is diverted by people trying to use us as a concierge service," he said. "We need to be able to focus primarily on helping victims of serious crimes, supporting people who have been detained or assisting people who have lost a loved one abroad."

Consular staff in Spain had to deal with a man who wanted musician Phil Collins' telephone number and another who thought Prince Charles could use a pair of shoes as a birthday present.

A man in Florida sought advice on dealing with ants in a rented vacation home. In Moscow, a woman called the Embassy to complain about a loud buzz in her apartment.

A Dubai resident wanted consular staff to meet his dog at the airport and get the animal through Customs because he planned to be on vacation.

Wisconsin twins celebrate 11th on 11/11/11

MADISON, Wis., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The Corduroy Club ruled them out as "messiahs of corduroy," but two Wisconsin twin sisters say they will celebrate their 11th birthday Nov. 11 in a big way.

Betsy and Katie Overman of Madison, aspired to lead a Nov. 11 celebratory procession by the Corduroy Appreciation Club of New York City, which says Nov. 11, 2011, is the date that "most closely resembles corduroy," Madison's Wisconsin State Journal reported Wednesday. The twins were turned down for geographic reasons.

Instead, the girls have been promised a trip to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., by their mother and have some other ideas of how to spend their day.

"If we go to school, we'll stay for 11 minutes," Betsy said.

"Or they may count down on the school clock to 11 minutes after 11," Katie said.

The two were born 17 minutes apart Nov. 11, 2000, but mother Julie Overman says she was only expecting one baby.

She said she heard someone in the delivery room say, "I think there's another baby in there," after Katie was born.

The Corduroy Appreciate Club has scheduled "11 Days of Corduroy," in honor of the 11/11/11 date and has urged its members to participate in anti-velour activities.

Man, 108, marks birthday with dancing

AVENTURA, Fla., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- A World War II veteran who celebrated his 108th birthday recently in Florida said the secret to his longevity is "wine, women and song."

Louis Stein, who celebrated his birthday Tuesday with spicy chicken wings, cake and dancing, described himself as a "lover of life" who keeps going due to his fondness for "wine, women and song," The Miami Herald reported Wednesday.

"It feels pretty good to be 108," Stein said.

Stein joined the Army as an oral surgeon at the age of 38 when the United States entered World War II. He was discharged from the military after a 27-year career and continued practicing oral surgery for many years.

Stein, who has stayed active in veterans' groups and was given the honor of ringing the bell of North Miami's newly installed Veterans Tower three years ago, moved from Bradenton to Aventura, in the south part of the state, in 2004.