Watercooler Stories

'Spiderman' arrested after 57-story climb

SYDNEY, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A French man nicknamed "Spiderman" for his barehanded skyscraper climbing skills was arrested upon reaching the top of a 57-story Australian building.

Alain Robert, 48, who has scaled skyscrapers including New York's Empire State Building without ropes or other equipment, was arrested at the top of the Lumiere building in Sydney after climbing to the top in only 20 minutes, Sky News reported.

"I'm sad he's been arrested, but hopefully he'll get out soon and we can have some champagne," said Max Markson, Robert's agent.

Several of Robert's previous climbs have resulted in fines or arrests, including a $670 fine last year for climbing Sydney's 41-story Royal Bank of Scotland building.

Kosher barbecue draws 42 teams

MEMPHIS, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Organizers of the 22nd World Kosher Barbecue Championship at a Memphis synagogue said 42 groups competed in this year's event.

Debby and Ira Weinstein, board members of the Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth and the originators of the event, said about 2,000 people came out Sunday to enjoy the dishes prepared by the teams, The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal reported.

The Weinsteins said the barbecue raises money for the synagogue and draws kosher barbecue enthusiasts from Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas and New York.

"It's the one event in the city that brings all of the Jewish community together -- Orthodox, conservative -- it's a true community event," said Rick Baer, the congregation president.

Pastor's arrest is case of mistaken identity

SHREVEPORT, La., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A Louisiana pastor said he was mistakenly arrested and held for nearly 8 hours because he shares his name and birthday with a man wanted in Texas.

Gregory Jones, pastor of Eden Worship Center in Shreveport, said he was pulled over for speeding by a Caddo County sheriff's deputy and soon found himself handcuffed and on his way to Caddo Correctional Center, the Shreveport Times reported.

"They said: 'You are wanted out of Austin, Texas, for parole violations and some other crimes,'" Jones said.

"I said: 'That's not me. I've never been to prison. I've never been on parole.'"

Jones said he was in custody for nearly 8 hours before an FBI fingerprint check verified his story.

Caddo Lt. Don Gibbs said the department was sorry for Jones's ordeal, but deputies followed proper procedure by taking him into custody.

"Until you can verify, you can't allow a person to leave," he said.

Couple attend every Minn. fair since 1938

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A Wisconsin couple who have not missed a Minnesota State Fair since their first experience in 1938 say no other event in the Midwest compares.

Harry Boehm, 95, and wife Rose, 96, said they try to take in everything at the fair, which this year began Aug. 26 and will end Sept. 6, and they always find something new and educational, KEYC-TV, Mankato, Minn., reported.

"There is no place within the Midwest would compare with the Minnesota Fair," Harry Boehm said. "Even though we live in Wisconsin, we're really Minnesotans at heart."

The seven-decade fair veterans said their favorite annual exhibits include the animals, the Miracle of Birth Center and the Fine Art and Education Buildings and Creative Activities.