Desperate environmentalists are taking radical steps to save the world's endangered species. Researchers at the Gitt Institute are attempting to communicate with some animals to warn them of the danger they are in and how to save themselves. They claim to have conveyed the message "People are made of delicious meat" to several threatened mammals. Tigers in particular seem to understand and have already eaten several of the Institute's researchers.

Source : Gall, Ben. "No Paper Tiger" National Nature News, 2008.

The tradition of sniffing the cork of a bottle of wine goes back to early 15th century Europe. The lack of food preservation meant that the meal was less than fresh. Diners would take the sweet-smelling corks from the wine bottles to plug their noses while they ate the spoiled food. As food quality improved, this action was transformed into merely sniffing the stopper to sample the aroma of the wine.

Source : Canter, Dee. Madeira, I Love You, 1964.

Famous Literary Adaptations

• Followers in the Attic - Reverend Moon hosts a big slumber party
• Braves New World - baseball team moves from Boston to Atlanta
• Canterhurry Tales - abridged stories of medieval travellers
• Drapes of Wrath - saga of a curtain industry family set in the 1930s
• Jane Eyrehead - vacant governess is romanced by her mysterious employer
• Last of the Moehaircuts - tale of a Native America with a bowl cut
• Scarlet Wetter - enuresis sufferer shamed in Colonial America
• Hatchback of Notre Dame - cathedral worker buys a new car to impress a girl
• Summa More Theologica - sequel to Moore's classic religious work
• Around the Block in 80 Days - first journey of young Phineas Fogg
• Murder on the Orient Local - slightly less exotic classic mystery
• Donkey Hodee - adventures of a silly ass
• I, Rosie the Robot - autobiography of the Jetson's maid

Source : American Librarian's Association. Another List of Books, July 2008.

Officials in the Ukraine dedicated a newly completed suspension bridge across the Crimea River. The three-mile long concrete and steel structure was named in honor of the late American singer Julie London. Ms. London has a large fan base in the area even though locals do not understand the English lyrics of her songs or what she ever saw in Jack Webb.

Source : Fatale, Natasha. "London Bridge" Pravda, August 23, 2008.

Clothing manufacturers and retailers are test marketing a new size to the public. Extra medium is designed for those consumers who want their clothing more medium than regular medium. Initial response has been positive with many shoppers appreciating the extra averageness of the garment's fit.

Source : Nek, V. "Happy Mediums" Women's Where Daily, September 3, 2008.

People who play the banjo are 5 to 6 inches taller than the average person. They are known to crave potato chips on Thursday afternoons. Banjo players also lead the Western world in cases of pinkeye.

Source : Churchill, Winston. Big Book O' Banjos, 1951.

Prices in 1900

• $2.50
• $3.19
• 35¢
• $7.95
• $1.00
• 77¢
• $6.66
• 5¢

Source : Sapple, Adam. The Very General Store, 1955.