A task force of leading zoologists are mystified by the recent swarms of shoe kittens. These adorable felines have been appearing in footwear around North America, Europe, and Japan. While not a threat to humans, the kittens have caused the loss of thousands of man-hours. Because the kittens cry when taken from their "homes" workers hesitate to remove the cats from their shoes. The cause of this strange upswing in shoe kittens is unknown, but scientists theorize that global warming may be a factor.

Source : Padrille, S. "Cute to Boot : The Ubiquitous Shoe Kitten" Wing Tip Weekly, July 20, 2008.

Famous First Words

• Da-da
• Kitty
• Ma-ma
• Dammit
• This is the city, Los Angeles California
• Nana
• Boo-Boo
• Up
• Death to the fascist insect that preys on the life of the people
• Uh-Oh

Source : Sendent, Dee. Speech Development in Infants, 1994.

Police in Southeastern Wales are investigating a man who disguises himself as a breast pump in order to fondle women. He is a suspect in more than 70 incidents over a six month period. Witnesses and victims describe his costume as "very convincing" and many were unaware of the ruse until the man finished and ran away. Scotland Yard is advising any new mothers using a breast pump to give the device a vigorous shaking before use. Police have provide the sketch to the left of the suspect.

Source : Allcarrs, Colin. "Yard Abreast of Crime Wave" Cardiff Daily Tabloid, July 31, 2008.

Pinball was an Olympic sport in the 1950s and 60s. The United States and Britain dominated the sport, earning more than 85% of the medals between them. The event was dropped in 1968 when the Olympic Committee discovered most of the athletes were bunking school to practice and attend the Games.

Source : Cade, R. Full Tilt Olympians : the Glory and the Gold, 1979.

The Duchess Mary Annette of the court of Queen Foraday (1722-1773) had 9 toes on each foot. As she was a favorite of the queen, other members of the royal entourage copied her extra-wide footwear. The popularity of this style led to a crippling leather shortage and a great deal of stumbling.

Source : Dactyl, Polly. Fashion Fopperies and Fads, 1983.

The traditional cry of "Fore!" in golf has its origins in the early 1700s. It is a contraction of the Scottish phrase "Fore gawd sakes, will ye hit the friggin' ball!". By the mid to late 1800s Victorian linksmen prudishly shorted the expression to its current state.

Source : Schott, Chip. Golf : Almost a Sport, 1919.

Small decorative lacy mats got their name from Bishop Lucas Doily (1875-1944). Many admired the handsome circular apron that he always wore over his vestments. Pious female followers began to knit smaller versions of the garment for home decoration, naming them after their originator.

Source : Council, Trent O. Curia Curiosities, 1988.