ABC News: Offbeat
A constantly updated selection of the leading offbeat news from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Includes associated MPEG 1 video reports and images where available.
Plunging necklines a no-no at masses
The Catholic Church has issued guidelines on what Filipinos should wear to mass in Manila after some parishioners complained about distracting skimpy attire.
Skinny dipper seized at tourism icon
A 22-year-old American man has been arrested after an early-morning naked bath in the historic Barcaccia fountain at the foot of Rome's Spanish Steps, an Italian news agency reports.
Church calls on 'Simpsons' to help reach teens
A Church of England-backed book suggests youth workers should try to make religion relevant to children by showing them episodes of cartoon show The Simpsons.
Judge loses $54m lawsuit over lost pants
A judge in the US capital has lost his $US54 million lawsuit against a dry cleaner over a pair of misplaced trousers.
Crocs trained to hunt poachers
Indian authorities are releasing dozens of crocodiles bred in captivity to scare away poachers and protect their endangered counterparts.
Council to trial dog attack DNA kit
A Melbourne council is hoping DNA testing will help it identify the animals involved in dog attacks.
Man rolls car in KFC drive-through
An Alice Springs man's love of fried chicken saw him roll his car at a takeaway drive-through last night.
Ferrari: It ain't a sin to buy the car
When it comes to luxury sports cars, Ferrari begs to differ with the Pope.
Lottery loser sues for distress
A Dutch woman has lost her compensation claim for mental distress she suffered from missing out when her neighbours won a lottery windfall.
Prostitutes' clients to be shamed with photos
An Italian Mayor hopes to shame men into not using prostitutes by photographing cars that pick them up and publishing the details in local newspapers.
'Big Brother' says sorry for Mexican flag stunt
Reality TV show Big Brother has apologised to the Mexican Government for allowing contestants on Friday Night Games to throw goo-filled balloons at the Mexican flag.
Blair wears same shoes for 10 years
Outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair has revealed he has worn the same pair of shoes to his weekly question-and-answer session in Parliament since becoming the country's leader in 1997.
'Big Brother' under fire for Mexico flag stunt
The Mexican Government has complained to Australia's media regulator after contestants on Big Brother TV show Friday Night Games threw goo-filled balloons at the Mexican flag.
Rodents get drunk as skunks off seized liquor
Authorities in India say rats are gnawing at beer cans and making holes in caps of whisky bottles stored in police storehouses in the east of the country and apparently getting drunk.
Reward offered for kidnapped Homer Simpson
Cartoon character Homer Simpson has been kidnapped in Malaysia and Hollywood is offering a reward of 1,000 ringgit ($A346) for his safe return.
A constantly updated selection of the leading offbeat news from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Includes associated MPEG 1 video reports and images where available.
Plunging necklines a no-no at masses
The Catholic Church has issued guidelines on what Filipinos should wear to mass in Manila after some parishioners complained about distracting skimpy attire.
Skinny dipper seized at tourism icon
A 22-year-old American man has been arrested after an early-morning naked bath in the historic Barcaccia fountain at the foot of Rome's Spanish Steps, an Italian news agency reports.
Church calls on 'Simpsons' to help reach teens
A Church of England-backed book suggests youth workers should try to make religion relevant to children by showing them episodes of cartoon show The Simpsons.
Judge loses $54m lawsuit over lost pants
A judge in the US capital has lost his $US54 million lawsuit against a dry cleaner over a pair of misplaced trousers.
Crocs trained to hunt poachers
Indian authorities are releasing dozens of crocodiles bred in captivity to scare away poachers and protect their endangered counterparts.
Council to trial dog attack DNA kit
A Melbourne council is hoping DNA testing will help it identify the animals involved in dog attacks.
Man rolls car in KFC drive-through
An Alice Springs man's love of fried chicken saw him roll his car at a takeaway drive-through last night.
Ferrari: It ain't a sin to buy the car
When it comes to luxury sports cars, Ferrari begs to differ with the Pope.
Lottery loser sues for distress
A Dutch woman has lost her compensation claim for mental distress she suffered from missing out when her neighbours won a lottery windfall.
Prostitutes' clients to be shamed with photos
An Italian Mayor hopes to shame men into not using prostitutes by photographing cars that pick them up and publishing the details in local newspapers.
'Big Brother' says sorry for Mexican flag stunt
Reality TV show Big Brother has apologised to the Mexican Government for allowing contestants on Friday Night Games to throw goo-filled balloons at the Mexican flag.
Blair wears same shoes for 10 years
Outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair has revealed he has worn the same pair of shoes to his weekly question-and-answer session in Parliament since becoming the country's leader in 1997.
'Big Brother' under fire for Mexico flag stunt
The Mexican Government has complained to Australia's media regulator after contestants on Big Brother TV show Friday Night Games threw goo-filled balloons at the Mexican flag.
Rodents get drunk as skunks off seized liquor
Authorities in India say rats are gnawing at beer cans and making holes in caps of whisky bottles stored in police storehouses in the east of the country and apparently getting drunk.
Reward offered for kidnapped Homer Simpson
Cartoon character Homer Simpson has been kidnapped in Malaysia and Hollywood is offering a reward of 1,000 ringgit ($A346) for his safe return.
