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Letter to the editor

Global Bizarre

By the Times Staff
Published March 11, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT [AP photo /Guinness Book of World Records] Radhakant Bajpai, 50, has been recognized internationally by Guinness World Records. Yes, that hair is coming from his ears.

OKAY IN THE U.K.

Flirt worked, just with a different woman
It is starting to look like Brits just should not text. Last week we told you about the padded light posts to protect texters from cracking their skulls. Now comes a story in the Daily Mirror about Anthony Hubbocks, who fired off a romantic message to a lady he was interested in. But he sent it to Michelle Morris, who wasn't actually the object of his affection. In fact, he didn't know her. But she thought it was a joke from a man she knew, so she replied in a flirty tone. By the time they realized they didn't know each other, they were engaged. Hubbocks has moved to be closer to Morris and her two kids as they plan the wedding.

Protect premises with poultry product
Joe Weston-Webb of Grumpy Joe's Flooring in West Bridgford, England, is just tired of break-ins. He had tried security fencing, motion sensors and videocameras, but the break-ins continued. So, according to the Times of London, he constructed a 30-foot catapult that fires projectiles that cost chicken feed. Literally. You feed the chickens, then follow them around, and there is what he uses as ammo. He also has a cannon that fires railroad ties, which sounds less smelly but more dangerous. Ever responsible, he posted a sign: "Warning: These premises are protected by smart-poo and railway sleeper projectiles." He's also working on an exploding coffin.

NO VOLUNTEERS?

Her plan would keep seats filled
Some upscale donors donated some upscale park benches to an upscale shopping district in La Jolla, Calif. But, as tends to happen sometimes in urban settings, the benches are being used by the homeless, who sleep on them. This is not going over well with Esther Viti, who oversees the donation of the benches. She says donors are not happy that the donations are being used that way. So she sent out an e-mail to 45 cohorts, asking them to volunteer to work three-hour shifts -- no bathroom breaks -- sitting on the benches, just so the homeless cannot sit there. So far, no one has signed on for a shift.

IT'S A RECORD!

Indian man loves his big hairy record
Radhakant Bajpai, 50, a grocer in Naya Ganj, India, is very proud to finally be recognized internationally. "Making it to Guinness World Records is indeed a special occasion for me and my family." It's true. He's going to be in the record book, because it is now confirmed that Bajpai has the world's longest ear hair. It stretches out 5.2 inches at the longest, and he can braid it for occasions that merit it. He uses a special shampoo and has stopped wearing rings and necklaces so as to not do any damage, though it was not explained how rings could damage his ear hair. He says people are not taking his accomplishment very seriously, but it's still a big deal to him. "God has been very kind to me."

Compiled from Times wire services and other sources by staff writer Jim Webster, who can be reached at jwebster@sptimes.com.

[Last modified March 10, 2008, 23:35:32]