Stunt biker Danny MacAskill has completed a spectacular challenge, jumping two Highland cows and their handlers as he promoted the Mountain Bike World Cup in Scotland this summer.
The stunt attracted the attention of dozens of workers in central Glasgow as they enjoyed the sunshine during their lunch hour. Mr MacAskill said: “I didn’t expect to be jumping around a cow, it’s a bit random, but good fun, and we got good weather for it.”
The biker stunned viewers last year with a death-defying ride along the hazardous Cuillin Ridge on his native Isle of Skye in a video that has been viewed more than 33 million times on YouTube.
Dog driving tractor causes delays
Tailbacks were caused on a busy motorway “due to a dog taking control of a tractor”.
The bizarre incident was reported by Traffic Scotland at junction 13 of the M74 near Abington in South Lanarkshire. The transport body tweeted: “M74 (N) J13-RTC due to dog taking control of tractor ... nope, not joking. Farmer and police at scene, vehicle in central res.”
It was reported that the dog had leaned on the controls of the tractor, which was taking it from a field on to the road. People responded punningly to Traffic Scotland’s tweets. Tony T wrote: “Police investigating, so far no leads”
Bees get buzz from pesticides
Bees get a “buzz” from nicotine-like pesticides in much the same way as smokers are stimulated by tobacco, startling new research suggests.
In a series of experiments, bumblebees and honeybees actively preferred sugar solutions laced with the neonicotinoid chemicals. This was despite evidence that the bees could not taste the pesticides.
Rather than enjoying the taste, they seemed to be reacting to a pleasurable “high” as the chemicals activated reward centres in their tiny brains, the scientists believe. The new research is one of two new investigations reported in the journal Nature that sound further warnings over the use of neonicotinoids to control insect pests.
Poo power plan for Detroit Zoo
A US zoo is planning to turn piles of animal manure into energy.
Detroit Zoo says construction on an anaerobic bio-digester begins this spring and will be completed before the end of the year. It will turn about 400 tonnes of manure a year as well as other organic waste into methane-rich gas, which will be used to help power the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex, saving 70,000 to 80,000 US dollars in annual energy costs.
The system also will convert manure into compost that will be used to fertilise animal habitats, gardens and public spaces.
Car bonnet ride after argument
A Pittsburgh man drove for several miles with another man clinging to the bonnet of his vehicle after an argument.
The driver, 46-year-old Dwayne Harvard, was charged with aggravated assault and other crimes after the incident. He told local TV reporters he was just defending himself and called 911 while driving with the man still hanging on.
Harvard and his girlfriend said the man had a knife. Harvard also said he was afraid the man might shoot him if he stopped driving. The other man has not been charged.
Men in heels exhibition opens
The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, Canada, is hosting a new exhibit opening on May 8 called Standing Tall: The Curious History Of Men In Heels. The show looks at men’s footwear from the early 17th century to the present, including its history, variety, function and significance. The display will be on view until June 2016.
Exhibits will range from military boots to cowboy and biker boots to footwear worn by John Lennon and Sir Elton John, along with footwear from the musical Kinky Boots and current heeled fashions for men. Some early examples of men’s heeled footwear were heeled riding boots that helped men secure their feet in stirrups.