Authorities in Beijing have ordered that pigeons remain in their birdcages on October 1 to prevent them disturbing celebrations to mark 60 years of communist rule.
To ensure no official feathers are ruffled by wayward birds, the 30,000 homes in Beijing which between them have raised more than one million pigeons were informed by the authorities that their birds would be banned from flying until October 2 under threat of a fine, the Beijing News reported on Saturday.
The only pigeons to take part will be the 60,000 to be released during the celebrations.
China's first military parade in 10 years, mass song and dance performances, and fireworks on October 1 will mark the day when revolutionary leader Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic in 1949 at Tiananmen Square. (AFP)
Marries four brides to save money
A South African man has walked four brides to the altar, marrying them at the same time to save money and prevent cheating.
Although polygamy is legally recognised in South Africa, father of 10 Milton Mbhele was still unusual in organising the weddings at the same time.
The 44-year-old local government employee from KwaZulu Natal pledged his undying and equal love at a lavish white wedding held in a giant marquee in a sports field.
Mr Mbhele, in a white linen suit, and his four brides, wearing white princess gowns and tiaras, arrived together in a limo.
Mr Mbhele, who has seven children with his four brides and three from previous relationships, cited his Zulu "culture" and economic reasons for the unusual wedding.
"It doesn't help to have one wife and have 30 girlfriends that drain you so much you end up with no money," Mr Mbhele said.
He said he loved his brides equally and there was good competition among them. (AFP)
Spider tempts Pope
President Barack Obama had his fly. Now Pope Benedict XVI has his spider. A large arachnid appeared on the Pope's white robes as he addressed politicians and diplomats in Prague on Saturday.
The Pope didn't seem to notice at first - but journalists following the speech on a large screen flinched as the spider inched towards Pope Benedict's neck. It disappeared from view for a moment, but then could be seen crawling up the right side of the 82-year-old pontiff's face.
When it reached his ear, Pope Benedict gave it a swat. But it didn't go away - it reappeared on the Pope's left shoulder and scampered down his robe.
In June, Mr Obama famously swatted and killed a fly that intruded on an interview for CNBC at the White House. (PA)
Realistic costume
A man dressed as a gorilla for a charity run was stopped by police after calls from motorists who thought he was an ape which had escaped from a zoo.
Rory Coleman ran from his home in Nottinghamshire to London in his costume to take part in the event supporting the Gorilla Organisation which works in central Africa to protect the apes' habitat.
Some of the other runners embellished their costumes to become gorilla superheroes, ballerinas, Vikings and pirates. (PA)
Criminal auction
Police in Leicestershire are using online auction site eBay to help reclaim the value of goods that have been confiscated from criminals.
Running on a six-month trial basis, the "shop" will offer anything from home cinema sets to computer consoles, all confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Thought to be the first auction site of its kind in the UK, it is hoped to help recoup the value of the items and return them to central government, with a percentage going towards Leicestershire Constabulary, the force said. (PA)
Springsteen studies
About 300 professors from as far away as Australia visited Bruce Springsteen's native New Jersey to fill their brains with the Boss.
The no-holds-barred intellectual romp, Glory Days: A Bruce Springsteen Symposium, began on Thursday with a walking tour the rocker's old stomping grounds, including his boyhood home in Freehold.
The academic symposium organised by Virginia Tech and Penn State-Altoona continued until yesterday. It included several pilgrimages to the Stone Pony bar in Asbury Park, where Mr Springsteen launched his career.
The scholarly exploration covers topics such as Springsteen and psychology, movies, culture, gender and the criminal justice system. (PA)