fun & games

In the news: a close call

April 7, 2009—The crowd at the Goodwood Airfield in West Sussex, UK, was fortunate when a small biplane, without its pilot, ran in circles for several minutes in speeds up to 60 mph before becoming airborne, traveling a few hundred yards and smashing into some trees at the perimeter of the airfield. No one at the Goodwood Breakfast Club show was reported injured. The aircraft was a Stampe et Renard SV-4C that had a hand-crank propeller. When the pilot swung the propeller, the plane lurched forward, with the pilot unable to catch up. The 1940 two-seater suffered substantial damage, with one wing torn off in the crash. Had it not hit the trees, the plane had enough gas to take it approximately 150 miles. Older planes without electronic starters tend to move a bit before the pilot gets in, but it is almost unheard of for a plane to take off on its own.

Around the world

• An Australian prison guard held hostage for two days was released after a ransom demand for pizzas was met.

• A New Zealand man who called police officers “pigs” has been ordered to spend a day at a pig farm.

• A 77-year-old granny made a citizen’s arrest in Germany when she rugby-tackled a 25-year-old jay walker.

• An Indian man allegedly hurled a slipper at a court judge who promptly threw a paperweight back in reply.

• OAP store, UK: A 70-year-old shoplifter tried to evade capture by biting an arresting officer before realizing he’d left his dentures at home.

• A drunk driver was arrested in Germany after he accidentally phoned the police instead of a towing service when he had a flat tire.

• Two English football fans in Cologne lost their car after mistakenly thinking they had parked it on a road called “One Way Street.”

Amusing signs

In a Swiss mountain inn: Special today – no ice cream.

In front of a church: Don’t give up. Moses was once a basket case.

In an established New Mexico dry cleaning store: Thirty-eight years on the same spot.

In a Budapest zoo:
Please do not feed the animals. If you have suitable food, give it to the guard on duty.

On a maternity room door: Push. Push. Push.

On a fence: Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive!

Outside a photography studio: Out to lunch: if not back by five, out for dinner, also.

Notice in health food shop window: Closed due to illness.