Even snakes have to audition for the opera at the Met. Princess the boa constrictor got the part
NEW YORK (AP) — The Metropolitan Opera in New York requires auditions for everyone on stage. Even the snake in its adaptation of Mozart's "Così fan tutte." Zoe Ziegfeld is the snake handler in the performance. The carnival performer-turned-opera actor auditions each snake to ensure they're comfortable on stage. A boa constrictor named Princess won the role, and another named Nala was chosen as understudy. This is Ziegfeld's third time as the snake charmer in this production. The Met's version of Mozart's opera about love, fidelity and deception is set at a 1950s Coney Island carnival instead of Naples, Italy.
Scientists studying cockroach milk and nose-blowing win Ig Nobel prizes for quirky science
Researchers have been honored for their quirky, imaginative contributions to science at the 36th annual Ig Nobel Prizes. Thursday's ceremony was held for the first time outside the U.S. Ten teams were honored for things such as studying cockroach milk, analyzing soil health using underwear and the science of nose-blowing. The show was hosted in Switzerland and organized by a digital magazine called the Annals of Improbable Research. The venue changed to Europe this year over concerns about attendees being able to get visas. The event has no link to the Nobel Prizes, which will be announced early next month.
In Chile, injured penguins sport copper vests to help them heal
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Researchers in Chile have designed special vests for penguins to help them recover during El Nino. These snug red vests, threaded with copper and zinc, aim to speed up healing from injuries. Veterinarians have previously used similar bodysuits for dogs and cats. They are now adapting the technology for Humboldt penguins, a vulnerable species native to Chile and Peru. The penguin population has declined due to threats like fishing nets and plastic pollution. El Nino is worsening these pressures by making food scarce. The vests help inhibit bacteria and fungi growth, promoting faster healing for injured penguins.
British police try to track down theft of 70,000 pints worth of Guinness stout
LONDON (AP) — British police are working to recover 70,000 pints of stolen Guinness. The Cheshire Constabulary said Thursday that two trailer truckloads of the beer, worth $155,000, were taken from a depot near Liverpool. The heist happened Monday night when two men hauled away the trailers containing about 800 barrels of stout. The trailers themselves are valued at $67,000. This incident follows a recent beer heist in the United States, where 34,000 cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon were stolen. The company offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to their recovery.
Pabst Blue Ribbon offers $20,000 reward to help find its missing beer
Pabst Blue Ribbon wants its beer back, and it’s offering a reward to help that happen. Greig DeBow, the CEO of Pabst Brewing Co., said Wednesday that the company will pay up to $20,000 to anyone who provides new information that leads to the recovery of 1,602 stolen cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon and non-alcoholic Old Milwaukee beer. The beer went missing Aug. 17 in Southern California. Police in Montclair, California, said the beer was stolen from a warehouse in two separate incidents on the same day. DeBow said the company wants the beer returned by Sept. 9. Anyone with information is asked to email hotline@pabst.com.
'Aura farming' trend inspired by video games is sweeping Latin America
LIMA, Peru (AP) — Young people across Latin America are gathering on beaches, parks and other public spaces to take part in "aura battles," a trend that has moved from the internet to the real world. Participants dress as comic characters and perform dance moves to earn applause and improve their "aura." The trend, rooted in video games and social media, started in Brazil and has spread to cities like Mexico City and Buenos Aires. Participants aim to generate good vibes without physical contact or insults. Some events face resistance, like in Lima, where officials canceled a battle due to permit issues. Despite some criticism, the trend provides a fun way for young people to express themselves.
At 91, Dale 'Grey Beard' Sanders reclaims record as oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail
MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) — A 91-year-old man who goes by the nickname Grey Beard has reclaimed his record as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. Dale Sanders started last Sept. 6 in West Virginia, hiked the nearly 2,200-mile trail in out-of-order sections with breaks in between, and finished Monday atop Mount Katahdin in Maine. Sanders first set the record in 2017 at age 82. Four years later, 83-year-old M.J. Eberhart took the title, but within months, Sanders announced his plan for a comeback. By his count, he fell 71 times along the way, including just 200 yards from the finish. While Sanders’ first journey was easier than he expected, he says the latest trek was considerably harder.
Hundreds show up to judge New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest
NEW YORK (AP) — Hundreds of people showed up near New York City's Washington Square Park to judge a Mayor Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest. Nine contestants sought a $100 cash prize in Sunday's contest sponsored by a social media app, Sonder. Mamdani, a democratic socialist who took office in January, has amassed a large following on social media and young fanbase. The winner was Amadeo Fusca, who wore a jersey for the NBA champion New York Knicks jersey underneath a suit. Other contestants wore suits, dress shoes, rings — and had haircuts and facial hair similar to Mamdani's.
As Spain swelters, a centuries-old accessory is having a moment
MADRID (AP) — In Spain, the traditional folding hand fan, or abanico, is having a moment due to the summer's intense heat. The fan, small enough to fit in a purse, creates a surprisingly strong breeze with a flick of the wrist. As successive heat waves this summer pushed temperatures higher, the fan has become essential for many, young and old. The abanico has a rich history, arriving in Europe through Portuguese trade with Asia in the 15th century. By the 19th century, it was widely used by Spain's aristocracy. Today, specialty shops like Casa de Diego in Madrid and kiosks selling cheap plastic fans report strong sales amid punishing heat.
Spinning and dipping, Minnesota fairgoers delight in the classic Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) — With screams and giggles, Minnesota fairgoers are taking delight in the magic of the Tilt-A-Whirl ride as it turns 100 years old. The iconic ride and its brightly colored cars debuted at the Minnesota State Fair in 1926, and it has been bringing joy to fairgoers across the country ever since. It was invented by Herbert Sellner, in Faribault, Minnesota — after he attempted to make a water ride that failed. In Minnesota, many fairgoers say the ride is a family tradition.
