Classical deterrent: In Espoo, Finland, police have found an unconventional way to deter youth from partying on the beach. They blast classical music. Officers play pieces like Strauss' The Blue Danube, Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and Schubert's Ave Maria from loudspeakers to keep the beach free of litter and broken glass. In use for several years, this method has proven effective despite a lack of scientific evidence that young people dislike classical music. Locals, although initially puzzled by the tactic, appreciate the cleaner beach for morning swims. Police started using this approach after other methods failed to disperse end-of-term parties.
Early retirement: In Japan, a man's extreme frugality enabled him to retire early after saving about 130 million (JPY) over 21 years. The 45-year-old man endured a demanding job while living in a cheap company dormitory, scavenging for furniture, and skipping air conditioning to save money. His diet consisted mainly of boiled rice and occasional fruits or vegetables. Despite these sacrifices, his perseverance allowed him to achieve financial independence and publish a book about his journey. However, the yen's recent depreciation threatens his savings, casting doubt on his early retirement plans. His story went viral, with some admiring his dedication and others criticising his extreme lifestyle and poor nutrition.
Urban hippo: Residents of Cape Town, South Africa, were startled to see a hippopotamus strolling down their city's streets. The enormous animal likely was on a quest to find a new territory that was away from his pod. Initially, his presence caused alarm. However, conservationists swiftly intervened, safely capturing the young male and returning him to his habitat at the False Bay Nature Reserve. To ensure his safety and to prevent further wanderings, authorities made plans to relocate the wandering hippo to a secure, undisclosed location. Interestingly, his home pod plays a crucial role in managing the invasive perennial grass threatening the city's wetlands.
Concrete canvas: In Texas (USA), Sam Ward, now dubbed the Power Washer Van Gogh, has turned a mundane task into an art form. Initially purchasing chalk for his sons, Ward found himself bored while cleaning his driveway and began drawing with a power washer. This creative spark transformed into an artistic venture. Using various nozzles and pressure settings, he started crafting intricate designs on concrete. His unique method gained traction on social media, leading to collaborations with brands like BuzzFeed and Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Ward's creations feature icons such as Johnny Cash, Batman, David Bowie, and the Statue of Liberty.