ODDLY ENOUGH

ODDLY ENOUGH

Ill. family’s syrup-making is mistaken for meth lab

ANNA, Ill.

An Illinois family is finding its homemade maple syrup operation anything but sweet after investigators swarmed their property, mistaking their sap collection for a meth lab.

Laura Benson told KFVS-TV that drug agents showed up at her home near Anna on Wednesday morning saying they fielded a report that a meth-making operation was on the Union County property.

When investigators pointed to buckets near trees, 49-year-old Benson quickly explained the containers were collecting sap for the family’s production of syrup.

The law enforcers quickly moved on, taking with them some homemade syrup the Bensons gave them.

Benson thanks her neighbors for being alert and notifying police, even if it was a misunderstanding. She’s extending an open invitation to those local residents to come by for pancakes.

Pittsburgh pastor wants a social-media fast for Lent

PITTSBURGH

A Pittsburgh pastor is all a Twitter with a new idea for a Lenten fast: no social media.

KDKA-TV reported that the Rev. William Curtis has asked members of his church to give up social-media sites such as Facebook and Twitter for Lent, which began Wednesday and runs through Easter.

Curtis says he’s not even asking for a full 40-day fast, just a few days. And, Curtis confesses, “It’s going to be hard for me, because I practically live on Twitter.”

The pastor doesn’t want to police his congregation’s compliance, but confesses he might have a peek on the Internet now and then to see how many of his members are trying to cut back on social media, saying, “Let’s say I might every now and then go on and just see.”

Couple sets longest-kiss record

PATTAYA, Thailand

For the second time in three years, a Thai couple has set a new record for the longest kiss, locking their lips for 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds in a Valentine’s Day “kissathon.”

Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat from Bangkok emerged victorious Thursday in what organizers said was the longest- recorded smooch in history. The milestone must still be verified by officials from Guinness World Records.

The pair, who also won the annual contest in 2011, received a $3,300 cash prize and two diamond rings.

The event began Tuesday with nine couples. The contestants were not allowed to sit, rest or sleep. They also had to go to the bathroom together with their lips locked.

Last year’s record, set by two Thai men, was about 50 Ω hours.

Associated Press