Thursday, February 20, 2014
oddly enough
Finns give reindeer fluorescent-antler makeovers
HELSINKI
Rudolph the reindeer is having a glittering antler makeover — the latest attempt to halt some of the thousands of road deaths of the roaming caribou in the wilds of Finland.
Anne Ollila of the Finnish Reindeer Herder’s Association says the antlers of 20 reindeer have been painted with various fluorescent dyes to see how the animals react and whether the paints are resistant to the harsh Arctic climate.
If successful, animals with glittering antlers will be free to roam Lapland — a vast, deserted area in northern Finland where herders tend to some 200,000 reindeer.
Ollila says reflectors and reflective tape have proved unsuccessful as reindeer have torn them off — and road signs warning drivers of roaming reindeer often are stolen by tourists as souvenirs.
Police: Substitute menaced picketing teachers
MEDFORD, Ore.
Police and striking Medford teachers say a man employed as a substitute teacher drove too close to a picket line, pulling up on the grass within striking distance of the teachers.
The Medford Mail Tribune reports Monte Muirhead, 47, was cited by Medford police for reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
The incident was reported Monday and took place last Thursday.
Negotiations between the Medford Education Association and the school district stalled Feb. 6, and the Medford teachers strike began.
North Medford High School astronomy teacher Robert Black says Muirhead pulled right up next to the teachers. He says he expected Muirhead to get out of his truck.
Police said they have had four other incidents in which motorists cut close to pickets since the strike began.
Associated Press