oddly enough

oddly enough

Philadelphia: Don’t swim in dumpster pools

PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia is urging residents not to swim in dumpsters after a rented trash bin was filled with fire hydrant water and transformed into a pool.

The online news site Billy Penn first reported the shenanigans at a weekend block party. The party’s organizers told the site they power-washed the dumpster, lined the bottom with plywood and tarps and cushioned the corners with pool noodles. However, filling it with hydrant water caused the biggest issue with city officials.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections issued a statement saying the city won’t issue permits for block party dumpster pools.

Agency spokeswoman Karen Guss said, “You would think this decision would not require an explanation.”

Mysterious light over arch stumps St. Louis officials

ST. LOUIS

A light that appeared high over St. Louis’ Gateway Arch is perplexing officials.

The mystery started when an Illinois man shot video of the light early Tuesday morning and shared it with KTVI-TV. After seeing the report, an employee at an Illinois park across the river from the arch took a look at footage from a security camera and also saw the same light.

The video has been posted on the park’s Facebook page.

Mike Buehlhorn, director of the Metro East Parks and Recreation District, said he doesn’t know if he believes in UFOs, but “there’s something weird with that one.”

Spokesmen for the nearby Scott Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration said they know nothing about the source of the light.

Bear hitches a ride on top of a garbage truck

LOS ALAMOS, N.M.

A New Mexico bear hitched a ride on top of a garbage truck, traveling at least 5 miles on the vehicle before it was able to make its escape up a tree.

Santa Fe National Forest spokeswoman Julie Anne Overton said the driver was picking up a dumpster last week when he heard a squeal then realized the bear was on top of the truck. It rode atop the vehicle to a site where the Forest Service keeps a firefighting helicopter.

Helicopter mechanic Evan Welsch, who snapped photos of the bear, said about 30 Forest Service and National Park workers had gathered around to see the spectacle when it was suggested that the driver back up near a tree to give the animal an escape route.

Associated Press