ODDLY ENOUGH

ODDLY ENOUGH

Colombian city urges break from sex to fight heat wave

BOGOTA, Colombia

Health officials in one Colombian coastal city have a controversial recommendation for residents trying to stay cool during an intense heat wave: Take a break from sex.

Santa Marta city health secretary Julio Salas sparked a mix of laughter and disbelief recently when he urged residents of the Caribbean tourist mecca to refrain from sex during the day as part of a list of recommendations, such as staying hydrated and wearing loose clothing to prevent overheating.

Sex is considered only a moderate physical activity, as much of a strain on the heart as walking up two flights of stairs, according to the American Heart Association.

Temperatures in Santa Marta recently soared past 104 degrees Fahrenheit and Salas says medical facilities in the city of 600,000 have been overwhelmed with patients complaining of symptoms of heat stroke such as nausea and headaches.

Something borrowed: Ga. planner nabs wedding grifter

MILTON, Ga.

A Georgia wedding planner came in handy for one couple who nearly had more than $2,000 stolen from their reception.

News outlets report Kristina Dardo was arrested Aug. 11 after planner Ashley Baber noticed her among the wedding guests, “holding a jacket in an odd manner,” and thought it a particularly odd garment for the 90-degree weather.

Baber was on high alert. Event planners in the Atlanta area were circulating a surveillance photo of an uninvited guest suspected in similar thefts.

An off-duty officer confronted the wedding crasher, who acknowledged hiding around $2,300 in cash and gift cards under the jacket.

Dardo was sent to the Fulton County jail on a felony theft charge.

Mooning case against softball coach’s wife wanes

FLOYD, Va.

The moon over Virginia was half-visible that May evening, as was the one on the softball field, authorities say.

The Roanoke Times reports 57-year-old Debbie L. McCulley is accused of mooning the stands, but a judge Aug. 16 said the indecent exposure charge could be dropped.

McCulley’s husband coaches Glenvar High School junior varsity softball. A Floyd County deputy sheriff report says McCulley took the field after a loss to Floyd County High School and exposed her right butt cheek. McCulley said she thought the other coach was going to attack her husband, so she refocused attention.

Prosecutor Eric Branscom says McCulley has written an apology and will perform community service. Branscom says McCulley will likely have the charge dismissed or receive a suspended sentence at a February administrative hearing.

Associated Press