International News Briefs

Thieves unaware they stole lion

WUPPERTAL, Germany: A circus lion was found in satisfactory condition after the van carrying him was stolen and smashed into a road sign. Thieves stole a cargo van from a Circus Probst that was used to transport Caesar, the lion. They went on a nighttime tour, crashing the vehicle and abandoning it. According to BBC News, police towed the van, unaware of its live contents. It appears the robbers did not know of Caesar’s presence either. Caesar’s lion tamer collected the animal from the police after the van was found.

Searching for Cinderella in Shenzhen

HONG KONG, China: Matchmaking website www.jiayuan.com is hosting a Cinderella-type ball in an effort to match some Chinese women with their Prince Charmings. Thousands of women have submitted their profiles to vie for 40 available positions at the ball in Shenzhen. The ball will take place Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21. The website is also seeking millionaire men to register for the ball. They have received 10 applicants so far, Reuters reported. To qualify, the men should be worth more than 50 million yuan ($7 million). The 7,000-plus women applicants have been rigorously screened based on looks, intellect and physique. Therapists judge if they are kind, gentle and tasteful. The website hosted a similar event last year and had 10 successful matches in which the couples are still dating today. It is reported that China now has more known billionaires than any country except the United States.

School selling bonus points to students to raise their grades

RALEIGH, North Carolina: Rosewood Middle School has devised a fundraising initiative after last year’s chocolate sale failed: it will sell its students additional points on tests. Rosewood will sell 20 test points for $20. Students can divide 10 bonus points across two tests. The Associated Press reported that principal Susie Shepherd said the additional marks do not make enough of an impact to alter students’ grades. However, the extra results could raise a student from a B to an A or bring them up from failing to passing. The Department of Public Instruction commented that the sale of grades is not a beneficial part of middle school curriculum.

Christianity not allowed on licence plates

COLUMBIA, South Carolina: Although the state legislature allowed a licence plate to display a cross, stained glass window and the words “I believe,” a court ruled the plate violated the First Amendment which outlines the separation of church from state. District Judge Cameron Currie determined the plate endorsed not only religion but promoted a specific sect as well. Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer passed the bill allowing the licence plates to set a precedent. A similar bill failed in Florida. According to the Telegraph, the judge wrote that Bauer was trying to push a personal agenda, getting the state legislature to approve specialty plates promoting a majority religion, Christianity. The initial case was filed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State on behalf of individual citizens, Hindu and American-Arab groups.

Published in Volume 64, Number 12 of The Uniter (November 19, 2009)

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