News of the Weird xcviii

 News of the Weird xcviii

Extreme Measures – In London, Ontario, a persnickety homeowner took matters into his own hands on 30 JUL when he ran his car into a neighbor who had been urinating on his lawn, BlogTO reported. The 38- year-old driver struck the victim, throwing him several meters and causing a gash on the back of his head. The driver was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm, which could get him 10 years in prison. [BlogTO, 8/4/2021]

Sign of the Times – Jesse Jones of Raleigh, North Carolina, has adapted some of his infamous Halloween decorations for a different purpose: He has erected a 13-foot skeleton in his front yard with a sign attached that reads, "Not Vaccinated See You Soon Idiots!" WRAL-TV reported that Jones also set up some tombstones with messages directed at vaccine deniers. He lost his mother-in-law to COVID-19 and hopes his display will get people to focus on the recommendations coming from the CDC. [WRAL, 8/4/2021]

 Bright Idea – Toyota Motor Corp. publicly scolded the mayor of Nagoya, Japan, for "biting" an Olympic gold medal at an event celebrating medal-winner Miu Goto, a softball pitcher. On Aug. 4, Mayor Takashi Kawamura pulled down his mask and pretended to chomp on Goto's medal for photos, Reuters reported, but social media objected: Some suggested Goto get a replacement medal because of the germs transferred. Toyota was sterner: "It is unfortunate that he was unable to feel admiration and respect for the athlete. And it is extremely regrettable that he was unable to give consideration to infection prevention," a statement read. A chastened Kawamura made a televised apology, saying he would "reflect on" his actions. [Reuters, 8/5/2021]