Weird News

Beer research proves useful

A mathematical formula can be used to predict how the froth on beer changes over time. And U.S. researchers said it might have more practical applications than just pouring the perfect pint.

The formula explains how the foam bubbles grow. This could lead to the development of products like metal shrink-wrap.

The new formula can calculate how these bubbles’ microstructures grow. The structures are quite abundant. They make up the foam on a beach as well as the pebbles in your shoe. They are also found in man-made materials like ceramic or metal.

Mathematicians believe the finding will help scientists concoct many new materials.

British star hurls beans

Hugh Grant, 46, was arrested and questioned by police after a tabloid photographer accused him of throwing a tub of baked beans at him. Photographer Ian Whittaker told the Daily Star tabloid that he and Grant’s tussle occurred near the star’s home.

The photographer claimed Grant kicked him and threw beans at him. The tabloid printed photos of Grant holding a tub of food over his head. Grant’s lawyers said the incident is under investigation.

Grant was bailed and will return to court in May. Grant’s agent has issued no official statement.

Cheesy Webcam

An English cheddar cheese is the latest unlikely Internet star. So far, the large slab of cheese has attracted more than 1 million viewers of its aging.

The Westcombe cheddar was first placed in front of a Webcam in late December. It began attracting attention in early February and has since had viewers from 119 countries.

West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers said keeping the cheese site up and running has been a challenge. Their idea was to show how food is made, showing how it takes a year for cheese to mature.

Women rule, literally

Finally, a place where “women rule and men obey,” a “women’s town.” According to Chinese tourism officials, the 2.3-square-kilometer village of Longshuihu was created as a concept attraction.

The tourism authorities are seeking investments to build up the novel village. The idea is based on the local traditional concept of female domination.

“Traditional women dominate and men have to be obedient in the areas of Sichuan province and Chongqing, and now we are using it as an idea to attract tourists and boost tourism,” the tourism official said.

The tourism bureau plans to spend between 200 million yuan (U.S. $26 million) and 300 million yuan (U.S. $39 million) on roads and buildings.

It is the world’s first “women’s town,” where men get punished for disobedience.

The project was started at the end of 2005, and was expected to take three to five years to finish.