Will classical music curb petty theft?
Police in Portland, Ore., are blasting opera and classical music from loudspeakers at train stations in an attempt to drive away petty criminals and vagrants. Police say the sounds of Carmen and “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” have successfully dispersed crowds of unruly youths in other cities, because such music is so uncool it makes them uncomfortable. It’s too early for statistical proof, but Scott Nielsen, a frequent train passenger, says he’s noticed a major difference at the stations. “There’s no one that just hangs around,” said Nielsen.
O.J.'s dangerous weight gain
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O.J. Simpson has gained a dangerous amount of weight behind bars, says the National Enquirer. The former NFL great, now 63, is serving 33 years for the 2007 armed robbery of a sports-memorabilia dealer, and a source says he’s deeply depressed and isolated from other inmates. Simpson “eats snack food to combat his depression,” said the source, and has ballooned by 50 pounds. “If he doesn’t go on a diet he’s going to die of a massive heart attack,” said the source. “His kids are worried about him.”
Florida woman develops craving for couch stuffing
A Florida woman says her life is being ruined by her addiction to the synthetic foam inside living-room furniture. Adele Edwards, 30, has been diagnosed with pica, a psychological condition that causes cravings for inedible substances, and estimates she has eaten more than 200 pounds of couch and cushion stuffing since the age of 10. “I have cushion cravings every 30 minutes and snack on it in the car or at my desk,” says Edwards, the mother of five. “Afterwards, I’m disgusted with myself.”
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