Facebook flagged Plymouth Hoe as ‘offensive’
And other stories from the stranger side of life
Facebook has apologised for flagging Plymouth Hoe as offensive term. The historic area of the Devon city’s seafront was wrongly identified by the social media company as a reference to prostitutes. One user said: “Someone asked me where I swam in Plymouth and I replied ‘Plymouth Hoe.’ I got told off for bad language and could not comment for two days.”
Sex toy spotted on the BBC
A woman has gone viral after appearing on a BBC news report with what appeared to be a substantial dildo perched on a bookshelf behind her. Yvette Amos was commenting from her study during a discussion on unemployment, when viewers spotted the item. In a subsequent interview, Amos’ mother said she had “no idea” what it was and won’t be asking her daughter to tell her.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
World’s tallest dog dies
Freddy the Great Dane, who held the record for tallest living male dog, has passed away. The massive mutt became an international superstar when his record was announced in 2016. He was a towering 103.5 cm (3 ft 4 in) from foot to withers. His owner told Guinness World Records: “He was my life. My reason. My joy. My annoyance.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published