Are you loving your pet too much?
And other stories from the stranger side of life

Experts have warned that loving your dog too much “could be bad for its health”, said The Telegraph. EthicsFirst, a group of campaigning vets and academics, said that dog jumpers, excessive medical treatment and hugging dogs can cause problems including anxiety, overheating, obesity, malnutrition and joint pain in the animal. Their study found that the “Disneyfication” of pets has led animal lovers to harm cats and dogs by treating them as “small humans”.
Women challenging ‘white van man’ stereotype
The ‘white van man’ label has been challenged by a new study that revealed that 43% of van drivers are female. In a further blow to the stereotype, the study found that 51% of women drivers read a broadsheet over a tabloid, and more than a quarter were vegetarian, vegan or pescatarian. The Mercedes-Benz Vans researchers questioned 500 drivers, according to The Times.
Brazilian beats eyeball-popping record
A man in Brazil has set the world record title for the farthest eyeball pop (male). The extraordinary eyeballs of Tio Chico popped out to a protrusion of 18.2 mm (0.71 in) beyond his sockets. He said he discovered his talent at the age of nine while making silly faces in front of the mirror. “My skill is definitely a gift. It came from my father, my mother and the creator, too,” he told Guinness World Records.
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.
For more odd news stories, sign up to the weekly Tall Tales newsletter.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The party bringing Trump-style populism to Japan
Under The Radar Far-right party is ‘Rise of Sanseito is ‘shattering’ the belief that Japan is ‘immune’ to populism’ the belief that Japan is ‘immune’ to populism
-
Southern barbecue: This year’s top three
Feature A weekend-only restaurant, a 90-year-old pitmaster, and more
-
Film reviews: Anemone and The Smashing Machine
Feature A recluse receives an unwelcome guest and a pioneering UFC fighter battles addiction
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
Brazilian ‘bandit bill’ prompts mass protests over potential Bolsonaro pardon
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Efforts to evade consequences for an attempted coup and civic unrest have pushed thousands into the streets
-
Passing sentence in Brazil: the jailing of Jair Bolsonaro
In the Spotlight In convicting Brazil’s former president, its Supreme Court has sent a powerful message about democratic accountability – but the victory may be only temporary
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
Delhi's dogs earn Supreme Court reprieve
IN THE SPOTLIGHT After an outcry from the public and animal rights activists, India's Supreme Court walks back a controversial plan to round the city's stray dog population into shelters
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024