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.
-
Sudan stands on the brink of another national schismThe Explainer With tens of thousands dead and millions displaced, one of Africa’s most severe outbreaks of sectarian violence is poised to take a dramatic turn for the worse
-
‘Not every social scourge is an act of war’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
The Louvre’s security measures are in hot water after a major heistIn the Spotlight Millions of dollars in jewels were stolen from the museum
-
What is Donald Trump planning in Latin America?Today’s Big Question US ramps up feud with Colombia over drug trade, while deploying military in the Caribbean to attack ships and increase tensions with Venezuela
-
Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN 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 pardonIN 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 BolsonaroIn 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 citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
Delhi's dogs earn Supreme Court reprieveIN 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
