Officials warn not to toast marshmallows over lava
And other stories from the stranger side of life

The US Geological Survey has warned people not to try to toast marshmallows over lava flows from Hawaii’s erupting Kilauea volcano. Responding to a question on Twitter, the agency said the toasted marshmallows would taste bad, and that if people were to mix sulphuric acid and sugar they would get a “pretty spectacular reaction”.
US zoo uses Maori dancers to open Australian exhibit
The San Diego zoo has been forced to issue an apology after it hired Maori dancers to perform at the opening of its new Walkabout Australia exhibit. Zoo officials initially replied to public comments by saying Maori people were “native” to both Australia and New Zealand, but later admitted they had been given incorrect information.
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.
Burning flag sparks wildfire
A man trying to burn an American flag has inadvertently sparked a fire that tore through five acres before being brought under control. Local fire fighters released a statement after the blaze, saying: “No matter your political views, we think it’s safe to say we can all agree starting a wildfire is no good”.
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
-
5 fundamentally funny cartoons about the US Constitution
Cartoons Artists take on Sharpie edits, wear and tear, and more
-
In search of paradise in Thailand's western isles
The Week Recommends 'Unspoiled spots' remain, providing a fascinating insight into the past
-
The fertility crisis: can Trump make America breed again?
Talking Point The self-styled 'fertilisation president', has been soliciting ideas on how to get Americans to have more babies
-
Zoos offer cockroach naming and hippo poo candles
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
NHS tells Scots to walk like penguins
Tall Tales Walk like penguins in the snow, says NHS
-
Experts discover why dogs wag their tails
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
Peruvian 'aliens' aren't really aliens
Tall Tales And other stories from stranger side of life
-
Woman accidentally puts nan in washing machine
Tall Tales And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
Couple sues after ‘farting dog’ ruins flight
feature And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
Experts suggest the real-life Dracula was vegan
feature And other stories from the stranger side of life
-
Pedants forgive Waterstones over apostrophe
feature And other stories from the stranger side of life