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Wacky pet laws that will make you laugh

<p>There are laws to protect people from harm, animals from cruelty and to keep the animal-human relationship harmonious. But then there are those wacky laws that will make you scratch your head and wonder how they became laws in the first place.</p> <p>1. In some areas of Oklahoma dogs must have a permit signed by the mayor in order to congregate in groups of three or more on private property.</p> <p>2. In Chicago, you cannot bring your French poodle to the opera.</p> <p>3. In Berea, Ohio, any pet that goes out after dark must wear a tail light.</p> <p>4. In Creskill, New York, all outside cats must wear three bells to warn birds of their approach.</p> <p>5. In Madison, Wisconsin dogs are forbidden from harassing squirrels in the public park next to the capital.</p> <p>6. In Denver Colorado an animal control officer must notify dogs of any impending impounds three days before it’s due to happen. They do this by posting notices on trees in the public parks and along the road running next to the park.</p> <p>7. In Memphis, Tennessee, if a frog's croaking keeps you awake at night, you can have that frog arrested.</p> <p>8. In Turin, Italy owners can be fined up to $650 for not walking their dog at least three times a day.</p> <p>9. In Reed City, Michigan, you cannot own a pet cat and bird simultaneously. </p> <p>10. In French Lick Springs, Indiana, all black cats must wear bells on Friday the 13th.</p> <p>11. In certain areas of Oklahoma it is against the law to make “ugly” or “mean” faces at a dog.</p> <p>12. In Honolulu, Hawaii, it’s unlawful to annoy birds at any public park. </p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Is this wacky accessory the future of hands-free luggage?

<p>Multitaskers around the world are rejoicing at the invention of a wacky new travel accessory that allows people to drag luggage around the airport hands-free.</p> <p>My Hitch, a double-ended plastic hook that clips onto a traveller’s waistband, is the brainchild of 53-year-old pilot Robert Lian, who wanted to find a way to free up traveller’s hands so they can carry additional luggage, a phone or even a cup of coffee.</p> <p>Retailing for $23 ($18 US) the My Hitch reportedly lets the traveller perform a range of movements, allowing the user to easily perform U-turns or even walk in circles when pulling a roller bag that weights 11kg or less, only feeling a slight tug on their waistline.</p> <p>And while you’d think this invention would be a pickpocket's dream, Lian contends you’d quickly notice, writing on the <a href="http://www.mybaghitch.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>My Hitch website</strong></span></a>, “Even with your bag directly behind you, if someone tried to unzip your bag, you would definitely feel it. Another option is to wear My Hitch off to one side, and glance at your bag every so often as you walk.”</p> <p>It’s hard to say who the My Hitch is marketed at exactly, but you’d have to think it would be skewing towards business travellers who wear pants that have belts. As Lian writes, the My Hitch has a risk of unnecessary exposure (dragging your pants down) when wearing casual attire, “If you are wearing an elastic waistband, then it certainly would.”</p> <p>Whether this is a sign of humanity is achieving a higher plan of existence or not we don’t know, but you have to say we’re living through some pretty interesting times.  </p> <p>What’s your take on the My Hitch? Could you see yourself walking around the airport with one? Or do you think it’s a bit too ridiculous for your taste?</p> <p>Let us know what you think in the comments. </p> <p><em>Video credit: YouTube / Robert Lian</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/07/the-real-reason-your-luggage-is-lost-in-transit/"><strong>The real reason your luggage is lost in transit</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/06/10-travel-accessories-you-really-dont-need-to-pack/"><strong>10 travel accessories you really don’t need to pack</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/travel/travel-insurance/2016/07/5-smart-ways-to-prevent-your-luggage-getting-lost/"><strong>5 smart ways to prevent your luggage getting lost</strong></a></em></span></p>

International Travel

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8 wacky Australian events not to miss

<p>Travellers will scour the globe in pursuit of the weirdest, strangest, most-unique events. Turns out we actually have a lot in our backyard. Here are 8 weird Australian events you have to see to believe.</p> <p><strong>Wife Carrying, Singleton</strong></p> <p><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10584/1_497x280.jpg" alt="1 (98)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>While the practice of wife carrying as a sport originated in Finland, it’s the town of Singleton that has taken it to the next level. Each year as part of the Annual Singleton Show men carry their better halves through a tough obstacle course including sand, water and hurdles. A must watch!</p> <p><strong>Birdman Rally, Moomba</strong></p> <p>Melburnians fly (fall) straight into the Yarra River in the annual Birdman Rally that is held every Labour Day long weekend as part of the Moomba Festival. This famous even sees garishly dressed gliders in all types of human-powered aircraft attempt (and often fail) to soar for a good cause.</p> <p><strong>Elvis, Surfer’s Paradise</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="500" height="334" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10585/2_500x334.jpg" alt="2 (102)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Who said Elvis was dead? Every July Elvis-impersonators and general aficionados descend upon Surfer’s Paradise to perform and enjoy a variety of shows in tribute to the late, great King of Rock and Roll. This is the closest you’ll get to experiencing The King outside of Memphis, Tennessee!</p> <p><strong>Morning Glory Cloud, Burketown</strong></p> <p>This awe-inspiring, if somewhat unfortunately named, meteorological phenomenon is a one kilometre cloud stretching from horizon to horizon, observable from Burketown in Queensland. The cloud can be up to 1000 kilometres long and is often only 100 to 200 metres above the ground.</p> <p><strong>Cockroach World Championship, Brisbane</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="394" height="260" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10586/3.jpg" alt="3 (100)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Where else in the world can you race cockroaches in public and not be shunned from society? The Cockroach World Championship sees 7000 people watch cockroaches race around a circular track. Roach trainers can bring their own cockroach or purchase one on the day for just $5.</p> <p><strong>Beer Can Regatta, Darwin</strong></p> <p>Never have discarded beer cans be put to better use. The Beer Can Regatta is an annual boat race in Darwin, where the vessels have to be made out of beer cans. To be fair, most vessels sink before they make the finish line at Mindi Beach, leading to a rowdy even that’s a lot of fun to watch.</p> <p><strong>Henley-on-Todd Regatta, Alice Springs</strong></p> <p><strong><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10587/4_497x280.jpg" alt="4 (92)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></strong></p> <p>Here’s another boat race, but one with a difference (as you probably imagined by the fact that it’s taking place in Alice Springs). The Henley-on-Todd Regatta sees residents cut out the hull of boats and race them Flintstones-style through the desert. Crazy, but a lot of fun to watch!</p> <p><strong>Camel Cup, Alice Springs (<em>Pictured above</em>)</strong></p> <p>Forget the Melbourne Cup, this is the race that stops the nation (well, at least in parts of Alice Springs). The Camel Cup sees some of the Northern Territory’s finest racing camel’s hell for leather through sweltering desert heats. Goes without saying this is not your ordinary day at the races. </p>

International Travel