Scientists winging it as bald bird ruffles some feathers

A NEW species of bird has been discovered in Laos, the only example of a bald songbird in Asia. But the bare-faced bulbul is perplexing biologists, as they can't seem to figure out how such a distinctive-looking creature could go undetected for so long. Many are pointing to Laos' rock limestone areas, uninhabitable to humans, where the newly discovered bird lives. In the past decade, along with this discovery, new varieties of rabbits and rats have also been spotted in the country.

Stripper on trial after stag party goes bottoms up

A STRIPPER at an Australian stag party is on trial for raping the best man. Linda Maree Naggs has pleaded not guilty to assaulting him with a sex toy, saying any penetration that may have occurred was "accidental".

Gnome place like home for old lady's garden army

1,500 orphaned garden gnomes were saved from the scrap heap after their owner, an elderly lady in Cootamundra, Australia, passed away. Members of the Australian Gnome Convention drove 500 miles across country to rescue the ornaments, which have been found homes around the Blue Mountains.

For lovehounds who are stuck in a rut

Visitors to the Pet South America Fair in São Paulo check out a prototype sex doll for dogs.