Dining in with rats

The San Francisco Dungeon announced, the Black Rat Cafe, a two-day pop-up shop that will allow visitors to interact with rats while enjoying a pastry and a coffee before entering the dungeon attraction.

Be forewarned: the fare at this pop-up experience is neither locally grown nor sustainably sourced,” the dungeon said. “Guests can sip their coffee while seated at bistro-style tables, nicely draped with red and white gingham tablecloths... all while being surrounded by rats.”

Admission to the Black Rat Cafe, which will only be open on July 1 and July 8, is set to begin at $49.99 and will include a pastry, beverage and admission to the dungeon.

San Francisco Dungeon spokesman Matthew Clarkson told Eater San Francisco the food served at the cafe will be prepared offsite and will be cleared away before the rats are allowed into the room.

“We’re obviously following all food code and hygiene requirement,” he said.

Tiny eyebrow wigs are a new thing!

Did you know that eyebrow wigs are a thing that exist?

Yeah, we didn’t either. We always assumed that eyebrows, if not natural, were masterfully sketched on with pencils or creams. But it turns out that some of the eyebrows we’re seeing out in the wild may essentially be false eyebrows that you can stick on to your face. The lace-style sticker base is invisible when applied correctly, and the brows look, well, like perfectly sculpted brows — as long as you buy a decent set.

Eyebrow wigs are in fact, hugely helpful for those with alopecia, trichotillomania, or hair loss following chemotherapy. The power of eyebrow wigs to stick on easily and transform someone’s face is pretty hypnotising. Plus they look really realistic.

Russian robot ‘will protect football fans’ from any problem

Scientists in Moscow have unveiled AlanTim, a robot, who is said to be able to hold a conversation and resolve disputes in a diplomatic manner.

His main hobby is said to be football — he loves to watch matches and to analyse the tactics of the teams. The robot is only about four feet tall and it is designed by the Moscow Technological Institute (MTI).

In a video shared by the institute, the robot: said: “I read on the internet that many English fans have doubts regarding the safety of visiting Russia. You have nothing to worry about, I will stand up personally for your protection. I promise to accompany you in Moscow and protect you from any problems.”

The institute said, “AlanTim can recognise human emotions: if he notices aggression towards British guests, he will immediately contact the police.”

AlanTim is said to occupy the position of Deputy Head of Department of Robotics at the Moscow Technological Institute (MTI).

Houston museum adds insect vending machine

The Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Brown Hall of Entomology features a vending machine that’s equal parts interactive exhibit and snack station.

The machine, located in the hall’s Cockrell Butterfly Centre, includes six-legged treats including chips made from ground cricket flower and lollipops made from bugs encased in candy.

“Arthropods can make a tasty snack! Learn how different cultures incorporate insects into their diets, and then try it out for yourself with a tasty snack from this unusual vending machine,” the museum’s website states.

Cockrell Butterfly Centre Director Erin Mills said, “Most people think it’s pretty gross — a lot of people can’t believe that people would purposely eat insects. Once they realise that it’s popular with children, they start daring their friends to do it.” She added that the machine makes “quite a lot of money.”

Published in Dawn, Young World June 24th, 2017