Cat earns honorary doctorate in ‘litter-ature’

A cat frequenting the Vermont State University Castleton Campus was awarded “a very special honorary degree” as the school’s first “Doctor of Litter-ature.”

The school posted on social media that the cat, Max, lives with his owners on Seminary Street and “has been an affectionate member of the Castleton family for years.”

“With a resounding purr of approval from the faculty, the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Cat-leges has bestowed upon Max Dow the prestigious title of Doctor of Litter-ature, complete with all the catnip perks, scratching post privileges, and litter box responsibilities that come with it,” the school said.

Extinct bird feather fetches record price

Webb’s Auction House, in New Zealand, said a single feather from an extinct huia bird became the most expensive feather in the world when it sold for $28,417. The previous record was set by a feather from a bird of the same species when it sold for $5,150 in 2010.

The huia bird was considered sacred by the Mori people, and their feathers would adorn the headpieces of chiefs and their families. The last confirmed sighting of a huia bird was in 1907, although unconfirmed sightings were reported over the ensuing 30 years.

Taste-enhancing smart spoon

Japanese tech giant Kirin Holdings has introduced Elecispoon, a revolutionary smart spoon aimed at enhancing taste perception by manipulating saltiness. Developed from their earlier smart kitchenware endeavours, Elecispoon utilises cutting-edge current waveform technology to stimulate taste buds.

This ingenious spoon generates an electric charge at its tip upon contact with food, creating an electric field around the tongue. This field causes sodium ions in the food to cluster, intensifying perceived saltiness and flavour. With four electricity intensity settings, users can tailor their experience.

Powered by a 3V rechargeable lithium battery, Elecispoon offers a solution for individuals seeking to reduce salt intake without compromising taste.

However, caution is advised, as those with certain medical conditions should refrain from its use. A limited batch of 200 Elecispoons are available for purchase online, with plans for wider availability in selected Japanese housewares stores starting soon, priced at 19,800 yen ($128) each.

Boy diagnosed with hair-cutting phobia

A 12-year-old boy, Farouk James has never had his hair cut due to ‘tonsurephobia’, an uncontrollable fear of haircuts, and now faces expulsion from his school for not adhering to the hair length policy.

Farouk’s mother, Bonnie Miller, stated he is starting psychotherapy to overcome the phobia but feels the school disregards their efforts. Farouk himself expressed that the fear is real and not a phase.

Farouk’s situation serves as an emotional reminder of the importance of compassion and flexibility within educational institutions when addressing the unique needs of students.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 22nd, 2024