The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

This week's wackiest web stories: Crocodile Drunkdee, Taliban D'oh and the £1m tattoo

Could a Tsunami happen in land-locked Switzerland? Plus honour among thieves and Fantasy Football just got real

Marie Winckler
Friday 23 November 2012 17:32 GMT
Comments
A Cuban crocodile called 'Missile'
A Cuban crocodile called 'Missile' (Donald MacLellan)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Crocodile Drunkdee

A drunk man climbed into a crocodile enclosure in Australia and attempted to ride a 5m (16ft) long crocodile. Miraculously, he survived his ill-advised prank. bbc.co.uk

Happy thanksgiving

Christmas turkey saved from chop after falling for peacock at Hopetoun farm. scotsman.com

Not so Merry

A Santa Claus was left dangling from the ceiling after his beard became trapped while abseiling inside a Reading shopping centre as part of a Christmas lights switch-on show. bbc.co.uk

Taliban D'oh!

In a Dilbert-esque faux pax, a Taliban spokesperson sent out a routine email last week with one notable difference. He publicly CC'd the names of everyone on his mailing list. abcnews.go.com

Cabbie Karma

London cabbies might have the Knowledge, but do they have the Integrity to match? This cab driver in Singapore returned $900,000 to his forgetful passengers. time.com

Honour among thieves

A Kansas robber who helped seize a man's cell phone and wallet at gunpoint recognized the victim as an ex-convict he had served time with and gave the possessions back, police said on Thursday. reuters.com

The question you never thought you'd ask...

Is it possible to build a jetpack using downward firing machine guns? what-if.xkcd.com

A Tsunami in Switzerland?

Lake evidence says yes. nytimes.com

Fantasy league just got real

Vugar Huseynzade, a 21-year-old student from Sweden, landed the job at one of Azerbaijan's top football clubs - reportedly beating off big name competitors including Jean-Pierre Papint - despite the fact that his only previous experience of managing a team is on his computer. uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

First Class Pelicans

Two brown pelicans blown to Rhode Island by the winds of Hurricane Sandy will be flown in a private plane back to their natural habitat in Florida. reuters.com

Not a tramp stamp

Kate Moss has disclosed that Lucian Freud, the late artist, inked a tattoo on her lower back which is worth more than £1million.telegraph.co.uk

The Family Business

A father, son and daughter may be responsible for robbing as many as seven banks in two UK states, according to authorities. abcnews.go.com

Conscious hip hop

Scientists study freestyle rap to get a better understanding of the neural science behind creativity. nature.com

Nazi Plan for World's Biggest Stadium

Seventy-five years ago, Adolf Hitler laid the cornerstone in Nuremberg for what was meant to be the world's biggest stadium. It was never completed, but the concrete remains convey Hitler's crazed megalomania. spiegel.de

Toxic

Greenpeace put on a 'toxic' fashion show in Beijing to point out use of hazardous chemicals in clothing. nydailynews.com

Dumb ways to die

Here's our video of the week, including hints for some things you might want to avoid doing between now and next Friday. youtube.com

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in