To combat the persistent heat wave in Zurich, animals in the zoo are fed a diet of frozen berries, meat and bones to help them stay cool. The "alternative ice cream" offered to animals instead of their usual diet has proved successful with large cats, apes and wolves, reports Reuters news agency.

Santas attending the annual World Congress of the Father Christmases have called Monday for more colorful Christmas trees and said the traditional green-colored trees are too dull. Vibeke Larsen, spokesman for the Congress said, "This year, the Santas want to be trendy. They seem to be tired of the green Christmas tree, which they find too monotone, and want a bit of color, gaiety and renewal next to the fireplace. "

The U. S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, often called the "Big Red One," will leave its host country of Germany at Victory Park on Leighton Barracks. The Big Red One will return to the United States and officially make camp at Fort Riley, Kansas, on August 1. The move to Kansas means the division will help train foreign security forces in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

A balloon, that managed to travel over 2,500 miles from England to Iraq, was discovered by a British soldier while clearing landmines in the warn-torn country. Corporal Pete Allen found the balloon, which was released by 5-year-old Kelvin Bielunski, as part of his schools' competition to raise funds for an infant school in Peterborough, England.

An unscientific survey of 36 cities in 35 countries by Reader's Digest magazine has shown that New Yorkers are the politest among all. New York was the only city from America to participate in the survey. The magazine sent its "undercover" reporters with a set of three types of tests in a city.