Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have been able to hide three-dimensional objects by using artificially engineered materials that redirected lights around the object. The discovery is one step closer to hiding people and objects from visible light. The researchers, led by Xiang Zhang, used metamaterials that deflected light, radar or other waves around an object such as water flowing around a smooth stone in a river.

An artificial beach complete with palm trees, boardwalks and rentable fire-pits and barbecues along with the world's first outdoor artificial surfing machine will soon be rising on the Thames as Tower Hamlets sets to lure surfers. Beginning 2011, instead of driving to Devon and Cornwall, surfers will be treated to six-foot swells to a disused dock in east London.

A three-year-old African Grey parrot called Severiano Ballesteros has lately been making waves among rugby-crazed fans for cheering alongside with them for their favorite team. According to his owners Taffy Howell, 59, and wife Jean, 50, both rugby fans, Seve chants ''Gloucester, Gloucester'' in a West Country drawl whenever he sees his team play on TV.

Saying he just wants to help her prepare to achieve her dream of someday swimming across the English Channel, a father tied his daughter's hands and feet and watched her swim in a chilly southern China river for three hours Tuesday. In an interview, Huang Daosheng said her daughter, Huang Li, 10, swam more than a mile in the Xiang River on Tuesday, traveling with the current.

A Grand Haven surfer used his board to rescue a struggling dog that a big wave swept off a pier in Lake Michigan on Tuesday. The black-and-brown mixed breed pooch was walking with his owner without a leash when a big wave swept him off. A surfer, Matt Smolenski immediately jumped into the sea after him and got hold of his collar.