Biologists in Muenster, in north-western Germany said that a black swan has been smitten with a swan-shaped paddle boat. They said the Black Australian Swan has been showing all the typical signs of love for its species, circling the plastic boat, staring endlessly at it and making crooning noises. The unusual behavior of the swan has compelled authorities to move the bird and the boat to a zoo.

Biologists in Muenster, in north-western Germany said that a black swan has been smitten with a swan-shaped paddle boat. They said the Black Australian Swan has been showing all the typical signs of love for its species, circling the plastic boat, staring endlessly at it and making crooning noises. The unusual behavior of the swan has compelled authorities to move the bird and the boat to a zoo.

The holidays can bring tension for families when college students return home. The problem comes because of differing expectations of parents and their now adult offspring.

The board at the Cumbria Tourism Council in Cumbria in the north west region of England, has established a telephone help line which offers cheery sounds to help people suffering from the winter blues. The Lakes' Escape Line features a reading of Wordsworth's poem Daffodils, the sound of water lapping at Windermere and sizzling Cumberland sausages.

A former Winter Olympian won first place at the seventh annual North American Wife Carrying Championship. John Farra, who carried his 110-pound wife Tess won her weight in beer and five times her weight in cash, or $550 reports the AP.