The "Sergio Rule” Aims to Eliminate Golf Tantrums

At the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia earlier this month, Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia smashed his driver into the ground after an errant strike and then broke the club in half when taking out his frustrations on a water cooler. His angry outbursts, as well as similar behavior by other golfers, have led R&A, golf’s governing body, to introduce a new three strikes policy, dubbed by some as the “Sergio Rule." The policy acts as an official warning system, where repeated outbursts lead to a two-shot penalty and subsequently, disqualification. The golfing authorities have simply had enough of what they see as the rapid decline in etiquette. This new code of conduct may solve the problem. The policy goes into effect with The Open, which is being hosted at Royal Birkdale in the UK from July 12-19 this year. Players have been warned that “three tantrums and you’re out.”

 

 

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Driven By Love: Husky Walks Herself to Daycare to See Her Boyfriend

A 5-year-old Husky named Missy (above right) was kept home from doggy daycare because she had an appointment for a checkup with the vet. However, Missy had other ideas. Taking matters into her own paws by digging under a gate, she headed straight for Spot’s Place, the doggy daycare where she usually spends her weekdays. Now she’s a bit of a social media sensation. Missy’s owner, Heath Hrappstead, said he could tell by Missy’s whimper that she was upset that she wasn’t going with him when the left for work. Typically, he would drop the dog off at daycare before heading off to work. It wasn’t long before Heath received a phone call from Spot’s Place, advising him that Missy had taken herself to daycare. Mackenzie Hoffman, a staffer at the daycare facility, said she noticed Missy at the door and rushed to let her in. She was surprised that Heath wasn’t with her, so she checked the surveillance cameras and discovered that Missy had come alone. “She was full of mud, obviously, because she did a little escape journey,” said Hoffman. To make Missy more presentable before she went to see her boyfriend Shaggy, the staff members gave her a spa day. Hoffman said Missy and Shaggy hit it off immediately when Shaggy first started coming to daycare. “They just love each other,” said Hoffman. Both owners are well aware that the two pups love each other. Now Heath just has to take extra precautions to make sure Missy can’t escape in the future.

 

Staff members MacKenize Hoffman and Joelle Seal with Shaggy and Missy

 

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Swiss Residents Vote With a Show of Hands

Last weekend, thousands of citizens gathered in the small Swiss town of Appenzell Innerrhoden to cast their votes — not by filling out paper ballots, but by a simple show of hands. The gathering starts with a parade of government members, followed by a discussion of issues where attendees can stand up and voice their opinions on the assembly podium. The Landamman, the presiding official, encourages everyone to make compromises and listen to each other. For hours, questions boom over loudspeakers about constitutional, legislative, and financial issues, in addition to elections for local leaders. Approximately 17,000 residents either raise their hands for yes or keep them down for no. From a wooden podium, the chief magistrate visually assesses the crowd to determine each outcome, often requiring multiple rounds or calling upon city officials for closer calls. The tradition — known as Landsgemeinde — dates back to 1376 and today only survives in two of Switzerland’s 26 cantons (similar to states in America) due to concerns over privacy and practicality in areas with larger populations. Locals note that the transparency can be a strength. “Standing together with other people, you can experience politics with all your senses,” said Angela Koller, the head of the cantonal government. The system ensures that every person can have their say, despite multiple languages and significant cultural differences. This appears to pull citizens on both sides towards the reasonable middle. Not so long ago, the Swiss voted against giving themselves more holidays on the basis that it may cause long-term damage to the economy.

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World’s Oldest Penguin Turns 38

A penguin believed to be the oldest in the world has celebrated her 38th birthday with an impressive cake topped with fishy treats. Spneb, who was named after the medication that saved her life, is said to be the oldest Humboldt penguin on the planet. Despite her advanced years, she hasn’t lost her sparkle and is still as inquisitive as ever. Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Cornwall, UK, marked Spneb’s milestone with a party and a special ice cake loaded with her favorite treats like sardines and sprats. Her keepers presented the cake to the birthday girl in front of her fans, both those with flippers and those without. Spneb's keeper, Becky Waite (pictured below), said the penguin still enjoys a healthy appetite and a “nosey peek” out of her nest box, despite being the oldest penguin in the colony. “Her companion, Prince, is 21 years old and should have been born a peacock, as he loves to show off,” said Waite. Though Humboldt penguins are native to the western coast of South America, they stay cool thanks to a bare patch on their faces that blushes red to release heat.

 

 

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