OGN Wednesday
Today's selection of short, upbeat news stories from around the globe.
Great Eyelashes
Wildlife photographer Nicolas Reusens specializes in macro and high-speed photography, making him and hummingbirds a match made in heaven. He recently visited the Hummingbird Sanctuary (Santuario de Colibríes) in Mexico City, where he captured some truly eye-opening photos. The photos even give us the rare opportunity to admire the symmetry in the ringlet of feathers surrounding the bird’s eye like concentrated clusters of lashes. Reusens says, “When I saw the detail of this particular hummingbird, I was blown away: those tiny symmetrical feathers, perfectly aligned. Absolutely amazing!”
Taking The Lead
Switzerland just made history, becoming the first country to ban both imports and sales of fur. Last year, it banned fur imports, but just went a step further to also ban the sale of fur products within its borders, setting a precedent for other countries to follow.
Victory on Debut
Julie Andrews’s 1964 Oscar for Mary Poppins, John Daly’s 1991 PGA Championship, and now Frankie Hooper’s 2026 World Conker Championship. Ms Hooper became the latest person to win the highest honour in their field at the first time of asking after being crowned the world champion of conkers. The 28-year-old, who had never played a game of conkers before, defied all odds to beat Fee Aylmore, the former champion, in the women’s final. She then triumphed over Simon Griffiths, the men’s winner, in the grand final. It made her Queen Conker, coming out on top ahead of 256 other competitors from 10 countries. To play, competitors take turns swinging a conker (aka buckeyes or horse chestnuts) threaded on a string, which can range from 20cm to 50cm long, aiming to smash the other player’s nut.
How Much?
A lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the Star Wars duel where he tells Luke Skywalker “I am your father” is going up for sale at Heritage Auctions next month. The Vader saber, also used in Return of the Jedi, is expected to fetch at least $1m. It is one of more than two dozen lightsaber props that will be up for sale at the auction that spans Star Wars Episodes I through IX and other films and TV shows from the universe George Lucas created. In July, a lightsaber with Luke Skywalker’s severed hand from The Empire Strikes Back sold for $3.75m at auction, the highest price ever fetched for a prop used in a Star Wars film according to the auction house.
Male Pill
According to the World Health Organization, male contraceptives could hit pharmacy shelves as soon as 2029. The pill, called YCT-539, is the first non-hormonal, daily male birth control measure. It is currently in its first two phases of clinical trials at the UN agency’s contraception and fertility care unit. If the trials prove successful, men may soon have a reversible way to take a more active role in family planning.
For The First Time
In August, fully electric vehicles outsold gasoline and diesel vehicles combined in Europe for the first time ever. The milestone is attributed to rising fuel costs, aggressive pricing strategies by Chinese EV manufacturers, and government subsidies. More than 243,000 electric vehicles were registered in August across 31 European countries, a 52.2 percent increase year-on-year - internal combustion engine vehicle sales dropped 23.4 percent to just under 203,000 vehicles registered. Additionally, the share of EVs in total new car sales rose to 29.2 percent, surpassing internal combustion engine vehicles, which makes up 24.4 percent.
If you want your children to listen, try talking softly to someone else. Ann Landers
On This Day
14 October 1066: Battle of Hastings: William, Duke of Normandy and his Norman army defeat the English forces of Harold II, who is killed in the battle. King Harold II was killed late in the afternoon - famously depicted in the Bayeux Museum tapestry as taking an arrow to the eye.
Today's Articles
Eager to Say Hello: After months being back in the wild, giraffe returns to visit the rangers who saved her as a baby.
Spanning Centuries: The world’s largest online slang dictionary is now available free, thanks to Jonathon Green.
Mood Boosting Video
Bach: Air on the G String: Often described as the most peaceful music ever written.
