Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

News of the weird

Thursday 12 March 1998 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Humiliated: A man accused of stealing a biscuit in Oakland, California, has accused police of forcing him to endure a "most degrading and humiliating punishment". Julian Aldarondo has filed a complaint with the Police Review Board after he was accused of pinching a ginger pecan cookie from the Critics Corner Cafe on his way to the cinema. Police followed him into the cinema, handcuffed him and took him to the manager's office, where officer Anthony Toribio carried out the allegedly degrading act: when he learnt that Aldarondo was a singer, he launched into a chorus of the "Pina Colada Song".

The joy of cucumbers: According to research at the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Centre in Chicago, the most sexually arousing smells for women are those of candy-coated liquorice, cucumbers and baby powder, all of which increase vaginal blood flow by 13 per cent. Men are turned on by the smell of pumpkin pie. A woman's sexual impulse, however, is inhibited by cherries, charcoal-barbecued meat, and men's colognes. Nothing so far researched has been found that inhibits men.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in