WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - Out of gas? Drivers could be out of luck in New Zealand. The country's roads authority is considering a plan to fine people for running out gas in Auckland, the largest city. Police recommend the fines as a deterrent for people trying to squeeze the last mile from their last drop of fuel. Authorities note the dead cars create a traffic hazard. Police want a law similar to one that fines people more than $170 (US) for walking on a highway.
ANCIENT SCROLLS
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - It's a message from a long time ago and far, far away.
Now, University of Kentucky computer experts are trying to read it. The
researchers have made CAT scans of Roman scrolls that were buried in a volcanic
eruption 2,000 years ago. The scrolls haven't been read, or even unrolled since
the year 79 A.D. The researchers tell the Lexington Herald-Leader they'll use
the scans to create 3-D images of the scrolls. At first the scientists thought
there might be an object wrapped inside the papyrus. Computer scientist Brent
Seales says they were a little disappointed when the didn't find something
"weird wrapped up in one."
RUNWAY PARTY
GYPSUM, Colo. (AP) - It's a chance to party on the runway. Soon, the jets will
be landing on the upgraded runway at the Eagle County Regional Airport near
Vail, Colo. But tomorrow folks will get a chance to ride their bikes on the
runway -- or just run. The airport plans a "Romp the Runway" party. There will
be a bike race, a 5K run, and a children's obstacle course, among other
activities. Airport officials say the tarmac bash is a way of thanking the
community for putting up with the inconvenience of the five-year, $40 million
project.
TRANSPLANT CLIMBER
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - When it comes to mountain climbing, Kelly Perkins is all
heart. She received a heart transplant in 1995. In the years since, the
47-year-old woman from Southern California has conquered some of the world's
mightiest mountains. Her most recent effort was climbing 10 peaks in western
Wyoming's famous Teton Range. Over four days last week, she climbed 10
mountains, including the nearly 14,000-foot Grand Teton. She says it was
exhausting, but her transplanted heart was just fine.
ART-DOING NOTHING
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Got nothing to do? Well, Craig Hickman has made an art of do
nothing. He's a professor of digital art at the University of Oregon. His
intricate projects really don't do much of anything, but seem interesting in the
process. His latest effort is called "Enigma Gadgets." One is about the size of
a thick book. The Eugene Register-Guard newspaper reports it spouts nonsense
phrases which change with every shake. But Hickman also has a warning for
students who might try to emulate his work. He notes with all the wires and
electronic parts, the devices could be mistaken for a terrorist's bomb.
HYBRID TRASH TRUCKS
NEW YORK (AP) - The Big Apple wants to be cleaner and greener -- with its
garbage trucks. The city is testing hybrid sanitation trucks to see if they can
stand up to NYC trash. Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the three new trucks will be
picking up residential garbage in Queens next month. Fun City's current trash
trucks are fuel hogs, getting only about three miles per gallon. Bloomberg says
the hybrid trucks should get 25 to 30 percent better mileage.
