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Humorous, adventurous, interesting and amazing stories from readers, our archives and famous adventures from around the world. If you'd like to share one of your own stories, please send an email (with your story attached) to stories@intrepid-optimist.com.
Video: Pietro Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana
In July 1888 the Milanese music publisher Edoardo Sonzogno announced a competition open to all young Italian composers who had not yet had an opera performed on stage. They were invited to submit a one-act opera, of which the three best (selected by a jury of five prominent Italian critics and composers) would be staged in Rome at Sonzogno's expense.
The Demise of the English Public House
It is hard to believe nowadays but the English public house once was one of our greatest national icons. With a history dating back to the Romans and Anglo-Saxons. pubs have always been central to the social lives of the working class. It was Dr.Johnson who wrote: ‘As soon as I enter the door of a tavern, I experience an oblivion from care and a freedom from solitude.’
Chasing the lights
Norway – just like it said on the tin; spectacular scenery, rugged coastlines, colourful houses, fish for dinner and money draining away as soon as your feet hit a fjord.
This trip had been planned to coincide with nature’s big light extravaganza; the wonderful and mystical phenomena of the Northern Lights. According to those in the know, the sun activity which causes the Aurora Borealis to put on its best show is currently at its highest point in its 11 year cycle.
A Happy Ending
A poor abandoned pooch is rescued and remembers how to love!
How could someone treat an animal so poorly? Especially one that obviously needs more care than the average animal!
Read more at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=08c_1363099478
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Trying to flee police in kids toy truck
A woman was arrested and charged with public intoxication along with other related charges after crashing her car and trying to flee police with a kids toy car, according to police reports in Arkansas.
Arkansas police have arrested the woman on DWI charges after she allegedly tried to flee the scene of a car accident in a children's toy truck.
Black-and-White Photos Show that Green is Great
Melting ice caps and drowning polar bears have become iconic images of the climate change debate, but though powerful, they do not necessarily engage people with the issue.
The “Green is Great: Carbon Journey” photography exhibition by British-born Matthew Webb brings the viewer closer to the idea that climate change comes from everyday activities and is something people can respond to on their own terms.
Webb’s photographs, on display at the State Darwin Museum, are inspired by the personal stories of people he has met while traveling by train across Russia, the CIS and Georgia.
Thousands of litres of whisky flushed down drain
Thousands of litres of whisky have been flushed down the drain by accident at a bottling plant in Dumbarton.
It is understood the mix-up happened at Chivas Brothers during the night shift on Tuesday while equipment was being cleaned.
Instead of draining away waste water, the workers on duty somehow flushed out thousands of litres of bulk whisky.
The smell was so strong that sewage workers reported it.
Chivas Brothers - which employs 600 workers at the plant and produces the world's second biggest-selling brand, Ballantine's - said it was investigating an accidental release of spirit.
Pub owner fined after Irish 'nuns' are caught drinking illegally
An Irish publican has been prosecuted after police found dozens of "nuns" drinking illegally, several hours past closing time on his premises.
Christy Walsh, who runs the bar in Listowel, County Kerry, has been fined a total of 700 euros (£605) after his pub was raided twice in one night.
He had helped to organise a charity event in the town last July, in which hundreds of people dressed up as nuns.
Mr Walsh said he was "disappointed" but vowed to continue his charity work.
Holy show