Offbeat

Offbeat NJ: Caramel-colored rubbing alcohol sold as scotch NJ: Caramel-colored rubbing alcohol sold as scotch
By REMA RAHMAN,Associated Press Published: May 23, 2013 at 6:38 PM PDT
At one bar, a mixture that included rubbing alcohol and caramel coloring was sold as scotch. In another, premium liquor bottles were refilled with water — and apparently not even clean water at that.
Offbeat Octogenarians race to be oldest Everest climber Octogenarians race to be oldest Everest climber
By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA Associated Press Published: May 22, 2013 at 7:45 AM PDT
An 80-year-old Japanese extreme skier who climbed Mount Everest five years ago, but just missed becoming the oldest man to reach the summit, was back on the mountain Wednesday to make another attempt at the title.
Offbeat Record 18-foot python caught in Florida Record 18-foot python caught in Florida
By Associated Press Published: May 21, 2013 at 8:21 AM PDT
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the 18-foot-8-inch snake was caught May 11 alongside a road in rural Miami-Dade County.
Offbeat Slow pokes: Acupuncture helps hypothermic turtles Slow pokes: Acupuncture helps hypothermic turtles
By RODRIQUE NGOWI Associated Press Published: May 21, 2013 at 12:42 AM PDT
Two endangered sea turtles that are shells of their former selves after getting stranded on Cape Cod during a cold spell are getting some help easing back into the wild - from an acupuncturist.
Offbeat 48-hour ride breaks Ferris wheel world record 48-hour ride breaks Ferris wheel world record
By Associated Press Published: May 20, 2013 at 7:43 AM PDT
A manager of Chicago's Navy Pier rode the tourist spot's Ferris wheel for more than two days, bringing the world record for the longest ride to the birthplace of the amusement park favorite.
Offbeat Milwaukee backs off bra ban for historic bar Milwaukee backs off bra ban for historic bar
By CARRIE ANTLFINGER Associated Press Published: May 17, 2013 at 6:47 PM PDT
A historic Milwaukee bowling alley and bar almost went without the appropriate support after a city inspector decided dozens of bras hanging from its ceiling were a fire hazard.
Offbeat Texas senior, 18, bags 800-pound record alligator Texas senior, 18, bags 800-pound record alligator
By Associated Press Published: May 16, 2013 at 11:47 AM PDT
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials say 18-year-old Braxton Bielski bagged the record gator last week at Choke Canyon State Park, about 90 miles south of San Antonio.