Erling Haaland is Norway's World Cup machine — and the internet's babygirl
Erling Haaland has become a social media sensation during the World Cup. Known for his towering presence and impressive skills, the Norwegian player has scored seven goals in four matches. Fans have embraced his quirky online persona, dubbing him “babygirl” and “princess” due to his endearing qualities. Haaland's playful social media presence includes cheeky selfies and vlogs and has attracted a wide audience beyond soccer enthusiasts. This phenomenon highlights the growing trend of athletes as pop culture figures, with fans forming parasocial relationships. Haaland's fame is part of a larger cultural shift where sports figures engage directly with fans online.
Museum honors a late artist by covering its floor in enough peanut butter to make 15,000 sandwiches
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — More than 800 pounds of peanut butter have been spread across a museum floor in the Netherlands. This tribute honors Dutch artist Wim T. Schippers, who died last month. Schippers, known for his conceptual art, first created the peanut butter floor in 1969. He also voiced Ernie and Kermit the Frog in the Dutch version of “Sesame Street.” The work is now on display at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. Schippers created it as part of a Floor Covering Series, which included floors covered with glass shards and salt. The exhibit will run for two months.
The GOAT: Hooved friend provides moral support to firefighters in Colorado
A goat named Goldie has been accompanying crews fighting a small wildfire in Colorado. Goldie — short for Golden Oreo — followed firefighters over two days this week as they actively engaged the flames and cleared brush. She even took care of a bit of it herself by chomping on leaves. Wildfires have been raging across the West due to a record lack of snow, high temperatures and erratic winds. Cooler temperatures and precipitation Thursday helped control the flames in Colorado Springs. Crews expect to make more progress Friday.
World Santa Congress brings Christmas cheer to the height of summer
AALBORG, Denmark (AP) — Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves from around the world have gathered in Aalborg, Denmark, for the annual World Santa Claus Congress. This colorful midsummer tradition, first held in 1957, moved to Aalborg two years ago. The event, marking its 70th anniversary next year, was created to entertain children and has become a popular gathering for Santas. The four-day event includes gingerbread eating, gift wrapping, and parades. Organizer Peter Gislund says kids love seeing Santa early. Santas from as far as Japan and Norway share stories and joy, proving Christmas is a feeling, not just a season.
VR and gaming are adding a kick to taekwondo
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Virtual taekwondo is gaining popularity as a structured competitive discipline in Southeast Asia. Co-developed by World Taekwondo and Refract Technologies, the sport combines VR technology with traditional techniques to woo tech-savvy young players. Athletes wear VR headsets and motion sensors to control avatars in noncontact matches. Unlike conventional taekwondo, virtual matches aren't separated by age, weight, or gender. Once unfamiliar and experimental, the sport will make its debut at this year's Asian Games in Japan. Coaches and players say it reshapes perceptions of martial arts and gaming.
Joey Chestnut eats 66 hot dogs to again claim Mustard Belt at Nathan's Famous contest
The Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest is marking the United States’ 250th birthday with chomp and circumstance. Saturday's competition comes after an eventful year for the annual wiener showdown and one of its stars. Contest sponsor Nathan’s Famous was sold in January to packaged meat giant Smithfield Foods. A few months later, reigning men’s champ and record-holder Joey Chestnut was accused of slapping a man in an Indiana bar and pleaded guilty in April to a misdemeanor battery charge. But the frankfurter fest rolls on in New York's Coney Island. Chestnut and Miki Sudo both defended their last year’s wins in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively.
Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a 1-ton seal who respects nothing
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Neil, a 2,200-pound elephant seal, has returned to his birthplace on the Australian coast, causing quite a stir. Unlike other locals, Neil brings fame, fans, and property damage. This 5-year-old seal has a social media following twice the size of Tasmania’s population, and his antics include bending traffic bollards and blocking roads. But officials are urging fans to give Neil space, fearing his popularity could lead to dangerous encounters. They've urged locals not to post his current location. Neil's behavior, like picking fights with cars, is typical for juvenile seals practicing dominance. Experts say coexistence is key as Neil continues to grow and attract attention.
Rare copy of Declaration of Independence found by UK National Archives in papers of captured US ship
LONDON (AP) — Michael Scurr, a volunteer at Britain’s National Archives, has discovered a rare early copy of the Declaration of Independence. He found it while cataloging 18th-century documents. The document is one of only 11 known copies of the Exeter printing, made just days after the original was signed in 1776. This version was captured from a ship under the direction of the Continental Congress. Experts say it highlights the ideals for which Americans fought. Historians in the U.S. are excited, calling it a tangible connection to the past and proof that more discoveries await.
Sightings of humpback whales surge in Rio de Janeiro, fueling demand for whale-watching trips
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Humpback whales are increasingly spotted off Rio de Janeiro as their population recovers from past commercial whaling. The population has grown from about 2,000 to 35,000 in 40 years, says Enrico Marcovaldi of the Humpback Whale Project. They are now often seen in Guanabara Bay. In 1982, the International Whaling Commission issued a pause in commercial whaling that began three years later. Between June and November, these whales migrate through Brazilian waters. Their presence boosts tourism, with companies like Rio Ocean Club offering whale-watching trips. Louise Raulais from the club says the whales inspire a deeper connection to the ocean.
