Obscure Store and Reading Room

Prankster changes DOT sign to warn of "rogue panda on rampage"

A hacker was able to take control of the digital sign and change its message. "We want to assure all citizens of Flagstaff that there is no problem with rogue pandas," said Lt. Ken Koch with the Flagstaff Police Department.
> Police: No rogue pandas about (Arizona Daily Sun)

Man claiming to have lung cancer steals from Subway sandwiches

The guy first grabbed $125 from the cash register; then he went for the tip jar, which pushed employees over the edge."They complained," says a police spokesman. "He apologized."
> Accused Subway robber regrets dip into tip jar (TampaBay.com)

Have an earthquake story to share with OS&RR readers?

Just about every tweet and Facebook status update I'm seeing is about the earthquake. I might as as well read more about it on Obscure Store. What were you doing when everything started shaking?

Brothel customer evicted after dispute over jukebox music

Several employees of Donna’s Ranch told police that Michael James McLimans, 62, was not happy with the choice of music playing on the jukebox and became angry. He threw a large glass of Bloody Mary at one of the employees and was removed from the premises. He tried to get back in through the front door, but employees had locked it. He then went to the plate glass window and started banging it with his fist and a handgun.
> Man accused of assault at brothel over music selection (MagicValley.com)

Mom charged with giving booze, pot to adult daughter and her 14-year-old boyfriend

Kimmy Bouchard, 45, didn't smoke marijuana with her 20-year-old daughter (photo) and the 14-year-old boy, but was present when they smoked and she supplied them with Mike's Hard Lemonade and Twisted Tea. She was also aware that the boy and her daughter and the boy were involved in a sexual relationship.
> Mom charged with providing booze, pot to daughter, boy (Hartford Courant)

Man knocked unconscious with beer can at family gathering

And you thought your family reunions got out of hand? After a night of drinking with family members, a relative hit a 43-year-old man with an unopened can of beer and knocked him unconscious. The relative started kicking the guy, who later needed four staples to close the wound in his head.
> Man knocked unconscious with beer can at family gathering (Journal Star)

Women who wrestle on college team tackle hit-and-run suspect

Breiana Delgado, 19, tackled the guy and put him in a double chicken wing. Her sister held the man's hands behind his back, and led him back to the car, as if they had arrested him. "He kind of had this bewildered look on his face as we were taking him back to his car telling him hey that wasn't cool, you shouldn't have done that," says Brittany Delgado, 21.
> Hit and run suspect tackled by two girls (KFOR.com)

Is it wrong for schools chief to wear shorts on first day of class?

One Florida newspaper readers believes it is; look at the picture that accompanies his letter and decide for yourself.
> Letter: Superintendent dresses unprofessionally on opening day (TCPalm.com)

WTF! Baptist preacher accused of raping women behind the church

Mary Milligan, who lives two doors away from the preacher, came to his defense: "I don't believe any of this. I have never had a problem with him. He's kind. He's a member of this community. He mows the neighbors' lawns. I am just blown away by all these accusations." He wouldn't rape a woman -- he mows people's lawns! Huh?
> Preacher accused of raping women behind church (AP)

Boy, 8, gets trapped in chimney while trying to get a drink

He was in the chimney for about four hours, and it took the rescue crew and an hour to remove him. "I was haunted by the fact that we had this child in our chimney," says the homeowner. "All in all, this turned out really well."
> Police free 8-year-old boy trapped in chimney for hours (Deseret News)