Mobile phone ban for Dutch cyclists

The sight of cyclists hurtling along while glued to their smart phones is a common one in the bike-mad Netherlands, but it will soon be illegal. With a growing number of accidents involving phones and bikes, the government is to ban the use of all but hands-free devices while cycling. “It is forbidden to use a mobile electronic device while driving any vehicle including a bicycle,” says the draft law. The bike law will take effect from July next year.

Rare Apple-1 computer auctioned for $375,000

An extremely rare, fully functional Apple-1 computer-one of the first PCs that did not require the users to assemble components-was sold for $375,000 at an auction in Boston. The Apple-1 was originally conceived by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak as a bare circuit board to be sold as a kit and completed by electronics hobbyists, their initial market being Palo Alto’s Homebrew Computer Club. This Apple-1 was originally sold for $666.66.

Throne for Japan’s next emperor arrives in Tokyo

The monumental imperial throne for the coronation of Japan’s new emperor has arrived in Tokyo from an ancient imperial palace in Kyoto more than a year ahead of time. Crown Prince Naruhito will become Japan’s next emperor on May 1, the day after his 84-year-old father, Emperor Akihito, abdicates. The Takamikura throne will be used at a ceremony in October 2019, when Naruhito formally announces his succession. AP

Danish man investigated for riding crocodile

A Danish “hunter and adventurer” has come under investigation by Australian authorities after he rode a live saltwater crocodile. In a video posted on social media, Niels Jensen, who works in the Northern Territory (NT) as a hunting guide, goads the crocodile with a dead wallaby before mounting its back. “The behaviour shown in this video is dangerous and reckless,” an official said. Saltwater crocodiles can grow up seven meters in length and 1,200 kg in weight.

Woman drags man by the neck for 6 hours to police station

A woman and two men are accused of kidnapping, beating up, and forcing a man to walk for 6 hours to surrender himself to the Dubai Police station.The first defendant, a 30-year-old male, testified that he happened to see the victim walking near Ghubaiba station. They were trying to settle a financial dispute when the second defendant, a 49-year-old woman, called him.

When she knew the identity of the person with him, she told him to catch the victim. He didn’t comply but only followed him until she showed up with a 25-year-old male, the third defendant.  She slapped the victim across the face and told the other men to restrain him and take him on foot to the Rifa’a police station. The victim tried to run away but she would grab him by the front of his shirt and continued to drag him through several alleys. Her cohorts also attacked him in multiple areas throughout his body.

The second defendant filmed the man while she was dragging him.According to the victim’s testimony, he said he met the defendants last January when they rented out his flat in Dubai.  They accrued Dh3,500 each in rental arrears. When he demanded they pay him this due, they ran away from the flat.  Upon meeting the first defendant by coincidence, he asked he pay him back. He told him to meet him later with the rest of the defendants that same day, after which the attack took place.