Every story so far

Weird & Wonderful

3 stories · The odd, the petty and the gloriously trivial.

Yesterday

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The Most Stolen Item From Hotels Is Not What You Think

The Most Stolen Item From Hotels Is Not What You Think

A hospitality survey of thousands of hotels found that towels and robes have been overtaken by a far stranger item: batteries from the TV remote. Hangers, light bulbs and, in a few cases, entire mattresses also made the list. Hotels say they now budget for theft as a line item in the same way supermarkets do.

Saturday, 12 September

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The Office Plant That Outlived Four CEOs

The Office Plant That Outlived Four CEOs

A rubber plant delivered to a company reception in 1994 has survived four chief executives, two mergers and a relocation, thanks to an informal roster of receptionists who passed down its watering schedule. The current CEO has given it a nameplate and a line in the staff handbook. Employees say it is the most trusted member of the leadership team.

Wednesday, 09 September

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The Airline That Banned Reclining Seats

The Airline That Banned Reclining Seats

A regional airline has locked every economy seat upright and says complaints have fallen by two-thirds. The carrier argues that the fight over recline was the single largest source of onboard conflict. Passengers are split down the middle, loudly.