And once again, we set off for a quick trip around the world with interesting news that you probably won’t see anywhere else today.
Iceland: Meteorologist: Get Used To “Crappy Summers”
Those disappointed by how this summer is so far shaping up ought to get used to the fact that this is “a part of Iceland’s general weather conditions.”
Meteorologist Trausti Jónsson, writing on his blog, says that last June’s cold and rainy weather was much like June 2013′s. However, he adds, he remembers “a long string of crappy summers – cold, rain, and bad weather” in his younger years. ... (Read more)
Grapevine
South Korea: Documenting Asian Games history through photography
For over 30 years, South Korean sports photographer Kim Min-jae has taken pictures at major international sports events, including the Olympics and the Asian Games, capturing iconic moments in sporting history.
As Korea undertakes the final preparations to host the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, Kim seeks to document, for the first time ... (Read more)
The Korea Herald
Austria: Injured stork rescued from road accident
Police in Burgenland in the district of Eisenstadt were called out for an animal rescue operation on Monday. Motorists had reported an injured stork lying on the road, which had apparently been hit by a vehicle.
Several drivers had already been forced to take evasive action to avoid hitting the animal. ... (Read more)
The Local
UAE: Water Aid initiative gains momentum on social media
Contributions to the campaign reaches Dh80.45 million on the fith day, sufficient to provide drinking water to 3.21 million people.
The UAE Water Aid campaign launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai ... (Read more)
Khaleej Times
Russia: Cheshire, what Cheshire? Hello from our mountain cats!
Svetlana Shupenko moved to the Altai Mountains to get away from it all - and photograph her beloved cats. If you’re ever in the magical Altai Mountains, and need a guide, Svetlana can help show you round this pristine Russian treasure. She has another great talent, too, picturing the cats who have lived with her since she quit city life 17 years ago and moved to the village of Uznezya. ... (Read more)
The Siberian Times
Italy: The Italian explorer training astronauts
An air of adventure surrounded Sauro’s childhood in Padua, northern Italy, where he would hear tales from his father and uncle about exploring caves in the 1960s.
“When I was very young, about 11, I started thinking about how nice it was to have a place to explore very close to home. I started to go and search for new caves,” ... (Read more)
The Local
Oman: Shoppers urged to swap international expat chains for Omani stores
A campaign to encourage shoppers to return to smaller Omani-run markets and stores has been launched to ensure their survival. The social media campaign was launched less than a week ago to support Omanis nationwide who own and run small and medium-sized shops. ... (Read more)
Times of Oman
*Image of volcanic landscape in Myvatn area - Iceland via Shutterstock