Less Cow Bell: Austrian Town Bans Cow Bells

Less cow bell, a judge in a small Austrian hamlet has decreed.

Although a common sound around the Alps, it seems that the constant ringing of cow bells in the tiny village of Stallhofen was keeping certain citizens from getting a good night's rest. Now, a court has ordered a farmer in the town to remove the clanging apparatus from his herd of cattle.

As of now, the farmer has refused to comply with the court order, claiming the ringing of cow bells is a time-honored tradition in the region that has endured for many centuries, which brings in tourists from all around the world. The cows had been free to roam the hilly countryside, but apparently the cow bells began clanging very loudly at a feeding and watering trough the farmer had installed.

Cowbells were originally used to help trace errant animals and to make it easier for the cows to stay close to each other in mountain pastures. The farmer faces a steep fine if he does not comply with the court order.

After 115 Years Together, Turtle Mates Suddenly Can't Stand Each Other

A tortoise couple who have been together for a very long time have suddenly developed a complete aversion to one another!

Tortoises Bibi and Pidi from the Happ Reptile Zoo  in Klagenfurt, Austria, have been mates for the past 115 years, but after more than a century of togetherness, it appears the couple have hit a rough patch in their long-term relationship.

Now, Bibi has taken to attacking her former amour Pidi whenever she sees him, snapping and trying to take a bite out of him. What brought on the newly-aggressive behavior in the normally relaxed Bibi is not known (perhaps she just got tired of Pidi monopolizing all the sandbox time).

Zoo officials, desperate to mend the riff between the two turtles, have called in animal behavior experts to try and resolve their "marital" issues. (I believe 115 years constitutes a Common Law marriage, since they obviously don't have a marriage license.) Hopefully, Bibi and Pidi can resolve any issues and animosities they have, because we'd hate to see them throw away more than a century of turtle love.

Faith: George Michael Responding Well to Treatment for Pneumonia

Photo Credit: The Daily Mail

Pop superstar George Michael is said to be responding well to treatment for pneumonia at a private clinic in Vienna, Austria.

The 48-year-old former Wham! frontman has cancelled a string of European concert dates of his Symphonica world tour after falling ill, including a concert last night in Strasbourg, France as well as two scheduled dates in Cardiff, Wales.

A public statement from Michael's spokesperson reads, "Singer George Michael has been forced, to postpone the Cardiff dates (26th and Sunday 27th of November) of his Symphonica tour due to illness. [Michael] recently postponed tour dates in Vienna and Strasbourg under doctor’ s orders after being diagnosed with pneumonia and he is currently receiving treatment." The statement goes on to say that the singer plans to reschedule the appearances at a later date.

Friends and aides of the singer have dismissed reports appearing in Austrian media that the star is suffering from a heart condition. The tour has been receiving nearly unanimous critical acclaim, with many critics saying this is perhaps Michael's best concert tour yet.

I Told You I'd Be Back: Arnold Schwarzenegger Attends Statue Dedication in Austria

Former Terminator star and governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to his hometown in his native Austria to attend a statue dedication in his honor. With handsome son Patrick from his marriage to Maria Shriver by his side, the action hero unveiled the bronze statue obviously molded from his more muscular physique during his Pumping Iron days. The statue is outside of a new museum housing Schwarzenegger memorabilia in the town where he spent his youth, Graz. "For me, this is not only a museum," he said at his museum's dedication, gesturing to the yellow-stuccoed house behind him. "It is also a symbol of will ... everyone has a chance to succeed." Rumors abound that Schwarzenegger will make a return to acting, if he no longer plans to pursue any more political ambitions he may have. We'll keep you posted...

For more photographs of the museum dedication, visit The Daily Mail:

Arnold Schwarzenegger Dedicates His Own Statue