One of Ireland's police vans has been stolen. The public has been alerted, but the police refuse to issue a description of the vehicle. It is used in undercover operations, and they don't want people to know what it looks like.

AND, ABOVE ALL, SAVOR THE TASTE

In an effort to promote traditional Thai wine and liquor, officials in Bangkok have arranged a drinking competition for women. Whoever drinks the most in 20 minutes, without throwing up, wins. Contestants will be required to wear helmets in case they fall over.

WHO, US?

Two dogs named Coco and Casper attacked a horse in West Virginia and were taken to the animal control center and sentenced to death.

On execution day, there was a mystery break-in, and they were the only two animals to escape. Their owners - who have since left the area - are suspected.

THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM, BUDDY

A 38-year-old man robbed the same Tucson, Ariz., convenience store three times in a week and a half. He was arrested, finally.

ASIDE FROM THAT, THE SALE WENT VERY WELL

A new supermarket opened in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, offering big bargains. The sales pitch proved too exciting for the local populace. About 50,000 people showed up and stormed the place. Two people were killed in the stampede.

TOO BAD; SHE WAS A REAL CATCH

Though she is serving 10 life sentences Durham Prison in England for murder, a 48-year-old woman somehow managed to get engaged to the guitarist from the rock band Slade.

This information became public when her lawyer announced that she has broken off the engagement.

COMMUNITY PROPERTY

After his wife filed for divorce, a heartbroken Swede converted all their assets to cash and then burned it. It came to $81,000.

WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC

City officials in Edinburgh, Scotland, have reopened an area of streets that was closed temporarily because of a public health problem: The Black Death.

The labyrinth of medieval streets was closed off 400 years ago, leaving sufferers of the plague inside to die in an effort to keep the disease from spreading.

PLUS, IT WILL HELP THEIR SELF-ESTEEM

At the suggestion of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, officials in Thailand have solved the problem of controlling the rapidly increasing population of stray dogs by giving them jobs sniffing out illicit drugs.

They will be deployed at airports and train stations.