Wild Dogs Kill, Maul in Sicily

Sicilian couple used butter to suffocate victim

(NEWSER) - A sharp-eyed coroner foiled a Sicilian couple's attempt to get off scot-free with the perfect crime. Prosecutors say the couple suffocated the woman's ex-husband with the butter, which they apparently believed would melt afterward, Corriere della Sera reports. The pair, who claimed the victim had collapsed and died after arriving at their house drunk, were arrested after traces of butter were found in his airways. More»

You may not have heard of them, but they're 'thrilling'

(NEWSER) - Ready to move beyond familiar cabernet sauvignons and chardonnays? Eric Asimov of the New York Times suggests a dozen little-known but “thrilling” wines to explore:

• Assyrtiko: This white wine grape from the volcanic island of Santorini “produces dry, deliciously minerally wines” that pair well with seafood.
• Frappato: These grapes from southeastern Sicily make “lovely, fresh and lively wines that are delicious summer reds, especially when lightly chilled.”

Man not seriously injured

(NEWSER) - A Florida man was taken to the hospital yesterday after his dog ran him over with the man's own pickup truck. Christopher Bishop, 43, made the mistake of putting his Ford F-150 in neutral as he got out to check for oil leaks, the St. Petersburg Times reports. As he checked under the front, Tassey leapt into the front seat and knocked the truck into gear. More»

Austin Forman and golden retriever OK after attack

(NEWSER) - An 11-year-old British Columbia boy and his dog are both fine after a Saturday night run-in with a cougar—during which the dog, Angel, lived up to its name. A cougar charged at Austin Forman as he collected firewood—but Austin’s 18-month-old golden retriever got in between them, leaving Austin free to run inside screaming, “A cougar is eating Angel!” CTVBC reports. More»

PM thanks supporters; government will go after enemy websites

(NEWSER) - Silvio Berlusconi thanked his supporters from a Milan hospital today, encouraging them to remain calm in his first statement since the attack that broke his nose and two teeth. "Sincere thanks to the very many who have sent me messages of solidarity and affection," the Italian PM's statement said. "I say again that everyone should stay calm and secure. Love always triumphs over envy and hate." More»