Offbeat

Offbeat Luke, I am your bizhe'e: Navajo is next 'Star Wars' dub Luke, I am your bizhe'e: Navajo is next 'Star Wars' dub
By FELICIA FONSECA Associated Press Published: Apr 28, 2013 at 4:38 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 29, 2013 at 9:22 AM PDT
The classic 1977 film that launched a science fiction empire and revealed the force within a farm boy who battles evil has been dubbed in Japanese, French, Spanish and about a dozen other languages. Add Navajo to the list.
Offbeat Walla Walla cuts octopus sign fine to $10,000 Walla Walla cuts octopus sign fine to $10,000
By Associated Press Published: Apr 26, 2013 at 2:56 PM PDT
The Inland Octopus toy store in Walla Walla ran up a $90,000 fine in an unsuccessful two-and-a-half-year fight to save a purple octopus mural that the city called a violation of the sign code.
Offbeat Researchers: Philly's odd accent may be 'gowing' away Researchers: Philly's odd accent may be 'gowing' away
By JOANN LOVIGLIO, Associated Press Published: Apr 26, 2013 at 9:26 AM PDT
A University of Pennsylvania linguistics professor says the Southern-inflected sound of the Philadelphia dialect is moving toward a more Northern accent. Some of Philly's trademark twangy, elongated vowel sounds are becoming less so, though others are getting stronger.
Offbeat Rare nickel sells for $3 million at auction Rare nickel sells for $3 million at auction (Photo Gallery)
By Associated Press Published: Apr 26, 2013 at 8:21 AM PDT Last Updated: Apr 26, 2013 at 10:43 AM PDT
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of only five known to exist. But it's the coin's back story that adds to its cachet: It was surreptitiously and illegally cast, discovered in a car wreck that killed its owner, declared a fake, forgotten in a closet for decades then declared the real deal.
Offbeat College crew team finds giant floating 'head' in river College crew team finds giant floating 'head' in river
By Associated Press Published: Apr 25, 2013 at 12:46 PM PDT Last Updated: Apr 25, 2013 at 1:14 PM PDT
Anyone lose a giant head made of Styrofoam and fiberglass? That's what officials at an upstate New York college are asking after the men's crew team found the unusual object floating in the Hudson River.