Baghdad, Iraq (WFN) -- June brides are having a heck of a time in Iraq, where daily violence is forcing many couples to skip their wedding celebrations entirely. It's a big change from the flashy parties of the past, according to the "Wall Street Journal," which reports that couples who choose to have a wedding reception do so in the early afternoon so guests can safely get home before dark.

TODIRESTI, Romania -- A Romanian man tried to punish his wife for her bad cooking by blowing up her kitchen -- but ended up with an injured hand and a possible jail sentence instead. The 41-year-old told police the stunt was inspired by watching Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarznegger movies, according to the "Natuional" newspaper.

BETTENDORF, Iowa -- If Tony Orlando doesn't see a yellow ribbon 'round the old oak tree he can blame it on a squirrel. For eight months, someone has been stealing the ribbon from Bob and Alexis Saskowski's tree, which honors their son in the Iraqi war. The mysterious vandal caused outrage in their hometown of Bettendorf, Iowa, until the couple learned via hidden video camera that the thief was a squirrel. Saskowski says he has nicknamed the critter "Patriot" because he brought the community together.

STAMFORD, Conn. -- Americans are working smarter, not harder. According to a survey by Esselte, a manufacturer of office supplies, employees have logged in 28 percent fewer hours at work this year than they did five years ago. That's an average of 44 hours each week compared to 60.6 hours per week in 1999. Meanwhile, Americans still lead the pack for working the most hours, followed by the French, British, Australians and Germans.

The classic way to spell word game fun is now the ultimate way to spell fast fun for the entire family. Create and manage your own successful farm with John Deere American Farmer. Grow your future in America's Heartland!

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