A factory worker set fire to his workplace because he thought it was plagued with bad fung shui. According to the Hong Kong Daily News Kwok X-lung, 40, was so disturbed by the bad vibes he was receiving from the factory, that he asked his boss to hire a fung shui master to 'clear the air'. His boss, however, was less than sympathetic. 'If you don't feel well, either go to pray in the temple or see a doctor,' he told Kwok. An argument followed, during which Kwok grabbed a oxyacetylene torch and set the place on fire. The arsonist later turned himself in to police, who suspected he was suffering from the effects of overwork.
the law is a cissy An eight-year-old boy who recently testified on video during a trial for indecent assault was less than happy with things in the witness room. According to Sing Tao, the boy complained that it was small and cold, but what really made him uneasy were the masses of teddy bears, toys and jigsaw puzzles littering the place, which he thought were far too effeminate. 'They should have Gameboy in here,' he said.
fine reward A robber who broke into Hong Kong University's medical library and ransacked the place only got away with a measly $10. Ming Pao said that library staff discovered the break-in early the next morning, and found several drawers had been prized open, including the one which contained the library 'safe'. Unfortunately for the robber, this was in fact the deposit box for fines on late books - and, as the librarian proudly told the newspaper, his members are very punctual when it comes to returning books.
busted for a dust-up An off-duty policeman was arrested for suspected child abuse after his father caught him hitting his young brother with a duster. The Oriental Daily wrote that the police officer, who is in his early 20s, threw a rage when his little brother misbehaved. Their father heard the boy's cries and called the police. The young officer has been suspended pending further inquiries.
no credit Even policemen are not immune to harassment from triads these days, said the Oriental Daily. A village 'land protector' insisted a Tsuen Wan police sergeant pay a protection fee when he found him walking on 'his land'. The policeman, who was inspecting a construction site, promptly revealed his credentials to the triad, and expected a suitably cowed reaction. The extortionist was unfazed, however. 'So what?' he retorted, and demanded the sergeant pay up.
sitting duck An escort service scam conned thousands of dollars out of a cook who wanted to become a part-time 'duck' (male prostitute). Fung Moon-wah, 28, told a court that he read an advertisement looking for male 'tour guides', which promised a monthly income of $30,000 to $40,000. Fung knew part of the job involved 'entertaining' clients but thought it would be a good way to boost his income. Fung and five other men were eventually hired, and they were taken to their first assignment in a hotel. While they were waiting for their clients to arrive, their boss suggested they play a game of poker to pass the time. The game, however, turned out to be rigged, the 'clients' were non-existent, and the men lost up to $50,000 in cash between them.