No. 5: Dennis Rodman returns from North Korea visit

Dennis Rodman has returned after a four-day trip to North Korea, visiting with dictator Kim Jong Un.

In Beijing’s airport, Rodman referred to President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton using expletives and referred to Kim as his “friend for life.”

While I’m not the biggest fan of Rodman, his visits point to a larger problem. It seems Rodman has more diplomatic power in North Korea than any of our government’s own diplomats. I’m not sure if I want our representative to be a basketball star, but that’s something that should be worked out in the secretary of state’s office.

No. 4: Malta woman reports herself for DUI

The Daily Chronicle reported a Malta woman called police Tuesday night to admit she had been driving while intoxicated. I commend this woman for having enough sense to realize she could pose a danger to those around her, but I can’t help but chuckle. I wonder if her decision to call the police on herself came because of being intoxicated or a mature decision. Either way, she made a good call.

No. 3: Pittsburgh residents ticketed for parking in driveways

People in Pittsburgh are being ticketed because of an obscure ordinance that requires them to pay $225 for a permit to park within 30 feet of a street, according to The Associated Press.

I’ve always been less than a fan of city ordinances, as often they are excessive and extremely picky. This is one of those times. If people can’t park in their own driveways, where are they supposed to park? This ordinance is only going to cause problems for the city, and I hope more than one ticketed citizen will decide to stand up.

No. 2: Minnesota hotels to host Housekeeping Olympics

Teams from hotels and motels across the Iron Range in Minnesota will compete in the Housekeeping Olympics in Tower, Minn., The Associated Press has reported.

The contest consists of maids navigating an obstacle course with their carts, all while having to stop to do housekeeping tasks.

I love this idea because it allows the best to shine in an area not quite known for its popularity. It’s a fun take on appreciating the workers.

Holding these events shows housekeepers, like people with any other job, can excel in their position, and it’s nice to have this recognized with such an extravagant competition.

No. 1: Family Video hosts contest for “Sharknado 2” cameo

Online PR Media reported on Wednesday Family Video, a video rental chain, is hosting a “Sharknado 2: The Second One Cameo Contest,” which offers a fan the chance to appear in the sequel and be eaten by a shark.

I love the buzz circling “Sharknado.” Despite the premise of a hurricane which unleashes an aerial shark attack being utterly ridiculous and impossible, I love it when the underdog breaks through to the mainstream. For whatever reason, people are drawn to the improbable, and let me stress “improbable.”