Crime is no laughing matter, but Portland police say surveillance video from this attempted robbery gave them a good chuckle. A masked man who tried to hold up a car wash gets soaked by a power wand. (Dec. 30)

The Department of Defense says a vehicle borne suicide bomber detonated himself in Khowst province eastern Afghanistan. In the process he killed 16, including 14 children, and wounded 58 others. (Dec. 28)