In brief: Prison term given for translation

Bangkok – A court in Thailand sentenced a U.S. citizen to two and a half years in prison today for defaming the country’s royal family by translating excerpts of a locally banned biography of the king and posting them online.

The 55-year-old Thai-born American, Joe Gordon, stood calmly with his ankles shackled in an orange prison uniform as the sentence was read out at a Bangkok criminal court. He pleaded guilty in October.

Gordon posted links to the banned biography of King Bhumibol Adulyadej several years ago while living in Colorado, and the case has raised questions about the applicability of Thai law to acts committed by foreigners outside Thailand. Gordon was detained in late May during a visit to Thailand.

World’s oldest dog dies at age 26

Tokyo – The world’s oldest dog according to Guinness World Records has died in Japan at the age of 26 years and eight months.

Owner Yumiko Shinohara told reporters at her home in Sakura, a city outside Tokyo, that Pusuke, a fluffy tan Shiba mix, died Monday after suddenly falling ill and refusing to eat.

According to Guinness, the dog was born April 1, 1985. Pusuke was recognized as the world’s oldest living dog last December. The Guinness record for canine longevity is 29 years, set by Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who died in 1939.