Weird News: Penis Treatment Approved; Hookah Lounges Banned

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to inspiring tales of community brotherhood. But some stories are just plain weird. Here are some of the stranger headlines from the past seven days.

Getting Things Straight

Men suffering from a condition which causes their penises to curve may at let have their cure.

Lynbrook-based BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. tis week announced FDA approval for XIAFLEX, an in-office treatment of Peyronie's disease. The disease causes severe curvature of the penis, which can make it difficult and extremely painful for men to achieve an erection, according to MayoClinic.

BioSpecifics said the treatment is the first of its kind.

Up in Smoke

Hookah's won't be lighting up in Patchogue Village anytime soon after village officials this week banned Hookah Lounges from setting up shop in town.

Citing health concerns, Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri said that his own father died at age 42 from a heart attack that he said may have been partly caused by over-smoking.

“You can’t tell me that it’s not harmful to [customers’] health,” Pontieri said. “It’s not something that I would like to see within the Village that I live.”

Pontieri said the board had found water pipe smoking to be no less dangerous than smoking cigarettes.

Se Ya Later, Alligator

A 2-foot baby alligator was rescued from a Miller Place home last week after the owner called the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The owner, who remains unnamed, did not want to face fines or other illegal charges for keeping the animal in their home.

Fines include $250 per illegal animal and/or up to a year in prison.

According to Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross, the owner just missed a reptile amnesty event that was held at the Selden Petco store in September. This event is like an open house. All animals are allowed to be dropped off no questions asked, no fines.