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Sunday, January 31, 2010
Carpenter Golden Retriever likes to hang out on the roof
It's the slow time of year for the construction business, but when your public relations representative is a Golden Retriever named Hayley, jobs for DeMars Construction in Mankato seem to come a little easier.
No short of unusual, Hayley brings to the table a skill unlike any other dog-gone carpenter. Hayley is able to climb up a ladder as well as any other on the team.
"She's one of the guys, part of the crew," said owner Max DeMars, who by the way is not directly related to the author of this story.
And like the crew, Hayley too can handle a two-by-four. Since she was a pup, Hayley, now 10 years old, follows the crew wherever they go.
"One day we were up on the roof and there she was," explained DeMars. "Saying what about me?"
After hundreds of jobs over the years, she's got a pretty good handle on climbing up the ladder, even when nobody else is up on the roof.
With another video.
No short of unusual, Hayley brings to the table a skill unlike any other dog-gone carpenter. Hayley is able to climb up a ladder as well as any other on the team.
"She's one of the guys, part of the crew," said owner Max DeMars, who by the way is not directly related to the author of this story.
And like the crew, Hayley too can handle a two-by-four. Since she was a pup, Hayley, now 10 years old, follows the crew wherever they go.
"One day we were up on the roof and there she was," explained DeMars. "Saying what about me?"
After hundreds of jobs over the years, she's got a pretty good handle on climbing up the ladder, even when nobody else is up on the roof.
With another video.
Anglers prevail in tussle with sharks and crocodile
Further evidence of the cold-blooded cunning of the crocodilian mind – and the rugged insouciance of the Australian male – has arrived courtesy of a YouTube clip showing a rather unusual fishing trip.
The video, posted last month by the Cape Don barramundi fishing lodge in the Northern Territory, records an epic angling saga that pitched man against shark, shark against shark, crocodile against shark and, eventually, man against crocodile.
All appears to be going well when the clip begins, with one of the party landing a fair-sized shark as he fishes off the side of a yacht. Things become more exciting when another shark swims in for an easy lunch, prompting the cameraman to note: "Oh! Another shark's attacking him!"
The valiant angler labours on, and before long the greedy interloper disappears and the thrashing shark is dragged on to the beach with the help of a boathook. But the triumph is short-lived. Within seconds the dark green outline of a saltwater crocodile appears at the water's edge and the reptile dashes on to the beach to make a grab for the shark.
Disaster is averted only by the swift intervention of another member of the fishing party, who leaps towards the thief and delivers a warning blow to its snout with the boathook. Suitably chastised, the croc turns tail and swims off.
The video ends with the slightly shaken group posing for a photo around the unfortunate shark. The man who landed it seems a little distracted and has to be reminded there is a protocol for such occasions. "You've got to do the old put-a-foot-on-its-head thing," the cameraman reminds him.
The video, posted last month by the Cape Don barramundi fishing lodge in the Northern Territory, records an epic angling saga that pitched man against shark, shark against shark, crocodile against shark and, eventually, man against crocodile.
All appears to be going well when the clip begins, with one of the party landing a fair-sized shark as he fishes off the side of a yacht. Things become more exciting when another shark swims in for an easy lunch, prompting the cameraman to note: "Oh! Another shark's attacking him!"
The valiant angler labours on, and before long the greedy interloper disappears and the thrashing shark is dragged on to the beach with the help of a boathook. But the triumph is short-lived. Within seconds the dark green outline of a saltwater crocodile appears at the water's edge and the reptile dashes on to the beach to make a grab for the shark.
Disaster is averted only by the swift intervention of another member of the fishing party, who leaps towards the thief and delivers a warning blow to its snout with the boathook. Suitably chastised, the croc turns tail and swims off.
The video ends with the slightly shaken group posing for a photo around the unfortunate shark. The man who landed it seems a little distracted and has to be reminded there is a protocol for such occasions. "You've got to do the old put-a-foot-on-its-head thing," the cameraman reminds him.
Security cameras capture bizarre random attack inside supermarket
Police in South Jersey are searching for a man who randomly attacked a shopper earlier this week at an Acme supermarket in Millville, NJ. The brutal attack was caught on store surveillance tape.
The victim's wife, Leslie Ritchie, describes the attack:
"He just came up from behind him, and it was like WWF (a wrestling organization). He picked him up and flipped him over, and his feet were in the air. He landed head first and then down on his back."
Bill Ritchie is recovering at Cooper University Hospital with numerous injuries, including a cracked skull, cracked vertebra and a ruptured spleen:
"I'm upset that I'm going to be out of work for three months 'cause some guy grabbed me and threw me. I'm sick over it."
Police say that after the assault, which took place last Sunday, the suspect finished his shopping, paid for his pre-cooked ham, then calmly walked out of the store.
The victim's wife, Leslie Ritchie, describes the attack:
"He just came up from behind him, and it was like WWF (a wrestling organization). He picked him up and flipped him over, and his feet were in the air. He landed head first and then down on his back."
Bill Ritchie is recovering at Cooper University Hospital with numerous injuries, including a cracked skull, cracked vertebra and a ruptured spleen:
"I'm upset that I'm going to be out of work for three months 'cause some guy grabbed me and threw me. I'm sick over it."
Police say that after the assault, which took place last Sunday, the suspect finished his shopping, paid for his pre-cooked ham, then calmly walked out of the store.
Inflatable gorilla cause of building fire
A Houston Fire Department spokesman says a deflated inflatable animal is to blame for a minor shopping centre fire in southeast Houston.
Firefighters arrived at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday to find a shopping centre roof on fire at the intersection of Cullen Boulevard and the South Sam Houston Parkway.
The fire spread to a large hollow facade on the front of the building, but did not reach into any of the stores.
After putting the fire out, firefighters discovered that an inflatable gorilla used by one of the businesses for advertising had deflated and fell onto a light which sparked the fire.
With news video.
Firefighters arrived at approximately 2 a.m. Thursday to find a shopping centre roof on fire at the intersection of Cullen Boulevard and the South Sam Houston Parkway.
The fire spread to a large hollow facade on the front of the building, but did not reach into any of the stores.
After putting the fire out, firefighters discovered that an inflatable gorilla used by one of the businesses for advertising had deflated and fell onto a light which sparked the fire.
With news video.
Chicken plays chicken with drivers on busy road
Why did the chicken cross the road? Apparently, just for kicks. A black hen that's ruffling some feathers in Glendale made a live appearance on the morning news on Friday.
The well-fed bird has taken up residence behind the electronic billboard at Glendale Community College for at least two months. The chicken has dodged animal control officers several times by attempting risky flight manoeuvres into traffic at Verdugo Road and Mountain Street.
The brazen bird was spotted at around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, walking into the intersection, forcing cars to swerve around it. Startled by traffic, the chicken quickly turned around and went back to the sidewalk.
Ricky Whitman, spokeswoman for the Pasadena Humane Society, which provides animal control services in Glendale, says the chicken is creating dangerous traffic conditions for drivers.
Whitman said the animal control shelter has received a bunch of calls from people concerned about the bird, which is believed to be a female. Animal control officials say without the extra food, the bird would become weak enough for them to catch it.
They say tranquilizers are out of the question because the chicken is so small. Once the bird is captured, officials hope to find it a new home on a farm.
The well-fed bird has taken up residence behind the electronic billboard at Glendale Community College for at least two months. The chicken has dodged animal control officers several times by attempting risky flight manoeuvres into traffic at Verdugo Road and Mountain Street.
The brazen bird was spotted at around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, walking into the intersection, forcing cars to swerve around it. Startled by traffic, the chicken quickly turned around and went back to the sidewalk.
Ricky Whitman, spokeswoman for the Pasadena Humane Society, which provides animal control services in Glendale, says the chicken is creating dangerous traffic conditions for drivers.
Whitman said the animal control shelter has received a bunch of calls from people concerned about the bird, which is believed to be a female. Animal control officials say without the extra food, the bird would become weak enough for them to catch it.
They say tranquilizers are out of the question because the chicken is so small. Once the bird is captured, officials hope to find it a new home on a farm.
Puppy found nearly frozen in jet's cargo bay is revived
A puppy found nearly frozen in a jet's cargo bay at JFK Airport was revived by U.S. customs officers who performed mouth-to-snout resuscitation.
The 6-week-old pooch was clinging to life when it arrived in New York Saturday on a commercial flight from Mexico, officials said. Another puppy packed in the same portable kennel in the pressurized cargo bay died during the flight.
Three U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers responded to the call of the popsicle pups because of a suspicion they might be drug mules.
"No matter how uncommon the call, CBP Officers are always willing and ready to assist," said Robert Perez, director of field operations for the CBP in New York.
When the officers determined one of the dogs was still breathing, they went into rescue mode, wrapping it in blankets and heating pads, said CBP spokesman John Saleh. "One of the officers did mouth-to-snout resuscitation," said Saleh, explaining the officer had been studying veterinary medicine.
The tan puppy with a white stripe down its snout was evaluated by a veterinarian and reunited with its unidentified owner, Saleh said.
The 6-week-old pooch was clinging to life when it arrived in New York Saturday on a commercial flight from Mexico, officials said. Another puppy packed in the same portable kennel in the pressurized cargo bay died during the flight.
Three U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers responded to the call of the popsicle pups because of a suspicion they might be drug mules.
"No matter how uncommon the call, CBP Officers are always willing and ready to assist," said Robert Perez, director of field operations for the CBP in New York.
When the officers determined one of the dogs was still breathing, they went into rescue mode, wrapping it in blankets and heating pads, said CBP spokesman John Saleh. "One of the officers did mouth-to-snout resuscitation," said Saleh, explaining the officer had been studying veterinary medicine.
The tan puppy with a white stripe down its snout was evaluated by a veterinarian and reunited with its unidentified owner, Saleh said.
Sanitary pads 'cut school absenteeism'
Schoolgirl absenteeism in Ghana could be cut by half by providing free sanitary towels, a study has shown. The Oxford University research team found in a six-month trial that with pads and hygiene education, girls were more confident about attending school.
The research was conducted in four villages where the traditional method for period protection was cloth rags.
"It's a taboo subject, [but] we found they were very anxious to try something else," researcher Linda Scott said. "There girls are so poor that they have to use whatever cloth they can find," she said.
"The cloth is so scarce that they only have two pieces of it, so they have to wash it at night and hope that it dries in the morning, which of course in a damp climate it doesn't, so they end up wearing damp and soiled cloths which is not hygienic."
She said in one of the villages, there was only one community toilet, the school had no toilet of its own and there was no running water at all in the village.
"Conventional thinking would be in an environment like this it's not sanitary pads you need it's toilets and plumbing," she said. "But in fact... it is in those dire circumstances that the pads are most needed and have their biggest effect."
The research was conducted in four villages where the traditional method for period protection was cloth rags.
"It's a taboo subject, [but] we found they were very anxious to try something else," researcher Linda Scott said. "There girls are so poor that they have to use whatever cloth they can find," she said.
"The cloth is so scarce that they only have two pieces of it, so they have to wash it at night and hope that it dries in the morning, which of course in a damp climate it doesn't, so they end up wearing damp and soiled cloths which is not hygienic."
She said in one of the villages, there was only one community toilet, the school had no toilet of its own and there was no running water at all in the village.
"Conventional thinking would be in an environment like this it's not sanitary pads you need it's toilets and plumbing," she said. "But in fact... it is in those dire circumstances that the pads are most needed and have their biggest effect."
Togo banned from next two Africa Cup of Nations
Togo have been banned from the next two Africa Nations Cups after their withdrawal from this year's competition in the wake of two members of their delegation being killed in an ambush, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Saturday.
"The players publicly expressed their willingness to return to the Nations Cup to compete. But the Togo government decided to call back their national team," the CAF said in a statement.
"The decision by political authorities contravenes CAF and African Nations Cup regulations. The executive committee therefore has banned Togo from the next two African Nations Cups and fined the Togo FA 50,000 U.S. dollars."
A Togolese assistant coach and a press officer died following an ambush on their bus in the northern Angolan province of Cabinda on Jan. 8, prompting the government to recall the team for three days of mourning.
"The players publicly expressed their willingness to return to the Nations Cup to compete. But the Togo government decided to call back their national team," the CAF said in a statement.
"The decision by political authorities contravenes CAF and African Nations Cup regulations. The executive committee therefore has banned Togo from the next two African Nations Cups and fined the Togo FA 50,000 U.S. dollars."
A Togolese assistant coach and a press officer died following an ambush on their bus in the northern Angolan province of Cabinda on Jan. 8, prompting the government to recall the team for three days of mourning.
Father charged with setting family dog on fire in front of children
Police said a man allegedly set his dog on fire in front of his children in a stunning case of animal cruelty.
SPCA officers raided a Sanger Street home in Oxford Circle on Friday afternoon. They said the dog was still alive when they got there.
The SPCA said the man used an accelerant to light the dog and a couch on fire because it bit one of his kids.
A spokesman for the SPCA said the dog is in bad shape.
"The dog is not in good condition at all. It's got a lot of burn marks all over the face. We had information also about some cigarette burns on the dog," the SPCA's George Bengal said.
The man's children told teachers at school what happened and they called police. He's facing charges, and the kids are staying with their mother.
With two news videos.
SPCA officers raided a Sanger Street home in Oxford Circle on Friday afternoon. They said the dog was still alive when they got there.
The SPCA said the man used an accelerant to light the dog and a couch on fire because it bit one of his kids.
A spokesman for the SPCA said the dog is in bad shape.
"The dog is not in good condition at all. It's got a lot of burn marks all over the face. We had information also about some cigarette burns on the dog," the SPCA's George Bengal said.
The man's children told teachers at school what happened and they called police. He's facing charges, and the kids are staying with their mother.
With two news videos.
Man chased by tranquilised bear
A man who shot a marauding bear with a tranquilliser gun had an almighty scare when the beast awoke as he approached, and proceeded to attack him.
The female bear had been injected with a sleep-inducing drug after it appeared near the village of Chorzow in Poland.
Unfortunately for the rangers tasked with capturing the animal, it woke up from its apparent slumber as they came near and gave chase to the man who had shot it.
Thanks to the efforts of both men, the bear was eventually brought under control. Reports said authorities plan to take it to a local zoo.
The same bear had reportedly been released in a nearby wood three weeks ago, after it was captured near a school in Przemysl.
It is believed that the bear had broken free from a Ukranian wildlife park 25 miles away.
With more photos.
The female bear had been injected with a sleep-inducing drug after it appeared near the village of Chorzow in Poland.
Unfortunately for the rangers tasked with capturing the animal, it woke up from its apparent slumber as they came near and gave chase to the man who had shot it.
Thanks to the efforts of both men, the bear was eventually brought under control. Reports said authorities plan to take it to a local zoo.
The same bear had reportedly been released in a nearby wood three weeks ago, after it was captured near a school in Przemysl.
It is believed that the bear had broken free from a Ukranian wildlife park 25 miles away.
With more photos.
Pack of stray dogs tears to pieces rare animals in Sofia zoo
Rabid stray dogs have ripped up and eaten 13 rare animals in the largest Bulgarian zoo in Sofia.
A total of eight mouflons, four fallow deer, and one doe have been torn to pieces by several stray dogs, the Director of the Sofia Zoo, Ivan Ivanov, announced.
The incident happened last weekend but was not made public until Friday. At 7:30 on Sunday, January 24, 2010, several veterinarians discovered six rabid dogs in the moat of the fallow deer space in Sofia Zoo. The rabid stray dogs were picked up by the Sofia Municipality firm, Ekoravnovesie.
“Don’t ask me how I felt when we were removing the remains of the killed animals. I just cannot overcome what happened. I now come to sleep every night in my office here in the zoo in order to guard the animals,” Director Ivan Ivanov said.
He has no explanation of why the guards from the private security firm which is supposed to guard the zoo, let this incident happen. Ivanov vowed to hold the firm responsible because the incident occurred at around 3 am, and there must have been lots of noise. Yet, none of the guards reacted.
“Several years ago we used to have our own dogs that we took good care of, and they guarded the territory of the zoo, and did not let any intruders to the cages of the animals. Unfortunately, we were made to remove them because some of the visitors were afraid of them. As a result, we have seen a great number of stray dogs trying to enter the zoo as they are attracted by the food that we give to the animals, and the visitors who feed them,” the Sofia Zoo Director said adding that it was probably the extremely cold over the last weekend that drew the stray dogs to attack the zoo deer.
A total of eight mouflons, four fallow deer, and one doe have been torn to pieces by several stray dogs, the Director of the Sofia Zoo, Ivan Ivanov, announced.
The incident happened last weekend but was not made public until Friday. At 7:30 on Sunday, January 24, 2010, several veterinarians discovered six rabid dogs in the moat of the fallow deer space in Sofia Zoo. The rabid stray dogs were picked up by the Sofia Municipality firm, Ekoravnovesie.
“Don’t ask me how I felt when we were removing the remains of the killed animals. I just cannot overcome what happened. I now come to sleep every night in my office here in the zoo in order to guard the animals,” Director Ivan Ivanov said.
He has no explanation of why the guards from the private security firm which is supposed to guard the zoo, let this incident happen. Ivanov vowed to hold the firm responsible because the incident occurred at around 3 am, and there must have been lots of noise. Yet, none of the guards reacted.
“Several years ago we used to have our own dogs that we took good care of, and they guarded the territory of the zoo, and did not let any intruders to the cages of the animals. Unfortunately, we were made to remove them because some of the visitors were afraid of them. As a result, we have seen a great number of stray dogs trying to enter the zoo as they are attracted by the food that we give to the animals, and the visitors who feed them,” the Sofia Zoo Director said adding that it was probably the extremely cold over the last weekend that drew the stray dogs to attack the zoo deer.
Widow leaves £100,000 to donkey charity, after just one visit
A wealthy widow has left £100,000 to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary in her will — despite only visiting it once, ten years ago.
Sanctuary founder Cherryl Clarke couldn’t believe it when she discovered 89-year-old Irene Day, who died in 2008, donated the largest ever sum to the charity.
"It was absolutely amazing and we are very, very grateful to Mrs Day, because for a small charity like us, this was a massive amount of money, which will help donkeys for many years to come," said Cherryl.
Despite only making one visit to the sanctuary, Mrs Day, who lived in the Portsmouth area, used to send a donation every Christmas.
The sanctuary won’t receive the money for another 12 months but it will help finance a new care facility for donkeys in need of some extra TLC.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary was one of 16 different organisations to receive a share of £1 million from Mrs Day in her will.
Sanctuary founder Cherryl Clarke couldn’t believe it when she discovered 89-year-old Irene Day, who died in 2008, donated the largest ever sum to the charity.
"It was absolutely amazing and we are very, very grateful to Mrs Day, because for a small charity like us, this was a massive amount of money, which will help donkeys for many years to come," said Cherryl.
Despite only making one visit to the sanctuary, Mrs Day, who lived in the Portsmouth area, used to send a donation every Christmas.
The sanctuary won’t receive the money for another 12 months but it will help finance a new care facility for donkeys in need of some extra TLC.
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary was one of 16 different organisations to receive a share of £1 million from Mrs Day in her will.
Defendant stuns court by asking if he could pull a cheque out of his bottom
A defendant stunned a court when he asked if he could pull a cheque out of his bottom.
Vet Maurice Kirk wanted to give the £7,500 to his sister to hire a lawyer. Judge Paul Thomas QC asked: "Where is it?"
Jurors tittered when the 64-year-old replied: "It's three inches up my rectum." The judge refused permission.
Kirk, of St Donat's, South Wales, is accused of owning an illegal machine gun. He denies the charge. The trial continues.
Vet Maurice Kirk wanted to give the £7,500 to his sister to hire a lawyer. Judge Paul Thomas QC asked: "Where is it?"
Jurors tittered when the 64-year-old replied: "It's three inches up my rectum." The judge refused permission.
Kirk, of St Donat's, South Wales, is accused of owning an illegal machine gun. He denies the charge. The trial continues.
Taxi drivers offered their Hackney Carriage licence forms in Braille
Taxi drivers applying for their Hackney Carriage licence are being offered the forms in Braille by a council.
The document, issued by Portsmouth City Council, makes clear that it is also available in large print or audio format for those with sight problems.
A notice at the end reads: "You can get this Portsmouth City Council information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language...."
The council, a member of the Plain English Campaign, defended the forms.
Head of customer services Louise Wilders said: "Obviously, a taxi driver would not need the Braille version, but they might find a foreign language version helpful.
"The form is also for employers to fill in - they could need a Braille version."
The document, issued by Portsmouth City Council, makes clear that it is also available in large print or audio format for those with sight problems.
A notice at the end reads: "You can get this Portsmouth City Council information in large print, Braille, audio or in another language...."
The council, a member of the Plain English Campaign, defended the forms.
Head of customer services Louise Wilders said: "Obviously, a taxi driver would not need the Braille version, but they might find a foreign language version helpful.
"The form is also for employers to fill in - they could need a Braille version."
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Family dog saves children from deadly snake
Zena the staffordshire terrier is being hailed a hero after saving her three young Australian owners from a menacing tiger snake.
Zena the warrior dog leapt to the defence of the Schultz children Brendan 7, Jared, 6, and Sarah, 3 stopping the deadly reptile from sliding through an open screen door into the rumpus room where the children were eating their dinner at about 6.30pm on Tuesday.
The siblings' screams of terror on seeing the snake soon turned to tears and cries for help to save their pooch at their Bannockburn home.But Zena's lightning-fast reflexes snapped the snake's spine , preventing it from striking and killing the much-loved pet.
"It was terrifying," mother Patricia said. "I walked into the rumpus room to ask the kids if they wanted anything else to eat and this snake was making its way along the screen door towards the opening.
"The children saw it at the same time. I screamed, the kids screamed and Zena came from no where. She was amazing.
"She gave it one quick snap and then continued to struggle with it. It was barely moving after Zena had let go, so my husband was able to finish it off with the rake."
Zena the warrior dog leapt to the defence of the Schultz children Brendan 7, Jared, 6, and Sarah, 3 stopping the deadly reptile from sliding through an open screen door into the rumpus room where the children were eating their dinner at about 6.30pm on Tuesday.
The siblings' screams of terror on seeing the snake soon turned to tears and cries for help to save their pooch at their Bannockburn home.But Zena's lightning-fast reflexes snapped the snake's spine , preventing it from striking and killing the much-loved pet.
"It was terrifying," mother Patricia said. "I walked into the rumpus room to ask the kids if they wanted anything else to eat and this snake was making its way along the screen door towards the opening.
"The children saw it at the same time. I screamed, the kids screamed and Zena came from no where. She was amazing.
"She gave it one quick snap and then continued to struggle with it. It was barely moving after Zena had let go, so my husband was able to finish it off with the rake."
Woman sues after toilet explodes on train
A woman is suing Metra after the contents of a toilet allegedly "exploded" and splattered her as she rode a Joliet-bound train.
Julianna Mandernach filed the suit in Cook County Circuit Court against the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corp. and Metra, claiming the Jan. 29, 2009, incident left her with injuries of a “personal and pecuniary nature.”
Mandernach boarded a Metra train on the Chicago-to-Joliet/Rock Island line as a passenger, the suit claims. She used a toilet on the train, and upon flushing, the contents exploded out of the toilet and "splattered" her.
The suit claims Metra permitted Mandernach and other passengers to use the toilet when they should have known it was not working properly. Metra should have repaired and replace the toilet, and also failed to barricade, rope or block off the toilet from public use. The suit seeks unspecified damages, as well as costs of the suit
Julianna Mandernach filed the suit in Cook County Circuit Court against the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corp. and Metra, claiming the Jan. 29, 2009, incident left her with injuries of a “personal and pecuniary nature.”
Mandernach boarded a Metra train on the Chicago-to-Joliet/Rock Island line as a passenger, the suit claims. She used a toilet on the train, and upon flushing, the contents exploded out of the toilet and "splattered" her.
The suit claims Metra permitted Mandernach and other passengers to use the toilet when they should have known it was not working properly. Metra should have repaired and replace the toilet, and also failed to barricade, rope or block off the toilet from public use. The suit seeks unspecified damages, as well as costs of the suit
Cucumber billboard offends some
At first glance, it looks like a cartoon character. But a closer look reveals something much more revealing. A billboard along Interstate-35 in Lancaster is packing quite a sexual punch and some North Texans aren't amused.
The billboard was put up by the companies Condoms to Go and Sara's Secret. Both stores feature adult toys, lingerie and movies.
It features a cucumber with cartoon eyes and a mouth. The billboard reads "stop vegetable abuse."
The locally-owned adult stores are asking potential customers to consider alternative adult devices.
Employees of the stores say they've received several complaints since the billboard went up last week.
The billboard was put up by the companies Condoms to Go and Sara's Secret. Both stores feature adult toys, lingerie and movies.
It features a cucumber with cartoon eyes and a mouth. The billboard reads "stop vegetable abuse."
The locally-owned adult stores are asking potential customers to consider alternative adult devices.
Employees of the stores say they've received several complaints since the billboard went up last week.
Boy steals gun then shoots neighbour's dog for barking
He's accused of stealing a rifle from one neighbour and then using it to shoot another neighbour's dog. And he's only eleven years old.
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department was called to investigate the shooting of a German Sheppard on Monday. The dog's owner told deputies he heard a gunshot and went to investigate.
He found his dog on the front porch bleeding with a wound to the neck. The home is located off a private road in a rural part of the county, and deputies say they have never responded to a complaint in that area before.
Investigators spent the day talking with other neighbours, some who say they heard the shot, while animal control officers rushed the dog to a nearby veterinarian clinic.
Later that evening, one of the neighbours who had said she had heard the gunshot, called the Sheriff's Department to report finding a rifle in her backyard.
When deputies arrived she told them she had already questioned her eleven year old son who admitted to her he shot the dog because it had been keeping him awake at night.
With news video.
Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department was called to investigate the shooting of a German Sheppard on Monday. The dog's owner told deputies he heard a gunshot and went to investigate.
He found his dog on the front porch bleeding with a wound to the neck. The home is located off a private road in a rural part of the county, and deputies say they have never responded to a complaint in that area before.
Investigators spent the day talking with other neighbours, some who say they heard the shot, while animal control officers rushed the dog to a nearby veterinarian clinic.
Later that evening, one of the neighbours who had said she had heard the gunshot, called the Sheriff's Department to report finding a rifle in her backyard.
When deputies arrived she told them she had already questioned her eleven year old son who admitted to her he shot the dog because it had been keeping him awake at night.
With news video.
Police investigate mass dog slaughter in New Zealand
Animal cruelty officers broke down while describing the scene of a slaughter of more than 30 dogs after a neighbourhood dispute turned violent in New Zealand this week.
Police are investigating the incident, in which ten adult dogs and 23 puppies and very young dogs were shot dead by two men in a scene described by an animal cruelty investigator as “not unlike a massacre”.
Russell Mendoza is alleged to have confronted his neighbour, Rowan Hargreaves, complaining that one of Mr Hargreaves’ 39 dogs had killed his fox terrier. It is reported that Mr Mendoza then forced Mr Hargreaves to sign a letter agreeing to the shooting of his animals as a result.
Contains some graphic footage.
Mr Mendoza and another man, armed with a .22 rifle and a shotgun, later returned to Mr Hargreaves’ property in a rural area west of Auckland and shot the dogs in just over 20 minutes. Eight dogs survived, including four 3-day-old puppies that sheltered an under an adult dog that was killed.
Inspectors from New Zealand’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said that the organisation planned to file charges over the killings when forensic examination of the dead dogs was completed.
“I've never seen anything as horrible as this in my life and I cannot begin to imagine the terror these animals were faced with,” Sascha Keltie, an SPCA investigator, said.
There are photos of the survivors here.
Police are investigating the incident, in which ten adult dogs and 23 puppies and very young dogs were shot dead by two men in a scene described by an animal cruelty investigator as “not unlike a massacre”.
Russell Mendoza is alleged to have confronted his neighbour, Rowan Hargreaves, complaining that one of Mr Hargreaves’ 39 dogs had killed his fox terrier. It is reported that Mr Mendoza then forced Mr Hargreaves to sign a letter agreeing to the shooting of his animals as a result.
Contains some graphic footage.
Mr Mendoza and another man, armed with a .22 rifle and a shotgun, later returned to Mr Hargreaves’ property in a rural area west of Auckland and shot the dogs in just over 20 minutes. Eight dogs survived, including four 3-day-old puppies that sheltered an under an adult dog that was killed.
Inspectors from New Zealand’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said that the organisation planned to file charges over the killings when forensic examination of the dead dogs was completed.
“I've never seen anything as horrible as this in my life and I cannot begin to imagine the terror these animals were faced with,” Sascha Keltie, an SPCA investigator, said.
There are photos of the survivors here.
Dentist's drill bit left in head for 11 months
Donna Delgado of Tampa, Florida just wasn't healing properly after dental surgery.
There was too much bleeding, too much pain. Her head hurt. She was dizzy. She had nosebleeds and sinus infections.
And with good reason, according to her lawsuit: The surgeon left an inch-long piece of steel in the wound.
Lodged in Delgado's right maxillary sinus, the drill bit burr made the 35-year-old woman miserable for nearly a year as she held down a job and cared for her children, her lawyer said.
She wound up in a hospital, where the medical staff detected the foreign object. She was referred to another hospital for surgery.
"The poor thing," said the lawyer, Anthony Martino. "You don't know how horrible it's been for her."
Full story here.
There was too much bleeding, too much pain. Her head hurt. She was dizzy. She had nosebleeds and sinus infections.
And with good reason, according to her lawsuit: The surgeon left an inch-long piece of steel in the wound.
Lodged in Delgado's right maxillary sinus, the drill bit burr made the 35-year-old woman miserable for nearly a year as she held down a job and cared for her children, her lawyer said.
She wound up in a hospital, where the medical staff detected the foreign object. She was referred to another hospital for surgery.
"The poor thing," said the lawyer, Anthony Martino. "You don't know how horrible it's been for her."
Full story here.
Indian minister wants police squad to protect her statues
An Indian politician is calling for a police force to be created to protect statues she has erected of herself and her mentors.
The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, Mayawati, says her political opponents want to demolish the statues.
A bill proposing the force has been introduced in the state assembly, to be debated at a later date.
Ms Mayawati has been criticised for spending $1bn (£0.6bn) on monuments of herself and other low-caste leaders.
She remains popular among India's 160 million low-caste Dalits, formerly known as "untouchables" - but critics accuse her of self-glorification and wasting public money in what is one of India's poorest states.
India's Supreme Court has ordered the state government to halt further building work on the statues until it decides whether the expense can be justified.
The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state, Mayawati, says her political opponents want to demolish the statues.
A bill proposing the force has been introduced in the state assembly, to be debated at a later date.
Ms Mayawati has been criticised for spending $1bn (£0.6bn) on monuments of herself and other low-caste leaders.
She remains popular among India's 160 million low-caste Dalits, formerly known as "untouchables" - but critics accuse her of self-glorification and wasting public money in what is one of India's poorest states.
India's Supreme Court has ordered the state government to halt further building work on the statues until it decides whether the expense can be justified.
New York man caught hugging and kissing chicken on subway
A New York man was caught on video hugging, kissing, petting and loving on a live chicken.
The video shows an unidentified man rolling on the floor of a New York subway snuggling with the fowl.
Subway system spokesman Charles Seaton said they were trying to find out if the incident that occurred on the uptown No. 6 train was a prank or something else.
The video shows some passengers looking on laughing, while others couldn’t wait to get out of the way. No one reported the odd antics to subway authorities.
The video shows an unidentified man rolling on the floor of a New York subway snuggling with the fowl.
Subway system spokesman Charles Seaton said they were trying to find out if the incident that occurred on the uptown No. 6 train was a prank or something else.
The video shows some passengers looking on laughing, while others couldn’t wait to get out of the way. No one reported the odd antics to subway authorities.
Calling Cornish people 'inbred' allowed in law
Calling Cornish people "inbred" is acceptable in law because they are not a distinct racial group, the human rights watchdog has ruled.
The Kernow branch of the Celtic League complained to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) about the use of the term and other mockery of the people of Cornwall in the media.
But the commission said it was powerless to prosecute anyone because under the Race Relations Act, the Cornish did not exist as a separate nationality from the English.
In a reply to the Celtic League, Qaiser Razzak, the South West regional manager of the EHRC, said that in order for any remedy to be available in domestic (UK) legal proceedings, the Cornish would need to be defined as a "racial group" under the Race Relations Act, which had not yet been done.
"To date, case law has not established the Cornish as a 'racial group', for the purposes of the Race Relations Act, so currently, it is not clear whether any claim of racial discrimination against Cornish people would be successful."
He added that a European treaty, which the UK was bound to follow, set down protection for "national minorities". "However, although binding on the UK Government, it has not been implemented into domestic law and does not therefore provide a right to bring any legal proceedings," he said.
The Kernow branch of the Celtic League complained to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) about the use of the term and other mockery of the people of Cornwall in the media.
But the commission said it was powerless to prosecute anyone because under the Race Relations Act, the Cornish did not exist as a separate nationality from the English.
In a reply to the Celtic League, Qaiser Razzak, the South West regional manager of the EHRC, said that in order for any remedy to be available in domestic (UK) legal proceedings, the Cornish would need to be defined as a "racial group" under the Race Relations Act, which had not yet been done.
"To date, case law has not established the Cornish as a 'racial group', for the purposes of the Race Relations Act, so currently, it is not clear whether any claim of racial discrimination against Cornish people would be successful."
He added that a European treaty, which the UK was bound to follow, set down protection for "national minorities". "However, although binding on the UK Government, it has not been implemented into domestic law and does not therefore provide a right to bring any legal proceedings," he said.
Homeopathy protesters to take 'mass overdose'
Hundreds of sceptics will stage a "mass overdose" outside Boots stores around Britain later today to protest against the chain's continuing sale of homeopathic remedies and to argue that such treatments have no scientific basis.
The event ‑ called 10:23 ‑ will see the protesters swallowing the contents of entire bottles of homeopathic pills to illustrate their claims that such remedies "are nothing but sugar pills". It is being co-ordinated by the Merseyside Skeptics Society, a non-profit organisation dedicated to "developing and supporting the sceptical community".
The "overdoses" will take place outside Boots stores in Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hampshire, Leeds, Leicester, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield. "Sympathy events" will also be held in Canada and Australia.
A spokesman for the event, which will begin at 10.23am, said the group had been moved to act by the evidence given to the Commons science and technology select committee last November.
"Hundreds of people were following the action together on Twitter, and sharing our general disbelief at the circus that was unfolding before our eyes," he said. "To see a homeopathic doctor explaining to MPs how many times a remedy had to be tapped before it would imprint the water was just surreal. And for the spokesman of Boots to explain that they were happy to sell customers pills for which they have no evidence of effectiveness was an insult to many people."
He added: "We believe it is unethical for the government and Boots (as a registered pharmacist) to continue to support what is essentially an 18th century magic ritual."
The event ‑ called 10:23 ‑ will see the protesters swallowing the contents of entire bottles of homeopathic pills to illustrate their claims that such remedies "are nothing but sugar pills". It is being co-ordinated by the Merseyside Skeptics Society, a non-profit organisation dedicated to "developing and supporting the sceptical community".
The "overdoses" will take place outside Boots stores in Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hampshire, Leeds, Leicester, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield. "Sympathy events" will also be held in Canada and Australia.
A spokesman for the event, which will begin at 10.23am, said the group had been moved to act by the evidence given to the Commons science and technology select committee last November.
"Hundreds of people were following the action together on Twitter, and sharing our general disbelief at the circus that was unfolding before our eyes," he said. "To see a homeopathic doctor explaining to MPs how many times a remedy had to be tapped before it would imprint the water was just surreal. And for the spokesman of Boots to explain that they were happy to sell customers pills for which they have no evidence of effectiveness was an insult to many people."
He added: "We believe it is unethical for the government and Boots (as a registered pharmacist) to continue to support what is essentially an 18th century magic ritual."
Jilted boyfriend takes baked potato revenge on ex
A jilted man made a bonfire of his ex's clothes, - then baked a potato on it, a court heard.
Mark Vaughan, 27, emptied Kathryn Leigh's wardrobe of gear worth £6,000 - plus 45 pairs of shoes - after seeing her kiss another man.
He added her laptop to the pile before dousing it with petrol in the street.
Police civilian investigator Katherine returned from a nightclub to find a burnt mess in the road outside their house in Farnborough, Hants. Cops arrived to find him "extremely drunk" and baking the potato.
Guildford Crown Court, Surrey, heard he had sent her texts threatening to burn her things.
He admitted arson and got a 12-month supervision order, £600 costs and 100 hours unpaid work.
Mark Vaughan, 27, emptied Kathryn Leigh's wardrobe of gear worth £6,000 - plus 45 pairs of shoes - after seeing her kiss another man.
He added her laptop to the pile before dousing it with petrol in the street.
Police civilian investigator Katherine returned from a nightclub to find a burnt mess in the road outside their house in Farnborough, Hants. Cops arrived to find him "extremely drunk" and baking the potato.
Guildford Crown Court, Surrey, heard he had sent her texts threatening to burn her things.
He admitted arson and got a 12-month supervision order, £600 costs and 100 hours unpaid work.
Footballer shown four red cards in same match
Ricky Broadley has been accused of stamping on a player, throwing water, shouting abuse and threatening a referee. Now the 29-year-old, from Bangor, will face a North Wales Coast FA (NWCFA) disciplinary panel for his part in a violence-marred match at Rhosgadfan, near Caernarfon.
Broadley, who has previously been banned for life from playing Sunday League football, now faces yet another ban. If that happens, Broadley, who previously played for Bangor City and Caernarfon Town reserves as well as Caernarfon Borough, plans to appeal. He was playing for Mountain Rangers in a cup game against Penrhyndeudraeth at Cae Gors when a scuffle started in the 64th minute with the visitors leading 2-0.
But he has denied he stamped on anyone, or instigated any violence at last Saturday’s game. He said: “A fight broke out and I went to stop it. There was a mass brawl and I walked off.
“The ref gave me a red card. I said a few things I shouldn’t have in my temper. Four I had, apparently.”
Referee John Owen, 52, of Conwy, said: “In the second half there was a little bit of a scuffle between two players. A Rangers player decided to stamp on the head of one of the players on the floor.
“I sent four players off, two from each side for fighting and referred it to the NWCFA. He (Broadley) had three red cards. One for the stamping, one for technical assault on a referee when he threw water at me, another for shouting abuse when he left and the fourth after he threatened me in the clubhouse. The Mountain Rangers committee asked him to leave and they were very disappointed with his behaviour and attitude to me personally. It was absolutely horrific. What an idiot. It’s not the club’s fault.”
Broadley, who has previously been banned for life from playing Sunday League football, now faces yet another ban. If that happens, Broadley, who previously played for Bangor City and Caernarfon Town reserves as well as Caernarfon Borough, plans to appeal. He was playing for Mountain Rangers in a cup game against Penrhyndeudraeth at Cae Gors when a scuffle started in the 64th minute with the visitors leading 2-0.
But he has denied he stamped on anyone, or instigated any violence at last Saturday’s game. He said: “A fight broke out and I went to stop it. There was a mass brawl and I walked off.
“The ref gave me a red card. I said a few things I shouldn’t have in my temper. Four I had, apparently.”
Referee John Owen, 52, of Conwy, said: “In the second half there was a little bit of a scuffle between two players. A Rangers player decided to stamp on the head of one of the players on the floor.
“I sent four players off, two from each side for fighting and referred it to the NWCFA. He (Broadley) had three red cards. One for the stamping, one for technical assault on a referee when he threw water at me, another for shouting abuse when he left and the fourth after he threatened me in the clubhouse. The Mountain Rangers committee asked him to leave and they were very disappointed with his behaviour and attitude to me personally. It was absolutely horrific. What an idiot. It’s not the club’s fault.”
If the machine shows German writing, the car park is full
Drivers using a Birmingham city centre car park have had their language skills tested by a ticket dispenser which operates in German.
The machine gives instructions in English until the multi-storey Brunel Street car park becomes full - then it switches to German.
The council blamed a change in software in December, when the city was hosting its Frankfurt Christmas Market.
"Maybe the machine got confused," a council spokesman said.
The council hopes to have the problem rectified by next week.
In the meantime a notice has been put up and staff are on hand to translate.
The machine gives instructions in English until the multi-storey Brunel Street car park becomes full - then it switches to German.
The council blamed a change in software in December, when the city was hosting its Frankfurt Christmas Market.
"Maybe the machine got confused," a council spokesman said.
The council hopes to have the problem rectified by next week.
In the meantime a notice has been put up and staff are on hand to translate.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Lucky rescue for dog stranded on ice floe
A dog was rescued from an iceberg floating 18 miles from land in the Baltic Sea. Sailors plucked the animal to safety after it got trapped on ice on Poland's Vistula river and drifted for more than 70 miles.
Rescuer Adam Buczynski said: 'He didn't even squeal. There was just fear in his big eyes.' It’s thought Baltic’s problems began when he got trapped on ice on the Vistula River near Torun on Friday.
A day later he was spotted in Grudziadz, 40 miles upstream, where fireman tried to reach the German shepherd-type mongrel. But thick ice made it too risky to launch a rescue craft despite Baltic floating just a few yards from the river bank. Another bid to save the stranded mutt was made at Kwidzyn, 22 miles further on towards Poland’s coast. After sightings dried up it was assumed the dog had perished.
But incredibly Baltic had travelled a further 50 miles to the river mouth before heading out to the ocean where finally his luck turned when scientists on a research boat spotted something odd moving amid the broken ice. Natalia Drgas, of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, said: 'One of the sailors thought they had seen another seal but then he noticed it had legs, ears and a tail.'
With darkness falling and time running out Baltic was finally hauled on board in sub zero temperatures late on Monday.
Captain Jan Jachim said if his ship had passed that way a few moments later the dog would never have been spotted amid the gloom. He said: 'We were just at the right place at the right time.'
Rescuer Adam Buczynski said: 'He didn't even squeal. There was just fear in his big eyes.' It’s thought Baltic’s problems began when he got trapped on ice on the Vistula River near Torun on Friday.
A day later he was spotted in Grudziadz, 40 miles upstream, where fireman tried to reach the German shepherd-type mongrel. But thick ice made it too risky to launch a rescue craft despite Baltic floating just a few yards from the river bank. Another bid to save the stranded mutt was made at Kwidzyn, 22 miles further on towards Poland’s coast. After sightings dried up it was assumed the dog had perished.
But incredibly Baltic had travelled a further 50 miles to the river mouth before heading out to the ocean where finally his luck turned when scientists on a research boat spotted something odd moving amid the broken ice. Natalia Drgas, of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, said: 'One of the sailors thought they had seen another seal but then he noticed it had legs, ears and a tail.'
With darkness falling and time running out Baltic was finally hauled on board in sub zero temperatures late on Monday.
Captain Jan Jachim said if his ship had passed that way a few moments later the dog would never have been spotted amid the gloom. He said: 'We were just at the right place at the right time.'
'Werewolf' teenager admits to beheading dog
Wolfie Blackheart is not an ordinary 18-year-old. She believes she is a wolf — technically, a werewolf — and so she wears a tail. She also wears a harness in case someone special wants to drag her around.
And last week, she used a pocketknife in her kitchen to decapitate a dog — already dead, according to Wolfie — that had been missing since Jan. 5. “I severed the head, boiled the head,” Wolfie said. “People make the mistake of hacking the spine, which will fracture the skull.” She added, “You also have to put (the head) outside for the brains to leak out.”
Before the teenager carted the cranium to the woods, someone held it up and snapped a photograph of it inside her Northwest Side house — a shot that ended up on the Internet.
Within days, the photo had spurred an aggressive animal cruelty investigation by Animal Care Services and the San Antonio Police Department.
Wolfie — born Sarah Rodriguez — says she’s guilty of nothing more than an abiding love for taxidermy. “I would never kill a canine,” she said. “I am a canine.”
Lisa Rodriguez, Wolfie’s mom, said she supports her daughter’s career goal. “I say, ‘Don’t sever heads in front of me,' ” she said. “She usually does it in the woods.”
And last week, she used a pocketknife in her kitchen to decapitate a dog — already dead, according to Wolfie — that had been missing since Jan. 5. “I severed the head, boiled the head,” Wolfie said. “People make the mistake of hacking the spine, which will fracture the skull.” She added, “You also have to put (the head) outside for the brains to leak out.”
Before the teenager carted the cranium to the woods, someone held it up and snapped a photograph of it inside her Northwest Side house — a shot that ended up on the Internet.
Within days, the photo had spurred an aggressive animal cruelty investigation by Animal Care Services and the San Antonio Police Department.
Wolfie — born Sarah Rodriguez — says she’s guilty of nothing more than an abiding love for taxidermy. “I would never kill a canine,” she said. “I am a canine.”
Lisa Rodriguez, Wolfie’s mom, said she supports her daughter’s career goal. “I say, ‘Don’t sever heads in front of me,' ” she said. “She usually does it in the woods.”
Police catch Peeping Tom at peep show
Maybe he was just confused about how peep shows work. Seattle police arrested a man around 2 a.m. on Saturday for investigation of malicious mischief after he climbed into the space above the ceiling at the Lusty Lady in an apparent attempt to get into the women's dressing room.
According to a police report, the man came in the front door of the famed downtown peep-show club — backward — then went into a viewing stall. He somehow got into the ceiling crawl space overhead.
Then, he crashed partially through the glass-panel ceiling above the dance floor, startling a performer below when his legs came through the glass.
The man was still in the crawl space when police arrived, and was arrested after he jumped down, the report says. He was booked into King County Jail for investigation of malicious mischief.
The man made no statements to explain his actions, the report says. But his Lusty Lady lark caused so much damage the club had to be shut down for the night, the report says.
The man was released from jail on Monday night.
According to a police report, the man came in the front door of the famed downtown peep-show club — backward — then went into a viewing stall. He somehow got into the ceiling crawl space overhead.
Then, he crashed partially through the glass-panel ceiling above the dance floor, startling a performer below when his legs came through the glass.
The man was still in the crawl space when police arrived, and was arrested after he jumped down, the report says. He was booked into King County Jail for investigation of malicious mischief.
The man made no statements to explain his actions, the report says. But his Lusty Lady lark caused so much damage the club had to be shut down for the night, the report says.
The man was released from jail on Monday night.
Virgin Mary found in church font
An image of the Virgin Mary was discovered by Father Ernest Bulinda, the Rector at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk. At first glance it looks just like any water stain, but looking closely, many see a silhouette of the Virgin Mary.
Father Bulinda says he was walking past the baptismal font when something caught his eye. Unsure of what it was, he turned around and that's when he spotted the image. Uncertain of what he saw, Father asked one of his parishoners:
"I told him what do you think about that? He came and looked, he said that's interesting and I said what do you think about that? It looks like the picture of the Virgin Mary," Father Bulinda said.
Not wanting to bring attention to it, Father Bulinda tried to keep the sighting quiet. "I thought, well she's been appearing everywhere, she's on toast and so on and so forth so I thought we'll just keep quiet and let it be."
But the word spread and people have been stopping by the basilica ever since, trying to make their own decision about what they see and where it came from: "When I see that, I feel like, whoa I feel chills in my body. Because I think this is a miracle. You can tell nobody made it, it just happened like that."
Others like Labarbara Cuffee say it's more about how this image has restored people's faith. "But I just look at it as if it's a miracle, it's God. If it's not then it's something nice for people to look at and believe that it is," Cuffee said.
Father Bulinda says he was walking past the baptismal font when something caught his eye. Unsure of what it was, he turned around and that's when he spotted the image. Uncertain of what he saw, Father asked one of his parishoners:
"I told him what do you think about that? He came and looked, he said that's interesting and I said what do you think about that? It looks like the picture of the Virgin Mary," Father Bulinda said.
Not wanting to bring attention to it, Father Bulinda tried to keep the sighting quiet. "I thought, well she's been appearing everywhere, she's on toast and so on and so forth so I thought we'll just keep quiet and let it be."
But the word spread and people have been stopping by the basilica ever since, trying to make their own decision about what they see and where it came from: "When I see that, I feel like, whoa I feel chills in my body. Because I think this is a miracle. You can tell nobody made it, it just happened like that."
Others like Labarbara Cuffee say it's more about how this image has restored people's faith. "But I just look at it as if it's a miracle, it's God. If it's not then it's something nice for people to look at and believe that it is," Cuffee said.
'Extremely large' tradesman guilty of indecency, told to destroy shorts
An Australian cabinet maker has been ordered to destroy his skimpy work shorts after exposing himself to eight women while performing renovations on their kitchens. Mark Stephen Owen, 50, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court to 12 counts of performing indecent acts at various Brisbane homes between 1999 and 2008.
Prosecutor Lewis Shillito told the court Owen wore skimpy shorts or stripped down to his underwear while he worked, allowing what the women described as an "extremely large" penis to poke out from the fabric.
The court was told Owen would also masturbate in front of the women, aged between 45 and 83, and rub cream onto his exposed genitals while complaining of a rash.
Mr Shillito said Owen's actions made the women feel uncomfortable but that all allowed him to finish the renovations.
Owen, from Victoria Point, was given a nine-month jail term for the offences but was released immediately on probation for three years.
Magistrate Noel Nunan ordered Owen's work shorts, which were seized by police, be destroyed. He also refused Owen's request for the return of penis rings he had worn to work to enlarge his genitals.
Prosecutor Lewis Shillito told the court Owen wore skimpy shorts or stripped down to his underwear while he worked, allowing what the women described as an "extremely large" penis to poke out from the fabric.
The court was told Owen would also masturbate in front of the women, aged between 45 and 83, and rub cream onto his exposed genitals while complaining of a rash.
Mr Shillito said Owen's actions made the women feel uncomfortable but that all allowed him to finish the renovations.
Owen, from Victoria Point, was given a nine-month jail term for the offences but was released immediately on probation for three years.
Magistrate Noel Nunan ordered Owen's work shorts, which were seized by police, be destroyed. He also refused Owen's request for the return of penis rings he had worn to work to enlarge his genitals.
Truck destroys bridge in Turkey
CCTV footage of a truck smashing into a pedestrian footbridge in Istanbul earlier this week has been released by police.
The video shows the truck, travelling with its dumper raised, destroying the bridge as it careers into it.
One pedestrian crossing the bridge was injured during the incident, but amazingly no-one was killed. Police are investigating why the truck was travelling with its dumper raised.
The video shows the truck, travelling with its dumper raised, destroying the bridge as it careers into it.
One pedestrian crossing the bridge was injured during the incident, but amazingly no-one was killed. Police are investigating why the truck was travelling with its dumper raised.
Royal guard falls flat on face after fainting at Danish queen dinner
A royal guard fell flat on his face after fainting at a gala dinner hosted by the Danish queen. The unfortunate soldier was knocked out and had to be dragged to his feet by security officials.
The guard had been in a line-up awaiting the arrival of Princess Mary and politicians at the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
The guard had been in a line-up awaiting the arrival of Princess Mary and politicians at the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen.
'Psycho killer rips out woman's heart and lungs'
A psychotic neighbour with a festering rejection complex was arrested for brutally butchering — and stealing organs from — a Flushing woman who owned an employment agency and declined to find him a job, police said. Police said the vicious killing was the culmination of a campaign of harassment and assault that maniac Huang Chen, 47, waged against victim Qian Wu since 2006. She took out nine orders of protection during that span.
In a gruesome twist straight out of a slasher film, Chen allegedely ripped Wu's lungs and heart from her body, and the organs still have not been recovered, police said. Chen allegedly followed Wu, 46, into her apartment on 40th Road near Main Street and allegedly stabbed her numerous times in the torso before fleeing, cops said.
A woman in Wu's building called 911 at approximately 7:35 p.m., when she saw blood seeping out of the apartment door, cops said. Meanwhile Chen, clad in blood soaked sneakers, sought medical attention at New York Hospital-Queens for a gash on his right hand and leg.
Photo from here.
He claimed to have sustained the wounds while fighting off a robber during a home invasion, cops said. Investigators went to his apartment — which is a few doors away from Wu's — and found surveillance video of him entering his building in bloody clothing and leaving in fresh duds, cops said.
The video also captured his neighbour, Wenxin Zhang, 54 carrying a bag walking a few paces behind him, cops said. The bag was later recovered in a nearby park and was stuffed with bloody clothing, a knife and hammer, cops said.
He was charged with second degree murder and tampering with evidence. Zhang was also arrested and slapped with charges of evidence tampering.
In a gruesome twist straight out of a slasher film, Chen allegedely ripped Wu's lungs and heart from her body, and the organs still have not been recovered, police said. Chen allegedly followed Wu, 46, into her apartment on 40th Road near Main Street and allegedly stabbed her numerous times in the torso before fleeing, cops said.
A woman in Wu's building called 911 at approximately 7:35 p.m., when she saw blood seeping out of the apartment door, cops said. Meanwhile Chen, clad in blood soaked sneakers, sought medical attention at New York Hospital-Queens for a gash on his right hand and leg.
Photo from here.
He claimed to have sustained the wounds while fighting off a robber during a home invasion, cops said. Investigators went to his apartment — which is a few doors away from Wu's — and found surveillance video of him entering his building in bloody clothing and leaving in fresh duds, cops said.
The video also captured his neighbour, Wenxin Zhang, 54 carrying a bag walking a few paces behind him, cops said. The bag was later recovered in a nearby park and was stuffed with bloody clothing, a knife and hammer, cops said.
He was charged with second degree murder and tampering with evidence. Zhang was also arrested and slapped with charges of evidence tampering.
Indonesian boy faces jail for bee sting prank
A prank has had serious repercussions for an Indonesian boy facing criminal charges because he caused a classmate to be stung by a bee.
The third-grade student - whose age was not given but who would be about seven or eight years old - was being tried at the Surabaya District Court in East Java.
The boy was alleged to have stuck a bee on the cheek of a female classmate as they returned home from school in March last year. Her father then filed a police report.
The prosecutor in the case said the boy was accused of violating the Indonesian Criminal Code by committing "severe abuse that led to an injury." This could result in a maximum penalty of a 32-month jail sentence.
The boy, whose name was not given, has not appeared in court because he is depressed and afraid.
Edward Carwardine, spokesman in Indonesia for UNICEF, the U.N. Children's Fund, said the criminal age of responsibility in Indonesia was eight years. However, there are proposals in place for this to be raised to 12 years.
The third-grade student - whose age was not given but who would be about seven or eight years old - was being tried at the Surabaya District Court in East Java.
The boy was alleged to have stuck a bee on the cheek of a female classmate as they returned home from school in March last year. Her father then filed a police report.
The prosecutor in the case said the boy was accused of violating the Indonesian Criminal Code by committing "severe abuse that led to an injury." This could result in a maximum penalty of a 32-month jail sentence.
The boy, whose name was not given, has not appeared in court because he is depressed and afraid.
Edward Carwardine, spokesman in Indonesia for UNICEF, the U.N. Children's Fund, said the criminal age of responsibility in Indonesia was eight years. However, there are proposals in place for this to be raised to 12 years.
Swiss ban basketball in headscarf
A Muslim woman has failed to overturn a ban stopping her from wearing a headscarf during league basketball matches in Switzerland. Sura al-Shawk, 19, was told she could not wear a headscarf by the basketball association (ProBasket) in August 2009.
A local court in Lucerne has upheld the ruling on safety grounds. ProBasket also argued the sport needed to stay religiously neutral. Ms al-Shawk can appeal again within 10 days. Ms al-Shawk is a Swiss citizen with an Iraqi background and plays for STV Luzern.
Photo from here.
The court ruled that the overall safety regulations set by the association took precedence over her desire to wear a headscarf for religious reasons.
But the court did admit that, in upholding the ban, it was placing limits on the young woman's personal freedom. The headscarf is not especially common in Switzerland, whose Muslim community comes primarily from former Yugoslavia. However, wearing it in public is largely accepted
A local court in Lucerne has upheld the ruling on safety grounds. ProBasket also argued the sport needed to stay religiously neutral. Ms al-Shawk can appeal again within 10 days. Ms al-Shawk is a Swiss citizen with an Iraqi background and plays for STV Luzern.
Photo from here.
The court ruled that the overall safety regulations set by the association took precedence over her desire to wear a headscarf for religious reasons.
But the court did admit that, in upholding the ban, it was placing limits on the young woman's personal freedom. The headscarf is not especially common in Switzerland, whose Muslim community comes primarily from former Yugoslavia. However, wearing it in public is largely accepted
Epileptic dog rescues its carer after he collapsed
A dog that suffers from epilepsy has helped rescue his carer, after he collapsed in the snow. Bentley the dog raced back to the rescue centre in Evesham where he is cared, for to get help.
Chris Slight, from Dogs Trust Evesham said: "The weather was atrocious that day and I dread to think what could have happened to Pete Cartwright if Bentley hadn't raised the alarm."
Bentley led staff to where Pete was, and they helped him back to the centre, where he was wrapped him in dog blankets, to warm him up until the ambulance arrived.
After hospital tests Pete recovered and was welcomed back to work by Bentley. The canine hero is still looking for a home.
Pete describes the American bulldog as a "gentle giant" who gets on well with other dogs, and would be best suited to a family with older children.
The rescue centre will pay all vet fees relating to his epilepsy if he is rehomed.
Chris Slight, from Dogs Trust Evesham said: "The weather was atrocious that day and I dread to think what could have happened to Pete Cartwright if Bentley hadn't raised the alarm."
Bentley led staff to where Pete was, and they helped him back to the centre, where he was wrapped him in dog blankets, to warm him up until the ambulance arrived.
After hospital tests Pete recovered and was welcomed back to work by Bentley. The canine hero is still looking for a home.
Pete describes the American bulldog as a "gentle giant" who gets on well with other dogs, and would be best suited to a family with older children.
The rescue centre will pay all vet fees relating to his epilepsy if he is rehomed.
Driver fined for blowing his nose in stationary car
A motorist has told of his disbelief at being fined for blowing his nose while his vehicle was at a standstill. Michael Mancini had stopped his van in traffic and wiped his nose with a handkerchief.
When he moved off, he was pulled over by police who told him he had not been in control of his vehicle. Mr Mancini, from Ayrshire, was handed a £60 fixed penalty and given three points on his driving licence.
He said: "I thought they were joking and that it was a wind-up. I was stopped in traffic and had the handbrake on and thought to myself, 'Ive just got time to blow my nose.'
"Then police pulled me over and I was booked. I genuinely thought they were joking, that it was a wind-up." The incident occurred in October, but Mr Mancini has refused to pay the penalty.
His solicitor wrote to prosecutors earlier this month explaining the offence could not have occurred because Mr Mancini's handbrake was on. But prosecutors replied the next day warning that if the fine wasn't paid, the case would be taken to court.
Mr Mancini added: "I intend taking this all the way to court. I still don't believe it actually happened."
Update: There's a news video here.
When he moved off, he was pulled over by police who told him he had not been in control of his vehicle. Mr Mancini, from Ayrshire, was handed a £60 fixed penalty and given three points on his driving licence.
He said: "I thought they were joking and that it was a wind-up. I was stopped in traffic and had the handbrake on and thought to myself, 'Ive just got time to blow my nose.'
"Then police pulled me over and I was booked. I genuinely thought they were joking, that it was a wind-up." The incident occurred in October, but Mr Mancini has refused to pay the penalty.
His solicitor wrote to prosecutors earlier this month explaining the offence could not have occurred because Mr Mancini's handbrake was on. But prosecutors replied the next day warning that if the fine wasn't paid, the case would be taken to court.
Mr Mancini added: "I intend taking this all the way to court. I still don't believe it actually happened."
Update: There's a news video here.
Tesco ban on shoppers in pyjamas
A Tesco store has asked customers not to shop in their pyjamas or barefoot. Notices have been put up in the chain's supermarket in St Mellons in Cardiff saying: "Footwear must be worn at all times and no nightwear is permitted."
A spokesman said Tesco did not have a strict dress code but it does not want people shopping in their nightwear in case it offends other customers. He said he was not aware of any other Tesco stores having to put up similar signs. The signs are placed at the entrance to the store, on the city's outskirts.
They read: "To avoid causing offence or embarrassment to others we ask that our customers are appropriately dressed when visiting our store (footwear must be worn at all times and no nightwear is permitted)." The spokesman said: "We're not a nightclub with a strict dress code, and jeans and trainers are of course more than welcome. "We do, however, request that customers do not shop in their PJs or nightgowns. This is to avoid causing offence or embarrassment to others."
Elaine Carmody, 24, a full-time mother of two young boys, described the ban as "ridiculous" and "pathetic". She said she had regularly gone shopping at the store in her pyjamas until about a week ago when she was turned away when she went to buy cigarettes.
She said she been "popping in for a pack of fags," but if she had been doing a full shop "then we obviously would have gone in clothed". "But we only wanted fags and they still refused us to go in for a pack of cigarettes," she added. "I think it's stupid really not being allowed in the supermarket with pyjamas on."
There's an audio interview with Ms Carmody here.
A spokesman said Tesco did not have a strict dress code but it does not want people shopping in their nightwear in case it offends other customers. He said he was not aware of any other Tesco stores having to put up similar signs. The signs are placed at the entrance to the store, on the city's outskirts.
They read: "To avoid causing offence or embarrassment to others we ask that our customers are appropriately dressed when visiting our store (footwear must be worn at all times and no nightwear is permitted)." The spokesman said: "We're not a nightclub with a strict dress code, and jeans and trainers are of course more than welcome. "We do, however, request that customers do not shop in their PJs or nightgowns. This is to avoid causing offence or embarrassment to others."
Elaine Carmody, 24, a full-time mother of two young boys, described the ban as "ridiculous" and "pathetic". She said she had regularly gone shopping at the store in her pyjamas until about a week ago when she was turned away when she went to buy cigarettes.
She said she been "popping in for a pack of fags," but if she had been doing a full shop "then we obviously would have gone in clothed". "But we only wanted fags and they still refused us to go in for a pack of cigarettes," she added. "I think it's stupid really not being allowed in the supermarket with pyjamas on."
There's an audio interview with Ms Carmody here.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Alcohol saves the day for pregnant horse
Russian emergency workers are apt to use unconventional techniques to save not only people, but animals as well.
Rescuing a pregnant horse from a well near Kursk, they had to give it alcohol to prevent it from freezing.
Rescuing a pregnant horse from a well near Kursk, they had to give it alcohol to prevent it from freezing.
Stuffed-toy horse head lands man in jail
A 61-year-old Wenonah man remains in Gloucester County Jail charged with harassment in the delivery of a toy horse head earlier this month to State Sen. Stephen Sweeney's office in West Deptford.
On Jan. 15, a man hand-delivered a package to Sweeney, president of the New Jersey Senate and Gloucester County freeholder director, according to state police.
The man, who claimed to be a Marine from Virginia, said it was for Sweeney but also mentioned forwarding it to then Gov.-elect Christopher J. Christie, said Sgt. Steve Jones, a state police spokesman.
Inside the package, a staff member found the head of a plush toy horse. No note. No name. Staffers were worried enough to call in the bomb squad, which destroyed the package, Jones said. Sweeney was acting as governor that day, while Gov. Jon S. Corzine was on vacation.
Staffers suspected the package might be related to a series of letters and faxes, and state police investigated.
The investigation led to Robert Godman, who was arrested on Thursday at the home he shares with his parents, Jones said. Full-cash bail was set at $25,000. Godman will undergo a psychiatric evaluation, Jones said.
On Jan. 15, a man hand-delivered a package to Sweeney, president of the New Jersey Senate and Gloucester County freeholder director, according to state police.
The man, who claimed to be a Marine from Virginia, said it was for Sweeney but also mentioned forwarding it to then Gov.-elect Christopher J. Christie, said Sgt. Steve Jones, a state police spokesman.
Inside the package, a staff member found the head of a plush toy horse. No note. No name. Staffers were worried enough to call in the bomb squad, which destroyed the package, Jones said. Sweeney was acting as governor that day, while Gov. Jon S. Corzine was on vacation.
Staffers suspected the package might be related to a series of letters and faxes, and state police investigated.
The investigation led to Robert Godman, who was arrested on Thursday at the home he shares with his parents, Jones said. Full-cash bail was set at $25,000. Godman will undergo a psychiatric evaluation, Jones said.
Canadian lawmaker slams 'terrorist' pie in the face
Throwing a pie in the face of Canada's fisheries minister to protest the seal hunt should earn animal rights group PETA a "terrorist" label, a Canadian lawmaker said Tuesday. A seal hunt protester hit Fisheries Minister Gail Shea with a cream pie on Monday as she gave a speech in Burlington, Ontario.
The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, later claimed responsibility for the incident. Opposition lawmaker Gerry Byrne urged for an investigation into the incident that also takes into account Shea's position as a top government official.
"When someone actually coaches or conducts criminal behavior to impose a political agenda on each and every other citizen of Canada, that does seem to me to meet the test of a terrorist organization," Byrne said.
"I am calling on the government of Canada to actually investigate whether or not this organization, PETA, is acting as a terrorist organization... under Canadian law." PETA officials dismissed Byrne's comments as a "silly, chest-beating exercise."
"It is unlikely to impress anyone who has a heart for animals or who is bright enough to spot the difference between a bomb and a tofu cream pie," PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement.
37-year-old Emily McCoy from New York City was taken into custody and charged with assault after the pie incident.
The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, later claimed responsibility for the incident. Opposition lawmaker Gerry Byrne urged for an investigation into the incident that also takes into account Shea's position as a top government official.
"When someone actually coaches or conducts criminal behavior to impose a political agenda on each and every other citizen of Canada, that does seem to me to meet the test of a terrorist organization," Byrne said.
"I am calling on the government of Canada to actually investigate whether or not this organization, PETA, is acting as a terrorist organization... under Canadian law." PETA officials dismissed Byrne's comments as a "silly, chest-beating exercise."
"It is unlikely to impress anyone who has a heart for animals or who is bright enough to spot the difference between a bomb and a tofu cream pie," PETA president Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement.
37-year-old Emily McCoy from New York City was taken into custody and charged with assault after the pie incident.
Pornographic text sparks tribal war
Two people are dead after a pornographic text message sparked tribal violence in Papua New Guinea's southern highlands.
The violence flared on Saturday when a young man from the Tapo clan in Tari sent a pornographic text message to a woman in the Pipi clan.
The girl was offended and showed the image to her brother, who gathered his clansmen and attacked the Tapos with home-made guns, bush knives and bows and arrows.
One man was killed in the clash and Superintendent Jimmy Onopia says another man was pulled from a bus and killed with an axe yesterday.
"Two people have died, several have been wounded, several houses have been burnt down," he said.
Superintendent Onopia says the situation is now calm and police are helping to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
The violence flared on Saturday when a young man from the Tapo clan in Tari sent a pornographic text message to a woman in the Pipi clan.
The girl was offended and showed the image to her brother, who gathered his clansmen and attacked the Tapos with home-made guns, bush knives and bows and arrows.
One man was killed in the clash and Superintendent Jimmy Onopia says another man was pulled from a bus and killed with an axe yesterday.
"Two people have died, several have been wounded, several houses have been burnt down," he said.
Superintendent Onopia says the situation is now calm and police are helping to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
Cross-dressing teen escapes rape attempt
A would-be rapist fled on Sunday night after he ripped off his victim's clothes and discovered he had attacked a man dressed as a woman, Athens-Clarke police said.
The suspect was riding a bicycle when he started stalking a 17-year-old walking along Bray Street near Fourth Street in East Athens about 6:30 p.m., police said. The teen began to walk faster, but the man caught up to him, grabbed his arm and dragged him into some nearby woods.
The attacker started to take off the teen's clothes, tearing his shirt and yanking off his boots; he realized when he stripped off the teen's pants that the victim was male too, police said. The victim fought back, but his attacker kicked him repeatedly, police said.
The man ran when the victim's cell phone rang, but by then witnesses on Bray Street had called 911, police said. The victim crawled from the woods and was sitting on the ground, crying in the rain, when police arrived.
The teenager only could describe his attacker as a fat Hispanic man who wore a grey hoodie and sweatpants, according to police.
The attacker will be charged with criminal attempted rape and false imprisonment if he's found, police said. "It doesn't matter that (the victim) wasn't a female," Athens-Clarke Capt. Clarence Holeman said. "The suspect's intent was to commit rape."
The suspect was riding a bicycle when he started stalking a 17-year-old walking along Bray Street near Fourth Street in East Athens about 6:30 p.m., police said. The teen began to walk faster, but the man caught up to him, grabbed his arm and dragged him into some nearby woods.
The attacker started to take off the teen's clothes, tearing his shirt and yanking off his boots; he realized when he stripped off the teen's pants that the victim was male too, police said. The victim fought back, but his attacker kicked him repeatedly, police said.
The man ran when the victim's cell phone rang, but by then witnesses on Bray Street had called 911, police said. The victim crawled from the woods and was sitting on the ground, crying in the rain, when police arrived.
The teenager only could describe his attacker as a fat Hispanic man who wore a grey hoodie and sweatpants, according to police.
The attacker will be charged with criminal attempted rape and false imprisonment if he's found, police said. "It doesn't matter that (the victim) wasn't a female," Athens-Clarke Capt. Clarence Holeman said. "The suspect's intent was to commit rape."
100-year-old granny dies day after gets degree
Harriet Richardson Ames, 100, realized her lifetime dream of earning her bachelor's degree in education just a day before she died in New Hampshire.
When Harriet celebrated her 100th birthday on January 2, 2010, Norma Walker, the coordinator of the Keene State College Golden Circle Society in Concord, New Hampshire visited her to deliver a certificate honouring Harriet's centenarian status.
Harriet's health was failing, and she was under hospice care. “Harriet was so moved that she started to cry,” Norma said. "If I die tomorrow, I'll know I'll die happy, because my degree's in the works."
“She asked me if I would read the diploma at her funeral if she didn't live long enough to accept it herself,” Walker recalled.
College officials, including Walker, drove the document to Ames' bedside on Friday. On Saturday, the day after receiving her diploma, the newly minted graduate passed away.
The retired schoolteacher died, pleased that she had finally accomplished her goal.
When Harriet celebrated her 100th birthday on January 2, 2010, Norma Walker, the coordinator of the Keene State College Golden Circle Society in Concord, New Hampshire visited her to deliver a certificate honouring Harriet's centenarian status.
Harriet's health was failing, and she was under hospice care. “Harriet was so moved that she started to cry,” Norma said. "If I die tomorrow, I'll know I'll die happy, because my degree's in the works."
“She asked me if I would read the diploma at her funeral if she didn't live long enough to accept it herself,” Walker recalled.
College officials, including Walker, drove the document to Ames' bedside on Friday. On Saturday, the day after receiving her diploma, the newly minted graduate passed away.
The retired schoolteacher died, pleased that she had finally accomplished her goal.
Seven dead after Belgian apartment explosion
Rescue workers have recovered seven bodies from the rubble of an apartment building in Belgium that collapsed after an apparent gas explosion. At least 21 people were injured, including two who are in a critical condition.
The bodies were found well over half-a-day after the five-floor building, in Liege, exploded at 2am (local time) and collapsed at dawn.
Interior Ministry spokeswoman Margaux Donckier said it was unclear if more victims were buried under the twisted metal, wood and bricks from the century-old building.
Earlier there was a moment of hope as rescue workers pulled a 13-year-old girl out from the rubble hours after the explosion.
The girl was said to be "doing well" in hospital by Liege police spokeswoman Veronique Baccus. "We are still looking for people in the rubble, though we are not sure who's there," Ms Baccus said earlier.
The blast was apparently caused by a domestic gas explosion, but police have launched an investigation to determine exactly what happened.
The bodies were found well over half-a-day after the five-floor building, in Liege, exploded at 2am (local time) and collapsed at dawn.
Interior Ministry spokeswoman Margaux Donckier said it was unclear if more victims were buried under the twisted metal, wood and bricks from the century-old building.
Earlier there was a moment of hope as rescue workers pulled a 13-year-old girl out from the rubble hours after the explosion.
The girl was said to be "doing well" in hospital by Liege police spokeswoman Veronique Baccus. "We are still looking for people in the rubble, though we are not sure who's there," Ms Baccus said earlier.
The blast was apparently caused by a domestic gas explosion, but police have launched an investigation to determine exactly what happened.
Rape victim receives 101 lashes for becoming pregnant
A 16-year-old girl who was raped in Bangladesh has been given 101 lashes for conceiving during the assault.
The girl's father was also fined and warned the family would be branded outcasts from their village if he did not pay.
According to human rights activists, the girl, who was quickly married after the attack, was divorced weeks later after medical tests revealed she was pregnant.
The girl was raped by a 20-year-old villager in Brahmanbaria district in April last year. She was so ashamed following the attack that she did not lodge a complaint.
Her rape emerged after her pregnancy test and Muslim elders in the village issued a fatwa insisting that the girl be kept in isolation until her family agreed to corporal punishment.
Her rapist was pardoned by the elders. She said the rapist had "spoiled" her life. "I want justice," she said.
The girl's father was also fined and warned the family would be branded outcasts from their village if he did not pay.
According to human rights activists, the girl, who was quickly married after the attack, was divorced weeks later after medical tests revealed she was pregnant.
The girl was raped by a 20-year-old villager in Brahmanbaria district in April last year. She was so ashamed following the attack that she did not lodge a complaint.
Her rape emerged after her pregnancy test and Muslim elders in the village issued a fatwa insisting that the girl be kept in isolation until her family agreed to corporal punishment.
Her rapist was pardoned by the elders. She said the rapist had "spoiled" her life. "I want justice," she said.
New Zealand jails German underwear gecko smuggler
A German man who tried to smuggle 44 live geckos and skinks out of New Zealand in his underwear has been sentenced to 12 weeks in jail.
The Christchurch court heard Hans Kurt Kubus, 58, had sewn pouches into his clothing to hide the protected animals as he had gone through the airport. Officials said the lizards could have sold for up to $2,000 (£1,239)each.
Kubus had pleaded guilty to capturing the animals, but said they were for his own collection and not for sale. District court judge Colin Doherty told him he had knowingly "plundered part of the wildlife" of New Zealand.
"I don't think you necessarily came here to steal to sell, but I am sure the fact that you might have had excess was figured into your thinking," Mr Doherty said.
Kubus had eight separate pockets sewn into his underwear, separating the different species he had collected, with room for 24 geckos and 20 skinks. Department of Conservation prosecutor Mike Bodie said it was "the most serious case of its kind detected in New Zealand for a decade or more".
"It's similar to stealing our family silver," he said. Kubus was also fined NZ $5,000 ($3,500; £2,190) and will be deported to Germany on his release.
The Christchurch court heard Hans Kurt Kubus, 58, had sewn pouches into his clothing to hide the protected animals as he had gone through the airport. Officials said the lizards could have sold for up to $2,000 (£1,239)each.
Kubus had pleaded guilty to capturing the animals, but said they were for his own collection and not for sale. District court judge Colin Doherty told him he had knowingly "plundered part of the wildlife" of New Zealand.
"I don't think you necessarily came here to steal to sell, but I am sure the fact that you might have had excess was figured into your thinking," Mr Doherty said.
Kubus had eight separate pockets sewn into his underwear, separating the different species he had collected, with room for 24 geckos and 20 skinks. Department of Conservation prosecutor Mike Bodie said it was "the most serious case of its kind detected in New Zealand for a decade or more".
"It's similar to stealing our family silver," he said. Kubus was also fined NZ $5,000 ($3,500; £2,190) and will be deported to Germany on his release.
New Zealand jails German underwear gecko smuggler
A German man who tried to smuggle 44 live geckos and skinks out of New Zealand in his underwear has been sentenced to 12 weeks in jail.
The Christchurch court heard Hans Kurt Kubus, 58, had sewn pouches into his clothing to hide the protected animals as he had gone through the airport. Officials said the lizards could have sold for up to $2,000 (£1,239)each.
Kubus had pleaded guilty to capturing the animals, but said they were for his own collection and not for sale. District court judge Colin Doherty told him he had knowingly "plundered part of the wildlife" of New Zealand.
"I don't think you necessarily came here to steal to sell, but I am sure the fact that you might have had excess was figured into your thinking," Mr Doherty said.
Kubus had eight separate pockets sewn into his underwear, separating the different species he had collected, with room for 24 geckos and 20 skinks. Department of Conservation prosecutor Mike Bodie said it was "the most serious case of its kind detected in New Zealand for a decade or more".
"It's similar to stealing our family silver," he said. Kubus was also fined NZ $5,000 ($3,500; £2,190) and will be deported to Germany on his release.
The Christchurch court heard Hans Kurt Kubus, 58, had sewn pouches into his clothing to hide the protected animals as he had gone through the airport. Officials said the lizards could have sold for up to $2,000 (£1,239)each.
Kubus had pleaded guilty to capturing the animals, but said they were for his own collection and not for sale. District court judge Colin Doherty told him he had knowingly "plundered part of the wildlife" of New Zealand.
"I don't think you necessarily came here to steal to sell, but I am sure the fact that you might have had excess was figured into your thinking," Mr Doherty said.
Kubus had eight separate pockets sewn into his underwear, separating the different species he had collected, with room for 24 geckos and 20 skinks. Department of Conservation prosecutor Mike Bodie said it was "the most serious case of its kind detected in New Zealand for a decade or more".
"It's similar to stealing our family silver," he said. Kubus was also fined NZ $5,000 ($3,500; £2,190) and will be deported to Germany on his release.
Hoon, 80, slept while driving at 160km/h
Australia's oldest hoon driver has been slapped with a suspended jail sentence after claiming he only drove at 160km/h because he dozed off at the wheel.
Farmer and former Sunday school teacher Ron Bell, 80, said his life has been destroyed by his act of hooning last July and he can no longer go to bowls or church.
The octogenarian drove at more than 150km/h for 23km in a 100km/h zone outside Horsham, the Horsham Magistrate's Court heard.
Bell originally blamed his leadfoot on being late for an appointment, police said, but yesterday he told court he had temporarily fallen asleep.
But in a scathing attack, Magistrate Richard Pithouse said this was the most "nonsensical'' excuse he had ever heard. Mr Pithouse said his legacy would be "the fool who speeded''
He branded Bell a "fool'', banned him from driving for five years, imposed a $3000 fine and a 14-day imprisonment suspended for two years.
Farmer and former Sunday school teacher Ron Bell, 80, said his life has been destroyed by his act of hooning last July and he can no longer go to bowls or church.
The octogenarian drove at more than 150km/h for 23km in a 100km/h zone outside Horsham, the Horsham Magistrate's Court heard.
Bell originally blamed his leadfoot on being late for an appointment, police said, but yesterday he told court he had temporarily fallen asleep.
But in a scathing attack, Magistrate Richard Pithouse said this was the most "nonsensical'' excuse he had ever heard. Mr Pithouse said his legacy would be "the fool who speeded''
He branded Bell a "fool'', banned him from driving for five years, imposed a $3000 fine and a 14-day imprisonment suspended for two years.
Hoon, 80, slept while driving at 160km/h
Australia's oldest hoon driver has been slapped with a suspended jail sentence after claiming he only drove at 160km/h because he dozed off at the wheel.
Farmer and former Sunday school teacher Ron Bell, 80, said his life has been destroyed by his act of hooning last July and he can no longer go to bowls or church.
The octogenarian drove at more than 150km/h for 23km in a 100km/h zone outside Horsham, the Horsham Magistrate's Court heard.
Bell originally blamed his leadfoot on being late for an appointment, police said, but yesterday he told court he had temporarily fallen asleep.
But in a scathing attack, Magistrate Richard Pithouse said this was the most "nonsensical'' excuse he had ever heard. Mr Pithouse said his legacy would be "the fool who speeded''
He branded Bell a "fool'', banned him from driving for five years, imposed a $3000 fine and a 14-day imprisonment suspended for two years.
Farmer and former Sunday school teacher Ron Bell, 80, said his life has been destroyed by his act of hooning last July and he can no longer go to bowls or church.
The octogenarian drove at more than 150km/h for 23km in a 100km/h zone outside Horsham, the Horsham Magistrate's Court heard.
Bell originally blamed his leadfoot on being late for an appointment, police said, but yesterday he told court he had temporarily fallen asleep.
But in a scathing attack, Magistrate Richard Pithouse said this was the most "nonsensical'' excuse he had ever heard. Mr Pithouse said his legacy would be "the fool who speeded''
He branded Bell a "fool'', banned him from driving for five years, imposed a $3000 fine and a 14-day imprisonment suspended for two years.
Cash reward offered for Tony Blair's arrest
UK citizens can claim a cash reward by attempting to peacefully arrest former prime minister The Reverend Tony for crimes of aggression.
Newspaper columnist and author George Monbiot has launched a website offering guidelines for people seeking to undertake a citizen's arrest of Blair, as well as accepting donations to reward those who try.
The site says anyone who made an attempt that was carried in the mainstream media would be entitled to a quarter of the money raised at the time they applied for the reward.
It also offers guidelines for making the symbolic arrest, including to "calmly approach Blair and in a gentle fashion to lay a hand on his shoulder or elbow, in such a way that he cannot have any cause to complain of being hurt or trapped by you."
Would-be arresters were requested to then say, "Mr. Blair, this is a citizen's arrest for a crime against peace, namely your decision to launch an unprovoked war against Iraq. I am inviting you to accompany me to a police station to answer the charge.”
It also offers tips on cooperating with the police and preparing for interviews afterward.
Arrest Blair.
Newspaper columnist and author George Monbiot has launched a website offering guidelines for people seeking to undertake a citizen's arrest of Blair, as well as accepting donations to reward those who try.
The site says anyone who made an attempt that was carried in the mainstream media would be entitled to a quarter of the money raised at the time they applied for the reward.
It also offers guidelines for making the symbolic arrest, including to "calmly approach Blair and in a gentle fashion to lay a hand on his shoulder or elbow, in such a way that he cannot have any cause to complain of being hurt or trapped by you."
Would-be arresters were requested to then say, "Mr. Blair, this is a citizen's arrest for a crime against peace, namely your decision to launch an unprovoked war against Iraq. I am inviting you to accompany me to a police station to answer the charge.”
It also offers tips on cooperating with the police and preparing for interviews afterward.
Arrest Blair.
Cash reward offered for Tony Blair's arrest
UK citizens can claim a cash reward by attempting to peacefully arrest former prime minister The Reverend Tony for crimes of aggression.
Newspaper columnist and author George Monbiot has launched a website offering guidelines for people seeking to undertake a citizen's arrest of Blair, as well as accepting donations to reward those who try.
The site says anyone who made an attempt that was carried in the mainstream media would be entitled to a quarter of the money raised at the time they applied for the reward.
It also offers guidelines for making the symbolic arrest, including to "calmly approach Blair and in a gentle fashion to lay a hand on his shoulder or elbow, in such a way that he cannot have any cause to complain of being hurt or trapped by you."
Would-be arresters were requested to then say, "Mr. Blair, this is a citizen's arrest for a crime against peace, namely your decision to launch an unprovoked war against Iraq. I am inviting you to accompany me to a police station to answer the charge.”
It also offers tips on cooperating with the police and preparing for interviews afterward.
Arrest Blair.
Newspaper columnist and author George Monbiot has launched a website offering guidelines for people seeking to undertake a citizen's arrest of Blair, as well as accepting donations to reward those who try.
The site says anyone who made an attempt that was carried in the mainstream media would be entitled to a quarter of the money raised at the time they applied for the reward.
It also offers guidelines for making the symbolic arrest, including to "calmly approach Blair and in a gentle fashion to lay a hand on his shoulder or elbow, in such a way that he cannot have any cause to complain of being hurt or trapped by you."
Would-be arresters were requested to then say, "Mr. Blair, this is a citizen's arrest for a crime against peace, namely your decision to launch an unprovoked war against Iraq. I am inviting you to accompany me to a police station to answer the charge.”
It also offers tips on cooperating with the police and preparing for interviews afterward.
Arrest Blair.
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