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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Death row dog in jailbreak from council pound
A dog hunt is under way on the streets of Casino, Australia, after a daring break-out from the Richmond Valley pound sometime on Sunday night. A one-eyed, tan-coloured Jack Russell-cross named Kyber is now on the loose after busting through a cement brick wall to make his escape – but it is suspected the six-year-old male dog may have had an accomplice on the outside.
“They broke through the wall with something similar to a sledge hammer,” Richmond Valley Council manager of environmental health and regulatory control Peter Cotterill said. “Someone went to a lot of trouble.”
The serial offender had been picked up by rangers before and was on death row at the time of his break-out after having been incarcerated for three weeks. Dogs are normally euthanised or rehoused after two weeks. The dog had accrued about $400 worth of fees during his imprisonment, at $17 per day for feed and board, plus a $40 release fee.
Police and council rangers are calling on Kyber, or anyone who may be holding him, to come forward. Kyber has been microchipped and his name has now been added to the companion animals register as a stolen dog.
“They broke through the wall with something similar to a sledge hammer,” Richmond Valley Council manager of environmental health and regulatory control Peter Cotterill said. “Someone went to a lot of trouble.”
The serial offender had been picked up by rangers before and was on death row at the time of his break-out after having been incarcerated for three weeks. Dogs are normally euthanised or rehoused after two weeks. The dog had accrued about $400 worth of fees during his imprisonment, at $17 per day for feed and board, plus a $40 release fee.
Police and council rangers are calling on Kyber, or anyone who may be holding him, to come forward. Kyber has been microchipped and his name has now been added to the companion animals register as a stolen dog.
Three people killed, 37 injured as spectators storm bullfight in Colombia
A Colombian tradition turned tragic on Sunday when a bullfight spun out of control, leaving three people dead and at least 37 injured. The local bullfight in the Andean community of Sabanalarga is known as the "corraleja", bringing together bulls and local residents in a party-like atmosphere.
Sunday's event, however, took a violent turn as onlookers spilled into the ring and found themselves being chased and gored by bulls. A 20-year-old man was killed during the event, but the other two fatalities, both men in their forties, occurred in the hospital as a result of their injuries.
Doctor Jaime de la Hoz treated one of the victims. "The others who were injured had been penetrated at the level of their abdomen and their thorax. The one with the thorax had to be sent to another facility, and the one with the abdominal injury was treated here," he said.
Sabanalarga mayor, Carlos Roca, said this particular corraleja turned tragic due to drunkenness among the participants, but he did not say if any measures would be taken to avoid such incidents in the future.
Sunday's event, however, took a violent turn as onlookers spilled into the ring and found themselves being chased and gored by bulls. A 20-year-old man was killed during the event, but the other two fatalities, both men in their forties, occurred in the hospital as a result of their injuries.
Doctor Jaime de la Hoz treated one of the victims. "The others who were injured had been penetrated at the level of their abdomen and their thorax. The one with the thorax had to be sent to another facility, and the one with the abdominal injury was treated here," he said.
Sabanalarga mayor, Carlos Roca, said this particular corraleja turned tragic due to drunkenness among the participants, but he did not say if any measures would be taken to avoid such incidents in the future.
Stockholm hotel slammed for sex toys in rooms
A trendy Stockholm hotel which offers its guests complimentary sex toys in their rooms has been criticised by police for "glorifying" the sex trade. Berns Hotel in central Stockholm decided to expand the range of items included in the room price from the standard coffee and tea, minibar drinks, and bedside bible, to include sex toys such as handcuffs, stay ups and a vibrator.
But the unorthodox move has not met the approval of the authorities. "The hotel is trying to glorify something that we are working to de-glorify," said Tom Eckerling from Stockholm police. The hotel has no plans to change its minibar assortment however and reported that the response has been positive from guests, which it claims is made up of a chic fashion, art and music clientèle.
But the hotel said that they try to take into account the needs of different groups and usually remove the items from hotel rooms used by families with children, for example. Stockholm police have for some time been working closely together with the city's hotels to try to stamp out prostitution.
Berns Hotel has for example taken the initiative of removing adult film channels after starting a cooperation with Ecpat, which works to stamp out child prostitution. Despite the criticism over the innovative assortment, neither Eckerling, nor Berns Hotel reception manager Andreas L'Estrade, expect the sex toys to attract prostitution. "There is nothing ugly with sex, that is something that we want to show," he said.
But the unorthodox move has not met the approval of the authorities. "The hotel is trying to glorify something that we are working to de-glorify," said Tom Eckerling from Stockholm police. The hotel has no plans to change its minibar assortment however and reported that the response has been positive from guests, which it claims is made up of a chic fashion, art and music clientèle.
But the hotel said that they try to take into account the needs of different groups and usually remove the items from hotel rooms used by families with children, for example. Stockholm police have for some time been working closely together with the city's hotels to try to stamp out prostitution.
Berns Hotel has for example taken the initiative of removing adult film channels after starting a cooperation with Ecpat, which works to stamp out child prostitution. Despite the criticism over the innovative assortment, neither Eckerling, nor Berns Hotel reception manager Andreas L'Estrade, expect the sex toys to attract prostitution. "There is nothing ugly with sex, that is something that we want to show," he said.
Jury acquits man in costume of flashing large fake penis
A jury on Friday acquitted a 22-year-old man accused of exposing himself in front of a school bus filled with DeLand High School honour students, finding the act was a prank gone wrong. James Richmond did not expose his genitals as police, prosecutors and angry parents said he did, the jury found. Instead, he used a Halloween costume that featured a large fake penis he said was intended to get a laugh. It was a joke no one found funny. Richmond, an engaged utility worker from Sanford, erupted in tears of joy when the verdict was announced. He faced 30 years in prison if convicted of lewd and lascivious exposure in front of the two 14-year-old boys who saw what they thought was a real penis. Richmond, who was arrested in November 2008, also faced being labelled a sex offender for the rest of his life.
"We are thrilled," defence lawyer Aaron Delgado said after the not-guilty verdict was announced in Circuit Judge James Clayton's courtroom. Prosecutor Ryan Will opened his case Thursday by telling the jury of three women and three men that the evidence would show Richmond to be "a sexual deviant." Will said that between Nov. 3 and Nov. 17, Richmond repeatedly drove past the DeLand High School bus on its route in DeBary. "He would expose himself to the people on the bus," Will said. "And he would masturbate for his own gratification." An appellate court earlier this year ruled it was legal for a Hernando County man to put a sex toy "resembling a penis" into his mouth in front of a 7-year-old child.
With that precedent in mind, prosecutor Will conceded that in order for Richmond to be convicted of a crime, he would have to prove the two boys saw a real penis. The boys, whose names are not being published because of the nature of the crime, were among 50 high-achieving students who were on the bus for DeLand High's International Baccalaureate and engineering programs. Each of the two boys testified that on more than one occasion, they saw the man in the dark Volkswagon Jetta drive up and appear smiling and rubbing his genitals. Will criticized the defense lawyers' story that Richmond was simply using a costume he'd worn to Halloween parties as a joke. The defence lawyers showed jurors pictures snapped of Richmond wearing the costume - given to him by a co-worker who said it was made by a 90-year-old woman - weeks before his arrest.
"Just because Mr. Richmond owns a device that appears to be real," Will said. "There is zero evidence that the costume was in the car." The boys, Will said, were outraged by Richmond's act, and wanted to see him punished. During his closing argument, Will asked the jury "not to laugh at Richmond's joke." Delgado reinforced the key thought that led to the jury's decision. Richmond, he said, was guilty of nothing more than a bad joke. "We have the Halloween costume; we have testimony that Jim got a lot of attention wearing it at Halloween parties," Delgado said. "No one is laughing; it's clearly not funny."
"We are thrilled," defence lawyer Aaron Delgado said after the not-guilty verdict was announced in Circuit Judge James Clayton's courtroom. Prosecutor Ryan Will opened his case Thursday by telling the jury of three women and three men that the evidence would show Richmond to be "a sexual deviant." Will said that between Nov. 3 and Nov. 17, Richmond repeatedly drove past the DeLand High School bus on its route in DeBary. "He would expose himself to the people on the bus," Will said. "And he would masturbate for his own gratification." An appellate court earlier this year ruled it was legal for a Hernando County man to put a sex toy "resembling a penis" into his mouth in front of a 7-year-old child.
With that precedent in mind, prosecutor Will conceded that in order for Richmond to be convicted of a crime, he would have to prove the two boys saw a real penis. The boys, whose names are not being published because of the nature of the crime, were among 50 high-achieving students who were on the bus for DeLand High's International Baccalaureate and engineering programs. Each of the two boys testified that on more than one occasion, they saw the man in the dark Volkswagon Jetta drive up and appear smiling and rubbing his genitals. Will criticized the defense lawyers' story that Richmond was simply using a costume he'd worn to Halloween parties as a joke. The defence lawyers showed jurors pictures snapped of Richmond wearing the costume - given to him by a co-worker who said it was made by a 90-year-old woman - weeks before his arrest.
"Just because Mr. Richmond owns a device that appears to be real," Will said. "There is zero evidence that the costume was in the car." The boys, Will said, were outraged by Richmond's act, and wanted to see him punished. During his closing argument, Will asked the jury "not to laugh at Richmond's joke." Delgado reinforced the key thought that led to the jury's decision. Richmond, he said, was guilty of nothing more than a bad joke. "We have the Halloween costume; we have testimony that Jim got a lot of attention wearing it at Halloween parties," Delgado said. "No one is laughing; it's clearly not funny."
Months after winning $1M in lottery, man wins $2M
Who said lightning doesn't strike twice? That person never met 57-year-old Ernest Pullen, who became the first Missouri Lottery player in history to win $1 million or more on a Scratchers ticket more than once.
Pullen won his first million-dollar prize on a "100 Million Dollar Blockbuster" Scratchers ticket in June. He purchased the $2 million winning "Mega MONOPOLY" Scratchers ticket on September 17.
Pullen, who moved from Pevely to Bonne Terre after his first lottery win, said he dreamed of winning yet again. "All the numbers I dreamed about, and all my lucky numbers, were on the card," he said, referring to his Mega MONOPOLY winning ticket.
Pullen and his wife have opted to take the cash payment for both wins. He will receive a $1.3 million payment before taxes for the latest win. But Pullen does not think he'll win a third time. "My wife said she's winning the next time," he said.
Pullen won his first million-dollar prize on a "100 Million Dollar Blockbuster" Scratchers ticket in June. He purchased the $2 million winning "Mega MONOPOLY" Scratchers ticket on September 17.
Pullen, who moved from Pevely to Bonne Terre after his first lottery win, said he dreamed of winning yet again. "All the numbers I dreamed about, and all my lucky numbers, were on the card," he said, referring to his Mega MONOPOLY winning ticket.
Pullen and his wife have opted to take the cash payment for both wins. He will receive a $1.3 million payment before taxes for the latest win. But Pullen does not think he'll win a third time. "My wife said she's winning the next time," he said.
75 brawl during birthday party for 3-year-old girl
The princess birthday cake for a 3-year-old girl was one of the few things left untouched after a brawl that police said involved 75 people at a hall in suburban Cincinnati, Ohio. Some 150 people were at a party at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall in Elmwood Place when the fight started early on Tuesday. Seven police jurisdictions were called in to quell the fighting. "When (first responding) officers arrived there, it was a pretty intense fight going on inside," Elmwood Place Police Chief William Peskin said. "They actually had to wait until they got backup there in order to make entry because there were so many people throwing bottles and chairs, so they had to actually wait."
Police said the hall was being rented out and the fraternal organization's membership was not involved. "We got caught up in a family feud," Eagles member David Frost said on Tuesday night, referring to the group that rented the Eagles' hall for the party. "We're embarrassed by this." Members cleaned up the shards of glass and damaged chairs and a table on Tuesday, said Frost, adding that his organization may revisit its policies on rentals.
The party organizers brought their own alcohol, he said. "I hate to see anybody get hurt," Frost added. The fight apparently broke out between the birthday girl's father and her mother's boyfriend, police said. Police charged the girl's 26-year-old father with disorderly conduct. Four others possibly face charges in the fracas.
Fifteen people were injured in the melee, with at least five hospitalized, including one person who required surgery to the eye due to a cut from a beer bottle, police said. Police said beer bottles were the primary weapons used in the bloody melee. One person in the back threw as many bottles as he could find, Peskin said. A total of 20 officers responded to the scene, where nearly 30 children were in attendance.
There's a longer news video here.
Police said the hall was being rented out and the fraternal organization's membership was not involved. "We got caught up in a family feud," Eagles member David Frost said on Tuesday night, referring to the group that rented the Eagles' hall for the party. "We're embarrassed by this." Members cleaned up the shards of glass and damaged chairs and a table on Tuesday, said Frost, adding that his organization may revisit its policies on rentals.
The party organizers brought their own alcohol, he said. "I hate to see anybody get hurt," Frost added. The fight apparently broke out between the birthday girl's father and her mother's boyfriend, police said. Police charged the girl's 26-year-old father with disorderly conduct. Four others possibly face charges in the fracas.
Fifteen people were injured in the melee, with at least five hospitalized, including one person who required surgery to the eye due to a cut from a beer bottle, police said. Police said beer bottles were the primary weapons used in the bloody melee. One person in the back threw as many bottles as he could find, Peskin said. A total of 20 officers responded to the scene, where nearly 30 children were in attendance.
There's a longer news video here.
Canadian man hears noise, grabs rifle, but stumbles and shoots family cat
Residents of a Red Deer neighbourhood escaped injury when a neighbour accidentally fired a rifle inside his home, but the stray bullet killed his family's cat. It happened at 6:15 a.m. on Sunday on McCullough Crescent on Red Deer's south side.
Police have laid firearms charges against the man. Investigators said the accused was inside his house and loaded a rifle after hearing what he believed was a suspicious noise in the home. The RCMP said the man stumbled while walking through the house, inadvertently pulling the trigger and firing a shot that fatally wounded the family cat, which was in another room.
The bullet continued through an exterior wall of the house before hitting a neighbouring home. Investigators said the bullet missed the man's wife and children, residents living in a basement suite, as well as people in the neighbouring house.
Although police said alcohol played a role in the incident, they didn't elaborate on what led the man to arm himself. Daryl Brownell, 31, has been charged with careless use of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon and unauthorized possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 13.
Police have laid firearms charges against the man. Investigators said the accused was inside his house and loaded a rifle after hearing what he believed was a suspicious noise in the home. The RCMP said the man stumbled while walking through the house, inadvertently pulling the trigger and firing a shot that fatally wounded the family cat, which was in another room.
The bullet continued through an exterior wall of the house before hitting a neighbouring home. Investigators said the bullet missed the man's wife and children, residents living in a basement suite, as well as people in the neighbouring house.
Although police said alcohol played a role in the incident, they didn't elaborate on what led the man to arm himself. Daryl Brownell, 31, has been charged with careless use of a firearm, careless storage of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon and unauthorized possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 13.
Man survives air conditioner falling 6 storeys onto his head
An air conditioner plunged from a building and slammed onto a man who was just walking below in Manhattan on Tuesday morning. Tony Franzese, 67, was walking his dog at around 8:30 a.m. as he did every morning. That’s when an air conditioner fell out of a 6th floor window at 2nd Avenue and 3rd Street and landed on an awning — apparently bouncing off and hitting Franzese in the head.
Franzese suffered a severe head laceration and was taken to Bellevue Hospital. Carmen Barreto lived in the building for 38 years said her son helped clean blood off the victim. “He was very upset and nervous. He said ‘Ma, the air conditioner fall down onto the head’ and I said ‘My God he must be dead’,” she explained.
“He sits here with the dog. He has a little glass of wine. He’s friends with the owner of the place here, and he’s a very nice man,” said resident Rachel Costa. “I heard the crash, like the boom bam bam…I looked over and see the air conditioner rolling and the guy like stumbling trying to get up .. and he went to try and get his dog .. he was more concerned about the dog than anything,” witness Rashaan Betts said.
One tenant told Morgan that the resident in question told her, in his words, “the window just flew open.” Inspectors for the city’s Department of Buildings found that the air conditioner was not supported properly. A violation was issued to the owner of the building — Zenon Chernyk — for failing to properly maintain the building. Chernyck was told to make sure all air conditioning units were immediately secured with metal brackets or the units would be removed.
With two news videos.
Franzese suffered a severe head laceration and was taken to Bellevue Hospital. Carmen Barreto lived in the building for 38 years said her son helped clean blood off the victim. “He was very upset and nervous. He said ‘Ma, the air conditioner fall down onto the head’ and I said ‘My God he must be dead’,” she explained.
“He sits here with the dog. He has a little glass of wine. He’s friends with the owner of the place here, and he’s a very nice man,” said resident Rachel Costa. “I heard the crash, like the boom bam bam…I looked over and see the air conditioner rolling and the guy like stumbling trying to get up .. and he went to try and get his dog .. he was more concerned about the dog than anything,” witness Rashaan Betts said.
One tenant told Morgan that the resident in question told her, in his words, “the window just flew open.” Inspectors for the city’s Department of Buildings found that the air conditioner was not supported properly. A violation was issued to the owner of the building — Zenon Chernyk — for failing to properly maintain the building. Chernyck was told to make sure all air conditioning units were immediately secured with metal brackets or the units would be removed.
With two news videos.
German shepherd accepts lamb as his own
They say a dog is a man's best friend, but in this case it is a lamb's best friend. Snowdrop the lamb and Quanto the dog were brought together in New Zealand at a time of chaos. Born in the midst of one of Southland's heaviest snowfalls on September 19, Snowdrop is lucky to be alive.
Otatara resident Brogan Campbell said when the lamb was born at her grandparents in Tisbury, she brought it inside out of the snow in a hypothermic state. While the lamb warmed up in front of the fire, the household pet, a 5-year-old male german shepherd, cared for the lamb, cleaning her and treating her like his own, Miss Campbell said.
When the lamb was back on her feet, she was taken outside to her mother who rejected her instantly, most likely because of the dog's smell, Miss Campbell said. "Her mum rejected her so she got hypothermia again and had to be brought back from the brink of death."
The dog took the lamb under his wing, and they followed each other like they were joined at the hip, she said. "Quanto thinks he is the lamb's mother and Snowdrop is quite happy to accept that as well." The unusual pair will be together for a while longer until the lamb could handle it back in the paddock, she said.
Otatara resident Brogan Campbell said when the lamb was born at her grandparents in Tisbury, she brought it inside out of the snow in a hypothermic state. While the lamb warmed up in front of the fire, the household pet, a 5-year-old male german shepherd, cared for the lamb, cleaning her and treating her like his own, Miss Campbell said.
When the lamb was back on her feet, she was taken outside to her mother who rejected her instantly, most likely because of the dog's smell, Miss Campbell said. "Her mum rejected her so she got hypothermia again and had to be brought back from the brink of death."
The dog took the lamb under his wing, and they followed each other like they were joined at the hip, she said. "Quanto thinks he is the lamb's mother and Snowdrop is quite happy to accept that as well." The unusual pair will be together for a while longer until the lamb could handle it back in the paddock, she said.
'Toxic bank' truck driven at Irish parliament gates
A 41-year-old man has been arrested after a cement truck was driven up to the gates of the Irish parliament in Dublin on Wednesday morning. The words "Anglo Toxic Bank" were written on the mixer, while its number plate said "bankrupt".
Anglo Irish Bank has become synonymous with the banking crash in the Irish Republic, requiring a government bail-out of billions of euros. The truck was removed at about 0930 BST. A police spokesperson said the man was being questioned on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
A spokesperson for the Irish parliament, the Oireachtas, said: "Access arrangements are now back to normal and there will be no disruption to the proceedings or workings of the Houses Oireachtas today." Fine Gael TD, Fergus O'Dowd, who had just arrived for work at Leinster House when the incident happened described it as a "very serious incident". "As I understand it, at least one Garda (Irish police officer) or more had to jump out of the way of this truck," he said.
"If it happened to have been later in the morning, staff could have been killed, the public could have been killed. As I understand it, this person may have carried out an action like this somewhere else. I think the key point is, that it was an unusual and exceptional circumstance."
Anglo Irish Bank has become synonymous with the banking crash in the Irish Republic, requiring a government bail-out of billions of euros. The truck was removed at about 0930 BST. A police spokesperson said the man was being questioned on suspicion of causing criminal damage.
A spokesperson for the Irish parliament, the Oireachtas, said: "Access arrangements are now back to normal and there will be no disruption to the proceedings or workings of the Houses Oireachtas today." Fine Gael TD, Fergus O'Dowd, who had just arrived for work at Leinster House when the incident happened described it as a "very serious incident". "As I understand it, at least one Garda (Irish police officer) or more had to jump out of the way of this truck," he said.
"If it happened to have been later in the morning, staff could have been killed, the public could have been killed. As I understand it, this person may have carried out an action like this somewhere else. I think the key point is, that it was an unusual and exceptional circumstance."
Duo wear Borat-style mankinis to climb Britain's three highest mountains
Two squaddies almost froze their Borats off when they climbed the Three Peaks – wearing nothing but mankinis. Pals Jon Hodgson, 37, and Andy Watt, 42, braved temperatures of minus 12 degrees with windchill to complete their mad-cap challenge. But they posed in their garish green mankinis at the summits of the highest mountains in the UK. Jon, a corporal with Military Provost Guard Service, said: ”The worst part was the chafing.
”We wore the same mankini for all three mountains so they took some serious punishment. I got through quite a lot of Vaseline to stay comfortable and my knees are sheer agony now.” Jon decided to take part in the challenge to raise money for people like his son, Jack, 12, who suffers from Usher syndrome – a genetic disorder causing victims to go deaf and blind. Jon and Andy, who has a daughter Molly, 16, who also has Usher syndrome, started their challenge in the early hours of Saturday morning when they climbed Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland.
They completed the 1,344m (4,409ft) in five hours and 40 minutes before driving for seven hours to Cumbria to take on Scafell Pike. And they took four hours and 20 minutes to climb 978m (3,208ft) to reach the top of England’s highest mountain. Jon said: ”It was pretty windy going up Scafell and at the top the temperature with the windchill was minus 12. Despite this we still stripped off and posed in our mankinis. It was so cold I went numb, all over.”
And the pair took just two hours to climb 1,085m (3,560ft) to the top of Snowdon in Wales to complete the challenge. Jon, from Gainsborough, Lincs., and Andy, from Maidenhead, Berks., both wore layers over their mankinis for the ascent but stripped off to their underwear for the final approach to each summit. Andy said: ”We can both proudly say we’ve climbed the three peaks wearing mankinis and as Borat would say, ‘is nice!’.” The pair hope to raise £8,000 for charity Sense, which helps deaf and blind people in the UK.
Jon's page. Andy's page.
”We wore the same mankini for all three mountains so they took some serious punishment. I got through quite a lot of Vaseline to stay comfortable and my knees are sheer agony now.” Jon decided to take part in the challenge to raise money for people like his son, Jack, 12, who suffers from Usher syndrome – a genetic disorder causing victims to go deaf and blind. Jon and Andy, who has a daughter Molly, 16, who also has Usher syndrome, started their challenge in the early hours of Saturday morning when they climbed Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland.
They completed the 1,344m (4,409ft) in five hours and 40 minutes before driving for seven hours to Cumbria to take on Scafell Pike. And they took four hours and 20 minutes to climb 978m (3,208ft) to reach the top of England’s highest mountain. Jon said: ”It was pretty windy going up Scafell and at the top the temperature with the windchill was minus 12. Despite this we still stripped off and posed in our mankinis. It was so cold I went numb, all over.”
And the pair took just two hours to climb 1,085m (3,560ft) to the top of Snowdon in Wales to complete the challenge. Jon, from Gainsborough, Lincs., and Andy, from Maidenhead, Berks., both wore layers over their mankinis for the ascent but stripped off to their underwear for the final approach to each summit. Andy said: ”We can both proudly say we’ve climbed the three peaks wearing mankinis and as Borat would say, ‘is nice!’.” The pair hope to raise £8,000 for charity Sense, which helps deaf and blind people in the UK.
Jon's page. Andy's page.
Tourism bosses in 'another fine mess'
Tourism bosses made a 'fine mess' by printing 50,000 copies of a brochure claiming comedian Stan Laurel was born in their county. County Durham tourism office claimed he was born in Bishop Auckland when in fact he was born Ulverston, Cumbria. Bosses have now apologised for the blunder but said they cannot correct the mistake on the leaflet and map because of funding restrictions.
Depending on stocks and funding, an updated version will not be reproduced until around autumn next year. The leaflet says: "Bet you didn't know that Bishop Auckland was the birthplace of Arthur Stanley Jefferson, better known as Stan Laurel." Stan has a bronze statue in Bishop Auckland town centre celebrating the fact he lived there in early life after leaving Ulverston as a child, where he had been born in 1890. Stan, who became famous as one half of comedy double act Laurel and Hardy with Oliver Hardy, moved to America in 1910.
A copy of Stan's birth certificate proving his Ulverston heritage is displayed in the Laurel and Hardy Museum. Craig Wilson, Visit County Durham marketing manager, said it was an honest mistake, and added: "It seems that urban myth has perpetuated an error in the Bishop Auckland town visitor map. Stan Laurel was baptised at St Peter's Church and schooled at King James Grammar in Bishop Auckland.
"His parents also ran the local theatre, but he was of course born in Ulverston. I guess Bishop Auckland is as proud of its connections with Stan as Ulverston is passionate about it being his birthplace. We're obviously both trying to lay claim to some of the Laurel and Hardy magic. Hopefully this will allow us to make it clearer about Stan's early years and allow both Ulverston and Bishop Auckland to share some of Stan's limelight."
Depending on stocks and funding, an updated version will not be reproduced until around autumn next year. The leaflet says: "Bet you didn't know that Bishop Auckland was the birthplace of Arthur Stanley Jefferson, better known as Stan Laurel." Stan has a bronze statue in Bishop Auckland town centre celebrating the fact he lived there in early life after leaving Ulverston as a child, where he had been born in 1890. Stan, who became famous as one half of comedy double act Laurel and Hardy with Oliver Hardy, moved to America in 1910.
A copy of Stan's birth certificate proving his Ulverston heritage is displayed in the Laurel and Hardy Museum. Craig Wilson, Visit County Durham marketing manager, said it was an honest mistake, and added: "It seems that urban myth has perpetuated an error in the Bishop Auckland town visitor map. Stan Laurel was baptised at St Peter's Church and schooled at King James Grammar in Bishop Auckland.
"His parents also ran the local theatre, but he was of course born in Ulverston. I guess Bishop Auckland is as proud of its connections with Stan as Ulverston is passionate about it being his birthplace. We're obviously both trying to lay claim to some of the Laurel and Hardy magic. Hopefully this will allow us to make it clearer about Stan's early years and allow both Ulverston and Bishop Auckland to share some of Stan's limelight."
Police hunt fat female who battered fish and chip shop worker
Police are hunting this overweight woman who got so angry waiting for her fish and chips she punched a takeaway worker in the face. The fat female became irate after she was told she had to wait just five minutes for her fried meal at the chip shop in Paignton, Devon. She was so incensed she tried to grab her money back from the til and then swung a fierce left hook at stunned worker Stephen May, 20.
The tubby customer – thought to be a holidaymaker – then marched out of the shop empty handed. Stephen’s dad, Adrian, 50, who owns the chippie, says his son wasn’t hurt after being punched on the night of September 2. He said the woman had lashed out seconds after arguing with his wife Jayne, 48, when she explained her meal would be five minutes.
Adrian said: ”The woman, who we think was a holidaymaker, had argued with my wife about waiting five minutes for her meal. She then said she wanted her money back and went behind the counter where she tried to open the till. Stephen didn’t know about the exchange between my wife and he customer. He told the woman to stop what she was doing and get away from the till – and that’s when she hit him.
”He was shocked and shaken more than anything else. She left without the takeaway and the money. I think she knew she had been in the wrong.” A police spokesman added: ”We would like to speak to the woman in connection with an assault in which the fish and chip shop man was punched in the face. She tried to open the till without any luck.”
The tubby customer – thought to be a holidaymaker – then marched out of the shop empty handed. Stephen’s dad, Adrian, 50, who owns the chippie, says his son wasn’t hurt after being punched on the night of September 2. He said the woman had lashed out seconds after arguing with his wife Jayne, 48, when she explained her meal would be five minutes.
Adrian said: ”The woman, who we think was a holidaymaker, had argued with my wife about waiting five minutes for her meal. She then said she wanted her money back and went behind the counter where she tried to open the till. Stephen didn’t know about the exchange between my wife and he customer. He told the woman to stop what she was doing and get away from the till – and that’s when she hit him.
”He was shocked and shaken more than anything else. She left without the takeaway and the money. I think she knew she had been in the wrong.” A police spokesman added: ”We would like to speak to the woman in connection with an assault in which the fish and chip shop man was punched in the face. She tried to open the till without any luck.”
Man died after downing pint of vodka in four seconds
A young man died after a drinking session in which he downed a pint of vodka in four seconds, an inquest heard. The grieving family of the “popular” Teesside man in the “prime of his life” warned others about the dangers of binge drinking. Richard Davies, 29, of Lincoln Place, Thornaby, was left “paralytic” after drinking with friends in the early hours of January 16 this year.
An inquest at Teesside Coroner’s Court heard that, at the end of the night, Mr Davies drank a pint of vodka in just four seconds - despite an attempt by his best friend to take the glass off him. Clare said: “When we were told what had happened we were all just so shocked. We couldn’t believe it - we still can’t. Richard was not an alcoholic and just liked going out on a weekend - like most young lads.
He was put to bed in a recovery position but never woke up. He died of acute alcohol poisoning. Mr Davies’ brother Michael, 35, and sister Clare, 32, both from Thornaby, speaking after the hearing yesterday, said more people needed to know about the dangers of binge drinking. “So many people do what he does and more young people need to be aware of the dangers, especially children who drink on the street. You just never think that it can kill, but what has happened to Richard is proof that it does.”
Dr Jan Lowe, a pathologist at the University Hospital of North Tees, told the inquest that the equivalent of 13 pints of beer was found in his blood when he died. He said he believed Mr Davies had died from acute alcohol poisoning. Deputy Teesside Coroner Anthony Eastwood said Mr Davies was “a young man in the prime of his life” who simply “enjoyed a social life with his friends”. He recorded a verdict of misadventure.
An inquest at Teesside Coroner’s Court heard that, at the end of the night, Mr Davies drank a pint of vodka in just four seconds - despite an attempt by his best friend to take the glass off him. Clare said: “When we were told what had happened we were all just so shocked. We couldn’t believe it - we still can’t. Richard was not an alcoholic and just liked going out on a weekend - like most young lads.
He was put to bed in a recovery position but never woke up. He died of acute alcohol poisoning. Mr Davies’ brother Michael, 35, and sister Clare, 32, both from Thornaby, speaking after the hearing yesterday, said more people needed to know about the dangers of binge drinking. “So many people do what he does and more young people need to be aware of the dangers, especially children who drink on the street. You just never think that it can kill, but what has happened to Richard is proof that it does.”
Dr Jan Lowe, a pathologist at the University Hospital of North Tees, told the inquest that the equivalent of 13 pints of beer was found in his blood when he died. He said he believed Mr Davies had died from acute alcohol poisoning. Deputy Teesside Coroner Anthony Eastwood said Mr Davies was “a young man in the prime of his life” who simply “enjoyed a social life with his friends”. He recorded a verdict of misadventure.
Woman ‘posed as man for six-year fling’
A 25-year-old woman has appeared in court accused of tricking two women into sexual contact - by pretending to be a man. Samantha Brooks is alleged to have kept up the pretence with one of her alleged victims for a period lasting six years.
Ms Brooks made no plea or declaration when she appeared in private at Perth Sheriff Court to face two charges of obtaining sex by fraud. It is alleged that on various occasions between 1 January 2004 and 31 December last year she obtained sexual relations by fraud at an address in Bridge of Earn, Perthshire.
She is charged with pretending to one young woman - who cannot be named for legal reasons - that she was a man called Lee Brooks. Ms Brooks, from West Drayton in Middlesex, is then alleged to have induced the woman to consent repeatedly to sexual contact.
A second charge alleges that between 15 and 20 September this year, at an address in Perth, she duped a second woman into having sexual relations with her. Ms Brooks is accused of again pretending to be a man, before persuading the woman to consent repeatedly to sexual contact. She was was remanded in custody to Cornton Vale prison.
Ms Brooks made no plea or declaration when she appeared in private at Perth Sheriff Court to face two charges of obtaining sex by fraud. It is alleged that on various occasions between 1 January 2004 and 31 December last year she obtained sexual relations by fraud at an address in Bridge of Earn, Perthshire.
She is charged with pretending to one young woman - who cannot be named for legal reasons - that she was a man called Lee Brooks. Ms Brooks, from West Drayton in Middlesex, is then alleged to have induced the woman to consent repeatedly to sexual contact.
A second charge alleges that between 15 and 20 September this year, at an address in Perth, she duped a second woman into having sexual relations with her. Ms Brooks is accused of again pretending to be a man, before persuading the woman to consent repeatedly to sexual contact. She was was remanded in custody to Cornton Vale prison.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Mugshot shows duped radio listener's forehead tattoo
One man has proved people will do almost anything for money, after a leaked mugshot has shown him with the name of a radio station tattooed on his forehead. David Jonathan Winkelman was listening to the hard rock station KORB with his stepbrother Richard Goddard back in the year 2000, when the presenter announced anyone willing to permanently etch the logo of the station on their forehead would be in for a six-figure sum.
The gullible pair, who hail from Iowa in the US, upon hearing the offer, paid a visit to the local tattoo parlour and emerged a short while later with Quad City Rocker and 93 Rock etched on their faces. They then went on to hear the most disappointing news of their lives, when staff at the radio station informed the brothers that the competition had in fact been a practical joke – and their six-figure payout would never materialise.
Winkelman has now found that his mistake has been plastered all over the internet, after a mugshot taken when he was arrested on a misdemeanour charge found its way online.
Following the incident, both Winkelman and Goddard tried to sue the station, claiming that it had intended to permanently mark its listeners so they 'could be publicly scorned and ridiculed for their greed and lack of common good sense'. Both cases were eventually dismissed. With tattoo removal often costing thousands of pounds and taking several months, it looks like the pair will have to put up with the funny looks for a bit longer.
The gullible pair, who hail from Iowa in the US, upon hearing the offer, paid a visit to the local tattoo parlour and emerged a short while later with Quad City Rocker and 93 Rock etched on their faces. They then went on to hear the most disappointing news of their lives, when staff at the radio station informed the brothers that the competition had in fact been a practical joke – and their six-figure payout would never materialise.
Winkelman has now found that his mistake has been plastered all over the internet, after a mugshot taken when he was arrested on a misdemeanour charge found its way online.
Following the incident, both Winkelman and Goddard tried to sue the station, claiming that it had intended to permanently mark its listeners so they 'could be publicly scorned and ridiculed for their greed and lack of common good sense'. Both cases were eventually dismissed. With tattoo removal often costing thousands of pounds and taking several months, it looks like the pair will have to put up with the funny looks for a bit longer.
Talking newspapers startle readers in India
Two Indian newspapers are claiming to have notched up a global first by running "talking ads". Last week's innovation proved to be a major talking point. The pathbreaking ads, placed by Volkswagen, appeared on the back pages of special wraparounds published by The Times of India and The Hindu.
When the paper was unfolded a light-sensitive speaker chip was activated. The ads caused something of a stir. Police in Delhi received numerous calls from frightened and suspicious people.
In Mumbai, the bomb squad was called out when people became suspicious of noises coming from discarded newspapers in trash bins. A flight from Delhi to Mangalore was delayed after passengers complained about the noise caused by stacks of talking ad papers. They were offloaded and Air India is now considering a ban on such papers in future.
One reader complained to the Times: "It took me 15 minutes to find a way to get the thing to shut up. They should have added instructions on how to stop it."
When the paper was unfolded a light-sensitive speaker chip was activated. The ads caused something of a stir. Police in Delhi received numerous calls from frightened and suspicious people.
In Mumbai, the bomb squad was called out when people became suspicious of noises coming from discarded newspapers in trash bins. A flight from Delhi to Mangalore was delayed after passengers complained about the noise caused by stacks of talking ad papers. They were offloaded and Air India is now considering a ban on such papers in future.
One reader complained to the Times: "It took me 15 minutes to find a way to get the thing to shut up. They should have added instructions on how to stop it."
Australia's Next Top Model show crowns wrong winner
TV show Australia's Next Top Model has announced the wrong winner during the live final of its sixth series. Kelsey Martinovich had been crowned champion by public vote and was making an acceptance speech when presenter Sarah Murdoch interrupted her. Shaking her head and listening to her earpiece, Murdoch said: "I'm feeling sick about this. I'm so sorry, this was a complete accident."
She then announced the real winner was 18-year-old Amanda Ware. "This is what happens when you have live TV, folks," she said. "This is insane, insane, insane." Martinovich, who had been under the impression she was a winner for about a minute, appeared to take the news well, saying, "It's ok, it's an honest mistake," as Murdoch asked "how could this happen?"
She attempted to explain the gaffe, saying: "The lead kept changing. It was literally down to a couple of votes. It kept going back and forwards... and we ended up with Amanda as a winner". The two contestants embraced, before Ware gave a shocked "thanks" to her supporters and walked the catwalk for the final time. Martinovich was awarded AUS$25,000 (£15,162) by way of apology.
Ware won an eight-page spread in women's magazine Harpers Bazaar, a contract with Priscilla's modelling agency, an AUS$25,000 Levi's campaign, an AUS$20,000 (£12,130) cash prize, a new car and a trip to New York. The show, shown in Australia on Tuesday evening, was broadcast with a live studio audience on the Fox8 pay TV channel, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Sarah Murdoch, a fashion model and TV presenter, is married to Rupert's son Lachlan.
She then announced the real winner was 18-year-old Amanda Ware. "This is what happens when you have live TV, folks," she said. "This is insane, insane, insane." Martinovich, who had been under the impression she was a winner for about a minute, appeared to take the news well, saying, "It's ok, it's an honest mistake," as Murdoch asked "how could this happen?"
She attempted to explain the gaffe, saying: "The lead kept changing. It was literally down to a couple of votes. It kept going back and forwards... and we ended up with Amanda as a winner". The two contestants embraced, before Ware gave a shocked "thanks" to her supporters and walked the catwalk for the final time. Martinovich was awarded AUS$25,000 (£15,162) by way of apology.
Ware won an eight-page spread in women's magazine Harpers Bazaar, a contract with Priscilla's modelling agency, an AUS$25,000 Levi's campaign, an AUS$20,000 (£12,130) cash prize, a new car and a trip to New York. The show, shown in Australia on Tuesday evening, was broadcast with a live studio audience on the Fox8 pay TV channel, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Sarah Murdoch, a fashion model and TV presenter, is married to Rupert's son Lachlan.
Man breaks into ex-mother-in-law's house wearing high heels and pantyhose
Oklahoma City police arrested a man they said tried to run away after breaking into his ex-mother-in-law's home wearing high heels and women's clothes. Charlotte Palmer called police on Friday at about 9:30 a.m. to report a man had broken into her house near N. Council Road and W. Britton Road. "I look down everywhere and saw woman's clothes everywhere and my purse, I think he was trying to steal my clothes and my purse," Palmer said.
When officers arrived, they saw 26-year-old Gregory Adam Streater running away in high heels and woman's clothes. "As police showed up, he took off in high heels," Palmer said. "Turns out it was my ex-son-in-law, so that's awesome." Police said Palmer woke up to Streater standing over her bed wearing a white lace top, high heels and pantyhose.
"The only guy I know that dresses in women's clothes is my ex-son-in-law, that's why he's my ex-son-in-law," Palmer said. A police helicopter and search dog combed the area near the 8200 block of N.W. 90th Terrace, where Streater was found nearly two hours later by the search dog not too far from the neighbourhood and was wearing just one high heel shoe.
Palmer's former relatives said drugs may have led Streater to break into the house and take off with his ex-mother-in-law's clothing. Streater now faces a charge of first-degree burglary. His bond was set at $10,000.
There's a news video here.
When officers arrived, they saw 26-year-old Gregory Adam Streater running away in high heels and woman's clothes. "As police showed up, he took off in high heels," Palmer said. "Turns out it was my ex-son-in-law, so that's awesome." Police said Palmer woke up to Streater standing over her bed wearing a white lace top, high heels and pantyhose.
"The only guy I know that dresses in women's clothes is my ex-son-in-law, that's why he's my ex-son-in-law," Palmer said. A police helicopter and search dog combed the area near the 8200 block of N.W. 90th Terrace, where Streater was found nearly two hours later by the search dog not too far from the neighbourhood and was wearing just one high heel shoe.
Palmer's former relatives said drugs may have led Streater to break into the house and take off with his ex-mother-in-law's clothing. Streater now faces a charge of first-degree burglary. His bond was set at $10,000.
There's a news video here.
Dog nurses rare white tiger quadruplets
Four tiger cubs are being nursed and raised by an adoptive canine mother in Weihai city in China's eastern Shandong province. The quadruplets, born at the Xixiakou Wild Animal Preserve, are a rare occurrence within the white tiger species, which usually gives birth to one or two cubs per litter.
As a result of the larger litter, the cubs, three snow tigers and one white tiger, were abandoned by their natural birth mother and left to starve. The reserve staff brought the cubs to the nursery and provided a dog to nurse the cubs along with her two biological puppies.
Inclined by a maternal instinct, the dog quickly adopted the cubs as her own. The puppies and tiger cubs sleep and nurse together as brothers and sisters, despite the stark difference of species and appearance.
Snow tigers are a variation of the white tiger breed and they are born with white fur and blue eyes. These tigers are much rarer than their white tiger counterparts, with only 200 left in the world.
As a result of the larger litter, the cubs, three snow tigers and one white tiger, were abandoned by their natural birth mother and left to starve. The reserve staff brought the cubs to the nursery and provided a dog to nurse the cubs along with her two biological puppies.
Inclined by a maternal instinct, the dog quickly adopted the cubs as her own. The puppies and tiger cubs sleep and nurse together as brothers and sisters, despite the stark difference of species and appearance.
Snow tigers are a variation of the white tiger breed and they are born with white fur and blue eyes. These tigers are much rarer than their white tiger counterparts, with only 200 left in the world.
Trained monkeys guard athletes at Commonwealth Games
Trained langur monkeys are being deployed by organisers of the Commonwealth Games to prevent wild animals infesting sporting venues in Delhi. The highly intelligent primates have been patrolling stadiums and accommodation blocks to scare off other wildlife including wild monkeys, dogs and even snakes.
Handlers from miles around the Indian capital have been drafted in to patrol the athletes’ village as the final preparations are made for the games. Some teams threatened to boycott the competition after complaining that the accommodation was inhabitable and overrun with animals. One shocked South African competitor even discovered a deadly cobra snake in his room.
Heavy monsoon rains have caused flooding near the Games Village causing many snakes to seek refuge. Commonwealth Games organisers have also been particularly concerned by the arrival of packs of wild monkeys which have been creating a nuisance around the venues by stealing food and attacking humans.
Langur monkeys are noted for their intelligence but also their aggression and are highly effective in deterring other animals from taking up residence. The Commonwealth Games are due to get under way at the weekend and will be officially opened by the Prince of Wales. Probably.
Handlers from miles around the Indian capital have been drafted in to patrol the athletes’ village as the final preparations are made for the games. Some teams threatened to boycott the competition after complaining that the accommodation was inhabitable and overrun with animals. One shocked South African competitor even discovered a deadly cobra snake in his room.
Heavy monsoon rains have caused flooding near the Games Village causing many snakes to seek refuge. Commonwealth Games organisers have also been particularly concerned by the arrival of packs of wild monkeys which have been creating a nuisance around the venues by stealing food and attacking humans.
Langur monkeys are noted for their intelligence but also their aggression and are highly effective in deterring other animals from taking up residence. The Commonwealth Games are due to get under way at the weekend and will be officially opened by the Prince of Wales. Probably.
Swedish court says urinating in public is okay if no one is offended
A Swedish man charged with public urination has been acquitted by a Stockholm court, opening the door for thousands of others to avoid fines for heeding the call of nature in public. Charges were originally filed against the 45-year-old resident of Nacka, a suburb of Stockholm, following a late-night emergency back in March of this year.
While waiting for a bus, the 45-year-old realized he wouldn’t be able to hold it in any longer and went behind a bus shelter to relieve himself, taking care to keep his back toward the sidewalk. The man was by no means alone in failing to obey Sweden’s statues against public urination. In 2009, 5,000 Swedes were slapped with a fine of 800 kronor ($120) for peeing in public. Those who refuse to accept the fine, like the 45-year-old, can then contest their case in court against charges of offensive behaviour.
And if the 45-year-old’s case is any guide, more full-bladdered Swedes may find it worth their while to take their public urination fines to court. In throwing out the charges against the 45-year-old, the Nacka District Court cited a previous appeals court ruling in which a man was acquitted because he didn’t intend to offend anyone when he unzipped his trousers.
“There is a ruling with legal force where a man was acquitted for the same reason after having peed behind a container. The court of appeal found then, just as we have, that the intent to offend or offensiveness in and of itself, was lacking,” Annika Johansson, a judge with the district court in Nacka, said. Specifically, the court found that the 45-year-old had taken sufficient measures to not offend or upset any passersby.
While waiting for a bus, the 45-year-old realized he wouldn’t be able to hold it in any longer and went behind a bus shelter to relieve himself, taking care to keep his back toward the sidewalk. The man was by no means alone in failing to obey Sweden’s statues against public urination. In 2009, 5,000 Swedes were slapped with a fine of 800 kronor ($120) for peeing in public. Those who refuse to accept the fine, like the 45-year-old, can then contest their case in court against charges of offensive behaviour.
And if the 45-year-old’s case is any guide, more full-bladdered Swedes may find it worth their while to take their public urination fines to court. In throwing out the charges against the 45-year-old, the Nacka District Court cited a previous appeals court ruling in which a man was acquitted because he didn’t intend to offend anyone when he unzipped his trousers.
“There is a ruling with legal force where a man was acquitted for the same reason after having peed behind a container. The court of appeal found then, just as we have, that the intent to offend or offensiveness in and of itself, was lacking,” Annika Johansson, a judge with the district court in Nacka, said. Specifically, the court found that the 45-year-old had taken sufficient measures to not offend or upset any passersby.
Australian women break record for racing in stilettos
Four Australian women have broken the world record for the fastest relay race in stiletto heels. The quartet from Canberra completed a 263-foot course at Circular Quay in Sydney in about one minute and four seconds - while wearing 3-inch heels.
A record keeper from Guinness World Records confirmed that the women had set the record and presented them with a certificate. The team, known as the Pinkettes, were the favourites to take first place in the charity race because they are all students at the Australian Institute of Sport.
The women - Brittney McGlone, Laura Juliff, Casey Hodges and Jessica Penny - plan to use their $10,000 (£6000) prize for a trip to Thailand. About 100 ladies — and one man — competed in the race, which helped raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Miss McGlone, a hurdling champion, said before the race that the secret to running in heels was to get up on your toes. A cheque for $20,000 was presented to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, $1000 of which was raised on the day.
There's another video here.
A record keeper from Guinness World Records confirmed that the women had set the record and presented them with a certificate. The team, known as the Pinkettes, were the favourites to take first place in the charity race because they are all students at the Australian Institute of Sport.
The women - Brittney McGlone, Laura Juliff, Casey Hodges and Jessica Penny - plan to use their $10,000 (£6000) prize for a trip to Thailand. About 100 ladies — and one man — competed in the race, which helped raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Miss McGlone, a hurdling champion, said before the race that the secret to running in heels was to get up on your toes. A cheque for $20,000 was presented to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, $1000 of which was raised on the day.
There's another video here.
Council workers paint over dead fox cub
Bungling council workers have been branded ”despicable” after they painted white line road markings over a dead fox cub. Pensioner Roy Gladdish, 66, spotted the creature lying beside a road in Medway, Kent, with white lines painted over its legs. He believes callous council roadworkers decided to paint over the fox cub rather than stop their lorry and move it.
Former lorry driver Roy, and his wife Carol, 58, from Allhallows, Kent, have described the incident as ”distressing”. He said: ”We couldn’t believe our eyes when we drove past. We were so gobsmacked we had to go round the roundabout and come back. I can’t believe how a human being could do something so despicable to an animal. It’s just atrocious behaviour.
”It sounds like a comedy sketch, but sadly it was for real. The fox might have been dead, but it still deserved some respect. It was a pretty distressing thing for us to have to do, but we couldn’t just leave it lying there. It is appalling. It’s so senseless, the council contractors must have seen it when they painted the white lines.”
Roy and Carol placed plastic bags on their hands before removing the fox. A council spokesman blamed the incident on private contractors and revealed the gap where the fox lay has now been repainted at no extra cost.
Former lorry driver Roy, and his wife Carol, 58, from Allhallows, Kent, have described the incident as ”distressing”. He said: ”We couldn’t believe our eyes when we drove past. We were so gobsmacked we had to go round the roundabout and come back. I can’t believe how a human being could do something so despicable to an animal. It’s just atrocious behaviour.
”It sounds like a comedy sketch, but sadly it was for real. The fox might have been dead, but it still deserved some respect. It was a pretty distressing thing for us to have to do, but we couldn’t just leave it lying there. It is appalling. It’s so senseless, the council contractors must have seen it when they painted the white lines.”
Roy and Carol placed plastic bags on their hands before removing the fox. A council spokesman blamed the incident on private contractors and revealed the gap where the fox lay has now been repainted at no extra cost.
Zippy, the deaf dog who knows sign language
He may be as deaf as a post, but that doesn’t stop this little pooch. Despite being born totally deaf, two-year-old Boston Terrier Zippy has proved animals with disabilities can be amazing too. Where others may have given up on Zippy, owner Vicky Tate, has spent two years training him, using her own arm and leg signals. Zippy even has his own special vibrating collar, which Vicky can set off when they are at the park.
Vicky, 65, said: “Because Zippy can’t hear a thing, he has to look at me all the time in order for me to signal to him. If he’s not looking at me, then he is very vulnerable. So if his collar goes off, he knows he has to look at me, then I can signal to him to do what I want. Zippy’s my best pal. I wouldn’t be without him for the world. I enjoy him so much – everybody does.”
Now, Zippy has become one of the top dogs at the Billericay Dog Training School, in Wash Road, Basildon, where Vicky has taken him since he was a pup. He passed the Kennel Club bronze, silver and gold awards for obedience with flying colours. “I’m so proud of him,” said Vicky.
Vicky has invented her own style of signals for Zippy. “I came up with signals that just felt natural for me to do,” she said. If she wants Zippy to sit down, Vicky points her finger to the floor and puts her leg out. If she wants him to stand, she puts her fist out then turns around with her back to him The order to stay involves Vicky putting her hand up towards Zippy.
Vicky, 65, said: “Because Zippy can’t hear a thing, he has to look at me all the time in order for me to signal to him. If he’s not looking at me, then he is very vulnerable. So if his collar goes off, he knows he has to look at me, then I can signal to him to do what I want. Zippy’s my best pal. I wouldn’t be without him for the world. I enjoy him so much – everybody does.”
Now, Zippy has become one of the top dogs at the Billericay Dog Training School, in Wash Road, Basildon, where Vicky has taken him since he was a pup. He passed the Kennel Club bronze, silver and gold awards for obedience with flying colours. “I’m so proud of him,” said Vicky.
Vicky has invented her own style of signals for Zippy. “I came up with signals that just felt natural for me to do,” she said. If she wants Zippy to sit down, Vicky points her finger to the floor and puts her leg out. If she wants him to stand, she puts her fist out then turns around with her back to him The order to stay involves Vicky putting her hand up towards Zippy.
Two arrested after bike and fence theft
Two men were arrested as they walked along a Beckenham street carrying a locked bike which was attached to a piece of fence.
The 19-year-old from Orpington and the 18-year-old from Westerham were spotted in Croydon Road, Beckenham, just after 12am on Saturday (September 25).
They were both arrested on suspicion of theft of a pedal cycle and criminal damage to the fence.
The piece of fence panel was identified as coming from the rear fence of the car park at the King Henry IV pub in Croydon Road.
The 19-year-old from Orpington and the 18-year-old from Westerham were spotted in Croydon Road, Beckenham, just after 12am on Saturday (September 25).
They were both arrested on suspicion of theft of a pedal cycle and criminal damage to the fence.
The piece of fence panel was identified as coming from the rear fence of the car park at the King Henry IV pub in Croydon Road.
Elderly driver transports roll of carpet on mobility scooter
This video shows a pensioner taking home a large roll of carpet – on his mobility scooter. The daredevil driver – wearing a fluorescent jacket for safety – is seen wobbling along a road in Wincanton, Somerset, at speeds of up to 8mph.
His cargo – which is hanging across the blue vehicle – completely blocks the road and the elderly driver even pulls over at one stage to allow traffic to pass. The clip was filmed on a mobile phone by Gary McKenna, 20, who was a passenger in a car behind the pensioner.
He said: ”I was in a car with a mate when we saw him and thought it was rather out of the ordinary. We drove past and parked up and waited for him to come past and followed him.
”I think at times traffic coming the other way could have hit him. I don’t know how old the man was, I didn’t see his face, but I’d have thought he was in his 70s. I thought it was unusual.”
His cargo – which is hanging across the blue vehicle – completely blocks the road and the elderly driver even pulls over at one stage to allow traffic to pass. The clip was filmed on a mobile phone by Gary McKenna, 20, who was a passenger in a car behind the pensioner.
He said: ”I was in a car with a mate when we saw him and thought it was rather out of the ordinary. We drove past and parked up and waited for him to come past and followed him.
”I think at times traffic coming the other way could have hit him. I don’t know how old the man was, I didn’t see his face, but I’d have thought he was in his 70s. I thought it was unusual.”
Michelin-starred restaurant in 'nipple tweak' controversy
The sedate world of dim sum dining is set to be rocked by allegations of sexual harassment among the waiting staff of one of London's best-known and award-winning Chinese restaurants. In an unusual case of alleged workplace discrimination, a gay Chinese waiter has begun legal proceedings against the Michelin-starred restaurant Yauatcha, in Soho, where he says he was the victim of homophobic abuse and harassment by staff and customers. Vincent Ma worked at the top London eatery until, he claims, sexual jibes and a failure to provide sufficient rest breaks for his diabetes forced him to leave.
The 31-year-old says some colleagues began making comments after they discovered he was homosexual. He added that his high workload, coupled with his diabetes, caused him to lose weight, and this made the inappropriate remarks grow more frequent. In his claim, lodged at an employment tribunal, Mr Ma says: "I was losing weight and, due to the tightness of the company uniform, a black T-shirt, my body figure was being shown. On one occasion, my nipples were popped out due to low temperature and one manager said to me it was sexy." On another occasion, his nipples were pinched by a gay customer, he claims.
When he complained to a duty manager, he says he did not receive a proper response but was asked: "Do you like it?" He also alleges that one of the managers asked him whether he was a virgin. Mr Ma said: "My loss of weight leads me to look attractive, but it brought me trouble as I suffered from sexual harassment from some duty managers. I can't tolerate their actions when it becomes frequent and aggressive; I was the centre of the world that everyone makes jokes on." Yauatcha was opened as a minimalist teahouse and Chinese restaurant in 2004 by Alan Yau, the man behind Hakkasan and the Wagamama chain. Its food and staff have become favourites among restaurant critics and celebrities, with one critic describing Yauatcha as "pure Sex and the City territory".
Mr Ma has very little praise for his former employers. He resigned on 29 May after he lost weight and suffered from diabetic retinopathy. "I still have dreams, but I feel negative about this country," he said. "I feel that I was being discriminated. I wonder if there's justice in the world, especially now I am an individual to stand against a company." Hakkasan Limited, the restaurant group which owns Yauatcha, strenuously denies the allegations. Interim chief operating officer David Anderson said changes had been made to Mr Ma's duties after he said he was diabetic, and that he received the same training duties as everyone else, and though inappropriate comments were made, Mr Ma "actively participated" in it. A spokesman said: "Hakkasan and Yauatcha have a company policy not to comment on individual cases."
The 31-year-old says some colleagues began making comments after they discovered he was homosexual. He added that his high workload, coupled with his diabetes, caused him to lose weight, and this made the inappropriate remarks grow more frequent. In his claim, lodged at an employment tribunal, Mr Ma says: "I was losing weight and, due to the tightness of the company uniform, a black T-shirt, my body figure was being shown. On one occasion, my nipples were popped out due to low temperature and one manager said to me it was sexy." On another occasion, his nipples were pinched by a gay customer, he claims.
When he complained to a duty manager, he says he did not receive a proper response but was asked: "Do you like it?" He also alleges that one of the managers asked him whether he was a virgin. Mr Ma said: "My loss of weight leads me to look attractive, but it brought me trouble as I suffered from sexual harassment from some duty managers. I can't tolerate their actions when it becomes frequent and aggressive; I was the centre of the world that everyone makes jokes on." Yauatcha was opened as a minimalist teahouse and Chinese restaurant in 2004 by Alan Yau, the man behind Hakkasan and the Wagamama chain. Its food and staff have become favourites among restaurant critics and celebrities, with one critic describing Yauatcha as "pure Sex and the City territory".
Mr Ma has very little praise for his former employers. He resigned on 29 May after he lost weight and suffered from diabetic retinopathy. "I still have dreams, but I feel negative about this country," he said. "I feel that I was being discriminated. I wonder if there's justice in the world, especially now I am an individual to stand against a company." Hakkasan Limited, the restaurant group which owns Yauatcha, strenuously denies the allegations. Interim chief operating officer David Anderson said changes had been made to Mr Ma's duties after he said he was diabetic, and that he received the same training duties as everyone else, and though inappropriate comments were made, Mr Ma "actively participated" in it. A spokesman said: "Hakkasan and Yauatcha have a company policy not to comment on individual cases."
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Malaysian astrophysicist appointed as United Nations 'Alien Ambassador'
Malaysia’s first astrophysicist will soon become Earth’s first official point-of-contact with aliens if they come a-calling. Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman, who heads the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (Unoosa), would be the nearest thing that we have to a “take me to your leader” person when she takes on the new role. Allegedly the United Nations made the appointment over the weekend.
Dr Mazlan was reported to have told fellow scientists recently of an increased likelihood in the meeting with extraterrestrial life after a discovery of hundreds of planets around other stars. The portal quoted the 59-year-old former director-general of the Space Science Studies Division in the Science, Technology and Environment Ministry as suggesting that the United Nations “must be ready to co-ordinate humanity’s response to any first contact”.
“The continued search for extraterrestrial communication, by several entities, sustains the hope that some day humankind will receive signals from extraterrestrials. When we do, we should have in place a co-ordinated response that takes into account all the sensitivities related to the subject. The UN is a ready-made mechanism for such co-ordination,” she was quoted as saying.
Dr Mazlan is set to talk about her new role at a scientific conference at the Kavli Royal Society International Centre in Buckinghamshire next week. Unoosa, based in Vienna, is charged with implementing the United Nation’s outer space-related policies. The office implements a programme on space applications and maintains a register of objects launched into outer space. It also provides support to developing nations in using space technology for economic development.
Dr Mazlan was reported to have told fellow scientists recently of an increased likelihood in the meeting with extraterrestrial life after a discovery of hundreds of planets around other stars. The portal quoted the 59-year-old former director-general of the Space Science Studies Division in the Science, Technology and Environment Ministry as suggesting that the United Nations “must be ready to co-ordinate humanity’s response to any first contact”.
“The continued search for extraterrestrial communication, by several entities, sustains the hope that some day humankind will receive signals from extraterrestrials. When we do, we should have in place a co-ordinated response that takes into account all the sensitivities related to the subject. The UN is a ready-made mechanism for such co-ordination,” she was quoted as saying.
Dr Mazlan is set to talk about her new role at a scientific conference at the Kavli Royal Society International Centre in Buckinghamshire next week. Unoosa, based in Vienna, is charged with implementing the United Nation’s outer space-related policies. The office implements a programme on space applications and maintains a register of objects launched into outer space. It also provides support to developing nations in using space technology for economic development.
Yoga with sea lions
National Geographic Expeditions Marketing Manager, Sarah Muenzenmayer, recently travelled to Española Island, part of the Galápagos Islands, and tried it out.
It's tough work, but someone has to do it.
Many thanks Marilyn!
It's tough work, but someone has to do it.
Many thanks Marilyn!
Goalkeeper has hissy fit and runs off pitch after letting in soft goal
Moroccan goalkeeper, Khalid Askri, became quite famous on the intertubes last week when he saved this penalty.
On Saturday, the FAR Rabat keeper went one better.
In a home match against KAC Kenitra, he picked up a back pass and tried to dribble around striker Hicham El Aroui.
When his not so nimble footwork went awry, his reaction was somewhat unusual.
On Saturday, the FAR Rabat keeper went one better.
In a home match against KAC Kenitra, he picked up a back pass and tried to dribble around striker Hicham El Aroui.
When his not so nimble footwork went awry, his reaction was somewhat unusual.
Delta Airlines flight makes emergency landing at JFK using one wheel
A pilot has been hailed a hero for landing a packed passenger jet on one wheel after its landing gear got stuck on its approach to New York's JFK airport. A shower of sparks was seen as the plane touched down on the tarmac but all 60 passengers and four crew on the Delta Airlines flight escaped unharmed. It is thought that the pilot had balanced the jet on its left wheel then slowly eased it on to its right wing to slow it down.
The relieved passengers were evacuated through the main door and were taken to the terminal where they were checked over and released shortly afterwards. It was on Saturday night as the Delta Airlines flight 4951 was close to landing in White Plains, New York, when an indicator light in the cockpit went on, indicating the right landing wheel would not come down.
Immediately the pilot diverted to JFK because it has a longer runway and warned the 60 passengers and three crew: ‘Brace for landing’. He calmly told air traffic control that his landing gear would not come down then, referring to his flight number, said what could have been his last words: ‘4951 Roger and, uh better work’.
‘Stay down! Heads down!’ a flight attendant screamed as the CRJ 900 twin-engine jet slammed on the runway and slid to a stop, leaning to its right side. Specially trained firefighters had been put on alert - but the pilot’s landing meant they were not needed. All the passengers were taken to the terminal and checked over before being put on a bus for White Plains, but they were full of praise for the man who saved their lives.
The relieved passengers were evacuated through the main door and were taken to the terminal where they were checked over and released shortly afterwards. It was on Saturday night as the Delta Airlines flight 4951 was close to landing in White Plains, New York, when an indicator light in the cockpit went on, indicating the right landing wheel would not come down.
Immediately the pilot diverted to JFK because it has a longer runway and warned the 60 passengers and three crew: ‘Brace for landing’. He calmly told air traffic control that his landing gear would not come down then, referring to his flight number, said what could have been his last words: ‘4951 Roger and, uh better work’.
‘Stay down! Heads down!’ a flight attendant screamed as the CRJ 900 twin-engine jet slammed on the runway and slid to a stop, leaning to its right side. Specially trained firefighters had been put on alert - but the pilot’s landing meant they were not needed. All the passengers were taken to the terminal and checked over before being put on a bus for White Plains, but they were full of praise for the man who saved their lives.
Urinating clubber short-circuits club
A clubber in Germany literally managed to clear the dance floor when he reportedly dropped his trousers in the middle of the packed club and urinated on a plug socket.
Clubber Guenther Hart’s urinary actions short-circuited the electrics at Munich’s crowded Americanos club, forcing the club to throw all the clubgoers out and close down for the night.
27-year-old Hart was immediately grabbed by bouncers at the club after they spotted his improvised toilet efforts - but he was unable to explain his ‘bizarre’ behaviour, police said.
The club was forced to remain shut for the rest of the night, only reopening the following day after electricians had been called out to fix the problem. A police officer said: 'It is possible the man had issues with the club owner, but we cannot be sure.'
Clubber Guenther Hart’s urinary actions short-circuited the electrics at Munich’s crowded Americanos club, forcing the club to throw all the clubgoers out and close down for the night.
27-year-old Hart was immediately grabbed by bouncers at the club after they spotted his improvised toilet efforts - but he was unable to explain his ‘bizarre’ behaviour, police said.
The club was forced to remain shut for the rest of the night, only reopening the following day after electricians had been called out to fix the problem. A police officer said: 'It is possible the man had issues with the club owner, but we cannot be sure.'
French MEP Rachida Dati confuses oral sex with inflation
France's ex-justice minister Rachida Dati mixed up the words "fellatio" and "inflation" - which sound similar in French - during a TV interview.
She told Canal Plus: "I see some [foreign investment funds] looking for returns of 20 or 25% at a time when fellatio is close to zero." Ms Dati, now a Euro MP, later laughed off the whole episode saying she had spoken too quickly.
Ms Dati also said she was happy to have provided some entertainment. The French word for fellatio is "fellation", which sounds similar to the word "inflation".
Ms Dati left the government last year amid criticism of her management style, and gossip about her clothes and love life. She is now an MEP and serves as mayor of Paris's seventh arrondissement.
She told Canal Plus: "I see some [foreign investment funds] looking for returns of 20 or 25% at a time when fellatio is close to zero." Ms Dati, now a Euro MP, later laughed off the whole episode saying she had spoken too quickly.
Ms Dati also said she was happy to have provided some entertainment. The French word for fellatio is "fellation", which sounds similar to the word "inflation".
Ms Dati left the government last year amid criticism of her management style, and gossip about her clothes and love life. She is now an MEP and serves as mayor of Paris's seventh arrondissement.
Man injured in mobility scooter crash sues bar for serving him too many drinks
A 73-year-old Bradenton man is suing a bar after he crashed his motorized scooter after too many drinks, according to a lawsuit filed this week. John Wasko is suing The Oasis, 6006 Manatee Ave. W., for more than $15,000, claiming bar staff “should have known that he was ... addicted to alcohol,” the lawsuit states.
Wasko was served numerous drinks before he left the bar on his scooter on Jan. 18. He crossed Manatee Avenue West at 55th Street West when he was struck by a vehicle. Wasko was cited by Bradenton Police Department officers for walking into the path of a vehicle. He was taken to Blake Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
He was later adjudicated guilty for the traffic citation, according to court records. Wasko sustained injuries from the crash that he blames on the bar.
“The servers failed to have sufficient training and knowledge to observe the condition of John Wasko and negligently continued to provide intoxicating beverages to John Wasko notwithstanding his level of intoxication,” the lawsuit states.
Wasko was served numerous drinks before he left the bar on his scooter on Jan. 18. He crossed Manatee Avenue West at 55th Street West when he was struck by a vehicle. Wasko was cited by Bradenton Police Department officers for walking into the path of a vehicle. He was taken to Blake Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
He was later adjudicated guilty for the traffic citation, according to court records. Wasko sustained injuries from the crash that he blames on the bar.
“The servers failed to have sufficient training and knowledge to observe the condition of John Wasko and negligently continued to provide intoxicating beverages to John Wasko notwithstanding his level of intoxication,” the lawsuit states.
Segway boss dies after riding Segway over cliff
Jimi Heselden, the owner of the Segway company, has died after riding one of the two-wheeled machines off a cliff and into a river. The multi-millionaire businessman, 62, fell into the River Wharfe while inspecting the grounds of his North Yorkshire estate on a rugged country version of the Segway.
The Segway is a motorised scooter which use gyroscopes to remain upright and is controlled by the direction in which the rider leans. A passer-by found Heselden alongside his Segway in the Boston Spa area at about 11.40am on Sunday.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said today: "Police were called at 11.40am yesterday to reports of a man in the River Wharfe, apparently having fallen from the cliffs above.
"A Segway-style vehicle was recovered. He was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time we do not believe the death to be suspicious." Heselden was worth £166m and ranked 395th on the Sunday Times Rich List.
The Segway is a motorised scooter which use gyroscopes to remain upright and is controlled by the direction in which the rider leans. A passer-by found Heselden alongside his Segway in the Boston Spa area at about 11.40am on Sunday.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said today: "Police were called at 11.40am yesterday to reports of a man in the River Wharfe, apparently having fallen from the cliffs above.
"A Segway-style vehicle was recovered. He was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time we do not believe the death to be suspicious." Heselden was worth £166m and ranked 395th on the Sunday Times Rich List.
Cat in kitchen prompts 999 call
A man dialled 999 to report that a cat had walked through his back door into his kitchen, police have revealed.
The caller, from Gloucester, was politely advised to pick up the animal and remove it from the house.
Audio of the 999 call.
The caller, from Gloucester, was politely advised to pick up the animal and remove it from the house.
Audio of the 999 call.
Shock at dead mouse in loaf of bread
A father making sandwiches for his children was disgusted to find a dead mouse baked into his loaf. Stephen Forse, from Kidlington, Oxfordshire, thought the bread was just discoloured but on closer inspection saw the object was covered in fur — and says one of his family may have accidentally eaten the tail. He bought the Hovis Best of Both bread online from Tesco, which was packed and delivered by the store in Pingle Drive, Bicester in January 2009, Cherwell District Council said. Following an investigation council health officers, makers Premier Foods were ordered to pay £16,821.14 at Oxford Crown Court on Friday.
Father-of-two Mr Forse, from Waverley Avenue, said he had already used a few of the slices when he came to make sandwiches for his children and their friends. He said: "I noticed a dark coloured object imbedded in the corner of three or four slices. Initially I thought it was where the dough had not mixed properly prior to baking. As I looked closer I saw that the object had fur on it. I continued to prepare some sandwiches for the children from another loaf of bread that was in the fridge, checking carefully each slice in turn as I still felt quite shaken.
“As I was feeling ill I couldn't face eating anything myself. I sat with the children as they ate theirs. My six-year-old daughter actually commented at one point 'why aren't you eating anything daddy?' to which I just replied that I wasn't hungry." Council officers noted that the mouse did not have a tail. Mr Forse added: “Her comments made me feel ill once again as there was no indication as to where the tail was.
"Had it fallen off prior to the bread being wrapped or had any of my family eaten it with another slice of bread on a previous day?" Premier Foods pleaded guilty to failing to ensure all stages of food production were protected against contamination and failing to maintain a robust pest management system at its British Bakeries site in Mitcham, London. It was passed to Oxford Crown Court by Banbury Magistrates' Court after justices decided their powers of sentencing would not be sufficient. Council technical officer Aileen Smith said: "Mice harbour disease, particularly salmonella which can result in severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and can be fatal to children, the elderly or those with a compromised immune system."
Father-of-two Mr Forse, from Waverley Avenue, said he had already used a few of the slices when he came to make sandwiches for his children and their friends. He said: "I noticed a dark coloured object imbedded in the corner of three or four slices. Initially I thought it was where the dough had not mixed properly prior to baking. As I looked closer I saw that the object had fur on it. I continued to prepare some sandwiches for the children from another loaf of bread that was in the fridge, checking carefully each slice in turn as I still felt quite shaken.
“As I was feeling ill I couldn't face eating anything myself. I sat with the children as they ate theirs. My six-year-old daughter actually commented at one point 'why aren't you eating anything daddy?' to which I just replied that I wasn't hungry." Council officers noted that the mouse did not have a tail. Mr Forse added: “Her comments made me feel ill once again as there was no indication as to where the tail was.
"Had it fallen off prior to the bread being wrapped or had any of my family eaten it with another slice of bread on a previous day?" Premier Foods pleaded guilty to failing to ensure all stages of food production were protected against contamination and failing to maintain a robust pest management system at its British Bakeries site in Mitcham, London. It was passed to Oxford Crown Court by Banbury Magistrates' Court after justices decided their powers of sentencing would not be sufficient. Council technical officer Aileen Smith said: "Mice harbour disease, particularly salmonella which can result in severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and can be fatal to children, the elderly or those with a compromised immune system."
Man hit by flying yoghurt had to take time off work
A man had to take two days off work after being hit by a flying pot of yoghurt in Torquay. Antony Booth, 38, was hit on the back of the neck by the dairy product which was thrown from a passing car. The attack happened on the Newton Road near Torre Station as he was walking home from work late on Tuesday night. Anthony revealed he had to take sick leave because the assault had left him with a spasm in his neck.
He was heading towards the traffic lights at the Avenue Road junction — on the left hand side of the road — when he was struck by the missile. He cleared off the mess before going to the nearby police station to report the incident. Anthony revealed that it was not the first time he had been hit by objects thrown from cars.
A few months ago he suffered a similar assault on the same stretch of road when a plastic half-empty litre bottle of water was flung at him. "Luckily, it only clipped my shoulder," said Anthony who escaped without injury after the first incident." He is anxious to know whether other people have suffered the same misfortune. "I would like to find out if it's happened to others, or whether I am the only one. I am not too worried about me, but such incidents can cause serious harm," said Anthony.
He said of the latest assault: "The full carton caught me on the back of the neck and exploded on me. It was a bit of a shock. I didn't see what car it was, but I did hear a lot of laughing coming from the vehicle which was heading the same way as me towards Torquay." A police spokeswoman said: "We have not received any other reports of similar incidents recently, but we do take such matters seriously and would urge members of the public to report any such incidents to us." She added: "In this particular incident Mr Booth was not seriously injured but we would emphasise that it is very dangerous to throw objects at people from moving vehicles as this could result in serious injury."
He was heading towards the traffic lights at the Avenue Road junction — on the left hand side of the road — when he was struck by the missile. He cleared off the mess before going to the nearby police station to report the incident. Anthony revealed that it was not the first time he had been hit by objects thrown from cars.
A few months ago he suffered a similar assault on the same stretch of road when a plastic half-empty litre bottle of water was flung at him. "Luckily, it only clipped my shoulder," said Anthony who escaped without injury after the first incident." He is anxious to know whether other people have suffered the same misfortune. "I would like to find out if it's happened to others, or whether I am the only one. I am not too worried about me, but such incidents can cause serious harm," said Anthony.
He said of the latest assault: "The full carton caught me on the back of the neck and exploded on me. It was a bit of a shock. I didn't see what car it was, but I did hear a lot of laughing coming from the vehicle which was heading the same way as me towards Torquay." A police spokeswoman said: "We have not received any other reports of similar incidents recently, but we do take such matters seriously and would urge members of the public to report any such incidents to us." She added: "In this particular incident Mr Booth was not seriously injured but we would emphasise that it is very dangerous to throw objects at people from moving vehicles as this could result in serious injury."
Woman dyed cat pink to match her hair - Update
The owner of a bright-pink cat which mystified onlookers when it hurtled over a garden wall last week has admitted that she dyed the animal to match her hair.
The cat was taken to the RSPCA by a concerned man after it flew into his back garden in Swindon, Wilts. Officers suspected that yobs had dyed it pink before throwing it over the wooden fence. But now the animal has been claimed by its owner, 22-year-old Natasha Gregory, who has revealed that she dyed it herself using food colouring to match her own pink hair.
The mother-of-two said the idea of colouring the natrually white cat - called Oi! Kitty - with food dye came from a US TV show. She said: "It's my favourite colour, I love it. I've dyed my hair pink and I adore pink clothes. Turning Oi! Kitty pink seemed like a good idea. I always wanted a pink animal - a bit like my hair.
"I read the instructions on the food colouring and there was nothing that would harm humans or animals. We eat the food the dye is used on, so I knew it wasn't toxic." Miss Gregory has now contacted the RSPCA, who have been caring for Oi! Kitting, to ask them to return the animal. Officers have washed the cat since it was found, and its colour has faded slightly.
Previously.
The cat was taken to the RSPCA by a concerned man after it flew into his back garden in Swindon, Wilts. Officers suspected that yobs had dyed it pink before throwing it over the wooden fence. But now the animal has been claimed by its owner, 22-year-old Natasha Gregory, who has revealed that she dyed it herself using food colouring to match her own pink hair.
The mother-of-two said the idea of colouring the natrually white cat - called Oi! Kitty - with food dye came from a US TV show. She said: "It's my favourite colour, I love it. I've dyed my hair pink and I adore pink clothes. Turning Oi! Kitty pink seemed like a good idea. I always wanted a pink animal - a bit like my hair.
"I read the instructions on the food colouring and there was nothing that would harm humans or animals. We eat the food the dye is used on, so I knew it wasn't toxic." Miss Gregory has now contacted the RSPCA, who have been caring for Oi! Kitting, to ask them to return the animal. Officers have washed the cat since it was found, and its colour has faded slightly.
Previously.
Prayer vigil cleanses motorway junction of unholy cassette recordings
Junction nine of the M25 may have been hexed, the pastor of an Evangelical church has claimed. Gerald Coates, of the Pioneer Engage Church in Epsom Road, Leatherhead, believes someone "motivated by dark forces" could have been recording messages of evil onto cassette tapes and then strewing the reel around areas they wish to curse. Mr Coates, who lives in Effingham, said he had found large amounts of tape reels in the area, including around the roundabouts that lead onto junction 9 of the motorway.
He believes this could be the explanation for what he described as a "wholly disproportionate" number of crashes on the Leatherhead section of the M25, as well as the number of people who have taken their lives by jumping from footbridges. Mr Coates and Tom Winter, a 17-year-old member of his church who lives with him, organised a vigil on the Kingston Road bridge over the carriageway to pray for the safety of those driving below. The pastor said 25 to 30 people attended, and he was hopeful the event would have an effect on the accident and fatality rates.
"We are going to be monitoring the number of crashes carefully now," he said. "I do believe we will see far fewer incidents, but if the trend is not reversed then we will return for another vigil in mid-December. Mr Coates said he was not certain there was a hex on the road but that he could not think of another explanation for the collision rates. "When I moved here eight years ago it quickly became clear to me that there is a wholly disproportionate number of crashes between junctions 10 and 9 and 9 and 8 compared to other areas," he added.
"I cannot think of any natural reason why that would be, because the human failures of not checking a mirror or a blindspot or whatever happen everywhere rather than being concentrated in one small area. One man said he had seen this black apparition standing over the M25 and it was that which caused a crash. I think people could be cursing it. One thing that people who are involved in the occult do, these people who are motivated by dark forces, is make recording on cassette tapes and then pull them out and put them around the area they have cursed. I have been finding huge amounts of this stuff in the area, including around the roundabout that leads onto the motorway."
He believes this could be the explanation for what he described as a "wholly disproportionate" number of crashes on the Leatherhead section of the M25, as well as the number of people who have taken their lives by jumping from footbridges. Mr Coates and Tom Winter, a 17-year-old member of his church who lives with him, organised a vigil on the Kingston Road bridge over the carriageway to pray for the safety of those driving below. The pastor said 25 to 30 people attended, and he was hopeful the event would have an effect on the accident and fatality rates.
"We are going to be monitoring the number of crashes carefully now," he said. "I do believe we will see far fewer incidents, but if the trend is not reversed then we will return for another vigil in mid-December. Mr Coates said he was not certain there was a hex on the road but that he could not think of another explanation for the collision rates. "When I moved here eight years ago it quickly became clear to me that there is a wholly disproportionate number of crashes between junctions 10 and 9 and 9 and 8 compared to other areas," he added.
"I cannot think of any natural reason why that would be, because the human failures of not checking a mirror or a blindspot or whatever happen everywhere rather than being concentrated in one small area. One man said he had seen this black apparition standing over the M25 and it was that which caused a crash. I think people could be cursing it. One thing that people who are involved in the occult do, these people who are motivated by dark forces, is make recording on cassette tapes and then pull them out and put them around the area they have cursed. I have been finding huge amounts of this stuff in the area, including around the roundabout that leads onto the motorway."
'Darth Vader' tried to sell a scooter
A 29-year-old man who left a message in the style of ‘Darth Vader’ on a Winsford woman’s answerphone has been found guilty of aggressive commercial practice. Anthony Honegan, of Catsbrook Road, Luton, was found guilty on Count Two, contrary to consumer protection from unfair trading regulation, by a jury at Chester Crown. On the opening day of the trial, the court heard how the defendant, who worked for Luton-based Forever Active, had called Valerie Rawlins, aged 57, on June 17 with the intention to sell her a mobility scooter.
Peter Moss, prosecuting, said: “The claimant was not a person who needed a mobility scooter. “She remembered receiving a letter through her letter box and the defendant phoned at 12.03pm with a view to engaging her with the prospect of purchasing a scooter. She immediately said no because of the leaflet. She said ‘I do not want to buy one thank you, good bye’, and put the phone down.
Click for bigger.
“Undeterred by that this defendant between 12.03pm and 1215pm then embarked on a mission. He made his first set of calls in a 12 minute period and the calls became increasingly menacing.” Mr Moss added that the defendant had threatened he may stop her benefits or pension if she did not buy a scooter.
He said that on a voicemail message Honegan had put on a false voice, and said: “It was a Darth Vader voice, a menacing voice, in which he said ‘we know where you are’.” The Winsford resident then referred the matter to the Trading Standards Authority for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC). Honegan is to be sentenced on October 8, at Chester Crown Court.
Peter Moss, prosecuting, said: “The claimant was not a person who needed a mobility scooter. “She remembered receiving a letter through her letter box and the defendant phoned at 12.03pm with a view to engaging her with the prospect of purchasing a scooter. She immediately said no because of the leaflet. She said ‘I do not want to buy one thank you, good bye’, and put the phone down.
Click for bigger.
“Undeterred by that this defendant between 12.03pm and 1215pm then embarked on a mission. He made his first set of calls in a 12 minute period and the calls became increasingly menacing.” Mr Moss added that the defendant had threatened he may stop her benefits or pension if she did not buy a scooter.
He said that on a voicemail message Honegan had put on a false voice, and said: “It was a Darth Vader voice, a menacing voice, in which he said ‘we know where you are’.” The Winsford resident then referred the matter to the Trading Standards Authority for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC). Honegan is to be sentenced on October 8, at Chester Crown Court.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Australian police car in spelling mishap
It was one 'L' of a bad day for the signwriter who took care of this "pollice" car. A sharp-eyed photographer noticed the patrol car, based at Brisbane's city division, had an extra 'L' in the "police" sign written across the driver's side.
The Commodore was spotted on Wednesday before disappearing from view later in the week. The back driver's side door was damaged and replaced recently, which is when the transfer with the extra 'L' was added by mistake.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said the car was delivered back to the city centre police station, where the spelling error was spotted by officers.
But because the car was needed for operational duties, it was used that day before being sent back to the police garage, where the offending extra letter was subsequently removed.
The Commodore was spotted on Wednesday before disappearing from view later in the week. The back driver's side door was damaged and replaced recently, which is when the transfer with the extra 'L' was added by mistake.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said the car was delivered back to the city centre police station, where the spelling error was spotted by officers.
But because the car was needed for operational duties, it was used that day before being sent back to the police garage, where the offending extra letter was subsequently removed.
Commonwealth Games boxer's bed collapses at village
Indian organisers faced more embarrassment today as a boxer's bed collapsed when he sat on it after moving into his accommodation at the Commonwealth Games athletes' village.
Akhil Kumar, who won gold for India in the 120-pound (54-kilogram) division at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, said he was disappointed with his accommodation. "When I sat down on my bed to take a rest, it collapsed," he said.
Video contains fantastic, state of the art graphics.
“It was quite scary. I later discovered that there was no plywood under the mattress, it had just been placed on the frame.” The boxers then complained to housekeeping, to no avail. The coaches and boxers then replaced the bed, bringing in one from elsewhere.
Indian officials said they were doing their best to get things ready. "All efforts are being made to hold a successful games," said Sheila Dikshit, an official overseeing the clean up of the games village.
Akhil Kumar, who won gold for India in the 120-pound (54-kilogram) division at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, said he was disappointed with his accommodation. "When I sat down on my bed to take a rest, it collapsed," he said.
Video contains fantastic, state of the art graphics.
“It was quite scary. I later discovered that there was no plywood under the mattress, it had just been placed on the frame.” The boxers then complained to housekeeping, to no avail. The coaches and boxers then replaced the bed, bringing in one from elsewhere.
Indian officials said they were doing their best to get things ready. "All efforts are being made to hold a successful games," said Sheila Dikshit, an official overseeing the clean up of the games village.
Chocolate boat sets sail in France
A French chocolatier launched a 3.5m chocolate and sugar boat in front of a crowd of hundreds of onlookers in the port of Concarneau.
Chocolate creator Georges Larnicol, who owns a dozen shops across western France, won a bet by successfully building a seaworthy boat from chocolate.
Video.
Chocolate creator Georges Larnicol, who owns a dozen shops across western France, won a bet by successfully building a seaworthy boat from chocolate.
Video.
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