I hope you have a happy, healthy 2010.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Falling moose head gives restaurant patron concussion
A woman is suing a bar on the Lower East Side, New York - where she says she was struck by a stuffed moose head.
In papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Raina Kumra says she was minding her own business at the White Slab Palace on Delancey Street in October when, at around 1 a.m., a moose head "dislodged and struck plaintiff on the head."
"The taxidermy moose head weighed approximately 150 pounds, with antlers spanning over three feet," the suit says.
The impact gave Kumra a concussion and caused her "chronic neck pain, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness and other serious and severe personal injuries," including "embarrassment," the suit says.
The suit says that since the incident, her "overall health, strength and vitality [have] been greatly impaired."
The suit seeks unspecified money damages from the bar for "failing to ensure that the plaintiff and other patrons of the defendants would not be struck by the loosely affixed . . . moose head."
In papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Raina Kumra says she was minding her own business at the White Slab Palace on Delancey Street in October when, at around 1 a.m., a moose head "dislodged and struck plaintiff on the head."
"The taxidermy moose head weighed approximately 150 pounds, with antlers spanning over three feet," the suit says.
The impact gave Kumra a concussion and caused her "chronic neck pain, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness and other serious and severe personal injuries," including "embarrassment," the suit says.
The suit says that since the incident, her "overall health, strength and vitality [have] been greatly impaired."
The suit seeks unspecified money damages from the bar for "failing to ensure that the plaintiff and other patrons of the defendants would not be struck by the loosely affixed . . . moose head."
Falling moose head gives restaurant patron concussion
A woman is suing a bar on the Lower East Side, New York - where she says she was struck by a stuffed moose head.
In papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Raina Kumra says she was minding her own business at the White Slab Palace on Delancey Street in October when, at around 1 a.m., a moose head "dislodged and struck plaintiff on the head."
"The taxidermy moose head weighed approximately 150 pounds, with antlers spanning over three feet," the suit says.
The impact gave Kumra a concussion and caused her "chronic neck pain, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness and other serious and severe personal injuries," including "embarrassment," the suit says.
The suit says that since the incident, her "overall health, strength and vitality [have] been greatly impaired."
The suit seeks unspecified money damages from the bar for "failing to ensure that the plaintiff and other patrons of the defendants would not be struck by the loosely affixed . . . moose head."
In papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Raina Kumra says she was minding her own business at the White Slab Palace on Delancey Street in October when, at around 1 a.m., a moose head "dislodged and struck plaintiff on the head."
"The taxidermy moose head weighed approximately 150 pounds, with antlers spanning over three feet," the suit says.
The impact gave Kumra a concussion and caused her "chronic neck pain, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness and other serious and severe personal injuries," including "embarrassment," the suit says.
The suit says that since the incident, her "overall health, strength and vitality [have] been greatly impaired."
The suit seeks unspecified money damages from the bar for "failing to ensure that the plaintiff and other patrons of the defendants would not be struck by the loosely affixed . . . moose head."
Man drops off 58 guns in 'gifts for guns' exchange
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies expected heavy business Tuesday during the department's "gift for guns" program in Compton.
And sure enough, scores of people lined up to turn in various weapons in exchange for supermarket gift certificates.
But they were surprised at the man who pulled up in an SUV with 58 guns - mostly small handguns but also some assault weapons. Dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, the mystery man offered his cache in a nonchalant fashion.
As is the policy for such events, the deputies asked no questions and eagerly took the guns. They don't know the man's name, and the donor declined to comment to The Times.
After unloading his weapons, the man received several thousands of dollars in supermarket coupons and drove away.
"That should feed someone for a year or two," said Lt. Anthony Lucia. "There were a lot of the kind of weapons used in robberies. We don't know his identity. We don't know if he is gun dealer or what. But that is 58 guns off the street."
And sure enough, scores of people lined up to turn in various weapons in exchange for supermarket gift certificates.
But they were surprised at the man who pulled up in an SUV with 58 guns - mostly small handguns but also some assault weapons. Dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, the mystery man offered his cache in a nonchalant fashion.
As is the policy for such events, the deputies asked no questions and eagerly took the guns. They don't know the man's name, and the donor declined to comment to The Times.
After unloading his weapons, the man received several thousands of dollars in supermarket coupons and drove away.
"That should feed someone for a year or two," said Lt. Anthony Lucia. "There were a lot of the kind of weapons used in robberies. We don't know his identity. We don't know if he is gun dealer or what. But that is 58 guns off the street."
Man drops off 58 guns in 'gifts for guns' exchange
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies expected heavy business Tuesday during the department's "gift for guns" program in Compton.
And sure enough, scores of people lined up to turn in various weapons in exchange for supermarket gift certificates.
But they were surprised at the man who pulled up in an SUV with 58 guns - mostly small handguns but also some assault weapons. Dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, the mystery man offered his cache in a nonchalant fashion.
As is the policy for such events, the deputies asked no questions and eagerly took the guns. They don't know the man's name, and the donor declined to comment to The Times.
After unloading his weapons, the man received several thousands of dollars in supermarket coupons and drove away.
"That should feed someone for a year or two," said Lt. Anthony Lucia. "There were a lot of the kind of weapons used in robberies. We don't know his identity. We don't know if he is gun dealer or what. But that is 58 guns off the street."
And sure enough, scores of people lined up to turn in various weapons in exchange for supermarket gift certificates.
But they were surprised at the man who pulled up in an SUV with 58 guns - mostly small handguns but also some assault weapons. Dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans, the mystery man offered his cache in a nonchalant fashion.
As is the policy for such events, the deputies asked no questions and eagerly took the guns. They don't know the man's name, and the donor declined to comment to The Times.
After unloading his weapons, the man received several thousands of dollars in supermarket coupons and drove away.
"That should feed someone for a year or two," said Lt. Anthony Lucia. "There were a lot of the kind of weapons used in robberies. We don't know his identity. We don't know if he is gun dealer or what. But that is 58 guns off the street."
Man in underwear uses stick to kill deer
Joel Borden, raised in Savannah (population, 7,000), is a true country boy, he says. His friends agree: After moving to Clarksville a few months ago, he was quickly given the nickname "country." And on Saturday morning, after a wounded deer stumbled into his backyard, he earned the nickname.
"I killed it with a stick," Borden said. "My friends are making a big deal of it because I didn't have anything on but boxers and a pair of sandals."
He found the deer when he went into the kitchen to get coffee — it had been shot in the neck, and didn't flee at the sight of Borden. That changed when Borden grabbed a severed, shoulder-height tree limb and gave chase into the nearby woods.
There, Borden hit the deer in the head until it lost consciousness, breaking off an antler in the process. To put the animal out of its misery, Borden cut its throat then called authorities.
Situations like Borden's are not uncommon — though his method of putting the deer down was certainly unconventional. Dale Grandstaff, an officer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, said the agency often fields calls from residents who have a wounded deer on their property because a hunter didn't finish the job.
"Basically, we don't like for the animal to suffer," Grandstaff said. "The best thing a hunter can do is make sure of their shot — you don't want to have to track (a wounded deer)."
"I killed it with a stick," Borden said. "My friends are making a big deal of it because I didn't have anything on but boxers and a pair of sandals."
He found the deer when he went into the kitchen to get coffee — it had been shot in the neck, and didn't flee at the sight of Borden. That changed when Borden grabbed a severed, shoulder-height tree limb and gave chase into the nearby woods.
There, Borden hit the deer in the head until it lost consciousness, breaking off an antler in the process. To put the animal out of its misery, Borden cut its throat then called authorities.
Situations like Borden's are not uncommon — though his method of putting the deer down was certainly unconventional. Dale Grandstaff, an officer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, said the agency often fields calls from residents who have a wounded deer on their property because a hunter didn't finish the job.
"Basically, we don't like for the animal to suffer," Grandstaff said. "The best thing a hunter can do is make sure of their shot — you don't want to have to track (a wounded deer)."
Man in underwear uses stick to kill deer
Joel Borden, raised in Savannah (population, 7,000), is a true country boy, he says. His friends agree: After moving to Clarksville a few months ago, he was quickly given the nickname "country." And on Saturday morning, after a wounded deer stumbled into his backyard, he earned the nickname.
"I killed it with a stick," Borden said. "My friends are making a big deal of it because I didn't have anything on but boxers and a pair of sandals."
He found the deer when he went into the kitchen to get coffee — it had been shot in the neck, and didn't flee at the sight of Borden. That changed when Borden grabbed a severed, shoulder-height tree limb and gave chase into the nearby woods.
There, Borden hit the deer in the head until it lost consciousness, breaking off an antler in the process. To put the animal out of its misery, Borden cut its throat then called authorities.
Situations like Borden's are not uncommon — though his method of putting the deer down was certainly unconventional. Dale Grandstaff, an officer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, said the agency often fields calls from residents who have a wounded deer on their property because a hunter didn't finish the job.
"Basically, we don't like for the animal to suffer," Grandstaff said. "The best thing a hunter can do is make sure of their shot — you don't want to have to track (a wounded deer)."
"I killed it with a stick," Borden said. "My friends are making a big deal of it because I didn't have anything on but boxers and a pair of sandals."
He found the deer when he went into the kitchen to get coffee — it had been shot in the neck, and didn't flee at the sight of Borden. That changed when Borden grabbed a severed, shoulder-height tree limb and gave chase into the nearby woods.
There, Borden hit the deer in the head until it lost consciousness, breaking off an antler in the process. To put the animal out of its misery, Borden cut its throat then called authorities.
Situations like Borden's are not uncommon — though his method of putting the deer down was certainly unconventional. Dale Grandstaff, an officer with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, said the agency often fields calls from residents who have a wounded deer on their property because a hunter didn't finish the job.
"Basically, we don't like for the animal to suffer," Grandstaff said. "The best thing a hunter can do is make sure of their shot — you don't want to have to track (a wounded deer)."
Snake saves family from fire
A Chinese man who nursed a dying snake back to health claims it saved his family by raising the alarm when their house was on fire. Yu Feng, of Fushun, in Liaoning province, found the dying black snake outside his home.
He took the snake to a nearby mountain more than a mile away to release it back into the wild - but the next morning it was back at his house. "I then set it free another two times, but it always came back," Yu added. "People around me said the snake had come back to repay my kindness, so I kept it."
He named the snake Long Long and adopted it as a pet - then one night, he claims it saved the whole family.
Yu explained: "I was asleep when suddenly I felt something cold on my face. I opened my eyes and it was Long Long. He had never woken me up before but I was so sleepy I went back to sleep. But Long Long grabbed my clothes with his teeth and whipped the bed with his tail.
"Then he went to my mother's bed and whipped her bed with his tail. I woke up then and smelt something burning, and saw my mother's electric blanket was on fire so I leapt up and turned it off."
Local reptile experts say snakes don't have the intelligence to act in this way - but Yu believes Long Long acted out of kindness, to repay Feng for saving his own life.
He took the snake to a nearby mountain more than a mile away to release it back into the wild - but the next morning it was back at his house. "I then set it free another two times, but it always came back," Yu added. "People around me said the snake had come back to repay my kindness, so I kept it."
He named the snake Long Long and adopted it as a pet - then one night, he claims it saved the whole family.
Yu explained: "I was asleep when suddenly I felt something cold on my face. I opened my eyes and it was Long Long. He had never woken me up before but I was so sleepy I went back to sleep. But Long Long grabbed my clothes with his teeth and whipped the bed with his tail.
"Then he went to my mother's bed and whipped her bed with his tail. I woke up then and smelt something burning, and saw my mother's electric blanket was on fire so I leapt up and turned it off."
Local reptile experts say snakes don't have the intelligence to act in this way - but Yu believes Long Long acted out of kindness, to repay Feng for saving his own life.
Snake saves family from fire
A Chinese man who nursed a dying snake back to health claims it saved his family by raising the alarm when their house was on fire. Yu Feng, of Fushun, in Liaoning province, found the dying black snake outside his home.
He took the snake to a nearby mountain more than a mile away to release it back into the wild - but the next morning it was back at his house. "I then set it free another two times, but it always came back," Yu added. "People around me said the snake had come back to repay my kindness, so I kept it."
He named the snake Long Long and adopted it as a pet - then one night, he claims it saved the whole family.
Yu explained: "I was asleep when suddenly I felt something cold on my face. I opened my eyes and it was Long Long. He had never woken me up before but I was so sleepy I went back to sleep. But Long Long grabbed my clothes with his teeth and whipped the bed with his tail.
"Then he went to my mother's bed and whipped her bed with his tail. I woke up then and smelt something burning, and saw my mother's electric blanket was on fire so I leapt up and turned it off."
Local reptile experts say snakes don't have the intelligence to act in this way - but Yu believes Long Long acted out of kindness, to repay Feng for saving his own life.
He took the snake to a nearby mountain more than a mile away to release it back into the wild - but the next morning it was back at his house. "I then set it free another two times, but it always came back," Yu added. "People around me said the snake had come back to repay my kindness, so I kept it."
He named the snake Long Long and adopted it as a pet - then one night, he claims it saved the whole family.
Yu explained: "I was asleep when suddenly I felt something cold on my face. I opened my eyes and it was Long Long. He had never woken me up before but I was so sleepy I went back to sleep. But Long Long grabbed my clothes with his teeth and whipped the bed with his tail.
"Then he went to my mother's bed and whipped her bed with his tail. I woke up then and smelt something burning, and saw my mother's electric blanket was on fire so I leapt up and turned it off."
Local reptile experts say snakes don't have the intelligence to act in this way - but Yu believes Long Long acted out of kindness, to repay Feng for saving his own life.
Queen's writes condolence letter for owner of dead dog
The Queen felt so sorry for a pensioner whose beloved pet dog had died she wrote to him to cheer him up.
The dog-loving monarch's letter to Stan Lee, 95, said she was 'so sorry' to hear of the death of his 13-year-old dog, Teddy.
The Japanese Chin died of shock after a fall from a bed at Mr Lee's home in Tiverton, Devon. Mr Lee wrote to Buckingham Palace about his grief and within a week received a reply from Her Majesty.
Lady-in-waiting Jennifer Gordont Lennox, who replied on behalf of the sovereign, said: 'The Queen wishes me to write and thank you for your letter.
'Her Majesty was so sorry to learn of the death of your little dog, Teddy, and can understand how much you will miss his faithful companionship. The Queen was very sorry too, to hear of the other difficulties you have had to face, but glad to know that you have received so much support from your friends.
'Her Majesty was touched by your letter, and I am to thank you again for writing to The Queen at this time.'
The dog-loving monarch's letter to Stan Lee, 95, said she was 'so sorry' to hear of the death of his 13-year-old dog, Teddy.
The Japanese Chin died of shock after a fall from a bed at Mr Lee's home in Tiverton, Devon. Mr Lee wrote to Buckingham Palace about his grief and within a week received a reply from Her Majesty.
Lady-in-waiting Jennifer Gordont Lennox, who replied on behalf of the sovereign, said: 'The Queen wishes me to write and thank you for your letter.
'Her Majesty was so sorry to learn of the death of your little dog, Teddy, and can understand how much you will miss his faithful companionship. The Queen was very sorry too, to hear of the other difficulties you have had to face, but glad to know that you have received so much support from your friends.
'Her Majesty was touched by your letter, and I am to thank you again for writing to The Queen at this time.'
Queen's writes condolence letter for owner of dead dog
The Queen felt so sorry for a pensioner whose beloved pet dog had died she wrote to him to cheer him up.
The dog-loving monarch's letter to Stan Lee, 95, said she was 'so sorry' to hear of the death of his 13-year-old dog, Teddy.
The Japanese Chin died of shock after a fall from a bed at Mr Lee's home in Tiverton, Devon. Mr Lee wrote to Buckingham Palace about his grief and within a week received a reply from Her Majesty.
Lady-in-waiting Jennifer Gordont Lennox, who replied on behalf of the sovereign, said: 'The Queen wishes me to write and thank you for your letter.
'Her Majesty was so sorry to learn of the death of your little dog, Teddy, and can understand how much you will miss his faithful companionship. The Queen was very sorry too, to hear of the other difficulties you have had to face, but glad to know that you have received so much support from your friends.
'Her Majesty was touched by your letter, and I am to thank you again for writing to The Queen at this time.'
The dog-loving monarch's letter to Stan Lee, 95, said she was 'so sorry' to hear of the death of his 13-year-old dog, Teddy.
The Japanese Chin died of shock after a fall from a bed at Mr Lee's home in Tiverton, Devon. Mr Lee wrote to Buckingham Palace about his grief and within a week received a reply from Her Majesty.
Lady-in-waiting Jennifer Gordont Lennox, who replied on behalf of the sovereign, said: 'The Queen wishes me to write and thank you for your letter.
'Her Majesty was so sorry to learn of the death of your little dog, Teddy, and can understand how much you will miss his faithful companionship. The Queen was very sorry too, to hear of the other difficulties you have had to face, but glad to know that you have received so much support from your friends.
'Her Majesty was touched by your letter, and I am to thank you again for writing to The Queen at this time.'
Shoplift suggesting priest drenched in spaghetti and ravioli - Update
The priest at the centre of the storm about shoplifting has had a bucket of spaghetti and ravioli poured on him.
Father Tim Jones, the parish priest of St Lawrence and St Hilda, had finished his sermon on Sunday and left the church in Lawrence Street by the rear when Martin Stot threw a bucket of spaghetti and ravioli at him – a reference to Father Jones saying it was better for the hungry and desperate to steal tinned ravioli from a supermarket than to commit violent crime.
Mr Stot, 48, of Lawrence Street, said he filled the bucket with 30 cans of spaghetti and ravioli to throw over Father Jones as he felt the priest’s comments could encourage young people to steal. He said: “One theft could be on their record for ten years. It would be difficult for them to get a job. I was just offended by what he said. I just got this thing in my head where I thought I would make my own little protest.”
Mr Stot, who did not want to show his full face, said he bought the tinned food from Asda and hid the bucket in a phone box while he waited for Father Jones to emerge from the church.
When Father Jones came out, Mr Stot threw half of the bucket’s contents down Father Jones’s robes. He said the vicar then stopped to allow him to throw the rest of the spaghetti, although he did not. Mr Stot said he had considered whether his actions would be construed as assault, but decided that his protest was worth making.
Father Jones said it was initially very frightening until he realised Mr Stot meant him no physical harm. He would not be complaining to police. He said: “It was a frightening and humbling experience, as was the intention. In conversation with the man afterwards, it emerged that his has been a very hard life indeed.”
Previously.
Father Tim Jones, the parish priest of St Lawrence and St Hilda, had finished his sermon on Sunday and left the church in Lawrence Street by the rear when Martin Stot threw a bucket of spaghetti and ravioli at him – a reference to Father Jones saying it was better for the hungry and desperate to steal tinned ravioli from a supermarket than to commit violent crime.
Mr Stot, 48, of Lawrence Street, said he filled the bucket with 30 cans of spaghetti and ravioli to throw over Father Jones as he felt the priest’s comments could encourage young people to steal. He said: “One theft could be on their record for ten years. It would be difficult for them to get a job. I was just offended by what he said. I just got this thing in my head where I thought I would make my own little protest.”
Mr Stot, who did not want to show his full face, said he bought the tinned food from Asda and hid the bucket in a phone box while he waited for Father Jones to emerge from the church.
When Father Jones came out, Mr Stot threw half of the bucket’s contents down Father Jones’s robes. He said the vicar then stopped to allow him to throw the rest of the spaghetti, although he did not. Mr Stot said he had considered whether his actions would be construed as assault, but decided that his protest was worth making.
Father Jones said it was initially very frightening until he realised Mr Stot meant him no physical harm. He would not be complaining to police. He said: “It was a frightening and humbling experience, as was the intention. In conversation with the man afterwards, it emerged that his has been a very hard life indeed.”
Previously.
Shoplift suggesting priest drenched in spaghetti and ravioli - Update
The priest at the centre of the storm about shoplifting has had a bucket of spaghetti and ravioli poured on him.
Father Tim Jones, the parish priest of St Lawrence and St Hilda, had finished his sermon on Sunday and left the church in Lawrence Street by the rear when Martin Stot threw a bucket of spaghetti and ravioli at him – a reference to Father Jones saying it was better for the hungry and desperate to steal tinned ravioli from a supermarket than to commit violent crime.
Mr Stot, 48, of Lawrence Street, said he filled the bucket with 30 cans of spaghetti and ravioli to throw over Father Jones as he felt the priest’s comments could encourage young people to steal. He said: “One theft could be on their record for ten years. It would be difficult for them to get a job. I was just offended by what he said. I just got this thing in my head where I thought I would make my own little protest.”
Mr Stot, who did not want to show his full face, said he bought the tinned food from Asda and hid the bucket in a phone box while he waited for Father Jones to emerge from the church.
When Father Jones came out, Mr Stot threw half of the bucket’s contents down Father Jones’s robes. He said the vicar then stopped to allow him to throw the rest of the spaghetti, although he did not. Mr Stot said he had considered whether his actions would be construed as assault, but decided that his protest was worth making.
Father Jones said it was initially very frightening until he realised Mr Stot meant him no physical harm. He would not be complaining to police. He said: “It was a frightening and humbling experience, as was the intention. In conversation with the man afterwards, it emerged that his has been a very hard life indeed.”
Previously.
Father Tim Jones, the parish priest of St Lawrence and St Hilda, had finished his sermon on Sunday and left the church in Lawrence Street by the rear when Martin Stot threw a bucket of spaghetti and ravioli at him – a reference to Father Jones saying it was better for the hungry and desperate to steal tinned ravioli from a supermarket than to commit violent crime.
Mr Stot, 48, of Lawrence Street, said he filled the bucket with 30 cans of spaghetti and ravioli to throw over Father Jones as he felt the priest’s comments could encourage young people to steal. He said: “One theft could be on their record for ten years. It would be difficult for them to get a job. I was just offended by what he said. I just got this thing in my head where I thought I would make my own little protest.”
Mr Stot, who did not want to show his full face, said he bought the tinned food from Asda and hid the bucket in a phone box while he waited for Father Jones to emerge from the church.
When Father Jones came out, Mr Stot threw half of the bucket’s contents down Father Jones’s robes. He said the vicar then stopped to allow him to throw the rest of the spaghetti, although he did not. Mr Stot said he had considered whether his actions would be construed as assault, but decided that his protest was worth making.
Father Jones said it was initially very frightening until he realised Mr Stot meant him no physical harm. He would not be complaining to police. He said: “It was a frightening and humbling experience, as was the intention. In conversation with the man afterwards, it emerged that his has been a very hard life indeed.”
Previously.
'Britain's oldest duck' Edwina dies aged 22
A 22-year-old tea drinking mallard, thought to be one of the oldest recorded living ducks, has died.
Edwina was rescued by Ian Knight and Christine Christopher two decades ago after she was almost pecked to death by her family.
Photo from here.
The couple, from Ringwood, Hampshire, initially called her Edward but changed her name when she started to lay eggs.
Mr Knight said Edwina, who died on Monday, had been buried in their garden under an ornamental duck as a memorial.
Video.
Edwina was rescued by Ian Knight and Christine Christopher two decades ago after she was almost pecked to death by her family.
Photo from here.
The couple, from Ringwood, Hampshire, initially called her Edward but changed her name when she started to lay eggs.
Mr Knight said Edwina, who died on Monday, had been buried in their garden under an ornamental duck as a memorial.
Video.
'Britain's oldest duck' Edwina dies aged 22
A 22-year-old tea drinking mallard, thought to be one of the oldest recorded living ducks, has died.
Edwina was rescued by Ian Knight and Christine Christopher two decades ago after she was almost pecked to death by her family.
Photo from here.
The couple, from Ringwood, Hampshire, initially called her Edward but changed her name when she started to lay eggs.
Mr Knight said Edwina, who died on Monday, had been buried in their garden under an ornamental duck as a memorial.
Video.
Edwina was rescued by Ian Knight and Christine Christopher two decades ago after she was almost pecked to death by her family.
Photo from here.
The couple, from Ringwood, Hampshire, initially called her Edward but changed her name when she started to lay eggs.
Mr Knight said Edwina, who died on Monday, had been buried in their garden under an ornamental duck as a memorial.
Video.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Funeral home offers drunk drivers free burial
The owner of a north Georgia funeral home has quite a deal if you plan to drink and drive on New Year's Eve. Sign an agreement, and you can qualify for a free burial.
It's a freebie that no one has signed up to accept.
"In today's society, you have to go to the extreme sometimes to get their attention," says Barry Miller, owner of McGuire Jennings Miller Funeral Home in Rome.
Long before he opened his first funeral home, Miller lost a loved one who was killed by a drunk driver.
The pain of that memory is driving his offer. Between now and noon on Thursday, you can sign an agreement admitting you plan to get behind the wheel while intoxicated on New Year's Eve. Crash and kill yourself while impaired, and the funeral home will give you a casket, flowers, burial, and a bronze marker, all for free.
Miller doesn't expect anyone will ever take him up on the offer ... "We want to make people stop and think," says Miller. "I'm doing this to motivate someone to make the right decision."
With news video.
It's a freebie that no one has signed up to accept.
"In today's society, you have to go to the extreme sometimes to get their attention," says Barry Miller, owner of McGuire Jennings Miller Funeral Home in Rome.
Long before he opened his first funeral home, Miller lost a loved one who was killed by a drunk driver.
The pain of that memory is driving his offer. Between now and noon on Thursday, you can sign an agreement admitting you plan to get behind the wheel while intoxicated on New Year's Eve. Crash and kill yourself while impaired, and the funeral home will give you a casket, flowers, burial, and a bronze marker, all for free.
Miller doesn't expect anyone will ever take him up on the offer ... "We want to make people stop and think," says Miller. "I'm doing this to motivate someone to make the right decision."
With news video.
Funeral home offers drunk drivers free burial
The owner of a north Georgia funeral home has quite a deal if you plan to drink and drive on New Year's Eve. Sign an agreement, and you can qualify for a free burial.
It's a freebie that no one has signed up to accept.
"In today's society, you have to go to the extreme sometimes to get their attention," says Barry Miller, owner of McGuire Jennings Miller Funeral Home in Rome.
Long before he opened his first funeral home, Miller lost a loved one who was killed by a drunk driver.
The pain of that memory is driving his offer. Between now and noon on Thursday, you can sign an agreement admitting you plan to get behind the wheel while intoxicated on New Year's Eve. Crash and kill yourself while impaired, and the funeral home will give you a casket, flowers, burial, and a bronze marker, all for free.
Miller doesn't expect anyone will ever take him up on the offer ... "We want to make people stop and think," says Miller. "I'm doing this to motivate someone to make the right decision."
With news video.
It's a freebie that no one has signed up to accept.
"In today's society, you have to go to the extreme sometimes to get their attention," says Barry Miller, owner of McGuire Jennings Miller Funeral Home in Rome.
Long before he opened his first funeral home, Miller lost a loved one who was killed by a drunk driver.
The pain of that memory is driving his offer. Between now and noon on Thursday, you can sign an agreement admitting you plan to get behind the wheel while intoxicated on New Year's Eve. Crash and kill yourself while impaired, and the funeral home will give you a casket, flowers, burial, and a bronze marker, all for free.
Miller doesn't expect anyone will ever take him up on the offer ... "We want to make people stop and think," says Miller. "I'm doing this to motivate someone to make the right decision."
With news video.
Granny, 109, born before there was cake
When she was born only white settlers could eat cake, Africans did not know what it was. The railway was still under construction, there were eno roads and the region that is Kenya was then known as British East Africa Protectorate. Last week, she savoured a cream-coated cake to mark her 109th birthday and recalled milestones in her life that sound like chapters in the history of Kenya.
Rocking her head slowly to the tune of gospel music playing from a radio, Naomi Wanjiku Nduru bared a toothless gum in a broad smile as she joked, "I still feel like a girl".
During her birthday, celebrated at a house in Bangladesh Estate, Nakuru, she was surrounded by grandchildren and great grandchildren who revelled in the presence of their family scion.
Speaking in a shrill voice in Kikuyu language, Wanjiku acknowledges that she is one of few people in the world to attain 100 plus years. Her husband and five children have all passed away, leaving her under the care of her grandchildren.
According to Wanjiku’s granddaughter, Jane Wacuka, her grandmother was born on December 19, 1900 at Gatundu in Kiambu. The date of birth was specifically recorded by European missionaries who worked in the area then and she managed to keep the record.
Kenya was declared a British colony when she was 20 years old. Then, she recalls, the only money available were cent coins which had a hole in the middle.
Rocking her head slowly to the tune of gospel music playing from a radio, Naomi Wanjiku Nduru bared a toothless gum in a broad smile as she joked, "I still feel like a girl".
During her birthday, celebrated at a house in Bangladesh Estate, Nakuru, she was surrounded by grandchildren and great grandchildren who revelled in the presence of their family scion.
Speaking in a shrill voice in Kikuyu language, Wanjiku acknowledges that she is one of few people in the world to attain 100 plus years. Her husband and five children have all passed away, leaving her under the care of her grandchildren.
According to Wanjiku’s granddaughter, Jane Wacuka, her grandmother was born on December 19, 1900 at Gatundu in Kiambu. The date of birth was specifically recorded by European missionaries who worked in the area then and she managed to keep the record.
Kenya was declared a British colony when she was 20 years old. Then, she recalls, the only money available were cent coins which had a hole in the middle.
Granny, 109, born before there was cake
When she was born only white settlers could eat cake, Africans did not know what it was. The railway was still under construction, there were eno roads and the region that is Kenya was then known as British East Africa Protectorate. Last week, she savoured a cream-coated cake to mark her 109th birthday and recalled milestones in her life that sound like chapters in the history of Kenya.
Rocking her head slowly to the tune of gospel music playing from a radio, Naomi Wanjiku Nduru bared a toothless gum in a broad smile as she joked, "I still feel like a girl".
During her birthday, celebrated at a house in Bangladesh Estate, Nakuru, she was surrounded by grandchildren and great grandchildren who revelled in the presence of their family scion.
Speaking in a shrill voice in Kikuyu language, Wanjiku acknowledges that she is one of few people in the world to attain 100 plus years. Her husband and five children have all passed away, leaving her under the care of her grandchildren.
According to Wanjiku’s granddaughter, Jane Wacuka, her grandmother was born on December 19, 1900 at Gatundu in Kiambu. The date of birth was specifically recorded by European missionaries who worked in the area then and she managed to keep the record.
Kenya was declared a British colony when she was 20 years old. Then, she recalls, the only money available were cent coins which had a hole in the middle.
Rocking her head slowly to the tune of gospel music playing from a radio, Naomi Wanjiku Nduru bared a toothless gum in a broad smile as she joked, "I still feel like a girl".
During her birthday, celebrated at a house in Bangladesh Estate, Nakuru, she was surrounded by grandchildren and great grandchildren who revelled in the presence of their family scion.
Speaking in a shrill voice in Kikuyu language, Wanjiku acknowledges that she is one of few people in the world to attain 100 plus years. Her husband and five children have all passed away, leaving her under the care of her grandchildren.
According to Wanjiku’s granddaughter, Jane Wacuka, her grandmother was born on December 19, 1900 at Gatundu in Kiambu. The date of birth was specifically recorded by European missionaries who worked in the area then and she managed to keep the record.
Kenya was declared a British colony when she was 20 years old. Then, she recalls, the only money available were cent coins which had a hole in the middle.
China unveils 'fastest train' in world
China unveiled what it touted as the fastest rail link in the world on Saturday.
The train will run between the cities of Guangzhou and Wuhan. At an average speed of 217 miles per hour, the high-speed train reduces the 664 mile ride from ten and a half hours to just three hours.
Full story here and here.
The train will run between the cities of Guangzhou and Wuhan. At an average speed of 217 miles per hour, the high-speed train reduces the 664 mile ride from ten and a half hours to just three hours.
Full story here and here.
China unveils 'fastest train' in world
China unveiled what it touted as the fastest rail link in the world on Saturday.
The train will run between the cities of Guangzhou and Wuhan. At an average speed of 217 miles per hour, the high-speed train reduces the 664 mile ride from ten and a half hours to just three hours.
Full story here and here.
The train will run between the cities of Guangzhou and Wuhan. At an average speed of 217 miles per hour, the high-speed train reduces the 664 mile ride from ten and a half hours to just three hours.
Full story here and here.
Indian man stages own kidnapping to fund holiday
A man in the Indian capital, Delhi, faked his own kidnapping to fund a holiday with his girlfriend in Macau, police said. Pawan Verma, 22, demanded a ransom of nearly $43,000 from his businessman father. Mr Verma had a taste for high-life and had run up a debt of $18,000.
"Pawan's girlfriend demanded he take her to Macau on New Year's eve. He hatched a plan to fake his own abduction with the help of a friend, Himanshu Kumar," said deputy commissioner of police Jaspal Singh.
"Due to his limited earnings, he had accumulated a huge debt but he wanted to fulfil his girlfriend's wish.
Click for bigger.
On Saturday, Mr Verma's father, Ram Sahay Verma, complained to the police that his younger son had been abducted and that he had received a ransom call. The police laid a trap and arrested Mr Verma when he turned up to collect his own ransom, police said.
"The [ransom] calls and SMS [text messages] were being made from Verma's mobile. Verma's elder brother Punit accompanied us to deliver the ransom. Six hours later a man in black jacket came to pick up the bag," Mr Singh said. "Punit was shocked to find it was his own brother."
Police said Verma's father would have to decide if he wanted to pursue a criminal case against his son. "If the father, who is a complainant in the case, decides to withdraw the complaint, the son can walk free with the orders of the court," a police officer said.
"Pawan's girlfriend demanded he take her to Macau on New Year's eve. He hatched a plan to fake his own abduction with the help of a friend, Himanshu Kumar," said deputy commissioner of police Jaspal Singh.
"Due to his limited earnings, he had accumulated a huge debt but he wanted to fulfil his girlfriend's wish.
Click for bigger.
On Saturday, Mr Verma's father, Ram Sahay Verma, complained to the police that his younger son had been abducted and that he had received a ransom call. The police laid a trap and arrested Mr Verma when he turned up to collect his own ransom, police said.
"The [ransom] calls and SMS [text messages] were being made from Verma's mobile. Verma's elder brother Punit accompanied us to deliver the ransom. Six hours later a man in black jacket came to pick up the bag," Mr Singh said. "Punit was shocked to find it was his own brother."
Police said Verma's father would have to decide if he wanted to pursue a criminal case against his son. "If the father, who is a complainant in the case, decides to withdraw the complaint, the son can walk free with the orders of the court," a police officer said.
Indian man stages own kidnapping to fund holiday
A man in the Indian capital, Delhi, faked his own kidnapping to fund a holiday with his girlfriend in Macau, police said. Pawan Verma, 22, demanded a ransom of nearly $43,000 from his businessman father. Mr Verma had a taste for high-life and had run up a debt of $18,000.
"Pawan's girlfriend demanded he take her to Macau on New Year's eve. He hatched a plan to fake his own abduction with the help of a friend, Himanshu Kumar," said deputy commissioner of police Jaspal Singh.
"Due to his limited earnings, he had accumulated a huge debt but he wanted to fulfil his girlfriend's wish.
Click for bigger.
On Saturday, Mr Verma's father, Ram Sahay Verma, complained to the police that his younger son had been abducted and that he had received a ransom call. The police laid a trap and arrested Mr Verma when he turned up to collect his own ransom, police said.
"The [ransom] calls and SMS [text messages] were being made from Verma's mobile. Verma's elder brother Punit accompanied us to deliver the ransom. Six hours later a man in black jacket came to pick up the bag," Mr Singh said. "Punit was shocked to find it was his own brother."
Police said Verma's father would have to decide if he wanted to pursue a criminal case against his son. "If the father, who is a complainant in the case, decides to withdraw the complaint, the son can walk free with the orders of the court," a police officer said.
"Pawan's girlfriend demanded he take her to Macau on New Year's eve. He hatched a plan to fake his own abduction with the help of a friend, Himanshu Kumar," said deputy commissioner of police Jaspal Singh.
"Due to his limited earnings, he had accumulated a huge debt but he wanted to fulfil his girlfriend's wish.
Click for bigger.
On Saturday, Mr Verma's father, Ram Sahay Verma, complained to the police that his younger son had been abducted and that he had received a ransom call. The police laid a trap and arrested Mr Verma when he turned up to collect his own ransom, police said.
"The [ransom] calls and SMS [text messages] were being made from Verma's mobile. Verma's elder brother Punit accompanied us to deliver the ransom. Six hours later a man in black jacket came to pick up the bag," Mr Singh said. "Punit was shocked to find it was his own brother."
Police said Verma's father would have to decide if he wanted to pursue a criminal case against his son. "If the father, who is a complainant in the case, decides to withdraw the complaint, the son can walk free with the orders of the court," a police officer said.
Volunteers wanted for free holiday in return possibly for diarrhoea
A US company is offering free holidays in Mexico and Guatemala for volunteers on a diarrhoea drug programme.
Vaccine manufacturer Intercell is offering up to $1,500 (£938) to cover flights and accommodation. In return, the volunteers - being recruited in the UK and Germany - will wear vaccine patches, and give blood and faeces samples.
The trial is in a part of the world where travellers' diarrhoea is rife. A total of 1,800 volunteers are needed.
Intercell's clinical director, Nigel Thomas, said: "We are looking for people who have already planned to go to Mexico or Guatemala and think this would add another interesting aspect.
"It is almost like going on a package holiday. They will be met by a concierge who will take them to their hotel and arrange for them to give their first blood sample within 48 hours."
Volunteers will be discounted if they have already received a cholera or diarrhoea vaccine, or if they have already developed diarrhoea travelling in a developing country in the past year.
Vaccine manufacturer Intercell is offering up to $1,500 (£938) to cover flights and accommodation. In return, the volunteers - being recruited in the UK and Germany - will wear vaccine patches, and give blood and faeces samples.
The trial is in a part of the world where travellers' diarrhoea is rife. A total of 1,800 volunteers are needed.
Intercell's clinical director, Nigel Thomas, said: "We are looking for people who have already planned to go to Mexico or Guatemala and think this would add another interesting aspect.
"It is almost like going on a package holiday. They will be met by a concierge who will take them to their hotel and arrange for them to give their first blood sample within 48 hours."
Volunteers will be discounted if they have already received a cholera or diarrhoea vaccine, or if they have already developed diarrhoea travelling in a developing country in the past year.
Volunteers wanted for free holiday in return possibly for diarrhoea
A US company is offering free holidays in Mexico and Guatemala for volunteers on a diarrhoea drug programme.
Vaccine manufacturer Intercell is offering up to $1,500 (£938) to cover flights and accommodation. In return, the volunteers - being recruited in the UK and Germany - will wear vaccine patches, and give blood and faeces samples.
The trial is in a part of the world where travellers' diarrhoea is rife. A total of 1,800 volunteers are needed.
Intercell's clinical director, Nigel Thomas, said: "We are looking for people who have already planned to go to Mexico or Guatemala and think this would add another interesting aspect.
"It is almost like going on a package holiday. They will be met by a concierge who will take them to their hotel and arrange for them to give their first blood sample within 48 hours."
Volunteers will be discounted if they have already received a cholera or diarrhoea vaccine, or if they have already developed diarrhoea travelling in a developing country in the past year.
Vaccine manufacturer Intercell is offering up to $1,500 (£938) to cover flights and accommodation. In return, the volunteers - being recruited in the UK and Germany - will wear vaccine patches, and give blood and faeces samples.
The trial is in a part of the world where travellers' diarrhoea is rife. A total of 1,800 volunteers are needed.
Intercell's clinical director, Nigel Thomas, said: "We are looking for people who have already planned to go to Mexico or Guatemala and think this would add another interesting aspect.
"It is almost like going on a package holiday. They will be met by a concierge who will take them to their hotel and arrange for them to give their first blood sample within 48 hours."
Volunteers will be discounted if they have already received a cholera or diarrhoea vaccine, or if they have already developed diarrhoea travelling in a developing country in the past year.
China opens 'women only' car park, with wider parking bays
A shopping centre in China's Hebei province has built a car park with wider spaces that it says is designed especially to suit women drivers.
The women-only car park in Shijiazhuang city is also painted in pink and light purple to appeal to female tastes.
Official Wang Zheng said the car park was meant to cater to women's "strong sense of colour and different sense of distance".
The parking bays are one metre (3ft) wider than normal spaces, he said.
The Wanxiang-Tiancheng shopping centre had also "installed signs and security monitoring equipment that corresponded more to women's needs", he said.
Female parking attendants have been trained to help guide women drivers into their parking spaces. The bays also have extra lighting.
The women-only car park in Shijiazhuang city is also painted in pink and light purple to appeal to female tastes.
Official Wang Zheng said the car park was meant to cater to women's "strong sense of colour and different sense of distance".
The parking bays are one metre (3ft) wider than normal spaces, he said.
The Wanxiang-Tiancheng shopping centre had also "installed signs and security monitoring equipment that corresponded more to women's needs", he said.
Female parking attendants have been trained to help guide women drivers into their parking spaces. The bays also have extra lighting.
China opens 'women only' car park, with wider parking bays
A shopping centre in China's Hebei province has built a car park with wider spaces that it says is designed especially to suit women drivers.
The women-only car park in Shijiazhuang city is also painted in pink and light purple to appeal to female tastes.
Official Wang Zheng said the car park was meant to cater to women's "strong sense of colour and different sense of distance".
The parking bays are one metre (3ft) wider than normal spaces, he said.
The Wanxiang-Tiancheng shopping centre had also "installed signs and security monitoring equipment that corresponded more to women's needs", he said.
Female parking attendants have been trained to help guide women drivers into their parking spaces. The bays also have extra lighting.
The women-only car park in Shijiazhuang city is also painted in pink and light purple to appeal to female tastes.
Official Wang Zheng said the car park was meant to cater to women's "strong sense of colour and different sense of distance".
The parking bays are one metre (3ft) wider than normal spaces, he said.
The Wanxiang-Tiancheng shopping centre had also "installed signs and security monitoring equipment that corresponded more to women's needs", he said.
Female parking attendants have been trained to help guide women drivers into their parking spaces. The bays also have extra lighting.
Israeli man granted record 11th divorce
A 50-year-old man from Jerusalem has been granted a divorce for the 11th time, a new Israeli record for Jews according to a Rabbinical court. He told the court he usually divorced his wives every two years and looked for a new bride immediately after.
The man said he regretted his first divorce as it had begun a never-ending search for the next "experience". His newest ex-wife said that since they married he had not worked and had lived off her income, amassing large debts. The previous Jewish Israeli record for divorces by one person was seven.
Announcing the country's record 11th divorce, the Rabbinical Court Administration said: "It turns out that the popular divorcee courts his wives in a persuasive and sensitive way.
"But after a short time on both sides they get annoyed with each other and after the courting, fights begin. Despite his 50 years, he has no grey hair and despite his much experience in marriage, he plans to marry again," the statement added.
The man has one son from a previous marriage, but the court said he had not paid any child support to his ex-wife.
He told the court he had never experienced any difficulty in finding a new bride. "I send out a hook in all directions, and the fish come on their own."
The man said he regretted his first divorce as it had begun a never-ending search for the next "experience". His newest ex-wife said that since they married he had not worked and had lived off her income, amassing large debts. The previous Jewish Israeli record for divorces by one person was seven.
Announcing the country's record 11th divorce, the Rabbinical Court Administration said: "It turns out that the popular divorcee courts his wives in a persuasive and sensitive way.
"But after a short time on both sides they get annoyed with each other and after the courting, fights begin. Despite his 50 years, he has no grey hair and despite his much experience in marriage, he plans to marry again," the statement added.
The man has one son from a previous marriage, but the court said he had not paid any child support to his ex-wife.
He told the court he had never experienced any difficulty in finding a new bride. "I send out a hook in all directions, and the fish come on their own."
Israeli man granted record 11th divorce
A 50-year-old man from Jerusalem has been granted a divorce for the 11th time, a new Israeli record for Jews according to a Rabbinical court. He told the court he usually divorced his wives every two years and looked for a new bride immediately after.
The man said he regretted his first divorce as it had begun a never-ending search for the next "experience". His newest ex-wife said that since they married he had not worked and had lived off her income, amassing large debts. The previous Jewish Israeli record for divorces by one person was seven.
Announcing the country's record 11th divorce, the Rabbinical Court Administration said: "It turns out that the popular divorcee courts his wives in a persuasive and sensitive way.
"But after a short time on both sides they get annoyed with each other and after the courting, fights begin. Despite his 50 years, he has no grey hair and despite his much experience in marriage, he plans to marry again," the statement added.
The man has one son from a previous marriage, but the court said he had not paid any child support to his ex-wife.
He told the court he had never experienced any difficulty in finding a new bride. "I send out a hook in all directions, and the fish come on their own."
The man said he regretted his first divorce as it had begun a never-ending search for the next "experience". His newest ex-wife said that since they married he had not worked and had lived off her income, amassing large debts. The previous Jewish Israeli record for divorces by one person was seven.
Announcing the country's record 11th divorce, the Rabbinical Court Administration said: "It turns out that the popular divorcee courts his wives in a persuasive and sensitive way.
"But after a short time on both sides they get annoyed with each other and after the courting, fights begin. Despite his 50 years, he has no grey hair and despite his much experience in marriage, he plans to marry again," the statement added.
The man has one son from a previous marriage, but the court said he had not paid any child support to his ex-wife.
He told the court he had never experienced any difficulty in finding a new bride. "I send out a hook in all directions, and the fish come on their own."
Banksy wiped out by scorned graffiti legend 'King Robbo'
Britain’s most notorious graffiti artist may be accustomed to art world adulation but Banksy’s latest work has landed him in an old fashioned street fight. The aerosol painter from Bristol stands accused of disrespecting a graffiti legend by modernising a 24-year-old work by “King Robbo” in Camden, North London.
On Christmas Day, a few days after Banksy’s latest spray paint spree, Robbo responded in kind by obliterating the artist’s work with 3ft high silver letters spelling out his name.
According to graffiti folklore this spat is not the first disagreement between Banksy and King Robbo. The 1980s pioneering vandal recounted a story in London Handstyles, a book on graffiti published in 2009, in which he claimed to have confronted the now-famous artist.
“I was out one night with a load of old writers and got introduced to Banksy,” King Robbo said. “He asked what I wrote and I told him, he cockily replied ''never heard of you'' so I slapped him and said, ''You may not of heard of me but you will never forget me.'”
Banksy, whose works have sold for as much as £288,000 at auction, painted a series of images last week on walls under Camden Street Bridge, directly behind the British Transport Police building in Camden Town.
Robbo apparently took umbrage at the manipulation of his mural, accessible only by water, that had been in place since 1985. He came out of retirement four days later.
On Christmas Day, a few days after Banksy’s latest spray paint spree, Robbo responded in kind by obliterating the artist’s work with 3ft high silver letters spelling out his name.
According to graffiti folklore this spat is not the first disagreement between Banksy and King Robbo. The 1980s pioneering vandal recounted a story in London Handstyles, a book on graffiti published in 2009, in which he claimed to have confronted the now-famous artist.
“I was out one night with a load of old writers and got introduced to Banksy,” King Robbo said. “He asked what I wrote and I told him, he cockily replied ''never heard of you'' so I slapped him and said, ''You may not of heard of me but you will never forget me.'”
Banksy, whose works have sold for as much as £288,000 at auction, painted a series of images last week on walls under Camden Street Bridge, directly behind the British Transport Police building in Camden Town.
Robbo apparently took umbrage at the manipulation of his mural, accessible only by water, that had been in place since 1985. He came out of retirement four days later.
Banksy wiped out by scorned graffiti legend 'King Robbo'
Britain’s most notorious graffiti artist may be accustomed to art world adulation but Banksy’s latest work has landed him in an old fashioned street fight. The aerosol painter from Bristol stands accused of disrespecting a graffiti legend by modernising a 24-year-old work by “King Robbo” in Camden, North London.
On Christmas Day, a few days after Banksy’s latest spray paint spree, Robbo responded in kind by obliterating the artist’s work with 3ft high silver letters spelling out his name.
According to graffiti folklore this spat is not the first disagreement between Banksy and King Robbo. The 1980s pioneering vandal recounted a story in London Handstyles, a book on graffiti published in 2009, in which he claimed to have confronted the now-famous artist.
“I was out one night with a load of old writers and got introduced to Banksy,” King Robbo said. “He asked what I wrote and I told him, he cockily replied ''never heard of you'' so I slapped him and said, ''You may not of heard of me but you will never forget me.'”
Banksy, whose works have sold for as much as £288,000 at auction, painted a series of images last week on walls under Camden Street Bridge, directly behind the British Transport Police building in Camden Town.
Robbo apparently took umbrage at the manipulation of his mural, accessible only by water, that had been in place since 1985. He came out of retirement four days later.
On Christmas Day, a few days after Banksy’s latest spray paint spree, Robbo responded in kind by obliterating the artist’s work with 3ft high silver letters spelling out his name.
According to graffiti folklore this spat is not the first disagreement between Banksy and King Robbo. The 1980s pioneering vandal recounted a story in London Handstyles, a book on graffiti published in 2009, in which he claimed to have confronted the now-famous artist.
“I was out one night with a load of old writers and got introduced to Banksy,” King Robbo said. “He asked what I wrote and I told him, he cockily replied ''never heard of you'' so I slapped him and said, ''You may not of heard of me but you will never forget me.'”
Banksy, whose works have sold for as much as £288,000 at auction, painted a series of images last week on walls under Camden Street Bridge, directly behind the British Transport Police building in Camden Town.
Robbo apparently took umbrage at the manipulation of his mural, accessible only by water, that had been in place since 1985. He came out of retirement four days later.
Parents urged to show jobless graduates tough love
With graduate unemployment at its highest for more than a decade, the lure of the parental nest has never been stronger. But mollycoddling mothers and fathers should resist the urge to make home too comfortable for their recently qualified offspring, according to government guidance.
A manual published yesterday instructs parents to show a bit of "tough love" as they try to encourage their children to get a job. That means making them do their own washing and ironing, emptying the fridge of student-friendly snacks and cutting back on handouts.
The guide, produced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, also has blunt advice for those with lofty ambitions. "Yes, some people will make it as actors and scriptwriters," it says, "but many just waste away the years."
"Do" and "Don't" lists aim to help anxious parents "motivate not alienate". Dos include allowing your child to relax once they graduate – though a few weeks with their feet up should not slide into a few months. Parents should also arrange a regular update of progress.
On the don't list is perhaps the worst sin: nagging. "It might work in some circumstances, but most young people want a job and know there is a lot of competition," the guide says. "Nagging can make young people feel more stressed and makes failure to get a job worse".
There are times when it doesn't pay to be "too supportive". "Sometimes, it really is necessary to show tough love," says the guide. "If you are making life too comfortable at home, why would they get a job? If you are providing free board and lodgings, a well-stocked fridge, washing and ironing done, plus an allowance, there's not much drive there. So cut back to help increase their motivation."
A manual published yesterday instructs parents to show a bit of "tough love" as they try to encourage their children to get a job. That means making them do their own washing and ironing, emptying the fridge of student-friendly snacks and cutting back on handouts.
The guide, produced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, also has blunt advice for those with lofty ambitions. "Yes, some people will make it as actors and scriptwriters," it says, "but many just waste away the years."
"Do" and "Don't" lists aim to help anxious parents "motivate not alienate". Dos include allowing your child to relax once they graduate – though a few weeks with their feet up should not slide into a few months. Parents should also arrange a regular update of progress.
On the don't list is perhaps the worst sin: nagging. "It might work in some circumstances, but most young people want a job and know there is a lot of competition," the guide says. "Nagging can make young people feel more stressed and makes failure to get a job worse".
There are times when it doesn't pay to be "too supportive". "Sometimes, it really is necessary to show tough love," says the guide. "If you are making life too comfortable at home, why would they get a job? If you are providing free board and lodgings, a well-stocked fridge, washing and ironing done, plus an allowance, there's not much drive there. So cut back to help increase their motivation."
Parents urged to show jobless graduates tough love
With graduate unemployment at its highest for more than a decade, the lure of the parental nest has never been stronger. But mollycoddling mothers and fathers should resist the urge to make home too comfortable for their recently qualified offspring, according to government guidance.
A manual published yesterday instructs parents to show a bit of "tough love" as they try to encourage their children to get a job. That means making them do their own washing and ironing, emptying the fridge of student-friendly snacks and cutting back on handouts.
The guide, produced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, also has blunt advice for those with lofty ambitions. "Yes, some people will make it as actors and scriptwriters," it says, "but many just waste away the years."
"Do" and "Don't" lists aim to help anxious parents "motivate not alienate". Dos include allowing your child to relax once they graduate – though a few weeks with their feet up should not slide into a few months. Parents should also arrange a regular update of progress.
On the don't list is perhaps the worst sin: nagging. "It might work in some circumstances, but most young people want a job and know there is a lot of competition," the guide says. "Nagging can make young people feel more stressed and makes failure to get a job worse".
There are times when it doesn't pay to be "too supportive". "Sometimes, it really is necessary to show tough love," says the guide. "If you are making life too comfortable at home, why would they get a job? If you are providing free board and lodgings, a well-stocked fridge, washing and ironing done, plus an allowance, there's not much drive there. So cut back to help increase their motivation."
A manual published yesterday instructs parents to show a bit of "tough love" as they try to encourage their children to get a job. That means making them do their own washing and ironing, emptying the fridge of student-friendly snacks and cutting back on handouts.
The guide, produced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, also has blunt advice for those with lofty ambitions. "Yes, some people will make it as actors and scriptwriters," it says, "but many just waste away the years."
"Do" and "Don't" lists aim to help anxious parents "motivate not alienate". Dos include allowing your child to relax once they graduate – though a few weeks with their feet up should not slide into a few months. Parents should also arrange a regular update of progress.
On the don't list is perhaps the worst sin: nagging. "It might work in some circumstances, but most young people want a job and know there is a lot of competition," the guide says. "Nagging can make young people feel more stressed and makes failure to get a job worse".
There are times when it doesn't pay to be "too supportive". "Sometimes, it really is necessary to show tough love," says the guide. "If you are making life too comfortable at home, why would they get a job? If you are providing free board and lodgings, a well-stocked fridge, washing and ironing done, plus an allowance, there's not much drive there. So cut back to help increase their motivation."
Use sand to help young boys write, says government
Nurseries and childminders are to be told to encourage three- and four-year-old boys to write using materials such as chocolate powder and coloured sand in a bid to stop them falling behind girls.
Government guidance being sent out next month will include advice to set up role-play activities specially designed to interest the youngest boys, such as builders taking phone messages and writing up instructions, post office workers filling in forms, and waiters taking orders.
It is designed to tackle the "stubborn" gender gap among young children. According to official data, more than one in six boys cannot write his own name or simple words such as "mum", "dad" or "cat" after a year of school. Half as many girls have the same problem.
Boys will also be encouraged to make marks on the floor and walls outside.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families said: "Some boys don't enjoy writing or see it as relevant – but teachers and practitioners can make it fun and relevant. The guidance will offer practical examples about how to do this.
"Because boys don't seem to be as interested as girls in drawing and mark-making, it is important that practitioners ensure that this doesn't then result in limited access to resources such as paper, crayons, paint etc, and insufficient opportunities or encouragement for boys to write."
Government guidance being sent out next month will include advice to set up role-play activities specially designed to interest the youngest boys, such as builders taking phone messages and writing up instructions, post office workers filling in forms, and waiters taking orders.
It is designed to tackle the "stubborn" gender gap among young children. According to official data, more than one in six boys cannot write his own name or simple words such as "mum", "dad" or "cat" after a year of school. Half as many girls have the same problem.
Boys will also be encouraged to make marks on the floor and walls outside.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families said: "Some boys don't enjoy writing or see it as relevant – but teachers and practitioners can make it fun and relevant. The guidance will offer practical examples about how to do this.
"Because boys don't seem to be as interested as girls in drawing and mark-making, it is important that practitioners ensure that this doesn't then result in limited access to resources such as paper, crayons, paint etc, and insufficient opportunities or encouragement for boys to write."
Use sand to help young boys write, says government
Nurseries and childminders are to be told to encourage three- and four-year-old boys to write using materials such as chocolate powder and coloured sand in a bid to stop them falling behind girls.
Government guidance being sent out next month will include advice to set up role-play activities specially designed to interest the youngest boys, such as builders taking phone messages and writing up instructions, post office workers filling in forms, and waiters taking orders.
It is designed to tackle the "stubborn" gender gap among young children. According to official data, more than one in six boys cannot write his own name or simple words such as "mum", "dad" or "cat" after a year of school. Half as many girls have the same problem.
Boys will also be encouraged to make marks on the floor and walls outside.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families said: "Some boys don't enjoy writing or see it as relevant – but teachers and practitioners can make it fun and relevant. The guidance will offer practical examples about how to do this.
"Because boys don't seem to be as interested as girls in drawing and mark-making, it is important that practitioners ensure that this doesn't then result in limited access to resources such as paper, crayons, paint etc, and insufficient opportunities or encouragement for boys to write."
Government guidance being sent out next month will include advice to set up role-play activities specially designed to interest the youngest boys, such as builders taking phone messages and writing up instructions, post office workers filling in forms, and waiters taking orders.
It is designed to tackle the "stubborn" gender gap among young children. According to official data, more than one in six boys cannot write his own name or simple words such as "mum", "dad" or "cat" after a year of school. Half as many girls have the same problem.
Boys will also be encouraged to make marks on the floor and walls outside.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families said: "Some boys don't enjoy writing or see it as relevant – but teachers and practitioners can make it fun and relevant. The guidance will offer practical examples about how to do this.
"Because boys don't seem to be as interested as girls in drawing and mark-making, it is important that practitioners ensure that this doesn't then result in limited access to resources such as paper, crayons, paint etc, and insufficient opportunities or encouragement for boys to write."
Woman's 999 call over playful cat
A woman made an emergency 999 call to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to say her cat was "doing her head in" because it was playing with string.
The force has released audio footage of the call to remind people that the 999 service should not be abused. The woman said it was an emergency as it had "been going on for two hours".
Between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, GMP said it received 1,377 999 calls, but only a fraction were genuine emergencies.
In another call a man contacted emergency services to say he was stuck on a patch of ice in a street in Bolton and was too scared to go forwards or backwards.
The force has released audio footage of the call to remind people that the 999 service should not be abused. The woman said it was an emergency as it had "been going on for two hours".
Between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, GMP said it received 1,377 999 calls, but only a fraction were genuine emergencies.
In another call a man contacted emergency services to say he was stuck on a patch of ice in a street in Bolton and was too scared to go forwards or backwards.
Woman's 999 call over playful cat
A woman made an emergency 999 call to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to say her cat was "doing her head in" because it was playing with string.
The force has released audio footage of the call to remind people that the 999 service should not be abused. The woman said it was an emergency as it had "been going on for two hours".
Between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, GMP said it received 1,377 999 calls, but only a fraction were genuine emergencies.
In another call a man contacted emergency services to say he was stuck on a patch of ice in a street in Bolton and was too scared to go forwards or backwards.
The force has released audio footage of the call to remind people that the 999 service should not be abused. The woman said it was an emergency as it had "been going on for two hours".
Between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, GMP said it received 1,377 999 calls, but only a fraction were genuine emergencies.
In another call a man contacted emergency services to say he was stuck on a patch of ice in a street in Bolton and was too scared to go forwards or backwards.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Night vision goggles used at game lodge in South Africa
The days of the traditional African safari may be numbered after one operator turned to battlefield technology to spice up the game-viewing experience.
Bosses at one of South Africa's most famous Game Lodges, Londolozi, have brought in night vision goggles - more often used to hunt the Taliban in Afghanistan - to stay on the trail of wildlife once the sun sets.
The equipment means that, as other guests head back to their lodges for their evening meal, the night vision crew can stay out as the bush comes to life in the dark.
"The whole idea was to try and get closer in with nature," Londolozi owner Dave Varty said. "With the night glasses you could see what the lions see because their nocturnal vision is so good."
Using a normal spotlight to view the animals in the dark upsets them and stops them acting naturally.
But with the night vision, they return to bush business as usual with no idea they are being watched.
With news video.
Bosses at one of South Africa's most famous Game Lodges, Londolozi, have brought in night vision goggles - more often used to hunt the Taliban in Afghanistan - to stay on the trail of wildlife once the sun sets.
The equipment means that, as other guests head back to their lodges for their evening meal, the night vision crew can stay out as the bush comes to life in the dark.
"The whole idea was to try and get closer in with nature," Londolozi owner Dave Varty said. "With the night glasses you could see what the lions see because their nocturnal vision is so good."
Using a normal spotlight to view the animals in the dark upsets them and stops them acting naturally.
But with the night vision, they return to bush business as usual with no idea they are being watched.
With news video.
Night vision goggles used at game lodge in South Africa
The days of the traditional African safari may be numbered after one operator turned to battlefield technology to spice up the game-viewing experience.
Bosses at one of South Africa's most famous Game Lodges, Londolozi, have brought in night vision goggles - more often used to hunt the Taliban in Afghanistan - to stay on the trail of wildlife once the sun sets.
The equipment means that, as other guests head back to their lodges for their evening meal, the night vision crew can stay out as the bush comes to life in the dark.
"The whole idea was to try and get closer in with nature," Londolozi owner Dave Varty said. "With the night glasses you could see what the lions see because their nocturnal vision is so good."
Using a normal spotlight to view the animals in the dark upsets them and stops them acting naturally.
But with the night vision, they return to bush business as usual with no idea they are being watched.
With news video.
Bosses at one of South Africa's most famous Game Lodges, Londolozi, have brought in night vision goggles - more often used to hunt the Taliban in Afghanistan - to stay on the trail of wildlife once the sun sets.
The equipment means that, as other guests head back to their lodges for their evening meal, the night vision crew can stay out as the bush comes to life in the dark.
"The whole idea was to try and get closer in with nature," Londolozi owner Dave Varty said. "With the night glasses you could see what the lions see because their nocturnal vision is so good."
Using a normal spotlight to view the animals in the dark upsets them and stops them acting naturally.
But with the night vision, they return to bush business as usual with no idea they are being watched.
With news video.
Dogs stand guard at shop throughout fire
Dogs are truly a man’s best friend. Ask tailor Teo Siang Boo.
Two of his dogs, Blacky and Tommy, refused to leave even when fire was about to engulf his shop in George Town, Malaysia.
“Luckily, they were not overwhelmed by the smoke. They were also not injured when I found them hiding under the toilet basin.
“Firemen and neighbours had earlier tried to coax the dogs out but they refused to leave and instead continued to guard the premises,” he said. Teo’s shop was one of three destroyed during the fire.
Two of his dogs, Blacky and Tommy, refused to leave even when fire was about to engulf his shop in George Town, Malaysia.
“Luckily, they were not overwhelmed by the smoke. They were also not injured when I found them hiding under the toilet basin.
“Firemen and neighbours had earlier tried to coax the dogs out but they refused to leave and instead continued to guard the premises,” he said. Teo’s shop was one of three destroyed during the fire.
Dogs stand guard at shop throughout fire
Dogs are truly a man’s best friend. Ask tailor Teo Siang Boo.
Two of his dogs, Blacky and Tommy, refused to leave even when fire was about to engulf his shop in George Town, Malaysia.
“Luckily, they were not overwhelmed by the smoke. They were also not injured when I found them hiding under the toilet basin.
“Firemen and neighbours had earlier tried to coax the dogs out but they refused to leave and instead continued to guard the premises,” he said. Teo’s shop was one of three destroyed during the fire.
Two of his dogs, Blacky and Tommy, refused to leave even when fire was about to engulf his shop in George Town, Malaysia.
“Luckily, they were not overwhelmed by the smoke. They were also not injured when I found them hiding under the toilet basin.
“Firemen and neighbours had earlier tried to coax the dogs out but they refused to leave and instead continued to guard the premises,” he said. Teo’s shop was one of three destroyed during the fire.
Japanese men rush to become fruit and vegetable 'sommeliers'
Gone are the days when women were the most health-conscious consumer group because the fascination with vegetables and fruit is now catching the eye of Japanese men increasingly keen to learn more about these rich sources of nutrients.
The domestic media have coined the term "vegetable and fruit sommelier" for a person with expertise in such products. These people help general consumers understand the intricacies of selection, storage, preparation and nutritional value.
Until recently, the experts were mainly women, but the recent emergence of popular comedian Atsushi Tamura as a vegetable sommelier has highlighted the growing popularity of this new accreditation among men.
Tamura, who spoke about his passion for vegetables on a TV show in late November, is just one of several thousand "vegetable and fruit meisters" who have graduated from a program the Japan Vegetable & Fruit Meister Association's special accreditation program in the past five years.
The Tokyo-based association, which claims that it is the only body in the world to issue an accreditation for vegetable and fruit experts, runs a three-stage program consisting of a basic curriculum on appreciating the benefits of learning about vegetables, and more advanced studies and training for those looking for business opportunities to share their knowledge.
Rika Kayama, psychiatrist and pundit, said the emergence of male vegetable sommeliers may be "linked to a trend that no longer compartmentalizes the roles of men and women in Japan as more and more men are becoming actively involved in what have been women's jobs, such as food-related ones." Kayama said some men, tired of the toils of corporate life, could see learning about vegetables as having a healing or soothing effect, while others may look at it as a new business opportunity free from the stress and competition of the corporate environment.
The domestic media have coined the term "vegetable and fruit sommelier" for a person with expertise in such products. These people help general consumers understand the intricacies of selection, storage, preparation and nutritional value.
Until recently, the experts were mainly women, but the recent emergence of popular comedian Atsushi Tamura as a vegetable sommelier has highlighted the growing popularity of this new accreditation among men.
Tamura, who spoke about his passion for vegetables on a TV show in late November, is just one of several thousand "vegetable and fruit meisters" who have graduated from a program the Japan Vegetable & Fruit Meister Association's special accreditation program in the past five years.
The Tokyo-based association, which claims that it is the only body in the world to issue an accreditation for vegetable and fruit experts, runs a three-stage program consisting of a basic curriculum on appreciating the benefits of learning about vegetables, and more advanced studies and training for those looking for business opportunities to share their knowledge.
Rika Kayama, psychiatrist and pundit, said the emergence of male vegetable sommeliers may be "linked to a trend that no longer compartmentalizes the roles of men and women in Japan as more and more men are becoming actively involved in what have been women's jobs, such as food-related ones." Kayama said some men, tired of the toils of corporate life, could see learning about vegetables as having a healing or soothing effect, while others may look at it as a new business opportunity free from the stress and competition of the corporate environment.
Japanese men rush to become fruit and vegetable 'sommeliers'
Gone are the days when women were the most health-conscious consumer group because the fascination with vegetables and fruit is now catching the eye of Japanese men increasingly keen to learn more about these rich sources of nutrients.
The domestic media have coined the term "vegetable and fruit sommelier" for a person with expertise in such products. These people help general consumers understand the intricacies of selection, storage, preparation and nutritional value.
Until recently, the experts were mainly women, but the recent emergence of popular comedian Atsushi Tamura as a vegetable sommelier has highlighted the growing popularity of this new accreditation among men.
Tamura, who spoke about his passion for vegetables on a TV show in late November, is just one of several thousand "vegetable and fruit meisters" who have graduated from a program the Japan Vegetable & Fruit Meister Association's special accreditation program in the past five years.
The Tokyo-based association, which claims that it is the only body in the world to issue an accreditation for vegetable and fruit experts, runs a three-stage program consisting of a basic curriculum on appreciating the benefits of learning about vegetables, and more advanced studies and training for those looking for business opportunities to share their knowledge.
Rika Kayama, psychiatrist and pundit, said the emergence of male vegetable sommeliers may be "linked to a trend that no longer compartmentalizes the roles of men and women in Japan as more and more men are becoming actively involved in what have been women's jobs, such as food-related ones." Kayama said some men, tired of the toils of corporate life, could see learning about vegetables as having a healing or soothing effect, while others may look at it as a new business opportunity free from the stress and competition of the corporate environment.
The domestic media have coined the term "vegetable and fruit sommelier" for a person with expertise in such products. These people help general consumers understand the intricacies of selection, storage, preparation and nutritional value.
Until recently, the experts were mainly women, but the recent emergence of popular comedian Atsushi Tamura as a vegetable sommelier has highlighted the growing popularity of this new accreditation among men.
Tamura, who spoke about his passion for vegetables on a TV show in late November, is just one of several thousand "vegetable and fruit meisters" who have graduated from a program the Japan Vegetable & Fruit Meister Association's special accreditation program in the past five years.
The Tokyo-based association, which claims that it is the only body in the world to issue an accreditation for vegetable and fruit experts, runs a three-stage program consisting of a basic curriculum on appreciating the benefits of learning about vegetables, and more advanced studies and training for those looking for business opportunities to share their knowledge.
Rika Kayama, psychiatrist and pundit, said the emergence of male vegetable sommeliers may be "linked to a trend that no longer compartmentalizes the roles of men and women in Japan as more and more men are becoming actively involved in what have been women's jobs, such as food-related ones." Kayama said some men, tired of the toils of corporate life, could see learning about vegetables as having a healing or soothing effect, while others may look at it as a new business opportunity free from the stress and competition of the corporate environment.
MPs and bankers taken in by comedy sympathy letters
MPs and bankers including Sir Peter Viggers and Fred Goodwin were taken in by comedy letters claiming they had been unfairly villified by the expenses scandal and the collapse of RBS.
Colin Nugent, 62, wrote letters of support to about 200 financiers, businessmen and politicians over the past 12 months - and received more than 100 replies.
Sir Peter, whose claim for a duck house became the emblem of the MPs' expenses scandal, thanked him for his ''generous'' message while grateful former Royal Bank of Scotland chief Sir Fred even sent him a bunch of flowers.
But Mr Nugent was the creation of comedy writer and producer Geoff Atkinson, who has worked extensively with satirical impressionist Bremner.
His letters and the replies he received are collected in a new book, Colin Nugent Saves Britain.
Here Geoff Atkinson explains the story behind the letters of Colin Nugent. And you can read a selection of the letters and replies here.
Colin Nugent, 62, wrote letters of support to about 200 financiers, businessmen and politicians over the past 12 months - and received more than 100 replies.
Sir Peter, whose claim for a duck house became the emblem of the MPs' expenses scandal, thanked him for his ''generous'' message while grateful former Royal Bank of Scotland chief Sir Fred even sent him a bunch of flowers.
But Mr Nugent was the creation of comedy writer and producer Geoff Atkinson, who has worked extensively with satirical impressionist Bremner.
His letters and the replies he received are collected in a new book, Colin Nugent Saves Britain.
Here Geoff Atkinson explains the story behind the letters of Colin Nugent. And you can read a selection of the letters and replies here.
MPs and bankers taken in by comedy sympathy letters
MPs and bankers including Sir Peter Viggers and Fred Goodwin were taken in by comedy letters claiming they had been unfairly villified by the expenses scandal and the collapse of RBS.
Colin Nugent, 62, wrote letters of support to about 200 financiers, businessmen and politicians over the past 12 months - and received more than 100 replies.
Sir Peter, whose claim for a duck house became the emblem of the MPs' expenses scandal, thanked him for his ''generous'' message while grateful former Royal Bank of Scotland chief Sir Fred even sent him a bunch of flowers.
But Mr Nugent was the creation of comedy writer and producer Geoff Atkinson, who has worked extensively with satirical impressionist Bremner.
His letters and the replies he received are collected in a new book, Colin Nugent Saves Britain.
Here Geoff Atkinson explains the story behind the letters of Colin Nugent. And you can read a selection of the letters and replies here.
Colin Nugent, 62, wrote letters of support to about 200 financiers, businessmen and politicians over the past 12 months - and received more than 100 replies.
Sir Peter, whose claim for a duck house became the emblem of the MPs' expenses scandal, thanked him for his ''generous'' message while grateful former Royal Bank of Scotland chief Sir Fred even sent him a bunch of flowers.
But Mr Nugent was the creation of comedy writer and producer Geoff Atkinson, who has worked extensively with satirical impressionist Bremner.
His letters and the replies he received are collected in a new book, Colin Nugent Saves Britain.
Here Geoff Atkinson explains the story behind the letters of Colin Nugent. And you can read a selection of the letters and replies here.
Michael Eavis beats Fidel Castro to best beard title
They are both revolutionary characters inspiring cult followings across the world but when it came to best beard of the decade music festival supremo Michael Eavis edged out former Cuban leader Fidel Castro - by a whisker.
The 74-year-old Glastonbury founder, instantly recognisable for his moustache-less Abraham Lincoln-esque facial hair, was honoured for having the ''Beard of the Noughties'' by beard campaign group, the Beard Liberation Front (BLF).
The BLF, an informal network of beard wearers, said the accolade was decided upon after an intense discussion between about 200 members. And in the end there was nothing Castro could do to win the vote.
Organiser Keith Flett said: ''The list covered a range of those whose beards have made a distinctive and sustained contribution to public life over the last 10 years.
''Both Eavis and Castro have taken a back seat towards the end of the decade but their beards remain iconic.
''Michael Eavis is a true hirsute icon of the Noughties and he beat Castro to the accolade by the merest whisker.''
The 74-year-old Glastonbury founder, instantly recognisable for his moustache-less Abraham Lincoln-esque facial hair, was honoured for having the ''Beard of the Noughties'' by beard campaign group, the Beard Liberation Front (BLF).
The BLF, an informal network of beard wearers, said the accolade was decided upon after an intense discussion between about 200 members. And in the end there was nothing Castro could do to win the vote.
Organiser Keith Flett said: ''The list covered a range of those whose beards have made a distinctive and sustained contribution to public life over the last 10 years.
''Both Eavis and Castro have taken a back seat towards the end of the decade but their beards remain iconic.
''Michael Eavis is a true hirsute icon of the Noughties and he beat Castro to the accolade by the merest whisker.''
Michael Eavis beats Fidel Castro to best beard title
They are both revolutionary characters inspiring cult followings across the world but when it came to best beard of the decade music festival supremo Michael Eavis edged out former Cuban leader Fidel Castro - by a whisker.
The 74-year-old Glastonbury founder, instantly recognisable for his moustache-less Abraham Lincoln-esque facial hair, was honoured for having the ''Beard of the Noughties'' by beard campaign group, the Beard Liberation Front (BLF).
The BLF, an informal network of beard wearers, said the accolade was decided upon after an intense discussion between about 200 members. And in the end there was nothing Castro could do to win the vote.
Organiser Keith Flett said: ''The list covered a range of those whose beards have made a distinctive and sustained contribution to public life over the last 10 years.
''Both Eavis and Castro have taken a back seat towards the end of the decade but their beards remain iconic.
''Michael Eavis is a true hirsute icon of the Noughties and he beat Castro to the accolade by the merest whisker.''
The 74-year-old Glastonbury founder, instantly recognisable for his moustache-less Abraham Lincoln-esque facial hair, was honoured for having the ''Beard of the Noughties'' by beard campaign group, the Beard Liberation Front (BLF).
The BLF, an informal network of beard wearers, said the accolade was decided upon after an intense discussion between about 200 members. And in the end there was nothing Castro could do to win the vote.
Organiser Keith Flett said: ''The list covered a range of those whose beards have made a distinctive and sustained contribution to public life over the last 10 years.
''Both Eavis and Castro have taken a back seat towards the end of the decade but their beards remain iconic.
''Michael Eavis is a true hirsute icon of the Noughties and he beat Castro to the accolade by the merest whisker.''
Mistletoe fires underwater passions at aquarium
Mistletoe has tricked less than amorous leafy sea dragons (Phycodurus eques) at the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth, Dorset, into a mating frenzy. The close relatives of sea horses look similar to the traditional Christmas greenery, and in an effort to breed them for the first time in Europe, staff put some mistletoe in their tank.
Fiona Smith, display supervisor at the centre, said: “The males have suddenly started engaging in heated courtship with the females. It seems they view the Christmas decorations as potential rivals, and they are making sure they don’t lose out.”
Fiona Smith, display supervisor at the centre, said: “The males have suddenly started engaging in heated courtship with the females. It seems they view the Christmas decorations as potential rivals, and they are making sure they don’t lose out.”
Mistletoe fires underwater passions at aquarium
Mistletoe has tricked less than amorous leafy sea dragons (Phycodurus eques) at the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth, Dorset, into a mating frenzy. The close relatives of sea horses look similar to the traditional Christmas greenery, and in an effort to breed them for the first time in Europe, staff put some mistletoe in their tank.
Fiona Smith, display supervisor at the centre, said: “The males have suddenly started engaging in heated courtship with the females. It seems they view the Christmas decorations as potential rivals, and they are making sure they don’t lose out.”
Fiona Smith, display supervisor at the centre, said: “The males have suddenly started engaging in heated courtship with the females. It seems they view the Christmas decorations as potential rivals, and they are making sure they don’t lose out.”
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