He told him "it takes a tough man to make a tender forecast," before apparently adding: "Keep f*****g that chicken."
Co-host Dari Alexander looked stunned but the pair struggled on with the broadcast.
Friday, September 18, 2009
News anchor has problem saying 'keep plucking that chicken'
A news anchor has stunned viewers by appearing to swear live on air during an evening bulletin. Presenter Ernie Anastos made the gaffe while chatting to weatherman Nick Gregory.
He told him "it takes a tough man to make a tender forecast," before apparently adding: "Keep f*****g that chicken."
Co-host Dari Alexander looked stunned but the pair struggled on with the broadcast.
He told him "it takes a tough man to make a tender forecast," before apparently adding: "Keep f*****g that chicken."
Co-host Dari Alexander looked stunned but the pair struggled on with the broadcast.
Kangeroo wreaks havoc in office
An Australian psychologist had to be rescued from her office after a "frantic" kangaroo crashed through the window and leapt around the room, toppling furniture.
Suzanne Habib jumped screaming atop her desk in the Queensland town of Atherton as the 1.5-metre (five-foot) marsupial burst through the window behind her with a "big bang", said colleague Tony Baddock.
"Poor old Suzanne just screamed and went straight up in the air," Baddock said. "The 'roo was bounding around all over the place, it really was quite frantic."
Baddock said he helped his distressed colleague from her office over a toppled bookshelf. After smashing around the room for about six minutes, the kangaroo hopped into the main part of the building.
"I was then able to block its pathway and encourage it to head out the front door," he said, adding that it almost bowled over a bystander as it bounded off.
He said it was puzzling to find a kangaroo in the town, which is some distance from its native bushland. Kangaroos are shy and retiring by nature, and rarely venture into human dwellings.
Suzanne Habib jumped screaming atop her desk in the Queensland town of Atherton as the 1.5-metre (five-foot) marsupial burst through the window behind her with a "big bang", said colleague Tony Baddock.
"Poor old Suzanne just screamed and went straight up in the air," Baddock said. "The 'roo was bounding around all over the place, it really was quite frantic."
Baddock said he helped his distressed colleague from her office over a toppled bookshelf. After smashing around the room for about six minutes, the kangaroo hopped into the main part of the building.
"I was then able to block its pathway and encourage it to head out the front door," he said, adding that it almost bowled over a bystander as it bounded off.
He said it was puzzling to find a kangaroo in the town, which is some distance from its native bushland. Kangaroos are shy and retiring by nature, and rarely venture into human dwellings.
Bulgaria suspicious as same lottery numbers drawn two weeks running
The Bulgarian authorities have ordered an investigation after the same six numbers were drawn in two consecutive rounds of the national lottery.
The numbers - 4, 15, 23, 24, 35 and 42 - were chosen by a machine live on television on 6 and 10 September. An official of the Bulgarian lottery said manipulation was impossible.
A mathematician said the chance of the same six numbers coming up twice in a row was one in four million. But he said coincidences did happen.
Minister of Physical Education and Sport Svilen Neykov said the commission established to investigate would provide answers towards the end of the week.
The lottery organisers described it as a freak coincidence and pointed out that the numbers were drawn in a different order.
Nobody won the top prize in the first draw. But a record 18 people guessed all six numbers in the 10 September draw.
The numbers - 4, 15, 23, 24, 35 and 42 - were chosen by a machine live on television on 6 and 10 September. An official of the Bulgarian lottery said manipulation was impossible.
A mathematician said the chance of the same six numbers coming up twice in a row was one in four million. But he said coincidences did happen.
Minister of Physical Education and Sport Svilen Neykov said the commission established to investigate would provide answers towards the end of the week.
The lottery organisers described it as a freak coincidence and pointed out that the numbers were drawn in a different order.
Nobody won the top prize in the first draw. But a record 18 people guessed all six numbers in the 10 September draw.
Burnt dog given honey treatment
A much loved Alsatian dog is making good progress after being terribly burned in a house fire.
Lady was buried under a blanket of flaming ceiling tiles, when the cottage caught alight.
Owner Cyril Bond, 77, managed to rescue his other dog Toby, but was forced out by the smoke when he tried to find Lady.
Fire-fighters eventually found her buried in the debris. She was taken to Rosemullion Vets at Camborne for emergency treatment, and is now undergoing long-term care at Cornwall Animal Hospital at Treleigh.
She suffered severe burns all along her spine and down one side of her body. Amanda Manley, a vet at Cornwall Animal Hospital, said: "Lady had horrendous injuries, which became infected. We treated the burns with Manuka honey and we are changing her dressings every two days.
"She would never have survived without treatment. They are very painful injuries, but she's a very good-natured dog. She needs long-term treatment which we are providing at cost."
There's a news video here.
Lady was buried under a blanket of flaming ceiling tiles, when the cottage caught alight.
Owner Cyril Bond, 77, managed to rescue his other dog Toby, but was forced out by the smoke when he tried to find Lady.
Fire-fighters eventually found her buried in the debris. She was taken to Rosemullion Vets at Camborne for emergency treatment, and is now undergoing long-term care at Cornwall Animal Hospital at Treleigh.
She suffered severe burns all along her spine and down one side of her body. Amanda Manley, a vet at Cornwall Animal Hospital, said: "Lady had horrendous injuries, which became infected. We treated the burns with Manuka honey and we are changing her dressings every two days.
"She would never have survived without treatment. They are very painful injuries, but she's a very good-natured dog. She needs long-term treatment which we are providing at cost."
There's a news video here.
Schools buy hair straighteners to attract more girls to PE
Hair straighteners have been introduced to three schools in West Dunbartonshire in a bid to encourage more girls to take part in physical education.
The local council bought them after teenage girls said they worried about "bad hair" after sports classes.
Nine sets of straighteners have been installed in the female changing areas of three new "flagship" schools in the area at a cost of about £800. The council said the move was part of wider efforts to improve PE facilities.
Hair straighteners are now in place for female pupils at St Peter the Apostle, Clydebank High and Vale of Leven Academy.
A council spokeswoman said: "West Dunbartonshire Council has installed nine sets of hair straighteners within the changing facilities at each of the council's three new flagship schools.
"The falling rate of female participation in sport was a key issue discussed by pupils and improvements to changing and showering facilities, including the installation of hair straighteners, was considered important in reversing this trend. The installation amounts to a total expenditure of less than £1,000 to encourage more girls to participate in PE and support positive self-image."
The local council bought them after teenage girls said they worried about "bad hair" after sports classes.
Nine sets of straighteners have been installed in the female changing areas of three new "flagship" schools in the area at a cost of about £800. The council said the move was part of wider efforts to improve PE facilities.
Hair straighteners are now in place for female pupils at St Peter the Apostle, Clydebank High and Vale of Leven Academy.
A council spokeswoman said: "West Dunbartonshire Council has installed nine sets of hair straighteners within the changing facilities at each of the council's three new flagship schools.
"The falling rate of female participation in sport was a key issue discussed by pupils and improvements to changing and showering facilities, including the installation of hair straighteners, was considered important in reversing this trend. The installation amounts to a total expenditure of less than £1,000 to encourage more girls to participate in PE and support positive self-image."
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Chinese schoolgirl aspires to be 'corrupt official'
A six-year-old girl has become a media darling in China on her first day of school by expressing her aspiration to become a "corrupt official" when she grows up.
The young student stated her aspirations in a televised interview.
"When I grow up I want to be an official," said the girl.
"What kind of official?" the interviewer asked. "A corrupt official because they have lots of stuff," she replied.
The young student stated her aspirations in a televised interview.
"When I grow up I want to be an official," said the girl.
"What kind of official?" the interviewer asked. "A corrupt official because they have lots of stuff," she replied.
Mobile phone radiation stunts crop growth in India
Mobile phones may have become ubiquitous in rural areas of India and popular among farmers. But electromagnetic radiation emanating from them may be stunting the growth of agricultural crops and plants, preliminary research has revealed.
Studies carried out at Panjab University, Chandigarh, suggest that electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from cell phones could choke seeds, affect germination and early growth. This is said to be the first such study on the impact of EMF radiation on seeds.
The researchers germinated moong dal (Phaseolus aureus) seeds in a closed chamber in which two cell phones were kept on talk mode.
The results were surprising - they indicated that the radiation emitted from the cell phones inhibited germination and early growth of the pulse. The germination of the seeds exposed to two and four hours of cell phone radiation reduced by 18 and 30 per cent respectively, compared to seeds that were not exposed to any radiation.
Likewise, root and shoot lengths also showed a significant reduction in the seedlings emerging from cell phone-exposed seeds. The inhibitory effect of the electromagnetic radiation was greater on root growth than on shoot growth. The researchers found similar stunted growth for wheat seeds as well, in earlier studies.
"Our study has shown that cell phone radiation inhibited root growth by affecting respiration of the root and excessive leakage of ions (charged particles)," said Ravinder Kumar Kohli of the botany department of the university. He is one of the authors of the upcoming research paper. "The observed reduction in germination and early growth of moong upon exposure to cell phone radiation is being reported for the first time." Radiation increases ion leakage and ultimately causes breakage of cell membranes, the scientists explained. It causes certain oxidative stress, which naturally occurring anti- oxidant enzymes could not protect.
Full story here.
Studies carried out at Panjab University, Chandigarh, suggest that electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from cell phones could choke seeds, affect germination and early growth. This is said to be the first such study on the impact of EMF radiation on seeds.
The researchers germinated moong dal (Phaseolus aureus) seeds in a closed chamber in which two cell phones were kept on talk mode.
The results were surprising - they indicated that the radiation emitted from the cell phones inhibited germination and early growth of the pulse. The germination of the seeds exposed to two and four hours of cell phone radiation reduced by 18 and 30 per cent respectively, compared to seeds that were not exposed to any radiation.
Likewise, root and shoot lengths also showed a significant reduction in the seedlings emerging from cell phone-exposed seeds. The inhibitory effect of the electromagnetic radiation was greater on root growth than on shoot growth. The researchers found similar stunted growth for wheat seeds as well, in earlier studies.
"Our study has shown that cell phone radiation inhibited root growth by affecting respiration of the root and excessive leakage of ions (charged particles)," said Ravinder Kumar Kohli of the botany department of the university. He is one of the authors of the upcoming research paper. "The observed reduction in germination and early growth of moong upon exposure to cell phone radiation is being reported for the first time." Radiation increases ion leakage and ultimately causes breakage of cell membranes, the scientists explained. It causes certain oxidative stress, which naturally occurring anti- oxidant enzymes could not protect.
Full story here.
Driving dog let off with warning
A dog that crashed his owner's car into a New Zealand cafe has been let off with a warning, along with his owner. And police say they want others to heed the message not to leave pets and children unattended in vehicles, especially with the keys in.
It was one of those moments they will talk about for years to come - the day the Fusee Rouge cafe in Cromwell had a ram raid with a dog at the wheel. "The dog is five-and-a-half years of age. His name is Wilco," says Senior Constable John Chambers of Cromwell police.
Wilco's owner had stopped his ute to buy beer, leaving the motor running. The dog jumped up on the column gear stick.
"Once Wilco had knocked it from park into drive, it would have been just a slow walking pace up to the front door," says Chambers. In the liquor store the beer had just gone on the counter.
"A lady from Mitre 10 ran through the doors and said 'did you know that your dog's just driven through the cafe doors'. So yeah, we popped out there and it was definitely right, it was sitting in the driver's seat," says Terry Fox, store manager.
The owner has been let off with a warning. "The owner at the moment is very much like his dog with tail between his legs," says Chambers.
There's a news video here.
It was one of those moments they will talk about for years to come - the day the Fusee Rouge cafe in Cromwell had a ram raid with a dog at the wheel. "The dog is five-and-a-half years of age. His name is Wilco," says Senior Constable John Chambers of Cromwell police.
Wilco's owner had stopped his ute to buy beer, leaving the motor running. The dog jumped up on the column gear stick.
"Once Wilco had knocked it from park into drive, it would have been just a slow walking pace up to the front door," says Chambers. In the liquor store the beer had just gone on the counter.
"A lady from Mitre 10 ran through the doors and said 'did you know that your dog's just driven through the cafe doors'. So yeah, we popped out there and it was definitely right, it was sitting in the driver's seat," says Terry Fox, store manager.
The owner has been let off with a warning. "The owner at the moment is very much like his dog with tail between his legs," says Chambers.
There's a news video here.
Elephant under police investigation for throwing stones
Bewildered Korean police, for the first time, are to investigate an elephant on charges of assault on a person.
The unprecedented case was reported to the Gwangjin Police Station on Monday in which a 48-year-old woman surnamed Kim claimed to have been hit with large stones, thrown by an elephant, according to police officials yesterday.
Kim was taking a walk on Monday morning in the Children's Grand Park Zoo in eastern Seoul, when she was knocked down by a blow to the back of her head. When she recovered from the initial shock, she found two stones close by, each the size of a grown-up's fist.
The only potential aggressor that she could see in the perimeter was the elephant in a nearby cage, she said during police questioning. Despite the dull pain in her head, Kim went back home after reporting the incident to the zoo's control office.
However, as her pain intensified, she decided to visit a hospital in the evening and was told the injury was worse than she had thought, for which she decided to hold the elephant responsible.
"No one else other than that elephant could have thrown those stones at me," Kim said to the police. "The park should take responsibility for neglecting to supervise the animal." The police are checking CCTV tapes and questioning zoo officials, in response to this unprecedented case.
The unprecedented case was reported to the Gwangjin Police Station on Monday in which a 48-year-old woman surnamed Kim claimed to have been hit with large stones, thrown by an elephant, according to police officials yesterday.
Kim was taking a walk on Monday morning in the Children's Grand Park Zoo in eastern Seoul, when she was knocked down by a blow to the back of her head. When she recovered from the initial shock, she found two stones close by, each the size of a grown-up's fist.
The only potential aggressor that she could see in the perimeter was the elephant in a nearby cage, she said during police questioning. Despite the dull pain in her head, Kim went back home after reporting the incident to the zoo's control office.
However, as her pain intensified, she decided to visit a hospital in the evening and was told the injury was worse than she had thought, for which she decided to hold the elephant responsible.
"No one else other than that elephant could have thrown those stones at me," Kim said to the police. "The park should take responsibility for neglecting to supervise the animal." The police are checking CCTV tapes and questioning zoo officials, in response to this unprecedented case.
Burglars sought in washing machine death of kitten
Police are seeking the public's help in tracking down burglars who killed a family's cat by stuffing it into a washing machine and turning it on, leaving it for the horrified owners to find.
Roseville Police Deputy Chief James Berlin said officers are interviewing neighbours in hopes of obtaining a description of the suspects or a getaway vehicle. "It just puts me over the edge," Berlin said. "These guys are going to brag to somebody."
Kimberly Ross and her 13-year-old daughter, Lacey, said they returned to their home on Beaconsfield just before 11 p.m. Monday and heard an ominous "clunking sound" coming from the washing machine.
Ross, 50, said she initially thought there was something behind the washer. But then she moved the laundry basket aside and was devastated to find her beloved kitten, Ruby, lifeless, spinning around inside the front-loading machine. "I couldn't believe my eyes," said Ross, tearfully as she clutched several photos of the tabby cat. "I thought 'no.' I just couldn't believe it."
Ross said she spent the next few minutes trying to figure out how the 5-pound kitten could have got inside the machine and turned it on. But once she ventured into her home, Ross realized thieves had also ransacked the place, stealing coins, a laptop, video games and Coach shoes.
"They (the thieves) have no care for anything," said Ross' daughter, Dayna, 20. "What was the cat going to do? She probably greeted the person at the window, licking their face."
Roseville Police Deputy Chief James Berlin said officers are interviewing neighbours in hopes of obtaining a description of the suspects or a getaway vehicle. "It just puts me over the edge," Berlin said. "These guys are going to brag to somebody."
Kimberly Ross and her 13-year-old daughter, Lacey, said they returned to their home on Beaconsfield just before 11 p.m. Monday and heard an ominous "clunking sound" coming from the washing machine.
Ross, 50, said she initially thought there was something behind the washer. But then she moved the laundry basket aside and was devastated to find her beloved kitten, Ruby, lifeless, spinning around inside the front-loading machine. "I couldn't believe my eyes," said Ross, tearfully as she clutched several photos of the tabby cat. "I thought 'no.' I just couldn't believe it."
Ross said she spent the next few minutes trying to figure out how the 5-pound kitten could have got inside the machine and turned it on. But once she ventured into her home, Ross realized thieves had also ransacked the place, stealing coins, a laptop, video games and Coach shoes.
"They (the thieves) have no care for anything," said Ross' daughter, Dayna, 20. "What was the cat going to do? She probably greeted the person at the window, licking their face."
Man turned into human kebab
Terrified athlete Jian Liao watched as fire fighters set light to a javelin after it turned him into a human kebab.
A classmate's bungled throw sent the five foot spear right through the student's knee cap on the track at Guilin, southern China.
Rescue workers abandoned plans to cut the javelin off with bolt cutters when Liao began screaming in agony.
"Instead we set fire to it and burned it in half which looked dramatic but caused the victim no pain," said a spokesman.
A classmate's bungled throw sent the five foot spear right through the student's knee cap on the track at Guilin, southern China.
Rescue workers abandoned plans to cut the javelin off with bolt cutters when Liao began screaming in agony.
"Instead we set fire to it and burned it in half which looked dramatic but caused the victim no pain," said a spokesman.
Honking driver faces possible jail time
A man who claims he was supporting protesters may be going to jail for honking his horn.
At the corner of Burnsville Parkway and Nicollet Avenue, Bob Palmer and several others protest the war weekly. But while running late back in June, Palmer got stopped at a red light.
An officer who was in the area, watching traffic recorded Palmer’s honks on his dash camera. His report shows Palmer honked his horn more than 50 times. Palmer was issued a ticket for illegally use of his horn.
Burnsville Police Chief Bob Hawkins says the honking is creating public safety concerns.
Since the honking law started two years ago, a pedestrian was hit by a car, but not on a Tuesday during the demonstrations. Witnesses told police she didn’t even flinch when a horn was honked to warn her.
Palmer plans to continue his protests, honk and fight for the right to do both.
With news video.
At the corner of Burnsville Parkway and Nicollet Avenue, Bob Palmer and several others protest the war weekly. But while running late back in June, Palmer got stopped at a red light.
An officer who was in the area, watching traffic recorded Palmer’s honks on his dash camera. His report shows Palmer honked his horn more than 50 times. Palmer was issued a ticket for illegally use of his horn.
Burnsville Police Chief Bob Hawkins says the honking is creating public safety concerns.
Since the honking law started two years ago, a pedestrian was hit by a car, but not on a Tuesday during the demonstrations. Witnesses told police she didn’t even flinch when a horn was honked to warn her.
Palmer plans to continue his protests, honk and fight for the right to do both.
With news video.
Skip tryst couple robbed at knifepoint
A man and woman decided to give the phrase "Dumpster diving" a new twist over the weekend, crawling inside one on North Waco so they could be alone.
But while they were engaged in what Wichita police described as "an intimate moment," they were robbed by a man armed with a pocket knife.
It all unfolded shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday in the 700 block of North Waco, police said, when the man and woman, both 44, crawled into the trash container for privacy.
A short time later, a 59-year-old man and his 64-year-old companion interrupted the couple inside the trash container.
With the older man encouraging him, the 59-year-old man pulled out a pocket knife and took shoes, jewellery and the 44-year-old man's wallet.
Police were notified, and officers found the two suspects a short time later. The stolen property was recovered.
But while they were engaged in what Wichita police described as "an intimate moment," they were robbed by a man armed with a pocket knife.
It all unfolded shortly after 6 p.m. on Saturday in the 700 block of North Waco, police said, when the man and woman, both 44, crawled into the trash container for privacy.
A short time later, a 59-year-old man and his 64-year-old companion interrupted the couple inside the trash container.
With the older man encouraging him, the 59-year-old man pulled out a pocket knife and took shoes, jewellery and the 44-year-old man's wallet.
Police were notified, and officers found the two suspects a short time later. The stolen property was recovered.
Naked blonde turns tables on builders
Burly builders fled when a naked blonde rushed at them on a construction site in the Austrian capital Vienna shouting: "Who wants me?"
The hard-hat hunks ran for cover when the woman turned the tables on them on the building site beside the city's main railway station.
"We like to chat up girls as they walk past - it's a tradition," said one builder. "But this woman was too much to handle and we just ran and hid until the police got here. No-one liked to think what would happen if she caught one of us," he added.
Police spokesman Mario Hejl said: "It turned out no-one wanted her. The woman was detained and was put under a doctor's care."
The hard-hat hunks ran for cover when the woman turned the tables on them on the building site beside the city's main railway station.
"We like to chat up girls as they walk past - it's a tradition," said one builder. "But this woman was too much to handle and we just ran and hid until the police got here. No-one liked to think what would happen if she caught one of us," he added.
Police spokesman Mario Hejl said: "It turned out no-one wanted her. The woman was detained and was put under a doctor's care."
Soldier's best friend keeps funeral pledge
It was a promise neither man would have wanted to keep. Yesterday the funeral of a Black Watch soldier killed in Afghanistan took a bizarre turn when his best friend arrived in a bright green dress and pink leg warmers to honour a pact that the two of them had made.
Private Kevin Elliott and his friend, Barry Delaney, had agreed that whoever survived the other should wear a dress to the dead man’s funeral. Mr Delaney duly fulfilled the pledge as a tribute to Private Elliott, who was killed aged 24 while on foot patrol in the southern province of Helmand on August 31.
Mr Delaney wept on his knees at the graveside in Dundee as shots were fired during the military funeral. His dress plans are believed to have been known about in advance by other mourners.
Private Elliott’s other friends wore Black Watch tartan ribbon pins with the words “Kevin Elliott Our Hero”. His young cousins wore T-shirts emblazoned with his photograph. His army colleagues wore their regimental uniforms and carried his coffin, which was draped in a saltire. Earlier, hundreds of mourners had lined the route outside St Mary’s church in the city centre, clapping as the funeral cortège left for the cemetery.
Private Kevin Elliott and his friend, Barry Delaney, had agreed that whoever survived the other should wear a dress to the dead man’s funeral. Mr Delaney duly fulfilled the pledge as a tribute to Private Elliott, who was killed aged 24 while on foot patrol in the southern province of Helmand on August 31.
Mr Delaney wept on his knees at the graveside in Dundee as shots were fired during the military funeral. His dress plans are believed to have been known about in advance by other mourners.
Private Elliott’s other friends wore Black Watch tartan ribbon pins with the words “Kevin Elliott Our Hero”. His young cousins wore T-shirts emblazoned with his photograph. His army colleagues wore their regimental uniforms and carried his coffin, which was draped in a saltire. Earlier, hundreds of mourners had lined the route outside St Mary’s church in the city centre, clapping as the funeral cortège left for the cemetery.
The umbrella that protects against rain and muggers
An unbreakable umbrella which protects against rain and muggers has been unveiled. Designers of the £125 Unbreakable Umbrella claim their invention made of hi-tech steel can support the weight of a man and can be wielded like a baseball bat.
Makers Real Self-Defense say their brolly is as strong as a steel pipe despite weighing only 775g and is already proving a hit across the UK and Europe.
They claim it is perfect for use as a self-defence weapon, particularly when combined with knowledge of martial arts training such as Kendo, a Japanese style of fencing.
In the company's promotional video a besuited middle-aged man can be seen splitting watermelons and attacking a punch bag with his unbreakable brolley. It is then raised and folds out to form a regular looking black umbrella.
A spokesman for Real Self-Defence, based in Vermont, USA, said the umbrella was a vital tool for staying protected on the streets.
He said: ''Our Unbreakable Umbrella has no unusual parts, no more metal than an average umbrella, it does not arouse suspicion, can be carried legally everywhere where any weapons are prohibited."
Makers Real Self-Defense say their brolly is as strong as a steel pipe despite weighing only 775g and is already proving a hit across the UK and Europe.
They claim it is perfect for use as a self-defence weapon, particularly when combined with knowledge of martial arts training such as Kendo, a Japanese style of fencing.
In the company's promotional video a besuited middle-aged man can be seen splitting watermelons and attacking a punch bag with his unbreakable brolley. It is then raised and folds out to form a regular looking black umbrella.
A spokesman for Real Self-Defence, based in Vermont, USA, said the umbrella was a vital tool for staying protected on the streets.
He said: ''Our Unbreakable Umbrella has no unusual parts, no more metal than an average umbrella, it does not arouse suspicion, can be carried legally everywhere where any weapons are prohibited."
Woman aged 98 to be evicted from home
A 98-year-old “neighbour from hell” is to be thrown out of her home after council chiefs won an eviction order.
A judge yesterday gave Mary Plaisted 28 days to get out of the sheltered housing flat she has lived in for the past 28 years.
The pensioner will become the oldest person ever thrown out of her accommodation by Southampton City Council, after making the lives of her elderly neighbours a misery.
The authority said it was left with “no alternative” after claiming she had assaulted carers and council staff, harassed neighbours, endangered the lives of others by using her community alarm 563 times in a month, and made 264 calls to police in two years.
At Southampton County Court, District Judge Robert Naylor approved the council’s application to throw out Mrs Plaisted, after hearing she had been assessed as “mentally capable”.
Chris Perry, director of Age Concern Hampshire, said he is concerned at the prospect of such an elderly woman being thrown out of her home. “At the end of the day, they can’t turf someone out on the street at 98 years of age – they still have a responsibility to her,” he said. “It’s going to be a very difficult eviction to push through. I’ve never heard of anyone that old being evicted before.”
A judge yesterday gave Mary Plaisted 28 days to get out of the sheltered housing flat she has lived in for the past 28 years.
The pensioner will become the oldest person ever thrown out of her accommodation by Southampton City Council, after making the lives of her elderly neighbours a misery.
The authority said it was left with “no alternative” after claiming she had assaulted carers and council staff, harassed neighbours, endangered the lives of others by using her community alarm 563 times in a month, and made 264 calls to police in two years.
At Southampton County Court, District Judge Robert Naylor approved the council’s application to throw out Mrs Plaisted, after hearing she had been assessed as “mentally capable”.
Chris Perry, director of Age Concern Hampshire, said he is concerned at the prospect of such an elderly woman being thrown out of her home. “At the end of the day, they can’t turf someone out on the street at 98 years of age – they still have a responsibility to her,” he said. “It’s going to be a very difficult eviction to push through. I’ve never heard of anyone that old being evicted before.”
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Nepal runs out of goats to sacrifice
Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu, has run out of goats to sacrifice just days before the country's biggest religious festival of the year.
The government has been forced to send officials into the countryside to look for animals to help ease the shortage in Kathmandu.
Goats and other animals are ritually slaughtered and eaten during the Hindu festival of Dashain to appease the goddess of power, Durga.
Bijaya Thapa, deputy general manager at the Nepal Food Corporation, said: "Kathmandu city faces a shortage of goats during the festival, which always brings a high demand for goat meat.
"We are bringing goats in to ease the supply and to control dramatic price hikes."
Officials have been told to persuade farmers to sell their livestock in rural areas, where the government has posted adverts calling on people to sell their goats.
The government has been forced to send officials into the countryside to look for animals to help ease the shortage in Kathmandu.
Goats and other animals are ritually slaughtered and eaten during the Hindu festival of Dashain to appease the goddess of power, Durga.
Bijaya Thapa, deputy general manager at the Nepal Food Corporation, said: "Kathmandu city faces a shortage of goats during the festival, which always brings a high demand for goat meat.
"We are bringing goats in to ease the supply and to control dramatic price hikes."
Officials have been told to persuade farmers to sell their livestock in rural areas, where the government has posted adverts calling on people to sell their goats.
Dog nurses puppies and baby squirrel
A newborn squirrel that had been abandoned by its mother has found a new home and a new family, thanks to a dog named "Princess" and her owners. "Princess," a Shih Tzu, had just given birth to three female pups when a new hungry critter showed up.
Doug and Corinne Thomas say a neighbour discovered the tiny squirrel near their Agoura Hills home and when it wouldn't eat, they thought that "Princess" might be willing to nurse it along with her own puppies.
So, at feeding time, they placed the little female squirrel next to her new sisters and waited to see what would happen. What happened turned out to be a real case of puppy love.
Turns out "Princess" was more than willing to nurse the squirrel, who has been renamed "Squirl." Now, two weeks later, "Squirl," all three puppies and "Princess" are gaining weight and thriving.
The Thomas' say "Princess" cares for "Squirl" as if she were one of her own. Corrine Thomas says "Princess" has been used to help inspire autistic children and that "Squirl" will join the cause.
"If humans could be more like Princess and the squirrel and the little pups we would all get along a lot better. It doesn't matter what you have on the outside, it's on the inside," she said.
Doug and Corinne Thomas say a neighbour discovered the tiny squirrel near their Agoura Hills home and when it wouldn't eat, they thought that "Princess" might be willing to nurse it along with her own puppies.
So, at feeding time, they placed the little female squirrel next to her new sisters and waited to see what would happen. What happened turned out to be a real case of puppy love.
Turns out "Princess" was more than willing to nurse the squirrel, who has been renamed "Squirl." Now, two weeks later, "Squirl," all three puppies and "Princess" are gaining weight and thriving.
The Thomas' say "Princess" cares for "Squirl" as if she were one of her own. Corrine Thomas says "Princess" has been used to help inspire autistic children and that "Squirl" will join the cause.
"If humans could be more like Princess and the squirrel and the little pups we would all get along a lot better. It doesn't matter what you have on the outside, it's on the inside," she said.
Donated sofa came with stowaway kitten
Goodwill stores often get unusual donations, but the one in Huron received a sofa on Thursday that literally was the cat's meow.
A kitten had somehow got trapped inside the couch, and its meows alerted store personnel to the young feline's predicament.
"We heard meowing and didn't know where it was coming from," store clerk Kaila Voight said.
"We finally figured out it was coming from the couch. We removed the cushions and out popped the kitten's head through a slit in the fabric covering the springs," she said.
As a precaution, store personnel tore apart the sofa, but didn't find any more kittens.
The donor later called Goodwill to say she was missing a kitten and that it might be in the couch. She was relieved to learn it had been found and gave her permission for a customer to adopt it.
A kitten had somehow got trapped inside the couch, and its meows alerted store personnel to the young feline's predicament.
"We heard meowing and didn't know where it was coming from," store clerk Kaila Voight said.
"We finally figured out it was coming from the couch. We removed the cushions and out popped the kitten's head through a slit in the fabric covering the springs," she said.
As a precaution, store personnel tore apart the sofa, but didn't find any more kittens.
The donor later called Goodwill to say she was missing a kitten and that it might be in the couch. She was relieved to learn it had been found and gave her permission for a customer to adopt it.
Banana sex cult leader hunted by police in Papua New Guinea
Police in Papua New Guinea police are hunting the leader of a sex cult who promised villagers a bumper banana harvest if they had sex in public.
The man and his followers fled naked into the wilderness when police tried to arrest them at the weekend.
It said the villagers in Morobe province, about 120 miles north of the capital Port Moresby, had been promised their banana harvest would increase 10-fold every time they had sex in public.
It said the cult leader was wanted for a range of alleged offences over the past four months, including threatening people and illegal sexual activity.
Inspector Adam Busil said officers had surrounded the man's hut early on Saturday but he refused to come out. The suspect then made a dash for freedom with about seven naked followers.
"He used his two wives as a human shield to avoid being shot at by the policemen," he said. "They were called on to surrender but they refused." He said extra officers were being called in to track down the members of the group.
The man and his followers fled naked into the wilderness when police tried to arrest them at the weekend.
It said the villagers in Morobe province, about 120 miles north of the capital Port Moresby, had been promised their banana harvest would increase 10-fold every time they had sex in public.
It said the cult leader was wanted for a range of alleged offences over the past four months, including threatening people and illegal sexual activity.
Inspector Adam Busil said officers had surrounded the man's hut early on Saturday but he refused to come out. The suspect then made a dash for freedom with about seven naked followers.
"He used his two wives as a human shield to avoid being shot at by the policemen," he said. "They were called on to surrender but they refused." He said extra officers were being called in to track down the members of the group.
Bavarian brewery claims to spice up sex lives
A brewmeister in Bavaria is convinced that he has come up with the "world's first sexy beer," a tipple that will not only boost libidos, but also fertility and potency. Will "Erotic Beer" prove to be better than Viagra?
Jürgen Hopf fits the stereotype of a Bavarian beer-maker, with his traditional felt hat, rosy cheeks, and proudly protruding beer-belly. But Hopf has given Germany's favorite drink an unlikely twist, creating libido-enhancing beer.
And the potion which he created almost seven years ago, has gone from strength to strength. Sales of the bottles adorned with a picture of a woman removing her top now make up more than a tenth of all the beer brewed in his village.
But his invention came about by chance, Hopf says. "I work at a brewery where all the processes are automated. One night though, the system failed and I was called up to try and fix it as I live just over the road," he said. "It was the middle of the night and there wasn't a soul in sight so I crossed the road wearing just my little boxer shorts and slippers."
What happened next is something which Hopf describes as pure magic. When he entered the brewery the machine was completely broken and couldn't be restarted. Semi-naked with no sleeves to roll up, he picked up a large stick and started stirring the soupy brew by hand. "I suddenly felt strange and I knew that this beer would be different from any beer we had ever made before," he recalls.
Sure enough, two months later, the beer brewed that night back in 2002, had become somewhat of a local legend. Anyone in the village of Schönbrunn - a settlement of 1,400 in the heart of the Fichtelgebirge Mountains in Bavaria - who tried the beverage, reported a drastically increased libido. "Everyone I asked told me that they had not watched TV in the weeks," Hopf chuckles, "instead they had went straight to the bedroom with no time to spare!" Hopf produced his "Erotic Beer" in ever larger batches. But each bottle is still brewed manually in the middle of the night by the 53-year-old brewmaster, who dresses in nothing but a scant, traditional Bavarian loin-cloth when making his beer.
With photo gallery.
Jürgen Hopf fits the stereotype of a Bavarian beer-maker, with his traditional felt hat, rosy cheeks, and proudly protruding beer-belly. But Hopf has given Germany's favorite drink an unlikely twist, creating libido-enhancing beer.
And the potion which he created almost seven years ago, has gone from strength to strength. Sales of the bottles adorned with a picture of a woman removing her top now make up more than a tenth of all the beer brewed in his village.
But his invention came about by chance, Hopf says. "I work at a brewery where all the processes are automated. One night though, the system failed and I was called up to try and fix it as I live just over the road," he said. "It was the middle of the night and there wasn't a soul in sight so I crossed the road wearing just my little boxer shorts and slippers."
What happened next is something which Hopf describes as pure magic. When he entered the brewery the machine was completely broken and couldn't be restarted. Semi-naked with no sleeves to roll up, he picked up a large stick and started stirring the soupy brew by hand. "I suddenly felt strange and I knew that this beer would be different from any beer we had ever made before," he recalls.
Sure enough, two months later, the beer brewed that night back in 2002, had become somewhat of a local legend. Anyone in the village of Schönbrunn - a settlement of 1,400 in the heart of the Fichtelgebirge Mountains in Bavaria - who tried the beverage, reported a drastically increased libido. "Everyone I asked told me that they had not watched TV in the weeks," Hopf chuckles, "instead they had went straight to the bedroom with no time to spare!" Hopf produced his "Erotic Beer" in ever larger batches. But each bottle is still brewed manually in the middle of the night by the 53-year-old brewmaster, who dresses in nothing but a scant, traditional Bavarian loin-cloth when making his beer.
With photo gallery.
Man loses car containing stepson while buying drugs
According to police, Dino Vicente, 31, drove from Coopersburg, Pa., to Kensington to buy drugs on Saturday. He had a companion: His 6-year-old stepson.
The trip went according to plan. "He left the kid in the car, went to an unknown location and got high," an investigator said.
Then everything went to pot. About 4:30 a.m., Vicente called the boy's mother to report that he couldn't remember where he had parked his car, the investigator said.
With no other choice, he flagged down cops on the 3400 block of Collins Street to report the lost boy and car, police said. After a two-hour search, police found Vicente's stepson, apparently unharmed, sitting inside the car on the 2000 block of Clearfield Street.
Vicente, of Main Street in Coopersburg, was charged with recklessly endangering another person and endangering the welfare of a child.
Police said the boy was taken to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children for observation, then released.
The trip went according to plan. "He left the kid in the car, went to an unknown location and got high," an investigator said.
Then everything went to pot. About 4:30 a.m., Vicente called the boy's mother to report that he couldn't remember where he had parked his car, the investigator said.
With no other choice, he flagged down cops on the 3400 block of Collins Street to report the lost boy and car, police said. After a two-hour search, police found Vicente's stepson, apparently unharmed, sitting inside the car on the 2000 block of Clearfield Street.
Vicente, of Main Street in Coopersburg, was charged with recklessly endangering another person and endangering the welfare of a child.
Police said the boy was taken to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children for observation, then released.
Military robot 'hops' over walls
Video footage has been released of a robot that can leap over obstacles more than 7.5m (25ft) high.
Most of the time, the shoebox-sized robot - which is being developed for the US military - uses its four wheels to get around.
But the Precision Urban Hopper can use a piston-actuated "leg" to launch it over obstacles such as walls or fences.
The robot could boost the capabilities of troops and special forces engaged in urban warfare, say researchers.
Most of the time, the shoebox-sized robot - which is being developed for the US military - uses its four wheels to get around.
But the Precision Urban Hopper can use a piston-actuated "leg" to launch it over obstacles such as walls or fences.
The robot could boost the capabilities of troops and special forces engaged in urban warfare, say researchers.
Boy faked kidnap to cover up bad report
An 11-year-old boy faked his kidnapping to avoid bringing home his bad report card, Huntsville police said.
The Ed White Middle School student claimed that a man in a red, beat-up car grabbed him after school at the intersection of Trail Ridge and Grizzard roads and forced him into the vehicle.
"I'm going to take you somewhere and kill you," the boy claimed the man said. The boy also said the man had a pistol. The boy then claimed to have jumped from the vehicle - without his bookbag, which contained the report card - and run to his grandparents' house.
That's where the boy eventually confessed to making up the whole thing to cover for his bad grades. His grandfather called police to apologize and report the boy's story.
Police were first notified of a possible abduction involving the boy at about 4:20 p.m. - before he confessed. But it's unclear who reported the kidnapping. Sgt. Mark Roberts said police were suspicious of the boy's story when he was able to "escape" with his band instrument, but not his bookbag.
Roberts said the boy faces no charges at this time. The whereabouts of the bookbag and report card are unknown.
The Ed White Middle School student claimed that a man in a red, beat-up car grabbed him after school at the intersection of Trail Ridge and Grizzard roads and forced him into the vehicle.
"I'm going to take you somewhere and kill you," the boy claimed the man said. The boy also said the man had a pistol. The boy then claimed to have jumped from the vehicle - without his bookbag, which contained the report card - and run to his grandparents' house.
That's where the boy eventually confessed to making up the whole thing to cover for his bad grades. His grandfather called police to apologize and report the boy's story.
Police were first notified of a possible abduction involving the boy at about 4:20 p.m. - before he confessed. But it's unclear who reported the kidnapping. Sgt. Mark Roberts said police were suspicious of the boy's story when he was able to "escape" with his band instrument, but not his bookbag.
Roberts said the boy faces no charges at this time. The whereabouts of the bookbag and report card are unknown.
Man sues O.J. Simpson over heart attacks
The man who was robbed by O.J. Simpson and his accomplices in Las Vegas is suing the former football star over his subsequent heart attacks.
Bruce Fromong was first rushed to a hospital in the week following the robbery. Since then, he claimed to suffer further health problems and sued for infliction of emotional distress, negligence as well as assault and battery.
His lawsuit names Simpson, five men who accompanied him during the 2007 robbery, and Thomas Riccio, who led Simpson and the other men to the room at the Palace Station hotel. Fromong claimed Riccio, who secretly recorded the robbery, intended to create a “dangerous and explosive” situation with the intent on selling it to the highest bidder.
Simpson is serving 7½ to 27 years for robbing Fromong and another sports memorabilia dealer at the Palace Station hotel in 2007. He is appealing the conviction, but was recently denied bail by the Nevada Supreme Court
Bruce Fromong was first rushed to a hospital in the week following the robbery. Since then, he claimed to suffer further health problems and sued for infliction of emotional distress, negligence as well as assault and battery.
His lawsuit names Simpson, five men who accompanied him during the 2007 robbery, and Thomas Riccio, who led Simpson and the other men to the room at the Palace Station hotel. Fromong claimed Riccio, who secretly recorded the robbery, intended to create a “dangerous and explosive” situation with the intent on selling it to the highest bidder.
Simpson is serving 7½ to 27 years for robbing Fromong and another sports memorabilia dealer at the Palace Station hotel in 2007. He is appealing the conviction, but was recently denied bail by the Nevada Supreme Court
Indian lawyers want to speak Hindi
Lawyers in India's capital, New Delhi, are arguing for the use of Hindi to be allowed in the city's High Court.
Currently, English is the only official language for the proceedings of Delhi's High Court.
Protesters say the practice is nothing but a colonial practice from the era of British rule and must now be abolished.
A group of lawyers has collected thousands of signatures in support of their campaign to argue their cases in the national language, Hindi.
The lawyers are filing a petition to the chief justice of the Delhi High Court to press their demand.
They say a majority of lawyers, who come from states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are not very articulate in English. Besides, they argue, a majority of their clients also understand only Hindi.
Currently, English is the only official language for the proceedings of Delhi's High Court.
Protesters say the practice is nothing but a colonial practice from the era of British rule and must now be abolished.
A group of lawyers has collected thousands of signatures in support of their campaign to argue their cases in the national language, Hindi.
The lawyers are filing a petition to the chief justice of the Delhi High Court to press their demand.
They say a majority of lawyers, who come from states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are not very articulate in English. Besides, they argue, a majority of their clients also understand only Hindi.
Taking showers can make you ill
Showering may be bad for your health, say US scientists, who have shown that dirty shower heads can deliver a face full of harmful bacteria.
Tests revealed nearly a third of devices harbour significant levels of a bug that causes lung disease.
Levels of Mycobacterium avium were 100 times higher than those found in typical household water supplies.
M. avium forms a biofilm that clings to the inside of the shower head, reports the National Academy of Science.
In the Proceedings journal, the study authors say their findings might explain why there have been more cases of these lung infections in recent years, linked with people tending to take more showers and fewer baths.
Water spurting from shower heads can distribute bacteria-filled droplets that suspend themselves in the air and can easily be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lungs, say the scientists from the University of Colorado at Boulder
Tests revealed nearly a third of devices harbour significant levels of a bug that causes lung disease.
Levels of Mycobacterium avium were 100 times higher than those found in typical household water supplies.
M. avium forms a biofilm that clings to the inside of the shower head, reports the National Academy of Science.
In the Proceedings journal, the study authors say their findings might explain why there have been more cases of these lung infections in recent years, linked with people tending to take more showers and fewer baths.
Water spurting from shower heads can distribute bacteria-filled droplets that suspend themselves in the air and can easily be inhaled into the deepest parts of the lungs, say the scientists from the University of Colorado at Boulder
Plane makes fiery landing on foam runway
A passenger plane carrying Germany's Social Democrat (SPD) leader Franz Muentefering has made an emergency landing at Germany's Stuttgart airport, after having problems with its landing gear.
Amateur footage shows the plane, which was flying in from Berlin's Tegel airport with 73 passengers and five crew members on board, landing on a protective layer of foam as flames appear from the undercarriage.
Contact Air, which operated the flight said all the passengers were able to leave the plane via its emergency slides.
One passenger was slightly injured and a stewardess was taken to a hospital for observation.
Amateur footage shows the plane, which was flying in from Berlin's Tegel airport with 73 passengers and five crew members on board, landing on a protective layer of foam as flames appear from the undercarriage.
Contact Air, which operated the flight said all the passengers were able to leave the plane via its emergency slides.
One passenger was slightly injured and a stewardess was taken to a hospital for observation.
Panic on flight as crew accidentally plays emergency tape
Aer Lingus cabin crew caused panic on a Dublin to Paris flight by accidentally playing a message in French which warned that the plane was about to make an emergency landing. Panic-stricken passengers, of which the majority were French, spent several terrifying minutes convinced they were about to plunge into the sea only to discover staff had put on the wrong announcement.
Around 70 people were on board the A320 Airbus which took off from Dublin on its way to Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport. Approximately 20 minutes after take-off, an announcement in English advised passengers that the plane was passing through an area of turbulence, and to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts. It was directly followed by another announcement, this time in French.
Relaxed-looking English-speaking passengers smiled at their fellow French travellers and presumed they were listening to the same message. However, this one received a very different response that could not be explained by cultural differences as the French began to scream, shake and cry.
One passenger said that a Frenchman who had been dozing next to him suddenly woke up and looked very startled. "He translated what had been said to me. The message, he said, was that we should prepare for an emergency landing, note where the emergency exits were and await instructions from the captain. As there was turbulence as well I got quite alarmed. The woman behind me was crying. All the French freaked out," he added.
A few agonising minutes later, the cabin crew realised there was something wrong as passengers were wailing. In fact, a steward had simply pressed the wrong pre-recorded message – warning the plane was about to make an emergency landing. The aircraft was over the sea at the time and some passengers believed the plane was about to ditch. "They then went back on the PA system and apologised for playing the wrong announcement in French," the passenger said.
An Aer Lingus spokeswoman confirmed that a pre-recorded message in French about the emergency landing had been accidentally pressed instead of the turbulence warning. "We subsequently clarified this and apologised to our passengers. It is a very unusual occurrence," he said.
Around 70 people were on board the A320 Airbus which took off from Dublin on its way to Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport. Approximately 20 minutes after take-off, an announcement in English advised passengers that the plane was passing through an area of turbulence, and to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts. It was directly followed by another announcement, this time in French.
Relaxed-looking English-speaking passengers smiled at their fellow French travellers and presumed they were listening to the same message. However, this one received a very different response that could not be explained by cultural differences as the French began to scream, shake and cry.
One passenger said that a Frenchman who had been dozing next to him suddenly woke up and looked very startled. "He translated what had been said to me. The message, he said, was that we should prepare for an emergency landing, note where the emergency exits were and await instructions from the captain. As there was turbulence as well I got quite alarmed. The woman behind me was crying. All the French freaked out," he added.
A few agonising minutes later, the cabin crew realised there was something wrong as passengers were wailing. In fact, a steward had simply pressed the wrong pre-recorded message – warning the plane was about to make an emergency landing. The aircraft was over the sea at the time and some passengers believed the plane was about to ditch. "They then went back on the PA system and apologised for playing the wrong announcement in French," the passenger said.
An Aer Lingus spokeswoman confirmed that a pre-recorded message in French about the emergency landing had been accidentally pressed instead of the turbulence warning. "We subsequently clarified this and apologised to our passengers. It is a very unusual occurrence," he said.
Man gouged out woman's eye and threw it from flat balcony
A man is to stand trial over claims he attempted to murder a woman by gouging out her eye and throwing it over an eighth-floor balcony.
Francis Murphy, 26, denies two charges of attempting to murder Natalie Farrell at Dalfield Court in the city.
It is alleged Ms Farrell, 27, suffered the attack at a tower block in Dundee during two separate bids to kill her on the same day.
He is accused of holding Ms Farrell prisoner in a bedroom and attacking her before attempting to gouge out her eye with a metal hook and his fingers.
A second attempted murder charge alleges she was attacked again on the eighth floor landing of the Dalfield block when Mr Murphy chased her from the flat.
The charge states that he then tried to throw her over the balcony and "pulled and detached her eyeball" and threw it over the balcony.
Francis Murphy, 26, denies two charges of attempting to murder Natalie Farrell at Dalfield Court in the city.
It is alleged Ms Farrell, 27, suffered the attack at a tower block in Dundee during two separate bids to kill her on the same day.
He is accused of holding Ms Farrell prisoner in a bedroom and attacking her before attempting to gouge out her eye with a metal hook and his fingers.
A second attempted murder charge alleges she was attacked again on the eighth floor landing of the Dalfield block when Mr Murphy chased her from the flat.
The charge states that he then tried to throw her over the balcony and "pulled and detached her eyeball" and threw it over the balcony.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Cowboy herds stray bulls from shop
Shoppers who called into a food store for a snack fled the aisles after cattle from a fair parade ran amok inside.
The animals broke from the opening parade of the Puyallup Fair in Washington and popped into the shop and a nearby petrol station.
Two cowboys on horses used all their skills to round the cattle up and get them out before they caused too much damage.
Police spokesman Dave McDonald said the animals had no problem getting in. 'The motion-operated doors opened right up for them,' he said.
The animals broke from the opening parade of the Puyallup Fair in Washington and popped into the shop and a nearby petrol station.
Two cowboys on horses used all their skills to round the cattle up and get them out before they caused too much damage.
Police spokesman Dave McDonald said the animals had no problem getting in. 'The motion-operated doors opened right up for them,' he said.
Snake with foot found in China
A snake with a single clawed foot has been discovered in China.
Dean Qiongxiu, 66, said she discovered the reptile clinging to the wall of her bedroom with its talons in the middle of the night.
"I woke up and heard a strange scratching sound. I turned on the light and saw this monster working its way along the wall using his claw," said Mrs Duan of Suining, southwest China.
Mrs Duan said she was so scared she grabbed a shoe and beat the snake to death before preserving its body in a bottle of alcohol.
The snake – 16 inches long and the thickness of a little finger – is now being studied at the Life Sciences Department at China's West Normal University in Nanchang.
Snake expert Long Shuai said: "It is truly shocking but we won't know the cause until we've conducted an autopsy."
Dean Qiongxiu, 66, said she discovered the reptile clinging to the wall of her bedroom with its talons in the middle of the night.
"I woke up and heard a strange scratching sound. I turned on the light and saw this monster working its way along the wall using his claw," said Mrs Duan of Suining, southwest China.
Mrs Duan said she was so scared she grabbed a shoe and beat the snake to death before preserving its body in a bottle of alcohol.
The snake – 16 inches long and the thickness of a little finger – is now being studied at the Life Sciences Department at China's West Normal University in Nanchang.
Snake expert Long Shuai said: "It is truly shocking but we won't know the cause until we've conducted an autopsy."
Man accused of plotting mayhem to win woman's love
During the 18 months of a long-distance relationship that was too platonic for his liking, a Cudahy welder gave an Illinois woman as much as $100,000, and even paid the rent and utilities on a home for her and her mother.
But 35-year-old Jimmy Santiago Dominguez, a confessed loser in love, couldn't win the heart of Elissa Rodriguez, who is 12 years his junior.
So last month, Dominguez hatched what authorities say was a criminal plot that he hoped would bring him and Rodriguez together.
The plan? Hire his roommate to kidnap Rodriguez, slash her face repeatedly with a utility knife and torch her Toyota.
That way, Dominguez reasoned, he could "be there for her," helping his disfigured angel recover from her wounds by giving her tender care and a brand new car.
The roommate, however, took his story to police and the police took Dominguez to jail, charging him with three felonies that could put him in prison for decades.
Full story here.
But 35-year-old Jimmy Santiago Dominguez, a confessed loser in love, couldn't win the heart of Elissa Rodriguez, who is 12 years his junior.
So last month, Dominguez hatched what authorities say was a criminal plot that he hoped would bring him and Rodriguez together.
The plan? Hire his roommate to kidnap Rodriguez, slash her face repeatedly with a utility knife and torch her Toyota.
That way, Dominguez reasoned, he could "be there for her," helping his disfigured angel recover from her wounds by giving her tender care and a brand new car.
The roommate, however, took his story to police and the police took Dominguez to jail, charging him with three felonies that could put him in prison for decades.
Full story here.
Australian man abandons family for death row dog
A father has abandoned his young family and is on the run after breaking his pet dog out of death row minutes before it was to be destroyed. Ronnie Gilbertson, 41, of Moorak, near Mt Gambier, and his Staffordshire-cross, Max, have gone into hiding, prompting a police call for help in tracking them down.
But Mr Gilbertson's partner, Fiona Harvey, 32, says the former champion amateur boxer has her full support because "he loves his dog as much as anyone would love his son". "I don't have a problem with what Ronnie has done," Ms Harvey said from her parents' Barmera home yesterday. I would hope he would do the same for our kids in similar circumstances."
She said their two-year-old daughter, Kloe, and 11 week-old-son, Kobi, were concerned about their father, who does odd jobs around the district. "Kloe is missing her dad big time and I wish this all never happened, that he could just come back home to us," Ms Harvey said.
Photo from here.
Mr Gilbertson's mother, who did not want to be named, said her son had bought the dog for company after his father died eight years ago. He had "made an oath" to protect Max whatever happened - and he was following through on that now.
That meant hiring a lawyer and spending more than $6000 fighting the Grant District Council, which issued a destruction order against Max in May after he seriously injured a neighbour's dog. The council dismissed Mr Gilbertson's appeal on August 14, saying the dog was "unduly dangerous" because he had also previously fought and injured other dogs and, in 2005, had killed two sheep at a farm near his home.
Max remained on death row at the Animal Welfare League in Mt Gambier, and was to have been put down last Monday afternoon. With just a few minutes alone to say goodbye to his friend, and determined to uphold his oath, Mr Gilbertson did the only thing he could think of - he busted Max out. Using a pair of wire cutters he had smuggled into the depot, Mr Gilbertson cut Max free from his enclosure, grabbed him and ran. He has not been seen since, although it is understood he may have fled interstate.
But Mr Gilbertson's partner, Fiona Harvey, 32, says the former champion amateur boxer has her full support because "he loves his dog as much as anyone would love his son". "I don't have a problem with what Ronnie has done," Ms Harvey said from her parents' Barmera home yesterday. I would hope he would do the same for our kids in similar circumstances."
She said their two-year-old daughter, Kloe, and 11 week-old-son, Kobi, were concerned about their father, who does odd jobs around the district. "Kloe is missing her dad big time and I wish this all never happened, that he could just come back home to us," Ms Harvey said.
Photo from here.
Mr Gilbertson's mother, who did not want to be named, said her son had bought the dog for company after his father died eight years ago. He had "made an oath" to protect Max whatever happened - and he was following through on that now.
That meant hiring a lawyer and spending more than $6000 fighting the Grant District Council, which issued a destruction order against Max in May after he seriously injured a neighbour's dog. The council dismissed Mr Gilbertson's appeal on August 14, saying the dog was "unduly dangerous" because he had also previously fought and injured other dogs and, in 2005, had killed two sheep at a farm near his home.
Max remained on death row at the Animal Welfare League in Mt Gambier, and was to have been put down last Monday afternoon. With just a few minutes alone to say goodbye to his friend, and determined to uphold his oath, Mr Gilbertson did the only thing he could think of - he busted Max out. Using a pair of wire cutters he had smuggled into the depot, Mr Gilbertson cut Max free from his enclosure, grabbed him and ran. He has not been seen since, although it is understood he may have fled interstate.
Aceh passes adultery stoning law
Indonesia's province of Aceh has passed a new law making adultery punishable by stoning to death, a member of the province's parliament has said.
The law also imposes severe sentences for rape, homosexuality, alcohol consumption and gambling.
Opponents had tried to delay the law, saying more debate was needed because it imposes capital punishment.
The legislation was passed unanimously by Aceh's regional legislature, said assembly member Bahrom Rasjid.
"This law will be effective in 30 days with or without the approval of Aceh's governor," he said.
Sharia law was partially introduced in Aceh in 2001, as part of a government offer to pacify separatist rebels.
The law also imposes severe sentences for rape, homosexuality, alcohol consumption and gambling.
Opponents had tried to delay the law, saying more debate was needed because it imposes capital punishment.
The legislation was passed unanimously by Aceh's regional legislature, said assembly member Bahrom Rasjid.
"This law will be effective in 30 days with or without the approval of Aceh's governor," he said.
Sharia law was partially introduced in Aceh in 2001, as part of a government offer to pacify separatist rebels.
Prank call leads to statutory rape charge
What began as a prank call that a man had been shot ended up with the caller being arrested on a statutory rape charge after deputies tracked down the call and found him with a girl younger than 16, Baldwin County Sheriff's Office officials said today.
David Wayne McCarn II of Bay Minette, 18, was charged with second-degree rape and rendering a false alarm. He was being held in the Baldwin County Corrections Center with his bail set at $11,000, according to jail records. The incident began around 11 p.m. Thursday when Baldwin 911 operators received a report that someone had been shot and was lying in the front yard of a home, Sheriff Huey "Hoss" Mack said.
Officers traced the call to a cell phone and through the telephone provider located the phone. Arriving at the location in the White House Fork community, officers found a teenage girl, the phone's owner, still in bed and McCarn hiding in a closet, Mack said.
Mack said that after interviewing the girl and McCarn, investigators determined that the two had sex that evening and the defendant was charged with rape. Under Alabama law, a man who is 16 or older who has sex with a girl younger than 16, but older than 12, can be charged with second-degree rape. A defendant convicted of the Class B felony can be sentenced to two to 20 years in prison.
David Wayne McCarn II of Bay Minette, 18, was charged with second-degree rape and rendering a false alarm. He was being held in the Baldwin County Corrections Center with his bail set at $11,000, according to jail records. The incident began around 11 p.m. Thursday when Baldwin 911 operators received a report that someone had been shot and was lying in the front yard of a home, Sheriff Huey "Hoss" Mack said.
Officers traced the call to a cell phone and through the telephone provider located the phone. Arriving at the location in the White House Fork community, officers found a teenage girl, the phone's owner, still in bed and McCarn hiding in a closet, Mack said.
Mack said that after interviewing the girl and McCarn, investigators determined that the two had sex that evening and the defendant was charged with rape. Under Alabama law, a man who is 16 or older who has sex with a girl younger than 16, but older than 12, can be charged with second-degree rape. A defendant convicted of the Class B felony can be sentenced to two to 20 years in prison.
Woman, 107, wants husband No. 23
A 107-year-old Malaysian woman says she is ready to marry for the 23rd time because she fears her current drug addict husband might leave her for a younger woman.
Wook Kundor made headlines four years ago when she married Muhammad Noor Che Musa, a man 70 years her junior in northern Terengganu state, with pictures of the couple's wedding splashed across regional newspapers.
But Wook is now looking for new love as she fears that Muhammad, 37, who is undergoing voluntary drug rehabilitation treatment in the capital Kuala Lumpur, will leave her once the programme ends.
"Lately, there is this kind of insecurity in me," she said. "I realise that I am an aged woman. I don't have the body nor am I a young woman who can attract anyone."
"My intention to remarry is to fill my forlornness and nothing more than that," she said, adding that she felt lonely without her husband by her side to celebrate the coming Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr next week.
Wook said she planned to visit Muhammad on the second day of Eid if her neighbours were willing to drive her to the capital. Muhammad, who was a lodger in Wook's house, had previously said it was "God's will" that the couple fell in love.
Wook Kundor made headlines four years ago when she married Muhammad Noor Che Musa, a man 70 years her junior in northern Terengganu state, with pictures of the couple's wedding splashed across regional newspapers.
But Wook is now looking for new love as she fears that Muhammad, 37, who is undergoing voluntary drug rehabilitation treatment in the capital Kuala Lumpur, will leave her once the programme ends.
"Lately, there is this kind of insecurity in me," she said. "I realise that I am an aged woman. I don't have the body nor am I a young woman who can attract anyone."
"My intention to remarry is to fill my forlornness and nothing more than that," she said, adding that she felt lonely without her husband by her side to celebrate the coming Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr next week.
Wook said she planned to visit Muhammad on the second day of Eid if her neighbours were willing to drive her to the capital. Muhammad, who was a lodger in Wook's house, had previously said it was "God's will" that the couple fell in love.
Couple charged after sex show at Australian service station
Two people have been charged after they were allegedly caught having sex in a four-wheel-drive at a Territory service station. The driver was drunk and the vehicle was stolen.
Police said they arrested the couple at the Adelaide River BP after spotting them having sex in the passenger seat of the car while pulled up at the petrol bowser.
Officers allegedly asked the couple to "stop what they were doing", and noticed the pair seemed to be intoxicated.
Police then reviewed video footage to see who had been driving the car. The driver was breath tested and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.179 per cent.
Police said the Toyota Landcruiser in which they shared their tryst had earlier been stolen from a house at Jabiru.
The driver was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, high range drink driving and unlicensed driving. Both occupants were charged with indecent behaviour in a public place.
Police said they arrested the couple at the Adelaide River BP after spotting them having sex in the passenger seat of the car while pulled up at the petrol bowser.
Officers allegedly asked the couple to "stop what they were doing", and noticed the pair seemed to be intoxicated.
Police then reviewed video footage to see who had been driving the car. The driver was breath tested and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.179 per cent.
Police said the Toyota Landcruiser in which they shared their tryst had earlier been stolen from a house at Jabiru.
The driver was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, high range drink driving and unlicensed driving. Both occupants were charged with indecent behaviour in a public place.
Health promotion is pants
As health promotions go, this one is definitely pants.
Bosses at a new hospital in China hung a massive pair of yellow Y-fronts from the roof to warn men of the health dangers of wearing pants that are too tight.
The briefs - measuring 12ft long and nine feet wide - were joined by 500 normal-sized pants flying outside the Changsha Bo Da Hospital in Changsha, southern China.
"There are many urinary or reproductive problems caused by men's underwear. This is intended to make men think about their pants," said spokesman Xiang Xiong.
Bosses at a new hospital in China hung a massive pair of yellow Y-fronts from the roof to warn men of the health dangers of wearing pants that are too tight.
The briefs - measuring 12ft long and nine feet wide - were joined by 500 normal-sized pants flying outside the Changsha Bo Da Hospital in Changsha, southern China.
"There are many urinary or reproductive problems caused by men's underwear. This is intended to make men think about their pants," said spokesman Xiang Xiong.
Man with no arms led police on a 100mph chase after jewellery raid
As a getaway driver he certainly had some of the qualifications: youth, stupidity and a blatant disregard for the law. In one area, however, John Smith was lacking - he had no arms.
Not that this was to deter a gang who, a court heard, employed him in a £175,000 raid on a jeweller's. Despite his disability, 18-year-old Smith, whose limbs end in stumps just below his elbows, managed to lead police on a terrifying 100mph car chase. At one point fellow gang members were leaning across to help him change gear.
Smith, who cannot dress himself and lives at home with his mother, was one of four youths charged with raiding an Ernest Jones store at a shopping centre near Rainham in Kent, last December.
As he waited in a Ford Focus, gang members used crowbars and hammers to smash their way into the store. Once the raid was complete they leapt back in the car and raced off towards London, with the police by this time in pursuit.
Smith, who is not thought to have been wearing prosthetic arms during the chase, kept control of the vehicle for more than 30 miles before finally crashing on the approach to the Blackwall Tunnel-in the east of the capital. The teenager, from North London, pleaded guilty to his part in the raid at Maidstone Crown Court. He was given a 12-month youth custody sentence, suspended for two years.
A judge also ordered that he be tagged and put under a six-month curfew. In mitigation, Lee Halliday-Davis said Smith had limited reading and writing skills.
Not that this was to deter a gang who, a court heard, employed him in a £175,000 raid on a jeweller's. Despite his disability, 18-year-old Smith, whose limbs end in stumps just below his elbows, managed to lead police on a terrifying 100mph car chase. At one point fellow gang members were leaning across to help him change gear.
Smith, who cannot dress himself and lives at home with his mother, was one of four youths charged with raiding an Ernest Jones store at a shopping centre near Rainham in Kent, last December.
As he waited in a Ford Focus, gang members used crowbars and hammers to smash their way into the store. Once the raid was complete they leapt back in the car and raced off towards London, with the police by this time in pursuit.
Smith, who is not thought to have been wearing prosthetic arms during the chase, kept control of the vehicle for more than 30 miles before finally crashing on the approach to the Blackwall Tunnel-in the east of the capital. The teenager, from North London, pleaded guilty to his part in the raid at Maidstone Crown Court. He was given a 12-month youth custody sentence, suspended for two years.
A judge also ordered that he be tagged and put under a six-month curfew. In mitigation, Lee Halliday-Davis said Smith had limited reading and writing skills.
Hungry burglar brings down roof of pizza takeaway trying to escape
A hapless , hungry burglar was caught on camera bringing the ceiling down as he tried to escape from a pizza shop, a court heard yesterday. Confused heroin and crack addict Mark Powell, 32, got into the takeaway in Stockton, Teesside, in May, and caused £3,000 damage trying to get out again. His hopeless escapade was caught on CCTV and police swiftly recognised the prolific thief and arrested him soon after, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Recorder James Goss declined to watch the CCTV evidence, but appeared to smile as he looked at still photographs of Powell's intoxicated attempt to climb onto the counter and up through the hole in the ceiling. Stephen Constantine, defending, said: "This is one of those cases where seeing is not necessarily believing the ineptitude of what went on that particular night."
Photo from here.
Powell, a father of two children, with two step-children and a baby on the way, broke into Angelo's Pizza Shop in Norton Road via an upstairs flat. He managed to get in through the ceiling, and stole £50 in coins, though he found nothing to eat. But the blundering burglar could not escape so easily.
Sharon Elves, prosecuting, said: "He managed to bring the whole ceiling down on him at one point." Mr Constantine said: "There was attempt after attempt to get on the counter, stand up on top of a sign and get back through the ceiling.
"The sign can be seen crashing down, followed by Mr Powell. Your Honour can see the state of intoxication that he must have been in. He climbs over the counter time after time, on each occasion there is a resounding bang as he hits his head on the sign. Then the whole lot comes crashing down."
Powell, of Newton Walk, Stockton, admitted burglary at a previous hearing. The judge gave him a 16-week jail sentence, suspended for a year, and told him prison was inevitable if he reoffended.
Recorder James Goss declined to watch the CCTV evidence, but appeared to smile as he looked at still photographs of Powell's intoxicated attempt to climb onto the counter and up through the hole in the ceiling. Stephen Constantine, defending, said: "This is one of those cases where seeing is not necessarily believing the ineptitude of what went on that particular night."
Photo from here.
Powell, a father of two children, with two step-children and a baby on the way, broke into Angelo's Pizza Shop in Norton Road via an upstairs flat. He managed to get in through the ceiling, and stole £50 in coins, though he found nothing to eat. But the blundering burglar could not escape so easily.
Sharon Elves, prosecuting, said: "He managed to bring the whole ceiling down on him at one point." Mr Constantine said: "There was attempt after attempt to get on the counter, stand up on top of a sign and get back through the ceiling.
"The sign can be seen crashing down, followed by Mr Powell. Your Honour can see the state of intoxication that he must have been in. He climbs over the counter time after time, on each occasion there is a resounding bang as he hits his head on the sign. Then the whole lot comes crashing down."
Powell, of Newton Walk, Stockton, admitted burglary at a previous hearing. The judge gave him a 16-week jail sentence, suspended for a year, and told him prison was inevitable if he reoffended.
Woman has a phobia of knees
A bride with a fear of knees is hoping she'll be cured by her wedding day. Sarah Lister has had the strange phobia since seeing her father dislocate his knee when she was 11.
The 25-year-old gets flustered, angry and sweaty at the sight or touch of anyone's kneecap.
Her fear, known as genuphobia, has made trips to the beach, nights out with friends or watching her fiancé Chris Bayliss playing football an ordeal. Even at her wedding dress fitting she feared her knees would be touched.
Ms Lister, from Gosport, Hampshire, said: 'In the summer it is worse because I don't feel like I can go to the beach or the pub.
'I worry that if I saw someone in a bathing costume or a short skirt I would just freak out. I quiver in fear if anybody tries to touch my knees. I am fine with my fiancé, my immediate family and a select group of friends, but strangers' knees still hold a lot of fear for me.'
Her condition has eased over the years and Ms Lister believes she can kick her phobia ahead of her wedding next May. She said: 'It would be a dream to be able to sit on the beach on my honeymoon and have no fear.'
The 25-year-old gets flustered, angry and sweaty at the sight or touch of anyone's kneecap.
Her fear, known as genuphobia, has made trips to the beach, nights out with friends or watching her fiancé Chris Bayliss playing football an ordeal. Even at her wedding dress fitting she feared her knees would be touched.
Ms Lister, from Gosport, Hampshire, said: 'In the summer it is worse because I don't feel like I can go to the beach or the pub.
'I worry that if I saw someone in a bathing costume or a short skirt I would just freak out. I quiver in fear if anybody tries to touch my knees. I am fine with my fiancé, my immediate family and a select group of friends, but strangers' knees still hold a lot of fear for me.'
Her condition has eased over the years and Ms Lister believes she can kick her phobia ahead of her wedding next May. She said: 'It would be a dream to be able to sit on the beach on my honeymoon and have no fear.'
Monday, September 14, 2009
India rushes to read sari-rippers
A boom in “sari-rippers”, India’s version of romantic bodice-ripper novels, has set readers on a collision course with Hindu nationalist politicians intent on preserving the country’s moral fibre. In the socially conservative subcontinent, where kissing in films is censored and couples can be fined for public displays of affection, women are rushing to buy romantic tales of dashing heroes, ravishing beauties and happy outcomes.
Last week Shiv Sena, a right-wing Hindu nationalist party, called for a government investigation into the legality of romantic fiction. “This kind of literature should be banned. It is against the cultural values of the country and is likely to have an unhealthy impact on the minds of teenagers,” said Vinod Bansal, a party spokesman.
Another Hindu party, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, also called for a ban, saying: “We don’t think these vulgar things should be allowed.”
India’s morality police may have underestimated the voracious appetite of Indian women for love stories. Spotting an opportunity, Harlequin Enterprises, the owner of Mills & Boon, set up an office in India last year. Sales of its £1.20 books have now more than doubled.
The publisher has commissioned its first Indian author, Milan Vohra, to write a novel that will contain steamy sexual scenes. “I was a little worried about it, thinking: this is India, I have my family here and there will be so much media attention,” she said. “But I’m not going to let the pressure get to me. I think people are sensible enough to cope with it.”
Sociologists believe the explosion of risqué romantic fiction may herald an impending sexual revolution in India. “In the past even our fantasies were repressed,” said Shiv Vishwanathan, a sociology professor. “Now they are not and that makes a difference.”
Last week Shiv Sena, a right-wing Hindu nationalist party, called for a government investigation into the legality of romantic fiction. “This kind of literature should be banned. It is against the cultural values of the country and is likely to have an unhealthy impact on the minds of teenagers,” said Vinod Bansal, a party spokesman.
Another Hindu party, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, also called for a ban, saying: “We don’t think these vulgar things should be allowed.”
India’s morality police may have underestimated the voracious appetite of Indian women for love stories. Spotting an opportunity, Harlequin Enterprises, the owner of Mills & Boon, set up an office in India last year. Sales of its £1.20 books have now more than doubled.
The publisher has commissioned its first Indian author, Milan Vohra, to write a novel that will contain steamy sexual scenes. “I was a little worried about it, thinking: this is India, I have my family here and there will be so much media attention,” she said. “But I’m not going to let the pressure get to me. I think people are sensible enough to cope with it.”
Sociologists believe the explosion of risqué romantic fiction may herald an impending sexual revolution in India. “In the past even our fantasies were repressed,” said Shiv Vishwanathan, a sociology professor. “Now they are not and that makes a difference.”
Elderly man strapped to oxygen tank robs bank
Authorities say a well-dressed elderly man carrying an oxygen tank has robbed a bank in the California beach town of La Jolla.
San Diego police Sgt. Ray Battrick says the suspect presented a demand note to a teller at the San Diego National Bank Saturday. He fled with an unknown amount of cash. Battrick says it's unclear whether the suspect had a weapon.
The robber is described as a tall man in his 70s with white hair, a grey moustache and glasses. He was wearing a white beret, argyle sweater and brown sports jacket.
Battrick says the oxygen tank was in a black bag and connected to the man's nose with plastic tubing.
San Diego police Sgt. Ray Battrick says the suspect presented a demand note to a teller at the San Diego National Bank Saturday. He fled with an unknown amount of cash. Battrick says it's unclear whether the suspect had a weapon.
The robber is described as a tall man in his 70s with white hair, a grey moustache and glasses. He was wearing a white beret, argyle sweater and brown sports jacket.
Battrick says the oxygen tank was in a black bag and connected to the man's nose with plastic tubing.
Teen arrested in zoo theft of 3 squirrel monkeys, a Goeldi's monkey, and an Amazon parrot
West Palm Beach police arrested a 17-year-old boy late Friday in the theft of three squirrel monkeys, a Goeldi's monkey and a Green-cheeked Amazon parrot from the Palm Beach Zoo, according to police spokesman Chase Scott. The suspect faces burglary and grand theft charges. Animal cruelty charges are pending in the case. "We are investigating two other young adults in connection with the crime," Scott said.
Primate keeper Nancy Nill's worry lines were gone, replaced by a broad grin. She was still in mom mode, closely monitoring the recovery of four monkeys and a parrot that had been stolen from the Palm Beach Zoo after Wednesday's closing time. But with their return Thursday afternoon, relief tempered her concern. "Awesome. I feel awesome," Nill said. "I can sleep tonight."
Acting on a tip, police tracked the animals to an abandoned house on the 2532 Palmarita Road in Lake Clarke Shores, according to Scott. Three squirrel monkeys were found in plastic containers in a sweltering shed behind the house. A Goeldi's monkey and a Green-cheeked Amazon parrot were kept in cages.
Veterinarians treated the animals for heat exposure. All are expected to make a full recovery, though one monkey, Dougie, was in more serious condition and needed more care, said Keith Lovett, director of living collections at the zoo.
Full story with news video here.
Primate keeper Nancy Nill's worry lines were gone, replaced by a broad grin. She was still in mom mode, closely monitoring the recovery of four monkeys and a parrot that had been stolen from the Palm Beach Zoo after Wednesday's closing time. But with their return Thursday afternoon, relief tempered her concern. "Awesome. I feel awesome," Nill said. "I can sleep tonight."
Acting on a tip, police tracked the animals to an abandoned house on the 2532 Palmarita Road in Lake Clarke Shores, according to Scott. Three squirrel monkeys were found in plastic containers in a sweltering shed behind the house. A Goeldi's monkey and a Green-cheeked Amazon parrot were kept in cages.
Veterinarians treated the animals for heat exposure. All are expected to make a full recovery, though one monkey, Dougie, was in more serious condition and needed more care, said Keith Lovett, director of living collections at the zoo.
Full story with news video here.
Firefighters save kitten wedged in wheel
A kitten that found herself in a very tight spot now has much more room to breathe in her new home. Jacksonville firefighters found the cat trapped in a car at headquarters and were able to pull her out.
At the start of the workday, a member of the Jacksonville Fire Department had an unusual sighting - a kitten wedged in the wheel of a car.
"One of our inspectors was returning to headquarters," said Tom Francis, of the Jacksonville Fire Department. "When he arrived, he heard a loud meowing sound."
The firefighter enlisted the help of his colleagues, and they sprang into action.
At first there were a few missed attempts. The frightened kitten wasn't exactly what you'd call cooperative.
"Each time someone attempted to grab the cat and pull it closer, it would scratch, bite," Francis said. But after a short while, the firefighters safely removed the small cat and gave it something to eat.
With video of the rescue.
At the start of the workday, a member of the Jacksonville Fire Department had an unusual sighting - a kitten wedged in the wheel of a car.
"One of our inspectors was returning to headquarters," said Tom Francis, of the Jacksonville Fire Department. "When he arrived, he heard a loud meowing sound."
The firefighter enlisted the help of his colleagues, and they sprang into action.
At first there were a few missed attempts. The frightened kitten wasn't exactly what you'd call cooperative.
"Each time someone attempted to grab the cat and pull it closer, it would scratch, bite," Francis said. But after a short while, the firefighters safely removed the small cat and gave it something to eat.
With video of the rescue.
French parents accused of dumping daughter's body in concrete
An eight-year-old French girl who was reported missing by her parents last week has been found encased in concrete at her father's workplace in Le Mans, northern France. The parents of the girl, who had mild Down's syndrome and has been named only as Marina, have been arrested and placed under official investigation for murder.
The father first claimed Marina had disappeared, saying he had left her for a couple of minutes asleep in his car in a McDonald's car park, and that she was no longer there on his return. He later claimed the child died of natural causes. But prosecutors allege Marina, who was slightly physically handicapped, died after being beaten and that the body was kept in the freezer before being covered in concrete in a Mafia-style attempt to hide her corpse from the police.
The couple face charges of murder, sequestration, and regular mistreatment over "numerous months", as well as "imaginary denunciation". If found guilty, they face life imprisonment. According to the prosecutor, Marina was beaten in a "violent scene" at the family's suburban house in Ecommoy, in the Sarthe region, after which her parents locked her in the cellar. She was hit "mostly by hand" but there were other unspecified "particularly brutal acts".
The mother is alleged to have later found her "inanimate" body. Panic-stricken, the father hid the dead child in the cellar freezer and told neighbours and their four other children she had "gone away to the seaside". When the couple moved house, the father put the body in a container, "filled it with several kilos of concrete", and stored it in a warehouse in a suburb of Le Mans where he worked. Prosecutors said the couple confessed to having caused her death, during questioning. When asked why they beat her, they said:"Because she was often hungry".
The father first claimed Marina had disappeared, saying he had left her for a couple of minutes asleep in his car in a McDonald's car park, and that she was no longer there on his return. He later claimed the child died of natural causes. But prosecutors allege Marina, who was slightly physically handicapped, died after being beaten and that the body was kept in the freezer before being covered in concrete in a Mafia-style attempt to hide her corpse from the police.
The couple face charges of murder, sequestration, and regular mistreatment over "numerous months", as well as "imaginary denunciation". If found guilty, they face life imprisonment. According to the prosecutor, Marina was beaten in a "violent scene" at the family's suburban house in Ecommoy, in the Sarthe region, after which her parents locked her in the cellar. She was hit "mostly by hand" but there were other unspecified "particularly brutal acts".
The mother is alleged to have later found her "inanimate" body. Panic-stricken, the father hid the dead child in the cellar freezer and told neighbours and their four other children she had "gone away to the seaside". When the couple moved house, the father put the body in a container, "filled it with several kilos of concrete", and stored it in a warehouse in a suburb of Le Mans where he worked. Prosecutors said the couple confessed to having caused her death, during questioning. When asked why they beat her, they said:"Because she was often hungry".
Cat goes on wild 3800km ride
Meet Clyde, the Australian cat who survived a miraculous and mysterious odyssey of more than three years and 3800km that took him from Tasmania to Mt Isa. The moggy wandered into Cloncurry Hospital about four months ago, on the fringe of the dry western plains about 120km east of Mt Isa. Nobody knew where he was from or how he got there.
Now his owners in southern Tasmania are about to be reunited with their beloved cat, three years after he vanished without a trace. When the purebred himalayan turned up at Cloncurry Hospital, a nurse adopted him. But last week she was offered a transfer, leaving Clyde without a home.
She took him to local vet Donna Weber, who scanned him in the hope of finding a microchip. There was a chip and it led them to Clyde's owners in Tasmania's cold and drizzly Derwent Valley.
How he ended up in a mining town in the drought-ridden heart of western Queensland so far from his home is a mind-boggling mystery. "We don't know where he came from but we knew a cat like that just doesn't come from around these parts," Dr Weber said.
Clyde's owner Katrina Phillips was moved to tears when she got the call last week that Clyde was alive and well in Queensland. "We just can't believe he's alive, it's just unbelievable and it's so emotional," Ms Phillips said.
Ms Phillips, ironically a council animal control officer responsible for the micro-chipping of local pets, believes Clyde could have been stolen by tourists staying nearby.
Now his owners in southern Tasmania are about to be reunited with their beloved cat, three years after he vanished without a trace. When the purebred himalayan turned up at Cloncurry Hospital, a nurse adopted him. But last week she was offered a transfer, leaving Clyde without a home.
She took him to local vet Donna Weber, who scanned him in the hope of finding a microchip. There was a chip and it led them to Clyde's owners in Tasmania's cold and drizzly Derwent Valley.
How he ended up in a mining town in the drought-ridden heart of western Queensland so far from his home is a mind-boggling mystery. "We don't know where he came from but we knew a cat like that just doesn't come from around these parts," Dr Weber said.
Clyde's owner Katrina Phillips was moved to tears when she got the call last week that Clyde was alive and well in Queensland. "We just can't believe he's alive, it's just unbelievable and it's so emotional," Ms Phillips said.
Ms Phillips, ironically a council animal control officer responsible for the micro-chipping of local pets, believes Clyde could have been stolen by tourists staying nearby.
Puppy from Iraq carries soldier's legacy
Yelping, jumping, squirming and showing amazing agility despite having only three legs, Laia, a 9-month-old puppy rescued from Iraq, now runs freely outside her Brighton home. She is a survivor.
Laia survived a war, a broken leg, the death of her owner, a risky convoy across Iraq, and an amputation and wound up in the home of Jerry and Colleen Deaven of Brighton.
She is just a mutt, but her story spans the globe. It is the story of a guy and his dog. Maj. Steven Hutchison fell in love with the puppy, but at age 60 became the oldest Army soldier to die during this war.
It is the story of a woman, Terri Crisp, who has made 23 trips to Iraq, trying to save the pets of U.S. soldiers.
It is the story of a grieving mother, Peggy Loving of Romulus, who found a moment of solace when she met Hutchison's beloved dog. When she left Laia, Loving was in tears because holding the puppy felt to her like holding her son.
It is the story of adoption. The Deaven family home has a massive yard, where Laia can run free, and plenty of love.
Full story here.
Laia survived a war, a broken leg, the death of her owner, a risky convoy across Iraq, and an amputation and wound up in the home of Jerry and Colleen Deaven of Brighton.
She is just a mutt, but her story spans the globe. It is the story of a guy and his dog. Maj. Steven Hutchison fell in love with the puppy, but at age 60 became the oldest Army soldier to die during this war.
It is the story of a woman, Terri Crisp, who has made 23 trips to Iraq, trying to save the pets of U.S. soldiers.
It is the story of a grieving mother, Peggy Loving of Romulus, who found a moment of solace when she met Hutchison's beloved dog. When she left Laia, Loving was in tears because holding the puppy felt to her like holding her son.
It is the story of adoption. The Deaven family home has a massive yard, where Laia can run free, and plenty of love.
Full story here.
Product placement to be allowed on British television
Product placement is to be allowed on British TV shows, in a move due to be announced this week.
Independent broadcasters will be allowed to take payments for displaying commercial products during shows.
The change is intended to bring in extra funds for commercial broadcasters. Experts believe it could raise up to £100m a year.
There are currently strict rules against product placement and this ban would remain in place on BBC shows.
Independent broadcasters will be allowed to take payments for displaying commercial products during shows.
The change is intended to bring in extra funds for commercial broadcasters. Experts believe it could raise up to £100m a year.
There are currently strict rules against product placement and this ban would remain in place on BBC shows.
Man so shy he's never kissed a woman
Many men find asking a girl out one of the most terrifying experiences of their life. But Neil Dando fears his “loveshyness” will prevent him ever becoming involved in a relationship. Neil cannot approach a girl without becoming a nervous wreck and suffering extreme anxiety.
Despite suffering from stress most of his life, the 27-year-old, who has never kissed a woman, has only recently accepted the psychological problem. He said: “It’s such a difficult thing to explain. I experience a whole range of emotions, from depression to sheer anger. Then I feel a little foolish for not being able to just get over it.
“There are times when I think it may have disappeared but then a week later I’m shaking all over the place. At work, because it’s purely professional, it’s fine. It’s only when I get attracted to a girl that it really affects me.
“There have even been cases when I’ve pretended to like somebody just to see if I can get over it. But the more I talk, the more I start thinking and the same anxiety halts me mid-sentence.”
Neil, from Worthing, has spoken out to raise awareness about what he describes as a “chronic shyness.” While not an officially registered condition, he says it makes him continually stressed. He only recently discovered about his chronic shyness and has been using an internet message board to communicate with others experiencing the same trauma.
The term “love-shyness” was coined by American professor Brian Gilmartin. In his 1987 book, Shyness And Love: Causes, Consequences And Treatment, he said it affected about 1.7 million men in the US.
Despite suffering from stress most of his life, the 27-year-old, who has never kissed a woman, has only recently accepted the psychological problem. He said: “It’s such a difficult thing to explain. I experience a whole range of emotions, from depression to sheer anger. Then I feel a little foolish for not being able to just get over it.
“There are times when I think it may have disappeared but then a week later I’m shaking all over the place. At work, because it’s purely professional, it’s fine. It’s only when I get attracted to a girl that it really affects me.
“There have even been cases when I’ve pretended to like somebody just to see if I can get over it. But the more I talk, the more I start thinking and the same anxiety halts me mid-sentence.”
Neil, from Worthing, has spoken out to raise awareness about what he describes as a “chronic shyness.” While not an officially registered condition, he says it makes him continually stressed. He only recently discovered about his chronic shyness and has been using an internet message board to communicate with others experiencing the same trauma.
The term “love-shyness” was coined by American professor Brian Gilmartin. In his 1987 book, Shyness And Love: Causes, Consequences And Treatment, he said it affected about 1.7 million men in the US.
Teenager survives after bus falls on his head
A teenage mechanic is lucky to be alive after a 14-ton bus he was working on collapsed on his head.
Apprentice Ben Burgin, 17, was under the single-decker when the suspension suddenly gave way and brought the vehicle crashing on top of him.
Horrified workmates rushed to his aid and managed to tip the vehicle so the youngster could get his head free.
Ben suffered head injuries, a fractured eye socket and badly broken nose and had emergency surgery to insert metal plates in his forehead and nose.
But he was well enough to spend time at home in Penistone, near Barnsley yesterday and doctors say he is unlikely to have suffered brain damage.
Dad Christopher, 44, said: "The surgeon told us everything has gone as well as it can. They said they have had a few patients where vehicles have collapsed on their heads but none have gone out alive - Ben has been very lucky."
Apprentice Ben Burgin, 17, was under the single-decker when the suspension suddenly gave way and brought the vehicle crashing on top of him.
Horrified workmates rushed to his aid and managed to tip the vehicle so the youngster could get his head free.
Ben suffered head injuries, a fractured eye socket and badly broken nose and had emergency surgery to insert metal plates in his forehead and nose.
But he was well enough to spend time at home in Penistone, near Barnsley yesterday and doctors say he is unlikely to have suffered brain damage.
Dad Christopher, 44, said: "The surgeon told us everything has gone as well as it can. They said they have had a few patients where vehicles have collapsed on their heads but none have gone out alive - Ben has been very lucky."
Man poses for photo with device, unaware it's a WWII anti-tank grenade
A father-of-two posed for photographs unaware he was holding a live Second World War anti-tank grenade after digging it up in his back garden. Paul Davies, 32, found the undetonated bomb and thought it was part of an old lawn mower or machine.
He took it into his house, where his friend used a camera phone to take a picture of him joking and holding the eight-inch device. Mr Davies, a window cleaner, then placed it near his sink next to some washing up where it sat for more than two hours.
But later in the morning he had a 'bad feeling' and after checking the internet, he realised the rusty lump of metal was an anti-tank grenade. He threw it into his back garden and called police, who evacuated 12 nearby homes and summoned bomb disposal experts. They set up a 100 metre exclusion zone around the house before taking the bomb - which was still live - to a nearby field to blow it up.
Mr Davies, of Exeter, Devon, said: 'I couldn't believe what was happening. I dug this thing up and it looked like a part of some old machine. 'I took it inside so I could show the kids when they came home from school and my mate took a photo of me for a laugh and I put it down the side.
'A bit later on I suddenly thought it might be dangerous and had a look on the internet. I said "I think it's a bomb". 'I can't believe I had it in my hand and was posing for a picture. The bomb team told me it was still live.'
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said the anti-tank grenade was detonated by experts at 12.50pm on Friday. He said: 'The bomb disposal team took it away and blew it up. We visited homeowners and asked them to leave their houses to retreat behind a cordon. Twelve properties were affected.'
He took it into his house, where his friend used a camera phone to take a picture of him joking and holding the eight-inch device. Mr Davies, a window cleaner, then placed it near his sink next to some washing up where it sat for more than two hours.
But later in the morning he had a 'bad feeling' and after checking the internet, he realised the rusty lump of metal was an anti-tank grenade. He threw it into his back garden and called police, who evacuated 12 nearby homes and summoned bomb disposal experts. They set up a 100 metre exclusion zone around the house before taking the bomb - which was still live - to a nearby field to blow it up.
Mr Davies, of Exeter, Devon, said: 'I couldn't believe what was happening. I dug this thing up and it looked like a part of some old machine. 'I took it inside so I could show the kids when they came home from school and my mate took a photo of me for a laugh and I put it down the side.
'A bit later on I suddenly thought it might be dangerous and had a look on the internet. I said "I think it's a bomb". 'I can't believe I had it in my hand and was posing for a picture. The bomb team told me it was still live.'
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said the anti-tank grenade was detonated by experts at 12.50pm on Friday. He said: 'The bomb disposal team took it away and blew it up. We visited homeowners and asked them to leave their houses to retreat behind a cordon. Twelve properties were affected.'
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