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Monday, November 30, 2009
Students taught how to grow marijuana in Detroit's new cannabis college
At most colleges, marijuana is very much an extracurricular matter. But at Med Grow Cannabis College, marijuana is the curriculum: the history, the horticulture and the legal how-to's of Michigan's new medical marijuana program.
"This state needs jobs, and we think medical marijuana can stimulate the state economy with hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars," said Nick Tennant, the 24-year-old founder of the college, which is actually a burgeoning business (no baccalaureates here) operating from a few bare-bones rooms in a Detroit suburb.
The six-week, $485 primer on medical marijuana is a cross between an agricultural extension class covering the growing cycle, nutrients and light requirements ("It's harvest time when half the trichomes have turned amber and half are white") and a gathering of serious potheads, sharing stories of their best highs ("Smoke that and you are ... medicated!").
Even though the business of growing medical marijuana is legal under Michigan's new law, there is enough nervousness about the enterprise that most students at a recent class did not want their names or photographs used. An instructor also asked not to be identified. "My wife works for the government," one student said, "and I told my mother-in-law I was going to a small-business class."
Under the Michigan law, patients whose doctors certify their medical need for marijuana can grow up to 12 cannabis plants themselves or name a "caregiver" who will grow the plants and sell the product. Anyone over 21 with no felony drug convictions can be a caregiver for up to five patients. So far, the Department of Community Health has registered about 5,800 patients and 2,400 caregivers.
For Tennant, who is certified as both a caregiver and a patient - he said he has stomach problems and anxiety - Med Grow replaces the auto detailing business he started straight out of high school, only to see it founder when the economy contracted. Med Grow began offering its course in September, with new classes starting every month.
"This state needs jobs, and we think medical marijuana can stimulate the state economy with hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars," said Nick Tennant, the 24-year-old founder of the college, which is actually a burgeoning business (no baccalaureates here) operating from a few bare-bones rooms in a Detroit suburb.
The six-week, $485 primer on medical marijuana is a cross between an agricultural extension class covering the growing cycle, nutrients and light requirements ("It's harvest time when half the trichomes have turned amber and half are white") and a gathering of serious potheads, sharing stories of their best highs ("Smoke that and you are ... medicated!").
Even though the business of growing medical marijuana is legal under Michigan's new law, there is enough nervousness about the enterprise that most students at a recent class did not want their names or photographs used. An instructor also asked not to be identified. "My wife works for the government," one student said, "and I told my mother-in-law I was going to a small-business class."
Under the Michigan law, patients whose doctors certify their medical need for marijuana can grow up to 12 cannabis plants themselves or name a "caregiver" who will grow the plants and sell the product. Anyone over 21 with no felony drug convictions can be a caregiver for up to five patients. So far, the Department of Community Health has registered about 5,800 patients and 2,400 caregivers.
For Tennant, who is certified as both a caregiver and a patient - he said he has stomach problems and anxiety - Med Grow replaces the auto detailing business he started straight out of high school, only to see it founder when the economy contracted. Med Grow began offering its course in September, with new classes starting every month.
Swiss voters back ban on minarets
Swiss voters have supported a referendum proposal to ban the building of minarets, official results show.
More than 57% of voters and 22 out of 26 cantons - or provinces - voted in favour of the ban.
The proposal had been put forward by the Swiss People's Party, (SVP), the largest party in parliament, which says minarets are a sign of Islamisation.
The government opposed the ban, saying it would harm Switzerland's image, particularly in the Muslim world.
But Martin Baltisser, the SVP's general secretary, said: "This was a vote against minarets as symbols of Islamic power."
Switzerland is home to some 400,000 Muslims and has just four minarets.
More than 57% of voters and 22 out of 26 cantons - or provinces - voted in favour of the ban.
The proposal had been put forward by the Swiss People's Party, (SVP), the largest party in parliament, which says minarets are a sign of Islamisation.
The government opposed the ban, saying it would harm Switzerland's image, particularly in the Muslim world.
But Martin Baltisser, the SVP's general secretary, said: "This was a vote against minarets as symbols of Islamic power."
Switzerland is home to some 400,000 Muslims and has just four minarets.
Swedes hit on nail beds as cutting-edge cure-all
The famously pain-resistant Vikings might have approved of the latest fad sweeping Sweden. Nail beds are becoming popular with health-conscious consumers convinced that lying on rubber pads embedded with sharp, plastic pins is good for them.
Hindu fakirs favour a wooden bed bristling with metal nails, but the spiky foam version does the job nicely, says Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, a 46-year-old yoga instructor and writer who uses one every day and describes it as being “quite painful actually”. “The back looks picked at, as if with a fork”, when a person gets up off the mat. But then “you relax and feel nice again”, she told The New York Times.
Users often claim relief from insomnia, migraines and asthma, while a more zealous group believes that the mat can cure everything from schizophrenia to dandruff. At times these Nordic nail bed devotees seem like a cult: 3,000 of them gathered recently in a Stockholm park, placing their mats in the form of the rays of the sun. They sang mantras and fell asleep.
Not everyone is convinced of the benefits, however. The Svenska Dagbladet newspaper concluded recently that there was “nothing that even approaches a scientific proof for the effects” of the nail bed. In response, the largest manufacturer is organising medically supervised trials to monitor 30 regular users.
“We’re doing a clinical test to see what happens in the body,” said Max Hoffmann, who recently gave up a job at Ikea, the furniture giant, to become marketing director for Shakti mats, named after the Hindu fertility goddess. “We’re not looking for what the mat can heal, but what happens to the body — you know, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature.”
The mats measure 16in by 28in, contain from 4,000 to 8,000 spikes — the fewer the spikes, the more they hurt — and range in price from £30 to £70. Several brands are sold in Stockholm fitness shops and over the internet. Manufacturers are looking forward to a bonanza over Christmas.
Hindu fakirs favour a wooden bed bristling with metal nails, but the spiky foam version does the job nicely, says Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, a 46-year-old yoga instructor and writer who uses one every day and describes it as being “quite painful actually”. “The back looks picked at, as if with a fork”, when a person gets up off the mat. But then “you relax and feel nice again”, she told The New York Times.
Users often claim relief from insomnia, migraines and asthma, while a more zealous group believes that the mat can cure everything from schizophrenia to dandruff. At times these Nordic nail bed devotees seem like a cult: 3,000 of them gathered recently in a Stockholm park, placing their mats in the form of the rays of the sun. They sang mantras and fell asleep.
Not everyone is convinced of the benefits, however. The Svenska Dagbladet newspaper concluded recently that there was “nothing that even approaches a scientific proof for the effects” of the nail bed. In response, the largest manufacturer is organising medically supervised trials to monitor 30 regular users.
“We’re doing a clinical test to see what happens in the body,” said Max Hoffmann, who recently gave up a job at Ikea, the furniture giant, to become marketing director for Shakti mats, named after the Hindu fertility goddess. “We’re not looking for what the mat can heal, but what happens to the body — you know, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature.”
The mats measure 16in by 28in, contain from 4,000 to 8,000 spikes — the fewer the spikes, the more they hurt — and range in price from £30 to £70. Several brands are sold in Stockholm fitness shops and over the internet. Manufacturers are looking forward to a bonanza over Christmas.
Buzzing flies more likely to wake men than crying babies
Men are more likely to be woken up by the sound of a buzzing fly or howling wind than by a crying baby, new research shows.
However for women, whether or not they are mothers, there is no other noise more likely to stop them sleeping than that of a wailing infant, according to scientific tests measuring brain activity.
The results of the study into which sounds most disrupt the usual patterns of activity in the brain suggest a marked difference in the sexes.
For men, the sound that most stops them sleeping is a car alarm going off nearby, followed by the howling of the wind and the buzzing of a fly. The sound of a baby crying does not even register on the top ten of sounds likely to distub their slumber, according to research.
Top ten sounds most likely to wake men:
1.Car alarm; 2.Howling wind; 3.Buzzing fly; 4.Snoring; 5.Noise from drains; 6.Crickets chirruping; 7.Sirens; 8.Clock ticking; 9.Drilling/workmen 10.Dripping tap;
Top ten sounds most likely to wake women:
1.Baby crying; 2.Dripping tap; 3.Rowdiness; 4.Snoring; 5.Buzzing fly; 6.Drilling/workmen; 7.Sirens; 8.Car alarm; 9.Howling wind; 10.Noise from drains.
However for women, whether or not they are mothers, there is no other noise more likely to stop them sleeping than that of a wailing infant, according to scientific tests measuring brain activity.
The results of the study into which sounds most disrupt the usual patterns of activity in the brain suggest a marked difference in the sexes.
For men, the sound that most stops them sleeping is a car alarm going off nearby, followed by the howling of the wind and the buzzing of a fly. The sound of a baby crying does not even register on the top ten of sounds likely to distub their slumber, according to research.
Top ten sounds most likely to wake men:
1.Car alarm; 2.Howling wind; 3.Buzzing fly; 4.Snoring; 5.Noise from drains; 6.Crickets chirruping; 7.Sirens; 8.Clock ticking; 9.Drilling/workmen 10.Dripping tap;
Top ten sounds most likely to wake women:
1.Baby crying; 2.Dripping tap; 3.Rowdiness; 4.Snoring; 5.Buzzing fly; 6.Drilling/workmen; 7.Sirens; 8.Car alarm; 9.Howling wind; 10.Noise from drains.
The man who smuggled himself into Auschwitz
Denis Avey is a remarkable man by any measure. A courageous and determined soldier in World War II, he was captured by the Germans and imprisoned in a camp connected to the Germans' largest concentration camp, Auschwitz.
But his actions while in the camp - which he has never spoken about until now - are truly extraordinary. When millions would have done anything to get out, Mr Avey repeatedly smuggled himself into the camp.
Now 91 and living in Derbyshire, he says he wanted to witness what was going on inside and find out the truth about the gas chambers, so he could tell others. He knows he took "a hell of a chance".
"When you think about it in today's environment it is ludicrous, absolutely ludicrous," he says.
"You wouldn't think anyone would think or do that, but that is how I was. I had red hair and a temperament to match. Nothing would stop me."
He arranged to swap for one night at a time with a Jewish inmate he had come to trust. He exchanged his uniform for the filthy, stripy garments the man had to wear. For the Auschwitz inmate it meant valuable food and rest in the British camp, while for Denis it was a chance to gather facts on the inside.
Full story with two videos here.
But his actions while in the camp - which he has never spoken about until now - are truly extraordinary. When millions would have done anything to get out, Mr Avey repeatedly smuggled himself into the camp.
Now 91 and living in Derbyshire, he says he wanted to witness what was going on inside and find out the truth about the gas chambers, so he could tell others. He knows he took "a hell of a chance".
"When you think about it in today's environment it is ludicrous, absolutely ludicrous," he says.
"You wouldn't think anyone would think or do that, but that is how I was. I had red hair and a temperament to match. Nothing would stop me."
He arranged to swap for one night at a time with a Jewish inmate he had come to trust. He exchanged his uniform for the filthy, stripy garments the man had to wear. For the Auschwitz inmate it meant valuable food and rest in the British camp, while for Denis it was a chance to gather facts on the inside.
Full story with two videos here.
Boy artist's landscapes sell for £17,000
Last year he was colouring in dinosaurs with crayons, but this weekend a seven-year-old boy from Norfolk has sold a batch of 16 watercolours, oil and pastel landscapes for £17,000. Inspired to start painting on a family holiday in Devon and Cornwall last year, Kieron Williamson was just six when he asked his parents for paper to draw a boat and swiftly developed a mature and assured talent for seascapes and rural scenes that has been described as close to the "young Picasso".
Kieron, from Holt, had his work snapped up by buyers as far afield as Japan, Canada and Germany within the first 14 minutes of his exhibition, which opened in a Norfolk gallery on Friday morning.
Photos from here.
The paintings – an atmospheric mix of Norfolk seascapes, harbours, sunsets and churches – have been widely acclaimed by art critics. The talented boy, who described his show's sellout success as "brilliant", now plans to buy himself a new set of pastels for Christmas, as well as a work by his artistic hero, the late Norfolk landscape artist Edward Seago. His parents, Keith and Michelle, plan to invest the rest of his earnings for him until he is older.
Adrian Hill, who runs the Picturecraft Gallery in Holt where the paintings went on display, said some buyers were reduced to tears by the standard of Kieron's work, while other investors ringing from abroad fought to get through on the gallery's phone line.
He said: "It was just amazing. The sale was over before it started. I have had fabulous sell-out shows before, but never in that space of time. It was absolute bedlam.
"Kieron is now simply one of the most coveted British artists out there. He is red-hot. I believe the last child artist in this bracket was Picasso. And Kieron is getting better and better and better: the pace at which he learns is quite amazing."
Kieron, from Holt, had his work snapped up by buyers as far afield as Japan, Canada and Germany within the first 14 minutes of his exhibition, which opened in a Norfolk gallery on Friday morning.
Photos from here.
The paintings – an atmospheric mix of Norfolk seascapes, harbours, sunsets and churches – have been widely acclaimed by art critics. The talented boy, who described his show's sellout success as "brilliant", now plans to buy himself a new set of pastels for Christmas, as well as a work by his artistic hero, the late Norfolk landscape artist Edward Seago. His parents, Keith and Michelle, plan to invest the rest of his earnings for him until he is older.
Adrian Hill, who runs the Picturecraft Gallery in Holt where the paintings went on display, said some buyers were reduced to tears by the standard of Kieron's work, while other investors ringing from abroad fought to get through on the gallery's phone line.
He said: "It was just amazing. The sale was over before it started. I have had fabulous sell-out shows before, but never in that space of time. It was absolute bedlam.
"Kieron is now simply one of the most coveted British artists out there. He is red-hot. I believe the last child artist in this bracket was Picasso. And Kieron is getting better and better and better: the pace at which he learns is quite amazing."
Phone box has new life as library
A traditional red phone box has been recycled into one of the country's smallest lending libraries - stocking 100 books.
Villagers from Westbury-sub-Mendip in Somerset can use the library around the clock, selecting books, DVDs and CDs. Users simply stock it with a book they have read, swapping it for one they have not.
"It's really taken off. The books are constantly changing," said parish councillor Bob Dolby.
He added: "It is completely full at the moment with books. Anyone is free to come and take a book and leave one that you have already read.
"This facility has turned a piece of street furniture into a community service in constant use."
A resident dreamed up the idea when the village lost its phone box and mobile library in quick succession. Westbury-sub-Mendip Parish Council bought the phone box from BT in a national scheme for a token £1.
Villagers from Westbury-sub-Mendip in Somerset can use the library around the clock, selecting books, DVDs and CDs. Users simply stock it with a book they have read, swapping it for one they have not.
"It's really taken off. The books are constantly changing," said parish councillor Bob Dolby.
He added: "It is completely full at the moment with books. Anyone is free to come and take a book and leave one that you have already read.
"This facility has turned a piece of street furniture into a community service in constant use."
A resident dreamed up the idea when the village lost its phone box and mobile library in quick succession. Westbury-sub-Mendip Parish Council bought the phone box from BT in a national scheme for a token £1.
Drunks who attack hospital staff face pubs and clubs ban
People charged with assaulting hospital staff after drinking in Swansea are to be banned from the city's pubs and clubs over Christmas.
It is part of the Safer Swansea Partnership annual "Call time on violent crime" initiative.
It will see an exclusion zone set up which will ban people who have been charged with assaulting hospital staff from drinking in the city centre.
Health bosses in Swansea have welcomed the scheme. Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust chairman Win Griffiths said: "I'm very pleased that the Safer Swansea Partnership has taken this action, which should help protect our staff from violent and aggressive behaviour.
"I hope this will act as a deterrent and reduce the numbers of people coming into our A&E department, which will also help take the pressure off our very hard-working staff."
The move comes just two months after an agreement was signed by the police and Wales' health minister at Swansea's Morriston Hospital which allowed police to work more closely with the NHS in Wales in the investigation of allegations of violence towards NHS staff. Latest figures show that there were 7,343 incidents of violence and aggression in the NHS in Wales in 2007/08.
It is part of the Safer Swansea Partnership annual "Call time on violent crime" initiative.
It will see an exclusion zone set up which will ban people who have been charged with assaulting hospital staff from drinking in the city centre.
Health bosses in Swansea have welcomed the scheme. Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust chairman Win Griffiths said: "I'm very pleased that the Safer Swansea Partnership has taken this action, which should help protect our staff from violent and aggressive behaviour.
"I hope this will act as a deterrent and reduce the numbers of people coming into our A&E department, which will also help take the pressure off our very hard-working staff."
The move comes just two months after an agreement was signed by the police and Wales' health minister at Swansea's Morriston Hospital which allowed police to work more closely with the NHS in Wales in the investigation of allegations of violence towards NHS staff. Latest figures show that there were 7,343 incidents of violence and aggression in the NHS in Wales in 2007/08.
Health and safety experts spent two years and £250,000 establishing that ten-pin bowling can be 'very dangerous'
The Health and Safety Executive report, which was prompted by an accident involving an operator, concluded that children were particularly at risk if they ran down lanes and got trapped in machinery - despite there being no evidence the disaster scenario has ever actually occurred.
The HSE initially wanted to see barriers put across the lanes to keep players safe - until it was pointed out that bowlers would not be able to see what they were aiming at. "Because customers need to see the pins and bowling balls entering the machine, managing the risk of access into the machine from the lanes is more difficult," the report found.
Instead, it has told operators to install photoelectric beams to lanes so the machines that realign the pins will cut off automatically if anyone walks up the lane.
John Ashbridge, of The Ten-Pin Bowling Proprietors Association, said he watched the HSE inspectors examining a bowling centre and declared their attempts to detect potential hazards "hilarious".
He said that some operators had already fitted photoelectric beams but while they did not cause any problems, they had largely proved redundant since no players had attempted walking down the lanes.
"I have been in this industry for 40 years and I have never known any member of the public injured by a bowling pinsetter. I have never heard of anybody going near the pins," he said.
The HSE initially wanted to see barriers put across the lanes to keep players safe - until it was pointed out that bowlers would not be able to see what they were aiming at. "Because customers need to see the pins and bowling balls entering the machine, managing the risk of access into the machine from the lanes is more difficult," the report found.
Instead, it has told operators to install photoelectric beams to lanes so the machines that realign the pins will cut off automatically if anyone walks up the lane.
John Ashbridge, of The Ten-Pin Bowling Proprietors Association, said he watched the HSE inspectors examining a bowling centre and declared their attempts to detect potential hazards "hilarious".
He said that some operators had already fitted photoelectric beams but while they did not cause any problems, they had largely proved redundant since no players had attempted walking down the lanes.
"I have been in this industry for 40 years and I have never known any member of the public injured by a bowling pinsetter. I have never heard of anybody going near the pins," he said.
Schools vet parents for Christmas festivities
Parents who want to accompany their children to Christmas carol services and other festive activities are being officially vetted for criminal records in case they are paedophiles.
In the latest expansion of the government’s child protection agenda, parents are checked against a database of people banned from working with children for sex offences and for other reasons. Among those affected are parents at a village primary school who have been told they must be vetted before they can accompany pupils on a 10-minute walk to a morning carol service at the local church.
Other primaries have instituted vetting for parents attending Christmas discos on school premises. Some schools require checks on parents who volunteer to walk with children from the school to post letters to Father Christmas. Parents will have to provide schools with proof of their identity, such as a passport, as well as their address, so their records can be checked.
Graham McArthur, headmaster of Somersham primary school in Cambridgeshire, said checks on the two dozen parents volunteering to walk his 330 pupils to the carol service at nearby St John’s church on December 17 were necessary — even though they will be accompanied by teachers and a police community support escort when crossing the road. “We rely quite a lot on parental volunteers. It is a community school and parental engagement is very important to being part of the community,” McArthur said.
“For the carol service they will need clearance [from the banned list] which is basically something we can do on the day. You need to see details of who they are, where they live and make several phone calls. Parents accept it’s about safeguarding the welfare of children. They accept it only has to be done once and it’s a necessary chore.”
The requests are the latest evidence of schools’ mounting anxiety over how far they have to go to satisfy the pervasive effects of the government’s child protection agenda.
In the latest expansion of the government’s child protection agenda, parents are checked against a database of people banned from working with children for sex offences and for other reasons. Among those affected are parents at a village primary school who have been told they must be vetted before they can accompany pupils on a 10-minute walk to a morning carol service at the local church.
Other primaries have instituted vetting for parents attending Christmas discos on school premises. Some schools require checks on parents who volunteer to walk with children from the school to post letters to Father Christmas. Parents will have to provide schools with proof of their identity, such as a passport, as well as their address, so their records can be checked.
Graham McArthur, headmaster of Somersham primary school in Cambridgeshire, said checks on the two dozen parents volunteering to walk his 330 pupils to the carol service at nearby St John’s church on December 17 were necessary — even though they will be accompanied by teachers and a police community support escort when crossing the road. “We rely quite a lot on parental volunteers. It is a community school and parental engagement is very important to being part of the community,” McArthur said.
“For the carol service they will need clearance [from the banned list] which is basically something we can do on the day. You need to see details of who they are, where they live and make several phone calls. Parents accept it’s about safeguarding the welfare of children. They accept it only has to be done once and it’s a necessary chore.”
The requests are the latest evidence of schools’ mounting anxiety over how far they have to go to satisfy the pervasive effects of the government’s child protection agenda.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Wallabies banned from hopping on bus
Australian firm Sunbus says it was just following rules when it would not let a volunteer animal rescue worker carrying two wallaby joeys on board. The incident happened on Thursday as Tanya Dunham was trying to make her way to open the Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue centre at Manunda.
She had been called in to cover for a sick colleague and, with her car off the road, Ms Dunham was forced to take the bus. Trying to get a ride from Kewarra Beach, Ms Dunham was not allowed on the bus after the driver was told by head office not to let the eight-month-old wallaby passengers on.
Ms Dunham then started walking in the rain with her laptop, brief case and two wallabies named Diego and Dexter in her handbag. The wallaby orphans were brought into the refuge a couple of months ago and Ms Dunham took them home to care for them.
"I have to be with the wallabies all the time, they're are like kids … I told him (the bus driver), normally I wouldn't but the centre has been inundated with calls," she said. "I thought it was very un-Australian." Ms Dunham was eventually given a lift by a friend who saw her walking in the rain.
Sunbus spokesman Richard Gabasa said under State Government law, an animal not used to assist a passenger with a disability was prohibited from entering the bus.
"A person must not take an animal, that is not an assistance animal, on a public passenger vehicle without the permission of the operator or driver of the vehicle," he said. "Our first priority is the consideration of the travelling public."
She had been called in to cover for a sick colleague and, with her car off the road, Ms Dunham was forced to take the bus. Trying to get a ride from Kewarra Beach, Ms Dunham was not allowed on the bus after the driver was told by head office not to let the eight-month-old wallaby passengers on.
Ms Dunham then started walking in the rain with her laptop, brief case and two wallabies named Diego and Dexter in her handbag. The wallaby orphans were brought into the refuge a couple of months ago and Ms Dunham took them home to care for them.
"I have to be with the wallabies all the time, they're are like kids … I told him (the bus driver), normally I wouldn't but the centre has been inundated with calls," she said. "I thought it was very un-Australian." Ms Dunham was eventually given a lift by a friend who saw her walking in the rain.
Sunbus spokesman Richard Gabasa said under State Government law, an animal not used to assist a passenger with a disability was prohibited from entering the bus.
"A person must not take an animal, that is not an assistance animal, on a public passenger vehicle without the permission of the operator or driver of the vehicle," he said. "Our first priority is the consideration of the travelling public."
Police consider death by elk in murder case
A former murder investigation has been reviewed by police who now suspect a 63-year-old woman found dead in Småland, southern Sweden, last year was killed by an elk. The woman’s body was found by a lake close to the village of Loftahammar in September 2008.
She was last seen taking her family dog out for a walk in the forest. When she did not return home her husband ventured out to look for her and found her dead body. The 68-year-old was immediately arrested and detained on suspicion of murder. He was held in police custody for five months.
“When my children and I buried my wife I was still suspected of killing her,” he said. After an autopsy failed to determine the cause of death, further analysis was conducted.
An investigation by Sweden’s National Laboratory of Forensic Science concluded that strands of hair found on the woman’s body and clothes came from a species of deer. Elk experts at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Umeå also confirmed that saliva from an elk was found on the woman’s clothes.
The man was released in January without charge when the investigation took a new course. Police have refrained from commenting on details of the case so far but a press conference will be held in Västervik on Tuesday to explain the current state of the investigation.
An elk expert will also be in attendance to explain the findings of the forensic analysis.
She was last seen taking her family dog out for a walk in the forest. When she did not return home her husband ventured out to look for her and found her dead body. The 68-year-old was immediately arrested and detained on suspicion of murder. He was held in police custody for five months.
“When my children and I buried my wife I was still suspected of killing her,” he said. After an autopsy failed to determine the cause of death, further analysis was conducted.
An investigation by Sweden’s National Laboratory of Forensic Science concluded that strands of hair found on the woman’s body and clothes came from a species of deer. Elk experts at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Umeå also confirmed that saliva from an elk was found on the woman’s clothes.
The man was released in January without charge when the investigation took a new course. Police have refrained from commenting on details of the case so far but a press conference will be held in Västervik on Tuesday to explain the current state of the investigation.
An elk expert will also be in attendance to explain the findings of the forensic analysis.
Children jumping on bed sparked fire leaving 33 homeless
Fire officials say a fire the struck two Brockton triple-deckers and left 33 residents homeless was started by children jumping on a bed.
Brockton Fire Lieutenant Edward Williams said that the Thursday night fire was ignited when the children bounced up and down on two mattresses that were against a wall where a cell phone charger was plugged. He said the back-and-forth motion of the mattresses abraded a transformer for a cell phone charger which caused sparks or a short circuit.
Williams said the fire flared up just after 8 p.m. on Thursday, causing $150,000 in damages to one building and $50,000 to a nearby apartment building.
Two firefighters suffered puncture wounds and cuts, but neither was hospitalized. No other injuries were reported.
With news video.
Brockton Fire Lieutenant Edward Williams said that the Thursday night fire was ignited when the children bounced up and down on two mattresses that were against a wall where a cell phone charger was plugged. He said the back-and-forth motion of the mattresses abraded a transformer for a cell phone charger which caused sparks or a short circuit.
Williams said the fire flared up just after 8 p.m. on Thursday, causing $150,000 in damages to one building and $50,000 to a nearby apartment building.
Two firefighters suffered puncture wounds and cuts, but neither was hospitalized. No other injuries were reported.
With news video.
Owl dies after getting stuck in driver's luggage rack
It was mistaken for a Thanksgiving Day turkey, but a deputy who stopped a car on a local interstate soon discovered a bird stuck on a roof rack was actually a wild owl. Police said the driver told an Ohio County deputy he heard a thud while driving on Tuesday evening on Interstate 470, but didn't think anything of it.
Lt. Kevin Goode stopped the man on Interstate 70 in Ohio County after seeing the strange sight. "I saw a vehicle in front of me that had something on the roof. I couldn't tell what it was," Goode said. "I could see the tail feathers sticking up fanned out. At first it almost looked like a small turkey."
Goode pulled the vehicle over to investigate. "(The driver) was curious about why I stopped him. He thought that he had possibly violated a law," Goode said.
When Goode took a closer look, they discovered it was an 8- to 10-pound owl stuck on the roof of the sport utility vehicle. "The bird's right wing and right portion of its body was kind of wedged underneath the brace of the luggage rack," Goode said.
Over the course of more than a decade, Goode said he's seen plenty of strange sights on patrol, but nothing like that. "This is the first time I've ever encountered an owl trapped on the top of a vehicle," he said.
The bird survived the accident and Goode called Animal Control officers to free it. They planned to take it to Oglebay's Good Zoo, but the animal did not make it through the night.
With news video.
Lt. Kevin Goode stopped the man on Interstate 70 in Ohio County after seeing the strange sight. "I saw a vehicle in front of me that had something on the roof. I couldn't tell what it was," Goode said. "I could see the tail feathers sticking up fanned out. At first it almost looked like a small turkey."
Goode pulled the vehicle over to investigate. "(The driver) was curious about why I stopped him. He thought that he had possibly violated a law," Goode said.
When Goode took a closer look, they discovered it was an 8- to 10-pound owl stuck on the roof of the sport utility vehicle. "The bird's right wing and right portion of its body was kind of wedged underneath the brace of the luggage rack," Goode said.
Over the course of more than a decade, Goode said he's seen plenty of strange sights on patrol, but nothing like that. "This is the first time I've ever encountered an owl trapped on the top of a vehicle," he said.
The bird survived the accident and Goode called Animal Control officers to free it. They planned to take it to Oglebay's Good Zoo, but the animal did not make it through the night.
With news video.
Warsaw Zoo exhibits pre-historic humans
Warsaw Zoo have installed a cage with ‘cavemen’ to help visitors learn about the lifestyle of people from prehistoric times.
A caged man and woman, dressed in animal skins, spend time picking fleas, maintaining a fire and observing people who walk in front of their dwellings.
The role of prehistoric people is played by two volunteers: one eighteen year old girl and twenty four year old man.
"Our cave people are very calm and polite. They do not bite, but they are worried about many unknown people who pass in front of their dwellings.", said Ewa Zbornikowska, deputy director of the zoo.
"This is an interesting way to encourage visitors to reflect on the man's place in the universe," she said.
The exhibition runs until today, then is followed by series of presentations on the life of the Flintstones family, their customs and their place in the contemporary culture.
A caged man and woman, dressed in animal skins, spend time picking fleas, maintaining a fire and observing people who walk in front of their dwellings.
The role of prehistoric people is played by two volunteers: one eighteen year old girl and twenty four year old man.
"Our cave people are very calm and polite. They do not bite, but they are worried about many unknown people who pass in front of their dwellings.", said Ewa Zbornikowska, deputy director of the zoo.
"This is an interesting way to encourage visitors to reflect on the man's place in the universe," she said.
The exhibition runs until today, then is followed by series of presentations on the life of the Flintstones family, their customs and their place in the contemporary culture.
Woman finds long lost dad, but now he's a lady
When Emily Wallis tracked down the dad she had never met they had more in common than she expected… including their taste in shoes, dresses and make-up.
Instead of the “Italian Stallion” her mum Ann had described, Clive Harrison was a lipstick-wearing, bewigged transvestite who now calls himself Chloe, and has eighty-two pairs of high-heeled shoes.
Emily, 22, says: “Chloe was squeezed into a silver dress and wearing make-up and a wig. I had no idea what to do so I said, ‘You look better than me… and I really like your shoes’.”
Emily adds: “For years I had dreamed of us all being reunited. I’d even secretly harboured a hope that Clive and Mum might get back together. But when I saw my dad I realised that certainly wasn’t going to happen!”
Full story here.
Instead of the “Italian Stallion” her mum Ann had described, Clive Harrison was a lipstick-wearing, bewigged transvestite who now calls himself Chloe, and has eighty-two pairs of high-heeled shoes.
Emily, 22, says: “Chloe was squeezed into a silver dress and wearing make-up and a wig. I had no idea what to do so I said, ‘You look better than me… and I really like your shoes’.”
Emily adds: “For years I had dreamed of us all being reunited. I’d even secretly harboured a hope that Clive and Mum might get back together. But when I saw my dad I realised that certainly wasn’t going to happen!”
Full story here.
Garden centre tells men to make wives 'feel special' with a clothesline
A garden centre has provoked a feminist backlash from customers after suggesting men made their wives "feel special this Christmas" by buying a rotary clothesline as a present. Hillier delivered a four page brochure promoting a range of festive gift ideas for the home and garden to 900,000 homes.
But the company, which has 14 stores, was inundated with complaints just hours later after the £44.99 clothesline was featured as a perfect gift for women. Equal rights groups have also condemned the chain, saying the advert is like something from the 1970s and promotes the idea that a woman's place is in the home.
The "Vento lightweight aluminium rotary clothesline" is pictured in a perfectly manicured garden with the headline: "Make her feel special with a clothesline this Christmas."
Managers at the garden centre said they have received about 100 complaints from customers and admitted the "joke" was ill advised.
Abi Moore, from anti-stereotyping group Pink Stinks, said: "This advert may have been acceptable in the 1970s but it not something we should still be seeing in the 21st century.
"It is promoting the old-fashioned nonsense that a woman's place is in the home while a man goes out to earn a living. If my husband bought me this for Christmas I certainly wouldn't feel special - I hope most men would be intelligent enough to realise this."
But the company, which has 14 stores, was inundated with complaints just hours later after the £44.99 clothesline was featured as a perfect gift for women. Equal rights groups have also condemned the chain, saying the advert is like something from the 1970s and promotes the idea that a woman's place is in the home.
The "Vento lightweight aluminium rotary clothesline" is pictured in a perfectly manicured garden with the headline: "Make her feel special with a clothesline this Christmas."
Managers at the garden centre said they have received about 100 complaints from customers and admitted the "joke" was ill advised.
Abi Moore, from anti-stereotyping group Pink Stinks, said: "This advert may have been acceptable in the 1970s but it not something we should still be seeing in the 21st century.
"It is promoting the old-fashioned nonsense that a woman's place is in the home while a man goes out to earn a living. If my husband bought me this for Christmas I certainly wouldn't feel special - I hope most men would be intelligent enough to realise this."
Live sheep wheeled into Asda supermarket
The RSPCA has hit out at pranksters who put a live sheep in a shopping trolley and wheeled it into a supermarket in south-east London. Two youths were recorded on CCTV carrying out the prank in Bexleyheath just after 0300 GMT on Friday.
Staff at the Asda store have named the animal Rob. It is thought to have been rustled from a farm near Gravesend in Kent. The RSPCA said it was a "stupid, irresponsible stunt".
Joe Lock, manager of the store, said: "We were shocked to discover that a poor sheep had been wheeled into our store."
RSPCA inspector Andrew Kirby, who is investigating the incident, said: "We have tracked down the sheep's owner but we can't return it to its flock for six days because of restrictions on the movement of livestock.
"This stupid, irresponsible stunt would have terrified this poor sheep and caused it great stress by removing it from its flock." The sheep was not physically harmed.
The maximum sentence for the crime of causing an animal unnecessary suffering is six months in prison and a £5,000 fine.
Staff at the Asda store have named the animal Rob. It is thought to have been rustled from a farm near Gravesend in Kent. The RSPCA said it was a "stupid, irresponsible stunt".
Joe Lock, manager of the store, said: "We were shocked to discover that a poor sheep had been wheeled into our store."
RSPCA inspector Andrew Kirby, who is investigating the incident, said: "We have tracked down the sheep's owner but we can't return it to its flock for six days because of restrictions on the movement of livestock.
"This stupid, irresponsible stunt would have terrified this poor sheep and caused it great stress by removing it from its flock." The sheep was not physically harmed.
The maximum sentence for the crime of causing an animal unnecessary suffering is six months in prison and a £5,000 fine.
Cows stampede through quiet housing estate
This is the moment police were called to stop a herd of escaped cows rampaging through a quiet housing estate. The 15 heifers caused hundreds of pounds of damage during a 45 minute stampede trampling flowers, knocking over bins and denting cars.
One terrified resident was almost crushed by the herd as he tried to get out of his car. Paul Toon, 50, said: ''It was very scary. I heard a rumbling sound like thunder then suddenly a wall of black and white came charging past the house.
''They seemed almost organised. They went from one garden to the next ripping up flowers and even looking in the front windows. It was like something off the Cravendale milk advert.''
One resident said: ''The cows dented my new Audi which will cost hundreds to repair. They came out of nowhere. Luckily no one was hurt.''
The cows escaped just after 9am on Wednesday morning from a field near Nuneaton, Warks. They managed to cross the busy A5 road at rush hour and walk a further half-a-mile to the upmarket St Nicholas Park Estate.
Residents and police managed to herd the cows onto a grass patch before they were taken back to the farmer.
One terrified resident was almost crushed by the herd as he tried to get out of his car. Paul Toon, 50, said: ''It was very scary. I heard a rumbling sound like thunder then suddenly a wall of black and white came charging past the house.
''They seemed almost organised. They went from one garden to the next ripping up flowers and even looking in the front windows. It was like something off the Cravendale milk advert.''
One resident said: ''The cows dented my new Audi which will cost hundreds to repair. They came out of nowhere. Luckily no one was hurt.''
The cows escaped just after 9am on Wednesday morning from a field near Nuneaton, Warks. They managed to cross the busy A5 road at rush hour and walk a further half-a-mile to the upmarket St Nicholas Park Estate.
Residents and police managed to herd the cows onto a grass patch before they were taken back to the farmer.
Sex slurry pervert is at it again - Update
A pervert repeatedly caught pleasuring himself in a muckspreader has been sent back to jail after returning to his favourite Redruth farm.
In September this year David Roy Truscott, aged 40, of Pengegon Parc, Camborne, was given a 16-week prison sentence after pleading guilty to the harassment of Clive Roth and his family at Woodbury Farm, Tolgus Mount.
However, just weeks after being released from prison, he is now back behind bars after breaching a restraining order banning him from going back to the farm where he indulges in his fetish.
A police spokesman confirmed that Truscott was caught in the early hours of November 9. He was taken to court the same day and is now serving a further 20-week sentence in jail.
The spokesman said: “It’s been some five years now and it’s the same farm this chap goes to. It is obviously very frustrating for them.
“They expected him to re-offend and he did. The farmer spotted him and called the police. When police found him he admitted what he had done in the manure.” The spokesman admitted that it was a “very unusual” case, adding: “It doesn’t happen very often.”
Previously.
In September this year David Roy Truscott, aged 40, of Pengegon Parc, Camborne, was given a 16-week prison sentence after pleading guilty to the harassment of Clive Roth and his family at Woodbury Farm, Tolgus Mount.
However, just weeks after being released from prison, he is now back behind bars after breaching a restraining order banning him from going back to the farm where he indulges in his fetish.
A police spokesman confirmed that Truscott was caught in the early hours of November 9. He was taken to court the same day and is now serving a further 20-week sentence in jail.
The spokesman said: “It’s been some five years now and it’s the same farm this chap goes to. It is obviously very frustrating for them.
“They expected him to re-offend and he did. The farmer spotted him and called the police. When police found him he admitted what he had done in the manure.” The spokesman admitted that it was a “very unusual” case, adding: “It doesn’t happen very often.”
Previously.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Woman finds Jesus on iron
Until this week, Mary Jo Coady had never given her iron a second thought. Then she saw a likeness of Jesus staring back from its not-quite stainless steel bottom.
Startled, Coady called in her daughters, both of them college students, and they saw what she saw. Then she took a picture and posted it on her private Facebook page, giving friends and relatives the same test. Everyone saw Jesus, she said.
Full story with news video here.
Startled, Coady called in her daughters, both of them college students, and they saw what she saw. Then she took a picture and posted it on her private Facebook page, giving friends and relatives the same test. Everyone saw Jesus, she said.
Full story with news video here.
US man 'locks sons in a car boot' during shopping trip
A man has appeared in court in the US state of Massachusetts accused of locking his two sons in the boot of his car while he visited a sailing shop.
Fall River police say that Michael Monahan left the children alone in the Pontiac Trans Am for several minutes.
He told investigators the children, aged three and six, enjoyed "playing" in there, court records show.
He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault and reckless endangerment of a child and was released on bail. The children are now in the custody of their mother.
Fall River police say that Michael Monahan left the children alone in the Pontiac Trans Am for several minutes.
He told investigators the children, aged three and six, enjoyed "playing" in there, court records show.
He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault and reckless endangerment of a child and was released on bail. The children are now in the custody of their mother.
Man carves sentence on fly's wing
Kung fu master Chen Pengxian wasn't just winging it when he claimed he could create the smallest carving in the world.
So Chen, 42, carved an entire sentence in Chinese characters on a fly's wing to prove his ability.
The sentence - which translates as 'I am at the bottom of her valley of no love' - was taken from his favourite martial arts novel.
"I have studied king fu for 20 years and I used the breathing techniques I had learned to stop my hands from shaking because one slip would have torn the wing to pieces," he explained from his studio in Taipei, Taiwan.
So Chen, 42, carved an entire sentence in Chinese characters on a fly's wing to prove his ability.
The sentence - which translates as 'I am at the bottom of her valley of no love' - was taken from his favourite martial arts novel.
"I have studied king fu for 20 years and I used the breathing techniques I had learned to stop my hands from shaking because one slip would have torn the wing to pieces," he explained from his studio in Taipei, Taiwan.
Man dug up wife's corpse and slept beside it for five years 'for hugs'
A Vietnamese man dug up his wife's corpse and slept beside it for five years because he wanted to hug her in bed.
The 55-year-old man from a small town in the central province of Quang Nam opened up his wife's grave in 2004, molded clay around the remains to give the figure of a woman, put clothes on her and then placed her in his bed.
The man, Le Van, said that after his wife died in 2003 he slept on top of her grave, but about 20 months later he worried about rain, wind and cold, so he decided to dig a tunnel into the grave "to sleep with her."
His children found out, though, and prevented him from going to the grave. So one night in November 2004 he dug up his wife's remains and took them home, which is still in his home.
The father of seven said neighbors did not dare visit the house for several years.
"I'm a person that does things differently. I'm not like normal people," he was quoted as saying.
The 55-year-old man from a small town in the central province of Quang Nam opened up his wife's grave in 2004, molded clay around the remains to give the figure of a woman, put clothes on her and then placed her in his bed.
The man, Le Van, said that after his wife died in 2003 he slept on top of her grave, but about 20 months later he worried about rain, wind and cold, so he decided to dig a tunnel into the grave "to sleep with her."
His children found out, though, and prevented him from going to the grave. So one night in November 2004 he dug up his wife's remains and took them home, which is still in his home.
The father of seven said neighbors did not dare visit the house for several years.
"I'm a person that does things differently. I'm not like normal people," he was quoted as saying.
Judge denies convicted murderer's request for hair removal
A federal judge has denied a convicted murderer's request for more hair removal treatments as she waits to find out if she can get state-funded sex change surgery.
U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf ruled today that Michelle Kosilek failed to prove "irreparable harm" or a "serious medical need" to continue electrolysis treatments.
Kosilek hung her head and dabbed at her eyes when the decision was announced. Her lawyer expressed disappointment to the judge.
Kosilek, born as Robert, is serving a life sentence for murdering his wife, Cheryl, in 1990.
Kosilek's lawyers have argued that having facial hair is "intensely personally stressful" to her.
The state Department of Correction said Kosilek has already received "significant hair removal" and remaining hair can be removed by shaving or using depilatories.
U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf ruled today that Michelle Kosilek failed to prove "irreparable harm" or a "serious medical need" to continue electrolysis treatments.
Kosilek hung her head and dabbed at her eyes when the decision was announced. Her lawyer expressed disappointment to the judge.
Kosilek, born as Robert, is serving a life sentence for murdering his wife, Cheryl, in 1990.
Kosilek's lawyers have argued that having facial hair is "intensely personally stressful" to her.
The state Department of Correction said Kosilek has already received "significant hair removal" and remaining hair can be removed by shaving or using depilatories.
Average dog owner 'gets more exercise than gym-goers'
The average dog owner gets more exercise walking their pet than someone with a gym membership, a pet health care expert has claimed.
Researchers found animal lovers exercise their pet twice a day for 24 minutes each time – a total of five hours and 38 minutes a week.
On top of that, the average dog owner also takes their pet out on three long walks each week adding another two hours and 33 minutes to the total.
But in comparison, those without a dog spend an average of just one hour and 20 minutes per week exercising by going to the gym or heading out for a stroll or jog.
And almost half (47 per cent) of non-pet owners admit they do absolutely no exercise whatsoever.
A spokesperson for pet health care experts Bob Martin said the difference between the two was that going to the gym can feel like a chore while dogwalking can be far more enjoyable.
Researchers found animal lovers exercise their pet twice a day for 24 minutes each time – a total of five hours and 38 minutes a week.
On top of that, the average dog owner also takes their pet out on three long walks each week adding another two hours and 33 minutes to the total.
But in comparison, those without a dog spend an average of just one hour and 20 minutes per week exercising by going to the gym or heading out for a stroll or jog.
And almost half (47 per cent) of non-pet owners admit they do absolutely no exercise whatsoever.
A spokesperson for pet health care experts Bob Martin said the difference between the two was that going to the gym can feel like a chore while dogwalking can be far more enjoyable.
M6 dash woman jailed over killing
A woman has been jailed for killing a man she met on the day she appeared in court for punching a police officer who tried to stop her running on to the M6. Sabina Eriksson, 41, admitted the manslaughter of Glenn Hollinshead in Stoke-on-Trent on 20 May 2008 on the grounds of diminished responsibility. She was sentenced to five years at Luton Crown Court on Thursday.
Swedish national Eriksson, of County Cork, in the Irish Republic, admitted the offence at an earlier hearing. The court heard that Eriksson had a rare psychiatric disorder which made her hear voices, but she could not interpret what they said. Eriksson, of Mallow, befriended Mr Hollinshead when he was walking home from a pub on 19 May 2008.
Earlier that day, she had appeared before Fenton Magistrates' Court charged with punching a policewoman who had tried to stop her from running across the M6. That incident had happened near Keele services, in Staffordshire, on 17 May 2008. It was recorded on camera by a film crew from the BBC TV show Traffic Cops.
Contains some NSFW language.
Magistrates in Fenton had sentenced Eriksson to one day in prison for the assault on the police officer, but she was immediately released because of the time she had already spent in custody. The court was told how Mr Hollinshead took pity on Eriksson and invited her to stay at his house as she had nowhere else to sleep. However, in the morning she stabbed him four times with a kitchen knife, killing him.
She was later seen by witnesses with a hammer, using it to hit herself on the head, before jumping 40ft (12.2m) from a bridge on to the A50 in Stoke-on-Trent. The incident on the M6 happened when Eriksson and her twin sister Ursula were travelling on a National Express coach from Liverpool to London, the day after they had left their home in Ireland. The coach stopped at the service station to change drivers and the two sisters disembarked and ran on to the motorway's carriageway.
Eriksson, who was wearing a red coat, was knocked into the air by a car and lost consciousness for a few minutes. When she woke up, she got up to run across the carriageway again. A female police officer tried to stop her but Eriksson punched her. After running across the opposite carriageway, Eriksson was then restrained by police.
Many thanks Shaun!
Swedish national Eriksson, of County Cork, in the Irish Republic, admitted the offence at an earlier hearing. The court heard that Eriksson had a rare psychiatric disorder which made her hear voices, but she could not interpret what they said. Eriksson, of Mallow, befriended Mr Hollinshead when he was walking home from a pub on 19 May 2008.
Earlier that day, she had appeared before Fenton Magistrates' Court charged with punching a policewoman who had tried to stop her from running across the M6. That incident had happened near Keele services, in Staffordshire, on 17 May 2008. It was recorded on camera by a film crew from the BBC TV show Traffic Cops.
Contains some NSFW language.
Magistrates in Fenton had sentenced Eriksson to one day in prison for the assault on the police officer, but she was immediately released because of the time she had already spent in custody. The court was told how Mr Hollinshead took pity on Eriksson and invited her to stay at his house as she had nowhere else to sleep. However, in the morning she stabbed him four times with a kitchen knife, killing him.
She was later seen by witnesses with a hammer, using it to hit herself on the head, before jumping 40ft (12.2m) from a bridge on to the A50 in Stoke-on-Trent. The incident on the M6 happened when Eriksson and her twin sister Ursula were travelling on a National Express coach from Liverpool to London, the day after they had left their home in Ireland. The coach stopped at the service station to change drivers and the two sisters disembarked and ran on to the motorway's carriageway.
Eriksson, who was wearing a red coat, was knocked into the air by a car and lost consciousness for a few minutes. When she woke up, she got up to run across the carriageway again. A female police officer tried to stop her but Eriksson punched her. After running across the opposite carriageway, Eriksson was then restrained by police.
Many thanks Shaun!
Lawyer calls for camera phones to be banned at the office Christmas party
Mobile camera phones should be banned from office Christmas parties to prevent photographs of workers misbehaving being posted on the internet, an employment lawyer has warned. Jonathan Whittaker said that snapping away with a digital camera is fine, but taking pictures on a mobile phone with quick internet access will make it too easy for workers to instantly make it available for public viewing.
The decision, taken after a few too many drinks, could be one they come to regret the following day and could lead to dismissals or people being sued, he warned. "The speed with which an embarrassing or even unlawful photo can make it from phone to internet is breathtaking – digital-savvy types can take a photo and post it on a blog, website or social networking site for the world to see within seconds," said Mr Whittaker, of SAS Daniels LLP.
"The problem is that unless the subject or subjects of the photo give their permission, then it could be a sack-able and sue-able act." Our right to behave badly in the confines of the office Christmas party is apparently protected by European legislation.
Mr Whittaker said: "It's Europe again: under the European Convention of Human Rights, everybody has the right to respect for their private life. Employees should seek permission from each individual before posting their photo on a website or blog, otherwise it could give rise to problems for staff and employer. Now, we've all been there – or nearby; Christmas parties are full of silly, stupid or sometimes downright offensive little acts carried out by people whose judgment is severely impaired by the effects of ten pints of lager or a bottle of Lambrusco.
"Sticking a mobile phone camera lens under a lavatory door, up a skirt, into the face of somebody caught snogging or engaging in any one of a million other revelrous acts, and then sharing the picture with anybody, by any means, is actionable on the grounds of anything from breach of European privacy laws, through to transmission of pornographic material, or even defamation.
"At least if the pictures are taken by a digital camera with no transmission capability, then the photographer and perpetrator each have time to reflect before the picture finds its way to somewhere it shouldn't."
The decision, taken after a few too many drinks, could be one they come to regret the following day and could lead to dismissals or people being sued, he warned. "The speed with which an embarrassing or even unlawful photo can make it from phone to internet is breathtaking – digital-savvy types can take a photo and post it on a blog, website or social networking site for the world to see within seconds," said Mr Whittaker, of SAS Daniels LLP.
"The problem is that unless the subject or subjects of the photo give their permission, then it could be a sack-able and sue-able act." Our right to behave badly in the confines of the office Christmas party is apparently protected by European legislation.
Mr Whittaker said: "It's Europe again: under the European Convention of Human Rights, everybody has the right to respect for their private life. Employees should seek permission from each individual before posting their photo on a website or blog, otherwise it could give rise to problems for staff and employer. Now, we've all been there – or nearby; Christmas parties are full of silly, stupid or sometimes downright offensive little acts carried out by people whose judgment is severely impaired by the effects of ten pints of lager or a bottle of Lambrusco.
"Sticking a mobile phone camera lens under a lavatory door, up a skirt, into the face of somebody caught snogging or engaging in any one of a million other revelrous acts, and then sharing the picture with anybody, by any means, is actionable on the grounds of anything from breach of European privacy laws, through to transmission of pornographic material, or even defamation.
"At least if the pictures are taken by a digital camera with no transmission capability, then the photographer and perpetrator each have time to reflect before the picture finds its way to somewhere it shouldn't."
Hapless robber caught after robbing security guard in own street
A hapless robber, Christopher Walker, was caught just moments after stealing £25,000 from a security guard in Birmingham when he fled into his own house opposite, a court heard.
The 19 year-old attacked the cash-in-transit security guard with a stick outside Lloyds Bank in Birmingham's Lea Village last month, Birmingham Crown Court heard.
After leaving the guard injured, Walker, who had just been made redundant, then escaped with £25,000 in cash, in what the court heard was an “incompetent spur of the moment robbery”.
Graphic from here.
But to the astonishment of onlookers, Walker, of Birmingham, fled to his house opposite, prosecutors said. He was then caught by police within minutes.
Pleading with officers not to break down his neighbour’s door, he quickly admitted to stashing the cash in their loft. All of the cash was recovered from the loft space of their house, which adjoined his home and which he had keys to.
Walker yesterday admitted one count of robbery, which occurred on October 22. Jailing him for two and half years, Judge Sylvia De Bertodano said temptation had “overcome” him.
The 19 year-old attacked the cash-in-transit security guard with a stick outside Lloyds Bank in Birmingham's Lea Village last month, Birmingham Crown Court heard.
After leaving the guard injured, Walker, who had just been made redundant, then escaped with £25,000 in cash, in what the court heard was an “incompetent spur of the moment robbery”.
Graphic from here.
But to the astonishment of onlookers, Walker, of Birmingham, fled to his house opposite, prosecutors said. He was then caught by police within minutes.
Pleading with officers not to break down his neighbour’s door, he quickly admitted to stashing the cash in their loft. All of the cash was recovered from the loft space of their house, which adjoined his home and which he had keys to.
Walker yesterday admitted one count of robbery, which occurred on October 22. Jailing him for two and half years, Judge Sylvia De Bertodano said temptation had “overcome” him.
Dog jumps to it and saves his owner
If it was not for her faithful dog Bouncer, Andrea Homer says she would not be alive today. When the 36-year-old suffered a seizure and fell unconscious, the golden retriever raised the alarm.
Bouncer, who was named after the famous dog on Australian soap Neighbours, woke up Andrea’s husband Wayne who was sleeping upstairs, with his howling and pawing. The puppy then led him down to the living room where Andrea was lying unconscious on the floor.
Mother-of-one Andrea, of Rydding Square, West Bromwich, said: “I have no doubt that if Bouncer hadn’t of done what he did I wouldn’t be here. He was an absolute life saver.” Andrea, who works as an estate manager for Sandwell Homes, is still having tests to find out was caused the seizure. She said she has never had one before.
She was in Sandwell Hospital for two days after it happened on Sunday night and now she is back home, 18 month old Bouncer won’t leave her side. She added: “He is such a lovely loyal dog. When I collapsed he apparently just went berserk. He was barking and howling, then he would run upstairs to my husband and bark at him, then run down stairs again and back up.
“At first Wayne was just telling him to be quiet but then he realised something must have happened and he followed the dog down to me. There was no doubt what he was doing, he just sensed something was wrong.
“Wayne was putting our son Braydon to bed at the time and he always falls asleep with him for a while. He would never have known I was unconscious until it was too late.” Andrea said she and 27-year-old driving instructor husband Wayne were “so grateful to their “hero “ pet.
Bouncer, who was named after the famous dog on Australian soap Neighbours, woke up Andrea’s husband Wayne who was sleeping upstairs, with his howling and pawing. The puppy then led him down to the living room where Andrea was lying unconscious on the floor.
Mother-of-one Andrea, of Rydding Square, West Bromwich, said: “I have no doubt that if Bouncer hadn’t of done what he did I wouldn’t be here. He was an absolute life saver.” Andrea, who works as an estate manager for Sandwell Homes, is still having tests to find out was caused the seizure. She said she has never had one before.
She was in Sandwell Hospital for two days after it happened on Sunday night and now she is back home, 18 month old Bouncer won’t leave her side. She added: “He is such a lovely loyal dog. When I collapsed he apparently just went berserk. He was barking and howling, then he would run upstairs to my husband and bark at him, then run down stairs again and back up.
“At first Wayne was just telling him to be quiet but then he realised something must have happened and he followed the dog down to me. There was no doubt what he was doing, he just sensed something was wrong.
“Wayne was putting our son Braydon to bed at the time and he always falls asleep with him for a while. He would never have known I was unconscious until it was too late.” Andrea said she and 27-year-old driving instructor husband Wayne were “so grateful to their “hero “ pet.
Murderer complains breach of human rights over giving up pet budgie
A prisoner due to be tranferred to a different jail is claiming his human rights have been breached after he was told he couldn't take his budgie. Convicted killer Paul Brown branded prison warders 'cruel' after they told him there would be no room for his pet. Brown, who is serving a life sentence for murder, has made an official complaint ahead of his move from Swaleside Prison in Sheppey, Kent.
He said: 'I have had my budgie for over five years and any pet owner will tell you how close you become to your animal. To be told you have to abandon it is very distressing, cruel and stressful for both the animal and yourself.'
A source added that the potential loss of his pet has left Brown 'devastated'. 'He's absolutely gutted,' the source said. He's had the little thing for ages and he talks to it all day long.
'Brown's a bit of a loner so the budgie has been ideal company for him. He's devastated at the prospect of losing the little fella - he's even claimimg his human rights are being infringed.'
He said: 'I have had my budgie for over five years and any pet owner will tell you how close you become to your animal. To be told you have to abandon it is very distressing, cruel and stressful for both the animal and yourself.'
A source added that the potential loss of his pet has left Brown 'devastated'. 'He's absolutely gutted,' the source said. He's had the little thing for ages and he talks to it all day long.
'Brown's a bit of a loner so the budgie has been ideal company for him. He's devastated at the prospect of losing the little fella - he's even claimimg his human rights are being infringed.'
University advertises for lap dance research officer
The University of Leeds is advertising for a lap dance researcher.
The advertised position, in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, is for: “Research Officer - The rise and regulation of lap dancing and the place of sexual labour and consumption in the night time economy”.
The advertisement further stipulates that “prior experience of conducting research in the female sex industry” is essential.
Having got the post, the successful applicant would work with the school's team on a research project to examine the “rise, tolerance and integration of sexual consumption and sexual labour displayed through the erotic dance industry”, and the commercialisation of female sexuality and the female body.
It hopes to determine where dancers are recruited from and what their working conditions are like, as well as examining how erotic dancing has become a “mainstream” entertainment, available on the high street of most British cities.
The researchers will interview 300 erotic dancers in two northern English towns, as well as other industry figures including manage and regulators.
The advertised position, in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, is for: “Research Officer - The rise and regulation of lap dancing and the place of sexual labour and consumption in the night time economy”.
The advertisement further stipulates that “prior experience of conducting research in the female sex industry” is essential.
Having got the post, the successful applicant would work with the school's team on a research project to examine the “rise, tolerance and integration of sexual consumption and sexual labour displayed through the erotic dance industry”, and the commercialisation of female sexuality and the female body.
It hopes to determine where dancers are recruited from and what their working conditions are like, as well as examining how erotic dancing has become a “mainstream” entertainment, available on the high street of most British cities.
The researchers will interview 300 erotic dancers in two northern English towns, as well as other industry figures including manage and regulators.
'Scary' stalker banned from staring at women
A serial stalker has been given an Asbo which bans him from looking at women. Gabriel Tabar was handed the order after traumatising more than 30 women over the last six years.
If the 64-year-old stares at, follows, approaches, communicates with or confronts women in the next five years, he could be hauled before a judge.
A total of 32 women and girls have made complaints against him since 2004. He would ‘stare fixedly’ at them because he knew he was having ‘a grave effect’ on them, said Leanne Woods, prosecuting.
His stalking tactics included following the women around before then deliberately ‘cutting them up’ by suddenly walking in front of them.
On another occasion, he put his hands on the bonnet of the car of one of his victims and stared at her intently. One woman said: ‘He is a very frightening man because you don’t know where he is going to turn up. You don’t see him and then suddenly he is two or three feet away. We don’t know where it’s going or what he might do.’
Tabar, of Maidenhead, did not attend the hearing at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Bracknell. However, in a statement to police he said his victims were being ‘falsely malicious’ and it was a coincidence that he was passing them.
If the 64-year-old stares at, follows, approaches, communicates with or confronts women in the next five years, he could be hauled before a judge.
A total of 32 women and girls have made complaints against him since 2004. He would ‘stare fixedly’ at them because he knew he was having ‘a grave effect’ on them, said Leanne Woods, prosecuting.
His stalking tactics included following the women around before then deliberately ‘cutting them up’ by suddenly walking in front of them.
On another occasion, he put his hands on the bonnet of the car of one of his victims and stared at her intently. One woman said: ‘He is a very frightening man because you don’t know where he is going to turn up. You don’t see him and then suddenly he is two or three feet away. We don’t know where it’s going or what he might do.’
Tabar, of Maidenhead, did not attend the hearing at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Bracknell. However, in a statement to police he said his victims were being ‘falsely malicious’ and it was a coincidence that he was passing them.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Pet pig farts spark Australian gas scare
A portly pig with flatulence triggered a minor emergency near Bendigo this week when smells wafting from the 120kg porker sparked fears of a potentially dangerous gas leak.
Two Country Fire Authority tankers and 15 firefighters turned out in darkness to search the source of the leak at a property at Axedale, east of Bendigo. But the likely culprit was soon sniffed out, the pet sow startled from slumber in the dead of night.
"She got very excited when two trucks and 15 firies turned up and she squealed and farted and squealed and farted," said fire chief Peter Harkins. "I haven't heard too many pigs fart but I would describe it as very full-on."
Mr Harkins said the family had done the right thing by calling 000 to report a suspected gas leak: "It's all bottled gas up here and a leaking cylinder could pose a major fire risk."
Two Country Fire Authority tankers and 15 firefighters turned out in darkness to search the source of the leak at a property at Axedale, east of Bendigo. But the likely culprit was soon sniffed out, the pet sow startled from slumber in the dead of night.
"She got very excited when two trucks and 15 firies turned up and she squealed and farted and squealed and farted," said fire chief Peter Harkins. "I haven't heard too many pigs fart but I would describe it as very full-on."
Mr Harkins said the family had done the right thing by calling 000 to report a suspected gas leak: "It's all bottled gas up here and a leaking cylinder could pose a major fire risk."
Horror as pensioner falls to his death after being caught on drawbridge as it opened
An 80-year-old American man has fallen to his death after he was caught on a drawbridge as it was opened. Witnesses watched in horror as Desmond Nolan clung desperately to the side of the bridge as it was lifted into the air.
They screamed for him to hang on - but eventually he lost his grip and fell 60ft on to the concrete below. He had been trying to cross the bridge in Hollywood, Florida, by foot when the tragic accident happened.
'It was heart-wrenching,' said Gigi Bordes, 34, who saw everything from her car. Bordes said she and her daughter saw the man clinging to the bridge as it lifted him up.
She flagged down a police officer, who rushed in the man's direction, she said. 'Everyone was screaming for him to hold on,' Bordes said. But it was too late.
After he fell, Mr Nolan was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead. The bridge has flashing lights and a bell that indicate when it is opening, as well as a gate to stop pedestrians and cars.
It is unclear how Mr Nolan got caught out during an afternoon walk last Sunday and his family say they want answers.
They screamed for him to hang on - but eventually he lost his grip and fell 60ft on to the concrete below. He had been trying to cross the bridge in Hollywood, Florida, by foot when the tragic accident happened.
'It was heart-wrenching,' said Gigi Bordes, 34, who saw everything from her car. Bordes said she and her daughter saw the man clinging to the bridge as it lifted him up.
She flagged down a police officer, who rushed in the man's direction, she said. 'Everyone was screaming for him to hold on,' Bordes said. But it was too late.
After he fell, Mr Nolan was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead. The bridge has flashing lights and a bell that indicate when it is opening, as well as a gate to stop pedestrians and cars.
It is unclear how Mr Nolan got caught out during an afternoon walk last Sunday and his family say they want answers.
Cross-dressing black belt police hit Japan
Patrolling in high heels, wigs and designer bags, Japanese black-belt policemen have been cross-dressing in a bid to beat off bag-snatchers.
The all-male squad has been deployed since last month on night patrols in central Aichi prefecture, wearing skirts and stockings and carrying eye-catching handbags as bait for potential thieves.
So far the unit has failed to nab any muggers, the Asahi said, and Aichi police declined to comment.
To qualify for the special squad, police have to be young, slim and hold the top rank of a black belt in a martial art such as karate or judo.
A 26-year-old officer - measuring 1.71 metres (5.6 feet) in height and weighing in at a dainty 61 kilograms (134 pounds) - expressed pride in the mission, telling the daily: "It's cowardly to target women who are weak."
The operation has not been without its pitfalls. Some of the stylish policemen have become targets themselves - of cat-calls and lewd propositions. One 25-year-old officer said he "panicked" one night when a male driver leaned out of his car window and asked if he wanted to go for a drive.
The all-male squad has been deployed since last month on night patrols in central Aichi prefecture, wearing skirts and stockings and carrying eye-catching handbags as bait for potential thieves.
So far the unit has failed to nab any muggers, the Asahi said, and Aichi police declined to comment.
To qualify for the special squad, police have to be young, slim and hold the top rank of a black belt in a martial art such as karate or judo.
A 26-year-old officer - measuring 1.71 metres (5.6 feet) in height and weighing in at a dainty 61 kilograms (134 pounds) - expressed pride in the mission, telling the daily: "It's cowardly to target women who are weak."
The operation has not been without its pitfalls. Some of the stylish policemen have become targets themselves - of cat-calls and lewd propositions. One 25-year-old officer said he "panicked" one night when a male driver leaned out of his car window and asked if he wanted to go for a drive.
Giraffe suffers from crick in the neck
A giraffe in a US zoo has been pictured suffering from what looks like an agonising crick in the neck.
Five-year-old Amali from Tulsa Zoo, Arizona, suffered the unfortunate bend in transit from The Wilds park in Ohio. t is feared that the hook might never be cured.
Since undergoing treatment from Tulsa Zoo's resident vet Dr Kay Backues, Amali has been kept in medical quarantine since her arrival on October 18. The 11-foot tall female giraffe is not thought to be in any pain and staff at Tulsa Zoo are hoping the crick corrects itself naturally.
"When Amali the giraffe walked off the trailer into her new home she could walk, eat and manoeuvre normally," said Dr. Backues. Amali was initially treated for muscle fatigue and possible soft tissue trauma.
"We are using medications a human might use if they strained their neck or back, such as non-steroidal ant-inflammatories similar to ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, pain relievers (analgesics) and a vitamin supplement.
"These treatments have appeared to make her more comfortable, but further diagnostics are being planned to determine the extent of the injury."
Five-year-old Amali from Tulsa Zoo, Arizona, suffered the unfortunate bend in transit from The Wilds park in Ohio. t is feared that the hook might never be cured.
Since undergoing treatment from Tulsa Zoo's resident vet Dr Kay Backues, Amali has been kept in medical quarantine since her arrival on October 18. The 11-foot tall female giraffe is not thought to be in any pain and staff at Tulsa Zoo are hoping the crick corrects itself naturally.
"When Amali the giraffe walked off the trailer into her new home she could walk, eat and manoeuvre normally," said Dr. Backues. Amali was initially treated for muscle fatigue and possible soft tissue trauma.
"We are using medications a human might use if they strained their neck or back, such as non-steroidal ant-inflammatories similar to ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, pain relievers (analgesics) and a vitamin supplement.
"These treatments have appeared to make her more comfortable, but further diagnostics are being planned to determine the extent of the injury."
Dog recovering after eating 130 nails
Ashley Saks couldn't believe what she saw when the veterinarian brought her the X-rays. Her 2-year-old Basset Hound Roxy had ingested over 100 nails.
“I counted about 130, but I don't know how many she threw up before she was taken, so it could've been more,” Saks said.
The unbelievable X-rays showed a clump of about 100 or so nails stuck at the base of Roxy's stomach. At that point, there were already a few stragglers that made its way through her intestines.
“They put her to sleep, stuck something down her throat, and pulled them out a few at a time,” said Saks. “Because it was such a big bulk, they couldn't just pull them out, it took over an hour to do that.”
Saks said she left the dog with a friend for the weekend while she was out of town and told her friend to make sure to lock Roxy up whenever he leaves because she doesn't like being alone. But last Saturday he ran to the store thinking she would be OK to roam around by herself and that's when she found the nails.
“It's unbelievable she's thankfully still alive,” Saks said.Saks said the nails didn't puncture any of her internal organs.
With news video and slideshow.
“I counted about 130, but I don't know how many she threw up before she was taken, so it could've been more,” Saks said.
The unbelievable X-rays showed a clump of about 100 or so nails stuck at the base of Roxy's stomach. At that point, there were already a few stragglers that made its way through her intestines.
“They put her to sleep, stuck something down her throat, and pulled them out a few at a time,” said Saks. “Because it was such a big bulk, they couldn't just pull them out, it took over an hour to do that.”
Saks said she left the dog with a friend for the weekend while she was out of town and told her friend to make sure to lock Roxy up whenever he leaves because she doesn't like being alone. But last Saturday he ran to the store thinking she would be OK to roam around by herself and that's when she found the nails.
“It's unbelievable she's thankfully still alive,” Saks said.Saks said the nails didn't puncture any of her internal organs.
With news video and slideshow.
Meerkats get fluffy surrogate mother
These adorable baby meerkats snuggle up to a cuddly teddy after their mother tragically died.
Owner Steve Rowlands was worried about leaving the five orphans alone when they lost mum Anika just two days after their birth.
So the 28-year-old gave the cute critters a ten inch meerkat toy and a hot water bottle to recreate the motherly experience.
Now the furry four-inch creatures are thriving at their home in Tropical Inc in Oldbury, West Mids.
He said: "The babies are a month old now and they lost their mum just two days after they were born.
"We bought the toy to try and lessen the trauma for them and try and make things as natural as possible. We put it in with them and they just snuggled up to it like it was their mother."
Owner Steve Rowlands was worried about leaving the five orphans alone when they lost mum Anika just two days after their birth.
So the 28-year-old gave the cute critters a ten inch meerkat toy and a hot water bottle to recreate the motherly experience.
Now the furry four-inch creatures are thriving at their home in Tropical Inc in Oldbury, West Mids.
He said: "The babies are a month old now and they lost their mum just two days after they were born.
"We bought the toy to try and lessen the trauma for them and try and make things as natural as possible. We put it in with them and they just snuggled up to it like it was their mother."
Rescue dogs 'undergo cosmetic surgery in bid to find new homes'
Two rescue dogs have had cosmetic surgery to help make them more attractive to new owners, it has been claimed.
Morgan and Emma, both chocolate labradors, have undergone surgery costing £1200 in a bid to find them a new home.
The dogs were left with huge sagging folds of skin after years of overbreeding, which left their mammary glands nearly touching the ground.
Staff at the Wallace Kennels in Stondon Massey, near Brentwood, Essex, said it was putting off potential owners.
So they decided to give the pets the cosmetic breast reductions to make them look better.
Shelter co-ordinator Teresa Bartholomew said: "It is very unusual. You don't get many people having cosmetic surgery on dogs and we could be one of the first. But if we hadn't had it done, we would not have been able to rehome them."
Morgan and Emma, both chocolate labradors, have undergone surgery costing £1200 in a bid to find them a new home.
The dogs were left with huge sagging folds of skin after years of overbreeding, which left their mammary glands nearly touching the ground.
Staff at the Wallace Kennels in Stondon Massey, near Brentwood, Essex, said it was putting off potential owners.
So they decided to give the pets the cosmetic breast reductions to make them look better.
Shelter co-ordinator Teresa Bartholomew said: "It is very unusual. You don't get many people having cosmetic surgery on dogs and we could be one of the first. But if we hadn't had it done, we would not have been able to rehome them."
Neighbours see red at bid to name estate 'Pogue Muhone Court'
A family have stuck two fingers up at neighbours who opposed their Cheltenham housing development – by giving it a rude name.
The O'Gormans were celebrating this week after their proposals to demolish an Edwardian home in Old Bath Road and replace it with six new houses were given the nod.
Neighbours have now been left gobsmacked by the development's proposed name – Pogue Muhone Court.
A statement from Kevin and Susan O'Gorman said the name referred to their family village in County Tipperary, but after a bit of research, residents found it means Kiss My Arse.
Caroline Donnelly has lived next door to the O'Gorman family in Cheltenham for 13 years. The 48-year-old mum of two said: "We found out what it meant when my husband, Paul, and I were on the internet trying to find this village.
"We were shocked. We've managed to conduct our campaign in an adult way. But this is just completely rude."
The O'Gormans were celebrating this week after their proposals to demolish an Edwardian home in Old Bath Road and replace it with six new houses were given the nod.
Neighbours have now been left gobsmacked by the development's proposed name – Pogue Muhone Court.
A statement from Kevin and Susan O'Gorman said the name referred to their family village in County Tipperary, but after a bit of research, residents found it means Kiss My Arse.
Caroline Donnelly has lived next door to the O'Gorman family in Cheltenham for 13 years. The 48-year-old mum of two said: "We found out what it meant when my husband, Paul, and I were on the internet trying to find this village.
"We were shocked. We've managed to conduct our campaign in an adult way. But this is just completely rude."
Council criticised over £14,000 fake Christmas tree
A council has been criticised after erecting a £14,000 fake Christmas tree in Poole, Dorset, due to concerns that a traditional fir tree would be a danger to the public. Shoppers in the seaside town said the artificial 33ft tree looks more like a huge traffic cone or something from outer space in the daytime.
It does not have branches or decorations and its thousands of lights look festive only at night, residents have claimed. But Borough of Poole bosses said it is safer, sturdier and cheaper in the long run than a Norway fir tree that could topple over in strong winds.
A 30ft real tree costs about £500 plus around £3,500 for specialists to decorate, light and install each year.
Poole's Town Centre Management Board, an organisation made up of businesses and the council, chose the tree which is not funded by taxpayers but is sponsored by local business. Two tons of ballast stop it blowing over and speakers hidden inside play Christmas carols.
Richard Randle-Jones, Poole town centre manager, said: ''We've sought an alternative solution following a number of complaints from the public about last year's real Christmas tree."
Health and safety rules mean a tree of that height in a busy shopping precinct must be secure from the risk of being blown down during high winds. People had complained about the hoardings and guy ropes supporting the real tree last year, the council said.
It does not have branches or decorations and its thousands of lights look festive only at night, residents have claimed. But Borough of Poole bosses said it is safer, sturdier and cheaper in the long run than a Norway fir tree that could topple over in strong winds.
A 30ft real tree costs about £500 plus around £3,500 for specialists to decorate, light and install each year.
Poole's Town Centre Management Board, an organisation made up of businesses and the council, chose the tree which is not funded by taxpayers but is sponsored by local business. Two tons of ballast stop it blowing over and speakers hidden inside play Christmas carols.
Richard Randle-Jones, Poole town centre manager, said: ''We've sought an alternative solution following a number of complaints from the public about last year's real Christmas tree."
Health and safety rules mean a tree of that height in a busy shopping precinct must be secure from the risk of being blown down during high winds. People had complained about the hoardings and guy ropes supporting the real tree last year, the council said.
Gym cleaner who can't swim asked to re-train as a lifeguard to keep her job
Talk about being thrown in at the deep end. Joan McGovern had spent nine years cleaning the showers and tidying the locker rooms at a fitness centre before being ordered to retrain ... as a lifeguard.
Hard work at the best of times - a fully qualified lifeguard must swim 50 metres in less than a minute. However, Joan is 62 years old - and terrified of water.
Joan, who was also told she would have to carry out first-aid and health and safety checks if she wanted to keep her job, said: "At first I was too terrified to go near water but tried to learn a bit of basic breaststroke. But I would never go underwater. I'm too scared.
"What am I supposed to do if someone is drowning? If I had to jump in to help somebody who was struggling then they'd have two people dead."
In the end Joan, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs, refused the move and left Total Fitness- but was disappointed with her non-existent send-off.
She said: "After nine years working there I thought more colleagues would have said goodbye but it was very quiet." Her husband Christopher, 57, an electrician, said: "I was upset to see her come home with no present or card. She was very loyal."
Hard work at the best of times - a fully qualified lifeguard must swim 50 metres in less than a minute. However, Joan is 62 years old - and terrified of water.
Joan, who was also told she would have to carry out first-aid and health and safety checks if she wanted to keep her job, said: "At first I was too terrified to go near water but tried to learn a bit of basic breaststroke. But I would never go underwater. I'm too scared.
"What am I supposed to do if someone is drowning? If I had to jump in to help somebody who was struggling then they'd have two people dead."
In the end Joan, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs, refused the move and left Total Fitness- but was disappointed with her non-existent send-off.
She said: "After nine years working there I thought more colleagues would have said goodbye but it was very quiet." Her husband Christopher, 57, an electrician, said: "I was upset to see her come home with no present or card. She was very loyal."
Prison raffle offers inmates chance of a 'day out'
Prisoners have been offered the chance of winning a day out of jail as top prize in their Christmas raffle in a move which has angered victim support groups. Inmates at HMP Kirkham, near Blackpool, Lancashire, have been told they could enjoy a whole day of freedom if they enter the £1 draw.
The raffle is open to the 590 prisoners held at the category D jail, some of whom will include rapists, murderers and other violent offenders coming to the end of their sentences.
However, to be eligible for entry in the draw, they must first volunteer to cook Christmas dinner for the elderly at the nearby Milbanke Day Centre.
The reward, which has been condoned by Justice Secretary Jack Straw, has angered the families of violent crime victims.
Patsy McKie, 62, who set up Mothers Against Violence after her son Dory was shot dead, said: "They should not be releasing people on this basis. Prisoners shouldn't be rewarded for whatever they have done.
"Anyone could win that prize – even the most dangerous man who is coming to the end of his sentence. They should be looking at the individuals and whether they have been rehabilitated enough to be in the community and society."
The raffle is open to the 590 prisoners held at the category D jail, some of whom will include rapists, murderers and other violent offenders coming to the end of their sentences.
However, to be eligible for entry in the draw, they must first volunteer to cook Christmas dinner for the elderly at the nearby Milbanke Day Centre.
The reward, which has been condoned by Justice Secretary Jack Straw, has angered the families of violent crime victims.
Patsy McKie, 62, who set up Mothers Against Violence after her son Dory was shot dead, said: "They should not be releasing people on this basis. Prisoners shouldn't be rewarded for whatever they have done.
"Anyone could win that prize – even the most dangerous man who is coming to the end of his sentence. They should be looking at the individuals and whether they have been rehabilitated enough to be in the community and society."
Pig farmer collected 80 barrels of human waste
A farmer, blamed for causing a village stink by collecting 80 barrels of human waste, has been convicted of breaching an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo). Peter Roy, 72, from Madderty, was warned he could be sent to jail if he does not let officials from Perth and Kinross Council dispose of the barrels.
Roy has been collecting his family's waste in oil drums in a long-running dispute with the local authority. Villagers have complained the area has been plagued by the smell of excrement.
An Asbo was granted against Roy after the court heard how all 300 residents had been left feeling ill because of the stench drifting from his farm at Craigmuir.
He is blamed for dumping gallons of waste during a seven-year protest against Perth and Kinross Council over claims the authority should repair his home, which is currently unfit for human habitation.
He has also left wheelie bins, cement mixers and a bath full of human excrement on the village's main road.
The farmer was found guilty of three different charges of breaching the behaviour order by dumping barrels of human waste on 2 and 18 September last year, and on 23 February 2009. Sheriff Lindsay Foulis found Roy guilty of breaching the orders but deferred sentence until February for him to be of good behaviour.
Roy has been collecting his family's waste in oil drums in a long-running dispute with the local authority. Villagers have complained the area has been plagued by the smell of excrement.
An Asbo was granted against Roy after the court heard how all 300 residents had been left feeling ill because of the stench drifting from his farm at Craigmuir.
He is blamed for dumping gallons of waste during a seven-year protest against Perth and Kinross Council over claims the authority should repair his home, which is currently unfit for human habitation.
He has also left wheelie bins, cement mixers and a bath full of human excrement on the village's main road.
The farmer was found guilty of three different charges of breaching the behaviour order by dumping barrels of human waste on 2 and 18 September last year, and on 23 February 2009. Sheriff Lindsay Foulis found Roy guilty of breaching the orders but deferred sentence until February for him to be of good behaviour.
Woman 'ripped out' lover's testicles with her bare hands
A jealous woman has been quizzed by police - for allegedly ripping out her lover's testicles. Helen Hodge, 34, was accused of mangling Billy Duncan's privates with her bare hands after accusing him of cheating on her. Traumatised Billy, 49, was rushed to hospital where doctors carried out emergency surgery
A source said the alleged attack happened at Dundee fan Billy's flat in the city in the early hours of Monday after he had been out celebrating his side's Challenge Cup final win. The insider said: "Helen started accusing him of carrying on with other women.
"Billy was only wearing his underpants at this stage. Helen grabbed his testicles and pulled them as hard as she could. Eventually he managed to get her off him and chucked her out the flat."
But horrified Billy later looked down and realised he was bleeding heavily. The source added: "His scrotum had been ripped open and his testicles were dangling by his legs. There was blood all over the flat."
Surgeons managed to save both of his testicles during the operation at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, on Monday.
Tayside police confirmed they were aware of the alleged incident and Helen had been questioned. A police source said: "The officers who dealt with it have never seen anything like it. A few of the guys were crossing their legs when word spread."
A source said the alleged attack happened at Dundee fan Billy's flat in the city in the early hours of Monday after he had been out celebrating his side's Challenge Cup final win. The insider said: "Helen started accusing him of carrying on with other women.
"Billy was only wearing his underpants at this stage. Helen grabbed his testicles and pulled them as hard as she could. Eventually he managed to get her off him and chucked her out the flat."
But horrified Billy later looked down and realised he was bleeding heavily. The source added: "His scrotum had been ripped open and his testicles were dangling by his legs. There was blood all over the flat."
Surgeons managed to save both of his testicles during the operation at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, on Monday.
Tayside police confirmed they were aware of the alleged incident and Helen had been questioned. A police source said: "The officers who dealt with it have never seen anything like it. A few of the guys were crossing their legs when word spread."
Teen pregnancy hotspot Ilfracombe's new logo looks like a human sperm
A town with a dire teen pregnancy record has rebranded itself using a logo that looks like a human sperm.
Designer Tessa Martin came up with the “idiosyncratic swirl” as part of a campaign which cost council taxpayers £5,000. It is supposed to get people to “take another look and be surprised” by Ilfracombe, Devon.
But traders in the resort – second worst place in the county for teen pregnancies – claim it makes them a laughing stock.
One said yesterday: “We have this problem and now we crown our town’s name with a wriggling sperm. It’s a costly joke.”
But town councillor Paul Crabb defended the new logo, insisting: “The squiggle is what your mind’s eye makes of it. It’s a way of making us feel fresh and vibrant. I think the inspiration came from the way Fore Street winds down to the harbour. If nothing else it could do wonders for our growing hen and stag night businesses.”
County council spokeswoman Ellen Vernon said: “It reflects the harbour, waves, fish and ice cream. Before we finished it we knew some people thought it was like a sperm. But you can’t please everyone.”
Designer Tessa Martin came up with the “idiosyncratic swirl” as part of a campaign which cost council taxpayers £5,000. It is supposed to get people to “take another look and be surprised” by Ilfracombe, Devon.
But traders in the resort – second worst place in the county for teen pregnancies – claim it makes them a laughing stock.
One said yesterday: “We have this problem and now we crown our town’s name with a wriggling sperm. It’s a costly joke.”
But town councillor Paul Crabb defended the new logo, insisting: “The squiggle is what your mind’s eye makes of it. It’s a way of making us feel fresh and vibrant. I think the inspiration came from the way Fore Street winds down to the harbour. If nothing else it could do wonders for our growing hen and stag night businesses.”
County council spokeswoman Ellen Vernon said: “It reflects the harbour, waves, fish and ice cream. Before we finished it we knew some people thought it was like a sperm. But you can’t please everyone.”
Thursday, November 26, 2009
South African meteor display caught on film
Breathtaking CCTV footage of a meteor lighting up the night sky over South Africa has been posted online.
The meteor was spotted by dozens people as it passed over Johannesburg and Pretoria in Kauteng province on Saturday.
The Johannesburg Planetarium subsequently appealed for any witnesses who managed to record the space rock's fall to come forward with the footage.
Yesterday this clip was posted on YouTube, showing a brief glimpse of the meteor as became visible through the clouds, before a flash of illumination lit the skies for miles around.
“We saw this big green ball of fire. it kind of came out of the sky, out of the blue,” one local said. “There was sudden flash. Like an orange stripe in the sky, followed by a very bright explosion where the sky lit up as if it was daytime."
The meteor has still not been found, although any residents hoping to cash in have been warned that the rock is owned by the state even if it lands on their property.
The meteor was spotted by dozens people as it passed over Johannesburg and Pretoria in Kauteng province on Saturday.
The Johannesburg Planetarium subsequently appealed for any witnesses who managed to record the space rock's fall to come forward with the footage.
Yesterday this clip was posted on YouTube, showing a brief glimpse of the meteor as became visible through the clouds, before a flash of illumination lit the skies for miles around.
“We saw this big green ball of fire. it kind of came out of the sky, out of the blue,” one local said. “There was sudden flash. Like an orange stripe in the sky, followed by a very bright explosion where the sky lit up as if it was daytime."
The meteor has still not been found, although any residents hoping to cash in have been warned that the rock is owned by the state even if it lands on their property.
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