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Monday, January 31, 2011
Adventurous duo fined for nude photo shoot in Bavarian church
After holding an impromptu nude photo shoot inside a Bavarian church and attempting to invoke Michelangelo, a woman and man now face stiff penalties for disturbing the practice of religion. The Memmingen district court on Thursday fined the 46-year-old unemployed woman and 40-year-old metal-worker €900 and €1,800, respectively, for the nude photo shoot they held in the Ottobeuren Basilica in December 2009. The incident occurred after the defendants, who had met in an internet sex-forum, moved a photo shoot from the woods to the nearby baroque basilica of the Ottobeuren Abbey because the weather was “too cold” for the scantily-clad pair.
“The basilica was empty at the time. We didn’t have the impression we were disturbing anyone,” said the male defendant, an amateur photographer who took 37 photos of the nude woman in what the court termed “suggestive poses.” The pair later posted the photos under their profiles on the internet forum where they met. Police began investigating them after receiving an anonymous letter from a “faithful Catholic” who “happened upon” the online photos and took offence at their setting in a church.
“We didn’t consider the consequences of our actions,” said the female defendant. “The photos were meant for private use.” The defendants tried justifying the photos before the court, arguing that nudity is “nothing foreign” to the Church and comparing their deed to Michelangelo painting nude frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. “But Michelangelo certainly had another purpose,” the state prosecutor countered.
The Italian renaissance master also “did not present the pictures to some five million members of an erotic community on the internet,” he added. The judge on the case said it was “beside the point” that the church was empty when the photos were taken. “The law protects the religious faith of its citizens; actions such as these are impermissible in a church,” she said. The sentence, however, is not yet final and the defendants maintain their innocence.
“The basilica was empty at the time. We didn’t have the impression we were disturbing anyone,” said the male defendant, an amateur photographer who took 37 photos of the nude woman in what the court termed “suggestive poses.” The pair later posted the photos under their profiles on the internet forum where they met. Police began investigating them after receiving an anonymous letter from a “faithful Catholic” who “happened upon” the online photos and took offence at their setting in a church.
“We didn’t consider the consequences of our actions,” said the female defendant. “The photos were meant for private use.” The defendants tried justifying the photos before the court, arguing that nudity is “nothing foreign” to the Church and comparing their deed to Michelangelo painting nude frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. “But Michelangelo certainly had another purpose,” the state prosecutor countered.
The Italian renaissance master also “did not present the pictures to some five million members of an erotic community on the internet,” he added. The judge on the case said it was “beside the point” that the church was empty when the photos were taken. “The law protects the religious faith of its citizens; actions such as these are impermissible in a church,” she said. The sentence, however, is not yet final and the defendants maintain their innocence.
HIV street drug 'Whoonga' is South Africa's latest high
South Africa is in the grip of a dangerous new drug craze that could threaten the country's battle against AIDS. The street drug called "whoonga" is a cocktail that includes the anti retroviral (ARV) medication prescribed to people with HIV. Demand for the substance has prompted a wave of thefts of AIDS drugs across the country.
Users crush the ARVs and smoke them with a mixture of rat poison, detergent and marijuana to get high. The powder is said to be so addictive that users are hooked within days. "If I don't smoke it, I get pains and I can't sleep until I get some more," 31-year-old Jomo said, his eyes red and glazed after a few deep drags on a joint. He and his fellow whoonga addicts, huddled in the grounds of a church in one of Durban's side streets, smoke up to 30 "packets" of the drug every day at a cost of almost $160.
"I just rob people to get the money. I don't have a job, this is all I do," Jomo said, rolling another joint. "I sell my body to get whoonga," a young woman said with a shrug. In the back streets of Durban, whoonga dealers tout the powder for $5 per packet. The highly toxic drug has been blamed for the deaths of scores of addicts across South Africa over the past year and has fueled a spate of thefts of AIDS medication.
YouTube link.
In the township of Umlazi, near Durban, officials say dozens of patients are being robbed of their anti-retroviral drugs every week. However, the country's Treatment Action Campaign, an AIDS lobbying group, has described the belief that the drugs have recreational value as a "myth." Group spokeswoman Caroline Nenguke said: "We are not even convinced that whoonga contains ARVs. The dealers just say it does."
Users crush the ARVs and smoke them with a mixture of rat poison, detergent and marijuana to get high. The powder is said to be so addictive that users are hooked within days. "If I don't smoke it, I get pains and I can't sleep until I get some more," 31-year-old Jomo said, his eyes red and glazed after a few deep drags on a joint. He and his fellow whoonga addicts, huddled in the grounds of a church in one of Durban's side streets, smoke up to 30 "packets" of the drug every day at a cost of almost $160.
"I just rob people to get the money. I don't have a job, this is all I do," Jomo said, rolling another joint. "I sell my body to get whoonga," a young woman said with a shrug. In the back streets of Durban, whoonga dealers tout the powder for $5 per packet. The highly toxic drug has been blamed for the deaths of scores of addicts across South Africa over the past year and has fueled a spate of thefts of AIDS medication.
YouTube link.
In the township of Umlazi, near Durban, officials say dozens of patients are being robbed of their anti-retroviral drugs every week. However, the country's Treatment Action Campaign, an AIDS lobbying group, has described the belief that the drugs have recreational value as a "myth." Group spokeswoman Caroline Nenguke said: "We are not even convinced that whoonga contains ARVs. The dealers just say it does."
Library condiment criminal jailed
An Idaho library has closed the book on a string of condiment attacks against its book-drop now that the ketchup-wielding criminal has been jailed, a Boise librarian said on Saturday. "We're relieved it's resolved; it's been going on for a while," Ann Costello, reference librarian at Ada County Community Library, said of a caper that began in 2009 when library books in a drive-up drop-box were smothered with substances like corn syrup.
Joy Cassidy, 75, Boise, pleaded guilty on Friday to malicious injury to property stemming from what police said were more than 10 assaults on the book-drop totaling more than $1,000 in damages. An Idaho judge sentenced Cassidy to a month in jail and ordered her to have no contact with Boise area libraries for two years.
Authorities say Cassidy dumped an assortment of condiments including ketchup, maple syrup and mayonnaise into the book deposit because of conflicts the senior citizen had in the past with library patrons and staff.
In an attempt to catch the serial condiment criminal, the library installed a surveillance system but the real break in the case came last summer when Boise police staked out the crime scene. Officers on June 13 took Cassidy into custody after she placed an open jar of mayonnaise in the drop-box, according to a police report.
Joy Cassidy, 75, Boise, pleaded guilty on Friday to malicious injury to property stemming from what police said were more than 10 assaults on the book-drop totaling more than $1,000 in damages. An Idaho judge sentenced Cassidy to a month in jail and ordered her to have no contact with Boise area libraries for two years.
Authorities say Cassidy dumped an assortment of condiments including ketchup, maple syrup and mayonnaise into the book deposit because of conflicts the senior citizen had in the past with library patrons and staff.
In an attempt to catch the serial condiment criminal, the library installed a surveillance system but the real break in the case came last summer when Boise police staked out the crime scene. Officers on June 13 took Cassidy into custody after she placed an open jar of mayonnaise in the drop-box, according to a police report.
Toxic Waste Nuclear Sludge candy really is toxic
An Indiana company that recently recalled some of its Toxic Waste brand candy have discovered more lead in the product. As a result, Circle City Marketing and Distributing, doing business as Candy Dynamics, is now recalling all of its Toxic Waste brand sour candies labelled as Nuclear Sludge, and discontinuing the sale of the products in the United States. The candy is imported from Pakistan.
In a news release the company said further testing indicates that some of its smaller sized products also contain elevated levels of lead (0.101 to .311 parts per million; the US regulated tolerance level is 0.1 ppm). Ingesting lead can cause health problems, particularly for infants, small children, and pregnant women. The company says it has now taken all of its candy labelled as "Nuclear Sludge" off the market.
YouTube link.
The company said no other "Toxic Waste®" brand product, besides those labelled "Nuclear Sludge®" is affected by this recall. The recalled Nuclear Sludge candy was distributed nationwide in retail stores and via mail order. The product was also distributed in Canada and in limited quantities in Guatemala, Ireland, Jordan, Korea, Mexico and El Salvador.
In a news release the company said further testing indicates that some of its smaller sized products also contain elevated levels of lead (0.101 to .311 parts per million; the US regulated tolerance level is 0.1 ppm). Ingesting lead can cause health problems, particularly for infants, small children, and pregnant women. The company says it has now taken all of its candy labelled as "Nuclear Sludge" off the market.
YouTube link.
The company said no other "Toxic Waste®" brand product, besides those labelled "Nuclear Sludge®" is affected by this recall. The recalled Nuclear Sludge candy was distributed nationwide in retail stores and via mail order. The product was also distributed in Canada and in limited quantities in Guatemala, Ireland, Jordan, Korea, Mexico and El Salvador.
Woman wins lottery a month after dying
A Minnesota woman won $15,000 in the lottery a month after she died, with her husband left surprised as he did not know she even played.
Ginny McCauley, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, died of cancer in November, but two friends she played the lottery with for 30 years continued to buy a ticket.
At Christmas they scooped $45,000 and rang their late friend's husband, Paul McCauley, to share the winnings with him.
Paul McCauley said he was convinced it was his wife's way of getting the last word and he knew exactly how the Green Bay Packers fan would have spent the money. "If she was alive ... we'd go to Dallas (for the Super Bowl)," Paul McCauley said.
Full story with news video here.
Ginny McCauley, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, died of cancer in November, but two friends she played the lottery with for 30 years continued to buy a ticket.
At Christmas they scooped $45,000 and rang their late friend's husband, Paul McCauley, to share the winnings with him.
Paul McCauley said he was convinced it was his wife's way of getting the last word and he knew exactly how the Green Bay Packers fan would have spent the money. "If she was alive ... we'd go to Dallas (for the Super Bowl)," Paul McCauley said.
Full story with news video here.
World's first artificial hip for German tiger
A tiger at an east German zoo has had a hip replacement in a world first operation by vets from the University of Leipzig. The eight-year-old Malaysian tiger, called Girl, had been suffering from arthritis in her right hip since spring. Now she has been given a prosthetic hip of the kind first developed for dogs.
The operation was not easy. During the three-hour procedure last week, Girl's heart almost stopped, the university said in a statement, and only a quick intervention of anaesthetist Michaele Alef saved her life. Girl is recovering in a separate enclosure back in Halle Zoo in Saxony-Anhalt, away from visitors. She is being carefully monitored for the next six weeks, when the risk of dislocation is highest.
The university says there is every chance she will take the new hip to her grave – female Malaysian tigers have a life expectancy of around 20 years. Leipzig vets said they believed their operation was the first of its kind. "I don't know of any other cases in the world where a tiger has been given an artificial hip joint," Peter Böttcher, in charge of the operation, said. Artificial hips of the kind used in Girl's operation were first developed by professor Pierre Montavon, from the University of Zurich, with the Swiss firm Kyon.
They contain titanium for better performance and durability. In recent years, they have also been implanted in humans. The operation is usually expensive, but Leipzig carried out Girls's free of charge because she is such a rare creature. "Malayan tigers are one of the world's most endangered species, with only around 500 estimated to be living in the wild. This was another reason to operate on Girl," the university statement said.
The operation was not easy. During the three-hour procedure last week, Girl's heart almost stopped, the university said in a statement, and only a quick intervention of anaesthetist Michaele Alef saved her life. Girl is recovering in a separate enclosure back in Halle Zoo in Saxony-Anhalt, away from visitors. She is being carefully monitored for the next six weeks, when the risk of dislocation is highest.
The university says there is every chance she will take the new hip to her grave – female Malaysian tigers have a life expectancy of around 20 years. Leipzig vets said they believed their operation was the first of its kind. "I don't know of any other cases in the world where a tiger has been given an artificial hip joint," Peter Böttcher, in charge of the operation, said. Artificial hips of the kind used in Girl's operation were first developed by professor Pierre Montavon, from the University of Zurich, with the Swiss firm Kyon.
They contain titanium for better performance and durability. In recent years, they have also been implanted in humans. The operation is usually expensive, but Leipzig carried out Girls's free of charge because she is such a rare creature. "Malayan tigers are one of the world's most endangered species, with only around 500 estimated to be living in the wild. This was another reason to operate on Girl," the university statement said.
Dog gets prosthetic paw
A Tennessee couple was left with a difficult decision after their dog was hit by a car. Surgery was expensive and they thought their options were limited, until they learned about a high-tech solution normally only available to humans -- a prosthetic leg. Sam and Paula Swift watched in horror as their 9-year-old Siberian husky, Polo, was run over in their driveway.
There were three options for Polo: amputate the leg, commit to multiple surgeries or a prosthetic paw. "It's not something that's been really published in veterinary literature," veterinarian Trey Calfee said. "There's not a lot of research that exists on it that I'm aware of. So it was really the owner's directive. Can we do this with my dog. And the answer is generally always yes. The question is, is it financially a viable option?"
YouTube link.
Polo's owners decided on the prosthetic. For several months, he will use a temporary prosthetic while veterinarians study it for wear and tear and recast Polo for a perfect fit. The cost is $995 - about a third of the cost of the surgery.
"It was more a cost versus quality of life and for the price of the prosthetic. It was not even really a question," Sam Swift said. Polo uses his prosthetic leg like a real paw. His owners say he likes to get up and walk like he used to and is back to his husky ways - quick to curl up in a pile of snow.
There were three options for Polo: amputate the leg, commit to multiple surgeries or a prosthetic paw. "It's not something that's been really published in veterinary literature," veterinarian Trey Calfee said. "There's not a lot of research that exists on it that I'm aware of. So it was really the owner's directive. Can we do this with my dog. And the answer is generally always yes. The question is, is it financially a viable option?"
YouTube link.
Polo's owners decided on the prosthetic. For several months, he will use a temporary prosthetic while veterinarians study it for wear and tear and recast Polo for a perfect fit. The cost is $995 - about a third of the cost of the surgery.
"It was more a cost versus quality of life and for the price of the prosthetic. It was not even really a question," Sam Swift said. Polo uses his prosthetic leg like a real paw. His owners say he likes to get up and walk like he used to and is back to his husky ways - quick to curl up in a pile of snow.
Papier-mache milk bottle arrives in UK supermarkets
Each day some 15m plastic bottles are used in the UK, many ending up on the country's burgeoning waste mountains. And as the average plastic bottle takes 500 years to decompose, this legacy will have an impact on generations to come. But now, inspired by a papier-mache balloon that his son made at school, Martin Myerscough believes he has come up with the answer. The GreenBottle, which looks remarkably like the conventional two-litre plastic bottles on supermarket shelves, comprises a sturdy paper shell with a plastic liner to keep the milk fresh.
Once the lining is ripped out, the paper shell can be quickly flattened and recycled up to seven times – plastic bottles can be recycled only once. Alternatively the paper bottle can be turned into compost within a matter of several weeks. The bottle has been trialled at Asda stores in East Anglia and a national roll-out across the supermarket chain will start this week, beginning in Cornwall.
Myerscough dreamt up the idea for Greenbottle after talking to a man in his local pub. "A chap I row with was running the local landfill, so I asked him what was the main problem and he said plastic bottles, especially milk bottles, and that set me thinking." Recalling his son's efforts with papier-mache, Myerscough played around with several designs before coming up with a prototype. Currently 1,000 two-litre bottles are supplied to shops around Suffolk, and Myerscough claims customers have been "overwhelmingly positive".
There are plans to make the next generation of bottles entirely from paper and to sell products to other industries, such as detergent and shampoo manufacturers. Asda's decision to introduce the bottles nationally should help bring costs of production down. "The price is the same as a plastic bottle," Myerscough said. "Our target is to be competitive with plastic bottles." He claims that the production of each GreenBottle has a significantly lower carbon footprint than that of a plastic one, even though the paper cases are currently made in Turkey.
GreenBottle website.
Once the lining is ripped out, the paper shell can be quickly flattened and recycled up to seven times – plastic bottles can be recycled only once. Alternatively the paper bottle can be turned into compost within a matter of several weeks. The bottle has been trialled at Asda stores in East Anglia and a national roll-out across the supermarket chain will start this week, beginning in Cornwall.
Myerscough dreamt up the idea for Greenbottle after talking to a man in his local pub. "A chap I row with was running the local landfill, so I asked him what was the main problem and he said plastic bottles, especially milk bottles, and that set me thinking." Recalling his son's efforts with papier-mache, Myerscough played around with several designs before coming up with a prototype. Currently 1,000 two-litre bottles are supplied to shops around Suffolk, and Myerscough claims customers have been "overwhelmingly positive".
There are plans to make the next generation of bottles entirely from paper and to sell products to other industries, such as detergent and shampoo manufacturers. Asda's decision to introduce the bottles nationally should help bring costs of production down. "The price is the same as a plastic bottle," Myerscough said. "Our target is to be competitive with plastic bottles." He claims that the production of each GreenBottle has a significantly lower carbon footprint than that of a plastic one, even though the paper cases are currently made in Turkey.
GreenBottle website.
Climber who fell 1,000 feet found standing up reading map
A climber who fell 1,000ft (305m) down a mountain and survived was found by his rescuers standing up reading a map. Adam Potter, 36, lost his footing at the summit of Sgurr Choinnich Mor near Ben Nevis and plummeted down the near-vertical eastern slope. Lt Tim Barker, from the helicopter rescue crew, said: "It seemed impossible... he must have literally glanced off the outcrops as he fell."
He said Mr Potter, from Glasgow, was shaking from "extreme emotional shock". Lt Barker, the Royal Navy's Sea King helicopter crew's observer, said: "We began to hover-taxi down the slope and spotted a man at the bottom, standing up. "We honestly thought it couldn't have been him, as he was on his feet, reading a map. Above him was a series of three high craggy outcrops.
YouTube link.
"It seemed impossible. So we retraced our path back up the mountain and, sure enough, there were bits of his kit in a vertical line all the way up where he had obviously lost them during the fall. It was quite incredible. He must have literally glanced off the outcrops as he fell, almost flying." A paramedic was winched down to check the climber over. He appeared unscathed aside from some superficial cuts and bruises and a minor chest injury.
Lt Barker added: "He is lucky to be alive. It's hard to believe that someone could have fallen that distance on that terrain and been able to stand up at the end of it, let alone chat to us in the helicopter on the way to the hospital. Really an amazing result - I have to say, when we got the call and realised the details of where he'd fallen, we did expect to arrive on scene to find the worst-case scenario."
He said Mr Potter, from Glasgow, was shaking from "extreme emotional shock". Lt Barker, the Royal Navy's Sea King helicopter crew's observer, said: "We began to hover-taxi down the slope and spotted a man at the bottom, standing up. "We honestly thought it couldn't have been him, as he was on his feet, reading a map. Above him was a series of three high craggy outcrops.
YouTube link.
"It seemed impossible. So we retraced our path back up the mountain and, sure enough, there were bits of his kit in a vertical line all the way up where he had obviously lost them during the fall. It was quite incredible. He must have literally glanced off the outcrops as he fell, almost flying." A paramedic was winched down to check the climber over. He appeared unscathed aside from some superficial cuts and bruises and a minor chest injury.
Lt Barker added: "He is lucky to be alive. It's hard to believe that someone could have fallen that distance on that terrain and been able to stand up at the end of it, let alone chat to us in the helicopter on the way to the hospital. Really an amazing result - I have to say, when we got the call and realised the details of where he'd fallen, we did expect to arrive on scene to find the worst-case scenario."
British man spared jail sentence so he can emigrate to Australia
A father-to-be who assaulted two men during a drunken stag do in Cleethorpes – leaving both with fractured bones – has been spared jail so he can emigrate to Australia. James O'Neill, 28, of Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, punched both of his victims once, leaving one with a broken nose and one with a fractured ankle, Grimsby Magistrates' Court heard. But instead of sending him to prison, magistrates ordered O'Neill to pay £4,000 compensation and £4,500 in fines so he can still get a visa to live in Australia.
Presiding magistrate Ray Dumbleton told him: "This was a serious offence. We feel the custody threshold has been breached and we seriously considered sending you to custody. However, we are going to take the very unusual step of moving back from that to allow you to start a new life in Australia. Consider yourself very lucky." Nick Furman, mitigating, said O'Neill had not started the altercation.
"My client made only one blow against both Mr Birchell and Mr Luke," he said. This was not a prolonged or pre-meditated attack. He bitterly regrets what happened that night and would like to apologise to the two men." Mr Furman said O'Neill's partner is already living in Australia and is expecting the couple's first child. He has secured a five-year contract as a gas installation worker in the country.
Mr Furman told the magistrates O'Neill would not be able to secure his visa if he was given anything but a financial penalty. O'Neill, who admitted causing grievous bodily harm without intent to Mr Birchell and assault causing actual bodily harm to Mr Luke, was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to each of his victims. He also was told to pay a £4,500 fine, £150 costs and a £15 victims' surcharge.
Presiding magistrate Ray Dumbleton told him: "This was a serious offence. We feel the custody threshold has been breached and we seriously considered sending you to custody. However, we are going to take the very unusual step of moving back from that to allow you to start a new life in Australia. Consider yourself very lucky." Nick Furman, mitigating, said O'Neill had not started the altercation.
"My client made only one blow against both Mr Birchell and Mr Luke," he said. This was not a prolonged or pre-meditated attack. He bitterly regrets what happened that night and would like to apologise to the two men." Mr Furman said O'Neill's partner is already living in Australia and is expecting the couple's first child. He has secured a five-year contract as a gas installation worker in the country.
Mr Furman told the magistrates O'Neill would not be able to secure his visa if he was given anything but a financial penalty. O'Neill, who admitted causing grievous bodily harm without intent to Mr Birchell and assault causing actual bodily harm to Mr Luke, was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to each of his victims. He also was told to pay a £4,500 fine, £150 costs and a £15 victims' surcharge.
Immigration officer sacked for putting wife he didn't like on terror watch list
An immigration officer put his own wife on a terrorist watch list – so she could not get home from a trip to Pakistan. The officer was so sick of his partner that when she was visiting family overseas he added her name to the register of people banned from flights into the UK. When she went to the airport to get her return flight back, officials told her she could not board the plane and did not explain why.
She called her husband, who promised to look into it – but left her stuck in Pakistan for three years. He was sacked after bosses found out about his antics. An immigration source said: “A lot of people may dislike their other halves but to do this takes it to the next level. Needless to say she was confused when she got to the airport as she had never been involved in anything criminal or terrorist related.
“She obviously thought her husband, being an immigration officer, would be able to find out what was going on. Little did she know it was him who had put her on the list. By all accounts he then had the time of his life.” The officer worked with a unit that puts terror and criminal suspects on the watch list of people “not conducive to the public good”. He simply had to log on to a computer database to add his wife as a potential suspect.
The officer was caught out when bosses vetted him after he went for a promotion that required him to have a higher level of security clearance. They realised his wife was on the watch list and asked him for an explanation. He had no choice but to confess what he had done – and was fired. The immigration source added: “He may have lost his job but he is bit of a legend in immigration circles. It will be talked about for years as the officer who hated his wife so much he put her on a watch list.”
She called her husband, who promised to look into it – but left her stuck in Pakistan for three years. He was sacked after bosses found out about his antics. An immigration source said: “A lot of people may dislike their other halves but to do this takes it to the next level. Needless to say she was confused when she got to the airport as she had never been involved in anything criminal or terrorist related.
“She obviously thought her husband, being an immigration officer, would be able to find out what was going on. Little did she know it was him who had put her on the list. By all accounts he then had the time of his life.” The officer worked with a unit that puts terror and criminal suspects on the watch list of people “not conducive to the public good”. He simply had to log on to a computer database to add his wife as a potential suspect.
The officer was caught out when bosses vetted him after he went for a promotion that required him to have a higher level of security clearance. They realised his wife was on the watch list and asked him for an explanation. He had no choice but to confess what he had done – and was fired. The immigration source added: “He may have lost his job but he is bit of a legend in immigration circles. It will be talked about for years as the officer who hated his wife so much he put her on a watch list.”
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Illegal farting law causes big stink
Breaking wind is set to be made a crime in an African country. The government of Malawi plan to punish persistent offenders 'who foul the air' in a bid to 'mould responsible and disciplined citizens.'
But locals fear that pinning responsibility on the crime will be difficult - and may lead to miscarriages of justice as 'criminals' attempt to blame others for their offence. One Malawian told the website Africanews.com: 'My goodness. What happens in a public place where a group is gathered. Do they lock up half a minibus?
'And how about at meetings where it is difficult to pinpoint 'culprits'? Children will openly deny having passed bad air and point at an elder. Culturally, this is very embarrassing,' she said.
Another said: 'We have serious issues affecting Malawians today. I do not know how fouling the air should take priority over regulating Chinese investments which do not employ locals, serious graft amongst legislators, especially those in the ruling party, and many more.' The crime will be enforceable in a new 'Local Court' system which will also have powers to punish a range of other crimes in the bill set to be debated in the country's parliament.
But locals fear that pinning responsibility on the crime will be difficult - and may lead to miscarriages of justice as 'criminals' attempt to blame others for their offence. One Malawian told the website Africanews.com: 'My goodness. What happens in a public place where a group is gathered. Do they lock up half a minibus?
'And how about at meetings where it is difficult to pinpoint 'culprits'? Children will openly deny having passed bad air and point at an elder. Culturally, this is very embarrassing,' she said.
Another said: 'We have serious issues affecting Malawians today. I do not know how fouling the air should take priority over regulating Chinese investments which do not employ locals, serious graft amongst legislators, especially those in the ruling party, and many more.' The crime will be enforceable in a new 'Local Court' system which will also have powers to punish a range of other crimes in the bill set to be debated in the country's parliament.
Suspect in attacks put face in women's buttocks
A man accused of assaulting women in a West Seattle park intentionally grabbed women from behind and planted his face in their buttocks, according to police. In one of the incidents, the victim told police the suspect apologized and said the fall was accidental. She wasn't convinced. That man, Duane Starkenburg, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to misdemeanor assault for the most recent case, at Lincoln Park. He had a bail hearing for two other cases - one on Aug. 11 and another on Dec. 15 - but had not been charged in either incident. His parents posted his bail of $150,000 Thursday, and Starkenburg was released, telling reporters that he is innocent. "It's not like I'm this guy who puts on makeup and is running around attacking women," he said.
In an interview with police on Tuesday, Starkenburg allegedly said "he goes to the park everyday to watch women run as he likes to watch them 'jiggle and bounce,'" Detective Leslie Smith wrote in a probable cause document. "It's not like I drag the women into the bushes and rape them," Starkenburg allegedly said. But police say he took indecent liberties. Court documents show he's a felon who pleaded guilty to a previous assault case from a road rage incident. Starkenburg pleaded not guilty this to the misdemeanor charge for the Tuesday incident. If he is charged in the other cases, an arraignment - a court hearing where a suspect enters a plea - will likely be scheduled in February. On Dec. 15, a woman was running with her lhasa apso dog when she noticed a man who appeared out of nowhere, and with her permission patted her dog. She described him to police as "a nice guy but creepy," and he continued to be around her.
Photo from here.
The woman runner, who had been resting when the man first talked to her, thought it was odd the man said he was injured after jogging. He said he was injured while walking up stairs. When they reached a flat area, the man got behind her. He slid down the woman's legs to grab her ankles, then went face first onto the ground. The woman reasoned that if he'd fallen, the man would have put his hands out to catch himself, but that didn't happen, according to court documents. She told police she thought the man was trying to get on top of her. "His nose went up in my butt," she told police. "I was very shocked." That woman told police she saw him again in the park earlier this month and froze. She didn't call police, but said he wore the same outfit: black pants and a blue hoody. On Wednesday, the woman identified the man as Starkenburg.
In the Aug. 11 case, another woman said she was running with her whippet dog in Lincoln Park about 9 a.m. when a man stopped to let her pass. When they were near the bottom of a trail on a downgrade, the man fell and planted his face in her buttocks. The man asked if she was OK, but the woman felt violated, told detectives she thought it was deliberate and ran away with her heart pounding, police said. She also had no doubt the man was Starkenburg after viewing a police lineup, according to court documents. At about 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday, a 27-year-old woman was running on the waterfront trail in Lincoln Park when police say she was grabbed from behind. After the woman broke free, the suspect fled east through the park toward Fauntleroy Avenue Southwest. Starkenburg was arrested as he tried to cross that street, and police say the victim identified him as the man who attacked her. Starkenburg said he fell in that case and has pleaded not guilty in that case. After his arrest, court documents show Starkenburg also claimed he slipped and fell in a December case.
In an interview with police on Tuesday, Starkenburg allegedly said "he goes to the park everyday to watch women run as he likes to watch them 'jiggle and bounce,'" Detective Leslie Smith wrote in a probable cause document. "It's not like I drag the women into the bushes and rape them," Starkenburg allegedly said. But police say he took indecent liberties. Court documents show he's a felon who pleaded guilty to a previous assault case from a road rage incident. Starkenburg pleaded not guilty this to the misdemeanor charge for the Tuesday incident. If he is charged in the other cases, an arraignment - a court hearing where a suspect enters a plea - will likely be scheduled in February. On Dec. 15, a woman was running with her lhasa apso dog when she noticed a man who appeared out of nowhere, and with her permission patted her dog. She described him to police as "a nice guy but creepy," and he continued to be around her.
Photo from here.
The woman runner, who had been resting when the man first talked to her, thought it was odd the man said he was injured after jogging. He said he was injured while walking up stairs. When they reached a flat area, the man got behind her. He slid down the woman's legs to grab her ankles, then went face first onto the ground. The woman reasoned that if he'd fallen, the man would have put his hands out to catch himself, but that didn't happen, according to court documents. She told police she thought the man was trying to get on top of her. "His nose went up in my butt," she told police. "I was very shocked." That woman told police she saw him again in the park earlier this month and froze. She didn't call police, but said he wore the same outfit: black pants and a blue hoody. On Wednesday, the woman identified the man as Starkenburg.
In the Aug. 11 case, another woman said she was running with her whippet dog in Lincoln Park about 9 a.m. when a man stopped to let her pass. When they were near the bottom of a trail on a downgrade, the man fell and planted his face in her buttocks. The man asked if she was OK, but the woman felt violated, told detectives she thought it was deliberate and ran away with her heart pounding, police said. She also had no doubt the man was Starkenburg after viewing a police lineup, according to court documents. At about 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday, a 27-year-old woman was running on the waterfront trail in Lincoln Park when police say she was grabbed from behind. After the woman broke free, the suspect fled east through the park toward Fauntleroy Avenue Southwest. Starkenburg was arrested as he tried to cross that street, and police say the victim identified him as the man who attacked her. Starkenburg said he fell in that case and has pleaded not guilty in that case. After his arrest, court documents show Starkenburg also claimed he slipped and fell in a December case.
Punters hopping mad as kangaroos end horse race meeting
Last week's Hanging Rock Cup raceday has been postponed because of kangaroos on the track. The traditional Australia Day meeting had attracted thousands of racegoers, but kangaroos invading the track made it impossible for Racing Victoria Limited stewards to let the races go ahead.
The horses were in the barrier for the first event at 12.35pm when jockeys noticed kangaroos close to the track along the back straight. The horses were released from the barriers and efforts were made to shoo the kangaroos away. Despite the efforts of Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club and RVL staff, the kangaroos returned to the vicinity of the track.
At about 1.45pm chief steward Peter Ryan had no choice but to postpone the meeting because there were no guarantees that the kangaroos wouldn't jump on to the track while a race was being run. Kyneton and Hanging Rocking Racing Club chief executive Mark Graham said the kangaroos were persistent in wanting to enter the racing club and, despite being shooed from the venue, they continually jumped the five-foot fences.
YouTube link.
"We have had about half a dozen kangaroos who were more interested in being inside the venue, than outside the venue," Graham said. He said they had no alternative but to cancel the meeting because of the danger the kangaroos posed to riders. "In the end, the risk to rider and horse was too great." He said race meetings at the picturesque venue had been affected by kangaroos about eight times in the past 10 years.
The horses were in the barrier for the first event at 12.35pm when jockeys noticed kangaroos close to the track along the back straight. The horses were released from the barriers and efforts were made to shoo the kangaroos away. Despite the efforts of Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club and RVL staff, the kangaroos returned to the vicinity of the track.
At about 1.45pm chief steward Peter Ryan had no choice but to postpone the meeting because there were no guarantees that the kangaroos wouldn't jump on to the track while a race was being run. Kyneton and Hanging Rocking Racing Club chief executive Mark Graham said the kangaroos were persistent in wanting to enter the racing club and, despite being shooed from the venue, they continually jumped the five-foot fences.
YouTube link.
"We have had about half a dozen kangaroos who were more interested in being inside the venue, than outside the venue," Graham said. He said they had no alternative but to cancel the meeting because of the danger the kangaroos posed to riders. "In the end, the risk to rider and horse was too great." He said race meetings at the picturesque venue had been affected by kangaroos about eight times in the past 10 years.
Man demands $500,000 from Facebook after losing all of his friends
A Staten Island man is poking Facebook with a $500,000 lawsuit for disabling his account. Mustafa Fteja said his account was disabled without explanation in September, cutting off his access to friends and family around the world, as well as to personal memories and photos. "That was how I stayed in touch with people," said Fteja, who estimated he had about 340 friends when he was inexplicably cut off.
Fteja, 39, said he has pressed the company for months to find out what happened, but to no avail. His suit notes that Fteja is Muslim, and charges Facebook with religious discrimination. "You call, they don't answer the phone. You write, they don't reply," he said, adding he had no choice but to go to court to get what he considers his property back. I lived in a communist country where people had no rights. This looks the same to me," the Montenegro native said.
"I'm not doing this for money. I'm doing this for justice. I believe there should be some, somewhere." Fteja said he had been using Facebook for about three years, mainly to keep in touch with family and friends in Montenegro, Albania, Germany and Austria. He found out he had been cut off from his outside world on Sept. 24, when he tried to sign on to his account, but couldn't. After a few more attempts, the site told him his account had been "disabled."
He tried to find out why, but only got a form email back two weeks later telling him he had violated the terms of the Facebook agreement. The social network typically cuts off users if they have posted objectionable content, or are suspected of spamming. Fteja said he didn't post anything objectionable, and he's no spammer. "I know one thing - I didn't do anything. I didn't violate anything," he said, adding he would not be suing if he had.
Fteja, 39, said he has pressed the company for months to find out what happened, but to no avail. His suit notes that Fteja is Muslim, and charges Facebook with religious discrimination. "You call, they don't answer the phone. You write, they don't reply," he said, adding he had no choice but to go to court to get what he considers his property back. I lived in a communist country where people had no rights. This looks the same to me," the Montenegro native said.
"I'm not doing this for money. I'm doing this for justice. I believe there should be some, somewhere." Fteja said he had been using Facebook for about three years, mainly to keep in touch with family and friends in Montenegro, Albania, Germany and Austria. He found out he had been cut off from his outside world on Sept. 24, when he tried to sign on to his account, but couldn't. After a few more attempts, the site told him his account had been "disabled."
He tried to find out why, but only got a form email back two weeks later telling him he had violated the terms of the Facebook agreement. The social network typically cuts off users if they have posted objectionable content, or are suspected of spamming. Fteja said he didn't post anything objectionable, and he's no spammer. "I know one thing - I didn't do anything. I didn't violate anything," he said, adding he would not be suing if he had.
Medical students are performing intrusive exams on unconscious patients
Australian medical students are carrying out intrusive procedures on unconscious and anaesthetised patients without gaining the patient's consent. The unauthorised examinations include genital, rectal and breast exams, and raise serious questions about the ethics of up-and-coming doctors. The research, soon to be published in international medical journal, Medical Education, describes - among others - a student with "no qualms" about performing an anal examination on a female patient because she didn't think the woman's consent was relevant.
Another case outlined in the research describes a man who was subjected to rectal examinations from a "queue" of medical students after he was anaesthetised for surgery. “I was in theatre, the patient was under a spinal (anaesthetic) as well and there was a screen up and they just had a queue of medical students doing a rectal examination,” a student confessed. “[H]e wasn’t consented but because ... you’re in that situation, you don’t have the confidence to say 'no' you just do it.”
The author of the study, Professor Charlotte Rees, voiced concerns about senior medical staff ordering students to perform unauthorised procedures, leaving the students torn between the strong ethics of consent in society and the weak ethics of medical staff. Of students who were put in this position during the research, 82 per cent obeyed orders. “We think that it is weakness in the ethical climate of the clinical workplace that ultimately serves to legitimise and reinforce unethical practices in the context of students learning intimate examinations,” writes Prof Rees. The study consists of 200 students across three unnamed medical schools in Britain and Australia. Not all participants agreed to carry out the intimate examinations without permission from the patient.
One student refused to take part in an examination of a woman who was “part spread-eagled on the bed and the nurse is (sic) pulling down her jeans at the same time and it was all very complicated and you could see her, she was about seventeen”. Carol Bennett, the CEO of the Consumer Health Forum, said the report was a "poor reflection on these medical schools that they are setting these examples. Most people would not be pleased about having medical procedures performed on them without it even being mentioned to them," she said. "Patients should never be examined without consent, particularly by a third party."
Another case outlined in the research describes a man who was subjected to rectal examinations from a "queue" of medical students after he was anaesthetised for surgery. “I was in theatre, the patient was under a spinal (anaesthetic) as well and there was a screen up and they just had a queue of medical students doing a rectal examination,” a student confessed. “[H]e wasn’t consented but because ... you’re in that situation, you don’t have the confidence to say 'no' you just do it.”
The author of the study, Professor Charlotte Rees, voiced concerns about senior medical staff ordering students to perform unauthorised procedures, leaving the students torn between the strong ethics of consent in society and the weak ethics of medical staff. Of students who were put in this position during the research, 82 per cent obeyed orders. “We think that it is weakness in the ethical climate of the clinical workplace that ultimately serves to legitimise and reinforce unethical practices in the context of students learning intimate examinations,” writes Prof Rees. The study consists of 200 students across three unnamed medical schools in Britain and Australia. Not all participants agreed to carry out the intimate examinations without permission from the patient.
One student refused to take part in an examination of a woman who was “part spread-eagled on the bed and the nurse is (sic) pulling down her jeans at the same time and it was all very complicated and you could see her, she was about seventeen”. Carol Bennett, the CEO of the Consumer Health Forum, said the report was a "poor reflection on these medical schools that they are setting these examples. Most people would not be pleased about having medical procedures performed on them without it even being mentioned to them," she said. "Patients should never be examined without consent, particularly by a third party."
Britain's Got Talent bans juggler because his balls are too big
A children's entertainer from Weston-super-Mare was told he could not audition before the judges of Britain’s Got Talent in case one of them got hurt. Noah Kelly, aka Nutty Noah, 40, of Devonshire Road, was recalled for the next round of ITV hit show Britain’s Got Talent after a successful pre-audition last year. His act involves juggling three balls each measuring three and a half feet.
Noah was due to go before the celebrity judges Amanda Holden, comedian Michael McIntyre, and actor and television personality, David Hasselhoff. However, he says he got a phone call on Monday saying the producers felt he could no longer take part in case someone got hurt when he threw the inflatable balls. Noah said: “My act is juggling three balls each measuring three and a half feet, which I think is really spectacular.
YouTube link.
“However, a researcher called me on Monday morning and said the producers were worried people in the audience or the judges might get hit by the balls. She said they were also worried that the audience might not like it so they were cancelling my audition. The best part of the act is involving the audience by throwing the balls back and forth and usually people love it.
“In the end I said I would do it without chucking the balls out into the audience and focus on the juggling but they still came back to me and said they were not happy. I think they thought I would still throw the balls out anyway. I am gutted that I didn’t get to do it. To tell me the day before the audition sucks, I am really cross as I took time off work and I also feel embarrassed.”
Noah was due to go before the celebrity judges Amanda Holden, comedian Michael McIntyre, and actor and television personality, David Hasselhoff. However, he says he got a phone call on Monday saying the producers felt he could no longer take part in case someone got hurt when he threw the inflatable balls. Noah said: “My act is juggling three balls each measuring three and a half feet, which I think is really spectacular.
YouTube link.
“However, a researcher called me on Monday morning and said the producers were worried people in the audience or the judges might get hit by the balls. She said they were also worried that the audience might not like it so they were cancelling my audition. The best part of the act is involving the audience by throwing the balls back and forth and usually people love it.
“In the end I said I would do it without chucking the balls out into the audience and focus on the juggling but they still came back to me and said they were not happy. I think they thought I would still throw the balls out anyway. I am gutted that I didn’t get to do it. To tell me the day before the audition sucks, I am really cross as I took time off work and I also feel embarrassed.”
Luxury hotel's fly infestation caused by dyslexic chef who could not read use-by dates
It describes itself as a ‘hidden gem’ nestling in 280 acres of beautiful parkland and serving only the finest food and drink. But when environmental health inspectors arrived at the luxury Mellington Hall Hotel, they found a ‘significant fly infestation’, mouldy strawberries and cream past its use-by date.
The Victorian gothic mansion, which boasts on its website that it offers ‘a combination of the finest food and drink savoured in elegantly furnished surroundings with an attentive and knowledgeable staff to make your meal with us unforgettable’, was closed immediately and deep-cleaned following the inspection last July.
But after a second visit this month also found mouldy food, it emerged that the chef was dyslexic and had been unable to read the use-by dates.
Lance Thomas and his wife Vanessa, with whom he runs the hotel near Church Stoke, Powys, Wales, were fined a total of £6,750 at Welshpool magistrates for the breaches of hygiene. They have now adopted a colour-coded system so that the unnamed chef can identify the food that is going off.
The Victorian gothic mansion, which boasts on its website that it offers ‘a combination of the finest food and drink savoured in elegantly furnished surroundings with an attentive and knowledgeable staff to make your meal with us unforgettable’, was closed immediately and deep-cleaned following the inspection last July.
But after a second visit this month also found mouldy food, it emerged that the chef was dyslexic and had been unable to read the use-by dates.
Lance Thomas and his wife Vanessa, with whom he runs the hotel near Church Stoke, Powys, Wales, were fined a total of £6,750 at Welshpool magistrates for the breaches of hygiene. They have now adopted a colour-coded system so that the unnamed chef can identify the food that is going off.
Disabled sex attacker sentenced
A disabled man from south-east London has been jailed for three years for preying on those more vulnerable than himself in a historic case in which a Stephen Hawking-style voice machine was used in court. Wheelchair user Christopher Killick thought he would get away with sexual assaults on two men because they could not communicate. But last month he was convicted of sexual assault and buggery on physically disabled men between 1991 and 2005.
The two victims braved their disabilities to give evidence at the Old Bailey. One used a Stephen Hawking-style machine to speak for him and the other used an intermediary to communicate with the court. Killick, 47, of Bermondsey, who like his victims suffers from cerebral palsy, denied the charges but did not give evidence. Johannah Cutts QC, prosecuting, said Killick was more physically able at the time he befriended the men and committed the offences.
She said: "He knew how difficult it would be for them to tell others what had happened. Christopher Killick has socialised and worked within the disabled community for many years. He abused his friendship with these complainants and took advantage of their difficulties. He forced himself sexually on men who could do nothing to prevent it and whom he believed would never be able to complain or tell others what had happened to them." A third complainant also used the voice machine to pick out symbols to give evidence, but Killick was cleared of a rape charge against him.
Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the victims and witness in this case for their patience and determination in giving evidence. Without them, Christopher Killick would never have faced the consequences of his actions. During the trial we were faced with a unique and challenging set of circumstances. But in bringing this case, we have shown our belief that justice should be secured for every member of our society who needs it."
The two victims braved their disabilities to give evidence at the Old Bailey. One used a Stephen Hawking-style machine to speak for him and the other used an intermediary to communicate with the court. Killick, 47, of Bermondsey, who like his victims suffers from cerebral palsy, denied the charges but did not give evidence. Johannah Cutts QC, prosecuting, said Killick was more physically able at the time he befriended the men and committed the offences.
She said: "He knew how difficult it would be for them to tell others what had happened. Christopher Killick has socialised and worked within the disabled community for many years. He abused his friendship with these complainants and took advantage of their difficulties. He forced himself sexually on men who could do nothing to prevent it and whom he believed would never be able to complain or tell others what had happened to them." A third complainant also used the voice machine to pick out symbols to give evidence, but Killick was cleared of a rape charge against him.
Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the victims and witness in this case for their patience and determination in giving evidence. Without them, Christopher Killick would never have faced the consequences of his actions. During the trial we were faced with a unique and challenging set of circumstances. But in bringing this case, we have shown our belief that justice should be secured for every member of our society who needs it."
Crown Jewels Condoms of Distinction labelled tasteless
A company in the UK has been criticised for making Royal Wedding condoms featuring images of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Crown Jewels Condoms of Distinction are being sold in royal purple packs with the slogan: “Lie back and think of England".
The condoms promise "a better class of lovemaking" and features a saucy guide to using the "Heritage Edition" condoms inside. The leaflet claims: "England boasts some of the finest lovemaking in the world, with a tradition going back generations."
Company spokesman Hugh Pomfret insisted they were the perfect souvenir for the April 29 wedding. "We set our craftsmen to create these heirloom quality love sheaths. In years to come they'll be a memento of a magical day," Mr Pomfret said.
Majesty magazine editor Ingrid Seward said the condoms are "completely tasteless and really rather hurtful. Prince William has a great sense of humour but this is a step too far. This is a cheap swipe to make money," she said.
The condoms promise "a better class of lovemaking" and features a saucy guide to using the "Heritage Edition" condoms inside. The leaflet claims: "England boasts some of the finest lovemaking in the world, with a tradition going back generations."
Company spokesman Hugh Pomfret insisted they were the perfect souvenir for the April 29 wedding. "We set our craftsmen to create these heirloom quality love sheaths. In years to come they'll be a memento of a magical day," Mr Pomfret said.
Majesty magazine editor Ingrid Seward said the condoms are "completely tasteless and really rather hurtful. Prince William has a great sense of humour but this is a step too far. This is a cheap swipe to make money," she said.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Newly-formed Thai airline recruits Ladyboys as air hostesses
A newly-formed Thai airline has recruited transsexuals as air hostesses, in a pioneering move it believes will be copied by other carriers. PC Air, which has yet to take to the skies, selected three "Ladyboys" in its first round of hiring this week to promote equal opportunities for what is dubbed the "third sex" in Thailand. Peter Chan, the new airline's boss, is enthusiastic about his groundbreaking move because of the opportunities it would afford transsexuals.
"I think these people can have many careers – not just in the entertainment business – and many of them have a dream to be an air hostess," he said. "I just made their dream come true. Our society has changed. It's evolution. I'm a pioneer and I'm sure there will be other organisations following my idea." One of the successful candidates was Thanyarat "Film" Jiraphatpakorn, who won the annual Miss Tiffany "katoey" beauty pageant in 2007. "At first I thought they would just take applications but not actually recruit us, as happened at other places before," said the 23-year-old, adding that she was delighted to have been chosen.
Thailand has the largest number of "katoeys" – as they are called in Thai – in the world, with the country's surgeons pioneering cheaper and quicker sex change operations because of the sky-high demand from men wishing to become women. But PC Air did not make proof of sexual reassignment a criteria for the job, merely that the applicants possessed the necessary language skills and the potential to provide good service.
Many "katoeys" do not undergo sex change operations, either because of the expense or possible medical complications. But they dress as women, often taking birth control pills to reduce facial hair and grow breasts. More than 100 transsexuals applied for the first places. The airline decided on a quota of three in the initial round of recruitment, where 17 men and ten women were also hired. The transsexual flight attendants will wear special gold-coloured "third sex" name badges to help passengers and immigration staff to easily identify the gender they are faced with.
"I think these people can have many careers – not just in the entertainment business – and many of them have a dream to be an air hostess," he said. "I just made their dream come true. Our society has changed. It's evolution. I'm a pioneer and I'm sure there will be other organisations following my idea." One of the successful candidates was Thanyarat "Film" Jiraphatpakorn, who won the annual Miss Tiffany "katoey" beauty pageant in 2007. "At first I thought they would just take applications but not actually recruit us, as happened at other places before," said the 23-year-old, adding that she was delighted to have been chosen.
Thailand has the largest number of "katoeys" – as they are called in Thai – in the world, with the country's surgeons pioneering cheaper and quicker sex change operations because of the sky-high demand from men wishing to become women. But PC Air did not make proof of sexual reassignment a criteria for the job, merely that the applicants possessed the necessary language skills and the potential to provide good service.
Many "katoeys" do not undergo sex change operations, either because of the expense or possible medical complications. But they dress as women, often taking birth control pills to reduce facial hair and grow breasts. More than 100 transsexuals applied for the first places. The airline decided on a quota of three in the initial round of recruitment, where 17 men and ten women were also hired. The transsexual flight attendants will wear special gold-coloured "third sex" name badges to help passengers and immigration staff to easily identify the gender they are faced with.
Turkey chases mail truck
For some reason, a wild turkey is attacking a mail truck in Centerville. At about 1 p.m. on Wednesday, the turkey ran out of the woods and followed the truck along Hi-Ona Hill Road. Mail carrier John Moran stopped the vehicle when the male turkey strode in front of the truck and began puffing up and waggling his neck. When the bird wobbled around to the side of the vehicle, Moran saw his opening and gunned the truck down the road. The turkey ran after him, showing good speed.
But Moran had to stop again — that's the way it is with mail delivery — and the turkey caught up with him around the corner, on Waterside Drive. The turkey, apparently familiar with a shortcut, came shooting out of a yard and this time things got a little ugly. As the truck puttered along, the turkey came up alongside the vehicle's starboard and launched into a series of side jumps, banging up against the truck with a thump and clatter that could be heard 100 feet away.
YouTube link.
At one point, it appeared the turkey would be sucked under the truck, but no. The truck sped away, and after a spirited, wattle-wiggling pursuit, the turkey veered off into the woods. Moran, who was substituting for the regular mail carrier, said he felt a bit intimidated by the turkey. "I didn't want to get out of the truck," he said. "I figured the thing would go after me."
Wild turkeys are frequent fliers in the neighbourhood, but this get-the-truck business is a relatively new phenomenon, said Ryan Glines, who lives nearby. Some residents in the neighbourhood suspect the signature rumble of the mail truck might be irking the turkey. But Glines has another theory: "I think it might be the eagle painted on the side of the truck."
But Moran had to stop again — that's the way it is with mail delivery — and the turkey caught up with him around the corner, on Waterside Drive. The turkey, apparently familiar with a shortcut, came shooting out of a yard and this time things got a little ugly. As the truck puttered along, the turkey came up alongside the vehicle's starboard and launched into a series of side jumps, banging up against the truck with a thump and clatter that could be heard 100 feet away.
YouTube link.
At one point, it appeared the turkey would be sucked under the truck, but no. The truck sped away, and after a spirited, wattle-wiggling pursuit, the turkey veered off into the woods. Moran, who was substituting for the regular mail carrier, said he felt a bit intimidated by the turkey. "I didn't want to get out of the truck," he said. "I figured the thing would go after me."
Wild turkeys are frequent fliers in the neighbourhood, but this get-the-truck business is a relatively new phenomenon, said Ryan Glines, who lives nearby. Some residents in the neighbourhood suspect the signature rumble of the mail truck might be irking the turkey. But Glines has another theory: "I think it might be the eagle painted on the side of the truck."
Man towing truck without tyres blamed for sparking fires
One man has been arrested after several fires were sparked in McClain County on Thursday afternoon, according to the McClain County Sheriff's Office. McClain County Sheriff officials said Gary Lee Albertson, 35, was towing a truck without any tyres behind his vehicle. The metal on the road then sparked at least four fires within a couple miles of each other near C.R. 1340 and MacArthur Boulevard about a mile south of Highway 74 B.
"We don't encounter this very often. As everybody knows, cigarettes are our biggest concern," said McClain County Sheriff's Lt. Dan Huff. Dibble police arrested Albertson for driving without an licence and possession of a firearm, which as a convicted felon he cannot have.
At least one home was heavily damaged from one of the fires and several other homes were threatened. A few other structures were also damaged. "That makes me feel like he must have been kind of a dummy. You know, he shouldn't have been doing that. He should have knew you know with sparks flying out everywhere that something was going to catch on fire," said Rick Montgomery, whose home was damaged by one of the fires.
Firefighters said they were having a difficult time getting a handle on the fires after they moved into open areas, spreading quickly. Dunn said the winds were about 17-20 mph and conditions were very dry. About 60 acres were burned. No injuries were reported.
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"We don't encounter this very often. As everybody knows, cigarettes are our biggest concern," said McClain County Sheriff's Lt. Dan Huff. Dibble police arrested Albertson for driving without an licence and possession of a firearm, which as a convicted felon he cannot have.
At least one home was heavily damaged from one of the fires and several other homes were threatened. A few other structures were also damaged. "That makes me feel like he must have been kind of a dummy. You know, he shouldn't have been doing that. He should have knew you know with sparks flying out everywhere that something was going to catch on fire," said Rick Montgomery, whose home was damaged by one of the fires.
Firefighters said they were having a difficult time getting a handle on the fires after they moved into open areas, spreading quickly. Dunn said the winds were about 17-20 mph and conditions were very dry. About 60 acres were burned. No injuries were reported.
With two news videos.
World's 'unluckiest man' struck by lightning
Four years ago, John Wade Agan told deputies he was robbed at gunpoint in his taxicab, roughed up and stuffed into the trunk of the car. Three years ago, he drove to a fire station with a butcher's knife sticking out of his chest. Two years ago, in a news conference from his hospital bed, he told the world he'd been bitten by two different snakes at the same time, a claim experts doubted.
He said he might have been the unluckiest man in the world. Now, Agan, 47, occupies another hospital bed, befallen, he said, by yet another freak calamity: lightning. He said it happened on Tuesday evening during the severe storm that hit the area. He was leaning over a metal kitchen sink, holding a corded phone up to his ear, when he heard a loud boom. He said he blacked out.
His 26-year-old daughter, Misty Agan, was standing just feet away from him and said she heard the phone drop. "Oh! Oh! Oh!" she said she heard her dad say before he crumpled to the ground and began to shake. Agan said he awoke surrounded by paramedics, finding his right shoe off and a big hole in his sock. "It felt like it was on fire," he said.
He knows what people say about him — what they said after reading about his snakebites, what some will say when they read this story — that he's lying or somehow hurting himself, maybe to get pain medicine. "I don't care what people say," Agan said. "Any day of the week, I'll go take a drug test." There's no way to prove someone has or hasn't been struck by lightning, experts say. John Agan doesn't have any obvious burn marks. Most victims don't.
He said he might have been the unluckiest man in the world. Now, Agan, 47, occupies another hospital bed, befallen, he said, by yet another freak calamity: lightning. He said it happened on Tuesday evening during the severe storm that hit the area. He was leaning over a metal kitchen sink, holding a corded phone up to his ear, when he heard a loud boom. He said he blacked out.
His 26-year-old daughter, Misty Agan, was standing just feet away from him and said she heard the phone drop. "Oh! Oh! Oh!" she said she heard her dad say before he crumpled to the ground and began to shake. Agan said he awoke surrounded by paramedics, finding his right shoe off and a big hole in his sock. "It felt like it was on fire," he said.
He knows what people say about him — what they said after reading about his snakebites, what some will say when they read this story — that he's lying or somehow hurting himself, maybe to get pain medicine. "I don't care what people say," Agan said. "Any day of the week, I'll go take a drug test." There's no way to prove someone has or hasn't been struck by lightning, experts say. John Agan doesn't have any obvious burn marks. Most victims don't.
South Korean footballer's monkey impression angers Japan
The South Korean footballer Ki Sung-yeung has sparked a row with Japan amid accusations that he directed a racist gesture at Japanese fans during the countries' Asian Cup semi-final this week. Replays of the match, which Japan won on penalties, show Ki pulling a monkey face after opening the scoring against Japan, South Korea's fiercest football rival. The gesture is viewed as insulting towards the Japanese, the Korean peninsula's colonial rulers for 35 years until the end of the second world war.
The Celtic forward later said he had intended to highlight racism in the Scottish game after he and another South Korean footballer were subjected to monkey chants during a Scottish Premier League match this season. But his explanation has failed to convince the Japanese: TV news shows broadcast endless repeats of the goal celebration and feelings were running high online.
YouTube link.
Ged Grebby, chief executive of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, questioned Ki's explanation. "It doesn't ring true to me that that's what it was about." Ki appears to have been referring to Celtic's 3-0 win over St Johnstone last October. After the game the Perth club said it was launching an investigation into claims that Celtic players had been subjected to "racist noises".
Ki's compatriot and Celtic teammate, Cha Du-ri, said: "When Ki had the ball two supporters jumped up and started making monkey noises in unison. I played for eight years in Germany and I have never seen anything like that." A spokesman for the Korea Football Association supported Ki's version of events. "The treatment he got from the Scottish league, especially in the away games ... that is something he wanted to highlight. Even though they call him a monkey because he's Asian, he wanted to show how strong they are in Asia. That was the main intention."
The Celtic forward later said he had intended to highlight racism in the Scottish game after he and another South Korean footballer were subjected to monkey chants during a Scottish Premier League match this season. But his explanation has failed to convince the Japanese: TV news shows broadcast endless repeats of the goal celebration and feelings were running high online.
YouTube link.
Ged Grebby, chief executive of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, questioned Ki's explanation. "It doesn't ring true to me that that's what it was about." Ki appears to have been referring to Celtic's 3-0 win over St Johnstone last October. After the game the Perth club said it was launching an investigation into claims that Celtic players had been subjected to "racist noises".
Ki's compatriot and Celtic teammate, Cha Du-ri, said: "When Ki had the ball two supporters jumped up and started making monkey noises in unison. I played for eight years in Germany and I have never seen anything like that." A spokesman for the Korea Football Association supported Ki's version of events. "The treatment he got from the Scottish league, especially in the away games ... that is something he wanted to highlight. Even though they call him a monkey because he's Asian, he wanted to show how strong they are in Asia. That was the main intention."
Suicidal woman drives car off cliff with three dogs, two cats, two tortoises and pet parrot
A suicidal woman drove her car off a cliff – with three dogs, two cats, two tortoises and her pet parrot on board.
The driver, 60, suffered broken bones and internal injuries, but her pets escaped unscathed when the car landed on rocks.
She was seen accelerating towards the 30ft drop into the sea in Marseille, Southern France.
A police spokesman said: “We are treating this as attempted suicide. The pets have been handed to an animal charity.”
The driver, 60, suffered broken bones and internal injuries, but her pets escaped unscathed when the car landed on rocks.
She was seen accelerating towards the 30ft drop into the sea in Marseille, Southern France.
A police spokesman said: “We are treating this as attempted suicide. The pets have been handed to an animal charity.”
Giant Dutch prisoner 'too big for cell'
A Dutch prisoner described by his lawyer as a giant has gone to court over the size of his single cell, arguing that it is inhumanely small. The prisoner, 2.07m tall (6ft 9in) and 230kg (36st), says he cannot properly sleep or use the toilet. Prison officials have tried to relieve his discomfort by adding a a 2.15m plank and an extra mattress to his bed. Named by his lawyer as Angelo MacD., he is asking to complete his two-year sentence for fraud under house arrest. His lawyer, Bas Martens, told a court in The Hague that his client's conditions of detention violated the European Convention on Human Rights.
He insisted that MacD. was not trying to get out of serving his time. "My client just wants to serve a comparable sentence without pain," Mr Martens said. Mr Martens sought to convey the sheer size of MacD., whose picture was not available. "He is 2.07m tall and a metre wide and a metre deep," he said. "He is not obese. He is a giant. He even walks like a giant, like out of the comic books."
MacD. began his sentence on 29 September and is not due for release until 12 April 2012. His cell in a prison in the south-western town of Krimpen aan de IJssel would probably be adequate for most prisoners but for him, the problems start in the doorway, where he must bow his head to pass through. His bed, which is fixed to the wall, is 77cm wide and 1.96m long, according to a sketch provided by Mr Martens. This means that his client must sleep on his side. While the plank and extra mattress supplied by the prison authorities were meant to make him more comfortable, he now has to "sleep with one eye open in case he falls out of bed", Mr Martens said.
To take a shower, he must first wedge himself into the cubicle, then crouch down under the head. So tiny and low is his toilet, he complains, that "visits" must be kept to the absolute minimum. Other alleged problems included a lack of adequate space for family visits and suitable seating in the prison canteen. Mr Martens pointed out that his client was unable to do prison work for similar reasons, despite this being a requirement of his sentence. A court ruling on the case is expected early next month.
He insisted that MacD. was not trying to get out of serving his time. "My client just wants to serve a comparable sentence without pain," Mr Martens said. Mr Martens sought to convey the sheer size of MacD., whose picture was not available. "He is 2.07m tall and a metre wide and a metre deep," he said. "He is not obese. He is a giant. He even walks like a giant, like out of the comic books."
MacD. began his sentence on 29 September and is not due for release until 12 April 2012. His cell in a prison in the south-western town of Krimpen aan de IJssel would probably be adequate for most prisoners but for him, the problems start in the doorway, where he must bow his head to pass through. His bed, which is fixed to the wall, is 77cm wide and 1.96m long, according to a sketch provided by Mr Martens. This means that his client must sleep on his side. While the plank and extra mattress supplied by the prison authorities were meant to make him more comfortable, he now has to "sleep with one eye open in case he falls out of bed", Mr Martens said.
To take a shower, he must first wedge himself into the cubicle, then crouch down under the head. So tiny and low is his toilet, he complains, that "visits" must be kept to the absolute minimum. Other alleged problems included a lack of adequate space for family visits and suitable seating in the prison canteen. Mr Martens pointed out that his client was unable to do prison work for similar reasons, despite this being a requirement of his sentence. A court ruling on the case is expected early next month.
Two-headed calf born in Sri Lanka
A two-headed calf was born in Norwood, Hatton late on Sunday night at a private residence and is in a fairly weak condition.
YouTube link.
The calf has four eyes, two on each head, two mouths and ears and was not drinking milk from its mother for the last two days. The calf is being given special medical attention and has been temporarily separated from it's mother, the owner of the cow and calf said.
YouTube link.
The calf has four eyes, two on each head, two mouths and ears and was not drinking milk from its mother for the last two days. The calf is being given special medical attention and has been temporarily separated from it's mother, the owner of the cow and calf said.
Manchester Airport unveils hologram security guards
Manchester Airport has become the first in the UK to introduce a pair of virtual guards to their security team. Holograms John and Julie are being installed in the airport's Terminal 1 to help reduce security queues.
The duo, made using films of actual staff John Walsh and Julie Capper, use the same technology that brings animated band Gorillaz to live stages. Ms Capper said she was hoping she would "be able to rely on my virtual self to carry some of my workload".
The holograms use a surface manufactured to retain maximum transparency and strength, which the manufacturer claims is better than a glass mirror and allows the screening high definition video at high quality. The technology has been developed by multimedia entertainment company, Musion, whose founder James Rock said it had been "developed for many uses but it's perfectly suited for an airport environment".
He said that while it had been used mostly in an entertainment context so far, including supplying Simon Cowell with a hologram of Frank Sinatra to perform at his birthday party, he would "like to see its widespread use for practical purposes like the virtual assistants". The holograms have been installed at the entrance to the security search area of Terminal 1 to explain about liquid restrictions and to remind passengers to have boarding cards ready.
Video.
The duo, made using films of actual staff John Walsh and Julie Capper, use the same technology that brings animated band Gorillaz to live stages. Ms Capper said she was hoping she would "be able to rely on my virtual self to carry some of my workload".
The holograms use a surface manufactured to retain maximum transparency and strength, which the manufacturer claims is better than a glass mirror and allows the screening high definition video at high quality. The technology has been developed by multimedia entertainment company, Musion, whose founder James Rock said it had been "developed for many uses but it's perfectly suited for an airport environment".
He said that while it had been used mostly in an entertainment context so far, including supplying Simon Cowell with a hologram of Frank Sinatra to perform at his birthday party, he would "like to see its widespread use for practical purposes like the virtual assistants". The holograms have been installed at the entrance to the security search area of Terminal 1 to explain about liquid restrictions and to remind passengers to have boarding cards ready.
Video.
Dog had acute case of tinselitis
At first glance on the X-ray it appeared Buster the Jack Russell had the worst case of tapeworm ever seen by the veterinary profession. Closer examination showed that the mutt had devoured yards and yards of streamers that decorated the home of Martin and Carolyn Price over the Christmas period. And the Kingston Veterinarian Group in Sherborne told the couple that their 13-year-old dog needed a life-saving operation.
They had taken the dog for a check-up after he had gone down with a mystery ailment on New Year's Eve. Buster caused gasps of amazement at the clinic when an X-ray revealed what looked like masses of metallic wire lodged in his tummy. Mrs Price said: "He's never done anything like this before so we were completely taken by surprise. It's something a puppy would do, not a full grown dog. It seems funny now but at the time it was really worrying to see what looked like wire in his stomach on the X-ray.
"The vet said his stomach had swollen to twice its normal size. She could not believe the amount of stuff he had in there." Vet Gemma Loader said: "I have done plenty of operations on dogs that have eaten things they shouldn't have, but I had never seen anything like this. It just kept coming and coming. From the X-ray we thought it was tinsel but it was actually ribbon of all different types and thicknesses. Most of it was gold so we think he might have been attracted to the shininess and just decided to wolf it down. It was touch and go for a couple of days after the operation so it is great to see him back to his normal self."
Veterinary nurse Donna Crocker assisted with the operation. She said: "Gemma was just pulling ribbon after ribbon out like a magic trick. None of us could believe so much could have fit inside such a small dog. In my six years of working as a veterinary nurse I have never seen anything like it." Practice administrator Helen Holex measured the material that came out of Buster's tum after putting it through the washing machine. She said the combined length of the ribbons was 36½ feet, or just over 11 metres, with longest single piece more than two metres long.
They had taken the dog for a check-up after he had gone down with a mystery ailment on New Year's Eve. Buster caused gasps of amazement at the clinic when an X-ray revealed what looked like masses of metallic wire lodged in his tummy. Mrs Price said: "He's never done anything like this before so we were completely taken by surprise. It's something a puppy would do, not a full grown dog. It seems funny now but at the time it was really worrying to see what looked like wire in his stomach on the X-ray.
"The vet said his stomach had swollen to twice its normal size. She could not believe the amount of stuff he had in there." Vet Gemma Loader said: "I have done plenty of operations on dogs that have eaten things they shouldn't have, but I had never seen anything like this. It just kept coming and coming. From the X-ray we thought it was tinsel but it was actually ribbon of all different types and thicknesses. Most of it was gold so we think he might have been attracted to the shininess and just decided to wolf it down. It was touch and go for a couple of days after the operation so it is great to see him back to his normal self."
Veterinary nurse Donna Crocker assisted with the operation. She said: "Gemma was just pulling ribbon after ribbon out like a magic trick. None of us could believe so much could have fit inside such a small dog. In my six years of working as a veterinary nurse I have never seen anything like it." Practice administrator Helen Holex measured the material that came out of Buster's tum after putting it through the washing machine. She said the combined length of the ribbons was 36½ feet, or just over 11 metres, with longest single piece more than two metres long.
Couple remarry 57 years after divorce
An East Yorkshire couple aged in their 90s have remarried - 57 years after getting divorced. Leslie Harper, 93 and Elsie, 90, from Driffield, first married in 1941 but separated several years later and both went on to remarry. It was when the pair lost their partners that Mr Harper plucked up the courage to get back in touch with his ex-wife, leading to them reuniting.
Mrs Harper said: "It's much better this time. We laugh every day." The couple, who have one daughter, divorced in 1954. They blame the pressures of Mr Harper serving in the war for their marriage breakdown. They barely saw each other until 2004. Mr Harper said: "Something in my mind said why don't you go and see Elsie".
This led to them reuniting and they remarried in Bridlington on Saturday. Mrs Harper said when they met again they "just clicked as though we'd never been apart". Recalling the second proposal, Mrs Harper said: "He was sat in his chair and he said 'I've got an idea' and I said 'oh dear' and he said 'let's get married'.
"I walked around the house thinking about it and I thought yes, that would be good." Mr Harper said: "These last six and a half years have been lovely. Why it went wrong in the first place I don't know but it's certainly a real lift up since then. We've been really happy."
With news video.
Yesterday Mr Harper gave a charming interview with BBC Radio 5 Live's Peter Allen. At the end you hear him saying to his wife: "I don't know who the hell that was!" I'm not sure if this link will work outside the UK.
Mrs Harper said: "It's much better this time. We laugh every day." The couple, who have one daughter, divorced in 1954. They blame the pressures of Mr Harper serving in the war for their marriage breakdown. They barely saw each other until 2004. Mr Harper said: "Something in my mind said why don't you go and see Elsie".
This led to them reuniting and they remarried in Bridlington on Saturday. Mrs Harper said when they met again they "just clicked as though we'd never been apart". Recalling the second proposal, Mrs Harper said: "He was sat in his chair and he said 'I've got an idea' and I said 'oh dear' and he said 'let's get married'.
"I walked around the house thinking about it and I thought yes, that would be good." Mr Harper said: "These last six and a half years have been lovely. Why it went wrong in the first place I don't know but it's certainly a real lift up since then. We've been really happy."
With news video.
Yesterday Mr Harper gave a charming interview with BBC Radio 5 Live's Peter Allen. At the end you hear him saying to his wife: "I don't know who the hell that was!" I'm not sure if this link will work outside the UK.
Woman returned rescue dog 'because it clashed with curtains'
A woman returned a rescue dog to a kennels, saying that it clashed with her curtains. The woman, who has not been named, picked up the Jack Russell called Harvey from the Jasmil Kennels and Cattery in Lower Halstow, near Sittingbourne, in Kent - but brought the pooch back 48 hours later.
Barry Shuttleworth, who runs the kennels, said was 'horrified' when the woman, in her late 40s, gave such a trivial reason for returning the three-year-old ginger and white dog. Mr Shuttleworth, 42, said: "In one instance we had a woman come to see us a number of times, who loved a little Jack Russell we had called Harvey. It was perfect for her and she took it home.
"But she brought it back two days later saying it clashed with her curtains and thats why she didn't want it." Mr Shuttleworth's, wife Corrina, 38, said there had been a spate of dogs returned for 'ridiculous reasons'. She said: "In Harvey's case the woman was in the kennels looking for a dog when Harvey was brought in as a stray.
"She fell in love with him straight away and visited him for seven days before being allowed to take him home. The same day she took him home she called us up and said there was a problem with Harvey as his colouring clashed with her lounge curtains. We told her to put him in another room, but two days later she brought him back and said she had spent a lot of money on her curtains and that she didn't want Harvey any more."
Barry Shuttleworth, who runs the kennels, said was 'horrified' when the woman, in her late 40s, gave such a trivial reason for returning the three-year-old ginger and white dog. Mr Shuttleworth, 42, said: "In one instance we had a woman come to see us a number of times, who loved a little Jack Russell we had called Harvey. It was perfect for her and she took it home.
"But she brought it back two days later saying it clashed with her curtains and thats why she didn't want it." Mr Shuttleworth's, wife Corrina, 38, said there had been a spate of dogs returned for 'ridiculous reasons'. She said: "In Harvey's case the woman was in the kennels looking for a dog when Harvey was brought in as a stray.
"She fell in love with him straight away and visited him for seven days before being allowed to take him home. The same day she took him home she called us up and said there was a problem with Harvey as his colouring clashed with her lounge curtains. We told her to put him in another room, but two days later she brought him back and said she had spent a lot of money on her curtains and that she didn't want Harvey any more."
Police won't patrol kids playground after 8pm because it's too dark and dangerous
A police chief has come under fire for banning his officers from a playground when it is dark - because it might be too dangerous. Inspector Andy Sullivan warned them to steer clear of the vandalism hotspot after 8pm because of health and safety fears. Residents in Cambridgeshire have complained that drunks and other troublemakers hanging around in the area have made it off-limits for years.
But the senior officer told councillors in market town Wisbech it was too risky for them to deal with them the problem at night because the plot was still like a building site, with no lighting. He said they would only visit the £1m Waterlees adventure playground if a crime was being committed but refused to eject people otherwise. David Wheeler, a town councillor, described the inspector’s stance as "potty".
He said: "The anti-social behaviour that's being talked about has been going on for many years. Policing is policing – it should be 24-7, wherever it is." A police spokesman said: "During the evenings there's no lighting so it's effectively pitch black. It's not a police officer's job to ensure the area's kept clear. However, if a crime's committed or there's a risk to life, officers would take appropriate action."
Floodlights have not been put up at the request of residents. Asked if it was the council's failure for not having security staff in the area, Mr Wheeler said there were guards at the weekends and added: "It's the fact that it was policed in the past and not now." Councillors have suggested the force invests in some torches.
With news video.
But the senior officer told councillors in market town Wisbech it was too risky for them to deal with them the problem at night because the plot was still like a building site, with no lighting. He said they would only visit the £1m Waterlees adventure playground if a crime was being committed but refused to eject people otherwise. David Wheeler, a town councillor, described the inspector’s stance as "potty".
He said: "The anti-social behaviour that's being talked about has been going on for many years. Policing is policing – it should be 24-7, wherever it is." A police spokesman said: "During the evenings there's no lighting so it's effectively pitch black. It's not a police officer's job to ensure the area's kept clear. However, if a crime's committed or there's a risk to life, officers would take appropriate action."
Floodlights have not been put up at the request of residents. Asked if it was the council's failure for not having security staff in the area, Mr Wheeler said there were guards at the weekends and added: "It's the fact that it was policed in the past and not now." Councillors have suggested the force invests in some torches.
With news video.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Emperor penguins mass mourning after chicks die on Antarctic ice shelf
How these chicks died is a mystery but their parents' pain is not. Wildlife photographer Daniel J. Cox captured the extraordinary image of this mass mourning of adult penguins as they grieved the loss of their babies on the Riiser Larsen Ice Shelf in Antarctica.
"Part of my job is to accept that with the spectacular sights of nature also come the stark facts of life, and to see emperor penguins mourning in a human-like way over the death of their chicks is heart-wrenching," he said.
"They hunch over like they are in a state of grief and they wander around the frozen ice wastes attempting to locate their chicks.
"It is difficult to say how they died, but I was told by other scientists at the scene that it was not unheard of. Weather and starvation can cause this kind of sad event."
"Part of my job is to accept that with the spectacular sights of nature also come the stark facts of life, and to see emperor penguins mourning in a human-like way over the death of their chicks is heart-wrenching," he said.
"They hunch over like they are in a state of grief and they wander around the frozen ice wastes attempting to locate their chicks.
"It is difficult to say how they died, but I was told by other scientists at the scene that it was not unheard of. Weather and starvation can cause this kind of sad event."
Burglary suspect jumps from moving police car
Police security video has emerged showing the moment a burglary suspect tried to escape from a moving patrol car while his hands were still handcuffed behind his back.
Nicholas Duffy, 20, was being driven to Salt Lake County Jail when he complained of feeling ill. An officer had provided him with a bucket and lowered a rear window to give him some fresh air.
YouTube link.
Minutes later, Duffy undid his seatbelt and pushed himself through the window headfirst while the vehicle was travelling at 35 miles per hour. Police said Duffy was quickly taken back into custody and brought to a local hospital suffering from road burns to his hands and shoulder and back injuries.
"This young man could have been run over by cars behind him, hit his head and been killed instantly... he completely lucked out over this. He's a very lucky guy to still be alive," said Victor Tuezada of Sandy Police Department. Duffy was wanted on several outstanding warrants and burglary charges when he was arrested on Tuesday.
Nicholas Duffy, 20, was being driven to Salt Lake County Jail when he complained of feeling ill. An officer had provided him with a bucket and lowered a rear window to give him some fresh air.
YouTube link.
Minutes later, Duffy undid his seatbelt and pushed himself through the window headfirst while the vehicle was travelling at 35 miles per hour. Police said Duffy was quickly taken back into custody and brought to a local hospital suffering from road burns to his hands and shoulder and back injuries.
"This young man could have been run over by cars behind him, hit his head and been killed instantly... he completely lucked out over this. He's a very lucky guy to still be alive," said Victor Tuezada of Sandy Police Department. Duffy was wanted on several outstanding warrants and burglary charges when he was arrested on Tuesday.
Pedigree cat suffers mystery castration in New Zealand
Call it the curious case of the castrated cat. The mysterious and totally unauthorised neutering of pedigree cat Buddy has infuriated his Tauranga owner, who can no longer lease him out as a stud cat. Michelle Curtis was horrified after her prized siamese-bengal cross returned home at the weekend, fixed and a little grumpy, after disappearing for two days.
"I couldn't believe someone took my cat and got him fixed. I don't know why they would do that," she said yesterday. "It really was quite bizarre. I mean, who just takes someone's cat and gets them neutered?"
Thanks to the cat burglar in question, all that now remains of Buddy's previous manhood is a pair of small slits from the surgery. Because Buddy was not plucked or shaven, Ms Curtis fears the unsanctioned snip was the work of a do-it-yourself surgeon.
Barkes Corner Vet Hospital veterinarian Martin Earles said if the job was done by a vet, there would have been at least some hair removed from around the cat's scrotum area. But he believed it would have been difficult for someone to neuter an adult cat by themselves. Although Buddy does not wear a collar, Ms Curtis believes his breed would have made it obvious why he wasn't neutered.
There's an audio interview with Michelle Curtis on this page.
"I couldn't believe someone took my cat and got him fixed. I don't know why they would do that," she said yesterday. "It really was quite bizarre. I mean, who just takes someone's cat and gets them neutered?"
Thanks to the cat burglar in question, all that now remains of Buddy's previous manhood is a pair of small slits from the surgery. Because Buddy was not plucked or shaven, Ms Curtis fears the unsanctioned snip was the work of a do-it-yourself surgeon.
Barkes Corner Vet Hospital veterinarian Martin Earles said if the job was done by a vet, there would have been at least some hair removed from around the cat's scrotum area. But he believed it would have been difficult for someone to neuter an adult cat by themselves. Although Buddy does not wear a collar, Ms Curtis believes his breed would have made it obvious why he wasn't neutered.
There's an audio interview with Michelle Curtis on this page.
Turkish man seeks police protection from sex-mad wife
A desperate Turkish man living in Germany has turned to the police for protection from his insatiable wife's constant demands for sex, authorities said yesterday.
The man came to his local police station in southwestern Germany on Tuesday saying that he had been sleeping on the sofa for the past four years to escape the clutches of his wife of 18 years and mother of their two children.
"Now he has decided to get a divorce and to move out ... in the hope of finally getting some rest, particularly as he is anxious to arrive at work well rested," police said in a statement.
"At the moment this is impossible because he says his wife keeps coming into the living room demanding that he perform his marital duties. He asked for police help in getting some sleep at night."
The man came to his local police station in southwestern Germany on Tuesday saying that he had been sleeping on the sofa for the past four years to escape the clutches of his wife of 18 years and mother of their two children.
"Now he has decided to get a divorce and to move out ... in the hope of finally getting some rest, particularly as he is anxious to arrive at work well rested," police said in a statement.
"At the moment this is impossible because he says his wife keeps coming into the living room demanding that he perform his marital duties. He asked for police help in getting some sleep at night."
Smugglers with "medieval catapult" caught at US border
In a brazen attempt reminiscent of a medieval siege, Mexican smugglers tried to use a hefty catapult to hurl drugs north over the US Border. The Mexican military seized 45 pounds of marijuana, a sports utility vehicle and a metal-framed catapult just south of the Arizona border near the small town of Naco last Friday, following a tip-off from the U.S. Border Patrol.
Surveillance video taken by National Guard troops deployed to support the Border Patrol caught a group of men apparently attempting to pull down a metal beam and load or test the catapult, which was powered by powerful elastic and mounted on a trailer close to the metal border fence.
"It looks like a medieval catapult that was used back in the day," Tucson sector Border Patrol spokesman David Jimarez said. Arizona straddles a furiously trafficked corridor for human and drug smugglers from Mexico.
LiveLeak link.
The U.S. Border Patrol seize hundreds of tons of marijuana and other drugs each year, smuggled over or under the line using a variety of means, including trucks, clandestine tunnels, horseback and even micro-light aircraft - although the catapult was new, Jimarez said. "I have not seen anything like that in my time before as a Border Patrol agent ... although we are trained to handle any kind of a threat that comes over that border," he added.
Surveillance video taken by National Guard troops deployed to support the Border Patrol caught a group of men apparently attempting to pull down a metal beam and load or test the catapult, which was powered by powerful elastic and mounted on a trailer close to the metal border fence.
"It looks like a medieval catapult that was used back in the day," Tucson sector Border Patrol spokesman David Jimarez said. Arizona straddles a furiously trafficked corridor for human and drug smugglers from Mexico.
LiveLeak link.
The U.S. Border Patrol seize hundreds of tons of marijuana and other drugs each year, smuggled over or under the line using a variety of means, including trucks, clandestine tunnels, horseback and even micro-light aircraft - although the catapult was new, Jimarez said. "I have not seen anything like that in my time before as a Border Patrol agent ... although we are trained to handle any kind of a threat that comes over that border," he added.
Dog entombed in ice dumped on man's front lawn
Canadian authorities have launched an animal cruelty investigation after a dog was discovered encased inside a block of ice on a man's front lawn. The dead dog was discovered by the homeowner on January 15 - and he has told authorities he did not know the black border collie and has no idea how the block of ice came to arrive on his property.
Marcie Moriarty, a spokeswoman from the British Columbia animal protection society, said: 'It's a bizarre and very upsetting case. Inside the block of ice, which looks to have been made from a large rubber bin, was the frozen corpse of a medium-sized black dog.'
Miss Moriaty said that initial investigations suggested the animal was dead before it was placed in the ice. 'That's the only salvation,' she said. 'It had puncture wounds consistent with being in a dog fight.
'I thought I'd seen everything but when I opened the file I was blown away. It's so disturbing. Anyone who would do something so sick, I'm concerned if they have other animals in their custody.' The Dawnson Creek houseowner discovered the dead animal on January 15. He does not have any pets and is completely baffled why the dog was left on his lawn.
Marcie Moriarty, a spokeswoman from the British Columbia animal protection society, said: 'It's a bizarre and very upsetting case. Inside the block of ice, which looks to have been made from a large rubber bin, was the frozen corpse of a medium-sized black dog.'
Miss Moriaty said that initial investigations suggested the animal was dead before it was placed in the ice. 'That's the only salvation,' she said. 'It had puncture wounds consistent with being in a dog fight.
'I thought I'd seen everything but when I opened the file I was blown away. It's so disturbing. Anyone who would do something so sick, I'm concerned if they have other animals in their custody.' The Dawnson Creek houseowner discovered the dead animal on January 15. He does not have any pets and is completely baffled why the dog was left on his lawn.
Double joy for blind orangutans in Indonesia
Rare twins have been born to blind orangutan parents who are both lucky to be alive. The babies were born at the Batu Mbelin orangutan quarantine centre in North Sumatra where both their parents are in long-term care. Their mother Gober lost her sight to cataracts and had to be rescued in 2008 by the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, which receives funding from the UK's Orangutan Foundation.
Her blindness was forcing her to raid crops, putting her at a high risk of being killed by villagers. While staff at the centre try to prevent orangutans breeding until after they are released into the wild, they decided that having a baby would improve life for Gober, who is over 40.
The twins' father Leuser was confiscated as an illegal pet and released fit and well into the wild in a national park, but strayed outside park boundaries and was shot by villagers. He was found with 62 air rifle wounds, including three pellets lodged in his eyes. Mother and babies - a boy named Ganteng, which translates as handsome, and a girl called Ginting - are doing well and it is hoped they will eventually be released into the wild.
Ian Singleton, director of conservation for the Swiss-based Pan Eco Foundation, said: "Rather than being bored, Gober now has the full-time responsibility of her infants, not just one but two of them. Twins are not unheard of but they are certainly not common and relatively few zoos will have experience of it. The fact that both parents are blind makes it a doubly special event."
Her blindness was forcing her to raid crops, putting her at a high risk of being killed by villagers. While staff at the centre try to prevent orangutans breeding until after they are released into the wild, they decided that having a baby would improve life for Gober, who is over 40.
The twins' father Leuser was confiscated as an illegal pet and released fit and well into the wild in a national park, but strayed outside park boundaries and was shot by villagers. He was found with 62 air rifle wounds, including three pellets lodged in his eyes. Mother and babies - a boy named Ganteng, which translates as handsome, and a girl called Ginting - are doing well and it is hoped they will eventually be released into the wild.
Ian Singleton, director of conservation for the Swiss-based Pan Eco Foundation, said: "Rather than being bored, Gober now has the full-time responsibility of her infants, not just one but two of them. Twins are not unheard of but they are certainly not common and relatively few zoos will have experience of it. The fact that both parents are blind makes it a doubly special event."
Dog found 18 miles out to sea adopted by rescuers
A dog saved from icy waters in Poland last year, has celebrated the anniversary of his rescue out at sea with the crew that adopted him.
Baltic gained notoriety when he was rescued last year in subfreezing temperatures after floating 18 miles out to sea on ice. It is still not clear how the dog managed to end up floating down the Vistula River.
YouTube link.
Several people came forward wanting to adopt Baltic after his story gained headlines around Europe, but his rescuer Adam Buczynski decided to give him a home.
Despite his bad experience at sea, the dog is still out regularly on the Baltic Sea aboard the Baltica, a research ship. Buczynski said the dog, now the ship's pet and mascot, shows signs of anxiety when the sea is rough but sails around happily with the crew when it is calm.
Baltic gained notoriety when he was rescued last year in subfreezing temperatures after floating 18 miles out to sea on ice. It is still not clear how the dog managed to end up floating down the Vistula River.
YouTube link.
Several people came forward wanting to adopt Baltic after his story gained headlines around Europe, but his rescuer Adam Buczynski decided to give him a home.
Despite his bad experience at sea, the dog is still out regularly on the Baltic Sea aboard the Baltica, a research ship. Buczynski said the dog, now the ship's pet and mascot, shows signs of anxiety when the sea is rough but sails around happily with the crew when it is calm.
Australian boy's hearing and sight stolen in bag snatch
A snatch-and-grab robbery on the Sunshine Coast has left a five-year-old deaf, blind and frightened. George Storie, from northwest NSW, was holidaying with his family, swimming at the Mooloolaba Spit, when his mother's bag was snatched at about 4.30pm on Australia Day.
The bag contained George's new cochlear implant and his specially prescribed glasses. Neither are of use to anyone else but they are a lifeline for the boy, his mother said. Anna Storie said George can barely hear without the cochlear implant and is legally blind without his glasses.
"He is quite distressed," Ms Storie said. "He keeps asking where they are. It is really sad. I can't believe it."
Witnesses said the bag was taken by a group of teenagers, who ran off when pursued. George's mother has appealed to anyone who finds the items to hand them to local police. Spec Savers in Melbourne have now offered to pay for the glasses and Australian Hearing has put its hand up to pay for the processor.
The bag contained George's new cochlear implant and his specially prescribed glasses. Neither are of use to anyone else but they are a lifeline for the boy, his mother said. Anna Storie said George can barely hear without the cochlear implant and is legally blind without his glasses.
"He is quite distressed," Ms Storie said. "He keeps asking where they are. It is really sad. I can't believe it."
Witnesses said the bag was taken by a group of teenagers, who ran off when pursued. George's mother has appealed to anyone who finds the items to hand them to local police. Spec Savers in Melbourne have now offered to pay for the glasses and Australian Hearing has put its hand up to pay for the processor.
Professor charged with allegedly urinating on colleague's office door
A Cal State Northridge math professor has been charged with urinating on a colleague's office door during a dispute between the two men.
Tihomir Petrov, 43, is facing two misdemeanor counts of urinating in a public place, according to a copy of a complaint filed in Superior Court.
Petrov is expected to be arraigned Thursday in San Fernando, authorities said. The case stems from a dispute that Petrov allegedly had with another professor in the school's math department, authorities said.
Petrov was allegedly captured in early December on videotape urinating on the door of another professor's office in Santa Susana Hall, according to authorities. School officials had concealed a camera nearby after discovering puddles of what they thought was urine at the professor's door.
Tihomir Petrov, 43, is facing two misdemeanor counts of urinating in a public place, according to a copy of a complaint filed in Superior Court.
Petrov is expected to be arraigned Thursday in San Fernando, authorities said. The case stems from a dispute that Petrov allegedly had with another professor in the school's math department, authorities said.
Petrov was allegedly captured in early December on videotape urinating on the door of another professor's office in Santa Susana Hall, according to authorities. School officials had concealed a camera nearby after discovering puddles of what they thought was urine at the professor's door.
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