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Monday, February 28, 2011
Russian doctor believes in healing by laughter
Andrei Skutin is to set up a clinic where laughter really will be the best medicine. Skutin - from Chelyabinsk, Russia - has just completed a year-long study of how humour affects illnesses and says a good chuckle can work wonders on everything from high blood pressure to cancer.
"Laughter can cure many serious diseases. Ten minutes laughing can reduce blood pressure, strengthen immunity, reduce asthma attacks and so on," claims the 38-year-old doctor who always has his patients in stitches.
Skutin - whose group therapy patients spend an hour telling each other jokes - is now to set up a full time laughter clinic at the South Ural State University.
Photo from here.
"The only people who cannot attend are pregnant women as they may laugh too much and give birth prematurely, or those who have recently had major surgery or stitches as laughing could undo the stitches," Skutin said.
Full story here.
"Laughter can cure many serious diseases. Ten minutes laughing can reduce blood pressure, strengthen immunity, reduce asthma attacks and so on," claims the 38-year-old doctor who always has his patients in stitches.
Skutin - whose group therapy patients spend an hour telling each other jokes - is now to set up a full time laughter clinic at the South Ural State University.
Photo from here.
"The only people who cannot attend are pregnant women as they may laugh too much and give birth prematurely, or those who have recently had major surgery or stitches as laughing could undo the stitches," Skutin said.
Full story here.
Footballer faces sanctions for kicking injured owl in Colombia
A Panamanian player, Luís Moreno, has caused an uproar and faces severe punishment after kicking an owl which was lying on the pitch during a Colombian championship match at the weekend. Video footage showed that the bird was first struck by the ball near the Pereira penalty area during the match at Atlético Junior, prompting the referee to stop play.
As the referee and players discussed what to do, the Pereira defender Moreno – apparently impatient over the delay, as his team were losing 2-1 – was seen to kick the bird towards the touchline with his left foot.
YouTube link.
"The player should be severely punished for this painful, horrible act of intolerance," Ramón Jesurum, the president of the Colombian league, said in a radio interview. He added that the case would go before the league's disciplinary committee.
Atlético Junior fans chanted "murderer" at the Panamanian player, according to Colombian media. Moreno was also reprimanded by opponents and he apologised after the game. "I apologise to the fans, it wasn't my intention," he said, as he left the field escorted by radio reporters and police. Colombian media said the owl had been rescued by ground staff and taken to a vet. Its condition was reported to be serious.
As the referee and players discussed what to do, the Pereira defender Moreno – apparently impatient over the delay, as his team were losing 2-1 – was seen to kick the bird towards the touchline with his left foot.
YouTube link.
"The player should be severely punished for this painful, horrible act of intolerance," Ramón Jesurum, the president of the Colombian league, said in a radio interview. He added that the case would go before the league's disciplinary committee.
Atlético Junior fans chanted "murderer" at the Panamanian player, according to Colombian media. Moreno was also reprimanded by opponents and he apologised after the game. "I apologise to the fans, it wasn't my intention," he said, as he left the field escorted by radio reporters and police. Colombian media said the owl had been rescued by ground staff and taken to a vet. Its condition was reported to be serious.
Bull jumps into crowd at North Carolina rodeo
Having front-row seats for a rodeo sounds like a pretty exciting time. But a North Carolina couple wasn't prepared for their experience. The husband and wife were charged by a high-jumping bull.
It happened at the Old Ford Fire Department Rodeo in Williamston. Rodeo workers were trying to round up the bull after a rider fell off, but the bull had other ideas.
YouTube link.
Video shows the bull jumping over a five-foot fence and into the stands... and then back out again. Butch Trimnal pushed his wife out of the bull's way, but they both were injured. They were able to drive themselves to the hospital.
Officials at the venue offered the couple assistance with their medical bills, and unlimited tickets to any future events. As for the bull, he wasn't injured and was used again later in the show.
It happened at the Old Ford Fire Department Rodeo in Williamston. Rodeo workers were trying to round up the bull after a rider fell off, but the bull had other ideas.
YouTube link.
Video shows the bull jumping over a five-foot fence and into the stands... and then back out again. Butch Trimnal pushed his wife out of the bull's way, but they both were injured. They were able to drive themselves to the hospital.
Officials at the venue offered the couple assistance with their medical bills, and unlimited tickets to any future events. As for the bull, he wasn't injured and was used again later in the show.
Parents injured in accidental shootings
The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office said a small child accidentally shot his mother, after finding the gun near his injured father's side. The BCSO was alerted of the shooting at 4621 old Carney Road in Bay Minette. When they arrived to the home they found Allen and Aleisha Jones injured by gunshot.
The couple's two small children were at the residence when the incident happened. Their daughter was upstairs asleep at the time of the incident. When questioned by authorities, Mr. Jones stated he had taken his Glock .40 handgun from the glove compartment of his truck. He was walking to the house when he tripped and fell, then accidentally shot himself in the leg just above the knee.
Jones yelled to his wife for help. Aleisha was upstairs bathing their young son when she heard her husband's call for help. When she arrived on the screened porch, she tried to secure the gun but her son beat her to the gun. After attempting to take the gun from the child, a round was fired. Aleisha was hit in the left side of her neck.
A neighbour heard the gunshots and cries for help and came to Aleisha's aid. Her husband called 911. When authorities arrived, Allen and Aleisha were transported to USA in Mobile. Investigators say both individuals stories parallel each other. At last report, the Jones' were in stable condition. Injuries do not appear to be life threatening.
With news video.
The couple's two small children were at the residence when the incident happened. Their daughter was upstairs asleep at the time of the incident. When questioned by authorities, Mr. Jones stated he had taken his Glock .40 handgun from the glove compartment of his truck. He was walking to the house when he tripped and fell, then accidentally shot himself in the leg just above the knee.
Jones yelled to his wife for help. Aleisha was upstairs bathing their young son when she heard her husband's call for help. When she arrived on the screened porch, she tried to secure the gun but her son beat her to the gun. After attempting to take the gun from the child, a round was fired. Aleisha was hit in the left side of her neck.
A neighbour heard the gunshots and cries for help and came to Aleisha's aid. Her husband called 911. When authorities arrived, Allen and Aleisha were transported to USA in Mobile. Investigators say both individuals stories parallel each other. At last report, the Jones' were in stable condition. Injuries do not appear to be life threatening.
With news video.
Video shows skier tripping and falling down mountain
Skier Stefan Ager had climbed to the top of a mountain in the Stubai Alps and was just planning his route his route back down, when he lost his footing and ended up taking an altogether different trip.
Footage shot from his helmet cam shows that after making it to the top he celebrated by taking a look around, capturing a clip of himself and putting his skis on.
LiveLeak link.
But as he clipped himself into the skis, he tripped backwards and tumbled down the rocky-looking mountain.
After the 15 second fall, Ager let out an audible gasp of pain before looking up at the route he had just fallen. Amazingly he escaped unscathed.
Footage shot from his helmet cam shows that after making it to the top he celebrated by taking a look around, capturing a clip of himself and putting his skis on.
LiveLeak link.
But as he clipped himself into the skis, he tripped backwards and tumbled down the rocky-looking mountain.
After the 15 second fall, Ager let out an audible gasp of pain before looking up at the route he had just fallen. Amazingly he escaped unscathed.
Iran claims London 2012 Olympics logo spells the word 'Zion'
Iran has threatened to boycott the London Olympics unless the organisers replace the official logo, which Tehran claims spells out the word "Zion". The logo, a jagged representation of the year 2012, has been said by its critics to resemble many things, from a swastika to a sexual act, but the Iranian government argues it represents a veiled pro-Israeli conspiracy.
In a formal complaint to the International Olympic Committee, Tehran has called for the graphic to be replaced and its designers "confronted", warning that Iranian athletes might otherwise be ordered to stay away from the London Games. According to the state-backed Iranian Students News Agency, which is frequently used to convey official pronouncements, the letter says:
"As internet documents have proved, using the word Zion in the logo of the 2012 Olympic Games is a disgracing action and against the Olympics' valuable mottos. There is no doubt that negligence of the issue from your side may affect the presence of some countries in the Games, especially Iran which abides by commitment to the values and principles." The letter, from the country's national Olympic committee, leaves unclear what "internet documents" it is referring to.
Amid the popular uproar that accompanied the unveiling of the logo in 2007, there were some claims, particularly on conspiracy-oriented websites, that its constituent shapes could be rearranged to make the world "Zion". An IOC official confirmed that the Iranian letter had been received but said: "The London 2012 logo represents the figure 2012, nothing else." A spokesman for the London Olympic organising committee added: "It was launched in 2007 following testing and consultation. We are surprised that this complaint has been made now."
In a formal complaint to the International Olympic Committee, Tehran has called for the graphic to be replaced and its designers "confronted", warning that Iranian athletes might otherwise be ordered to stay away from the London Games. According to the state-backed Iranian Students News Agency, which is frequently used to convey official pronouncements, the letter says:
"As internet documents have proved, using the word Zion in the logo of the 2012 Olympic Games is a disgracing action and against the Olympics' valuable mottos. There is no doubt that negligence of the issue from your side may affect the presence of some countries in the Games, especially Iran which abides by commitment to the values and principles." The letter, from the country's national Olympic committee, leaves unclear what "internet documents" it is referring to.
Amid the popular uproar that accompanied the unveiling of the logo in 2007, there were some claims, particularly on conspiracy-oriented websites, that its constituent shapes could be rearranged to make the world "Zion". An IOC official confirmed that the Iranian letter had been received but said: "The London 2012 logo represents the figure 2012, nothing else." A spokesman for the London Olympic organising committee added: "It was launched in 2007 following testing and consultation. We are surprised that this complaint has been made now."
Carlo Ancelotti says Chelsea must not kill Ashley Cole for shooting student
Without a hint of irony, Carlo Ancelotti yesterday said that Chelsea must not “kill” Ashley Cole for accidently shooting a work experience student at the club’s Cobham training ground. Ancelotti also confirmed that Cole would play in the Premier League against Manchester United despite an act of indiscipline that is serious enough to have prompted a police investigation.
The extraordinary incident occurred nine days ago when Cole shot and wounded Tom Cowan, a Loughborough University student who is on a year’s internship at the club, with an air rifle. He is understood to have fired the .22 air rifle towards Cowan in the belief that it was not loaded. “One player, Ashley, made a mistake,” said Ancelotti. “When he said sorry he was really disappointed. What do we have to do now?
YouTube link.
“Kill him? No. That’s not my way to manage players. We have to support him. It would be very different if he had not said sorry. If a player makes a mistake, I try to explain that it’s wrong and give him the possibility to use different behaviour. We are not happy because he stepped over the line. I think it was an accident. The mistake was that the gun was here in Cobham. We didn’t know the gun was here. Who hasn’t made a mistake in his life? Who?”
Chelsea confirmed that it is a breach of club rules to have any sort of weapon at the training ground but Ancelotti said that there was “never” any possibility of Cole being sacked. Instead, it is understood that he has been fined two weeks’ wages. Cowan has been granted some time off by Chelsea, with the club not commenting on whether they will be paying out any private compensation.
The extraordinary incident occurred nine days ago when Cole shot and wounded Tom Cowan, a Loughborough University student who is on a year’s internship at the club, with an air rifle. He is understood to have fired the .22 air rifle towards Cowan in the belief that it was not loaded. “One player, Ashley, made a mistake,” said Ancelotti. “When he said sorry he was really disappointed. What do we have to do now?
YouTube link.
“Kill him? No. That’s not my way to manage players. We have to support him. It would be very different if he had not said sorry. If a player makes a mistake, I try to explain that it’s wrong and give him the possibility to use different behaviour. We are not happy because he stepped over the line. I think it was an accident. The mistake was that the gun was here in Cobham. We didn’t know the gun was here. Who hasn’t made a mistake in his life? Who?”
Chelsea confirmed that it is a breach of club rules to have any sort of weapon at the training ground but Ancelotti said that there was “never” any possibility of Cole being sacked. Instead, it is understood that he has been fined two weeks’ wages. Cowan has been granted some time off by Chelsea, with the club not commenting on whether they will be paying out any private compensation.
Man finds E.T. in tree trunk
A pensioner has told how he rushed to phone home after he discovered the face of E.T. in a tree trunk.
Pete Burford was chopping wood when the face of the alien in Steven Spielberg’s hit 1980s blockbuster stared back at him. He quickly called shocked wife Sylvia after making the discovery in the trunk of a poplar tree at his yard in Elderfield, near Tewkesbury, Glos.
Pete, 72, of Staunton, Glos., said he was completely stunned when the image stared right back at him.
He said: ”It’s probably just one of those things in the tree, but it so looks like E.T. I couldn’t believe it.” Wife Sylvia, 73, quickly remembered seeing what looked like a UFO 40 years ago and now the couple believe extra-terrestrials are trying to get in contact.
Pete Burford was chopping wood when the face of the alien in Steven Spielberg’s hit 1980s blockbuster stared back at him. He quickly called shocked wife Sylvia after making the discovery in the trunk of a poplar tree at his yard in Elderfield, near Tewkesbury, Glos.
Pete, 72, of Staunton, Glos., said he was completely stunned when the image stared right back at him.
He said: ”It’s probably just one of those things in the tree, but it so looks like E.T. I couldn’t believe it.” Wife Sylvia, 73, quickly remembered seeing what looked like a UFO 40 years ago and now the couple believe extra-terrestrials are trying to get in contact.
Dave the rottweiler plays mother to orphaned bunnies, birds and kittens
You probably wouldn’t pick a ten-stone rottweiler to nursemaid orphaned bunnies and birds. But even kittens are in no danger from Dave the Dog. All he wants to do is look after them. Owner Amanda Collins discovered her six-year-old pet’s maternal nature when she brought home an unwanted French giant rabbit.
‘Dave just walked over to him and started licking him to clean him,’ said the 25-year-old, who runs a pet shop in Blackpool. ‘They bonded straight away. Now they sleep together, and I’ve even seen them sharing each other’s food.’ Miss Collins, who has looked after a menagerie of abandoned animals, soon found this wasn’t a one-off.
'When I brought home the ducklings, I thought he might not be the same as with the rabbits, but he just went over to them and licked them on the head,' she said. 'I filled a paddling pool with water so they could learn to swim in it, and Dave went and laid down in the water so they could clamber over him. He even lifted them out if they got into trouble.'
So far, Dave has helped bring up four ducks, three geese, five rabbits, 13 kittens and five puppies - not to mention countless new-born chicks. Dave had a traumatic upbringing – his first owner docked his tail with a cleaver – but has remained amazingly good-natured and has now been voted Britain’s most inspirational dog in a contest sponsored by worming specialists Drontal.
‘Dave just walked over to him and started licking him to clean him,’ said the 25-year-old, who runs a pet shop in Blackpool. ‘They bonded straight away. Now they sleep together, and I’ve even seen them sharing each other’s food.’ Miss Collins, who has looked after a menagerie of abandoned animals, soon found this wasn’t a one-off.
'When I brought home the ducklings, I thought he might not be the same as with the rabbits, but he just went over to them and licked them on the head,' she said. 'I filled a paddling pool with water so they could learn to swim in it, and Dave went and laid down in the water so they could clamber over him. He even lifted them out if they got into trouble.'
So far, Dave has helped bring up four ducks, three geese, five rabbits, 13 kittens and five puppies - not to mention countless new-born chicks. Dave had a traumatic upbringing – his first owner docked his tail with a cleaver – but has remained amazingly good-natured and has now been voted Britain’s most inspirational dog in a contest sponsored by worming specialists Drontal.
John Galliano caught on video ranting 'I love Hitler'
John Galliano has been caught on film declaring "I love Hitler" in a rant at customers in a Paris bar. The British fashion designer tells a woman, who was among a group of French and Italians: "People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f------ gassed".
The drunken tirade was filmed at the Paris café where Mr Galliano was accused of racially insulting a couple last week. It is not clear whether the clip shows the incident for which the designer was arrested on Thursday, or was filmed on another evening. In the video, a woman is heard to say "Oh my God" before asking the slurring Mr Galliano if he has a problem.
LiveLeak link.
The designer replies: "With you. You're ugly." Asked where he was from, he said: "Your a------". Mr Galliano was speaking to fellow customers at the La Perle bar, in Paris's Marais district where he lives. The man who filmed the video said the group was "stunned" by his "vile anti-Semitic comments".
He said: "His words were disgusting. He made it clear the Italian girls weren't welcome and should go home. This was pure racism." The recording will do little to help salvage the career of the 50-year old fashion star, after Christian Dior, his employer of 13 years, suspended him as their fashion director on Friday. Mr Galliano has denied all allegations of racism and anti-Semitism.
You can also see the video here.
The drunken tirade was filmed at the Paris café where Mr Galliano was accused of racially insulting a couple last week. It is not clear whether the clip shows the incident for which the designer was arrested on Thursday, or was filmed on another evening. In the video, a woman is heard to say "Oh my God" before asking the slurring Mr Galliano if he has a problem.
LiveLeak link.
The designer replies: "With you. You're ugly." Asked where he was from, he said: "Your a------". Mr Galliano was speaking to fellow customers at the La Perle bar, in Paris's Marais district where he lives. The man who filmed the video said the group was "stunned" by his "vile anti-Semitic comments".
He said: "His words were disgusting. He made it clear the Italian girls weren't welcome and should go home. This was pure racism." The recording will do little to help salvage the career of the 50-year old fashion star, after Christian Dior, his employer of 13 years, suspended him as their fashion director on Friday. Mr Galliano has denied all allegations of racism and anti-Semitism.
You can also see the video here.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Drunk driver rams SUV into sober house
A drunk driver is being blamed for crashing an SUV into a sober living facility in South Los Angeles.
The crash happened on Saturday night at 80th and Figueroa streets. Firefighters arrived to find the SUV had ploughed into the building and ended up in a room.
The residents were sleeping at the time of the crash. Five people suffered minor injuries as did the driver.
Police didn't release the driver's name but said the person will be charged with felony DUI.
The crash happened on Saturday night at 80th and Figueroa streets. Firefighters arrived to find the SUV had ploughed into the building and ended up in a room.
The residents were sleeping at the time of the crash. Five people suffered minor injuries as did the driver.
Police didn't release the driver's name but said the person will be charged with felony DUI.
Escalator malfunction video released
Surveillance video has been released by Metro of an escalator malfunction at the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station in Washington. The crowds attending the John Stewart and Stephen Colbert event on the National Mall on Oct. 30th, were huge. In fact, it was the biggest Saturday rider ship in Metro-rail history.
There are three escalators at the L'Enfant Promenade entrance to Metro. The middle one and the right one were taking people downward that day. A security camera at the bottom captured these images.
YouTube link.
At first both downward escalators are running at normal speed with people strolling off at the bottom. Then the middle escalator suddenly speeds up with people at first running away from the bottom to clear a path for those behind them.
Then someone falls at the bottom and a human pileup begins. After a few seconds of confusion bystanders realize people are trapped and hurt and some rush forward to help those off the pile at the bottom of the out-of-control escalator.
There are three escalators at the L'Enfant Promenade entrance to Metro. The middle one and the right one were taking people downward that day. A security camera at the bottom captured these images.
YouTube link.
At first both downward escalators are running at normal speed with people strolling off at the bottom. Then the middle escalator suddenly speeds up with people at first running away from the bottom to clear a path for those behind them.
Then someone falls at the bottom and a human pileup begins. After a few seconds of confusion bystanders realize people are trapped and hurt and some rush forward to help those off the pile at the bottom of the out-of-control escalator.
Woman who thought she'd won lottery sues TV station for airing wrong numbers
A Fort Lee, New Jersey, woman who says she thought fortune had smiled on her with a $250,000 winner in a 2009 Mega Millions drawing is suing WABC-TV for allegedly broadcasting the wrong winning numbers and leaving her devastated when she discovered she had won nothing. Rakel Daniele is seeking $75,000 in damages from WABC-TV, American Broadcasting Co., the Walt Disney Co. and an unidentified "Jane Doe" in a lawsuit that was transferred to federal District Court in Newark last week from state Superior Court in Hackensack.
According to Daniele's lawsuit, WABC-TV, the ABC network station in New York, broadcast the winning numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, with the mega ball 12, for the multistate Mega Millions lottery on June 19, 2009. Daniele held a lottery ticket with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, with the mega ball 6, the lawsuit says.
Despite the fact that the numbers WABC-TV broadcast were wrong, the suit asserts, it compounded Daniele's alleged pain by "negligently, carelessly, recklessly and/or intentionally" rebroadcasting the erroneous numbers the next day. The correct Mega Millions numbers for June 19, 2009, were 4, 9, 12, 16 and 46, with a mega ball of 44, according to the Mega Millions website.
Daniele was under the impression that she had won $250,000 as a result of the broadcast, the suit states, adding that she was "severely damaged" by relying on the "false and incorrect" lottery results. The company should have known the numbers were incorrect, the suit states. The broadcast and rebroadcast of the wrong Mega Millions numbers went "beyond all possible bounds of decency, and were atrocious, and utterly intolerable in a civilized community," it asserts.
According to Daniele's lawsuit, WABC-TV, the ABC network station in New York, broadcast the winning numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, with the mega ball 12, for the multistate Mega Millions lottery on June 19, 2009. Daniele held a lottery ticket with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, with the mega ball 6, the lawsuit says.
Despite the fact that the numbers WABC-TV broadcast were wrong, the suit asserts, it compounded Daniele's alleged pain by "negligently, carelessly, recklessly and/or intentionally" rebroadcasting the erroneous numbers the next day. The correct Mega Millions numbers for June 19, 2009, were 4, 9, 12, 16 and 46, with a mega ball of 44, according to the Mega Millions website.
Daniele was under the impression that she had won $250,000 as a result of the broadcast, the suit states, adding that she was "severely damaged" by relying on the "false and incorrect" lottery results. The company should have known the numbers were incorrect, the suit states. The broadcast and rebroadcast of the wrong Mega Millions numbers went "beyond all possible bounds of decency, and were atrocious, and utterly intolerable in a civilized community," it asserts.
Voodoo sex ceremony sparked deadly blaze
A Voodoo sex ceremony meant to bring good luck triggered the Brooklyn blaze that killed one person and left dozens homeless, sources have revealed. A man identified by friends and neighbours as Nelson (Pepe) Pierre took 300 dollars from a woman to perform a mystic ceremony that promised to change her life. Pierre, known as a hougan - or a voodoo priest - surrounded the bed with candles and carefully lit each one.
The details of the actual ceremony weren't immediately clear, but sources said the good-luck ritual led to sex. As Pierre and the unidentified woman steamed up the top of the bed, flames from some of the candles ignited the sheets. Recently shed clothes strewn about the floor also went up in flames, sources said. Instead of calling 911, the voodoo priest used water from the bathroom sink to try to put out the fire.
LiveLeak link.
Sources said a man who was Pierre's roommate was ironing his pants when the fire started. He opened a window and a door leading to the building's hallway. Then he went back to ironing. That created wind gusts that "shot the flames back inside, creating a blowtorch effect," fire officials said. It turned a manageable fire into an inferno.
The wind-swept blaze engulfed the fourth, fifth and sixth floors, sending dozens of residents racing from the building - some with only the clothes on their backs. Mary Feagin, a 64-year-old retired teacher, died in the five-alarm blaze. The medical examiner hasn't determined her cause of death. Twenty firefighters and 11 residents were injured and 47 families were left homeless.
The details of the actual ceremony weren't immediately clear, but sources said the good-luck ritual led to sex. As Pierre and the unidentified woman steamed up the top of the bed, flames from some of the candles ignited the sheets. Recently shed clothes strewn about the floor also went up in flames, sources said. Instead of calling 911, the voodoo priest used water from the bathroom sink to try to put out the fire.
LiveLeak link.
Sources said a man who was Pierre's roommate was ironing his pants when the fire started. He opened a window and a door leading to the building's hallway. Then he went back to ironing. That created wind gusts that "shot the flames back inside, creating a blowtorch effect," fire officials said. It turned a manageable fire into an inferno.
The wind-swept blaze engulfed the fourth, fifth and sixth floors, sending dozens of residents racing from the building - some with only the clothes on their backs. Mary Feagin, a 64-year-old retired teacher, died in the five-alarm blaze. The medical examiner hasn't determined her cause of death. Twenty firefighters and 11 residents were injured and 47 families were left homeless.
Man sues over strip club dental injuries
An Indianapolis man is suing a strip club after he said he was injured at the business. Jake Quagliaroli, 34, was watching a performance at PT's Showclub in Lawrence in early February when he was hit in the mouth by a shoe that flew off a dancer's foot. "He was hit by a stiletto with a very solid heel. When he was hit, he was bleeding from the mouth," said Jonathan Little, Quagliaroli's attorney.
Little said his client had no way to prepare for what turned out to be an embarrassing and expensive trip to a strip club. The dancer's shoe allegedly came off, during a pole dance, striking Quagliaroli in the face as he turned toward the dance stage after getting money from an ATM, Little said.
"He has quite a significant amount of dental work that needs to be done," said Little. "He has veneers right now and he's possibly going to need a root canal. His dentist said the treatment he has right now is a temporary fix." Little admits Quagliaroli is embarrassed by what happened but at the same time calls the incident "battery and negligence."
"We're asking that my client be made whole and that his dental bills be taken care of by PT's," Little said. Little said he just wants justice for the unintended shoe launch that left his client with dental damage that allegedly will lead to ongoing dental surgeries.
With news video.
Little said his client had no way to prepare for what turned out to be an embarrassing and expensive trip to a strip club. The dancer's shoe allegedly came off, during a pole dance, striking Quagliaroli in the face as he turned toward the dance stage after getting money from an ATM, Little said.
"He has quite a significant amount of dental work that needs to be done," said Little. "He has veneers right now and he's possibly going to need a root canal. His dentist said the treatment he has right now is a temporary fix." Little admits Quagliaroli is embarrassed by what happened but at the same time calls the incident "battery and negligence."
"We're asking that my client be made whole and that his dental bills be taken care of by PT's," Little said. Little said he just wants justice for the unintended shoe launch that left his client with dental damage that allegedly will lead to ongoing dental surgeries.
With news video.
Eight-year-old boy arrested for fifth time
The Orange County Sheriff's Office arrested an 8-year-old special ed. student on Tuesday, for battery on a school employee, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disruption of an educational institute.
The deputies responded to a call at Riverside Elementary school on Tuesday because the boy has reportedly become increasingly violent and hostile towards teachers over the last few weeks, at one point throwing a pipe at behavioural specialist Tawny Chiuchiarelli. The report also states that the boy punched Chiuchiarelli repeatedly, although he didn't inflict any harm on her. The boy has now been arrested for a fifth time since November, mostly for violent attacks against students and school faculty.
YouTube link.
The 85-pound, 4-foot 8-inch tall boy was arrested on November 10, while he reportedly screamed, "Take me to jail." He was then arrested on December 10th for breaking a school window with his bare hands along with kicking and punching shool faculty. The boy was then arrested January 4, after he threw books and chairs at classmates and his 6-foot 1-inch special-education teacher David Chesmel Jr.
The boy appeared in court on Friday after being held in juvenile detention for three days, according to a report by ClickOrlando.com. The boy wasn't able to see his mother until his court appearance, which the judge chastised the mother for not following the courts recommendation of counselling for the boy. The judge reportedly told the mother, "He's your responsibility. We really don't want to be a part of his life." The mother claims the boy, "doesn't act this way at home." The childs name has not been released due to his age.
The deputies responded to a call at Riverside Elementary school on Tuesday because the boy has reportedly become increasingly violent and hostile towards teachers over the last few weeks, at one point throwing a pipe at behavioural specialist Tawny Chiuchiarelli. The report also states that the boy punched Chiuchiarelli repeatedly, although he didn't inflict any harm on her. The boy has now been arrested for a fifth time since November, mostly for violent attacks against students and school faculty.
YouTube link.
The 85-pound, 4-foot 8-inch tall boy was arrested on November 10, while he reportedly screamed, "Take me to jail." He was then arrested on December 10th for breaking a school window with his bare hands along with kicking and punching shool faculty. The boy was then arrested January 4, after he threw books and chairs at classmates and his 6-foot 1-inch special-education teacher David Chesmel Jr.
The boy appeared in court on Friday after being held in juvenile detention for three days, according to a report by ClickOrlando.com. The boy wasn't able to see his mother until his court appearance, which the judge chastised the mother for not following the courts recommendation of counselling for the boy. The judge reportedly told the mother, "He's your responsibility. We really don't want to be a part of his life." The mother claims the boy, "doesn't act this way at home." The childs name has not been released due to his age.
Man urinated on $500 worth of chicken and ate ham
Police arrested a man who allegedly caused quite a disturbance earlier this week when he urinated on food inside a Kroger grocery store in North Little Rock, Ark.
The incident happened on Tuesday night and ended with Jerry Patterson, 58, of North Little Rock, in jail. Police say he was drunk at the time. Kroger managers told officers the man urinated on $500 worth of chicken and also ate a large package of ham, according to the incident report.
Patterson is charged with public intoxication, theft of property, and criminal mischief.
Patterson was reported by officers to have been unsteady on his feet, smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes when they arrived on the scene.
The incident happened on Tuesday night and ended with Jerry Patterson, 58, of North Little Rock, in jail. Police say he was drunk at the time. Kroger managers told officers the man urinated on $500 worth of chicken and also ate a large package of ham, according to the incident report.
Patterson is charged with public intoxication, theft of property, and criminal mischief.
Patterson was reported by officers to have been unsteady on his feet, smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes when they arrived on the scene.
Vandal crow targets drivers
A marauding crow has left motorists in Cirencester out of pocket after repeatedly ripping off the rubber from their windscreen wipers. Residents in Partridge Way told the Standard this week how they were forced to cover up their cars when the crow first struck last year. Crow casualty Wendy Barr said the bird had been wreaking havoc for nine months.
"I'm on my third set of blades now," she said. "The situation is very annoying and I have to constantly put plastic bags over the wiper blades because if you leave them uncovered, even for just half an hour, the crow will have them. All the cars on our side of the road have plastic bags, nets or some sort of material on them. The crow is very big and it's not cheap to keep replacing the blades."
Mrs Barr believes the bird may have a partner in crime as it is often seen with another crow. Victim Bill Crawford said that in the last week alone he had replaced his wiper blades three times.
He said: "Just before Christmas we were out driving and went to switch the wipers on and there was no rubber on them. We thought nothing of it but then it happened again. The crow is quite big and has a wing span of about 2ft." Victims are unsure what the crow does with its spoils but said it would sometimes peck the rubber out and leave it hanging from the wiper blade.
"I'm on my third set of blades now," she said. "The situation is very annoying and I have to constantly put plastic bags over the wiper blades because if you leave them uncovered, even for just half an hour, the crow will have them. All the cars on our side of the road have plastic bags, nets or some sort of material on them. The crow is very big and it's not cheap to keep replacing the blades."
Mrs Barr believes the bird may have a partner in crime as it is often seen with another crow. Victim Bill Crawford said that in the last week alone he had replaced his wiper blades three times.
He said: "Just before Christmas we were out driving and went to switch the wipers on and there was no rubber on them. We thought nothing of it but then it happened again. The crow is quite big and has a wing span of about 2ft." Victims are unsure what the crow does with its spoils but said it would sometimes peck the rubber out and leave it hanging from the wiper blade.
Metal detector finds diamond ring inside puppy
When Karen Woolley borrowed a metal detector from her auntie, she didn't expect to be using it on her puppy. But after her diamond ring went missing there was only one possible suspect – four-month old cockapoo Barney. Barney had to have an hour-long operation to remove the ring, and now Ruddington Veterinary Centre, which treated him, is warning puppy owners to keep their pets away from small objects.
Mrs Woolley, 40, had taken her rings off to have a bath and left them on her bedside cabinet. "When I went to put them on again the next morning, I realised that the diamond ring had disappeared," she said. "My husband Jonathan and I were searching everywhere, and then he had the idea of using the metal detector.
"We put Barney on the floor and ran the metal detector over him and he started to bleep." The ring that Barney had swallowed had been given to Mrs Woolley by her grandmother. "It was her engagement ring," said Mrs Woolley, who is setting up a bed-and-breakfast at her home in Thrumpton. "She's 104 in two weeks' time. It's gold and has three big diamonds, so it is probably worth a lot, but it's also very precious sentimentally."
As Barney, a cross between a cocker spaniel and a miniature poodle, is so small, the ring could not pass through him naturally. In an hour-long operation last Thursday, Barney was put under anaesthetic and his stomach cut open so the ring could be removed.
Mrs Woolley, 40, had taken her rings off to have a bath and left them on her bedside cabinet. "When I went to put them on again the next morning, I realised that the diamond ring had disappeared," she said. "My husband Jonathan and I were searching everywhere, and then he had the idea of using the metal detector.
"We put Barney on the floor and ran the metal detector over him and he started to bleep." The ring that Barney had swallowed had been given to Mrs Woolley by her grandmother. "It was her engagement ring," said Mrs Woolley, who is setting up a bed-and-breakfast at her home in Thrumpton. "She's 104 in two weeks' time. It's gold and has three big diamonds, so it is probably worth a lot, but it's also very precious sentimentally."
As Barney, a cross between a cocker spaniel and a miniature poodle, is so small, the ring could not pass through him naturally. In an hour-long operation last Thursday, Barney was put under anaesthetic and his stomach cut open so the ring could be removed.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Canadian man claims to be world’s fattest contortionist
With the ability to press his soles to his cheeks, turn himself into a human dart board, and dislocate his shoulders to escape from a straitjacket, Matt Alaeddine’s resume reads more like a medical examiner’s report. Couple that with his sizable mass — well over 400 pounds — and the Edmonton comic and contortionist has found a ticket around the world, securing him a place in the infamous Jim Rose Circus.
Alaeddine, 30, started doing contortion as a street performer at the Edmonton Fringe Festival about 10 years ago. When performing his contortions, Alaeddine stuffs his rolling hillsides into a gold nylon suit labelled “one size fits all” that he bought from the women’s section of a hipster-friendly clothing store.
“You go to work every day sitting at a desk. It’s not for me. I mean, some people, they just want to get out there and climb and mountain ... I’m not going to climb a mountain. Comedy is my mountain. Contortion is my mountain,” Alaeddine says. “Obesity! It’s working for me!”
YouTube link.
Over the years he’s gone by many stage names, including Fat Matt and Powermann. He says he’s the world’s fattest contortionist, though that isn’t a label in any official, record-breaking capacity — not that an official label matters, really.
Alaeddine, 30, started doing contortion as a street performer at the Edmonton Fringe Festival about 10 years ago. When performing his contortions, Alaeddine stuffs his rolling hillsides into a gold nylon suit labelled “one size fits all” that he bought from the women’s section of a hipster-friendly clothing store.
“You go to work every day sitting at a desk. It’s not for me. I mean, some people, they just want to get out there and climb and mountain ... I’m not going to climb a mountain. Comedy is my mountain. Contortion is my mountain,” Alaeddine says. “Obesity! It’s working for me!”
YouTube link.
Over the years he’s gone by many stage names, including Fat Matt and Powermann. He says he’s the world’s fattest contortionist, though that isn’t a label in any official, record-breaking capacity — not that an official label matters, really.
Indian flight delayed as man objects to woman pilot
A Mumbai-bound flight was delayed by one-and-a-half hours at Delhi airport on Friday morning - first by fog and then by a passenger who did not want to travel on a plane piloted by a woman. Passengers on board had a curious story to tell as to why Indigo flight 6E 179, supposed to depart at 8.10 a.m., could not take off before 9.40 a.m.
"First the flight was held up by a slight fog. Then, just when we were about to fly, the doors were opened again at around 9 as a middle-aged man seated a couple of seats away from me objected to a woman piloting the plane," co-passenger Partha Guha said. The man apparently turned jittery after the customary flight announcement was made, giving the pilot's name - it was a woman.
"The man first started grumbling to co-passengers, 'Marna hai kya? Ghar nahi sambhalta, plane kya sambhalegi?' (I don't want to die! She can't take care of the house, how will she take care of a plane?) He called the air hostesses and objected to the woman pilot. Ground staff were called and they took him out of the plane. This situation did not change for nearly 40 minutes even as other passengers became restless and upset."
The man relented only after he was told he would be taken off the plane - with his check in baggage. An airport official admitted that there was a "mentally unsound" man on board the plane.
"First the flight was held up by a slight fog. Then, just when we were about to fly, the doors were opened again at around 9 as a middle-aged man seated a couple of seats away from me objected to a woman piloting the plane," co-passenger Partha Guha said. The man apparently turned jittery after the customary flight announcement was made, giving the pilot's name - it was a woman.
"The man first started grumbling to co-passengers, 'Marna hai kya? Ghar nahi sambhalta, plane kya sambhalegi?' (I don't want to die! She can't take care of the house, how will she take care of a plane?) He called the air hostesses and objected to the woman pilot. Ground staff were called and they took him out of the plane. This situation did not change for nearly 40 minutes even as other passengers became restless and upset."
The man relented only after he was told he would be taken off the plane - with his check in baggage. An airport official admitted that there was a "mentally unsound" man on board the plane.
2 men arrested for seeking sex with dogs
A middle school teacher is one of two Valley men arrested for using a popular Internet website to connect with people offering their dogs for sexual acts with humans. Twenty-five-year-old Patrick Stephen Trejo's students at Raul Castro Middle School knew him as a good music teacher. "Why would you do something like that," said one of his students, Keena Huesby. "It scared me, because I wouldn't think of him as someone who would get arrested for anything because he seemed like a really nice teacher."
The school sent Huesby home with a letter to her parents, saying their children were never in danger. "It's just not something I've ever thought about discussing with my kids before," said Huesby's father, David Huesby. The investigation indicated there is secret language amongst Craiglist users in order to obscure their criminal plans, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said.
According to court paperwork, Trejo wrote, "Hit me up if you have a pup to play with," and made the call for anyone who was interested in "K-9 play" on Craigslist. Another man, 47-year-old Keith D. Kiefer of Mesa was also arrested in the online sting, but the arrests were unrelated to each other, according to Arpaio. Arpaio said there are apparently Craigslist users who train their animals for the encounters, and that no money was offered or exchanged.
YouTube link.
"I think they figured the dog was already trained for the activity, so they didn't need to bring any bones to bribe the dog," he said. According to the court documents, Kiefer, an unemployed handyman, wrote that he was looking to try, "Beasty worship of the kinky kind" and requested pictures of the dog's genitals, which he said he "liked very much." Arpaio said undercover deputies corresponded with the two men, posing as the handler of a male shepherd mix, and arranged to meet them in local hotel rooms where the sex acts were to occur. Before the actual sex act occurred, the deputies took the suspects into custody.
There's another news video here.
The school sent Huesby home with a letter to her parents, saying their children were never in danger. "It's just not something I've ever thought about discussing with my kids before," said Huesby's father, David Huesby. The investigation indicated there is secret language amongst Craiglist users in order to obscure their criminal plans, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said.
According to court paperwork, Trejo wrote, "Hit me up if you have a pup to play with," and made the call for anyone who was interested in "K-9 play" on Craigslist. Another man, 47-year-old Keith D. Kiefer of Mesa was also arrested in the online sting, but the arrests were unrelated to each other, according to Arpaio. Arpaio said there are apparently Craigslist users who train their animals for the encounters, and that no money was offered or exchanged.
YouTube link.
"I think they figured the dog was already trained for the activity, so they didn't need to bring any bones to bribe the dog," he said. According to the court documents, Kiefer, an unemployed handyman, wrote that he was looking to try, "Beasty worship of the kinky kind" and requested pictures of the dog's genitals, which he said he "liked very much." Arpaio said undercover deputies corresponded with the two men, posing as the handler of a male shepherd mix, and arranged to meet them in local hotel rooms where the sex acts were to occur. Before the actual sex act occurred, the deputies took the suspects into custody.
There's another news video here.
Man gave $200,000 to fake online girlfriend
A Naperville man is down $200,000 after wiring money to an online girlfriend he didn’t realize was a fake.
The 48-year-old man called Naperville police on Wednesday to ask for help rescuing the woman, who he believed had been kidnapped in London, police said.
He told police he started the online relationship 2 1/2 years ago. Since then, he had wired about $200,000 total to several different bank accounts in Nigeria, Malaysia, England and the United States, police said. An identification card the woman provided to him ended up being a sample driver’s licence from Florida.
Police said when an officer told the man the “woman” he was sending money to didn’t exist, he “was in disbelief.”
The 48-year-old man called Naperville police on Wednesday to ask for help rescuing the woman, who he believed had been kidnapped in London, police said.
He told police he started the online relationship 2 1/2 years ago. Since then, he had wired about $200,000 total to several different bank accounts in Nigeria, Malaysia, England and the United States, police said. An identification card the woman provided to him ended up being a sample driver’s licence from Florida.
Police said when an officer told the man the “woman” he was sending money to didn’t exist, he “was in disbelief.”
Bangladesh dog lovers protest brutal cull
Scores of dog lovers shouting "Don't kill, sterilise" marched through Dhaka yesterday to protest Bangladesh's brutal canine culling, which involves breaking the animals' necks. Carrying banners with slogans, the protesters linked hands in front of the Dhaka City Corporation, the main government agency responsible for culling thousands of dog each year. Organisers, who arranged the protest using media such as Facebook and Twitter, said they believed it was the first time such a public protest against the culling had been held in Bangladesh.
"We've come here with a message: please stop this brutal practice of dog culling," said Rubaiya Ahmad, head of Obhoyaronnyo (Sanctuary), an organiser of the event, which drew demonstrators of all ages, from teenagers to pensioners. "Nowhere in the world are dogs treated so badly as in Bangladesh," she said. The Dhaka City Corporation alone kills up to 20,000 stray dogs a year, according to city figures, amid concerns that rabies has become a major killer in the country. Thousands more are killed in rural areas.
According to the latest government data, at least 2000 people died of rabies in Bangladesh in 2009, the highest per capita rate in the world. Organisers said they supported the anti-rabies drive but demanded an end to the brutal methods used to kill dogs, including breaking their necks with tongs and beating them to death. In the face of growing concern, health officials last year admitted for the first time that existing methods were "cruel" and said they were seeking more humane ways to contain the canine population.
But protesters said progress was too slow. "The authorities should sterilise dogs or vaccinate them against rabies. There are lots of compassionate ways to contain the dog population," said Obhoyaronnyo's Ahmad. "I have seen how they put down these lovely animals," added Ash Bhattacharjee, 17, another demonstrator. "They catch dogs from roadsides and use iron tongs to break their necks and the helpless animals are dead in minutes," she said.
"We've come here with a message: please stop this brutal practice of dog culling," said Rubaiya Ahmad, head of Obhoyaronnyo (Sanctuary), an organiser of the event, which drew demonstrators of all ages, from teenagers to pensioners. "Nowhere in the world are dogs treated so badly as in Bangladesh," she said. The Dhaka City Corporation alone kills up to 20,000 stray dogs a year, according to city figures, amid concerns that rabies has become a major killer in the country. Thousands more are killed in rural areas.
According to the latest government data, at least 2000 people died of rabies in Bangladesh in 2009, the highest per capita rate in the world. Organisers said they supported the anti-rabies drive but demanded an end to the brutal methods used to kill dogs, including breaking their necks with tongs and beating them to death. In the face of growing concern, health officials last year admitted for the first time that existing methods were "cruel" and said they were seeking more humane ways to contain the canine population.
But protesters said progress was too slow. "The authorities should sterilise dogs or vaccinate them against rabies. There are lots of compassionate ways to contain the dog population," said Obhoyaronnyo's Ahmad. "I have seen how they put down these lovely animals," added Ash Bhattacharjee, 17, another demonstrator. "They catch dogs from roadsides and use iron tongs to break their necks and the helpless animals are dead in minutes," she said.
Kitten survives trip through recycling machine
A kitten is lucky to be alive after being dumped in a skip and then going through a sorting barrel at a waste disposal site. The seven-week-old kitten was spotted by a worker at Eastern Waste Disposal, in Brightlingsea, after it had been in the giant revolving trommel. He plucked the kitten to safety and took it home, before handing it over to Brenda Davy, from Alresford, who helps to re-home cats.
Mrs Davy said: “When skips come in, they are tipped into a huge tumble-dryer-type thing, so they can sort it out and they found this tiny black and white kitten inside. I have taken him to the vet and all he had was some bruising on his hind legs. It is an absolute miracle he made it through.” Brenda has named the kitten Skippy.
She added: “He was very dirty when he was brought to me, but in surprisingly good condition. It is quite likely he was dumped in the skip by someone, it is horrible. I can’t believe people can be that cruel. Considering what he has been through, Skippy is very fluffy and friendly, and it will be no problem finding a new home for him.”
Danny Carter, a director at Eastern Waste Disposal, said: “This is the first time we have had a kitten go through the trommel. It is amazing what some people will throw away, but our pickers are a good bunch of people and they did a good thing here.”
Mrs Davy said: “When skips come in, they are tipped into a huge tumble-dryer-type thing, so they can sort it out and they found this tiny black and white kitten inside. I have taken him to the vet and all he had was some bruising on his hind legs. It is an absolute miracle he made it through.” Brenda has named the kitten Skippy.
She added: “He was very dirty when he was brought to me, but in surprisingly good condition. It is quite likely he was dumped in the skip by someone, it is horrible. I can’t believe people can be that cruel. Considering what he has been through, Skippy is very fluffy and friendly, and it will be no problem finding a new home for him.”
Danny Carter, a director at Eastern Waste Disposal, said: “This is the first time we have had a kitten go through the trommel. It is amazing what some people will throw away, but our pickers are a good bunch of people and they did a good thing here.”
Police fail to learn lessons from own security campaign
A police station was burgled a day after officers urged residents to keep doors and windows locked. As force chiefs launched a home safety campaign, a thief climbed in through an open window. Now an urgent security review is being carried out at the busy station yards from the town’s magistrates’ court.
As part of a “Close it, lock it, check it” crackdown across their county, police revealed more than a quarter of burglaries were a result of poor security – such as unlocked doors or open windows. The slogan was painted on a bus to spread the message. But a day later, a crook slipped into the station in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, through an open window.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Marshall said at the launch: “People can avoid becoming a victim of burglary by checking that their doors and windows are locked every time they go out.” A man was arrested over the break-in and is due in court next week, but police are remaining tight-lipped as to what he stole. A spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said: “Although there was a breach of building security, confidential documents were not compromised.” A colleague promised: “Security at the station will be reviewed.”
Councillor Robert Everitt, member for community safety on St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: “I’m sure they are learning their lessons and are extremely embarrassed.” A resident who asked not to be named said: “It’s almost too humorous but I feel sorry for them. They’re doing their best and unfortunately they do not have the wit or guile to stop themselves being burgled.”
As part of a “Close it, lock it, check it” crackdown across their county, police revealed more than a quarter of burglaries were a result of poor security – such as unlocked doors or open windows. The slogan was painted on a bus to spread the message. But a day later, a crook slipped into the station in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, through an open window.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Marshall said at the launch: “People can avoid becoming a victim of burglary by checking that their doors and windows are locked every time they go out.” A man was arrested over the break-in and is due in court next week, but police are remaining tight-lipped as to what he stole. A spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said: “Although there was a breach of building security, confidential documents were not compromised.” A colleague promised: “Security at the station will be reviewed.”
Councillor Robert Everitt, member for community safety on St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: “I’m sure they are learning their lessons and are extremely embarrassed.” A resident who asked not to be named said: “It’s almost too humorous but I feel sorry for them. They’re doing their best and unfortunately they do not have the wit or guile to stop themselves being burgled.”
Friday, February 25, 2011
'Cash-for-organs' horror hoax dupes South Africans
The authorities in South Africa have been duped by a "cash-for-organs" hoax, which turned out to be a publicity stunt for an upcoming horror film. "We pay the best prices for all your body parts and organs," read pamphlets widely circulated in Johannesburg city.
Police were reported to be trying to track down "Dr Uba", who advertised quick and painless same-day procedures. The Health Department also issued a statement of concern before the hoax was revealed on Thursday afternoon.
The flyers advertised Dr Uba's Clinic and directed people to an active website that had gory photos of the procedures. It said Dr Uba was offering 5,000 rand ($700; £432) for a pair of eyes, 2,500 rand for a tongue and testicles could fetch up to 1,600 rand each.
"Stop suffering in silence. Rush to get that cash you need. If not for you, do it for your loved one," the pamphlet said. By Thursday morning, newspapers, social networking sites Twitter and Facebook, and blogs were dominated by news of the surgery that was harvesting human body parts. When it turned out to be a hoax, many people were shocked.
Police were reported to be trying to track down "Dr Uba", who advertised quick and painless same-day procedures. The Health Department also issued a statement of concern before the hoax was revealed on Thursday afternoon.
The flyers advertised Dr Uba's Clinic and directed people to an active website that had gory photos of the procedures. It said Dr Uba was offering 5,000 rand ($700; £432) for a pair of eyes, 2,500 rand for a tongue and testicles could fetch up to 1,600 rand each.
"Stop suffering in silence. Rush to get that cash you need. If not for you, do it for your loved one," the pamphlet said. By Thursday morning, newspapers, social networking sites Twitter and Facebook, and blogs were dominated by news of the surgery that was harvesting human body parts. When it turned out to be a hoax, many people were shocked.
Passenger caught trying to traffic crabs through Russian airport
A passenger who was trying to smuggle 63kg of crabs through a Russian airport was caught due to the rancid smell of the shellfish. The man was stopped by customs officers at Moscow's Domodedovo AIrport.
It is thought the crabs, poached from the Pacific, were intended for top restaurants in the Russian capital. Customs officers stopped the passenger dragging the heavy luggage when they smelt the rotting shellfish.
One customs officer at Domodedovo stated: ‘He said it was old washing but the smell was eye-watering.’ Said smell was due to the passenger not packing enough ice for transportation in a bid to cram in more crustaceans.
The passenger tried to deny that the crabs were for human consumption, insisting the shells were to be used for aquarium souvenirs.
It is thought the crabs, poached from the Pacific, were intended for top restaurants in the Russian capital. Customs officers stopped the passenger dragging the heavy luggage when they smelt the rotting shellfish.
One customs officer at Domodedovo stated: ‘He said it was old washing but the smell was eye-watering.’ Said smell was due to the passenger not packing enough ice for transportation in a bid to cram in more crustaceans.
The passenger tried to deny that the crabs were for human consumption, insisting the shells were to be used for aquarium souvenirs.
The Daily Show in hot water over failed camel stunt
Thanks to a falling camel fiasco, Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" had to get over the hump of bad publicity from animal rights groups. It was the straw that broke the camel joke. "The Daily Show" has been making fun of those who draw parallels between American and Middle Eastern protesters.
So when "Daily Show" correspondent John Oliver was dispatched to Wisconsin, it seemed like bringing a camel would be a great gag, the locals were impressed. Blogger Jack Craver whipped out his flip cam in time to capture footage of a camel catching its foot in a police barricade, falling over and making unhappy gurgling noises. It fell a second time, taking a man down with it.
YouTube link.
Jack Craver posted the video on his blog, and animal rights defenders took it from there. The Alliance for Animals said, "Animals are not props to be used for low-based humor." And then there was PETA's response: "Now, PETA considers itself a friend of the show, so its letter to Jon Stewart wasn't exactly scalding." It took perhaps 10 minutes for handlers to get the camel back on its feet.
"The Daily Show" released a statement saying, "The camel remains in good health but is declining media requests at this time." Correspondent John Oliver had suggested the blogger with the flip cam should put it down. The following day, the segment aired. When the Wisconsin protest segment aired on "The Daily Show," the camel was nowhere to be seen, cut, not even a camel cameo. "The Daily Show" said they "immediately decided not to pursue the idea any further and did not film any material with the camel."
So when "Daily Show" correspondent John Oliver was dispatched to Wisconsin, it seemed like bringing a camel would be a great gag, the locals were impressed. Blogger Jack Craver whipped out his flip cam in time to capture footage of a camel catching its foot in a police barricade, falling over and making unhappy gurgling noises. It fell a second time, taking a man down with it.
YouTube link.
Jack Craver posted the video on his blog, and animal rights defenders took it from there. The Alliance for Animals said, "Animals are not props to be used for low-based humor." And then there was PETA's response: "Now, PETA considers itself a friend of the show, so its letter to Jon Stewart wasn't exactly scalding." It took perhaps 10 minutes for handlers to get the camel back on its feet.
"The Daily Show" released a statement saying, "The camel remains in good health but is declining media requests at this time." Correspondent John Oliver had suggested the blogger with the flip cam should put it down. The following day, the segment aired. When the Wisconsin protest segment aired on "The Daily Show," the camel was nowhere to be seen, cut, not even a camel cameo. "The Daily Show" said they "immediately decided not to pursue the idea any further and did not film any material with the camel."
Smoker agrees to pay neighbours $2,000 every time he has a cigar at home
A New York man agreed to pay $2,000 to his neighbours any time he smokes a cigar inside his apartment. In papers filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, Harry Lysons said he will be on the hook for $2,000 every time the smell of cigar smoke wafts from his apartment into the home of Russell and Amanda Poses - and if he does not pay up within 15 days, he will be on the hook for an additional $1,500 per violation.
Despite the hefty smoking surcharge, Lysons might be getting off slightly cheap - the deal brings an end to a $2 million lawsuit the Poses filed against him last month, complaining that Lysons was stinking up their East 79th Street apartment with "foul and noxious odours."
Lysons' lawyer, Jeffrey Marcus, said: "They could have put in a million dollar fine and it would have been fine with us, because my client won't be smoking any cigars in the apartment." He said his client is a "gentleman" who was willing to give up his right to smoke in his apartment to be a good neighbour - but he is not giving up his stogies.
Under the terms of the court-approved deal, Lysons' apartment will have to pass a smell test if the Poses said there was the scent of smoke in their two bedroom condo. "The parties agree that a simple 'knock on the door' to discuss any complaint that the parties may have concerning cigar smoke... would be preferable to continuing to litigate this matter," the deal said.
Despite the hefty smoking surcharge, Lysons might be getting off slightly cheap - the deal brings an end to a $2 million lawsuit the Poses filed against him last month, complaining that Lysons was stinking up their East 79th Street apartment with "foul and noxious odours."
Lysons' lawyer, Jeffrey Marcus, said: "They could have put in a million dollar fine and it would have been fine with us, because my client won't be smoking any cigars in the apartment." He said his client is a "gentleman" who was willing to give up his right to smoke in his apartment to be a good neighbour - but he is not giving up his stogies.
Under the terms of the court-approved deal, Lysons' apartment will have to pass a smell test if the Poses said there was the scent of smoke in their two bedroom condo. "The parties agree that a simple 'knock on the door' to discuss any complaint that the parties may have concerning cigar smoke... would be preferable to continuing to litigate this matter," the deal said.
Billboard replaced after clothes painted on nude Venus
A billboard for a Minneapolis museum has been replaced after someone spray-painted clothing and the word "Brrr!" in red over its depiction of nudity from a 16th-century Venus painting.
The advertisement is for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' exhibition of works by the Italian master Titian. The museum chose to feature the famous "Venus Rising from the Sea" painting on the billboard because "it's very typical of paintings in the show," said MIA spokeswoman Anne-Marie Wagener.
The graffiti was discovered on a billboard in Long Lake, a western suburb, last week. None of the other Minneapolis area billboards advertising the show have been damaged. The one that was vandalized has been restored to its previous condition, despite objections from museum officials. "We said 'We think it's funny, just leave it, don't bother replacing it,'" Wagener said on Thursday.
But she said Clear Channel Outdoor, the company that owns the billboard, has a policy that ads with graffiti must be taken down so as not to encourage vandalism. The museum has fielded about 10 calls from angry passers-by who said they weren't comfortable seeing nudity outside of the museum, said MIA marketing director Kristin Prestegaard. Some people said it forced them to talk to their children about nudity in art, a conversation they weren't ready to have.
The advertisement is for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' exhibition of works by the Italian master Titian. The museum chose to feature the famous "Venus Rising from the Sea" painting on the billboard because "it's very typical of paintings in the show," said MIA spokeswoman Anne-Marie Wagener.
The graffiti was discovered on a billboard in Long Lake, a western suburb, last week. None of the other Minneapolis area billboards advertising the show have been damaged. The one that was vandalized has been restored to its previous condition, despite objections from museum officials. "We said 'We think it's funny, just leave it, don't bother replacing it,'" Wagener said on Thursday.
But she said Clear Channel Outdoor, the company that owns the billboard, has a policy that ads with graffiti must be taken down so as not to encourage vandalism. The museum has fielded about 10 calls from angry passers-by who said they weren't comfortable seeing nudity outside of the museum, said MIA marketing director Kristin Prestegaard. Some people said it forced them to talk to their children about nudity in art, a conversation they weren't ready to have.
Couple accused of treating their three adopted children like dogs
Three adopted children who allegedly suffered burns and were forced to eat pet food lived in "inhumane conditions" and might never fully recover, an Oklahoma sheriff said on Thursday.
"They have been raised worse than dogs," Canadian County Sheriff Randall Edwards said of the three malnourished juveniles, who are 9, 11 and 15.
YouTube link.
John Kluth, 50, and Sonja Kluth, 57, of Yukon, Oklahoma, are accused by the district attorney's office of three counts of child abuse and three counts of child neglect, authorities said.
The complaint alleges the Kluths confined the 15-year-old boy to a plastic dog carrier for two months and deprived him of food. All three have stunted growth, Edwards said. He called it the worst abuse case he has seen.
"They have been raised worse than dogs," Canadian County Sheriff Randall Edwards said of the three malnourished juveniles, who are 9, 11 and 15.
YouTube link.
John Kluth, 50, and Sonja Kluth, 57, of Yukon, Oklahoma, are accused by the district attorney's office of three counts of child abuse and three counts of child neglect, authorities said.
The complaint alleges the Kluths confined the 15-year-old boy to a plastic dog carrier for two months and deprived him of food. All three have stunted growth, Edwards said. He called it the worst abuse case he has seen.
‘Racist rhyme’ teacher guilty of misconduct
A supply teacher who taught a racist rhyme to a pupil - which included the phrase 'Black Boys Rape Our Young Girls' - has been found guilty of professional misconduct. James Hersey, 68, taught the shocking mnemonic to a 16-year-old boy who was revising a wiring colour coding system for electronic resistors.
He taught the boy the ditty: 'Black Boys Rape Our Young Girls, But Virgins Go Without.' Each word represents the first letter of the colours in the code which are; black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, grey and white. When the Year 11 pupil asked for help in remembering the code, Mr Hersey wrote part of the rhyme down on a piece of paper and showed it to him.
Mr Hersey was sacked on the spot after the boy told another teacher what he had been taught. He was found guilty of unacceptable professional misconduct because of the rhyme's 'racist and sexual content' by a disciplinary hearing of the General Teaching Council (GTC).
He was told the mnemonic was 'inappropriate in more enlightened times' and that it failed to 'demonstrate respect for diversity and promote equality'. Mr Hersey has 28 days to appeal the ruling.
He taught the boy the ditty: 'Black Boys Rape Our Young Girls, But Virgins Go Without.' Each word represents the first letter of the colours in the code which are; black, brown, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, grey and white. When the Year 11 pupil asked for help in remembering the code, Mr Hersey wrote part of the rhyme down on a piece of paper and showed it to him.
Mr Hersey was sacked on the spot after the boy told another teacher what he had been taught. He was found guilty of unacceptable professional misconduct because of the rhyme's 'racist and sexual content' by a disciplinary hearing of the General Teaching Council (GTC).
He was told the mnemonic was 'inappropriate in more enlightened times' and that it failed to 'demonstrate respect for diversity and promote equality'. Mr Hersey has 28 days to appeal the ruling.
Husband of 37 years jailed for hitting wife after she put too many sprouts on his plate
An abusive husband who attacked his wife for giving him too many sprouts for dinner has been jailed.
Raymond Kay, 60, threw his plate in a rage and bit wife Mary, 61, on the nose.
Prosecutor Sophie Ewulo told Chelmsford crown court: “He continued to rant about sprouts all weekend.” He then punched his wife of 37 years in the eye.
Kay, of Felsted, Essex, who admitted assault, was jailed for 16 weeks and given a restraining order. He got a further 16 weeks after admitting a road rage offence.
Raymond Kay, 60, threw his plate in a rage and bit wife Mary, 61, on the nose.
Prosecutor Sophie Ewulo told Chelmsford crown court: “He continued to rant about sprouts all weekend.” He then punched his wife of 37 years in the eye.
Kay, of Felsted, Essex, who admitted assault, was jailed for 16 weeks and given a restraining order. He got a further 16 weeks after admitting a road rage offence.
Goggles banned at school swimming lessons
Children have been banned from wearing goggles during school swimming lessons for fears they could hurt themselves.
Pen-pushers have slapped the ban on the swimming aids amid "fears" a pair could "snap" onto a child's face too hard, injuring them. Parents branded the ruling by Oxfordshire County Council's healthy and safety brigade as "nutty" and "extreme."
However, bureaucrats defended its no-goggle policy claiming that it reflected national guidance provided by sports bodies. Children will now need a medical reason for them to be allowed to wear the protective eye wear in the pool during school lessons.
A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council refused to divulge the specific reason why goggles had been banned from its swimming pools. "This local authority, like others throughout the UK, reflects to schools the national guidance provided by various governing sport bodies on this issue," he said.
Pen-pushers have slapped the ban on the swimming aids amid "fears" a pair could "snap" onto a child's face too hard, injuring them. Parents branded the ruling by Oxfordshire County Council's healthy and safety brigade as "nutty" and "extreme."
However, bureaucrats defended its no-goggle policy claiming that it reflected national guidance provided by sports bodies. Children will now need a medical reason for them to be allowed to wear the protective eye wear in the pool during school lessons.
A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council refused to divulge the specific reason why goggles had been banned from its swimming pools. "This local authority, like others throughout the UK, reflects to schools the national guidance provided by various governing sport bodies on this issue," he said.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
I've never much liked Bobby Davro
I don't know where this clip, obviously from a few years back is from, but it features Lionel 'not brother of Tony' Blair, Jim 'look at what you could have won' Bowen, who recently suffered two strokes, (get well soon Jim!), Keith liked a bit of a drink 'Cheggers' Chegwin and Bobby 'never particularly entertaining, but earned a fortune anyway' Davro, who is in the stocks.
YouTube link.
YouTube link.
Armed robber sues over underpants arrest
An armed robber is suing police after they led him from a bank he'd held up in handcuffs with his trousers round his ankles.
Phillip Niere, 38, had threatened to kill staff at a branch of the Noris Bank in Aachen, Germany, if they didn't hand over £200,000.
But he surrendered after an hour when police negotiators convinced him he'd be treated with dignity. "The handcuffs are understandable, but what the police have to explain is why he was brought out with his jeans pulled down and his underwear on show.
"It is clearly a breach of his human rights and caused Mr Niere needless humiliation and embarrassment," said a lawyer.
Phillip Niere, 38, had threatened to kill staff at a branch of the Noris Bank in Aachen, Germany, if they didn't hand over £200,000.
But he surrendered after an hour when police negotiators convinced him he'd be treated with dignity. "The handcuffs are understandable, but what the police have to explain is why he was brought out with his jeans pulled down and his underwear on show.
"It is clearly a breach of his human rights and caused Mr Niere needless humiliation and embarrassment," said a lawyer.
Man chewing bullet shoots self in face
A man is recovering after injuring his face at his home. Police believe this was an accident.
Police were first called to the man's home on 2400 block of South 128th East Avenue in Tulsa to reports of a shooting. When they got there they found no shooting but the victim with a serious gash on his face.
He told police a shell had bounced off of his garage floor and hit him in the face. Police think he might have been chewing on a bullet when it exploded.
He was taken to St. John Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries where ER doctors recovered a bullet from his sinus cavity.
Police were first called to the man's home on 2400 block of South 128th East Avenue in Tulsa to reports of a shooting. When they got there they found no shooting but the victim with a serious gash on his face.
He told police a shell had bounced off of his garage floor and hit him in the face. Police think he might have been chewing on a bullet when it exploded.
He was taken to St. John Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries where ER doctors recovered a bullet from his sinus cavity.
Man with barbecue fork impersonated police officer
Howard Schultz could be described as a little confused. The 69-year-old Pompano Beach man was arrested Monday for allegedly telling a motorist he was a cop and forcing the driver to pull over - with a barbecue fork. The weird incident happened near the Walgreens on Southeast 11th Avenue.
When Broward Sheriffs Office deputies arrived, they found Schultz in the middle of the street waving his cooking utensil as cars passed by. Amazingly, Schultz was able to convince one motorist that he was actually a cop and that it was in his best interest to pull over.
Pointing a 10-inch mini pitch fork at a person might be persuasive, but cooking tools aren't usually a cop's weapon of choice. "You need to pull over. I'm a police officer," Schultz told the man, who told detectives he was scared for his life, according to the arrest report.
The affidavit doesn't say if Schultz issued the motorist a ticket or some other citation for being foolish enough to stop for him. Deputies ordered Schultz to surrender his "weapon" and put him in handcuffs. He was charged with aggravated battery and impersonating a law enforcement officer.
When Broward Sheriffs Office deputies arrived, they found Schultz in the middle of the street waving his cooking utensil as cars passed by. Amazingly, Schultz was able to convince one motorist that he was actually a cop and that it was in his best interest to pull over.
Pointing a 10-inch mini pitch fork at a person might be persuasive, but cooking tools aren't usually a cop's weapon of choice. "You need to pull over. I'm a police officer," Schultz told the man, who told detectives he was scared for his life, according to the arrest report.
The affidavit doesn't say if Schultz issued the motorist a ticket or some other citation for being foolish enough to stop for him. Deputies ordered Schultz to surrender his "weapon" and put him in handcuffs. He was charged with aggravated battery and impersonating a law enforcement officer.
Faeces spitting postal worker arrested
A Durango post office employee is accused of spitting his faeces on a police officer after being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Paul Andrew Kausalik, 61, of Durango is suspected of felony assault, driving under the influence and criminal mischief. According to an arrest affidavit, the events began at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 11 when a Durango Police Department officer observed a vehicle turn right onto 32nd Street from Main Avenue without using a turn signal. The officer, Chad Langley, pulled Kausalik over. While speaking to Kausalik, the officer detected alcohol on his breath, according to the affidavit.
Kausalik said he had not been drinking. Kausalik performed voluntary roadside manoeuvres, but not to Langley’s satisfaction, the affidavit says. A preliminary breath test indicated he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.142, almost three times the 0.05 legal driving limit in Colorado. Langley arrested Kausalik and took him to the Durango police station, 990 East Second Ave., for a formal breath test. At the station, Kausalik asked to use the restroom.
Officer Langley twice found Kausalik asleep in the restroom. He told Kausalik he could not stay in the restroom all night to avoid the breath test, and he needed to either take the test or choose a refusal. Kausalik eventually left the bathroom looking at the floor, walking toward the officer. Langley asked Kausalik what was in his mouth, and he continued to walk toward the officer, head down and expressionless. When Kausalik was about 4 feet from the officer, Kausalik looked up, opened his mouth and took a deep breath.
“As I observed what he had in his mouth, I took a step back and began turning my head as he violently spit the contents of his mouth toward my face,” officer Langley wrote in the affidavit. “I felt the matter strike the left side of my face and head.” Kausalik also had faeces on his hands, the affidavit says. He was restrained and taken to the La Plata County Jail and booked on suspicion of felony assault on a police officer. Durango police Capt. Micki Browning said there are health concerns whenever an officer comes into contact with bodily fluids. “I just get floored sometimes, the treatment our officers endure in the course of business,” she said. “It’s a reminder of what our guys go through and the things we do to keep the public safe. This is not something that is listed on any job description.”
Kausalik said he had not been drinking. Kausalik performed voluntary roadside manoeuvres, but not to Langley’s satisfaction, the affidavit says. A preliminary breath test indicated he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.142, almost three times the 0.05 legal driving limit in Colorado. Langley arrested Kausalik and took him to the Durango police station, 990 East Second Ave., for a formal breath test. At the station, Kausalik asked to use the restroom.
Officer Langley twice found Kausalik asleep in the restroom. He told Kausalik he could not stay in the restroom all night to avoid the breath test, and he needed to either take the test or choose a refusal. Kausalik eventually left the bathroom looking at the floor, walking toward the officer. Langley asked Kausalik what was in his mouth, and he continued to walk toward the officer, head down and expressionless. When Kausalik was about 4 feet from the officer, Kausalik looked up, opened his mouth and took a deep breath.
“As I observed what he had in his mouth, I took a step back and began turning my head as he violently spit the contents of his mouth toward my face,” officer Langley wrote in the affidavit. “I felt the matter strike the left side of my face and head.” Kausalik also had faeces on his hands, the affidavit says. He was restrained and taken to the La Plata County Jail and booked on suspicion of felony assault on a police officer. Durango police Capt. Micki Browning said there are health concerns whenever an officer comes into contact with bodily fluids. “I just get floored sometimes, the treatment our officers endure in the course of business,” she said. “It’s a reminder of what our guys go through and the things we do to keep the public safe. This is not something that is listed on any job description.”
French father 'barbecued wife and fed her to children'
Benoit Piet, a father of six, has admitted digging up his dead wife, barbecuing her body and then feeding it to his children in a bizarre bid to escape a murder charge. Mr Piet told a court it was time to stop the lies after previously claiming his wife committed suicide.
In front of his two girls and four boys, aged 12 to 20, the 42-year-old said: ‘I promise to tell the truth to my children. A court is a good place to do it after telling so many lies.’ Police believe he murdered wife Adeline in 2006 after she asked for a divorce. He told officers then she had run off, sparking a nationwide hunt. Two years later, he was interviewed again and said she had hanged herself at their home in St Malo, Normandy.
‘I found my wife hanging in the garage. So that I wasn’t accused of murder, I buried her in the garden,’ he told police. ‘In May 2008, I dug the body up and burned the remains in the barbeque in the garden.’ Piet later changed his story again to claim she had been murdered by two strangers before reverting to the suicide theory.
He appeared in court on Wednesday in Ille-et-Vilaine, in northern France, charged with murder. He has admitted his wife died during a drunken domestic dispute but stopped short of saying he killed her. The case continues.
In front of his two girls and four boys, aged 12 to 20, the 42-year-old said: ‘I promise to tell the truth to my children. A court is a good place to do it after telling so many lies.’ Police believe he murdered wife Adeline in 2006 after she asked for a divorce. He told officers then she had run off, sparking a nationwide hunt. Two years later, he was interviewed again and said she had hanged herself at their home in St Malo, Normandy.
‘I found my wife hanging in the garage. So that I wasn’t accused of murder, I buried her in the garden,’ he told police. ‘In May 2008, I dug the body up and burned the remains in the barbeque in the garden.’ Piet later changed his story again to claim she had been murdered by two strangers before reverting to the suicide theory.
He appeared in court on Wednesday in Ille-et-Vilaine, in northern France, charged with murder. He has admitted his wife died during a drunken domestic dispute but stopped short of saying he killed her. The case continues.
Cow and pig among more than 70 animals found in New York house
Suffolk County SPCA officers found scores of dead and dying animals inside a filthy and condemned house in Shirley, N.Y., on Tuesday evening, authorities said. Officers and veterinarians were on the scene examining the animals. They found at least 70 animals alive, including ducks, rabbits, mice, pigeons, chinchillas, dogs, cats, goats, a pig and a cow, authorities said. The animals were malnourished and filthy.
They also found at least a dozen animals dead. SPCA officials said the house was piled high with debris and smelled like urine and feces. They did not find any food inside the house. An elderly disabled woman lived inside the home with all the animals, authorities said. She could face animal cruelty charges.
"This animal hoarding is one of the most egregious Quality of Life Task Force cases we have seen," said Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko. "We will prosecute the code violations issued to the property owner to the fullest extent of the law and the Quality of Life Task Force will continue to aggressively crack down on property owners who disregard the health and safety of Brookhaven residents."
Officers issued eight appearance tickets to the property owner, town officials said. Three of the tickets are for misdemeanor offences. The town has started cleaning up the property and plans to charge the owner for the cost.
With two news videos.
They also found at least a dozen animals dead. SPCA officials said the house was piled high with debris and smelled like urine and feces. They did not find any food inside the house. An elderly disabled woman lived inside the home with all the animals, authorities said. She could face animal cruelty charges.
"This animal hoarding is one of the most egregious Quality of Life Task Force cases we have seen," said Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko. "We will prosecute the code violations issued to the property owner to the fullest extent of the law and the Quality of Life Task Force will continue to aggressively crack down on property owners who disregard the health and safety of Brookhaven residents."
Officers issued eight appearance tickets to the property owner, town officials said. Three of the tickets are for misdemeanor offences. The town has started cleaning up the property and plans to charge the owner for the cost.
With two news videos.
Dolphin alert saves life of dog
An 11-year-old Doberman trapped for more than 15 hours in a canal off South Bahama Avenue on Marco Island in Florida owes his life to a dolphin that splashed and made a ruckus until a nearby homeowner responded. Turbo, belonging to Cindy Burnett of Dogwood Drive, slipped through an open fence gate on Sunday, Feb. 20, sometime after dark. At sometime during the night, he is thought to have fallen into the canal.
Just before lunch, police received a 911 call from a South Bahama resident who said she'd rescued a dog from a canal after she'd heard and seen a dolphin making a "lot of noise," Burnett said. The woman Cindy Burnett she'd found Turbo in a corner of the canal. At that stage, the dog had been able to stand in some sand because of a low tide.
Police called Burnett to tell her the dog had been found, and Burnett rushed down to the area. She had been preparing some posters asking people to look out for her pet. "He was shivering, and dehydrated, and he had some cuts on his legs I guess from trying to jump out," Burnett said. She took him home, gave him an electrolyte drink and let him rest until he regained his strength.
Burnett said she forgot to get the neighbour's name. "I'm so grateful to her," she said. "She told me the dolphin had attracted her attention to Turbo by splashing, making noises and generally causing a ruckus in the water. That's when she saw him (Turbo) in the canal. I think it's just a miracle," Burnett said. "I'm so thankful to those people."
Video.
Just before lunch, police received a 911 call from a South Bahama resident who said she'd rescued a dog from a canal after she'd heard and seen a dolphin making a "lot of noise," Burnett said. The woman Cindy Burnett she'd found Turbo in a corner of the canal. At that stage, the dog had been able to stand in some sand because of a low tide.
Police called Burnett to tell her the dog had been found, and Burnett rushed down to the area. She had been preparing some posters asking people to look out for her pet. "He was shivering, and dehydrated, and he had some cuts on his legs I guess from trying to jump out," Burnett said. She took him home, gave him an electrolyte drink and let him rest until he regained his strength.
Burnett said she forgot to get the neighbour's name. "I'm so grateful to her," she said. "She told me the dolphin had attracted her attention to Turbo by splashing, making noises and generally causing a ruckus in the water. That's when she saw him (Turbo) in the canal. I think it's just a miracle," Burnett said. "I'm so thankful to those people."
Video.
Chinese city announces 'one-dog policy'
The city of Shanghai - which already follows China's one-child policy - has announced a new rule for households. From May a one-dog policy will be introduced, and more than 600,000 unlicensed dogs will be declared illegal. The new regulation has been the subject of long and heated debate among the city's lawmakers.
Last year more than 140,000 people told police they had been bitten by an unlicensed dog. There are four times as many dogs without the proper paperwork in Shanghai as there are animals with a permit.
The new rule means owners whose dogs are not registered with the authorities will have to give them away. Those who already have two licensed dogs will be able to keep them, but only new applications from households without hounds will be accepted. Of course, this being China, people will no doubt find a way to get around the rules.
When restrictions on the numbers of homes families could own were introduced to try to slow the rise in house prices, there were reports of couples getting divorced but still living together just so they could buy more properties. The police say they are expecting they will have to adopt many of the dogs once they are declared outlaws.
Last year more than 140,000 people told police they had been bitten by an unlicensed dog. There are four times as many dogs without the proper paperwork in Shanghai as there are animals with a permit.
The new rule means owners whose dogs are not registered with the authorities will have to give them away. Those who already have two licensed dogs will be able to keep them, but only new applications from households without hounds will be accepted. Of course, this being China, people will no doubt find a way to get around the rules.
When restrictions on the numbers of homes families could own were introduced to try to slow the rise in house prices, there were reports of couples getting divorced but still living together just so they could buy more properties. The police say they are expecting they will have to adopt many of the dogs once they are declared outlaws.
Brazilian woman finds alligator behind sofa
A woman in Brazil was shocked to find an alligator hiding behind her sofa after heavy rains flooded her house in the town of Parauapebas, in Para state.
She said she was alerted to the reptile's presence by her three-year-old son, who was patting its head. The woman snatched the child away and called the fire brigade, who trapped the 1.5m-long (5ft) alligator.
The firefighters said the family was lucky the reptile was not hungry. Firefighter Captain Luiz Claudio Farias said it could have seriously hurt or even killed the boy.
Capt Farias said it was not uncommon for animals such as alligators and snakes to enter people's houses in towns such as Parauapebas which are built very near rivers and the rainforest. He said the reptile had been released in a less populated area of the town.
She said she was alerted to the reptile's presence by her three-year-old son, who was patting its head. The woman snatched the child away and called the fire brigade, who trapped the 1.5m-long (5ft) alligator.
The firefighters said the family was lucky the reptile was not hungry. Firefighter Captain Luiz Claudio Farias said it could have seriously hurt or even killed the boy.
Capt Farias said it was not uncommon for animals such as alligators and snakes to enter people's houses in towns such as Parauapebas which are built very near rivers and the rainforest. He said the reptile had been released in a less populated area of the town.
Breast milk ice cream goes on sale in London
A new London ice cream parlour is serving up a breast milk ice cream alongside a range of unusual new flavours. The ice-cold breast milk concoction, dubbed the Baby Gaga, will be available from today to ice-cream lovers at the Icecreamists restaurant in Covent Garden.
Each donor receives £15 for every ten ounces of milk extracted by breast pumps. And to maintain the highest standards, health checks for the lactating women are the same used by hospitals to screen blood donors. The Baby Gaga recipe blends breast milk with Madagascan vanilla pods and lemon zest, which is then freshly churned into ice cream.
Founder, Matt O'Connor from Hampshire is confident his take on the miracle of motherhood - priced at a cool £14 - will go down a treat with the paying public. O' Connor said: "The Baby Gaga tastes creamy and rich. No-one's done anything interesting with ice cream in the last hundred years. We've came up with a method of infusing ice-cream with breast milk.
YouTube link.
"We wanted to completely reinvent it. We want to change the way people think about ice cream. If it's good enough for our children it's good enough for the rest of us. Some people will hear about it and go, yuck - but actually it's pure, organic, free-range and totally natural. I had a Baby Gaga just this morning and I feel great."
Each donor receives £15 for every ten ounces of milk extracted by breast pumps. And to maintain the highest standards, health checks for the lactating women are the same used by hospitals to screen blood donors. The Baby Gaga recipe blends breast milk with Madagascan vanilla pods and lemon zest, which is then freshly churned into ice cream.
Founder, Matt O'Connor from Hampshire is confident his take on the miracle of motherhood - priced at a cool £14 - will go down a treat with the paying public. O' Connor said: "The Baby Gaga tastes creamy and rich. No-one's done anything interesting with ice cream in the last hundred years. We've came up with a method of infusing ice-cream with breast milk.
YouTube link.
"We wanted to completely reinvent it. We want to change the way people think about ice cream. If it's good enough for our children it's good enough for the rest of us. Some people will hear about it and go, yuck - but actually it's pure, organic, free-range and totally natural. I had a Baby Gaga just this morning and I feel great."
Woman finds tree frog lurking in fridge
This frog sent a woman hopping mad when it jumped out of her fridge. The amphibian, said to be a tree frog, from far warmer climes than Gloucester, leapt out from some of Donna Hunt's supermarket shopping as she went to make dinner. She screamed as the frog jumped around before calling her husband Steve, 46, for help.
Donna, 32, of Chatsworth Avenue, Tuffley, said: "I went to cook the tea on Wednesday and saw what I thought was a mouldy strawberry at the bottom of the fridge. I went to get it and it was all slimey and was moving about. I screamed and shut it in the fridge and got my husband to come and check it and then found out it was a frog. He realised straight away that it wasn't native to Britain because it had big pads on its feet.
"My husband was very excited, he loves animals. But I was absolutely terrified." The couple believe the frog had been hiding in either the strawberries, mixed salad or celery which they had bought on their shop at Tesco in Quedgeley. Donna said: "It can't have been from anywhere else than Tesco because there was no food in the fridge until we went to do the shopping. We got back from skiing in Andorra on Sunday and had an empty fridge. So it was only the Tesco shopping in the fridge."
The couple called the RSPCA and an officer picked it up on Thursday to go to an amphibian specialist. Donna was offered replacement goods from Tesco. A Tesco spokesman, said: "Such a find is exceptionally rare. We are investigating with our suppliers."
Donna, 32, of Chatsworth Avenue, Tuffley, said: "I went to cook the tea on Wednesday and saw what I thought was a mouldy strawberry at the bottom of the fridge. I went to get it and it was all slimey and was moving about. I screamed and shut it in the fridge and got my husband to come and check it and then found out it was a frog. He realised straight away that it wasn't native to Britain because it had big pads on its feet.
"My husband was very excited, he loves animals. But I was absolutely terrified." The couple believe the frog had been hiding in either the strawberries, mixed salad or celery which they had bought on their shop at Tesco in Quedgeley. Donna said: "It can't have been from anywhere else than Tesco because there was no food in the fridge until we went to do the shopping. We got back from skiing in Andorra on Sunday and had an empty fridge. So it was only the Tesco shopping in the fridge."
The couple called the RSPCA and an officer picked it up on Thursday to go to an amphibian specialist. Donna was offered replacement goods from Tesco. A Tesco spokesman, said: "Such a find is exceptionally rare. We are investigating with our suppliers."
School bans leather footballs
A school in an area of Merseyside responsible for producing some of Britain's top footballers has banned leather footballs on safety grounds. Malvern Primary School in Huyton has told pupils they must only use sponge footballs to prevent injury.
Huyton is the birthplace of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Newcastle United's Joey Barton and Everton veteran Peter Reid. A children's anti-obesity charity has criticised the policy saying children "must be exposed to risk" to learn.
Tam Fry, chairman of the Child Growth Foundation, said: "Children must be exposed to risk, otherwise how can they be expected to learn? Schools should be places to learn.
"They may think they are protecting the children but they could just as easily fall over playing with a sponge ball. Policies like this mean our children are in danger of becoming cocooned cotton buds."
Huyton is the birthplace of Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Newcastle United's Joey Barton and Everton veteran Peter Reid. A children's anti-obesity charity has criticised the policy saying children "must be exposed to risk" to learn.
Tam Fry, chairman of the Child Growth Foundation, said: "Children must be exposed to risk, otherwise how can they be expected to learn? Schools should be places to learn.
"They may think they are protecting the children but they could just as easily fall over playing with a sponge ball. Policies like this mean our children are in danger of becoming cocooned cotton buds."
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