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Saturday, April 30, 2011
Laughter yoga with therapeutic clowns helps paralyzed teenager
It turns out laughter may be the best medicine for a paralyzed Calgary teenager.When sixteen-year-old Micaela - who was born with a rare liver disease - fell ill with the flu three years ago, it developed into meningitis and encephalitis, an acute inflammation of the brain that left her completely paralyzed. She was unable to speak, move or communicate. Having attended laughing exercise groups in the past, Micaela's family was confident she could recover with the help of her sense of humour.
"We knew she could hear us - she got the punch lines, she knew the jokes were there," said mother Judith, who requested the family's surname be withheld. With the help of two therapeutic clowns, Jumpa, a.k.a. Fif Fernandes, and Sparkle, a.k.a. Cheryl Oberg, at the Alberta Children's Hospital, Micaela began laughter yoga, to reduce pain and stress and increase oxygen intake through breathing and laughing exercises. "Three years ago we weren't sure we'd get to bring her home, so this is good, we're glad we're here," said Judith.
Laughter yoga helped Micaela exercise her lungs and vocal muscles, allowing her to start speaking again and while still confined to a wheelchair, she has gained some motion back. "It helped her express her voice again, it helped her feel a lot better - more playful and less stressed," said Oberg. "The doctors and nurses take care of health care, we take care of the spirit."
Dr. David Chaulk, facility medical director and emergency pediatrician at the ACH, said the clowns' presence in the emergency room when he is prepping patients for stressful or painful procedures is a also huge help. "Instead of an anxious child being focused on me, the clown can help distract them, relax them and the patient is not getting stressed watching what I'm doing," he said. The pair of clowns share one full-time position funded through donations to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. There are approximately 60 therapeutic clowns working across Canada.
There's a news video here.
"We knew she could hear us - she got the punch lines, she knew the jokes were there," said mother Judith, who requested the family's surname be withheld. With the help of two therapeutic clowns, Jumpa, a.k.a. Fif Fernandes, and Sparkle, a.k.a. Cheryl Oberg, at the Alberta Children's Hospital, Micaela began laughter yoga, to reduce pain and stress and increase oxygen intake through breathing and laughing exercises. "Three years ago we weren't sure we'd get to bring her home, so this is good, we're glad we're here," said Judith.
Laughter yoga helped Micaela exercise her lungs and vocal muscles, allowing her to start speaking again and while still confined to a wheelchair, she has gained some motion back. "It helped her express her voice again, it helped her feel a lot better - more playful and less stressed," said Oberg. "The doctors and nurses take care of health care, we take care of the spirit."
Dr. David Chaulk, facility medical director and emergency pediatrician at the ACH, said the clowns' presence in the emergency room when he is prepping patients for stressful or painful procedures is a also huge help. "Instead of an anxious child being focused on me, the clown can help distract them, relax them and the patient is not getting stressed watching what I'm doing," he said. The pair of clowns share one full-time position funded through donations to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. There are approximately 60 therapeutic clowns working across Canada.
There's a news video here.
Dog submerged herself in bathtub to survive raging fire
A dog survived a raging house fire for six hours by hiding in a water-filled bathtub, according to firefighters. Piedmont Park Fire Capt. Duane Brock said the fire was extremely difficult to extinguish because of the size of the house and the intensity of the flames. Firefighters were able to rescue the dog, a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois named Mia, from the basement of the burning home.
Mia's owner, Chris Brumby, was amazed at how the dog survived, but said he knew she was smart. "She acts like a human for most things," Brumby said. "And that kind of showed it. She knew where to go and hide." He said Mia was able to get to a bathtub on the lowest level of the house, where she waited as firefighters doused the home with water.
As the water ran down into the basement, it filled the bathtub and soaked Mia, keeping her safe from flames, Brock said. Brumby said the dog has learned how to open doors throughout the house, and that she had to open four doors to get to the bathtub where she was found. He said when firefighters brought her out of the house, she was wet, dazed and covered in soot. "She literally had steam coming off of her," he said.
Brumby, his wife Codi and their two children were out to dinner when the fire started. He said the house was a total loss, but that they were relieved that the dog survived. "That was a pretty special moment for us, because she's definitely part of the family," he said.
With news video.
Mia's owner, Chris Brumby, was amazed at how the dog survived, but said he knew she was smart. "She acts like a human for most things," Brumby said. "And that kind of showed it. She knew where to go and hide." He said Mia was able to get to a bathtub on the lowest level of the house, where she waited as firefighters doused the home with water.
As the water ran down into the basement, it filled the bathtub and soaked Mia, keeping her safe from flames, Brock said. Brumby said the dog has learned how to open doors throughout the house, and that she had to open four doors to get to the bathtub where she was found. He said when firefighters brought her out of the house, she was wet, dazed and covered in soot. "She literally had steam coming off of her," he said.
Brumby, his wife Codi and their two children were out to dinner when the fire started. He said the house was a total loss, but that they were relieved that the dog survived. "That was a pretty special moment for us, because she's definitely part of the family," he said.
With news video.
Woman survives close call with oncoming train
An Oregon woman narrowly escaped an oncoming train. The woman was standing on a train platform in Hillsboro, Ore. when she began to sway and fell onto the track.
An approaching commuter train conductor spotted her and stopped just inches short of the woman's body.
YouTube link.
The conductor said he saw her moving close to the edge of the tracks and pulled slowly into the station.
A transit employee helped the woman until paramedics arrived. According to rescuers, the woman had a medical condition that caused her to fall.
There's a longer video here.
An approaching commuter train conductor spotted her and stopped just inches short of the woman's body.
YouTube link.
The conductor said he saw her moving close to the edge of the tracks and pulled slowly into the station.
A transit employee helped the woman until paramedics arrived. According to rescuers, the woman had a medical condition that caused her to fall.
There's a longer video here.
Leaking house dials 911 for help
A house in Marblehead, Massachusetts, that endured a leaking pipe for many months dialed 911 on Wednesday, finally bringing town officials to the rescue. The homeowner gone — no one yet knows where — the house likely sprang a leak during a past freeze and began spraying water all over.
"Water came down inside the walls and through the ceiling," said Health Director Wayne Attridge. "The (wood) floors have buckled. The ceilings are sagging. It filled the basement with (5 feet of) water." Worse yet, potentially toxic mould is everywhere. "It's a horrific mess," said Attridge, who said the inside of the structure may have to be gutted.
The 911 call went out to police, apparently, when water short-circuited the phone system. Police recorded it as a 911 hang-up, and when they tried to return the call they got only static. Officers were sent to the location, 31 Rockaway Ave. According to the police log, they determined that something inside was leaking before they requested permission to make a forced entry through the back door. It was then they saw just how badly this house had suffered.
Firefighters pumped out the basement, and all the utilities were stopped. The address belongs to James Cowen, and it was his childhood home. Police havelocated his daughter but not Cowen. His car was in the garage, however. Cousin William Cowen isn't surprised, and he isn't worried. James, he noted, is in his 60s and often travels. Left financially secure by his late father, he doesn't work.
"Water came down inside the walls and through the ceiling," said Health Director Wayne Attridge. "The (wood) floors have buckled. The ceilings are sagging. It filled the basement with (5 feet of) water." Worse yet, potentially toxic mould is everywhere. "It's a horrific mess," said Attridge, who said the inside of the structure may have to be gutted.
The 911 call went out to police, apparently, when water short-circuited the phone system. Police recorded it as a 911 hang-up, and when they tried to return the call they got only static. Officers were sent to the location, 31 Rockaway Ave. According to the police log, they determined that something inside was leaking before they requested permission to make a forced entry through the back door. It was then they saw just how badly this house had suffered.
Firefighters pumped out the basement, and all the utilities were stopped. The address belongs to James Cowen, and it was his childhood home. Police havelocated his daughter but not Cowen. His car was in the garage, however. Cousin William Cowen isn't surprised, and he isn't worried. James, he noted, is in his 60s and often travels. Left financially secure by his late father, he doesn't work.
Five-year-old Indian boy charged with disrupting the peace
A five-year-old boy in the Indian state of Bihar has been charged with "disrupting the peace" during recent village council elections. Suryakant Paswan had to pay 20,000 rupees ($437; £266) for bail and has had to report daily to police in the town of Dhibra for the past week. Correspondents say his arrest has caused outrage in the area.
Police say it was a case of "mistaken identity" and they meant to charge his elder brother with disorderly conduct. They say they wrote his name down by mistake. "The police wanted to charge Srikant Paswan, his elder brother. But, by mistake they wrote Suryakant's name," police officer Ashgar Imam said.
He added that police had submitted an application to the court for correcting the name. Suryakant, a resident of Kolhaura village in Aurangabad district, is a first-grade student at the village government school. "A case has been filed against me and that is why I am here," Suryakant said.
His father has had to accompany him into town to report to the police station every day. "It's a serious violation of child rights," said one Patna high court criminal lawyer, Mukesh Kant. The incident only came to light in Indian media on Friday.
Police say it was a case of "mistaken identity" and they meant to charge his elder brother with disorderly conduct. They say they wrote his name down by mistake. "The police wanted to charge Srikant Paswan, his elder brother. But, by mistake they wrote Suryakant's name," police officer Ashgar Imam said.
He added that police had submitted an application to the court for correcting the name. Suryakant, a resident of Kolhaura village in Aurangabad district, is a first-grade student at the village government school. "A case has been filed against me and that is why I am here," Suryakant said.
His father has had to accompany him into town to report to the police station every day. "It's a serious violation of child rights," said one Patna high court criminal lawyer, Mukesh Kant. The incident only came to light in Indian media on Friday.
Italian police suspended over Trevi fountain trawlers
Italian police are under investigation for taking a cut of £12,000 of "wishing" coins scooped from the bottom of the Trevi fountain by men armed with brooms and buckets. Throwing small change into the water that cascades down the marble monument is supposed to bring good luck and ensure a return to the Eternal City. An estimated 14,000 euros (£12,000) is tossed into the fountain every week. The money is supposed to be collected by authorities and given to a Roman Catholic charity, Caritas.
But an Italian television programme secretly filmed the coins being scooped up from the fountain's turquoise waters by a gang of five middle-aged men. The sting took place early in the morning when the fountain, which at this time of year is normally thronged with crowds, was deserted. The men were filmed wading into its thigh-deep waters and helping themselves to hundreds of coins with the help of brushes, scoops and nets, while three police officers stood idly by.
YouTube link.
The officers were suspended as soon as the footage was broadcast on Italian television last week and will be sacked if found guilty. One of the men was filmed handing over an item to an officer, prompting suspicion that the police were being bribed to allow the theft to take place on a regular basis. When the men were challenged by a journalist from the television programme, they verbally abused him and shoved him headfirst into the fountain. The alleged ringleader of the gang, Roberto Cercelletta, who calls himself "D'Artagnan", uttered a string of profanities towards the camera crew, all of which was captured on film.
Angelo Giuliani, the commander of the police unit, condemned the inaction of his officers and announced an investigation. Gianni Alemanno, the mayor of Rome, accused the police of "intolerable laxness" and said he was "ashamed" that officers were apparently allowing money intended for the needy to be blatantly stolen. "The inaction shown towards those who were collecting the coins, and over the assault of the journalist, is completely unacceptable," he said. "Those in uniform cannot be allowed to behave like this. We cannot permit this sort of thing to go on in the city." Police are considering whether to press charges against the alleged thieves, who were filmed making off with buckets laden with coins.
But an Italian television programme secretly filmed the coins being scooped up from the fountain's turquoise waters by a gang of five middle-aged men. The sting took place early in the morning when the fountain, which at this time of year is normally thronged with crowds, was deserted. The men were filmed wading into its thigh-deep waters and helping themselves to hundreds of coins with the help of brushes, scoops and nets, while three police officers stood idly by.
YouTube link.
The officers were suspended as soon as the footage was broadcast on Italian television last week and will be sacked if found guilty. One of the men was filmed handing over an item to an officer, prompting suspicion that the police were being bribed to allow the theft to take place on a regular basis. When the men were challenged by a journalist from the television programme, they verbally abused him and shoved him headfirst into the fountain. The alleged ringleader of the gang, Roberto Cercelletta, who calls himself "D'Artagnan", uttered a string of profanities towards the camera crew, all of which was captured on film.
Angelo Giuliani, the commander of the police unit, condemned the inaction of his officers and announced an investigation. Gianni Alemanno, the mayor of Rome, accused the police of "intolerable laxness" and said he was "ashamed" that officers were apparently allowing money intended for the needy to be blatantly stolen. "The inaction shown towards those who were collecting the coins, and over the assault of the journalist, is completely unacceptable," he said. "Those in uniform cannot be allowed to behave like this. We cannot permit this sort of thing to go on in the city." Police are considering whether to press charges against the alleged thieves, who were filmed making off with buckets laden with coins.
Inmate injured trying to separate guards fighting over food
The Erie County Sheriff's department is investigating what they admit is an embarrassing incident involving two correctional officers in the Yankee Building at the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden. Undersheriff Mark Wipperman confirmed that a fight between the two jailers took place last Thursday, and an inmate who tried to break up the fight was injured in the process.
Wipperman identifies the Corrections Officers as Lawrence Mule, a 26-year member of the force and James Conlin, for 29-years. Wipperman would only say the fight happened over food dissemination. "Quite frankly I don't care if it was a bag of chips, a candy bar, romaine noodles. This conduct should never of happened and will never be tolerated. Never," said Wipperman.
The Undersheriff describes the inmate who got involved as a "Trustee." The inmate told investigators the only reason why he intervened was because he didn't want to see either men lose their jobs.
Wipperman said: "I'm totally embarrassed. Quite frankly I'm very upset that I'm even having this conversation. I really feel bad for the men and women, the vast majority of them who come in the correctional facility and the holding center everyday and do a great job." Wipperman would not discuss the type of injury the inmate suffered, only to say that he was taken to the infirmary at the Corrections Facility, then to ECMC before returning back to jail.
With news video.
Wipperman identifies the Corrections Officers as Lawrence Mule, a 26-year member of the force and James Conlin, for 29-years. Wipperman would only say the fight happened over food dissemination. "Quite frankly I don't care if it was a bag of chips, a candy bar, romaine noodles. This conduct should never of happened and will never be tolerated. Never," said Wipperman.
The Undersheriff describes the inmate who got involved as a "Trustee." The inmate told investigators the only reason why he intervened was because he didn't want to see either men lose their jobs.
Wipperman said: "I'm totally embarrassed. Quite frankly I'm very upset that I'm even having this conversation. I really feel bad for the men and women, the vast majority of them who come in the correctional facility and the holding center everyday and do a great job." Wipperman would not discuss the type of injury the inmate suffered, only to say that he was taken to the infirmary at the Corrections Facility, then to ECMC before returning back to jail.
With news video.
Thief loses trousers along with stolen beer
Polk County Sheriff's detectives are looking for a beer robber. It happened on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at the E-Z Food Store in Lake Wales.
The suspect got out of the front passenger side of a black Chevy Lumina with dark tinted windows and no tag, and walked into the store.
YouTube link.
Moments later the suspect then ran out of the store with two cases of Bud Light beer. The robber's trousers slipped down and he fell, dropping the beer all over the parking lot, then jumped into the backseat of the waiting vehicle and fled the scene.
Investigators describe the suspect as a white male in his mid-20s, wearing blue jeans, a green T-shirt, a dark colored ballcap with a white logo on it, and black sneakers.
The suspect got out of the front passenger side of a black Chevy Lumina with dark tinted windows and no tag, and walked into the store.
YouTube link.
Moments later the suspect then ran out of the store with two cases of Bud Light beer. The robber's trousers slipped down and he fell, dropping the beer all over the parking lot, then jumped into the backseat of the waiting vehicle and fled the scene.
Investigators describe the suspect as a white male in his mid-20s, wearing blue jeans, a green T-shirt, a dark colored ballcap with a white logo on it, and black sneakers.
Drunk driver sentenced to wear bracelet bearing victim's name
A convicted drunken driver who killed a woman in Fort Worth two years ago has been sentenced to wear a bracelet with the victim’s name on it and spend certain holidays, her birthday and the date of her death in jail for the next 10 years. Christopher Elton Campbell was drunk when he crashed his car into another, killing 24-year-old Renee Danielle Horton. On Friday, Campbell, 22, was sentenced to 10 years' probation for intoxication manslaughter.
As a condition of his probation, he must wear a bracelet with Horton's name on it, reimburse her mother $22,271.46 in funeral expenses, and spend Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, and the dates of Horton's birth and death in the Tarrant County Jail. Prosecutor Lloyd Whelchel said he came up with the conditions of probation after working with Horton's family.
If Campbell violates any condition - he also must spend the next 30 days in jail, refrain from drinking alcohol, install a Breathalyzer on his vehicle and wear an alcohol-detecting ankle monitor - he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. "After talking to the victim's family, this is what they wanted to do," Whelchel said. "This was done with their approval." Defence attorney Jerry Loftin said requiring his client to wear the bracelet for the next 10 years is a good thing. "It's a constant reminder," Loftin said.
"Every time you think about whining or complaining because you have to spend a holiday in jail, remember I never get to spend any days with my daughter, on holidays or her birthday," Debbie Horton told Campbell after the plea bargain agreement was reached. "Never ever. And every year on the date that Renee died, I will remember the horror of that day. When you wear Renee's bracelet, remember Renee was a real, live human being with a life that you stole from her."
As a condition of his probation, he must wear a bracelet with Horton's name on it, reimburse her mother $22,271.46 in funeral expenses, and spend Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, and the dates of Horton's birth and death in the Tarrant County Jail. Prosecutor Lloyd Whelchel said he came up with the conditions of probation after working with Horton's family.
If Campbell violates any condition - he also must spend the next 30 days in jail, refrain from drinking alcohol, install a Breathalyzer on his vehicle and wear an alcohol-detecting ankle monitor - he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. "After talking to the victim's family, this is what they wanted to do," Whelchel said. "This was done with their approval." Defence attorney Jerry Loftin said requiring his client to wear the bracelet for the next 10 years is a good thing. "It's a constant reminder," Loftin said.
"Every time you think about whining or complaining because you have to spend a holiday in jail, remember I never get to spend any days with my daughter, on holidays or her birthday," Debbie Horton told Campbell after the plea bargain agreement was reached. "Never ever. And every year on the date that Renee died, I will remember the horror of that day. When you wear Renee's bracelet, remember Renee was a real, live human being with a life that you stole from her."
Charity shop sold little boy's scooter when he left it outside
A mix-up at a charity shop saw a child’s mini scooter get sold while he and his mother were still in the shop. Carine Siebert had left her son Gael's scooter outside while they browsed the Shaw Trust shop in Thame, Oxfordshire, only to come back and find it had been sold for just £3.
Shop staff admitted the error but still made Carine pay for the goods she was buying while the scooter was being sold. She said: “We went in as normal and left the little scooter outside, which costs about £50, but when we came out there was no scooter.
“The lady looked a bit worried and said to us - ‘I think I made a mistake’. They said they were sorry but there was nothing they could do to help me out. I went around town looking for it but I couldn’t see anyone walking about with a scooter.”
A poster has been put in the shop asking for the scooter to be returned for a refund and Carine is also appealing to whoever purchased it to bring it back. She said: “I just don’t really know what to do now, I hope the person who bought it will see the mistake and bring it back.”
Shop staff admitted the error but still made Carine pay for the goods she was buying while the scooter was being sold. She said: “We went in as normal and left the little scooter outside, which costs about £50, but when we came out there was no scooter.
“The lady looked a bit worried and said to us - ‘I think I made a mistake’. They said they were sorry but there was nothing they could do to help me out. I went around town looking for it but I couldn’t see anyone walking about with a scooter.”
A poster has been put in the shop asking for the scooter to be returned for a refund and Carine is also appealing to whoever purchased it to bring it back. She said: “I just don’t really know what to do now, I hope the person who bought it will see the mistake and bring it back.”
Operator’s warning to have-a-go hero who tackled cricket pitch vandal
A have-a go hero from Tunbridge Wells caught a vandal red-handed and rang police for help – only for the operator to warn him he could be charged with assault. John Harvey, 47, had the criminal in one hand and his mobile phone in the other as the yob’s mates, who were brandishing sticks, closed in on him. But instead of reassuring him that officers were on their way, the 999 operator insisted Mr Harvey answered a string of standard, computer-generated questions – and issued him with the warning.
Mr Harvey said: “I expected to be thoroughly supported by the police as a civilian and not rebuked.” By the time police turned up Mr Harvey had reluctantly let the vandal go. Mr Harvey, from Rusthall, had caught the youngster wrecking the pitch at Linden Park Cricket Club last Wednesday just before 9pm. The groundsman and first team captain, was stunned by the 999 operator asking for details including his name and address and for telling him “You’re sounding rather aggressive.”
Mr Harvey said: “I was expecting a response car immediately. I had restrained someone in the act of vandalism and it’s ‘I must warn you, you are leaving yourself open to an assault charge’. I told her ‘You’d better be quick, there are 12 of them. I might be one of your statistics’. She was reading screen prompts and insisting I gave my name and address and I said ‘With 12 kids in front of me?’ That sort of thing has to be put by the wayside. I could have been in the morgue by now.” The life-long cricketer admitted he sounded aggressive. He said: “I was having to be verbally aggressive because I was standing my corner and having to use a lot of bravado.
“I didn’t touch him, but I had him by a firm grip. I was being jostled. You’d be writing a piece about me being stabbed, so I let them go. By then I’d cut the operator off.” Police arrived 25 minutes later said Mr Harvey, who made an official complaint to police the next morning. Within days he received a telephone apology from Inspector Tony Cannon. Control centre chief inspector Simon Black apologised and said: “The call taker who spoke with Mr Harvey acted correctly in the advice she gave but has been advised she could have shown a little more empathy to Mr Harvey’s situation.”
Mr Harvey said: “I expected to be thoroughly supported by the police as a civilian and not rebuked.” By the time police turned up Mr Harvey had reluctantly let the vandal go. Mr Harvey, from Rusthall, had caught the youngster wrecking the pitch at Linden Park Cricket Club last Wednesday just before 9pm. The groundsman and first team captain, was stunned by the 999 operator asking for details including his name and address and for telling him “You’re sounding rather aggressive.”
Mr Harvey said: “I was expecting a response car immediately. I had restrained someone in the act of vandalism and it’s ‘I must warn you, you are leaving yourself open to an assault charge’. I told her ‘You’d better be quick, there are 12 of them. I might be one of your statistics’. She was reading screen prompts and insisting I gave my name and address and I said ‘With 12 kids in front of me?’ That sort of thing has to be put by the wayside. I could have been in the morgue by now.” The life-long cricketer admitted he sounded aggressive. He said: “I was having to be verbally aggressive because I was standing my corner and having to use a lot of bravado.
“I didn’t touch him, but I had him by a firm grip. I was being jostled. You’d be writing a piece about me being stabbed, so I let them go. By then I’d cut the operator off.” Police arrived 25 minutes later said Mr Harvey, who made an official complaint to police the next morning. Within days he received a telephone apology from Inspector Tony Cannon. Control centre chief inspector Simon Black apologised and said: “The call taker who spoke with Mr Harvey acted correctly in the advice she gave but has been advised she could have shown a little more empathy to Mr Harvey’s situation.”
Friday, April 29, 2011
Little chimp proves smarter than human baby after 1 year
Back in 1931, Gua the chimpanzee was raised as though she were a human child by scientists Winthrop N. Kellogg and Luella A. Kellogg alongside their son Donald. Gua and Donald were raised as brother and sister. In tests Gua often tested ahead of Donald in reading and understanding.
Slight differences in their placement included people recognition. Gua recognized people from their clothes and their smell while Donald recognized them by their faces.
The parting difference came with language. Donald was about 16 months and Gua was a little over a year old when they had language testing. Gua could not speak, but Donald could form words.
YouTube link.
When Donald began to copy Gua's sounds the experiment ended. On March 28, 1932, nine months into it the Kelloggs officially ended the experiment. Gua was returned to the primate center with Dr. Robert Mearns Yerkes in Florida.
There's a longer video here.
Slight differences in their placement included people recognition. Gua recognized people from their clothes and their smell while Donald recognized them by their faces.
The parting difference came with language. Donald was about 16 months and Gua was a little over a year old when they had language testing. Gua could not speak, but Donald could form words.
YouTube link.
When Donald began to copy Gua's sounds the experiment ended. On March 28, 1932, nine months into it the Kelloggs officially ended the experiment. Gua was returned to the primate center with Dr. Robert Mearns Yerkes in Florida.
There's a longer video here.
Drunk man mowed parent's lawn in middle of night after stealing lawnmower
A man is facing charges for stealing a lawnmower from a school in East Lyme. Police say 22-year old Nikolaus Trombley was caught on tape, stealing the lawnmower from East Lyme High School. Police say he stole it in the middle of the night and then took it for a ride.
Police say Trombley told them he was drunk and looking for a place to sleep when he broke into a trailer behind East Lyme High School. He was looking for the keys to the school when he spotted keys to a Scag Mower and decided to go on a joy ride instead.
YouTube link.
Police say Trombley rode the three miles to his parent's house, mowed their lawn and was on his way to return the mower when he abandoned it near the intersection of Boston Post Road and Spring Rock Road. He's charged with third degree larceny and burglary.
Surveillance video taken at 2:07 early on Wednesday morning shows Trombley riding by the Boston Post Road building. Police say Trombley, formerly of Vermont, is now living in his parent's East Lyme home.
Police say Trombley told them he was drunk and looking for a place to sleep when he broke into a trailer behind East Lyme High School. He was looking for the keys to the school when he spotted keys to a Scag Mower and decided to go on a joy ride instead.
YouTube link.
Police say Trombley rode the three miles to his parent's house, mowed their lawn and was on his way to return the mower when he abandoned it near the intersection of Boston Post Road and Spring Rock Road. He's charged with third degree larceny and burglary.
Surveillance video taken at 2:07 early on Wednesday morning shows Trombley riding by the Boston Post Road building. Police say Trombley, formerly of Vermont, is now living in his parent's East Lyme home.
Teacher with third eye open arrested for naked stroll around school
A teacher who stripped off his clothes and walked naked around a Georgia elementary school gave police a New Age explanation for his behaviour, claiming that he had achieved a “new level of enlightenment” and “wanted everybody to be free now that his third eye was open." For allowing others to see his third eye last Friday afternoon at the B.C. Haynie Elementary School, Harlan Porter was charged with public indecency.
The 31-year-old educator, pictured in the mug shot at right, was booked into the Clayton County Jail on the misdemeanor charge and released after posting $2000 bond. Since Porter’s April 22 stroll, which came at about 3:20 PM, was not witnessed by any students, who had been dismissed, he avoided more serious charges. After Porter told a Morrow Police Department officer about his enlightenment, the cop reported that, “I then explained the obvious problem with his third eye being opened in public.”
While acknowledging that his education career would be damaged by the bust, Porter said that he still desired to teach, except “on a new level, with hands in the earth, gathering the essence and learning how to love one another and fully appreciate the spiritual realm.” Police reported that Porter had “several books in his belongings that appeared to be on topics such as spirituality and transcendental meditation.”
According to officers, fellow teachers reported that Porter “did not drink sodas or other canned beverages and maintained a strict vegan diet” and was not known to take drugs or drink alcohol. “However on the date in question they noticed that he was drinking a coke and had gone to taco bell to get tacos for lunch,” reported Officer Khari Reed. It is unknown what role, if any, the Mexican delicacy may have played in Porter’s ill-advised decision to unveil his third eye, though Reed did note that the teacher “had recently learned that his employment contract would not be renewed.”
The 31-year-old educator, pictured in the mug shot at right, was booked into the Clayton County Jail on the misdemeanor charge and released after posting $2000 bond. Since Porter’s April 22 stroll, which came at about 3:20 PM, was not witnessed by any students, who had been dismissed, he avoided more serious charges. After Porter told a Morrow Police Department officer about his enlightenment, the cop reported that, “I then explained the obvious problem with his third eye being opened in public.”
While acknowledging that his education career would be damaged by the bust, Porter said that he still desired to teach, except “on a new level, with hands in the earth, gathering the essence and learning how to love one another and fully appreciate the spiritual realm.” Police reported that Porter had “several books in his belongings that appeared to be on topics such as spirituality and transcendental meditation.”
According to officers, fellow teachers reported that Porter “did not drink sodas or other canned beverages and maintained a strict vegan diet” and was not known to take drugs or drink alcohol. “However on the date in question they noticed that he was drinking a coke and had gone to taco bell to get tacos for lunch,” reported Officer Khari Reed. It is unknown what role, if any, the Mexican delicacy may have played in Porter’s ill-advised decision to unveil his third eye, though Reed did note that the teacher “had recently learned that his employment contract would not be renewed.”
Man removes angry sign after receiving apology
An apology has been made, and a sign with a vulgar word perched on a rooftop is gone. Alex White said he wasn’t going to take down a large orange sign he affixed to his chimney that read, “To the Nieghbor (sic) who called the police on Easter: F*@K yourself!” until he received an apology from his neighbour for calling police after hearing White and his wife arguing.
White says he has now received a short signed-and-dated apology letter from his neighbour. He said he would like the neighbour to know “there are no hard feelings and hope we can become friends.” White was so angry with his neighbour for ruining his Easter morning with the call to police, he decided to send a clear and colourful message back with the sign. “I only meant it to stay for an hour,” White said earlier. “I just wanted that one rude person to know how rude I could be back for disrupting our religious holiday.”
The sign stood on his roof until 10:50 p.m. on Thursday when he took it down, 10 minutes after receiving the apology letter. During an interview earlier in the day, White said, “It’s what everybody wants to say to that one neighbour who sticks their nose in other people’s business where it doesn’t belong.” White said he and his wife were having a loud discussion about their son’s bad behaviour. White’s wife said she didn’t care for police being called either. “I am a bit irritated, yes. Because, what, nobody argues? Please, nobody gets loud?” she said.
YouTube link.
Police came and went within minutes. No one was charged with anything. “(I just hope) that the person who had the cojones to call the police in the first place would at least have the cojones to come over and say, ‘We’re sorry, you know, nothing was wrong, the police left … our mistake.’ But you know what, it never happened,” White said before the neighbour delivered the apology. Some neighbours said the sign was horrifying but others said they found it amusing.
White says he has now received a short signed-and-dated apology letter from his neighbour. He said he would like the neighbour to know “there are no hard feelings and hope we can become friends.” White was so angry with his neighbour for ruining his Easter morning with the call to police, he decided to send a clear and colourful message back with the sign. “I only meant it to stay for an hour,” White said earlier. “I just wanted that one rude person to know how rude I could be back for disrupting our religious holiday.”
The sign stood on his roof until 10:50 p.m. on Thursday when he took it down, 10 minutes after receiving the apology letter. During an interview earlier in the day, White said, “It’s what everybody wants to say to that one neighbour who sticks their nose in other people’s business where it doesn’t belong.” White said he and his wife were having a loud discussion about their son’s bad behaviour. White’s wife said she didn’t care for police being called either. “I am a bit irritated, yes. Because, what, nobody argues? Please, nobody gets loud?” she said.
YouTube link.
Police came and went within minutes. No one was charged with anything. “(I just hope) that the person who had the cojones to call the police in the first place would at least have the cojones to come over and say, ‘We’re sorry, you know, nothing was wrong, the police left … our mistake.’ But you know what, it never happened,” White said before the neighbour delivered the apology. Some neighbours said the sign was horrifying but others said they found it amusing.
Firefighter punished for revealing his nipples on charity calendar
Fire officials in Philadelphia said a firefighter was reassigned after "showing nipples" in a picture taken for a charity calendar.
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said Jack Slivinski, 31, has been removed from his position with Engine 1 and is being investigated for violating several protocols when he posed for photographer Katherine Kostreva's charity calendar.
"We get letters from children. They look up to us," Ayers said. "We cannot allow them to be showing nipples in photographs of Philadelphia firefighters."
Bill Gault, president of Fire Fighters Local 22, said he wants Slivinski returned to his position. "They've stopped giving him overtime and detailed him out to some other unit. It's foolish ... I just want them to give the kid his spot back," Gault said.
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said Jack Slivinski, 31, has been removed from his position with Engine 1 and is being investigated for violating several protocols when he posed for photographer Katherine Kostreva's charity calendar.
"We get letters from children. They look up to us," Ayers said. "We cannot allow them to be showing nipples in photographs of Philadelphia firefighters."
Bill Gault, president of Fire Fighters Local 22, said he wants Slivinski returned to his position. "They've stopped giving him overtime and detailed him out to some other unit. It's foolish ... I just want them to give the kid his spot back," Gault said.
Undertaker installs defibrillator at funeral home to save lives
An undertaker hopes to keep people alive by hosting a portable defibrillator in his funeral home. Lindsay Ellis installed the £1,200 machine at his premises in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, after witnessing two cardiac arrests in the town centre.
People will be directed to the Park Independent Funeral Home by 999 operators, where trained staff members can be called to attend an emergency. He said it was part of his business's "contribution to the community". The machine, funded by Barry Male Voice Choir and the British Heart Foundation, will be kept at the funeral home on Kings Square.
All eight staff at the home have been trained to use the defibrillation machine and administer basic CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) by the Welsh Ambulance Service. Mr Ellis said he was confident that they would be ready in the event of an emergency, and that what was important was "being patient and calm and not getting agitated."
He is aware of the irony of funeral directors saving lives. "People are surprised. They say: 'You shouldn't be on the defib, you want the business don't you?' We've been told we're the only funeral home that has a defibrillator on its premises."
People will be directed to the Park Independent Funeral Home by 999 operators, where trained staff members can be called to attend an emergency. He said it was part of his business's "contribution to the community". The machine, funded by Barry Male Voice Choir and the British Heart Foundation, will be kept at the funeral home on Kings Square.
All eight staff at the home have been trained to use the defibrillation machine and administer basic CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) by the Welsh Ambulance Service. Mr Ellis said he was confident that they would be ready in the event of an emergency, and that what was important was "being patient and calm and not getting agitated."
He is aware of the irony of funeral directors saving lives. "People are surprised. They say: 'You shouldn't be on the defib, you want the business don't you?' We've been told we're the only funeral home that has a defibrillator on its premises."
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Man dressed as cow steals milk
A Stafford County teenager was charged with shoplifting after he went into a store dressed as a cow and left with 26 gallons of milk, police said. Sheriff’s spokesman Bill Kennedy said the incident took place about 10:35 p.m. on Tuesday at Walmart in North Stafford.
A witness reported that a suspect wearing a cow costume crawled into the store on his hands and knees. The suspect came out of the store a short time later with a cart full of milk. He tried to hand out some of the jugs to passersby, but apparently no one accepted the offer. The suspect then left the cart on the sidewalk and skipped away.
The suspect was gone when Deputy Kurt McBride arrived, but while at the store McBride got a call about a disturbance at a nearby McDonald’s. There really wasn’t a disturbance, Kennedy said, but McBride spotted a teenager in the back of one of the cars who matched the description he had been given at Walmart. A cow costume was recovered from the back of the car as well.
The teen was taken back to the Walmart and a witness identified him as the person who was involved in the apparent prank earlier. Jonathan Payton, 18, was charged with shoplifting and released on a summons. All of the milk was recovered outside the store, but Kennedy said the teen was charged anyway because he took the milk out of the store without paying.
A witness reported that a suspect wearing a cow costume crawled into the store on his hands and knees. The suspect came out of the store a short time later with a cart full of milk. He tried to hand out some of the jugs to passersby, but apparently no one accepted the offer. The suspect then left the cart on the sidewalk and skipped away.
The suspect was gone when Deputy Kurt McBride arrived, but while at the store McBride got a call about a disturbance at a nearby McDonald’s. There really wasn’t a disturbance, Kennedy said, but McBride spotted a teenager in the back of one of the cars who matched the description he had been given at Walmart. A cow costume was recovered from the back of the car as well.
The teen was taken back to the Walmart and a witness identified him as the person who was involved in the apparent prank earlier. Jonathan Payton, 18, was charged with shoplifting and released on a summons. All of the milk was recovered outside the store, but Kennedy said the teen was charged anyway because he took the milk out of the store without paying.
Chance encounter on Hawaiian beach unites half-brothers who had never met
Waikiki Beach wasn’t part of Rick Hill’s vacation plans last Monday, but the Lunenburg resident and his family decided to make a quick stop. Joe Parker, who grew up in Leominster but moved to Hawaii to escape a troubled upbringing and a failed relationship, wasn’t supposed to be on the beach that day, either. An event planner for a resort, he had hustled down to secure a last-minute surfing lesson for a client.
Hill’s fiancee was about to take a snapshot of Hill and their three children when Parker offered to take a picture of the entire family. Parker immediately detected Hill’s accent; instead of asking the family to say “cheese’’ he asked them to say “Leominster.’’ “When he said that, it took us by shock because we live in the next town over, and what are the chances of a stranger in Hawaii saying that,’’ Maureen Howe, Hill’s fiancee, said.
And then the name game began. Parker threw out several, including Dickie Halligan. Hill responded, “That’s my father!’’ Standing in the glistening white sand, Parker lowered his sunglasses, squinted at Hill, and declared, “That’s my dad, too!’’ A flood of emotion hit everyone they said. Tears flowed down Howe’s cheeks as the two men studied each other’s face and hugged.
“I can’t really put it into words,’’ Parker said, describing the feeling of meeting his half-brother for the first time, some 6,000 miles from where they grew up. “If I had to, I would say it was chilling, paralyzing, and an out-of-body experience all at once.’’ Hill, who had just returned from the trip, said: “To find a brother midway through life is weird. We spent the last week together, just getting acquainted.’’
There's a news video here.
Hill’s fiancee was about to take a snapshot of Hill and their three children when Parker offered to take a picture of the entire family. Parker immediately detected Hill’s accent; instead of asking the family to say “cheese’’ he asked them to say “Leominster.’’ “When he said that, it took us by shock because we live in the next town over, and what are the chances of a stranger in Hawaii saying that,’’ Maureen Howe, Hill’s fiancee, said.
And then the name game began. Parker threw out several, including Dickie Halligan. Hill responded, “That’s my father!’’ Standing in the glistening white sand, Parker lowered his sunglasses, squinted at Hill, and declared, “That’s my dad, too!’’ A flood of emotion hit everyone they said. Tears flowed down Howe’s cheeks as the two men studied each other’s face and hugged.
“I can’t really put it into words,’’ Parker said, describing the feeling of meeting his half-brother for the first time, some 6,000 miles from where they grew up. “If I had to, I would say it was chilling, paralyzing, and an out-of-body experience all at once.’’ Hill, who had just returned from the trip, said: “To find a brother midway through life is weird. We spent the last week together, just getting acquainted.’’
There's a news video here.
Man who ran tanning salon in barn charged with voyeurism
Police said possibly hundreds of women may have been victimized by a Starke man arrested for filming unknowing customers who came to tan naked in his tanning salon. Doyce Dean Griffis, 47, of Starke, is being held at the Bradford County Jail without bond on charges of making, printing or publishing computer pornography and voyeurism.
Griffis said in an interview from jail that he felt he had done nothing wrong because he kept the tapes private. He also said since the women were "beautiful," he did not know why they would mind being taped.
LiveLeak link.
The tanning business, operating since 2000, was in a barn at the suspect's home in the 2200 block of Southeast 128th Street in Starke.
According to a statement from Bradford County Sheriff's Office, the suspect confessed to filming customers who undressed before tanning. A two-way mirror, laptop computer, four containers of VHS tapes, 30 8 mm cassettes, 41 DVDs and two memory cards were seized as evidence.
Griffis said in an interview from jail that he felt he had done nothing wrong because he kept the tapes private. He also said since the women were "beautiful," he did not know why they would mind being taped.
LiveLeak link.
The tanning business, operating since 2000, was in a barn at the suspect's home in the 2200 block of Southeast 128th Street in Starke.
According to a statement from Bradford County Sheriff's Office, the suspect confessed to filming customers who undressed before tanning. A two-way mirror, laptop computer, four containers of VHS tapes, 30 8 mm cassettes, 41 DVDs and two memory cards were seized as evidence.
Men with spray-on tans rob paintball store
At approximately 4:45pm on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, Harford County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an armed robbery that had just occurred at JC Paintballs located in the 100 blk of Tollgate Road in Bel Air, MD.
The two suspects entered the store, threatened the store owner and a juvenile employee with a knife before proceeding to steal an assortment of paintball guns, CO2 cartridges, paintball masks and various paintball supplies.
The suspects are described as two white males in their early to mid 20’s who had applied heavy spray-on tan applications (described a dark bronze/black in colour) in order to disguise themselves.
They fled the store in an unknown direction, in an early 1990’s style SUV with Maryland tags, possibly a Chevy Blazer with slight damage to the paint on the front of the vehicle.
The two suspects entered the store, threatened the store owner and a juvenile employee with a knife before proceeding to steal an assortment of paintball guns, CO2 cartridges, paintball masks and various paintball supplies.
The suspects are described as two white males in their early to mid 20’s who had applied heavy spray-on tan applications (described a dark bronze/black in colour) in order to disguise themselves.
They fled the store in an unknown direction, in an early 1990’s style SUV with Maryland tags, possibly a Chevy Blazer with slight damage to the paint on the front of the vehicle.
Man charged after own dog attacks him
A Sudbury, Ontario, man who was attacked by his own pit bull faces three charges after police say he urged the dog to attack a neighbour.
Greater Sudbury Police say a witness saw the suspect walking his dog on Monday night when the man stopped to urinate in a yard. That led to an argument with a neighbouring homeowner.
Police say the suspect began hitting his dog so it would attack the neighbour but the pit bull instead turned on its owner, biting his face and arm until a witness pulled the dog away.
The dog owner then punched the homeowner in the face and fled. He returned with another man and attacked the homeowner with a dog chain. The 25-year-old dog owner is charged with assault, assault with a weapon and breach of possession.
Greater Sudbury Police say a witness saw the suspect walking his dog on Monday night when the man stopped to urinate in a yard. That led to an argument with a neighbouring homeowner.
Police say the suspect began hitting his dog so it would attack the neighbour but the pit bull instead turned on its owner, biting his face and arm until a witness pulled the dog away.
The dog owner then punched the homeowner in the face and fled. He returned with another man and attacked the homeowner with a dog chain. The 25-year-old dog owner is charged with assault, assault with a weapon and breach of possession.
Firefighters rescue dog clinging to log in swollen river
A tired and cold pit bull mix was pulled from the Rouge River on Wednesday afternoon by Southfield firefighters. Rescuers said the dog, nicknamed Nemo, could be heard barking as she clung to a log.
Firefighters using a special, flat-bottomed boat pulled Nemo ashore. "He is a large dog, and I was a little apprehensive thinking maybe he might just have that last … little bit of energy to bite us or claw us," said Southfield Fire Lieutenant Mark Hilla.
Nemo was taken to Michigan Veterinarian Specialists in Southfield, where doctors said she was rescued just in time. “Nemo is hooked up to an IV pump. So, we’re getting some fluids there, and we also have a heating and warming blanket.
YouTube link.
“The fluids are actually warmed as well to make sure that we try to get the temperature up,” said veterinarian Dr. Loretta Lee. She said the dog suffered from hypothermia, broken nails and cuts to her legs.
Firefighters using a special, flat-bottomed boat pulled Nemo ashore. "He is a large dog, and I was a little apprehensive thinking maybe he might just have that last … little bit of energy to bite us or claw us," said Southfield Fire Lieutenant Mark Hilla.
Nemo was taken to Michigan Veterinarian Specialists in Southfield, where doctors said she was rescued just in time. “Nemo is hooked up to an IV pump. So, we’re getting some fluids there, and we also have a heating and warming blanket.
YouTube link.
“The fluids are actually warmed as well to make sure that we try to get the temperature up,” said veterinarian Dr. Loretta Lee. She said the dog suffered from hypothermia, broken nails and cuts to her legs.
Police impersonate doctors to warn residents about imposters
Turkish police have launched a campaign against imposters by introducing themselves as family doctors in the southeastern province of Gaziantep following a series of elaborate robberies in other parts of the country. Law enforcement officers in Gaziantep’s Sultanbeyli and Şehitkamil districts visited 100 houses in doctor’s outfits to test how likely local citizens were to accept medical orders from unidentified “medical personnel.”
Some 100 house owners reportedly invited the disguised police into their house without asking their identity. The police asked the people to swallow an ordinary candy telling that it was medicine; 86 owners reportedly swallowed the medicine, which they believed to be a “blood pressure drug,” without questioning the situation.
The other 14 called police due to their suspicions. After this, the same police officers visited the same houses again to admit that they were not doctors. The police also showed their identities and told people not to believe everyone at their door and not to invite everyone in without questioning them.
The officers further warned the public on the dangers of taking drugs from people they do not know. Earlier this year, three suspects in Istanbul who had been gaining access to people’s homes by impersonating doctors before injecting citizens with sedatives and stealing their possessions were apprehended by police.
Some 100 house owners reportedly invited the disguised police into their house without asking their identity. The police asked the people to swallow an ordinary candy telling that it was medicine; 86 owners reportedly swallowed the medicine, which they believed to be a “blood pressure drug,” without questioning the situation.
The other 14 called police due to their suspicions. After this, the same police officers visited the same houses again to admit that they were not doctors. The police also showed their identities and told people not to believe everyone at their door and not to invite everyone in without questioning them.
The officers further warned the public on the dangers of taking drugs from people they do not know. Earlier this year, three suspects in Istanbul who had been gaining access to people’s homes by impersonating doctors before injecting citizens with sedatives and stealing their possessions were apprehended by police.
Judge orders 25-year-old man to leave home and get a job
A 25-year-old Spanish man has been told by a judge to leave home and get a job after he took his parents to court when they cut pocket money. The man from Andalusia in the south of Spain had taken his parents to court demanding a monthly allowance of 400 euros (£355) after they refused to give him anymore money unless he tried to find a job.
Instead the judge at family court number five in Malaga, ruled against the man, who has a degree in law, and told him he must leave his parents' house within 30 days and learn to stand on his own two feet. The ruling will send shock waves across Spain where it is not unusual for offspring to remain living with their parents until well into their thirties.
The man, who has not been named, exemplifies a generation dubbed "ni-ni" – as they are neither working nor studying – at a time when Spain has more than 20 per cent unemployment. Spain's youth unemployment is the highest in the EU at 43 per cent, more than double the average.
One in five of those under the age of 30 are still looking for their first job, and almost half are on short-term contracts of less than six months. The judge ruled that in this case the man had "sufficient ability to work" and could not expect his parents to support him, although they had taken over the monthly repayments on his car. He did, however, order them to pay their son 200 euros a month for the next two years "to help with his emancipation".
Instead the judge at family court number five in Malaga, ruled against the man, who has a degree in law, and told him he must leave his parents' house within 30 days and learn to stand on his own two feet. The ruling will send shock waves across Spain where it is not unusual for offspring to remain living with their parents until well into their thirties.
The man, who has not been named, exemplifies a generation dubbed "ni-ni" – as they are neither working nor studying – at a time when Spain has more than 20 per cent unemployment. Spain's youth unemployment is the highest in the EU at 43 per cent, more than double the average.
One in five of those under the age of 30 are still looking for their first job, and almost half are on short-term contracts of less than six months. The judge ruled that in this case the man had "sufficient ability to work" and could not expect his parents to support him, although they had taken over the monthly repayments on his car. He did, however, order them to pay their son 200 euros a month for the next two years "to help with his emancipation".
First Down's syndrome town crier proclaimed
Chesham's new town crier is believed to be the first person with a learning disability to be elected to the position.
William Ellis, 32, who has Down's syndrome, was officially proclaimed to the public on 27 April 2011. His first official duty will be at the town's royal wedding celebrations later today.
Shortly after the proclamation he revealed how he felt about being appointed. "This is just a wonderful opportunity and I'm very proud to do it," he said. "I am really looking forward to my year."
The duties of town crier will include promoting the town and attending community events, such as the Schools of Chesham Carnival and Christmas in Chesham.
William Ellis, 32, who has Down's syndrome, was officially proclaimed to the public on 27 April 2011. His first official duty will be at the town's royal wedding celebrations later today.
Shortly after the proclamation he revealed how he felt about being appointed. "This is just a wonderful opportunity and I'm very proud to do it," he said. "I am really looking forward to my year."
The duties of town crier will include promoting the town and attending community events, such as the Schools of Chesham Carnival and Christmas in Chesham.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Man accidentally leaves boat waiting at traffic lights
A sailor left motorists high and dry when he abandoned ship at a set of traffic lights.
The cruiser was being towed by a car in Bülach, Switzerland, when it became unhitched at a set of pedestrian lights.
One witness said: "As the car drove off, the boat just stayed there and the driver didn't seem to even notice.
"The other drivers were pretty shocked, but police caught the guy who'd been towing it and escorted him back so he could tow it away."
The cruiser was being towed by a car in Bülach, Switzerland, when it became unhitched at a set of pedestrian lights.
One witness said: "As the car drove off, the boat just stayed there and the driver didn't seem to even notice.
"The other drivers were pretty shocked, but police caught the guy who'd been towing it and escorted him back so he could tow it away."
Promotion for Australian submariner drunk at US naval base
An Australian submariner who got so drunk on a US naval base he was rushed to hospital dodged disciplinary action and was promoted. Footage shows the man being restrained by US guards and has prompted a vow by the Federal Government to stamp out alcohol abuse in the Australian Defence Force.
The sailor was half-naked, sprawled on the grass and initially unconscious after a marathon bender. The leading seaman is shown apparently unconscious in a park area while HMAS Waller was docked at Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii in 2008.
LiveLeak link.
Police, ambulance and even fire officers from the famous US port are called to help the man who was allegedly found with another colleague, slumped on the ground. He is seen scuffling with emergency staff as they try to put him on a stretcher.
A whistleblower who saw the saga unfold said: "This guy was a leading seaman, somebody with sailors under his command. It wasn't even midday and he was the second Australian to be taken to hospital by Pearl Harbor emergency services for intoxication that day."
The sailor was half-naked, sprawled on the grass and initially unconscious after a marathon bender. The leading seaman is shown apparently unconscious in a park area while HMAS Waller was docked at Pearl Harbor naval base in Hawaii in 2008.
LiveLeak link.
Police, ambulance and even fire officers from the famous US port are called to help the man who was allegedly found with another colleague, slumped on the ground. He is seen scuffling with emergency staff as they try to put him on a stretcher.
A whistleblower who saw the saga unfold said: "This guy was a leading seaman, somebody with sailors under his command. It wasn't even midday and he was the second Australian to be taken to hospital by Pearl Harbor emergency services for intoxication that day."
Decoy dogs used to scare geese away from golf course
Canada geese looking for a free lunch on the putting greens of an Elk's Lodge golf course in Salisbury, Maryland, have a new obstacle in their path. Strategically placed on the nine-hole course are silhouettes of dogs, designed to pivot with the wind, making them seem more real to the birds.
The course has three of the wooden decoys at this time and places them on greens near the water. "They have worked. I was not a believer until I saw it with my own eyes," said David Reichenberg, the course manager.
The golf course, next to the Salisbury Zoological Park, has ponds and grasses that make it attractive to geese grazing. The birds' droppings disrupt putting, and the birds eat up grasses by the root, Reichenberg said, adding there has been a 95 percent reduction in the number of geese on the greens since the decoys were installed about two weeks ago.
A member made the decoys after hearing of their use at several PGA Tour courses. "We're hearing from people the trick is to move them around. We put a black and white plastic bag in their mouth to make them look more ferocious," Reichenberg said.
The course has three of the wooden decoys at this time and places them on greens near the water. "They have worked. I was not a believer until I saw it with my own eyes," said David Reichenberg, the course manager.
The golf course, next to the Salisbury Zoological Park, has ponds and grasses that make it attractive to geese grazing. The birds' droppings disrupt putting, and the birds eat up grasses by the root, Reichenberg said, adding there has been a 95 percent reduction in the number of geese on the greens since the decoys were installed about two weeks ago.
A member made the decoys after hearing of their use at several PGA Tour courses. "We're hearing from people the trick is to move them around. We put a black and white plastic bag in their mouth to make them look more ferocious," Reichenberg said.
Paralysed hands don't hold back feet artist
Born with paralysed hands, Zheng Huamei makes a living by selling artistic works created with her feet. In order to make her paintings more vivid and detailed, Zheng practices for hours everyday in her seven-square-metre apartment in southeast China's Fuzhou city. Zheng began to train herself to use her feet for functions normally done with hands when she was young.
As she developed a great interest in painting, her parents poured all their savings into sending her to a school for fine art. To have control of the brush, she must nip the paintbrush with her toes. Zheng said painting gives her deep pleasure and disabilities are a mere test of character. "I think ordeals in life are there to test a person. If you can't go past the basic test, how can you survive?" she said.
Zheng is also able to prepare food, cook and eat with her feet. She was unable to find a job with a salary due to her disability, so she picked up needlework and weaving skills. Now she earns her income by selling 'footicrafts' to tourists in a park in Fuzhou. She creates small toys from beads that are meticulously sewn together.
YouTube link.
Zheng has been able to live independently. However, she said frustration still comes especially when she wants to reach out and help others. "For example, you happen to see someone falling when you are walking on the street, you feel helpless as you really want to give a hand but you are not able to do it," she said. She has also dedicated her energies to charity work and donates some of her income from painting.
As she developed a great interest in painting, her parents poured all their savings into sending her to a school for fine art. To have control of the brush, she must nip the paintbrush with her toes. Zheng said painting gives her deep pleasure and disabilities are a mere test of character. "I think ordeals in life are there to test a person. If you can't go past the basic test, how can you survive?" she said.
Zheng is also able to prepare food, cook and eat with her feet. She was unable to find a job with a salary due to her disability, so she picked up needlework and weaving skills. Now she earns her income by selling 'footicrafts' to tourists in a park in Fuzhou. She creates small toys from beads that are meticulously sewn together.
YouTube link.
Zheng has been able to live independently. However, she said frustration still comes especially when she wants to reach out and help others. "For example, you happen to see someone falling when you are walking on the street, you feel helpless as you really want to give a hand but you are not able to do it," she said. She has also dedicated her energies to charity work and donates some of her income from painting.
Tourist wanting open-mouthed photo threw bricks at captive crocodile
A captive crocodile in Australia is lucky to be alive after a reckless tourist threw bricks at him. Alice Springs Reptile Centre's resident saltwater crocodile, Terry, almost swallowed the brick before he was rescued by staff. The tourist wanted to see Terry open his mouth for a photo - so he jumped over the barricade and threw two bricks at the croc.
Alice Springs Reptile Centre owner Rex Neindorf came to the rescue when he saw a brick in the beast's jaws. "I was walking past on Saturday afternoon and something caught my eye. I went to check on Terry and I saw him with the brick," he said.
"He had his mouth above water so I knew he was about to swallow it. I bashed him on the nose with a pool pole. It was the only thing I could do to make him drop the brick. I had to hit him six times before he let go. I had to hit him so hard that the pole broke. If Terry had swallowed the brick, he would have died."
Terry chipped three or four teeth as a result of biting the bricks. Mr Neindorf said the New Zealand tourist was frightened. "He hadn't thought about the consequences ... People need to think about the consequences before they do silly things around animals," he said.
Alice Springs Reptile Centre owner Rex Neindorf came to the rescue when he saw a brick in the beast's jaws. "I was walking past on Saturday afternoon and something caught my eye. I went to check on Terry and I saw him with the brick," he said.
"He had his mouth above water so I knew he was about to swallow it. I bashed him on the nose with a pool pole. It was the only thing I could do to make him drop the brick. I had to hit him six times before he let go. I had to hit him so hard that the pole broke. If Terry had swallowed the brick, he would have died."
Terry chipped three or four teeth as a result of biting the bricks. Mr Neindorf said the New Zealand tourist was frightened. "He hadn't thought about the consequences ... People need to think about the consequences before they do silly things around animals," he said.
Paraglider left dangling from border observation tower
A hapless paraglider suffered a blow when a gust of wind took him off course landing him on top of a police border observation tower.
43-year-old Wolfgang Dorner, from Feldbach, Austria, was left dangling 100 ft up in the air when his chute and lines became snagged on the structure on the wrong side of the border in neighbouring Slovenia.
"He wasn't badly injured but he was very embarrassed and a bit nervous. It was a shock for him but not as big as the shock he gave the border guards he landed on," said one firefighter.
"But he was a bit worried because while he was waiting for us the lines holding him up were snapping one by one so he was very relieved to see us," he added.
43-year-old Wolfgang Dorner, from Feldbach, Austria, was left dangling 100 ft up in the air when his chute and lines became snagged on the structure on the wrong side of the border in neighbouring Slovenia.
"He wasn't badly injured but he was very embarrassed and a bit nervous. It was a shock for him but not as big as the shock he gave the border guards he landed on," said one firefighter.
"But he was a bit worried because while he was waiting for us the lines holding him up were snapping one by one so he was very relieved to see us," he added.
Chinese restaurant food bill handed to man in ambulance
The actions of Chinese restaurant staff in Australia who slapped a customer with the bill as he was being loaded into an ambulance have sparked fierce debate. Onlookers called paramedics when the man fell to the ground suffering an apparent seizure while enjoying dumplings with his friend at Shifu Dumpling Express in Acland St, St Kilda.
As the man was being loaded into the ambulance and his friend was climbing in to join him, a waiter came and handed the friend the bill. Manager Kevin Tian was remorseless about the alleged gaffe and said he did not regret the money grab.
"My opinion is that they ate in our restaurant, they have to pay,'' he said. The incident provoked some to criticise the restaurant's actions.
However, the majority of commenters seemed to support the restaurant's decision to hand the customers a bill. An Ambulance Victoria spokesman confirmed that a man in his 30s was taken to the Alfred Hospital in a stable condition.
As the man was being loaded into the ambulance and his friend was climbing in to join him, a waiter came and handed the friend the bill. Manager Kevin Tian was remorseless about the alleged gaffe and said he did not regret the money grab.
"My opinion is that they ate in our restaurant, they have to pay,'' he said. The incident provoked some to criticise the restaurant's actions.
However, the majority of commenters seemed to support the restaurant's decision to hand the customers a bill. An Ambulance Victoria spokesman confirmed that a man in his 30s was taken to the Alfred Hospital in a stable condition.
Bird at nature reserve nests in ashtray
A bird's hopes for a dream home almost went up in smoke after choosing to build its nest in a cigarette bin. The great tit sized up the spot at the RSPB's Fairburn Ings nature reserve in Castleford, West Yorkshire, ahead of breeding season.
The tit has now provided an incentive for visitors to the attraction to kick the habit after it was seen moving in. The ashtray has been put out of bounds for a few weeks until the birds have left the area.
Laura Bentley, RSPB Fairburn Ings visitor manager, said: "We'd seen a few birds checking out the ashtray and we did wonder whether they might be considering it for a nest site. We found moss and nesting material nearby and when we peered through when the bird had left the area it was clear a nest had been built inside.
"Although it might not be an obvious choice, we're delighted they've chosen this spot to try and raise their young. However, smokers beware, we are an ashtray down as obviously we've had to make sure no-one else uses it for a while."
The tit has now provided an incentive for visitors to the attraction to kick the habit after it was seen moving in. The ashtray has been put out of bounds for a few weeks until the birds have left the area.
Laura Bentley, RSPB Fairburn Ings visitor manager, said: "We'd seen a few birds checking out the ashtray and we did wonder whether they might be considering it for a nest site. We found moss and nesting material nearby and when we peered through when the bird had left the area it was clear a nest had been built inside.
"Although it might not be an obvious choice, we're delighted they've chosen this spot to try and raise their young. However, smokers beware, we are an ashtray down as obviously we've had to make sure no-one else uses it for a while."
Couple's 8,000 goodwill parcels a 'risk to troops'
A couple from Somerset have been urged to stop sending parcels of gifts and letters to troops in Afghanistan. The retired couple, Joanne Goody-Orris and Maurice Benton, has sent 8,000 parcels over the past five years. They received a letter from the Reverend Scott Shackleton of the 45 Commando in Afghanistan saying the parcels are a "logistical burden". Mrs Goody-Orris said the request for them to stop is "only going to make us more determined".
The letter, which was sent on behalf the commanding officer, said: "We have been instructed by HQ 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marine to turn down any further kind offers due to the logistical burden which is placed on the system". Mrs Goody-Orris said: "We send them everything they miss from home. When we get a letter back from them in the post it's like winning the lottery," she added.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said: "While unsolicited parcels are without doubt gratefully received, the delays they inevitably cause to the much more valued personal mail are considerably less welcome." Mrs Goody-Orris said she and her partner, Mr Benton, cut back on parcels over Christmas because they understand families want to get through. The MoD, which has expressed concern in the past over the couples' unsolicited mail, also said it was a risk to safety.
Earlier this month Mrs Goody-Orris and Mr Benton were nominated for an award for their untiring effort in sending gift parcels to British troops in Afghanistan.
YouTube link.
The spokesperson said: "Delivering goodwill parcels to forward operating bases needs additional helicopter re-supply flights and road convoys. [This] can place Service personnel at additional risk in what is already a difficult and dangerous operating environment. Every time an additional convoy is laid on, more troops are put at risk of enemy attack." Mrs Goody-Orris said: "You show me one boy that's been killed because I've sent a parcel over and I'll stop."
The letter, which was sent on behalf the commanding officer, said: "We have been instructed by HQ 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marine to turn down any further kind offers due to the logistical burden which is placed on the system". Mrs Goody-Orris said: "We send them everything they miss from home. When we get a letter back from them in the post it's like winning the lottery," she added.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said: "While unsolicited parcels are without doubt gratefully received, the delays they inevitably cause to the much more valued personal mail are considerably less welcome." Mrs Goody-Orris said she and her partner, Mr Benton, cut back on parcels over Christmas because they understand families want to get through. The MoD, which has expressed concern in the past over the couples' unsolicited mail, also said it was a risk to safety.
Earlier this month Mrs Goody-Orris and Mr Benton were nominated for an award for their untiring effort in sending gift parcels to British troops in Afghanistan.
YouTube link.
The spokesperson said: "Delivering goodwill parcels to forward operating bases needs additional helicopter re-supply flights and road convoys. [This] can place Service personnel at additional risk in what is already a difficult and dangerous operating environment. Every time an additional convoy is laid on, more troops are put at risk of enemy attack." Mrs Goody-Orris said: "You show me one boy that's been killed because I've sent a parcel over and I'll stop."
Sixty black lambs born from flock of all-white sheep
A farmer was left stunned when her flock of 37 white sheep gave birth to 60 lambs - that are all black. Sally Du Toit, 39, and husband Jacob, 29, helped deliver the first black lamb on April 2 this year at their smallholding near Royston, Herts. Since then their flock of 37 white ewes has given birth to a total of 60 black lambs, all sired by a one-year-old ram called Rowley. Incredibly, the South African Dorper ram also has a white fleece, leaving mother-of-one Mrs Du Toit baffled by the freak births.
In sheep, a white fleece is the result of a dominant gene that actively switches colour production off - that is why most sheep are white. This means a black fleece in most sheep is recessive, so if a white ram and a white ewe are each heterozygous (have the black and white forms of the gene for fleece colour), in about 25 per cent of cases they will produce a black lamb.
Photo from SWNS.
This is quite a rare occurrence though, and in most white sheep breeds only a few white sheep are heterozygous for black, so black lambs are usually much rarer than this. That is why this case is so special. Mrs Du Toit said: 'We have had 60 lambs this month and every single one of them is black but all of their parents are white.
'Usually you see just one black sheep in an entire flock and that's where you get the saying from, but all of ours have this jet black coat. It is amazing. We don't know why it has happened. When the first few were born we thought it was great but now lamb after lamb has come out black. We feel blessed. I love the colour. People are stopping on the cycle path and in their cars to look at the lambs and ask us if they are a special kind of breed.'
In sheep, a white fleece is the result of a dominant gene that actively switches colour production off - that is why most sheep are white. This means a black fleece in most sheep is recessive, so if a white ram and a white ewe are each heterozygous (have the black and white forms of the gene for fleece colour), in about 25 per cent of cases they will produce a black lamb.
Photo from SWNS.
This is quite a rare occurrence though, and in most white sheep breeds only a few white sheep are heterozygous for black, so black lambs are usually much rarer than this. That is why this case is so special. Mrs Du Toit said: 'We have had 60 lambs this month and every single one of them is black but all of their parents are white.
'Usually you see just one black sheep in an entire flock and that's where you get the saying from, but all of ours have this jet black coat. It is amazing. We don't know why it has happened. When the first few were born we thought it was great but now lamb after lamb has come out black. We feel blessed. I love the colour. People are stopping on the cycle path and in their cars to look at the lambs and ask us if they are a special kind of breed.'
Police launch manhunt for joker who drew Hitler moustache on poster
A rural police force has been criticised for starting an investigation after a poster making a local councillor look like Hitler was put up on a village notice board. At least four officers are said to have visited residents in the hamlet of Pitcombe, Somerset, after a poster of the Conservative councillor Mike Beech had a Hitler-like moustache drawn on it. After seeing the poster, Mr Beech reported it to the police. Officers began an inquiry under the Public Order Act, saying that the poster could be deemed to cause “harassment, alarm and distress” to the councillor.
Officers even conducted house-to-house inquiries, visiting homeowners at each of the hamlet’s 20 houses. Villagers said the investigation was “an outrageous waste of police and taxpayers’ money”. David Issitt, a 58-year-old carpenter who lives in Pitcombe, said: “Everyone I have spoken to thinks it is completely over the top. Even the constable who visited me told me he had better things to do. The police came to the village three times - it was a complete waste of time by the police. They have far better things to do than following up complaints like that.
Photo for illustrative purposes only.
“The police even came knocking on people’s doors in the evening. If my shed was broken into would I have received such a tenacious response? If Mr Beech is involved in politics, I’d suggest he grows a thicker skin. It was simple lampooning and he needs to learn to laugh at himself.” Mr Beech, a Conservative member of South Somerset district council and former chairman of Pitcombe Parish Council, admitted he had called in the police because he was a “bit offended” by the picture which made him look like the former Nazi leader. “This is something I am trying to forget. Basically the picture was put on the noticeboard and I took advice from the political hierarchy and they said it was probably best to report it.”
Pitcombe is home to an estimated 40 people and only 13 crimes have been reported in the hamlet and surrounding villages all year. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a complaint had been made about posters put up on the village noticeboard, which is not lockable. A spokesman said: “Police started an inquiry under the Public Order Act that the posters could be deemed to cause 'harassment, alarm or distress’ to an individual. There is no CCTV in the village, although house-to-house enquires have been undertaken. Officers are duty bound to investigate formal complaints of criminal damage.”
Officers even conducted house-to-house inquiries, visiting homeowners at each of the hamlet’s 20 houses. Villagers said the investigation was “an outrageous waste of police and taxpayers’ money”. David Issitt, a 58-year-old carpenter who lives in Pitcombe, said: “Everyone I have spoken to thinks it is completely over the top. Even the constable who visited me told me he had better things to do. The police came to the village three times - it was a complete waste of time by the police. They have far better things to do than following up complaints like that.
Photo for illustrative purposes only.
“The police even came knocking on people’s doors in the evening. If my shed was broken into would I have received such a tenacious response? If Mr Beech is involved in politics, I’d suggest he grows a thicker skin. It was simple lampooning and he needs to learn to laugh at himself.” Mr Beech, a Conservative member of South Somerset district council and former chairman of Pitcombe Parish Council, admitted he had called in the police because he was a “bit offended” by the picture which made him look like the former Nazi leader. “This is something I am trying to forget. Basically the picture was put on the noticeboard and I took advice from the political hierarchy and they said it was probably best to report it.”
Pitcombe is home to an estimated 40 people and only 13 crimes have been reported in the hamlet and surrounding villages all year. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a complaint had been made about posters put up on the village noticeboard, which is not lockable. A spokesman said: “Police started an inquiry under the Public Order Act that the posters could be deemed to cause 'harassment, alarm or distress’ to an individual. There is no CCTV in the village, although house-to-house enquires have been undertaken. Officers are duty bound to investigate formal complaints of criminal damage.”
Pub singer in 'race' arrest for playing Kung Fu Fighting as Chinese couple walk past
A musician was arrested after a performance of the 1970s song Kung Fu Fighting at an Isle of Wight bar sparked an alleged racism row with a passer-by. Simon Ledger, 34, of Shanklin, said he was playing the Carl Douglas hit at the Driftwood bar, Sandown, on Sunday when the man of Chinese origin took offence.
Police said the passer-by claimed he was then "subjected to racial abuse". Mr Ledger was bailed by police and is expected to be questioned later.
Police said the 32-year-old man was walking past the bar at about 1745 BST when the incident took place. He contacted officers to make a complaint on the same evening.
Keyboardist Mr Ledger said he was later called and was arrested on suspicion of causing harassment, alarm or distress. He was not taken to a police station but was released on street bail to be questioned later. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "An investigation into this allegation is continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened."
Police said the passer-by claimed he was then "subjected to racial abuse". Mr Ledger was bailed by police and is expected to be questioned later.
Police said the 32-year-old man was walking past the bar at about 1745 BST when the incident took place. He contacted officers to make a complaint on the same evening.
Keyboardist Mr Ledger said he was later called and was arrested on suspicion of causing harassment, alarm or distress. He was not taken to a police station but was released on street bail to be questioned later. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "An investigation into this allegation is continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened."
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Child builds tiny mobility cart for paraplegic rabbit
When the O'Rourke family of Tucson found a couple of Easter-time bunnies in their back yard, they knew right away that something wasn't quite right.
There was a reason the mother rabbit abandoned them. Paul O'Rourke realized one bunny they named Joe had no use of his hind legs. Paul and his family helped nurse the bunnies back to health, but then they went one step further to help the paraplegic bunny.
Paul's son Liam designed and built a small cart for Joe to help him move around a little easier. The red wagon with yellow wheels took some getting used to, but ultimately seemed to improve his mobility.
YouTube link.
After Joe and his brother were feeling a bit better, the O'Rourke family took them to a wildlife rescue centre.
There was a reason the mother rabbit abandoned them. Paul O'Rourke realized one bunny they named Joe had no use of his hind legs. Paul and his family helped nurse the bunnies back to health, but then they went one step further to help the paraplegic bunny.
Paul's son Liam designed and built a small cart for Joe to help him move around a little easier. The red wagon with yellow wheels took some getting used to, but ultimately seemed to improve his mobility.
YouTube link.
After Joe and his brother were feeling a bit better, the O'Rourke family took them to a wildlife rescue centre.
Indian man has 305 country flag tattoos to promote world peace
A businessman from Delhi has tattooed 305 flags of different countries on his body to promote amity among nations. Har Prakash, who also likes to call himself Guinness Rishi, hopes to get more flags inked on his body and create a new world record.
“People call me a joker, a mad man. It doesn’t bother me,” Prakash said. He is currently in Kathmandu, Nepal, to attend the first international tattoo conference.
The tattoos on his body include 305 flags of different countries, 185 maps, 165 mini-flags and 2,985 characters. “My dream is to go around the world several times,” he said.
YouTube link.
“I want the children of those countries to ask me, where is the flag of our country, spot it and then, in the process, become aware of my country and other countries as well.”
“People call me a joker, a mad man. It doesn’t bother me,” Prakash said. He is currently in Kathmandu, Nepal, to attend the first international tattoo conference.
The tattoos on his body include 305 flags of different countries, 185 maps, 165 mini-flags and 2,985 characters. “My dream is to go around the world several times,” he said.
YouTube link.
“I want the children of those countries to ask me, where is the flag of our country, spot it and then, in the process, become aware of my country and other countries as well.”
Two bodies found in pile of horse manure
The bodies of two unidentified men were discovered on Sunday buried in a 15-foot-tall pile of manure at a small horse farm in Gary, Indiana. A man who kept horses at the stable noticed an arm sticking out of the massive pile of manure and called police, said Gary Det. Cpl. Mike Barnes.
Police unearthed the body and used a backhoe to sift through the steaming mound of composting manure in search of other remains, eventually finding the second body, Barnes said. "It was the biggest pile of (manure) I have ever seen," Barnes said. "They've been putting it back there for years."
Both bodies appear to be of white or Hispanic men, one about 5 feet 7 inches tall, the other about 6 feet. The bodies, one of them wrapped in plastic, were bloated, but investigators said it is difficult to judge how long they had been left there because heat generated by the breakdown of the manure might have sped up their decomposition, Barnes said.
The Lake County Coroner’s office has made a preliminary finding of homicide, but further details are pending completion of a full autopsy. The stables are rented out by the owner, mostly to close friends who tend their own horses and who have for years piled manure from the horse stalls in the same spot.
Police unearthed the body and used a backhoe to sift through the steaming mound of composting manure in search of other remains, eventually finding the second body, Barnes said. "It was the biggest pile of (manure) I have ever seen," Barnes said. "They've been putting it back there for years."
Both bodies appear to be of white or Hispanic men, one about 5 feet 7 inches tall, the other about 6 feet. The bodies, one of them wrapped in plastic, were bloated, but investigators said it is difficult to judge how long they had been left there because heat generated by the breakdown of the manure might have sped up their decomposition, Barnes said.
The Lake County Coroner’s office has made a preliminary finding of homicide, but further details are pending completion of a full autopsy. The stables are rented out by the owner, mostly to close friends who tend their own horses and who have for years piled manure from the horse stalls in the same spot.
Police search for man who urinated on cough drops
Police in Florida are looking for a suspect who was caught on tape relieving himself in Walgreens. Sanford police said they need the public’s help to figure out who unzipped his trousers and urinated all over the cough drops.
Investigators said a man walked into Walgreens at 25th Street and Highway 17/92 at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday. One of the clerks went to stock the shelves in that particular area and smelled urine, police said. The clerk then realized that $300 worth of merchandise was covered in urine.
YouTube link.
Police said the man didn’t appear to be drunk. "He went to the pharmacy and tries to get a prescription but doesn't have the right paperwork. That's OK, at times you won't have the right things, but he does not appear to be drunk or intoxicated," said Sgt. David Morgernstern, of the Sanford Police Department.
"I don't know what the problem is, but he needed something, like he needs to go to jail for what he did. But he may need help because why would you urinate in Walgreens on cough drops?"
Investigators said a man walked into Walgreens at 25th Street and Highway 17/92 at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday. One of the clerks went to stock the shelves in that particular area and smelled urine, police said. The clerk then realized that $300 worth of merchandise was covered in urine.
YouTube link.
Police said the man didn’t appear to be drunk. "He went to the pharmacy and tries to get a prescription but doesn't have the right paperwork. That's OK, at times you won't have the right things, but he does not appear to be drunk or intoxicated," said Sgt. David Morgernstern, of the Sanford Police Department.
"I don't know what the problem is, but he needed something, like he needs to go to jail for what he did. But he may need help because why would you urinate in Walgreens on cough drops?"
Hunger strike Mexican teenager denied entry to UK for royal wedding - Update
A 19-year-old Mexican woman whose hunger strike earned her a ticket to London for Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding was denied entry by immigration authorities, her sponsor has said.
Estibalis Chavez was flown to London for the April 29 nuptials by benefactor Octavio Fitch after camping out at the British embassy in February and refusing to eat.
"When she arrived in England, the immigration authorities would not let her enter because she was not able to demonstrate secure accommodation in London," Fitch told Mexican media.
Fitch said Chavez was told she could only enter the country if someone met her at the airport. "This is what I am looking for," he added. The Home Office said it was looking into the matter.
Previously.
Estibalis Chavez was flown to London for the April 29 nuptials by benefactor Octavio Fitch after camping out at the British embassy in February and refusing to eat.
"When she arrived in England, the immigration authorities would not let her enter because she was not able to demonstrate secure accommodation in London," Fitch told Mexican media.
Fitch said Chavez was told she could only enter the country if someone met her at the airport. "This is what I am looking for," he added. The Home Office said it was looking into the matter.
Previously.
Fire ants stick together to sail through stormy weather
When flood waters threaten their underground nests, fire ants order an immediate evacuation. They make their way to the surface and grab hold of one another, making a living raft that can sail for months.
The extraordinary survival tactic, which can involve entire colonies of more than a hundred thousand ants, has been captured on film by US engineers who used the footage to help unravel how the insects co-operate to overcome nature's dangers.
YouTube link.
Film of the ants in action reveals that pockets of air get trapped between them and around their bodies, helping them breathe if the raft is pushed under the water. In normal circumstances the ants lock legs, and sometimes mandibles, to form a floating mat that sits on top of the water through a combination of surface tension and buoyancy.
"Even the ones at the bottom remain dry and able to breathe because they are not actually under the water," said Nathan Mlot, a PhD student at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. The species of ant, Solenopsis invicta, is native to the Brazilian rainforest, where flash floods are an ever-present danger. In the wild, vast rafts of ants can survive by floating along waterways until floods subside or they reach land.
The extraordinary survival tactic, which can involve entire colonies of more than a hundred thousand ants, has been captured on film by US engineers who used the footage to help unravel how the insects co-operate to overcome nature's dangers.
YouTube link.
Film of the ants in action reveals that pockets of air get trapped between them and around their bodies, helping them breathe if the raft is pushed under the water. In normal circumstances the ants lock legs, and sometimes mandibles, to form a floating mat that sits on top of the water through a combination of surface tension and buoyancy.
"Even the ones at the bottom remain dry and able to breathe because they are not actually under the water," said Nathan Mlot, a PhD student at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. The species of ant, Solenopsis invicta, is native to the Brazilian rainforest, where flash floods are an ever-present danger. In the wild, vast rafts of ants can survive by floating along waterways until floods subside or they reach land.
US photographer seeks British girl he captured on film in 1960
The great American documentary photographer Bruce Davidson is in the UK this week to receive a major award, and has spoken of his hopes of trying to find out what happened to the subject of one of his favourite photographs.
Girl Holding Kitten, posed somewhere in London in 1960, was taken when he was travelling around Britain in a Hillman Minx convertible. "She was with two friends and they were on their way to a concert which, as I remember it, took place on an island," Davidson, 77, said. "I hung around with them for a few hours. The girl with the kitten, the bedroll and the beautifully innocent, hopeful, mysterious face has stayed with me ever since."
Now, more than 50 years later, Davidson is back in Britain to receive the outstanding contribution to photography award at this year's Sony world photography awards. Two retrospective shows of his work open in London next week and will include his iconic images from the American civil rights struggle.
He says the girl with the kitten comes into his head each time he visits Britain. "If she is still alive, I'd love to know what she is doing now, what her story is," he says. "I never even wrote down her first name. I know it's 50 odd years ago, but someone out there must know who she is, surely."
Girl Holding Kitten, posed somewhere in London in 1960, was taken when he was travelling around Britain in a Hillman Minx convertible. "She was with two friends and they were on their way to a concert which, as I remember it, took place on an island," Davidson, 77, said. "I hung around with them for a few hours. The girl with the kitten, the bedroll and the beautifully innocent, hopeful, mysterious face has stayed with me ever since."
Now, more than 50 years later, Davidson is back in Britain to receive the outstanding contribution to photography award at this year's Sony world photography awards. Two retrospective shows of his work open in London next week and will include his iconic images from the American civil rights struggle.
He says the girl with the kitten comes into his head each time he visits Britain. "If she is still alive, I'd love to know what she is doing now, what her story is," he says. "I never even wrote down her first name. I know it's 50 odd years ago, but someone out there must know who she is, surely."
Butlins bans bumping in bumper cars
When Sir Billy Butlin introduced bumper cars to Britain more than 80 years ago, it can be assumed he expected holiday makers to have fun on the fairground ride bumping into each other. But what Sir Billy did not foresee was the modern culture of health and safety that has not only introduced seat belts and insisted everyone drives in the same direction, but banned bumping.
Staff at all three Butlin resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness are instructed to ban anyone found guilty of bumping into each other in the electric cars equipped with huge bumpers.
Bemused customers who assume that the ‘no bumping sign’ is in jest are told to drive around slowly in circles rather than crash into anyone else for fear of an injury that could result in the resort being sued.
Michaal Deacon, who has just returned from a holiday at the Bognor Regis resort, said the experience was like “trundling round an exitless roundabout.” “I’m not convinced that the dangers were great, given that the bumper cars were equipped with bumpers,” he said. Butlins confirmed that people are not allowed to bump the bumper cars for “health and safety reasons”.
Staff at all three Butlin resorts in Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness are instructed to ban anyone found guilty of bumping into each other in the electric cars equipped with huge bumpers.
Bemused customers who assume that the ‘no bumping sign’ is in jest are told to drive around slowly in circles rather than crash into anyone else for fear of an injury that could result in the resort being sued.
Michaal Deacon, who has just returned from a holiday at the Bognor Regis resort, said the experience was like “trundling round an exitless roundabout.” “I’m not convinced that the dangers were great, given that the bumper cars were equipped with bumpers,” he said. Butlins confirmed that people are not allowed to bump the bumper cars for “health and safety reasons”.
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