Click for bigger.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Australian thief caught with stolen safe hanging out of his car
The bungled theft of a Cairns community centre's safe that led to the robber being caught red-handed would make "a good movie", a District Court judge said. Police pulled over Matthew John Davis, 32, on June 24 last year after they saw the safe he stole from his former workplace hanging precariously out the back of his four-wheel-drive.
Davis was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order after pleading guilty in Cairns District Court to breaking and entering. Crown prosecutor Steve Morris said Davis went to Home and Community Care on Hartley St at about 1am and tried to free the safe from the filing cabinet it was attached to with a hammer, but the safe refused to budge.
"That’s when this plan has turned sour for the defendant," Mr Morris said. "He had to wrestle with the filing cabinet to remove it." The safe, still attached to the filing cabinet, was hanging out of Davis’s vehicle when police pulled him over. "One would not have thought that was part of the initial plan," Mr Morris said.
Mr Morris said otherwise, Davis’s operation ran smoothly, with no fingerprints or DNA left at the scene. Defence solicitor Derek Kordick said it was a "very stupid idea" that "screams of being intercepted by police". Judge Philip Robin said the comedy of errors "would make a good movie". Davis was also ordered to pay $600 in compensation for damage to the safe.
Davis was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order after pleading guilty in Cairns District Court to breaking and entering. Crown prosecutor Steve Morris said Davis went to Home and Community Care on Hartley St at about 1am and tried to free the safe from the filing cabinet it was attached to with a hammer, but the safe refused to budge.
"That’s when this plan has turned sour for the defendant," Mr Morris said. "He had to wrestle with the filing cabinet to remove it." The safe, still attached to the filing cabinet, was hanging out of Davis’s vehicle when police pulled him over. "One would not have thought that was part of the initial plan," Mr Morris said.
Mr Morris said otherwise, Davis’s operation ran smoothly, with no fingerprints or DNA left at the scene. Defence solicitor Derek Kordick said it was a "very stupid idea" that "screams of being intercepted by police". Judge Philip Robin said the comedy of errors "would make a good movie". Davis was also ordered to pay $600 in compensation for damage to the safe.
Dead mouse found in pre-packaged salad
A Michigan couple said they were horrified when they found a dead, disemboweled mouse in their bag of Dole Salad. John K. Jones said he sat down with his girlfriend, Ebony Wright, and her 7-year-old son for dinner on Sunday afternoon.
He was shocked to find the gruesome rodent buried in the Italian dressing covered salad. "I moved a couple of leaves and there was a mouse, a dead mouse laying on its back, and you could see the guts hanging out. I immediately got up and ran to the bathroom," Jones said.
"I was shocked, he ran to the bathroom and was throwing up," Wright said. "I said are you sick or something and he said you are not going to believe what's on that plate." Unfortunately, each of them had already eaten some of the Dole "Tender Garden" salad mix that they had purchased from a Kroger grocery store, so they immediately went to the hospital.
YouTube link.
"I know these things carry bacteria and didn't want my son to be sick," Wright said. The couple said that they then called both the Kroger store where it was purchased and Dole. Both companies offered to refund the couple the price of the bag of salad, but the couple feels that's not enough.
He was shocked to find the gruesome rodent buried in the Italian dressing covered salad. "I moved a couple of leaves and there was a mouse, a dead mouse laying on its back, and you could see the guts hanging out. I immediately got up and ran to the bathroom," Jones said.
"I was shocked, he ran to the bathroom and was throwing up," Wright said. "I said are you sick or something and he said you are not going to believe what's on that plate." Unfortunately, each of them had already eaten some of the Dole "Tender Garden" salad mix that they had purchased from a Kroger grocery store, so they immediately went to the hospital.
YouTube link.
"I know these things carry bacteria and didn't want my son to be sick," Wright said. The couple said that they then called both the Kroger store where it was purchased and Dole. Both companies offered to refund the couple the price of the bag of salad, but the couple feels that's not enough.
Man struck by lightning for sixth time
A Seneca man has again disproved the old adage about lightning never striking the same place twice after being struck for the sixth time on Monday. Melvin Roberts, 58, is recovering at Oconee Memorial Hospital after being struck at his home in Seneca on Monday. His wife, Martha Roberts, said that her husband was outside trying to cover his lawn mower when he was struck. Neighbours found Roberts lying unconscious in the yard.
Melvin Roberts said he was struck several times over the last several years, and in the last case in 2007, it was not even raining when it happened. Robert said, "I went to cover my chickens up, and I believe it was clear. But when I woke up, I was all bloody and burned and confused and had my little chickens lying with their feet up."
YouTube link.
Roberts carries a scar on his head from the first time and scars on his legs from the 2007 strike. That strike left him with nerve damage to his left leg and he spent more than a year in a wheelchair. This time he has a wound on his foot and blisters on his ankles. Roberts had to give up his work as a heavy equipment operator due to injuries from previous lightning strikes that have left him permanently disabled.
He said that his love life has paralleled his experience with lightning, but that’s about to change. Roberts said, “I've been married five times and I've been hit by lightning five times. (My wife) says this is the sixth time. I'm not leaving my wife, so I'm going to have to try to do something different."
Melvin Roberts said he was struck several times over the last several years, and in the last case in 2007, it was not even raining when it happened. Robert said, "I went to cover my chickens up, and I believe it was clear. But when I woke up, I was all bloody and burned and confused and had my little chickens lying with their feet up."
YouTube link.
Roberts carries a scar on his head from the first time and scars on his legs from the 2007 strike. That strike left him with nerve damage to his left leg and he spent more than a year in a wheelchair. This time he has a wound on his foot and blisters on his ankles. Roberts had to give up his work as a heavy equipment operator due to injuries from previous lightning strikes that have left him permanently disabled.
He said that his love life has paralleled his experience with lightning, but that’s about to change. Roberts said, “I've been married five times and I've been hit by lightning five times. (My wife) says this is the sixth time. I'm not leaving my wife, so I'm going to have to try to do something different."
'Singing penis' sets noise record for water insect
A tiny water boatman is the loudest animal on Earth relative to its body size, a study has revealed.
Scientists from France and Scotland recorded the aquatic animal "singing" at up to 99.2 decibels, the equivalent of listening to a loud orchestra play while sitting in the front row.
The insect makes the sound by rubbing its penis against its abdomen in a process known as "stridulation". Researchers say the song is a courtship display performed to attract a mate.
Micronecta scholtzi are freshwater insects measuring just 2mm that are common across Europe. On average, the songs of M. scholtzi reached 78.9 decibels, comparable to a passing freight train.
With two audio links.
Scientists from France and Scotland recorded the aquatic animal "singing" at up to 99.2 decibels, the equivalent of listening to a loud orchestra play while sitting in the front row.
The insect makes the sound by rubbing its penis against its abdomen in a process known as "stridulation". Researchers say the song is a courtship display performed to attract a mate.
Micronecta scholtzi are freshwater insects measuring just 2mm that are common across Europe. On average, the songs of M. scholtzi reached 78.9 decibels, comparable to a passing freight train.
With two audio links.
Moth crawls into boy's ear as he sleeps
Not a pleasant way to wake up - by learning that a moth has crawled into your ear. But that's just what happened to a Denver-area boy. 12-year-old Wade Schlote was awoken Sunday night by the pain of the moth that settled in his ear. "I had a moment of panicking. I was in pain," he said. "It was hurting so much I was screaming and crying."
His mother tried to wash it out. When that didn't work, they headed off to the emergency room. Doctors there were skeptical. "They said, 'Yeah, right. There's no moth in there.' But when they looked, sure enough, there was a moth," Max's mother Kathy Schlote said. The doctors said they had never seen a moth in someone's ear before, and they apparently weren't sure how to get it out.
"The doctors tried numbing my ear, thinking it would help with the pain and kill the moth," Max recalled. "That didn't work. Then they tried drowning it. That didn't work. Then they tried irrigating it. That didn't work.
YouTube link.
"Finally, the doctor pulled it out with tweezers and when they did it was still alive and started flying around." The doctors caught the moth, and Max took it home as a souvenir of his unpleasant night. "I am so happy it's over. It was so painful. Every time it moved it hit my ear drum."
His mother tried to wash it out. When that didn't work, they headed off to the emergency room. Doctors there were skeptical. "They said, 'Yeah, right. There's no moth in there.' But when they looked, sure enough, there was a moth," Max's mother Kathy Schlote said. The doctors said they had never seen a moth in someone's ear before, and they apparently weren't sure how to get it out.
"The doctors tried numbing my ear, thinking it would help with the pain and kill the moth," Max recalled. "That didn't work. Then they tried drowning it. That didn't work. Then they tried irrigating it. That didn't work.
YouTube link.
"Finally, the doctor pulled it out with tweezers and when they did it was still alive and started flying around." The doctors caught the moth, and Max took it home as a souvenir of his unpleasant night. "I am so happy it's over. It was so painful. Every time it moved it hit my ear drum."
Chaos as turtles delay flights at JFK
Air traffic at America's busiest international airport has been disrupted after turtles wandered on to the runway in search of a sandy beach to lay their eggs.
The turtles began their stately passage across John F Kennedy airport in New York on Wednesday morning, undeterred by the potentially lethal obstacles between their seasonal breeding grounds.
The creatures delayed flights, shut down a runway and forced staff outside to hurry the slow-moving animals to safer ground. Runway 4L was shut down for an hour as Port Authority teams worked to move the animals.
YouTube link.
JetBlue reported the turtle migration on Twitter around 9.40am. "Running over turtles is not healthy for them nor is it good for our tyres," the airline said.
The turtles began their stately passage across John F Kennedy airport in New York on Wednesday morning, undeterred by the potentially lethal obstacles between their seasonal breeding grounds.
The creatures delayed flights, shut down a runway and forced staff outside to hurry the slow-moving animals to safer ground. Runway 4L was shut down for an hour as Port Authority teams worked to move the animals.
YouTube link.
JetBlue reported the turtle migration on Twitter around 9.40am. "Running over turtles is not healthy for them nor is it good for our tyres," the airline said.
Police hunt for missing hungry, ‘unfriendly’ 7.5ft boa constrictor
Children have been warned to stay indoors after a "hungry" and "unfriendly" snake escaped from a house in Ipswich. The 7.5ft (2.3m) boa constrictor, called Diva, was last seen in a tank at her owner's home in Broom Crescent on Wednesday morning.
The owner described the snake as "unfriendly" and said it might bite if approached, but it was not venomous. Suffolk Police have advised people to keep children and pets indoors.
A police spokesman said: "The snake was last fed about three weeks ago and is due a feed. Suffolk Police cannot rule out a risk to the public and residents are advised to keep children and pets indoors.
"However, our understanding is that this snake will only feed on small animals such as mice and rats." It is thought the breeding season could have encouraged the boa constrictor to go out hunting.
The owner described the snake as "unfriendly" and said it might bite if approached, but it was not venomous. Suffolk Police have advised people to keep children and pets indoors.
A police spokesman said: "The snake was last fed about three weeks ago and is due a feed. Suffolk Police cannot rule out a risk to the public and residents are advised to keep children and pets indoors.
"However, our understanding is that this snake will only feed on small animals such as mice and rats." It is thought the breeding season could have encouraged the boa constrictor to go out hunting.
Council apologises for labelling councillor 'Hitler'
A council has apologised after a councillor was given the title "Hitler" in a document on its website. The label given to Isabelle Campbell remained on Highland Council's website for three weeks before being removed.
A council spokesman said the password used by the operative to get into the computer system had "randomly attached itself" to Ms Campbell's name. He said he was not sure why the person used "Hitler" as a password, but the error was not intended as malicious.
The PDF file posted online listed the names and positions of each elected member along with their expenses. The spokesman said the council had been unaware of the mistake and had removed it as soon as it was pointed out.
"This is just a very regrettable and unfortunate technological glitch," he said. "We will be apologising to Councillor Campbell for any embarrassment that this error has caused."
A council spokesman said the password used by the operative to get into the computer system had "randomly attached itself" to Ms Campbell's name. He said he was not sure why the person used "Hitler" as a password, but the error was not intended as malicious.
The PDF file posted online listed the names and positions of each elected member along with their expenses. The spokesman said the council had been unaware of the mistake and had removed it as soon as it was pointed out.
"This is just a very regrettable and unfortunate technological glitch," he said. "We will be apologising to Councillor Campbell for any embarrassment that this error has caused."
Jail for man who broke into fish merchant's to "smoke himself some haddock"
An Arbroath man who broke into a fish merchant wearing an apron and rubber gloves while high on drugs to "smoke himself some haddock" has been jailed for eight months. Frankie Melvin's failed attempt to get a late dinner was "more of a farce than anything else," said defence agent Gary McIlravey.
Appearing from custody, Melvin, 25, of the High Street, admitted that on June 16 at B. and A. Swankie Fish Merchants, East Mary Street, he climbed the perimeter wall of the yard, smashed windows in the doors and tried to break the padlock securing, thus attempting to break in with intent to steal.
Depute fiscal Hazel Anderson said Melvin was "heavily under the influence of something" when he was discovered in the yard at 8.30pm and police were called.
Mr McIlravey said, "His intention was to go in and smoke himself some haddock. It was more of a farce than anything else." Sheriff Derek Pyle told Melvin, "You've got a dreadful record," before sentencing him to eight months in jail, backdated to June 20.
Appearing from custody, Melvin, 25, of the High Street, admitted that on June 16 at B. and A. Swankie Fish Merchants, East Mary Street, he climbed the perimeter wall of the yard, smashed windows in the doors and tried to break the padlock securing, thus attempting to break in with intent to steal.
Depute fiscal Hazel Anderson said Melvin was "heavily under the influence of something" when he was discovered in the yard at 8.30pm and police were called.
Mr McIlravey said, "His intention was to go in and smoke himself some haddock. It was more of a farce than anything else." Sheriff Derek Pyle told Melvin, "You've got a dreadful record," before sentencing him to eight months in jail, backdated to June 20.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Man traps hand in car petrol tank trying to retrieve Snickers bar
Firefighters freed 20-year-old Earr Stokes of Fond du Lac on Tuesday after he got his hand stuck in a car while attempting to retrieve a Snickers chocolate bar. His cousin, Tyrone Williams, said he and Stokes took the car to a business to get a tyre changed.
“He so happened to look in the gas tank. There was chocolate in there. (Stokes) tried to get it out. He started picking it out with his hand and his hand got stuck. It was just chocolate. Chocolate and peanuts. He’s hurting,” Williams said.
Capt. Tony Knecht said firefighters resorted to cutting the filler pipe. Firefighters were then able to access the backside of the petrol tank opening to release Stokes’ fingers. “He got some abrasions on his finger,” Knecht said. “It’s nothing serious.” Firefighters wrapped Stokes in a blanket and placed a jacket on him as a cutting machine was used on the car.
“The only concern was the possibility of a spark with the fuel tank,” Knecht said. One firefighter kneeled nearby with a fire hose in case the rescue went awry. After being freed, Stokes slowly walked into a nearby ambulance where emergency personnel helped remove the pipe.
“He so happened to look in the gas tank. There was chocolate in there. (Stokes) tried to get it out. He started picking it out with his hand and his hand got stuck. It was just chocolate. Chocolate and peanuts. He’s hurting,” Williams said.
Capt. Tony Knecht said firefighters resorted to cutting the filler pipe. Firefighters were then able to access the backside of the petrol tank opening to release Stokes’ fingers. “He got some abrasions on his finger,” Knecht said. “It’s nothing serious.” Firefighters wrapped Stokes in a blanket and placed a jacket on him as a cutting machine was used on the car.
“The only concern was the possibility of a spark with the fuel tank,” Knecht said. One firefighter kneeled nearby with a fire hose in case the rescue went awry. After being freed, Stokes slowly walked into a nearby ambulance where emergency personnel helped remove the pipe.
Four-legged chicken born in Jerusalem sparks debate over bird’s kosher status
A four-legged chicken is facing a challenge in a strictly Orthodox neighbourhood of Jerusalem. The chicken has caused consternation amongst Mea Shearim residents as rabbis debate whether such a creature is properly kosher.
According to rabbis, the 12-toed bird must be slaughtered before its kosher status can be determined.
If the chicken's legs are found to be bound together, it is not suitable for Friday night dinner.
YouTube link.
But the owner of the slaughter house where the bird was hatched may auction the unusual fowl instead.
According to rabbis, the 12-toed bird must be slaughtered before its kosher status can be determined.
If the chicken's legs are found to be bound together, it is not suitable for Friday night dinner.
YouTube link.
But the owner of the slaughter house where the bird was hatched may auction the unusual fowl instead.
Man put penis in money deposit bag
A Hot Spot store clerk told Spartanburg County deputies that a Cowpens man put his private parts inside one of the store's money deposit bags. The clerk told deputies the man, later identified as 47-year-old Alan Ray Walker, entered the North Blackstock Road store on Sunday night while carrying ice cream. The man headed for the restroom.
After about 15 minutes, the clerk walked to the store's office, near the rear of the building, and saw the man walk out of the office with his penis inside a plastic “money bag” and his pants on the floor. Not knowing at the time that the bag belonged to the store, the clerk showed the man to a restroom, but as she got closer, she realized what the bag actually was and informed the man he was not supposed to have the item.
After an argument, the man walked out of the store, handing the money bag to another clerk on the way out. The man went to his truck, where a deputy later found him. After searching the truck, the deputy found a glass pipe, a white rock-like substance that tested positive for cocaine and a .25-calibre handgun.
Authorities also reported finding $4,200 dollars in cash on the man – some of which was in his shoe. Walker was charged with indecent exposure, grand larceny, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and unlawfully having a handgun. He is being held in the Spartanburg County jail under $20,000 bond.
After about 15 minutes, the clerk walked to the store's office, near the rear of the building, and saw the man walk out of the office with his penis inside a plastic “money bag” and his pants on the floor. Not knowing at the time that the bag belonged to the store, the clerk showed the man to a restroom, but as she got closer, she realized what the bag actually was and informed the man he was not supposed to have the item.
After an argument, the man walked out of the store, handing the money bag to another clerk on the way out. The man went to his truck, where a deputy later found him. After searching the truck, the deputy found a glass pipe, a white rock-like substance that tested positive for cocaine and a .25-calibre handgun.
Authorities also reported finding $4,200 dollars in cash on the man – some of which was in his shoe. Walker was charged with indecent exposure, grand larceny, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and unlawfully having a handgun. He is being held in the Spartanburg County jail under $20,000 bond.
Man who urinated over fellow plane passengers let off with warning
A drunk New Zealand passenger urinated in the aisle of a Jetstar aircraft - spraying one man and soaking a woman's scarf - but was allowed to leave the flight with only a warning. The man, travelling from Auckland to Singapore two days ago, emptied his bladder about six hours into the 11-hour flight. Passenger Amos Chapple said: "I hear this sound of running water and then I hear a guy going 'No, no, no, what the hell is wrong with you?'
"And there's this guy pissing in the aisle, waving back and forth." The man urinated on to the aircraft carpet, a man's leg, and a woman's scarf. "Everyone was yelling at him and he slowly became aware that he was being uncouth. He pulled up ... and wobbled back to the other end of the plane." The man and a friend were seen drinking whisky before take-off.
The man left the plane with only a warning and Singapore police were not called to deal with the matter on landing, he said. Jetstar crew gave wipes to the man who was sprayed and moved him to another seat, but Mr Chapple was left sitting next to a large reminder for the rest of the flight. "We were sitting next to a pool of urine for a good five and a half hours. You couldn't see a puddle but you could tell it was there. It was pretty outrageous."
Mr Chapple said he confronted the man in Singapore and asked him "what was that all about" but the man did not know what he was talking about. "I told him that he had pissed everywhere and he looked quite shocked," Mr Chapple said. JetStar said the urinator was issued an official warning from the plane's captain, had his alcohol confiscated, and returned to his seat to sleep off the public incident.
"And there's this guy pissing in the aisle, waving back and forth." The man urinated on to the aircraft carpet, a man's leg, and a woman's scarf. "Everyone was yelling at him and he slowly became aware that he was being uncouth. He pulled up ... and wobbled back to the other end of the plane." The man and a friend were seen drinking whisky before take-off.
The man left the plane with only a warning and Singapore police were not called to deal with the matter on landing, he said. Jetstar crew gave wipes to the man who was sprayed and moved him to another seat, but Mr Chapple was left sitting next to a large reminder for the rest of the flight. "We were sitting next to a pool of urine for a good five and a half hours. You couldn't see a puddle but you could tell it was there. It was pretty outrageous."
Mr Chapple said he confronted the man in Singapore and asked him "what was that all about" but the man did not know what he was talking about. "I told him that he had pissed everywhere and he looked quite shocked," Mr Chapple said. JetStar said the urinator was issued an official warning from the plane's captain, had his alcohol confiscated, and returned to his seat to sleep off the public incident.
Naked man arrested after defecating in woman’s garage
A drunken, naked Wausau man was arrested late on Monday after he entered a neighbour’s garage and defecated on the floor, according to the Wausau Police Department. Police were called at 10:30 p.m. for a report of a naked man inside a woman’s garage.
The woman told police she heard the door between her garage and home open and slam shut and her dog barking, Wausau Police Lt. Mark Pankow said. The woman then looked into the garage and saw the man, he said. Officers identified the man as Thomas O’Neil, 47, who lives nearby.
O’Neil later was apologetic to officers, and said he thought he was at his home, police said. O’Neil had a blood alcohol level 0.37 percent, or more than four times the legal limit for driving, Pankow said. O’Neil was taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital to be evaluated because of his level of intoxication.
He then was taken to jail on charges of disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and obstructing an officer. Officers made O’Neil sit on a plastic sheet inside a squad car, Pankow said. “This is one of those days when you can’t get paid enough,” Pankow said of the three officers who responded to the scene.
The woman told police she heard the door between her garage and home open and slam shut and her dog barking, Wausau Police Lt. Mark Pankow said. The woman then looked into the garage and saw the man, he said. Officers identified the man as Thomas O’Neil, 47, who lives nearby.
O’Neil later was apologetic to officers, and said he thought he was at his home, police said. O’Neil had a blood alcohol level 0.37 percent, or more than four times the legal limit for driving, Pankow said. O’Neil was taken to Aspirus Wausau Hospital to be evaluated because of his level of intoxication.
He then was taken to jail on charges of disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and obstructing an officer. Officers made O’Neil sit on a plastic sheet inside a squad car, Pankow said. “This is one of those days when you can’t get paid enough,” Pankow said of the three officers who responded to the scene.
Man arrested after his grandson walks in on him having sex with family dog
A Florida man is facing an animal cruelty charge after his grandson saw him attempting to have sex with a dog, according to a Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
Eugene Hickman, 54, was arrested on Saturday morning and charged with one felony count of animal cruelty.
His family contacted law enforcement after the grandson told his father that he had seen Hickman nude in the bedroom on top of the dog.
When asked about the incident, Hickman didn’t deny it and said he knew it was wrong and wouldn’t do it again. The 3-year-old female bulldog was turned over to animal control by deputies and was going to be examined by a veterinarian.
Eugene Hickman, 54, was arrested on Saturday morning and charged with one felony count of animal cruelty.
His family contacted law enforcement after the grandson told his father that he had seen Hickman nude in the bedroom on top of the dog.
When asked about the incident, Hickman didn’t deny it and said he knew it was wrong and wouldn’t do it again. The 3-year-old female bulldog was turned over to animal control by deputies and was going to be examined by a veterinarian.
Police sniffer vultures plan a 'disaster'
Police chiefs are to scrap a plan to use vultures to replace sniffer dogs after it turned out to be a miserable failure.
Police in Germany imported the birds from Carinthia, Austria, in the hope their amazing eyesight, fantastic sense of smell and ability to find dead prey would help them to find missing bodies.
But the three birds - named Sherlock, Miss Marples and Columbo - have failed to find a single cadaver laid out in the wild for them - unless put in front of their beaks. And one refuses to fly at all. Sherlock walks around at a speed similar to a waddling duck making him far less efficient than the average sniffer dog.
In addition the other two birds - Miss Marple and Columbo - spend most of their time fighting. An insider working with the project at Walsrode in Lower Saxony, Germany, confirmed: "The project has been a disaster."
Police in Germany imported the birds from Carinthia, Austria, in the hope their amazing eyesight, fantastic sense of smell and ability to find dead prey would help them to find missing bodies.
But the three birds - named Sherlock, Miss Marples and Columbo - have failed to find a single cadaver laid out in the wild for them - unless put in front of their beaks. And one refuses to fly at all. Sherlock walks around at a speed similar to a waddling duck making him far less efficient than the average sniffer dog.
In addition the other two birds - Miss Marple and Columbo - spend most of their time fighting. An insider working with the project at Walsrode in Lower Saxony, Germany, confirmed: "The project has been a disaster."
Rubbish truck used to transport dead Indian martyrs
A row has broken out in India over the decision to transport three policemen who died fighting Maoist rebels in the state of Chhattisgarh in a rubbish truck. Police said that they had to use the vehicle because there was no other form of transport to remove the dead men from the scene of battle.
The opposition Congress in the state has lambasted the ruling BJP party over the incident. It has demanded strong action against the officials responsible. "The incident shows the highest degree of insensitivity by the BJP towards those fighting the Maoists and laying down their lives," Congress chief spokesperson Ramesh Varlyani said.
"The party has brought disgrace to their sacrifice. The government should apologise publicly for the act." Police say that no ambulance was available after the men were killed in a bomb explosion after conducting a search operation in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.
YouTube link.
"But it doesn't mean it was done to bring disgrace to the martyrs," said spokesman Ankit Garg. "We had to act with whatever resources were available to us at that point of time." Officials say that the vehicle used was thoroughly cleaned before the bodies were transported.
The opposition Congress in the state has lambasted the ruling BJP party over the incident. It has demanded strong action against the officials responsible. "The incident shows the highest degree of insensitivity by the BJP towards those fighting the Maoists and laying down their lives," Congress chief spokesperson Ramesh Varlyani said.
"The party has brought disgrace to their sacrifice. The government should apologise publicly for the act." Police say that no ambulance was available after the men were killed in a bomb explosion after conducting a search operation in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.
YouTube link.
"But it doesn't mean it was done to bring disgrace to the martyrs," said spokesman Ankit Garg. "We had to act with whatever resources were available to us at that point of time." Officials say that the vehicle used was thoroughly cleaned before the bodies were transported.
Man arrested over bizarre water and cola attacks on women and girls
Police in Gloucester have arrested a man in connection with a series of water and cola throwing attacks on women and girls. There have been 12 incidents from around the city since the end of April and a covert operation was underway to identify the offender.
In ten of the linked cases a man was reported to have approached his victims from behind before tipping water from a container over them. In two cases, cola was used. Most of the attacks took place at the beginning or end of the day, with the youngest victim aged ten and the oldest victim in their twenties.
Eagle-eyed PC Andy Plant, who was off duty when he spotted a man acting suspiciously on Monday evening, called his colleagues to report the matter. Subsequently, a 24-year-old Gloucester man was arrested on suspicion of common assault in connection with the incidents. He has been bailed to attend Gloucester Police Station on June 30, pending further inquiries.
PC Plant said: "We would urge anyone with information about these attacks or who has been a victim of any similar incidents since April to come forward. While bizarre, these attacks have been unnerving and traumatic for the victims and we've been determined to bring them to an end."
In ten of the linked cases a man was reported to have approached his victims from behind before tipping water from a container over them. In two cases, cola was used. Most of the attacks took place at the beginning or end of the day, with the youngest victim aged ten and the oldest victim in their twenties.
Eagle-eyed PC Andy Plant, who was off duty when he spotted a man acting suspiciously on Monday evening, called his colleagues to report the matter. Subsequently, a 24-year-old Gloucester man was arrested on suspicion of common assault in connection with the incidents. He has been bailed to attend Gloucester Police Station on June 30, pending further inquiries.
PC Plant said: "We would urge anyone with information about these attacks or who has been a victim of any similar incidents since April to come forward. While bizarre, these attacks have been unnerving and traumatic for the victims and we've been determined to bring them to an end."
Abandoned cat found in toilet of restaurant
This cat was a whisker away from disaster after being abandoned in a Derby restaurant toilet.
But thankfully he was discovered by a customer and has found a temporary home at the Cats Protection shelter in Dalbury Lees, where staff have named him Flush.
Flush, who is about 12 months old, was discovered by a customer in a women's toilet cubicle at Swiss Cottage restaurant, St Peter's Street. Manager Steve Jones said it was the first time an animal had been abandoned there.
He said: "A customer told us she found it in the cubicle. It was hard to tell if the cat was distressed or not but it was shaking and panting." Flush was picked up by the RSPCA and taken to Cats Protection.
But thankfully he was discovered by a customer and has found a temporary home at the Cats Protection shelter in Dalbury Lees, where staff have named him Flush.
Flush, who is about 12 months old, was discovered by a customer in a women's toilet cubicle at Swiss Cottage restaurant, St Peter's Street. Manager Steve Jones said it was the first time an animal had been abandoned there.
He said: "A customer told us she found it in the cubicle. It was hard to tell if the cat was distressed or not but it was shaking and panting." Flush was picked up by the RSPCA and taken to Cats Protection.
Nottingham man killed by King Cobra bite
A snake breeder has died after being bitten by one of his venomous reptiles. Police are investigating the death of the man in his 40s in Eastwood, Nottingham, yesterday.
He is believed to be Luke Yeomans, a snake breeder who was due to open the King Cobra Sanctuary breeding colony to the public this weekend.
Nottinghamshire Police said officers were called at around 2pm to a property in Brookhill Leys Road, near Eastwood, where the man had suffered a suspected heart attack.
It is believed he had received a bite from a venomous snake, a spokeswoman said, and said he was pronounced dead at the scene. She said the snake has been contained and there is no danger to the public.
Rather bizarrely, just yesterday, the BBC posted a video interview with Mr Yeomans.
He is believed to be Luke Yeomans, a snake breeder who was due to open the King Cobra Sanctuary breeding colony to the public this weekend.
Nottinghamshire Police said officers were called at around 2pm to a property in Brookhill Leys Road, near Eastwood, where the man had suffered a suspected heart attack.
It is believed he had received a bite from a venomous snake, a spokeswoman said, and said he was pronounced dead at the scene. She said the snake has been contained and there is no danger to the public.
Rather bizarrely, just yesterday, the BBC posted a video interview with Mr Yeomans.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Australian man robs store wearing bubble wrap mask
A Gold Coast man has gone to extraordinary lengths to conceal his identity, covering his face in bubble wrap before he robbed a convenience store at knifepoint.
Police have released footage of the robber in the hope that someone may recognise him. The man, believed to be between 20 to 30 years of age, was wearing a black zip-up hooded jacket, board shorts and thongs when he robbed the Main Beach store.
He had eye and nose holes cut out of the makeshift bubble wrap mask, which was tied around his head.
Gold Coast Police Detective acting Inspector Mark White said the robbery was "opportunistic" and believe the robber stole his plastic wrapping from the back of a truck, which was parked about 100m down the road.
Video.
Police have released footage of the robber in the hope that someone may recognise him. The man, believed to be between 20 to 30 years of age, was wearing a black zip-up hooded jacket, board shorts and thongs when he robbed the Main Beach store.
He had eye and nose holes cut out of the makeshift bubble wrap mask, which was tied around his head.
Gold Coast Police Detective acting Inspector Mark White said the robbery was "opportunistic" and believe the robber stole his plastic wrapping from the back of a truck, which was parked about 100m down the road.
Video.
Russian civil servant tried to eat evidence
Crooked civil servant Anton Gritsay has set a new record for eating the evidence after munching his way through a 35,000 rouble (£800) bribe to stop it being seized as evidence. But Gritsay, head of the Emergencies Ministry in Zelenograd, Russia, failed to escape the long arm of the law after determined officers took the 38-year-old to the local hospital. Once there surgeons recovered seven of the notes from his stomach that were enough to see him taken to court.
Eating bribes has become a popular trend in Russia, leading to the league table that started in March 2010 when a policeman ate a 2,000 rouble bribe in the Chelyabinsk region. The previous recordholder was another policeman from the Saratov region who swallowed 15,000 roubles in March 2011.
Gritsay who was tipped off that he was about to be arrested and locked himself into a toilet at the Ministry was arrested by anticorruption cops when he already had all the money in his mouth. Despite attempts to get him to open his mouth they failed and he managed to swallow all the notes.
The arrest was filmed by other officers and a police spokesman said: "We investigated after a complaint that he had been paid a bribe to overlook breaches in safety standards during a fire safety inspection. He has pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe and was released on bail, and has been fired from his job.
Eating bribes has become a popular trend in Russia, leading to the league table that started in March 2010 when a policeman ate a 2,000 rouble bribe in the Chelyabinsk region. The previous recordholder was another policeman from the Saratov region who swallowed 15,000 roubles in March 2011.
Gritsay who was tipped off that he was about to be arrested and locked himself into a toilet at the Ministry was arrested by anticorruption cops when he already had all the money in his mouth. Despite attempts to get him to open his mouth they failed and he managed to swallow all the notes.
The arrest was filmed by other officers and a police spokesman said: "We investigated after a complaint that he had been paid a bribe to overlook breaches in safety standards during a fire safety inspection. He has pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe and was released on bail, and has been fired from his job.
Cameroon bans night travel because of drink driving
Cameroon has banned all night-time public transport on roads to curb accidents caused by heavy drinking, the transport ministry says. About 12,000 people died in road accidents last year, the ministry said.
The decision has been strongly criticised by many Cameroonians, who say it will affect their businesses and nightlife. The ban means that buses and taxis must be off roads from 2000 GMT to 0400 GMT. The ministry said night travel accounted for 35% of accidents, even though few people commuted at night.
The accidents were caused mainly by heavy drinking, it said. Many people are not sure how they will travel to and from work because some journeys last more than six hours. Police have been ordered to pull off buses and taxis that travel after 2000 GMT, raising the prospect of commuters sleeping on the roadside or walking home.
The ban has also been condemned by owners of bars and night clubs, who believe that it will ruin their businesses and destroy nightlife in big cities. Small-scale traders said their income would be badly affected because their produce would not reach markets early in the morning.
The decision has been strongly criticised by many Cameroonians, who say it will affect their businesses and nightlife. The ban means that buses and taxis must be off roads from 2000 GMT to 0400 GMT. The ministry said night travel accounted for 35% of accidents, even though few people commuted at night.
The accidents were caused mainly by heavy drinking, it said. Many people are not sure how they will travel to and from work because some journeys last more than six hours. Police have been ordered to pull off buses and taxis that travel after 2000 GMT, raising the prospect of commuters sleeping on the roadside or walking home.
The ban has also been condemned by owners of bars and night clubs, who believe that it will ruin their businesses and destroy nightlife in big cities. Small-scale traders said their income would be badly affected because their produce would not reach markets early in the morning.
Elderly lady fed cannabis to pet rabbits
Police in Brandenburg who discovered a large plot of cannabis called on the neighbouring house only to find an 84-year-old woman who had been feeding her rabbits with the plants. “The rabbits really like it,” the woman told officers who called on her in the village of Golzow near Belzig.
A police officer had seen the healthy, metre-high plants from the road while on his way to work and told his colleagues, who visited the plot’s owner – the elderly woman. She told them that she had not grown the plants herself, but that they had simply started growing there, and had proven to be excellent rabbit food.
Not only did the rabbits love eating the plants, they grew back very quickly after she cut them down, she told the investigating officers. A spokesman for the Brandenburg police said her explanation had sounded plausible, but the officers could not leave her with the plants, rather cut them all down and took them to the forensics laboratory for testing.
The three large plastic sacks of weed will now be tested to determine the level of THC – the psycho-active ingredient in cannabis - they contain. There was no official comment on what the elderly woman was expected to feed her rabbits with now.
A police officer had seen the healthy, metre-high plants from the road while on his way to work and told his colleagues, who visited the plot’s owner – the elderly woman. She told them that she had not grown the plants herself, but that they had simply started growing there, and had proven to be excellent rabbit food.
Not only did the rabbits love eating the plants, they grew back very quickly after she cut them down, she told the investigating officers. A spokesman for the Brandenburg police said her explanation had sounded plausible, but the officers could not leave her with the plants, rather cut them all down and took them to the forensics laboratory for testing.
The three large plastic sacks of weed will now be tested to determine the level of THC – the psycho-active ingredient in cannabis - they contain. There was no official comment on what the elderly woman was expected to feed her rabbits with now.
Chihuahua shows talent for herding sheep
She may only weigh 2.5lb, but Nancy the Chihuahua makes quick work of showing five sheep who is boss, despite the animals being more than ten times her size.
Rescue dog Nancy's potential for herding flocks was discovered after she was adopted by a sheep dog trainer. Ali Taylor, who trains rescued border collies, said the tiny dog picked up herding straight away.
"I started in a very controlled environment but it quickly became evident that Nancy has natural ability and loves herding sheep," she said. Nancy was hand-reared after being taken to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home at just three weeks old with a skin disease caused by parasitic mites.
YouTube link.
"People sometimes under-estimate rescue dogs, but they really are fantastic and go on to do amazing things," Ms Taylor, who also works at the dogs home, said. The charity stresses that no-one should try sheep herding without expert supervision.
Rescue dog Nancy's potential for herding flocks was discovered after she was adopted by a sheep dog trainer. Ali Taylor, who trains rescued border collies, said the tiny dog picked up herding straight away.
"I started in a very controlled environment but it quickly became evident that Nancy has natural ability and loves herding sheep," she said. Nancy was hand-reared after being taken to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home at just three weeks old with a skin disease caused by parasitic mites.
YouTube link.
"People sometimes under-estimate rescue dogs, but they really are fantastic and go on to do amazing things," Ms Taylor, who also works at the dogs home, said. The charity stresses that no-one should try sheep herding without expert supervision.
Police officer gets head trapped under parked car
A police officer on a night out with colleagues was injured after falling down steps outside a pub. The off-duty officer slipped trying to navigate steps at the Inn on the Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley. He landed face first and ended up with his head wedged underneath a parked car.
A team of firefighters who came to his rescue have been hailed ‘superheroes’, after lifting the one-tonne Ford KA from the stricken officer. The officer, who has not been named, was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital by paramedics.
Burnley fire crew manager Andy Coulton said the officer, in his 40s, was conscious when they arrived, but then passed out soon after and was bleeding from a head wound. Around five firefighters lifted the car and rolled it backwards to enable paramedics to treat the officer.
Mr Coulton said: “We had to get him out quickly so we used brute force to lift the car. It was a bit like superheroes. It was a very strange job. The car was in the pub car park at the bottom of the steps so he must have fallen over and his momentum slid him underneath. He had definitely been drinking. Quite a lot of his colleagues were gathered round concerned for him.”
A team of firefighters who came to his rescue have been hailed ‘superheroes’, after lifting the one-tonne Ford KA from the stricken officer. The officer, who has not been named, was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital by paramedics.
Burnley fire crew manager Andy Coulton said the officer, in his 40s, was conscious when they arrived, but then passed out soon after and was bleeding from a head wound. Around five firefighters lifted the car and rolled it backwards to enable paramedics to treat the officer.
Mr Coulton said: “We had to get him out quickly so we used brute force to lift the car. It was a bit like superheroes. It was a very strange job. The car was in the pub car park at the bottom of the steps so he must have fallen over and his momentum slid him underneath. He had definitely been drinking. Quite a lot of his colleagues were gathered round concerned for him.”
Paedophile banned from using the interweb for 25 years
A 65-year-old paedophile has been ordered by a court not to use the internet for the next 25 years. Graham McLean was also banned from owning computers or mobile phones that can connect to the web until after his 90th birthday in 2036.
McLean, from Perth, admitted possessing indecent images of children between July 2010 and March 2011. The orders were granted after a court heard he had convictions for sexual crimes dating back more than 20 years.
McLean was jailed for 27 months following his latest crimes. The web ban was part of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (Sopo), designed to protect the public from "the risk of serious sexual harm".
The Sopo states: "You will neither own, possess, use, nor have access to, any computing equipment including - for the avoidance of doubt - any mobile telephone capable of accessing the internet."
McLean, from Perth, admitted possessing indecent images of children between July 2010 and March 2011. The orders were granted after a court heard he had convictions for sexual crimes dating back more than 20 years.
McLean was jailed for 27 months following his latest crimes. The web ban was part of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (Sopo), designed to protect the public from "the risk of serious sexual harm".
The Sopo states: "You will neither own, possess, use, nor have access to, any computing equipment including - for the avoidance of doubt - any mobile telephone capable of accessing the internet."
David Cameron expresses desire to pleasure Mrs Bone
Prime Minister David Cameron declared in Parliament that "a very big part of my life is trying to give pleasure" to the wife of Wellingborough MP Peter Bone.
The comment was made after Mr Bone asked if Mr Cameron would rule out contributing to any eurozone bailouts before 2013.
YouTube link.
Mrs Bone had been "singing the praises of the PM" over the UK refusing to contribute to the Greek bailout, the MP Wellingborough and Rushden told the Commons. But she was also asking for an assurance that no other contributions would be necessary as this would "be really helpful for the Bone household", the MP said.
Mr Cameron replied: "I do feel now that a very big part of my life is trying to give pleasure to Mrs Bone. I feel on this occasion I can only go so far." Speaker John Bercow interjected: "We note the admirable self-restraint of the prime minister."
The comment was made after Mr Bone asked if Mr Cameron would rule out contributing to any eurozone bailouts before 2013.
YouTube link.
Mrs Bone had been "singing the praises of the PM" over the UK refusing to contribute to the Greek bailout, the MP Wellingborough and Rushden told the Commons. But she was also asking for an assurance that no other contributions would be necessary as this would "be really helpful for the Bone household", the MP said.
Mr Cameron replied: "I do feel now that a very big part of my life is trying to give pleasure to Mrs Bone. I feel on this occasion I can only go so far." Speaker John Bercow interjected: "We note the admirable self-restraint of the prime minister."
Man impersonated female police officer to sneak into festival
A man determined to see his favourite band play at a sold-out music festival stole a female police officer's uniform before taking the law into his hands. With no ticket to see headlining band Kasabian play at the Isle of Wight festival, Daniel Tredinnick decided to break into a nearby police car and steal a bag containing a policewoman's uniform. He then snuck into the festival.
Once inside, the avid music fan managed to fool both festival-goers and security guards and even began carrying out official duties by breaking up a fight, helping find a missing woman and chatting to senior officers. Trained first-aider Tredinnick, of Shanklin in the Isle of Wight, then assisted paramedics as they treated an injured reveller.
It was two-and-a-half hours before a keen-eyed security man spotted Tredinnick was not wearing a tie or hat and demanded to see his ID. He was then arrested after showing a fake detective seargent's badge. Defending, Keith Verrinder, said his client had actually been quite useful during the deception.
"It could be said he did no particular harm while dressed as a police officer. Strangely enough, he did more good than harm. He says now it was a very stupid thing to do. He felt it was childish and quite ridiculous but it seemed like a good idea at the time," he said. Tredinnick, who pleaded guilty to stealing a police uniform and impersonating an officer, was given a 16-week suspended sentence.
Once inside, the avid music fan managed to fool both festival-goers and security guards and even began carrying out official duties by breaking up a fight, helping find a missing woman and chatting to senior officers. Trained first-aider Tredinnick, of Shanklin in the Isle of Wight, then assisted paramedics as they treated an injured reveller.
It was two-and-a-half hours before a keen-eyed security man spotted Tredinnick was not wearing a tie or hat and demanded to see his ID. He was then arrested after showing a fake detective seargent's badge. Defending, Keith Verrinder, said his client had actually been quite useful during the deception.
"It could be said he did no particular harm while dressed as a police officer. Strangely enough, he did more good than harm. He says now it was a very stupid thing to do. He felt it was childish and quite ridiculous but it seemed like a good idea at the time," he said. Tredinnick, who pleaded guilty to stealing a police uniform and impersonating an officer, was given a 16-week suspended sentence.
Man to face portable toilet topple trial
A man is to stand trial accused of pushing over a Portaloo while another person was inside.
John Reilly, 22, is accused of "culpably and recklessly" pushing over the temporary toilet causing it to topple to the ground, while Dylan Gardiner was still inside.
The alleged incident, in Stirling's Kings Park on June 18 last year, is said to have caused Mr Gardiner "unnecessary distress and alarm".
Stirling Sheriff Court heard that the prosecution and defence were both ready for trial, and witnesses had been cited. Reilly, of Mingle Place, Bo'ness, denies culpable and reckless conduct.
John Reilly, 22, is accused of "culpably and recklessly" pushing over the temporary toilet causing it to topple to the ground, while Dylan Gardiner was still inside.
The alleged incident, in Stirling's Kings Park on June 18 last year, is said to have caused Mr Gardiner "unnecessary distress and alarm".
Stirling Sheriff Court heard that the prosecution and defence were both ready for trial, and witnesses had been cited. Reilly, of Mingle Place, Bo'ness, denies culpable and reckless conduct.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Soldiers instructed to intimidate storks by staring at them
Austrian troops ordered into action to stop a colony of storks from forcing the closure of an air show have been banned from using their guns – and told to stare at the birds instead. The soldiers were ordered in after experts had failed using a variety of other methods to drive away the 25 white storks from one of Europe’s biggest flying events at a military airport in Zeltweg, Styria.
Airpower 2011 officials have been warned that the storks are large enough to bring down an aeroplane if they are sucked into the jets’ engines or smash into their cockpits when the event takes place on 1 and 2 July. Organisers have tried to lure them away with bait, by creating better feeding grounds further away and even putting up plastic storks to make it seem more attractive elsewhere. But the defence ministry ended up in hot water when an official said they would consider shooting the birds if there was a danger "as a last resort".
The defence ministry claimed the statement had been a bad joke, and when questioned about what the soldiers would be doing said soldiers had been ordered to stare at them instead. And local environmentalist Siegfried Prinz who is helping to organise the troops for "operation stork" confirmed it was no joke. He said: "The troops have been observing the area and finding out where the storks seems to like to go to feed - they then turn up and engage them in eye contact."
He said this unsettled the birds which then flew away to other areas – and added that the policy seemed to be working. He added: "The policy is unsettling them and they have started to move away just in time. Being stared at actually intimidates the storks more than the sound of a gun or other explosive device." A total of 24 soldiers are working on operation stork between five a.m. in the morning and 10 o'clock at night.
Airpower 2011 officials have been warned that the storks are large enough to bring down an aeroplane if they are sucked into the jets’ engines or smash into their cockpits when the event takes place on 1 and 2 July. Organisers have tried to lure them away with bait, by creating better feeding grounds further away and even putting up plastic storks to make it seem more attractive elsewhere. But the defence ministry ended up in hot water when an official said they would consider shooting the birds if there was a danger "as a last resort".
The defence ministry claimed the statement had been a bad joke, and when questioned about what the soldiers would be doing said soldiers had been ordered to stare at them instead. And local environmentalist Siegfried Prinz who is helping to organise the troops for "operation stork" confirmed it was no joke. He said: "The troops have been observing the area and finding out where the storks seems to like to go to feed - they then turn up and engage them in eye contact."
He said this unsettled the birds which then flew away to other areas – and added that the policy seemed to be working. He added: "The policy is unsettling them and they have started to move away just in time. Being stared at actually intimidates the storks more than the sound of a gun or other explosive device." A total of 24 soldiers are working on operation stork between five a.m. in the morning and 10 o'clock at night.
Man fights lion in cage
Self-styled Egyptian strongman, Al Sayed al Essawy had an idea for lifting his country out of its post-revolution economic funk: Fight a lion.
Which is why on Saturday Mr. Al Essawy stepped into a steel cage with a 660-pound lion in the middle of a wheat field in a farming hamlet. He glared at the lion and bared his teeth. He carried a "shield" made out of an old satellite dish.
It wasn't supposed to be this way. Mr. Al Essawy had wanted to fight the lion in the shadow of the Great Pyramids. His idea was to send a message to the world that "in Egypt you can see events that you can't see anywhere else." February's violent revolution has taken a big bite out of tourism, which employs some 10% of all Egyptians.
YouTube link.
The fight drew condemnation from animal-rights activists and tourism officials. Egypt's tourism minister, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, vowed earlier this month to "personally" prevent the "barbaric" act from taking place by demanding that the ministry of interior intervene to stop the fight. The lion itself looked bored. One man in the crowd claimed it had just been fed a whole donkey and was therefore sleepy.
Which is why on Saturday Mr. Al Essawy stepped into a steel cage with a 660-pound lion in the middle of a wheat field in a farming hamlet. He glared at the lion and bared his teeth. He carried a "shield" made out of an old satellite dish.
It wasn't supposed to be this way. Mr. Al Essawy had wanted to fight the lion in the shadow of the Great Pyramids. His idea was to send a message to the world that "in Egypt you can see events that you can't see anywhere else." February's violent revolution has taken a big bite out of tourism, which employs some 10% of all Egyptians.
YouTube link.
The fight drew condemnation from animal-rights activists and tourism officials. Egypt's tourism minister, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour, vowed earlier this month to "personally" prevent the "barbaric" act from taking place by demanding that the ministry of interior intervene to stop the fight. The lion itself looked bored. One man in the crowd claimed it had just been fed a whole donkey and was therefore sleepy.
Teenager, now an orphan, survives his 2nd plane crash in 8 years
A standout Indiana high school basketball player with the promise of playing at the University of Michigan is fighting for his life after surviving the second plane crash of his young life.
Austin Hatch, 16, of Fort Wayne, Ind., remains in a critical condition in a northern Michigan hospital after the Friday evening crash that killed his father, Dr. Stephen Hatch, and his stepmother, Kim.
Austin and his pilot father had survived a 2003 crash that killed Austin's mother and two siblings.
"He never talked about (the previous crash) one time," said Dan Kline, the basketball coach at Canterbury School in Fort Wayne, Ind. "I'm sure he carried it inside."
Video.
Austin Hatch, 16, of Fort Wayne, Ind., remains in a critical condition in a northern Michigan hospital after the Friday evening crash that killed his father, Dr. Stephen Hatch, and his stepmother, Kim.
Austin and his pilot father had survived a 2003 crash that killed Austin's mother and two siblings.
"He never talked about (the previous crash) one time," said Dan Kline, the basketball coach at Canterbury School in Fort Wayne, Ind. "I'm sure he carried it inside."
Video.
Woman accused of spraying breast milk at police officers
A woman was arrested early on Saturday morning after spraying deputies with the Delaware County sheriff's office with breast milk. Deputies responded to a domestic violence call at about 1 a.m. at Bridgewater Banquet Facility on Sawmill Parkway in Delaware County.
When they went there, deputies spoke to a man who informed them he and his wife, Stephanie Robinette, 30, of Westerville, were having an argument and that his wife struck him multiple times and then locked herself in the car. He told them she was intoxicated following a wedding they attended and started the dispute.
When deputies approached the vehicle, Robinette began yelling profanities and refused to exit the vehicle. "When deputies attempted to remove Robinette from the vehicle, she advised the deputies that she was a breast-feeding mother and proceeded to remove her right breast from her dress and began spraying deputies and the vehicle in her breast milk," Sheriff Walter L. Davis, III said.
Deputies removed Robinette from the vehicle and arrested her. She is currently being held in the Delaware County jail, facing charges of domestic violence, assault, obstructing official business, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
When they went there, deputies spoke to a man who informed them he and his wife, Stephanie Robinette, 30, of Westerville, were having an argument and that his wife struck him multiple times and then locked herself in the car. He told them she was intoxicated following a wedding they attended and started the dispute.
When deputies approached the vehicle, Robinette began yelling profanities and refused to exit the vehicle. "When deputies attempted to remove Robinette from the vehicle, she advised the deputies that she was a breast-feeding mother and proceeded to remove her right breast from her dress and began spraying deputies and the vehicle in her breast milk," Sheriff Walter L. Davis, III said.
Deputies removed Robinette from the vehicle and arrested her. She is currently being held in the Delaware County jail, facing charges of domestic violence, assault, obstructing official business, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
French village bemused by Apocalyptic strangers
Residents of the tiny southern French hamlet of Bugarach, population 194, are up in arms at a rising influx of Doomsday believers convinced it is the only place that will survive judgement day in 2012. Apocalypse devotees dressed in white are now a familiar sight in this picturesque village, drawn here by various New Age theories including claims that a nearby rocky outcrop, the Pic de Bugarach, harbours an alien technical base.
"These blasted prophets from all over the world have turned our mountain into some sort of UFO garage," Jean-Pierre Delord, mayor of Bugarach, said. "You may think it's funny, but they're deadly serious ... The end result is that all these fanatics are coming here to hide out," he said.
The Internet is awash with predictions that the world will come to an end next year, based in part on an interpretation of the ancient Mayan calendar which claims December 21, 2012, marks the end of the current era. Surrounded in legend for centuries, Bugarach has become a focal point for many Apocalypse believers as rumours have circulated that its mountain contains doors into other worlds, or that extraterrestrials will return there on Judgement day to take refuge at their base.
YouTube link.
In sleepy Bugarach, 86-year-old Marie-Simone, whose job it is to decorate the small village church with flowers, just sighs and shrugs when she hears of the esoteric goings on. "Apparently it all comes from the Internet. But they should just clear off, they'll never find any UFOs," she said, adding that neither she nor the village priest believe a word of it.
"These blasted prophets from all over the world have turned our mountain into some sort of UFO garage," Jean-Pierre Delord, mayor of Bugarach, said. "You may think it's funny, but they're deadly serious ... The end result is that all these fanatics are coming here to hide out," he said.
The Internet is awash with predictions that the world will come to an end next year, based in part on an interpretation of the ancient Mayan calendar which claims December 21, 2012, marks the end of the current era. Surrounded in legend for centuries, Bugarach has become a focal point for many Apocalypse believers as rumours have circulated that its mountain contains doors into other worlds, or that extraterrestrials will return there on Judgement day to take refuge at their base.
YouTube link.
In sleepy Bugarach, 86-year-old Marie-Simone, whose job it is to decorate the small village church with flowers, just sighs and shrugs when she hears of the esoteric goings on. "Apparently it all comes from the Internet. But they should just clear off, they'll never find any UFOs," she said, adding that neither she nor the village priest believe a word of it.
Japanese rugby star fails drugs test after trying to grow a moustache
The World Cup dreams of one of Japan’s rising rugby stars is in tatters after he attempted to cultivate a manly moustache.
Ryohei Yamanaka, a fly-half for the national team, is awaiting the result of a second test to confirm that the hair growth cream he rubbed on his top lip did contain a banned steroid.
If that result is also positive, which appears likely, the 22-year-old player is likely to face a ban of a minimum of six months - ruling him out of Brave Blossoms’ squad for the World Cup that kicks off in New Zealand on September 9.
In a worst-case scenario, Yamanaka could be banned for as much as two years as the Japan Rugby Football Union takes a notoriously dim view of drugs in the sport.
Ryohei Yamanaka, a fly-half for the national team, is awaiting the result of a second test to confirm that the hair growth cream he rubbed on his top lip did contain a banned steroid.
If that result is also positive, which appears likely, the 22-year-old player is likely to face a ban of a minimum of six months - ruling him out of Brave Blossoms’ squad for the World Cup that kicks off in New Zealand on September 9.
In a worst-case scenario, Yamanaka could be banned for as much as two years as the Japan Rugby Football Union takes a notoriously dim view of drugs in the sport.
Two officials knocked out at Irish ladies' Gaelic football final
GAA bosses in Tyrone have ordered an inquiry after a referee and a senior county official were knocked unconscious when violence flared at the end of a women's football final. The investigation was launched after both men were attacked and had to be stretchered off the field shortly after the final whistle blew at the ladies' senior final between St Macartan's and Carrickmore at Beragh, Co Tyrone. Towards the end of Friday night’s match, referee Simon Brady made a decision that awarded a free to Augher-based St Macartans’ who then scored a point and went on to win the game.
Spectators then moved on to the pitch where ugly scenes erupted. Mr Brady was punched before Tyrone ladies football chairman Martin Conway was hit when he tried to intervene. Mr Brady, a 43-year-old father-of-two, said he turned to shake the hand of a club manager when he was hit in the face and knocked to the ground. He was treated at the Erne Hospital, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, for bruising and swelling to his face.
He said: “I was checking my score card to make sure everything was in order. I got a tap on the shoulder from one of the managers wanting to shake my hand and that is the last thing I remember.” Mr Brady said: “Apparently I was hit. My understanding is that it was a spectator. I woke up maybe five minutes later. I was frightened. I didn't know what had happened. All I knew was I was lying on the ground and it was wet and cold. I wasn't even aware Martin Conway had been hit by another individual when he came to help me.”
He added: “It is absolutely shameful that this sort of thing has happened. I am a volunteer in what is a pretty tough job and one that can feel very lonely at times. There's a lot of shock. I believe it is the most serious incident that has ever happened, at least in Tyrone football.” It’s understood two different individuals, allegedly Carrickmore supporters, were involved in the violence. The Tyrone Ladies County Board condemned the assaults and said it has launched a full investigation.
Spectators then moved on to the pitch where ugly scenes erupted. Mr Brady was punched before Tyrone ladies football chairman Martin Conway was hit when he tried to intervene. Mr Brady, a 43-year-old father-of-two, said he turned to shake the hand of a club manager when he was hit in the face and knocked to the ground. He was treated at the Erne Hospital, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, for bruising and swelling to his face.
He said: “I was checking my score card to make sure everything was in order. I got a tap on the shoulder from one of the managers wanting to shake my hand and that is the last thing I remember.” Mr Brady said: “Apparently I was hit. My understanding is that it was a spectator. I woke up maybe five minutes later. I was frightened. I didn't know what had happened. All I knew was I was lying on the ground and it was wet and cold. I wasn't even aware Martin Conway had been hit by another individual when he came to help me.”
He added: “It is absolutely shameful that this sort of thing has happened. I am a volunteer in what is a pretty tough job and one that can feel very lonely at times. There's a lot of shock. I believe it is the most serious incident that has ever happened, at least in Tyrone football.” It’s understood two different individuals, allegedly Carrickmore supporters, were involved in the violence. The Tyrone Ladies County Board condemned the assaults and said it has launched a full investigation.
Witch is religious leaflet target
The owner of a witchcraft shop in Devon said she had been targeted by "religious" literature. Nikki Kitchen, who practises witchcraft and runs White Trinity Witch in Plymouth, said Pro-Christian leaflets were pushed through the door. Anonymous handwritten notes have also been delivered to the shop.
Ms Kitchen previously had to stop running a stall in Plymouth's indoor market because of abusive comments. Ms Kitchen said: "Churchgoers think we're the spawn of Satan. It's been quite harsh and heavy but you've got to laugh it off. They expect us to accept their religion but they don't look at Paganism as being one of the oldest religions going.
"I think people are just uneducated, it's not about devil worship at all. It's about love light and using the earth to heal the people around us." Dr Theodore Danson-Smith who runs a company which distributes leaflets like Ms Kitchen received, said: "We don't send any hate mail whatsoever.
"It's not hate mail, it's telling the way of salvation. Any witchcraft shop is working for Satan not for God." He said he did not know which Christian group had posted the leaflets, which are entitled "The Beast" and written in comic book form, through Mrs Kitchen's door. "I don't know who they are but God bless them, they're wanting to save her from going to a lost eternity."
Ms Kitchen previously had to stop running a stall in Plymouth's indoor market because of abusive comments. Ms Kitchen said: "Churchgoers think we're the spawn of Satan. It's been quite harsh and heavy but you've got to laugh it off. They expect us to accept their religion but they don't look at Paganism as being one of the oldest religions going.
"I think people are just uneducated, it's not about devil worship at all. It's about love light and using the earth to heal the people around us." Dr Theodore Danson-Smith who runs a company which distributes leaflets like Ms Kitchen received, said: "We don't send any hate mail whatsoever.
"It's not hate mail, it's telling the way of salvation. Any witchcraft shop is working for Satan not for God." He said he did not know which Christian group had posted the leaflets, which are entitled "The Beast" and written in comic book form, through Mrs Kitchen's door. "I don't know who they are but God bless them, they're wanting to save her from going to a lost eternity."
Socks off at World Toe Wrestling Championship
Hundreds of competitors took their warring digits to the 35th annual Toe Wrestling Championship at the Bentley Brook Inn, near Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Based on the better-known sport of arm wrestling, toe wrestling sees competitors use their feet and toes to overpower their opponent.
Photo from here.
The sport was invented in 1976 when regulars at the pub set about searching for a game that the British could win. A decision was made to invent a new one. Locals in Wetton - where the game was born - have been dominating the sport ever since.
This year an epic battle between arch rivals 'Predatoe' and 'Nasty Nash' dominated proceedings. Paul 'Predatoe' Beech beat current world champion Alan Nash in the semi final, leaving him with a clear route to victory.
YouTube link.
"I knew I'd win and I'll win next year, whoever comes. Nasty Nash next year, I'm breaking his ankle," he said after his win. People travelled from as far afield as London to try and claim the male and female champion titles.
Photo from here.
The sport was invented in 1976 when regulars at the pub set about searching for a game that the British could win. A decision was made to invent a new one. Locals in Wetton - where the game was born - have been dominating the sport ever since.
This year an epic battle between arch rivals 'Predatoe' and 'Nasty Nash' dominated proceedings. Paul 'Predatoe' Beech beat current world champion Alan Nash in the semi final, leaving him with a clear route to victory.
YouTube link.
"I knew I'd win and I'll win next year, whoever comes. Nasty Nash next year, I'm breaking his ankle," he said after his win. People travelled from as far afield as London to try and claim the male and female champion titles.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
This is Horsebic
Horsebic, a new innovation from Finland, is a riding lesson without horses.
YouTube link.
Via Boing Boing.
YouTube link.
Via Boing Boing.
Meanwhile on Australia's version of Countdown
Recently on Letters and Numbers, the Australian version of popular British programme Countdown, co presenter Lily Serna randomly picked this unfortunate selection of letters.
YouTube link.
YouTube link.
Man breaks into Surprise home and takes shower
Police arrested a 36-year-old Surprise man after he allegedly broke into two occupied homes on Saturday morning, taking time for a shower during one of the burglaries. Surprise police said Jimmy Phillips broke into a home near El Mirage and Bell roads at around 10:30 a.m. where there were three children.
The children reportedly told police the suspect had taken a shower before realizing there was anyone in the home. Ryan McCoy, 13, said he was getting his 5-year-old brother up when he heard the shower running. He said he thought it was odd because he knew his older sister wasn't up yet and his mother had just left for work.
Ryan said the suspect used his sister's shampoo body scrubber. Other neighbours said Phillips had tried to get into their homes also. As officers approached Phillips apparently tried to get away on a stolen bicycle but was caught and taken into custody. Neighbours said Phillips was wearing their clothes.
YouTube link.
Phillips was booked into jail on two counts of burglary, theft, unlawful use of means of transportation and possession of stolen property. Police said no one was injured.
The children reportedly told police the suspect had taken a shower before realizing there was anyone in the home. Ryan McCoy, 13, said he was getting his 5-year-old brother up when he heard the shower running. He said he thought it was odd because he knew his older sister wasn't up yet and his mother had just left for work.
Ryan said the suspect used his sister's shampoo body scrubber. Other neighbours said Phillips had tried to get into their homes also. As officers approached Phillips apparently tried to get away on a stolen bicycle but was caught and taken into custody. Neighbours said Phillips was wearing their clothes.
YouTube link.
Phillips was booked into jail on two counts of burglary, theft, unlawful use of means of transportation and possession of stolen property. Police said no one was injured.
Dog alerts family to dangerous gas leak
Edmonton’s latest hero saved her family’s life with her own two paws, and a good nose. Luna, a six-year-old Husky, alerted her owner, Jenny Conarroe and her family to a gas leak at their home in Millwoods. Late on Wednesday night, Conarroe let the dog out for a last run, and was horrified when she returned covered in thick mud.
“She was just filthy, we had to hose her down,” said Conarroe, who admitted she felt it was too dark to check out the source of the mud that night. Conarroe and her husband Ryan waited until the following evening to investigate the backyard and what they found shocked them. “She had dug a huge hole, probably three feet by four feet, and a puddle had formed overnight, and it was bubbling,” said Connaroe.
After discussing the situation with a neighbour, the couple decided the phenomenon was probably gas related and promptly phoned Atco Gas. Less than 10 minutes later a gas engineer arrived at the home and confirmed the leak. “She must have smelled it, and if she hadn’t started digging we probably wouldn’t even have noticed it even standing right there,” she said.
Gas had been spewing up from a dislodged pipe, a dangerous situation for the couple and their six children had it gone unnoticed. “I don’t even want to think what would have happened if she hadn’t found it. We have six kids, all between three years old and 16,” said Conarroe. “The kids are calling her a hero, and she is.”
“She was just filthy, we had to hose her down,” said Conarroe, who admitted she felt it was too dark to check out the source of the mud that night. Conarroe and her husband Ryan waited until the following evening to investigate the backyard and what they found shocked them. “She had dug a huge hole, probably three feet by four feet, and a puddle had formed overnight, and it was bubbling,” said Connaroe.
After discussing the situation with a neighbour, the couple decided the phenomenon was probably gas related and promptly phoned Atco Gas. Less than 10 minutes later a gas engineer arrived at the home and confirmed the leak. “She must have smelled it, and if she hadn’t started digging we probably wouldn’t even have noticed it even standing right there,” she said.
Gas had been spewing up from a dislodged pipe, a dangerous situation for the couple and their six children had it gone unnoticed. “I don’t even want to think what would have happened if she hadn’t found it. We have six kids, all between three years old and 16,” said Conarroe. “The kids are calling her a hero, and she is.”
Drunk US evangelist claims he's on a mission from God
An American evangelist visiting Australia, who claims healing powers has walked from a NSW court without even a fine despite driving 110km blind drunk and crashing into a parked car. Self-claimed "prophet of God" Jason Hooper declared God had forgiven him for his double-shot whisky binge that ended in a mangled wreck on the Mid North Coast. "I've worked it out with the Lord. I was wrong," Hooper said.
Hooper not only had God on his side but magistrate Wayne Evans who let him go, saying the preacher was a "person of good character" under a lot of "ministerial pressure". The decision disgusted local police, who said Hooper could have been sent to jail for 18 months but got off with "a slap on the wrist". The disgraced and dishevelled preacher, who claimed God had forgiven him for his terrible sins, also found he had the court on his side, escaping without a fine after he was involved in a crash with another car.
A member of the worldwide Morningstar Fellowship Church, Hooper - from South Carolina, was disqualified from driving in NSW for three years - a sentence that outraged local police and road-safety groups. "When you think about the penalties for high-range drink-driving, he got off with a slap on the wrist," a police source said. "The maximum fine is $3300 and you can go to jail for 18 months - he escaped both." The boss of a road-safety group called for Hooper to be fined and deported back to the US.
A sheepish Hooper begged the court for mercy, saying he didn't normally drink and would seek counselling on his return to the US. "I have spent the last week wrestling night and day with how I could have made such an error in judgment," said Hooper. When asked how the incident would affect his faith, Hooper said that he was forgiven because he had "worked it out with the Lord". Asked how, he said there was a "process" he had gone through for forgiveness but declined to elaborate.
Hooper not only had God on his side but magistrate Wayne Evans who let him go, saying the preacher was a "person of good character" under a lot of "ministerial pressure". The decision disgusted local police, who said Hooper could have been sent to jail for 18 months but got off with "a slap on the wrist". The disgraced and dishevelled preacher, who claimed God had forgiven him for his terrible sins, also found he had the court on his side, escaping without a fine after he was involved in a crash with another car.
A member of the worldwide Morningstar Fellowship Church, Hooper - from South Carolina, was disqualified from driving in NSW for three years - a sentence that outraged local police and road-safety groups. "When you think about the penalties for high-range drink-driving, he got off with a slap on the wrist," a police source said. "The maximum fine is $3300 and you can go to jail for 18 months - he escaped both." The boss of a road-safety group called for Hooper to be fined and deported back to the US.
A sheepish Hooper begged the court for mercy, saying he didn't normally drink and would seek counselling on his return to the US. "I have spent the last week wrestling night and day with how I could have made such an error in judgment," said Hooper. When asked how the incident would affect his faith, Hooper said that he was forgiven because he had "worked it out with the Lord". Asked how, he said there was a "process" he had gone through for forgiveness but declined to elaborate.
Swedish feminists push for mayhole not maypole
While most Swedes look forward to dancing around a traditional maypole this Midsummer, one group of gender-conscious revellers is pushing Swedes to celebrate the holiday by gathering around a vagina instead. With the cherished Midsummer holiday just around the corner, Swedes across the country are busy planning how they'll spend this most traditional of holidays.
Among the most important parts of a traditional Midsummer celebration is the decoration and erection of a flower-adorned maypole, around which joyous Swedes, young and old, dance and sing merry tunes like "Små grodorna" ('Little frogs') in a rapturous celebration of the summer's warmth and sunshine. But this year, a growing chorus of voices rising up against Sweden's traditional Midsummer celebrations, implore Swedes to break with tradition and dance around a vagina instead.
“In the future I want coming generations to say on their trips abroad that ‘In Sweden we celebrate midsummer by dancing around a vagina’,” says Alexander Alvina Chamberland, co-founder of the group Midsommarfitta ('Midsummer C*nt'). Chamberland, a self-proclaimed 'femme genderqueer', believes the traditional Midsummer maypole is a sexist phallic symbol that should be replaced by something of a more feminine flavour.
Rather than erecting a maypole, he and other members in the group want Swedes to spend time fashioning 'mayholes' by digging a hole in the ground or arranging tree branches in the shape of a vagina. “It could be all different sizes, laid on the ground, or erected into the sky. It could be built from flowers, fabric, leafs, stones or glass," says Chamberland, who believes Sweden's current Midsummer tradition is too "heteronormative".
Among the most important parts of a traditional Midsummer celebration is the decoration and erection of a flower-adorned maypole, around which joyous Swedes, young and old, dance and sing merry tunes like "Små grodorna" ('Little frogs') in a rapturous celebration of the summer's warmth and sunshine. But this year, a growing chorus of voices rising up against Sweden's traditional Midsummer celebrations, implore Swedes to break with tradition and dance around a vagina instead.
“In the future I want coming generations to say on their trips abroad that ‘In Sweden we celebrate midsummer by dancing around a vagina’,” says Alexander Alvina Chamberland, co-founder of the group Midsommarfitta ('Midsummer C*nt'). Chamberland, a self-proclaimed 'femme genderqueer', believes the traditional Midsummer maypole is a sexist phallic symbol that should be replaced by something of a more feminine flavour.
Rather than erecting a maypole, he and other members in the group want Swedes to spend time fashioning 'mayholes' by digging a hole in the ground or arranging tree branches in the shape of a vagina. “It could be all different sizes, laid on the ground, or erected into the sky. It could be built from flowers, fabric, leafs, stones or glass," says Chamberland, who believes Sweden's current Midsummer tradition is too "heteronormative".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)