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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Yellow card after goalkeeper saves cat during match
Goalkeeper Ivan Banovic was booked after rescuing a pitch-invading cat during a top-flight match in Croatia.
Medjimurje Cakovec's Banovic picked up the wandering feline after it strayed on to the pitch 20 minutes into his team's match at Sibenik.
Many thanks for the video Lynkz17!
He placed it safely near a scoreboard but was then booked by the referee for leaving the pitch without permission.
Media reports said the official's actions annoyed fans, who barracked him for punishing Banovic's kind deed.
Medjimurje Cakovec's Banovic picked up the wandering feline after it strayed on to the pitch 20 minutes into his team's match at Sibenik.
Many thanks for the video Lynkz17!
He placed it safely near a scoreboard but was then booked by the referee for leaving the pitch without permission.
Media reports said the official's actions annoyed fans, who barracked him for punishing Banovic's kind deed.
Church spreads its message with tattoos
Church is probably the last place you'd think to get a tattoo, but a pastor in Mill Creek is getting his message out - one tattoo at a time.
A Sunday sermon at the Gold Creek Community Church in Mill Creek features something very unique. On stage with the pastor is a tattoo artist and a member of the congregation, Erica Armendariz, sits quietly as he adds another tattoo to her arm.
"The one you don't want to put on yourself is the '666' right?" the Rev. Dan Kellogg asks the church-goers.
This is one way Kellogg gets his message across to his followers. It's part of a six-week series called "Permanent Ink." Kellogg says the purpose is to find things in life that should be permanent and other things that should be removed.
Some churches considering tattooing a desecration of the body. But Kellogg disagrees with that.
"Even though it's a little edgy - and in fact some churches would say it's wrong to get a tattoo - we don't take that position at all," he says. "We actually believe that this represents something that we can apply, something popular in our culture, that we can apply some spiritual truth to."
With news video.
A Sunday sermon at the Gold Creek Community Church in Mill Creek features something very unique. On stage with the pastor is a tattoo artist and a member of the congregation, Erica Armendariz, sits quietly as he adds another tattoo to her arm.
"The one you don't want to put on yourself is the '666' right?" the Rev. Dan Kellogg asks the church-goers.
This is one way Kellogg gets his message across to his followers. It's part of a six-week series called "Permanent Ink." Kellogg says the purpose is to find things in life that should be permanent and other things that should be removed.
Some churches considering tattooing a desecration of the body. But Kellogg disagrees with that.
"Even though it's a little edgy - and in fact some churches would say it's wrong to get a tattoo - we don't take that position at all," he says. "We actually believe that this represents something that we can apply, something popular in our culture, that we can apply some spiritual truth to."
With news video.
Girl, 6, forced into marathon runs by father
A father in south China has been forcing his six-year-old daughter to run dozens of kilometers every day in the hope of turning her into a marathon prodigy. He is also fast-tracking her through school and she has a heavy study routine.
And the point of all this pressure, this gruelling regime, on such a little girl? He wants to impress his runaway wife and win her back.
Yang Feng, in Haikou City of Hainan Province, said he forced his daughter into the rigorous training schedule because he wanted to gain the girl some media coverage and catch her mother's attention. Though Yang said he was concerned about his daughter's health, including her puffy toes and badly swollen feet, the training continues.
Yang said he used to have "a lovely family" until their peaceful life was wrecked when his wife suddenly run away from home with a man - and all the family savings.
After several months of trying to find his wife failed, he decided to give his daughter the mission of reuniting the couple by becoming a famous marathon runner. "She just finished running 138 kilometers in two days and my target for her is to finish the same distance in one run," Yang said.
Yang said he would let his daughter register for next year's Provincial Marathon of Hainan as a further bid to win her mother back.
And the point of all this pressure, this gruelling regime, on such a little girl? He wants to impress his runaway wife and win her back.
Yang Feng, in Haikou City of Hainan Province, said he forced his daughter into the rigorous training schedule because he wanted to gain the girl some media coverage and catch her mother's attention. Though Yang said he was concerned about his daughter's health, including her puffy toes and badly swollen feet, the training continues.
Yang said he used to have "a lovely family" until their peaceful life was wrecked when his wife suddenly run away from home with a man - and all the family savings.
After several months of trying to find his wife failed, he decided to give his daughter the mission of reuniting the couple by becoming a famous marathon runner. "She just finished running 138 kilometers in two days and my target for her is to finish the same distance in one run," Yang said.
Yang said he would let his daughter register for next year's Provincial Marathon of Hainan as a further bid to win her mother back.
Lovers caught romping in historic Sydney clock tower
Their identity is still a mystery but Sydney's clock tower lovebirds have become the toast of Broadway, with passersby capturing their intimate moment on video and mobile phone cameras.
The couple was in full view of the busy street below, with people at a bus stop laughing and pointing at the twosome.
German traveller Dirk Gensler, who was staying at an adjacent backpacker hostel, was gobsmacked by what he saw when he peered out his window.
"I was amazed by it, it was the middle of the day and so many people could see it," he said. "I thought it was pretty cool."
The couple was in full view of the busy street below, with people at a bus stop laughing and pointing at the twosome.
German traveller Dirk Gensler, who was staying at an adjacent backpacker hostel, was gobsmacked by what he saw when he peered out his window.
"I was amazed by it, it was the middle of the day and so many people could see it," he said. "I thought it was pretty cool."
Couple had sex on porch to annoy neighbours
A Neosho couple accused of performing a public sex act to irk their neighbours has been charged.
Mark Albert, 33, and Kimberly Ferguson, 43, were charged in Dodge County Circuit Court last week with misdemeanor lewd and lascivious behaviour. If convicted, each could face up to nine months in jail.
Police were called to the couple's Milwaukee Street home around 7:10 p.m. on Aug. 23 after a neighbour reported that Ferguson and Albert engaged in a sex act while standing on the porch. The act took place in full view of the neighbour and five witnesses, including a 9-year-old child, according to the criminal complaint.
The complainant told police that the couple had thrown an object through her window, and while she was out repairing it, Albert and Ferguson came outside and began taunting them before performing the sex act, according to the complaint.
Mark Albert, 33, and Kimberly Ferguson, 43, were charged in Dodge County Circuit Court last week with misdemeanor lewd and lascivious behaviour. If convicted, each could face up to nine months in jail.
Police were called to the couple's Milwaukee Street home around 7:10 p.m. on Aug. 23 after a neighbour reported that Ferguson and Albert engaged in a sex act while standing on the porch. The act took place in full view of the neighbour and five witnesses, including a 9-year-old child, according to the criminal complaint.
The complainant told police that the couple had thrown an object through her window, and while she was out repairing it, Albert and Ferguson came outside and began taunting them before performing the sex act, according to the complaint.
Snake spits out new species of chameleon at scientist's feet
It was so nearly known as dinner. Instead, a small and not terribly impressive chameleon has become the newest discovery of the natural world, after a startled Tanzanian snake spat a still-undigested specimen at the feet of a British scientist, who identified it as a previously unknown species.
Dr Andrew Marshall, a conservationist from York University, was surveying monkeys in the Magombera forest in Tanzania, when he stumbled across a twig snake which, frightened, coughed up the chameleon and fled. Though a colleague persuaded him not to touch it because of the risk from venom, Marshall suspected it might be a new species, and took a photograph to send to colleagues, who confirmed his suspicions.
Kinyongia magomberae, literally "the chameleon from Magombera", is the result, though Marshall said the fact it wasn't easy to identify is precisely what made it unique. "The thing is, colour isn't the best thing for telling chameleons apart, since they can change colour for camouflage. They are usually identified based on the patterning and shape of the head, and the arrangement of scales. In this case it's the bulge of scales on its nose."
Happily for Marshall, shortly afterwards he spotted a second chameleon, this time alive, and was able to photograph it. The two creatures were found about six miles apart, which he believes may be the full extent of the area colonised by the extremely rare species. Though he found the specimen in 2005, his paper on the discovery, published this week, puts the find formally on record. "It takes quite a long time to convince the authorities that you have a new species," he said.
Dr Andrew Marshall, a conservationist from York University, was surveying monkeys in the Magombera forest in Tanzania, when he stumbled across a twig snake which, frightened, coughed up the chameleon and fled. Though a colleague persuaded him not to touch it because of the risk from venom, Marshall suspected it might be a new species, and took a photograph to send to colleagues, who confirmed his suspicions.
Kinyongia magomberae, literally "the chameleon from Magombera", is the result, though Marshall said the fact it wasn't easy to identify is precisely what made it unique. "The thing is, colour isn't the best thing for telling chameleons apart, since they can change colour for camouflage. They are usually identified based on the patterning and shape of the head, and the arrangement of scales. In this case it's the bulge of scales on its nose."
Happily for Marshall, shortly afterwards he spotted a second chameleon, this time alive, and was able to photograph it. The two creatures were found about six miles apart, which he believes may be the full extent of the area colonised by the extremely rare species. Though he found the specimen in 2005, his paper on the discovery, published this week, puts the find formally on record. "It takes quite a long time to convince the authorities that you have a new species," he said.
Policeman handcuffs goat
This nanny clearly got a policeman's goat when he had to handcuff her after she was caught leading a flock down a busy main road.
Hapless police didn't have a clue how to herd the goats back to their farm and so cuffed them until owner Uwe Stiller, 50, arrived in Bielefeld, Germany, to collect them.
They were called when rush-hour motorists ground to a halt after the beasts escaped from a nearby farm and went walkabout.
"We're not farmers and we don't know about animals. But we do know about handcuffing troublemakers so that's what we did," said one officer.
Hapless police didn't have a clue how to herd the goats back to their farm and so cuffed them until owner Uwe Stiller, 50, arrived in Bielefeld, Germany, to collect them.
They were called when rush-hour motorists ground to a halt after the beasts escaped from a nearby farm and went walkabout.
"We're not farmers and we don't know about animals. But we do know about handcuffing troublemakers so that's what we did," said one officer.
Save the Children claims most 'orphans' have living parent
Many children in orphanages throughout the developing world have at least one parent who is alive, a charity claimed yesterday.
According to research by Save the Children, 98% of children in residential care in central and eastern Europe, 94% of those in Indonesia and 90% of children in Ghana are not actually orphans but have at least one living parent. In Liberia and Sri Lanka, the figure is 88% and 80% respectively.
Poverty is the main reason children end up in institutions, rather than the death of a mother or father, the report concludes.
"It is a myth that children in orphanages have no parents. Most are there because their parents can't afford to feed, clothe and educate them," says the report's author, Corinna Csaky, a Save the Children's child protection adviser. "Mothers and fathers are forced to make the agonising decision to put their child in an institution in the hope that they will have a better future."
According to UN figures, 8 million children live in orphanages and other institutions. The report says some governments and donors mistakenly regard orphanages and other forms of residential care as the most appropriate response for children affected by poverty, HIV and Aids.
While the report recognises that not all institutions are harmful to children, it says children who grow up in residential care homes are more likely to suffer from stunted growth and behavioural problems and have a lower IQ than those raised at home or in foster families. Children with disabilities are at an more risk of such abuse in institutions. "We have to dispel the misconceptions that have made orphanages the commonsense response for caring for vulnerable children. The reality is that the separation from parents together with the poor quality of care, violence, abuse and exploitation found in many care institutions is causing extreme and lasting harm to children and to society," Csaky said.
According to research by Save the Children, 98% of children in residential care in central and eastern Europe, 94% of those in Indonesia and 90% of children in Ghana are not actually orphans but have at least one living parent. In Liberia and Sri Lanka, the figure is 88% and 80% respectively.
Poverty is the main reason children end up in institutions, rather than the death of a mother or father, the report concludes.
"It is a myth that children in orphanages have no parents. Most are there because their parents can't afford to feed, clothe and educate them," says the report's author, Corinna Csaky, a Save the Children's child protection adviser. "Mothers and fathers are forced to make the agonising decision to put their child in an institution in the hope that they will have a better future."
According to UN figures, 8 million children live in orphanages and other institutions. The report says some governments and donors mistakenly regard orphanages and other forms of residential care as the most appropriate response for children affected by poverty, HIV and Aids.
While the report recognises that not all institutions are harmful to children, it says children who grow up in residential care homes are more likely to suffer from stunted growth and behavioural problems and have a lower IQ than those raised at home or in foster families. Children with disabilities are at an more risk of such abuse in institutions. "We have to dispel the misconceptions that have made orphanages the commonsense response for caring for vulnerable children. The reality is that the separation from parents together with the poor quality of care, violence, abuse and exploitation found in many care institutions is causing extreme and lasting harm to children and to society," Csaky said.
Court is kind to 'Robin Hood' banker who helped poor
A German bank employee who secretly transferred money from rich to poor clients has been given a 22-month suspended prison term. The 62-year-old woman, dubbed the 'Robin Hood Banker', moved more than $11m (£7m) in 117 transfers.
The court in Bonn was told that the employee, who has not been named, took no money for herself. The bank made a loss of more than $1.5m (£1m) when poor customers were unable to pay back unauthorised overdrafts.
The employee was accused of allowing overdrafts for customers who would not normally qualify for them.
She then used the money from richer customers to temporarily disguise the loans during the bank's monthly audit of overdrafts. The woman has begun reimbursing the bank for the losses, reportedly from a small retirement pension.
She could have faced a four-year prison sentence, but the court decided on leniency as she had confessed immediately and did not profit personally.
The woman was also considered to have suffered enough, through the loss of her job and the requirement that she pay back the lost funds.
The court in Bonn was told that the employee, who has not been named, took no money for herself. The bank made a loss of more than $1.5m (£1m) when poor customers were unable to pay back unauthorised overdrafts.
The employee was accused of allowing overdrafts for customers who would not normally qualify for them.
She then used the money from richer customers to temporarily disguise the loans during the bank's monthly audit of overdrafts. The woman has begun reimbursing the bank for the losses, reportedly from a small retirement pension.
She could have faced a four-year prison sentence, but the court decided on leniency as she had confessed immediately and did not profit personally.
The woman was also considered to have suffered enough, through the loss of her job and the requirement that she pay back the lost funds.
Pet labrador which 'knew train timetable' dies
A dog which made headlines around the world after he lost his owner and caught the right train home has died.
Archie the labrador became separated from owner Mike Taitt in 2005, so the impatient dog boarded the train at Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. Archie got off the train when it stopped at Insch and was spotted by a signalman, who contacted his owner.
Neither fellow passengers nor railway staff realised that the black labrador was unaccompanied.
The Insch station signalman Derek Hope logged Archie's arrival as Incident no. 822344: "Unaccompanied doggie gets off train. There was the train conductor standing with Archie on the platform saying he had got on at Inverurie and didn't have a ticket."
Mr Taitt said at the time "He is a very intelligent dog. I am sure he can read a timetable. When he could not find me he took the right train home. He's been on that train before. I am convinced he knew it was the right one. But who knows."
Mr Taitt said of Archie's death at the age of 13: "It's very sad. He was a great friend and a great character."
Archie the labrador became separated from owner Mike Taitt in 2005, so the impatient dog boarded the train at Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. Archie got off the train when it stopped at Insch and was spotted by a signalman, who contacted his owner.
Neither fellow passengers nor railway staff realised that the black labrador was unaccompanied.
The Insch station signalman Derek Hope logged Archie's arrival as Incident no. 822344: "Unaccompanied doggie gets off train. There was the train conductor standing with Archie on the platform saying he had got on at Inverurie and didn't have a ticket."
Mr Taitt said at the time "He is a very intelligent dog. I am sure he can read a timetable. When he could not find me he took the right train home. He's been on that train before. I am convinced he knew it was the right one. But who knows."
Mr Taitt said of Archie's death at the age of 13: "It's very sad. He was a great friend and a great character."
Boy, aged 4, expelled from school for attacking teachers
A boy aged four has been expelled weeks after starting school for the first time.
McKenzie Dunkley was kicked out after teachers said he was violent, refused to obey them, disrupted classes, terrorised other pupils and repeatedly tried to run out of class.
The final straw came after McKenzie, one of the youngest ever children to be expelled, allegedly assaulted staff for a second time. The lad, who only started in September at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary in Preston, Lancs, was sent home four times before he was finally excluded. His mum Shelley, who agreed her son could be named, yesterday denied he has behavioural problems.
She said McKenzie had been at nursery from nine months old without any problems. She added: “They are making him out to be a thug but he never had any violent outbursts at nursery.
“They are saying he won’t listen and is disruptive. But he’s still only four and getting used to school. There’s nothing wrong with him. He does everything I say at home.”
The school said: “At such a young age behaviour that could lead to exclusion needs to be dealt with quickly by appropriate specialists.” Efforts are being made to find McKenzie a new school.
McKenzie Dunkley was kicked out after teachers said he was violent, refused to obey them, disrupted classes, terrorised other pupils and repeatedly tried to run out of class.
The final straw came after McKenzie, one of the youngest ever children to be expelled, allegedly assaulted staff for a second time. The lad, who only started in September at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary in Preston, Lancs, was sent home four times before he was finally excluded. His mum Shelley, who agreed her son could be named, yesterday denied he has behavioural problems.
She said McKenzie had been at nursery from nine months old without any problems. She added: “They are making him out to be a thug but he never had any violent outbursts at nursery.
“They are saying he won’t listen and is disruptive. But he’s still only four and getting used to school. There’s nothing wrong with him. He does everything I say at home.”
The school said: “At such a young age behaviour that could lead to exclusion needs to be dealt with quickly by appropriate specialists.” Efforts are being made to find McKenzie a new school.
Man who exposed himself to Remembrance Day parade faces jail
A prankster who exposed himself to a South Yorkshire Remembrance Sunday parade has been told he could face jail for his "disgusting act".
Ricky Robey, aged 20, stood at the window of his girlfriend's house on Morrell Street, Maltby, dropped his Y-fronts and pulled faces as the 100-strong procession of veterans, servicemen and women, and children passed at 11.30am on Sunday November 8.
At Rotherham Magistrates' Court the jobless plasterer, of Muglet Lane, Maltby, admitted outraging public decency.
District judge John Foster said the act was disgusting at the best of times - but that moment was the very worst.
He added: "Whether you intended it or not, it showed a marked and negligent disregard for what was an extremely solemn occasion at a time when this country has good and very recent cause to remember those in conflicts around the world.
"I regard this matter very seriously, I want a report from the Probation Service, prison is certainly an option."
Ricky Robey, aged 20, stood at the window of his girlfriend's house on Morrell Street, Maltby, dropped his Y-fronts and pulled faces as the 100-strong procession of veterans, servicemen and women, and children passed at 11.30am on Sunday November 8.
At Rotherham Magistrates' Court the jobless plasterer, of Muglet Lane, Maltby, admitted outraging public decency.
District judge John Foster said the act was disgusting at the best of times - but that moment was the very worst.
He added: "Whether you intended it or not, it showed a marked and negligent disregard for what was an extremely solemn occasion at a time when this country has good and very recent cause to remember those in conflicts around the world.
"I regard this matter very seriously, I want a report from the Probation Service, prison is certainly an option."
Grandmother stole from shrine to her dead baby grandson
A grandmother stole mementos from her dead grandson's shrine after being asked to feed the cat while his mother was on holiday.
Alison Seabury, aged 39, from Fern Isle Close, Whitworth, sold the precious keepsakes belonging to her grandson Harvey Lewis-Hayes, who died two years ago at just nine weeks old.
Mum Hayley Lewis, 19, had kept a shrine to her son at her Wallbank Drive home.
Photo from here.
But in October, while she and partner David Hayes were on holiday in Fuerteventura, Seabury rifled through the house and stole a gold charm bracelet and teddy bear charm from the memorial.
She originally denied taking the items, but they were later tracked down to a Rochdale pawn shop.
Seabury pleaded guilty to theft and was given a community order, 10-week curfew and ordered to pay £75 costs when she appeared at Rawtenstall Magistrates Court.
Alison Seabury, aged 39, from Fern Isle Close, Whitworth, sold the precious keepsakes belonging to her grandson Harvey Lewis-Hayes, who died two years ago at just nine weeks old.
Mum Hayley Lewis, 19, had kept a shrine to her son at her Wallbank Drive home.
Photo from here.
But in October, while she and partner David Hayes were on holiday in Fuerteventura, Seabury rifled through the house and stole a gold charm bracelet and teddy bear charm from the memorial.
She originally denied taking the items, but they were later tracked down to a Rochdale pawn shop.
Seabury pleaded guilty to theft and was given a community order, 10-week curfew and ordered to pay £75 costs when she appeared at Rawtenstall Magistrates Court.
Heterosexual couple refused right to 'gay wedding'
A heterosexual couple have been refused permission to register for a civil partnership. Tom Freeman and Katherine Doyle said they want to challenge "discriminatory" UK laws which restrict civil partnerships to same-sex couples.
They plan legal action after their application was denied at Islington Register Office, north London. A spokesman for Islington Council said the pair's request was refused because "the council must follow the law".
UK law only permits heterosexual couples to marry and only permits same-sex couples to form civil partnerships.
Couples in a civil partnership have the right to the same legal treatment across a range of matters as a married couple - including inheritance, pension, life assurance and maintenance rights.
However civil partnerships can only be conducted by registrars, not members of the clergy, and the partnership cannot legally be called a "marriage". Mr Freeman and Miss Doyle, both 25, from Islington, have been in a relationship for four years.
Mr Freeman said: "It would be lovely to formalise our relationship but we are completely turned off by the whole institution of marriage because it discriminates against gay people." He added: "We think gay people should be able to have a standard marriage and straight people should be able to have a civil partnership."
They plan legal action after their application was denied at Islington Register Office, north London. A spokesman for Islington Council said the pair's request was refused because "the council must follow the law".
UK law only permits heterosexual couples to marry and only permits same-sex couples to form civil partnerships.
Couples in a civil partnership have the right to the same legal treatment across a range of matters as a married couple - including inheritance, pension, life assurance and maintenance rights.
However civil partnerships can only be conducted by registrars, not members of the clergy, and the partnership cannot legally be called a "marriage". Mr Freeman and Miss Doyle, both 25, from Islington, have been in a relationship for four years.
Mr Freeman said: "It would be lovely to formalise our relationship but we are completely turned off by the whole institution of marriage because it discriminates against gay people." He added: "We think gay people should be able to have a standard marriage and straight people should be able to have a civil partnership."
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Animated commercial for the New Zealand Book Council
Normally I wouldn't approve or ripping up books, but in this case I'll make an exception.
Bolivian police arrest man after issuing e-fit
Bolivian authorities released this crudely-drawn e-fit of the man believed to have taken part in the murder of a taxi driver in March.
The driver, named by earnest Bolivian newsreaders as Rafael Vargas, was set upon by several people in what police said could be a drugs-related murder - or a crime of passion.
His brother said that a man had come to the family house several months earlier and accused Rafael of having an affair with his wife.
'You're going to die and you don't know how,' the man allegedly told Rafael. His body was found in March. He had been stabbed eleven times and then his body had been burnt.
Update: The suspect is revealed here.
The e-fit was drawn by a woman who lived in the area where Rafael's body was found. She claimed the drawing showed the man who killed the taxi driver and then set his body on fire.
But police efforts may have paid off. They have made at least one arrest in the case, catching a suspect who was then paraded before the cameras - although he cannot be identified'.
The driver, named by earnest Bolivian newsreaders as Rafael Vargas, was set upon by several people in what police said could be a drugs-related murder - or a crime of passion.
His brother said that a man had come to the family house several months earlier and accused Rafael of having an affair with his wife.
'You're going to die and you don't know how,' the man allegedly told Rafael. His body was found in March. He had been stabbed eleven times and then his body had been burnt.
Update: The suspect is revealed here.
The e-fit was drawn by a woman who lived in the area where Rafael's body was found. She claimed the drawing showed the man who killed the taxi driver and then set his body on fire.
But police efforts may have paid off. They have made at least one arrest in the case, catching a suspect who was then paraded before the cameras - although he cannot be identified'.
Man discovers his long-lost dad is Charles Manson
A US man has spoken of his anguish after discovering his long-lost father is apparently the notorious serial killer Charles Manson.
Matthew Roberts, 41, tracked down his biological mother after she put him up for adoption in 1968.
But he sank into depression after the woman revealed his dad is none other than the jailed cult leader.
Mr Roberts' real mother claimed he was born after Manson raped her in a drug-fuelled orgy in 1967.
The son, who bears a striking resemblance to the killer, said: "I didn't want to believe it. I was frightened and angry. It's like finding out that Adolf Hitler is your father.
"I'm a peaceful person - trapped in the face of a monster."
Matthew Roberts, 41, tracked down his biological mother after she put him up for adoption in 1968.
But he sank into depression after the woman revealed his dad is none other than the jailed cult leader.
Mr Roberts' real mother claimed he was born after Manson raped her in a drug-fuelled orgy in 1967.
The son, who bears a striking resemblance to the killer, said: "I didn't want to believe it. I was frightened and angry. It's like finding out that Adolf Hitler is your father.
"I'm a peaceful person - trapped in the face of a monster."
Police officer breaks window with drunk's face
An Oakland, California-area transit police officer was captured on video forcing an unruly man into a heavy-duty glass window, which shattered, during an arrest at a passenger station.
The video shows an unidentified Bay Area Rapid Transit officer in a scuffle with a man whom authorities identified as Michael Joseph Gibson, 37, of San Leandro, California.
Gibson, who appears disgruntled and gesturing while on a train at the West Oakland Station, is pulled off the train by an officer, who has the man in an arm grip.
Video contains NSFW language.
The officer forcibly walks the man toward the station wall, which is topped by large windows, and one window shatters as the officer appears to force the man against it. It was unclear exactly what caused the glass to break.
The incident happened about 5:40 p.m. PT Saturday (8:40 p.m. ET), according to a statement from BART police Sunday. The officer sustained facial lacerations and a concussion, while Gibson suffered cuts to his hand, forearm, palm and a cut to his head. Both were treated at a hospital.
"This is a use-of-force case that we will thoroughly investigate," BART Police Patrol Commander Daniel O. Hartwig said in a statement. "We will review all available information and video and are requesting anybody with any other video or information to please come forward."
The video shows an unidentified Bay Area Rapid Transit officer in a scuffle with a man whom authorities identified as Michael Joseph Gibson, 37, of San Leandro, California.
Gibson, who appears disgruntled and gesturing while on a train at the West Oakland Station, is pulled off the train by an officer, who has the man in an arm grip.
Video contains NSFW language.
The officer forcibly walks the man toward the station wall, which is topped by large windows, and one window shatters as the officer appears to force the man against it. It was unclear exactly what caused the glass to break.
The incident happened about 5:40 p.m. PT Saturday (8:40 p.m. ET), according to a statement from BART police Sunday. The officer sustained facial lacerations and a concussion, while Gibson suffered cuts to his hand, forearm, palm and a cut to his head. Both were treated at a hospital.
"This is a use-of-force case that we will thoroughly investigate," BART Police Patrol Commander Daniel O. Hartwig said in a statement. "We will review all available information and video and are requesting anybody with any other video or information to please come forward."
Kangaroo tries to drown dog then attacks owner
A man who was almost drowned by a savage boxing kangaroo, after he dived into a dam to save his dog, says he will never be able to watch Skippy again.
Chris Rickard, 49, of Arthurs Creek in Victoria, was being treated by surgeons at the Austin Hospital last night after he was mauled by the 1.5m kangaroo. He only managed to escape when he elbowed the kangaroo in the throat as it tried to hold him underwater.
He suffered a deep gash across his abdomen, after the kangaroo tried to disembowel him with its hind legs, and a deep cut across his forehead and cuts and scratches across his chest.
Speaking from the hospital's emergency department, Mr Rickard said he was walking his blue heeler Rocky about 400m from his home when they woke the kangaroo , which had been sleeping in long grass near the dam.
When the startled roo ran into the dam Rocky followed barking before it grabbed Rocky with its front paws and held the dog under the water for about 20 seconds, until Mr Rickard arrived.
"I don't think I'll ever be able to watch Skippy quite the same as I used to - it might bring back a couple of bad memories," Mr Rickard said. "I thought I might take a hit or two dragging the dog out from under his grip, but I didn't expect him to actually attack me."
Chris Rickard, 49, of Arthurs Creek in Victoria, was being treated by surgeons at the Austin Hospital last night after he was mauled by the 1.5m kangaroo. He only managed to escape when he elbowed the kangaroo in the throat as it tried to hold him underwater.
He suffered a deep gash across his abdomen, after the kangaroo tried to disembowel him with its hind legs, and a deep cut across his forehead and cuts and scratches across his chest.
Speaking from the hospital's emergency department, Mr Rickard said he was walking his blue heeler Rocky about 400m from his home when they woke the kangaroo , which had been sleeping in long grass near the dam.
When the startled roo ran into the dam Rocky followed barking before it grabbed Rocky with its front paws and held the dog under the water for about 20 seconds, until Mr Rickard arrived.
"I don't think I'll ever be able to watch Skippy quite the same as I used to - it might bring back a couple of bad memories," Mr Rickard said. "I thought I might take a hit or two dragging the dog out from under his grip, but I didn't expect him to actually attack me."
Howard the combine kitty settling into life without his two front paws - Update
Jumping up on beds is easy. Getting down can be a little rough. And tile floors aren’t much fun.
Howard the “Combine Kitty,” though, has adapted to the amputation of his two front paws. He moves a little like a bunny, a bit like a meerkat — cautious but with curiosity. And he’s found himself a permanent home.
“Sometimes if we see him on the bed, we help him down,” said 8-year-old Bryce Billingslea, one of two young boys who found the kitten in late July in a ditch near a wheat field in Alaiedon Township near Mason, Michigan.
The kitten’s front paws had been almost completely cut off. Officials figure it was the result of a farm accident, involving a combine.
“It was like, ‘What do we do? What do we do?’” Bryce said. “So we went to the neighbours.”
Surgeries and foster homes helped bring Howard to today where he can, living with a family willing to tone down the horse play for a cat stuck with shortened stilts to walk on instead of cushioned paws.
There's a news video here. Previously.
Howard the “Combine Kitty,” though, has adapted to the amputation of his two front paws. He moves a little like a bunny, a bit like a meerkat — cautious but with curiosity. And he’s found himself a permanent home.
“Sometimes if we see him on the bed, we help him down,” said 8-year-old Bryce Billingslea, one of two young boys who found the kitten in late July in a ditch near a wheat field in Alaiedon Township near Mason, Michigan.
The kitten’s front paws had been almost completely cut off. Officials figure it was the result of a farm accident, involving a combine.
“It was like, ‘What do we do? What do we do?’” Bryce said. “So we went to the neighbours.”
Surgeries and foster homes helped bring Howard to today where he can, living with a family willing to tone down the horse play for a cat stuck with shortened stilts to walk on instead of cushioned paws.
There's a news video here. Previously.
'Rock star sex' for hero pilot
Hero pilot Chesley Sullenberger has revealed he enjoyed "rock star sex" as a reward for safely landing a plane on New York's Hudson river after it was hit by a flock of geese.
Sullenberger and his wife Laurie told a US television show that his sudden celebrity after saving 150 passengers' lives had given their relationship a boost in bed.
In an interview for "NBC's People of the Year" TV special, Mrs Sullenberger said: "He doesn't know I'm gonna say this, but I had joked the other day that the hero sex really helps a 20-year-old marriage."
Sullenberger himself added: "Rock star sex." Sullenberger was acclaimed after safely steering a stricken US Airways plane in New York last January.
Sullenberger and his wife Laurie told a US television show that his sudden celebrity after saving 150 passengers' lives had given their relationship a boost in bed.
In an interview for "NBC's People of the Year" TV special, Mrs Sullenberger said: "He doesn't know I'm gonna say this, but I had joked the other day that the hero sex really helps a 20-year-old marriage."
Sullenberger himself added: "Rock star sex." Sullenberger was acclaimed after safely steering a stricken US Airways plane in New York last January.
Miss Gay Brazil loses her hair
This footage shows Miss Gay Brazil being attacked by a jealous rival.
The competition winner was being interviewed by TV crews when a losing contestant ran up behind her and pulled her wig clean off. She then storms off - quickly pursued by the competition winner's angry entourage.
The competition winner was being interviewed by TV crews when a losing contestant ran up behind her and pulled her wig clean off. She then storms off - quickly pursued by the competition winner's angry entourage.
Man in coma for 23 years was conscious
For 23 years Rom Houben was imprisoned in his own body. He saw his doctors and nurses as they visited him during their daily rounds; he listened to the conversations of his carers; he heard his mother deliver the news to him that his father had died. But he could do nothing. He was unable to communicate with his doctors or family. He could not move his head or weep, he could only listen.
Doctors presumed he was in a vegetative state following a near-fatal car crash in 1983. They believed he could feel nothing and hear nothing.
Then a neurologist, Steven Laureys, who decided to take a radical look at the state of diagnosed coma patients, released him from his torture. Using a state-of-the-art scanning system, Laureys found to his amazement that his brain was functioning almost normally.
Laureys, a neurologist at the University of Liege in Belgium, published a study in BMC Neurology earlier this year saying Houben could be one of many cases of falsely diagnosed comas around the world. He discovered that although Houben was completely paralysed, he was also completely conscious — it was just that he was unable to communicate the fact. Houben now communicates with one finger and a special touchscreen on his wheelchair – he has developed some movement with the help of intense physiotherapy over the last three years.
Doctors presumed he was in a vegetative state following a near-fatal car crash in 1983. They believed he could feel nothing and hear nothing.
Then a neurologist, Steven Laureys, who decided to take a radical look at the state of diagnosed coma patients, released him from his torture. Using a state-of-the-art scanning system, Laureys found to his amazement that his brain was functioning almost normally.
Laureys, a neurologist at the University of Liege in Belgium, published a study in BMC Neurology earlier this year saying Houben could be one of many cases of falsely diagnosed comas around the world. He discovered that although Houben was completely paralysed, he was also completely conscious — it was just that he was unable to communicate the fact. Houben now communicates with one finger and a special touchscreen on his wheelchair – he has developed some movement with the help of intense physiotherapy over the last three years.
Splash landing for flying speedboat
Two Australians competing in a speed boat race in Western Australia have escaped unharmed from a spectacular accident.
They lost the control of the boat while taking a turn and flew over the river bank before splashing down in the water on the other side. They are planning to repair their boat in time to compete in another race next weekend.
They lost the control of the boat while taking a turn and flew over the river bank before splashing down in the water on the other side. They are planning to repair their boat in time to compete in another race next weekend.
Composer reinvents the piano
For a non-pianist, the idea of a microtonally fluid piano might seem either no big deal or baffling. But this weekend a composer will reveal the result of a 10-year mission – nothing less than the reinvention of one of the most important instruments in western music.
Geoff Smith believes he has come up with the first multicultural acoustic piano – what he has trademarked as a fluid piano – which allows players to alter the tuning of notes either before or during a performance. Instead of a pianist having a fixed sound, 88 notes from 88 keys, Smith's piano has sliders allowing them access to the different scales that you get in, for example, Indian and Iranian music. For good measure, Smith has included a horizontal harp.
Full story with video here.
Geoff Smith believes he has come up with the first multicultural acoustic piano – what he has trademarked as a fluid piano – which allows players to alter the tuning of notes either before or during a performance. Instead of a pianist having a fixed sound, 88 notes from 88 keys, Smith's piano has sliders allowing them access to the different scales that you get in, for example, Indian and Iranian music. For good measure, Smith has included a horizontal harp.
Full story with video here.
Queen sends new card after 110-year-old complains
Oxfordshire's oldest resident has received a new-style birthday card from the Queen - after complaining that she always got the same one.
Catherine Masters, 110, from Stanford-in-the-vale, wrote to the Queen to say she was wearing the same outfit in five of the cards she had received.
She received a surprise visit by Prince William in May 2009 to apologise.
This year's card showed the monarch wearing blue, rather than the yellow outfit Ms Masters objected to.
On opening the card, she said: "Oh look, it's blue.
"That's lovely, that'll do."
Video.
Catherine Masters, 110, from Stanford-in-the-vale, wrote to the Queen to say she was wearing the same outfit in five of the cards she had received.
She received a surprise visit by Prince William in May 2009 to apologise.
This year's card showed the monarch wearing blue, rather than the yellow outfit Ms Masters objected to.
On opening the card, she said: "Oh look, it's blue.
"That's lovely, that'll do."
Video.
School warns parents, park badly outside and we'll expel your children
A Christian Academy has warned parents that their children could be expelled if they repeatedly break parking rules around the school site.
Bede Primary Academy in Northumberland brought in a "three strikes and you're out" rule as a "last resort" for persistent offenders.
But the move contravenes government guidance on the use of expulsions.
Local councillor Barrie Crowther said: "The sins of the father should not be visited on the child."
The school in Blyth is part of the Emmanuel Schools Foundation which follows a traditional Christian ethos based on the Bible.
Part of this is that pupils respect other people and uphold the law, a spokeswoman said. She said there had been a very long and persistent problem of parents breaching parking rules when they dropped off their children and that they were not setting the right kind of example.
Bede Primary Academy in Northumberland brought in a "three strikes and you're out" rule as a "last resort" for persistent offenders.
But the move contravenes government guidance on the use of expulsions.
Local councillor Barrie Crowther said: "The sins of the father should not be visited on the child."
The school in Blyth is part of the Emmanuel Schools Foundation which follows a traditional Christian ethos based on the Bible.
Part of this is that pupils respect other people and uphold the law, a spokeswoman said. She said there had been a very long and persistent problem of parents breaching parking rules when they dropped off their children and that they were not setting the right kind of example.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Donkey attacks three people in Augusta
A vicious animal attack has put two people in the hospital after a donkey escaped from his owner. The donkey jumped over a fence and mauled an Augusta man on the other side. The attack happened on Thursday off Old Savannah Road in Augusta. The man suffered several severe bites from the angry donkey named “Spike”.
One person who witnessed the attack says the man provoked the animal. "I think it's a good donkey. I've been back in this guy's yard plenty of times and it's never bothered anybody,” said neighbour Malik Dillard. “My kids, a bunch of the neighbours; they’ve never had any problems. I don't see [the donkey] doing any damage or hurting anyone unless it was provoked, which is what I believe happened in this situation."
On Wednesday, a 16-year-old girl was taken to the hospital after being bitten in the back by Spike. The family says they’re not pressing charges. One other person was bitten on the hand recently. Neighbours say kids, teens, and even adults had thrown rocks at Spike and taunted the animal within the past weeks.
Animal Services took Spike back to their facility and charged the owner for having his livestock running loose. The owner will have to wait until a court hearing to see if he can get Spike back. The Richmond County deputy who responded, said in his 15 years with the Sheriff’s Office, this was the first donkey attack he’s ever heard of.
With news video.
One person who witnessed the attack says the man provoked the animal. "I think it's a good donkey. I've been back in this guy's yard plenty of times and it's never bothered anybody,” said neighbour Malik Dillard. “My kids, a bunch of the neighbours; they’ve never had any problems. I don't see [the donkey] doing any damage or hurting anyone unless it was provoked, which is what I believe happened in this situation."
On Wednesday, a 16-year-old girl was taken to the hospital after being bitten in the back by Spike. The family says they’re not pressing charges. One other person was bitten on the hand recently. Neighbours say kids, teens, and even adults had thrown rocks at Spike and taunted the animal within the past weeks.
Animal Services took Spike back to their facility and charged the owner for having his livestock running loose. The owner will have to wait until a court hearing to see if he can get Spike back. The Richmond County deputy who responded, said in his 15 years with the Sheriff’s Office, this was the first donkey attack he’s ever heard of.
With news video.
Girl, 2, battered in savage attack by wallaby
A two-year-old girl has been savagely attacked by a wallaby at White Rock, Australia.
Tamar Hutchins and her daughter Susan were feeding their horses on a property they rent when the wallaby sprang from the bushes and attacked late on Tuesday.
"It had her head in its mouth and was slamming its back legs into her repeatedly," Ms Hutchins said. "If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have ever believed it."
Ms Hutchins said her daughter was an animal lover but she feared the incident would change that.
"I have taken her back to the spot where the attack happened, and she stayed really close to me," she said.
Ms Hutchins said the wounds on her daughter’s body covered the left side of her body and face. "We are so lucky the wallaby missed her eye or did not break her ribs," she said.
Tamar Hutchins and her daughter Susan were feeding their horses on a property they rent when the wallaby sprang from the bushes and attacked late on Tuesday.
"It had her head in its mouth and was slamming its back legs into her repeatedly," Ms Hutchins said. "If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have ever believed it."
Ms Hutchins said her daughter was an animal lover but she feared the incident would change that.
"I have taken her back to the spot where the attack happened, and she stayed really close to me," she said.
Ms Hutchins said the wounds on her daughter’s body covered the left side of her body and face. "We are so lucky the wallaby missed her eye or did not break her ribs," she said.
Man arrested for battery with a turkey
A Dorchester man was arrested yesterday for assault and battery with a deadly weapon after he hit his girlfriend with a frozen turkey, police said.
The victim said her boyfriend accused her of talking with her mother on the phone for too long, retrieved the frozen bird from the freezer and threw it at her, hitting her in the hip, according to the Boston Police Department report.
The victim told police she had received the frozen turkey and other holiday groceries from her church and had brought them to her boyfriend’s rooming house.
Mark Woodward was arrested for the alleged assault.
According to the report, Woodward denied he had argued with his girlfriend or hurled the turkey at her.
A frozen turkey was found on the porch of Woodward’s 9 Claybourne St. residence, with apparent damage to the packaging, police said.
The victim said her boyfriend accused her of talking with her mother on the phone for too long, retrieved the frozen bird from the freezer and threw it at her, hitting her in the hip, according to the Boston Police Department report.
The victim told police she had received the frozen turkey and other holiday groceries from her church and had brought them to her boyfriend’s rooming house.
Mark Woodward was arrested for the alleged assault.
According to the report, Woodward denied he had argued with his girlfriend or hurled the turkey at her.
A frozen turkey was found on the porch of Woodward’s 9 Claybourne St. residence, with apparent damage to the packaging, police said.
Sex starved women rape a man in church
Three Zimbabwean women kidnapped an 18-year-old man in Chitungwiza and forced him to be intimate with one of them at a cathedral in Harare’s city centre. On Tuesday, the man’s employer sent him on an errand to Makoni Shopping Centre
As he made his way to the bustling shopping centre at around 3pm, a cream Toyota Corolla suddenly pulled beside him, three women got out and bundled him into the vehicle before driving to Harare’s Roman Catholic Cathedral along Fourth Street where they locked him in a room.
At around 8pm, one of the women returned and forced the man to be intimate with her. Afterwards, it is alleged the daring woman phoned the wife of the man’s employer and told her that the victim was safe and they should not worry about his whereabouts.
The following morning at around 7am, the three women forced the young man into their vehicle and drove to Machipisa Shopping Centre where they dumped him.
The man made a report at Machipisa Police Station. No arrests had been made and police were hunting for the suspects.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector James Sabau, confirmed the incident and said investigations were in progress.
As he made his way to the bustling shopping centre at around 3pm, a cream Toyota Corolla suddenly pulled beside him, three women got out and bundled him into the vehicle before driving to Harare’s Roman Catholic Cathedral along Fourth Street where they locked him in a room.
At around 8pm, one of the women returned and forced the man to be intimate with her. Afterwards, it is alleged the daring woman phoned the wife of the man’s employer and told her that the victim was safe and they should not worry about his whereabouts.
The following morning at around 7am, the three women forced the young man into their vehicle and drove to Machipisa Shopping Centre where they dumped him.
The man made a report at Machipisa Police Station. No arrests had been made and police were hunting for the suspects.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector James Sabau, confirmed the incident and said investigations were in progress.
17 stolen puppies squeal to safety
Australian police responded to a call in Melbourne's east on Tuesday night to find two teenagers in a pet store and 17 puppies in a nearby car.
Police charged the two teenagers with burglary, theft and being equipped to steal.
A neighbour in the area had alerted the police after hearing breaking glass and barking.
Pet shop owner Lyn Watson-Gust said she was glad to find the puppies safe. "It's been a huge night for them, but thankfully they are back to safety again."
Police say the puppies left quite a mess in the car. "There was an awful lot of dogs in there and they were just roaming around inside, chewing on the seat covers and doing what puppies do."
"We'll be seizing the car and I won't be driving it. We'll be getting a tow truck, I certainly wouldn't want to be sitting in that car."
Police charged the two teenagers with burglary, theft and being equipped to steal.
A neighbour in the area had alerted the police after hearing breaking glass and barking.
Pet shop owner Lyn Watson-Gust said she was glad to find the puppies safe. "It's been a huge night for them, but thankfully they are back to safety again."
Police say the puppies left quite a mess in the car. "There was an awful lot of dogs in there and they were just roaming around inside, chewing on the seat covers and doing what puppies do."
"We'll be seizing the car and I won't be driving it. We'll be getting a tow truck, I certainly wouldn't want to be sitting in that car."
Man guilty of scaring elderly woman to death
A federal jury convicted Larry Whitfield, 20, of literally scaring a woman to death while running from police after attempting a bank robbery. The case involved the death of 79-year-old Mary Parnell, a retired Wachovia officer who was at home September 2008 when Whitfield tried to use her house as a safe haven.
Parnell suffered a heart attack and died. The jury on Friday said Whitfield's actions in her home caused her death, though the verdict stopped short of saying he'd killed her.
Whitfield was convicted of attempting to rob the Fort Financial Credit Union in Gastonia with a friend, Quanterrious McCoy, who has already pleaded guilty to the robbery. Whitfield was also convicted on two firearms charges.
Investigators said he and McCoy were separated while running from the cops, and Whitfield was trying to change clothes to get away. They believe he entered two homes in the process.
Parnell was dead when her husband found her hours later. The jury found Whitfield not guilty of killing her, but - in a quirky three part verdict - voted to place the blame for her death on him. That distinction still means he'll serve a mandatory life sentence.
Parnell's large family, in court, were thrilled with the verdict. "He committed this crime with callous indifference. My mother-in-law had a heart attack right in front of this guy, and he didn't even have the decency to call an ambulance," David Hains said. "All he cared about was himself, and he can think about that for the rest of his life in jail."
Parnell suffered a heart attack and died. The jury on Friday said Whitfield's actions in her home caused her death, though the verdict stopped short of saying he'd killed her.
Whitfield was convicted of attempting to rob the Fort Financial Credit Union in Gastonia with a friend, Quanterrious McCoy, who has already pleaded guilty to the robbery. Whitfield was also convicted on two firearms charges.
Investigators said he and McCoy were separated while running from the cops, and Whitfield was trying to change clothes to get away. They believe he entered two homes in the process.
Parnell was dead when her husband found her hours later. The jury found Whitfield not guilty of killing her, but - in a quirky three part verdict - voted to place the blame for her death on him. That distinction still means he'll serve a mandatory life sentence.
Parnell's large family, in court, were thrilled with the verdict. "He committed this crime with callous indifference. My mother-in-law had a heart attack right in front of this guy, and he didn't even have the decency to call an ambulance," David Hains said. "All he cared about was himself, and he can think about that for the rest of his life in jail."
Teacher suing for fall caused by condoms
Condoms may make for safe sex, but a teacher says they made for unsafe conditions at a Manhattan high school.
Karen Hollander is suing the Department of Education over injuries she says she suffered following a nasty spill on garbage and "slippery foreign substances" that included condoms discarded by students at the High School of Art & Design.
Hollander says she suffered injuries to her head and nervous system after her Nov. 12, 2008, tumble at the Second Ave. school. The suit says school officials failed to maintain safety in the cafeteria by allowing trash that included condoms to pile up on the floor.
"They caused, allowed and permitted condoms to be distributed by school personnel to the students, many of which were opened during the school lunch period and thrown on the floor," says the suit.
Karen Hollander is suing the Department of Education over injuries she says she suffered following a nasty spill on garbage and "slippery foreign substances" that included condoms discarded by students at the High School of Art & Design.
Hollander says she suffered injuries to her head and nervous system after her Nov. 12, 2008, tumble at the Second Ave. school. The suit says school officials failed to maintain safety in the cafeteria by allowing trash that included condoms to pile up on the floor.
"They caused, allowed and permitted condoms to be distributed by school personnel to the students, many of which were opened during the school lunch period and thrown on the floor," says the suit.
Depressed woman loses benefits over Facebook photos
A Quebec woman on long-term sick leave is fighting to have her benefits reinstated after her employer's insurance company cut them, she says, because of photos posted on Facebook. Nathalie Blanchard, 29, has been on leave from her job at IBM in Bromont, Que., for the last year and a half after she was diagnosed with major depression.
The Eastern Townships woman was receiving monthly sick-leave benefits from Manulife, her insurance company, but the payments dried up this fall. When Blanchard called Manulife, the company said that "I'm available to work, because of Facebook," she said.
She said her insurance agent described several pictures Blanchard posted on the popular social networking site, including ones showing her having a good time at a Chippendales bar show, at her birthday party and on a sun holiday — evidence that she is no longer depressed, Manulife said.
Blanchard said she notified Manulife that she was taking a trip, and she's shocked the company would investigate her in such a manner and interpret her photos that way. "In the moment I'm happy, but before and after I have the same problems" as before, she said.
Blanchard said that on her doctor's advice, she tried to have fun, including nights out at her local bar with friends and short getaways to sun destinations, as a way to forget her problems. She also doesn’t understand how Manulife accessed her photos because her Facebook profile is locked and only people she approves can look at what she posts.
Her lawyer Tom Lavin said Manulife's investigation was inappropriate. "I don't think for judging a mental state that Facebook is a very good tool," he said, adding that he has requested another psychiatric evaluation for Blanchard.
The Eastern Townships woman was receiving monthly sick-leave benefits from Manulife, her insurance company, but the payments dried up this fall. When Blanchard called Manulife, the company said that "I'm available to work, because of Facebook," she said.
She said her insurance agent described several pictures Blanchard posted on the popular social networking site, including ones showing her having a good time at a Chippendales bar show, at her birthday party and on a sun holiday — evidence that she is no longer depressed, Manulife said.
Blanchard said she notified Manulife that she was taking a trip, and she's shocked the company would investigate her in such a manner and interpret her photos that way. "In the moment I'm happy, but before and after I have the same problems" as before, she said.
Blanchard said that on her doctor's advice, she tried to have fun, including nights out at her local bar with friends and short getaways to sun destinations, as a way to forget her problems. She also doesn’t understand how Manulife accessed her photos because her Facebook profile is locked and only people she approves can look at what she posts.
Her lawyer Tom Lavin said Manulife's investigation was inappropriate. "I don't think for judging a mental state that Facebook is a very good tool," he said, adding that he has requested another psychiatric evaluation for Blanchard.
Australian police ordered to shoot kamikaze magpies
Most people love magpies but, as the 2009 nesting season winds up, police have again followed orders to shoot them.
At Ballina, in the far north of NSW, five magpies were destroyed during the nesting season. Last year four birds were shot in the same location.
The power is used only as an absolute last resort if public safety is at risk, said bird co-ordinator Melanie Barsony, from the wildlife rescue organisation WIRES.
Postal workers are very vulnerable to magpie wrath in nesting season. Last year the corner of Cherry St and Bentnick St in Ballina was a dangerous place for a postman.
Each day a magpie would wait at the corner for him to appear, then stalk him for several blocks.
"It would approach him from the front," Ms Barsony added. "Normally they come from behind. The bird was actually going for his eyes."
At Ballina, in the far north of NSW, five magpies were destroyed during the nesting season. Last year four birds were shot in the same location.
The power is used only as an absolute last resort if public safety is at risk, said bird co-ordinator Melanie Barsony, from the wildlife rescue organisation WIRES.
Postal workers are very vulnerable to magpie wrath in nesting season. Last year the corner of Cherry St and Bentnick St in Ballina was a dangerous place for a postman.
Each day a magpie would wait at the corner for him to appear, then stalk him for several blocks.
"It would approach him from the front," Ms Barsony added. "Normally they come from behind. The bird was actually going for his eyes."
Clergymen and dentists marry for keeps
True love may be the key to a long and happy marriage – but being a dentist or an agricultural engineer helps, too, according to new research. A paper that correlates occupations with divorce and separation rates, to be published this week in the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology, reveals that dancers and choreographers, bartenders, massage therapists and telephone operators are most likely to split up. Those looking for a life of fidelity and loyalty, however, should marry agricultural engineers, optometrists, dentists, members of the clergy and podiatrists.
Dr Michael Aamodt, an industrial psychologist and professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at Radford University in Virginia, has invented a formula to work out the likelihood of success for a marriage, based on the percentage of people in 449 occupations who had been in a marital relationship, but were no longer with their spouses.
"To compute the divorce rate for each occupation, we used the following formula: (separated + divorced) divided by (total population - never married). This formula yielded the percentage of people in each occupation that had been in a marital relationship, but were no longer with their spouse," he said.
Using census information, Aamodt rated professions and trades according to their likelihood of achieving a successful marriage. "I looked at the divorce rate for each given occupation after controlling for gender, race, age and income characteristics," said Aamodt. "By controlling for demographic variables that might be related to divorce rates, we also obtained race, gender, age and income information for each occupation."
Aamodt initially also rated each occupation according to three sources of occupational stress: shift work, overtime and weekend work. But, he said, none of the variables made a significant difference. His study found that chefs and mathematicians shared a 20% chance of getting divorced or separated. Journalists and urban planners had a 17.54% chance, while librarians, dietitians and fitness instructors had a 16.89% chance.
Travel agents, writers and police shared a 15-16% chance of divorce, slightly above firefighters and teachers. At 12.48% chance of divorce, judges and magistrates were slightly less likely to succeed than vets and funeral directors.
Dr Michael Aamodt, an industrial psychologist and professor of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at Radford University in Virginia, has invented a formula to work out the likelihood of success for a marriage, based on the percentage of people in 449 occupations who had been in a marital relationship, but were no longer with their spouses.
"To compute the divorce rate for each occupation, we used the following formula: (separated + divorced) divided by (total population - never married). This formula yielded the percentage of people in each occupation that had been in a marital relationship, but were no longer with their spouse," he said.
Using census information, Aamodt rated professions and trades according to their likelihood of achieving a successful marriage. "I looked at the divorce rate for each given occupation after controlling for gender, race, age and income characteristics," said Aamodt. "By controlling for demographic variables that might be related to divorce rates, we also obtained race, gender, age and income information for each occupation."
Aamodt initially also rated each occupation according to three sources of occupational stress: shift work, overtime and weekend work. But, he said, none of the variables made a significant difference. His study found that chefs and mathematicians shared a 20% chance of getting divorced or separated. Journalists and urban planners had a 17.54% chance, while librarians, dietitians and fitness instructors had a 16.89% chance.
Travel agents, writers and police shared a 15-16% chance of divorce, slightly above firefighters and teachers. At 12.48% chance of divorce, judges and magistrates were slightly less likely to succeed than vets and funeral directors.
Ex-Scientologist sues for loss of girlfriend
A businessman is suing the Church of Scientology for hundreds of thousands of pounds, claiming that he lost his girlfriend and business after she became indoctrinated by the controversial self-styled church.
David Craig, who at one time joined the Scientologists, claims that he was persuaded to pay out more than £170,000 to the "spiritual cult" after his partner, Irina Glaser, was recruited by Scientologists. When, however, Mr Craig threatened to fight for custody of their infant son, he claims that Scientologists told him he would be expelled if he did not use their own judicial system to determine the case. The Scientologists did not wish to use what they referred to as "wog courts" (a derogatory term for the mainstream legal system), according to court documents. The 48-year-old, from Lyndhurst, Hampshire, eventually left the church in 2004, according to court papers. Now his impending High Court case threatens to expose the inner workings of the notoriously secretive organisation.
Mr Craig claims that Ms Glaser joined the Scientologists after she attended a psychic fair in December 1999. Ms Glaser, who allegedly had "mental health issues", was attracted by the organisation's claim that it could cure all mental illnesses and that conventional psychiatry did not work. For several days afterwards the pair were allegedly "inundated" with calls from the Scientology mission in Poole, Dorset, in order to "encourage them to join the cult". In January 2000 the couple attended the mission and, after a "personal efficiency test", were told that auditing would rid Ms Glaser of her illness. She then "followed their advice and instruction", giving up her medication and undertaking a series of expensive courses. During 2001 she "immersed" herself in the organisation, eventually joining the staff at its East Grinstead headquarters in Sussex. She cut off almost anyone she was unable to persuade to join the church.
Mr Craig says he was "persuaded to give substantial sums of money to the cult" during 2001 and 2002 for Ms Glaser's treatment, his own auditing and the "work of the cult". But when he became "more concerned about the conduct of Irina Glaser" he told Scientologists at the Poole mission that he was prepared to go to court to fight for custody of their six-year-old son. Mr Craig was told by the Scientologists that he should use "the cult's own 'court'", the claim states.
After leaving the church in 2004, Mr Craig was told that he was expelled from the organisation because he had involved it in court hearings about his son. It is understood the boy now lives with his father. Mr Craig, who declined to comment, is claiming compensation for the loss of earnings and also the loss of his business. The church had told him not to challenge the loss of his business franchises in 2002, which he claims were worth £750,000. He is also claiming for legal fees.
The businessman claims that while he was "under the actual undue influence" of the church he also paid out £170,000 in fees and donations. Although £30,000 of this was repaid by the church, according to the court papers, he is now demanding the balance of £140,000. Ms Glaser is believed to be a member of the church still. No date has yet been set for the full hearing.
David Craig, who at one time joined the Scientologists, claims that he was persuaded to pay out more than £170,000 to the "spiritual cult" after his partner, Irina Glaser, was recruited by Scientologists. When, however, Mr Craig threatened to fight for custody of their infant son, he claims that Scientologists told him he would be expelled if he did not use their own judicial system to determine the case. The Scientologists did not wish to use what they referred to as "wog courts" (a derogatory term for the mainstream legal system), according to court documents. The 48-year-old, from Lyndhurst, Hampshire, eventually left the church in 2004, according to court papers. Now his impending High Court case threatens to expose the inner workings of the notoriously secretive organisation.
Mr Craig claims that Ms Glaser joined the Scientologists after she attended a psychic fair in December 1999. Ms Glaser, who allegedly had "mental health issues", was attracted by the organisation's claim that it could cure all mental illnesses and that conventional psychiatry did not work. For several days afterwards the pair were allegedly "inundated" with calls from the Scientology mission in Poole, Dorset, in order to "encourage them to join the cult". In January 2000 the couple attended the mission and, after a "personal efficiency test", were told that auditing would rid Ms Glaser of her illness. She then "followed their advice and instruction", giving up her medication and undertaking a series of expensive courses. During 2001 she "immersed" herself in the organisation, eventually joining the staff at its East Grinstead headquarters in Sussex. She cut off almost anyone she was unable to persuade to join the church.
Mr Craig says he was "persuaded to give substantial sums of money to the cult" during 2001 and 2002 for Ms Glaser's treatment, his own auditing and the "work of the cult". But when he became "more concerned about the conduct of Irina Glaser" he told Scientologists at the Poole mission that he was prepared to go to court to fight for custody of their six-year-old son. Mr Craig was told by the Scientologists that he should use "the cult's own 'court'", the claim states.
After leaving the church in 2004, Mr Craig was told that he was expelled from the organisation because he had involved it in court hearings about his son. It is understood the boy now lives with his father. Mr Craig, who declined to comment, is claiming compensation for the loss of earnings and also the loss of his business. The church had told him not to challenge the loss of his business franchises in 2002, which he claims were worth £750,000. He is also claiming for legal fees.
The businessman claims that while he was "under the actual undue influence" of the church he also paid out £170,000 in fees and donations. Although £30,000 of this was repaid by the church, according to the court papers, he is now demanding the balance of £140,000. Ms Glaser is believed to be a member of the church still. No date has yet been set for the full hearing.
Wills Fargo swing band forced to change name by Wells Fargo
A seven-strong blues/western swing band from Essex has been forced to change its name after a showdown with one of the world's leading financial institutions. When Wills Fargo was founded in 2007, inspired by 1940s and 1950s Americana, its creators wanted to give it a western-themed name to match.
Bassist Dave Bronze, 57, insists the name, playing on that of the famous stagecoach company Wells Fargo, was chosen as a tribute to swing legend Bob Wills. But the seven musicians have had to rethink their decision in order to avoid a court case after being contacted by a team of lawyers representing the company, now an international bank.
Mr Bronze, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, criticised Wells Fargo's reaction as ''stupid''. He said: ''They said we should desist from infringing the copyright of the bank. I thought it was someone having a laugh at first. It is a stupid thing to happen.
''When we are in the middle of the worst banking crisis for 90 years you would think they would have something better to do. We are all fans of the legendary Bob Wills, the king of western swing, and we thought our name should reflect that and we chose Wills Fargo.''
But a Wells Fargo spokeswoman said the company had ''an obligation'' to protect its brand.
She said: ''Like all brand owners, Wells Fargo has an obligation to protect its brand against the proliferation of unlicensed uses of confusingly similar trade names, trademarks and service marks. Such uses tend to dilute or weaken the distinctive quality of a famous brand.''
Bassist Dave Bronze, 57, insists the name, playing on that of the famous stagecoach company Wells Fargo, was chosen as a tribute to swing legend Bob Wills. But the seven musicians have had to rethink their decision in order to avoid a court case after being contacted by a team of lawyers representing the company, now an international bank.
Mr Bronze, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, criticised Wells Fargo's reaction as ''stupid''. He said: ''They said we should desist from infringing the copyright of the bank. I thought it was someone having a laugh at first. It is a stupid thing to happen.
''When we are in the middle of the worst banking crisis for 90 years you would think they would have something better to do. We are all fans of the legendary Bob Wills, the king of western swing, and we thought our name should reflect that and we chose Wills Fargo.''
But a Wells Fargo spokeswoman said the company had ''an obligation'' to protect its brand.
She said: ''Like all brand owners, Wells Fargo has an obligation to protect its brand against the proliferation of unlicensed uses of confusingly similar trade names, trademarks and service marks. Such uses tend to dilute or weaken the distinctive quality of a famous brand.''
Polar bears suffer brutal deaths in a new advert by climate change campaigners
The controversial climate change group Plane Stupid has been criticised over an advert which shows bloodied polar bears falling from the sky. The advert, which aims to raise awareness of the carbon emissions associated with short-haul flights, has been criticised as “distasteful” and “distressing”.
Opening on what at first appear to be unidentified objects descending from the heavens, the viewer eventually can see that the objects are in fact dead polar bears plummeting to the ground as a plane is heard overhead.
As the advert continues, the computer generated bears meet their deaths, crashing against buildings, leaving a trail of blood, and landing on cars.
The 50-second ad ends with a message equating the 400kg of greenhouse gases produced per passenger on the average European flight to the weight of an adult polar bear.
Opening on what at first appear to be unidentified objects descending from the heavens, the viewer eventually can see that the objects are in fact dead polar bears plummeting to the ground as a plane is heard overhead.
As the advert continues, the computer generated bears meet their deaths, crashing against buildings, leaving a trail of blood, and landing on cars.
The 50-second ad ends with a message equating the 400kg of greenhouse gases produced per passenger on the average European flight to the weight of an adult polar bear.
Blogpaper launches its first free newspaper
On paper one of the defining characteristics of a blog would seem to be that it is not on paper.
But in this rapidly changing media world, even that appears to be changing.
A new freesheet that consists entirely of blogs pulled off the web by popular demand - without the help of an editor - has now launched.
Unlike the national newspapers the Blogpaper has no editor and no team of journalists; instead all of the articles and photos have been submitted by bloggers to a website and the users vote for the content they would most like to appear in print - a process known as crowd sourcing.
You can see the first edition here.
But in this rapidly changing media world, even that appears to be changing.
A new freesheet that consists entirely of blogs pulled off the web by popular demand - without the help of an editor - has now launched.
Unlike the national newspapers the Blogpaper has no editor and no team of journalists; instead all of the articles and photos have been submitted by bloggers to a website and the users vote for the content they would most like to appear in print - a process known as crowd sourcing.
You can see the first edition here.
