Rest
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Irish Americans Buy Dirt From The Mother Country
Two Irishmen are making mounds of money by shipping soil from "the mother country" to Irish Americans who want it put on their caskets. Pat Burke, 27, and Alan Jenkins, 65, are selling 0.75 lb. bags for $15 dollars each.
Burke and Jenkins have already shipped about 528,000 pounds of soil to New York, and they think that the number of people who want Irish dirt will surely keep rising.
The idea of the business arose after Jenkins attended an Irish association meeting in Florida, Burke says.
He explains, "He found that all that these second, third and fourth generation Irish wanted was a drop of the old sod - a true piece of old Ireland - to place on their caskets."
One New York businessman from the west of Ireland has put in an order for $100,000 worth of soil.
Burke and Jenkins say they will donate 80 percent of the profits to Irish and U.S. charities.
Burke and Jenkins have already shipped about 528,000 pounds of soil to New York, and they think that the number of people who want Irish dirt will surely keep rising.
The idea of the business arose after Jenkins attended an Irish association meeting in Florida, Burke says.
He explains, "He found that all that these second, third and fourth generation Irish wanted was a drop of the old sod - a true piece of old Ireland - to place on their caskets."
One New York businessman from the west of Ireland has put in an order for $100,000 worth of soil.
Burke and Jenkins say they will donate 80 percent of the profits to Irish and U.S. charities.
Candidate says bulletproof books could save lives in school shootings
A retired veteran and candidate for Oklahoma State School Superintendent says he wants to make schools safer by creating bulletproof textbooks.
Bill Crozier says the books could give students and teachers a fighting chance if there's a shooting at their school.
"Our experiment was as scientific as we could make it, just two or three people who had been in the military," says Crozier.
Crozier, who is running for state superintendent, took to an open field near Minco to see if a text book could stop a bullet during a school shooting. He believes students could use the reading material while running away from an attacker.
Bill Crozier says the books could give students and teachers a fighting chance if there's a shooting at their school.
"Our experiment was as scientific as we could make it, just two or three people who had been in the military," says Crozier.
Crozier, who is running for state superintendent, took to an open field near Minco to see if a text book could stop a bullet during a school shooting. He believes students could use the reading material while running away from an attacker.
London plaque honours memories of Bob Marley
Reggae legend Bob Marley has been honoured with a heritage plaque at his former north London home.
The plaque, the first to be endorsed by the mayor, was unveiled at 34 Ridgmount Gardens in Camden on Thursday.
Marley lived at Ridgmount Gardens in 1972 when he first came to England, just as his group the Wailers were making a name for themselves.
The event is part of Black History Month, a season of events promoting the contribution of African-Caribbean communities in London.
Marley's widow Rita said: "My husband's music is loved all around the world, although he had a special affinity with London."
"The family is pleased that he is being honoured with a commemorative plaque in London and we truly look forward to seeing it the next time we are in London. Jah bless you all. One love."
The plaque, the first to be endorsed by the mayor, was unveiled at 34 Ridgmount Gardens in Camden on Thursday.
Marley lived at Ridgmount Gardens in 1972 when he first came to England, just as his group the Wailers were making a name for themselves.
The event is part of Black History Month, a season of events promoting the contribution of African-Caribbean communities in London.
Marley's widow Rita said: "My husband's music is loved all around the world, although he had a special affinity with London."
"The family is pleased that he is being honoured with a commemorative plaque in London and we truly look forward to seeing it the next time we are in London. Jah bless you all. One love."
Fridge Falls On Woman, Traps Her For 4 Days
A Roseville woman was pinned down to the ground for four days her refrigerator fell on top of her in her kitchen, as she fought to stay alive.
69-year-old Inga Walen's refrigerator was top heavy and as she leaned in to open the fridge door, it fell forward, toppling her.
Inga tried calling for help any way she could. At first she grabbed some shattered glass pieces that fell on top of her during the accident, and she threw them at her kitchen window to draw attention and make noise. After that didn't work, she then managed to grab a wooden spoon and a pressure cooker lid, and banged the two together as she called for help.
Luckily by the fourth day, Greg Allen, a politician running for the Placer County Water Board, heard Inga's call for help while going door-to-door campaigning. He found an unlocked door and ran in to save Inga's life.
Inga suffered a broken collar bone, and injured both legs as a result of the accident. She says that she doesn't care which political party Allen represents, she's voting for him either way.
69-year-old Inga Walen's refrigerator was top heavy and as she leaned in to open the fridge door, it fell forward, toppling her.
Inga tried calling for help any way she could. At first she grabbed some shattered glass pieces that fell on top of her during the accident, and she threw them at her kitchen window to draw attention and make noise. After that didn't work, she then managed to grab a wooden spoon and a pressure cooker lid, and banged the two together as she called for help.
Luckily by the fourth day, Greg Allen, a politician running for the Placer County Water Board, heard Inga's call for help while going door-to-door campaigning. He found an unlocked door and ran in to save Inga's life.
Inga suffered a broken collar bone, and injured both legs as a result of the accident. She says that she doesn't care which political party Allen represents, she's voting for him either way.
Homeowner's Mother Takes Down Controversial Halloween Display
Some neighbours in Mount Horeb said they think one family has gone too far with its Halloween decorations.
Decorations around Vicki France's home included dolls covered in fake blood, hanging from nooses tied to tree limbs in France's yard. At least one doll has a knife through its chest.
Mount Horeb police said they received one complaint and asked France to reconsider her decorations, but France didn't change the display.
But after seeing pictures of the display in an e-mail, France's mother Betty was so disturbed that she drove for two hours from Gays Mills to cut all the dolls down.
With slideshow.
Decorations around Vicki France's home included dolls covered in fake blood, hanging from nooses tied to tree limbs in France's yard. At least one doll has a knife through its chest.
Mount Horeb police said they received one complaint and asked France to reconsider her decorations, but France didn't change the display.
But after seeing pictures of the display in an e-mail, France's mother Betty was so disturbed that she drove for two hours from Gays Mills to cut all the dolls down.
With slideshow.
Halloween plane crash display causing shock in Los Angeles
A shocking Halloween display is creating some extreme reactions in one Los Angeles-area neighbourhood.
The display features a fake plane crash so realistic even the police were fooled.
"It caught my eye. I thought a plane had crashed, and when I spoke to the owner he advised me that he was setting up a Halloween display," said Greg Andrachick with the Los Angeles Police Department.
The homeowner is an aircraft mechanic in training and the parts are from a real Gulfstream jet.
With video.
The display features a fake plane crash so realistic even the police were fooled.
"It caught my eye. I thought a plane had crashed, and when I spoke to the owner he advised me that he was setting up a Halloween display," said Greg Andrachick with the Los Angeles Police Department.
The homeowner is an aircraft mechanic in training and the parts are from a real Gulfstream jet.
With video.
Sizzling sausage and lapping lakes feature on a new helpline
A telephone helpline of "inspiring" sounds has been launched for those suffering from the winter blues.
As the clocks go back this weekend, the Lake District's tourism bosses have recorded tranquil sounds to encourage visitors and stave off depression.
The Lakes' Escape Line includes a reading of Wordsworth's Daffodils, the sound of water lapping at Windermere and a sizzling Cumberland sausage.
Eric Robson, of Cumbria Tourism, said: "Few of us enjoy getting up in the dark or coming home in it, so making the most of daylight and how you spend your weekends could be important for keeping the winter blues at bay."
With audio files.
As the clocks go back this weekend, the Lake District's tourism bosses have recorded tranquil sounds to encourage visitors and stave off depression.
The Lakes' Escape Line includes a reading of Wordsworth's Daffodils, the sound of water lapping at Windermere and a sizzling Cumberland sausage.
Eric Robson, of Cumbria Tourism, said: "Few of us enjoy getting up in the dark or coming home in it, so making the most of daylight and how you spend your weekends could be important for keeping the winter blues at bay."
With audio files.
Tooth-whitener salesman fined
A salesman has been convicted of the “illegal practise of dentistry” after demonstrating tooth-whitening treatments.
In the first case of its kind, the General Dental Council prosecuted Ben Nahab for marketing the treatment for Denmed Direct Services, based in Canterbury.
Norwich magistrates fined Nahab £300 and ordered him to pay prosecution costs after he offered the procedure as part of a demonstration at a dental clinic.
The council said that it sought the landmark ruling to stop the spread of such unregistered dentistry. Hew Mathewson, its President, said: “The General Dental Council’s priority is to protect the public. Tooth whitening can be dangerous, particularly in the hands of unregistered professionals.
In the first case of its kind, the General Dental Council prosecuted Ben Nahab for marketing the treatment for Denmed Direct Services, based in Canterbury.
Norwich magistrates fined Nahab £300 and ordered him to pay prosecution costs after he offered the procedure as part of a demonstration at a dental clinic.
The council said that it sought the landmark ruling to stop the spread of such unregistered dentistry. Hew Mathewson, its President, said: “The General Dental Council’s priority is to protect the public. Tooth whitening can be dangerous, particularly in the hands of unregistered professionals.
Another Toddler Gets Stuck In Toy Machine
A little boy from Abilene wanted a toy from a vending machine so badly, he went in and got it himself.
3-year-old Joshua Walk crawled up inside the chute of a vending machine at a restaurant. However, he couldn't get back out. He didn't seem too upset, however, because he enjoyed jumping on the pile of plush toys.
It took about 45 minutes for a vending employee to arrive with a special key to let him out. The worker, who didn't give his name, says this never happened before.
With video.
3-year-old Joshua Walk crawled up inside the chute of a vending machine at a restaurant. However, he couldn't get back out. He didn't seem too upset, however, because he enjoyed jumping on the pile of plush toys.
It took about 45 minutes for a vending employee to arrive with a special key to let him out. The worker, who didn't give his name, says this never happened before.
With video.
Can't write, count or speak - England's failing five-year-olds
Nearly a fifth of five-year-olds cannot write their own name and fewer than half have reached their expected level of learning, official figures show.
An assessment of 535,000 five-year-olds in England found that, after a year of schooling, 91,000 could not write simple words such as “mum” or “cat” or hold a pencil correctly.
Boys proved worst at completing writing tasks, with 21 per cent unable to write key words compared with 11 per cent of girls.
About 21,420 children could not count to ten and 39 per cent could not hear or pronounce the short vowel sounds in words such as “pen”, “hat” and “dog”, while 17 per cent could not recognise or name all the letters of the alphabet.
An assessment of 535,000 five-year-olds in England found that, after a year of schooling, 91,000 could not write simple words such as “mum” or “cat” or hold a pencil correctly.
Boys proved worst at completing writing tasks, with 21 per cent unable to write key words compared with 11 per cent of girls.
About 21,420 children could not count to ten and 39 per cent could not hear or pronounce the short vowel sounds in words such as “pen”, “hat” and “dog”, while 17 per cent could not recognise or name all the letters of the alphabet.
Man on trains defecating charge - Update
A man has been charged with causing more than £20,000 worth of criminal damage by defecating in train carriages across the south-east of England.
Bonney Eberndu, 36, of no fixed address, was arrested at Camberwell Green bus garage, in south-east London.
British Transport Police had released CCTV images of the man they wanted to question over 22 incidents on trains during the last three months.
Bonney Eberndu, 36, of no fixed address, was arrested at Camberwell Green bus garage, in south-east London.
British Transport Police had released CCTV images of the man they wanted to question over 22 incidents on trains during the last three months.
Friday, October 27, 2006
A dog and a cat
The dog is trying to get a hot potato, whilst the cat is drinking milk.
Straight from the cow.
And here are some puppies.
Straight from the cow.
And here are some puppies.
Cabana of Quotes
A large collection of quotes.
“Usually I'd say a top-hat doesn't suit a shaved monkey, but in your case, I'm willing to make an exception.”
“Usually I'd say a top-hat doesn't suit a shaved monkey, but in your case, I'm willing to make an exception.”
'Tower of Babel' translator made
A "Tower of Babel" device that gives the illusion of being bilingual is being developed by US scientists.
Users simply have to silently mouth a word in their own language for it to be translated and read out in another.
The researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, said the effect was like watching a television programme that had been dubbed.
The system, detailed in New Scientist, is not yet fully accurate, but experts said it showed the technology was "within reach".
Users simply have to silently mouth a word in their own language for it to be translated and read out in another.
The researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, said the effect was like watching a television programme that had been dubbed.
The system, detailed in New Scientist, is not yet fully accurate, but experts said it showed the technology was "within reach".
Nepal show fuses art and fashion
Imagine an exhibition where instead of the art-lover walking among the paintings, the paintings walk among the public.
That is the concept of Wearable Art, which has been displayed at a unique show in Kathmandu.
It has been created by seven young Nepali artists and the exhibition's curator, Deneth Piumakshi from Sri Lanka.
Deneth, 26, is at pains to say this is art, not "fashion".
"Art doesn't have to be in a square on a wall," she says. "I don't like canvas or paper. So I started painting on clothes."
That is the concept of Wearable Art, which has been displayed at a unique show in Kathmandu.
It has been created by seven young Nepali artists and the exhibition's curator, Deneth Piumakshi from Sri Lanka.
Deneth, 26, is at pains to say this is art, not "fashion".
"Art doesn't have to be in a square on a wall," she says. "I don't like canvas or paper. So I started painting on clothes."
Penguins act as sheepdogs of the sea
Penguins work in teams to herd fish in the same way that sheepdogs chivvy sheep into a pen, scientists have found.
Tracking devices attached to Magellanic penguins have revealed that they will swim in ever decreasing circles to herd schools of fish into balls.
As the penguins tighten their circles the fish crowd together until they get so squashed up that the ball loses it shape and breaks up. The penguins then target those fish that stray and snatch a meal.
Sensors also revealed that the penguins are among the Earth’s greediest creatures, stuffing themselves so full that a grown man would have to consume almost 600 quarter-pounder burgers in eight hours to match them.
Tracking devices attached to Magellanic penguins have revealed that they will swim in ever decreasing circles to herd schools of fish into balls.
As the penguins tighten their circles the fish crowd together until they get so squashed up that the ball loses it shape and breaks up. The penguins then target those fish that stray and snatch a meal.
Sensors also revealed that the penguins are among the Earth’s greediest creatures, stuffing themselves so full that a grown man would have to consume almost 600 quarter-pounder burgers in eight hours to match them.
Boy goes for toy, ends up inside vending machine
A toddler who went fishing for a stuffed cartoon character in a vending machine wound up sharing space with the toy inside the game's plastic cubicle.
Three-year-old Robert Moore tried to scoop out a stuffed replica of SpongeBob SquarePants with the vending machine's plastic crane on Saturday, but had no luck on his first attempt.
While his grandmother, Fredricka Bierdemann, turned her back to get another dollar for a second try, Robert took off his coat and squeezed through an opening in the machine. He landed in the stuffed animal cube.
"He was having a ball in there, hugging all the stuffed animals," Bierdemann said. "He was so good-natured, but I was shaking like a leaf.
Firefighters broke one lock but then spotted two latches inside the plastic cube. They passed a screwdriver to Robert, who eventually freed himself.
He went home safe, but without a stuffed Sponge Bob.
Thanks Ajit!
Three-year-old Robert Moore tried to scoop out a stuffed replica of SpongeBob SquarePants with the vending machine's plastic crane on Saturday, but had no luck on his first attempt.
While his grandmother, Fredricka Bierdemann, turned her back to get another dollar for a second try, Robert took off his coat and squeezed through an opening in the machine. He landed in the stuffed animal cube.
"He was having a ball in there, hugging all the stuffed animals," Bierdemann said. "He was so good-natured, but I was shaking like a leaf.
Firefighters broke one lock but then spotted two latches inside the plastic cube. They passed a screwdriver to Robert, who eventually freed himself.
He went home safe, but without a stuffed Sponge Bob.
Thanks Ajit!
"Sexsomniacs" puzzle medical researchers
Researchers are struggling to understand a rare medical condition where sufferers unknowingly demand, or actually have, sex while asleep.
Research into sexsomnia - making sexual advances toward another person while asleep - has been hampered as sufferers are so embarrassed by the problem they tend not to own up to it, while doctors do not ask about it.
As yet there is no cure for the condition, which often leads to difficulties in relationships.
Most researchers view sexsomnia as a variant of sleepwalking, where sufferers are stuck between sleep and wakefulness, though sexsomniacs tend to stay in bed rather than get up and walk about.
Research into sexsomnia - making sexual advances toward another person while asleep - has been hampered as sufferers are so embarrassed by the problem they tend not to own up to it, while doctors do not ask about it.
As yet there is no cure for the condition, which often leads to difficulties in relationships.
Most researchers view sexsomnia as a variant of sleepwalking, where sufferers are stuck between sleep and wakefulness, though sexsomniacs tend to stay in bed rather than get up and walk about.
Family meal ruined by urine thrower
A family meal at a New Malden restuarant took an unexpected turn when a total stranger walked in off the street and threw urine over diners and their food.
The family of four was enjoying a meal together at Pizza Piazza in the High Street at about 9.15pm on October 16 when they were approached at their table by the suspect, who was carrying a clear plastic bag containing what police believe to be urine.
He was heard to say "This is for you" and then threw the liquid over the family and their food. He then quickly walked out of the restaurant.
A waitress in the restaurant called the police who did not arrive immediately, leaving the family sitting in urine-soaked clothes for more than 30 minutes.
The family of four was enjoying a meal together at Pizza Piazza in the High Street at about 9.15pm on October 16 when they were approached at their table by the suspect, who was carrying a clear plastic bag containing what police believe to be urine.
He was heard to say "This is for you" and then threw the liquid over the family and their food. He then quickly walked out of the restaurant.
A waitress in the restaurant called the police who did not arrive immediately, leaving the family sitting in urine-soaked clothes for more than 30 minutes.
Man banned from touching muscles
A man has been ordered by a judge not to feel people's muscles or ask them to do exercises in public.
Akinwale Arobieke, 45, from Liverpool, was also banned from measuring the size of muscles, under the order requested by Merseyside Police.
Arobieke, who is known in the area as Purple Aki, is out of jail on licence after a sentence imposed in 2003 for 15 counts of harassment.
He pursued young people with requests such as asking to feel their muscles.
Deputy District Judge Aled Jones granted the order to coincide with Arobieke's release on Thursday.
For all the wrong reasons 'Purple Aki' is quite famous in and around Merseyside, and even has his own Wikipedia page.
Proceed with caution.
Akinwale Arobieke, 45, from Liverpool, was also banned from measuring the size of muscles, under the order requested by Merseyside Police.
Arobieke, who is known in the area as Purple Aki, is out of jail on licence after a sentence imposed in 2003 for 15 counts of harassment.
He pursued young people with requests such as asking to feel their muscles.
Deputy District Judge Aled Jones granted the order to coincide with Arobieke's release on Thursday.
For all the wrong reasons 'Purple Aki' is quite famous in and around Merseyside, and even has his own Wikipedia page.
Proceed with caution.
Colombia 'is fake banknote king'
Colombia and North Korea are the largest producers of fake US banknotes, a report suggests.
The study by the US Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and Secret Service said that one in every 10,000 greenbacks was a fake.
It said more affordable equipment meant counterfeiting was getting easier.
About $450bn of the $750bn of US currency in circulation is held outside the US, with up to $70m estimated to be fake.
The study by the US Treasury Department, Federal Reserve and Secret Service said that one in every 10,000 greenbacks was a fake.
It said more affordable equipment meant counterfeiting was getting easier.
About $450bn of the $750bn of US currency in circulation is held outside the US, with up to $70m estimated to be fake.
Bank note honour for George Best
Northern Ireland soccer legend George Best is to be immortalised on one million commemorative £5 bank notes.
The Ulster Bank is to issue the limited edition notes as a tribute to the footballing genius next month to mark the first anniversary of his death.
They will show Best in both his Northern Ireland and Man Utd strips.
The finalised artwork for the notes was unveiled at the bank's Belfast headquarters by chief executive Cormac McCarthy on Thursday.
The Ulster Bank is to issue the limited edition notes as a tribute to the footballing genius next month to mark the first anniversary of his death.
They will show Best in both his Northern Ireland and Man Utd strips.
The finalised artwork for the notes was unveiled at the bank's Belfast headquarters by chief executive Cormac McCarthy on Thursday.
Novelty socks ban plan for medics
Doctors, nurses and health visitors in Lancashire could be banned from wearing novelty socks to work.
uniform policy which would also stop staff from having tight clothes, unusual hairstyles or excessive tattoos.
The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said it wanted a "corporate image which presents a professional and business-like approach".
Lynn Wissett, director of clinical care, said: "Many of our staff work with very sick or dying patients and the policy is intended to make sure that our staff present a professional image at all times.
uniform policy which would also stop staff from having tight clothes, unusual hairstyles or excessive tattoos.
The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said it wanted a "corporate image which presents a professional and business-like approach".
Lynn Wissett, director of clinical care, said: "Many of our staff work with very sick or dying patients and the policy is intended to make sure that our staff present a professional image at all times.
Police use tape measure to catch robbers
Jewellers targetted in a series of terrifying armed raids are furious after police unveiled their latest weapon in the war on crime - a tape measure.
Police have handed out tape measures so the jewellers can check the height of the gunman holding up their shops.
They have been told to attach them to their doorframes so they can give an accurate description of how tall the villain is as he flees the scene after robbing them.
The move has caused fury among small business owners in the upmarket Cheshire towns of Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Knutsford who have been robbed of an estimated £1 million worth of jewellery in recent months.
Police have handed out tape measures so the jewellers can check the height of the gunman holding up their shops.
They have been told to attach them to their doorframes so they can give an accurate description of how tall the villain is as he flees the scene after robbing them.
The move has caused fury among small business owners in the upmarket Cheshire towns of Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Knutsford who have been robbed of an estimated £1 million worth of jewellery in recent months.
Expert on addiction 'was drunk'
A senior NHS manager recognised nationally for his work helping people overcome drug and alcohol problems has stepped down after an investigation found he was regularly drunk at work.
It concluded there was evidence David Cliff, head of County Durham's Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), returned from extended lunches under the influence of alcohol and behaved inappropriately.
One witness told NHS investigators it was common knowledge he drank at lunchtime and they had seen Mr Cliff and a colleague "both coming back, absolutely reeking of alcohol and giggling and the worse for wear."
Mr Cliff, believed to have earned £50,000 a year and controlling a £1.8m budget, has been suspended on full pay since last November. He left his post on October 16.
It concluded there was evidence David Cliff, head of County Durham's Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), returned from extended lunches under the influence of alcohol and behaved inappropriately.
One witness told NHS investigators it was common knowledge he drank at lunchtime and they had seen Mr Cliff and a colleague "both coming back, absolutely reeking of alcohol and giggling and the worse for wear."
Mr Cliff, believed to have earned £50,000 a year and controlling a £1.8m budget, has been suspended on full pay since last November. He left his post on October 16.
It's official: Women more grumpy than men in the morning
Millions of chaps across the country have come to agree that the best way to avoid the outbreak of World War Three over breakfast is to keep well away until the bad tempered creature that came from beneath the duvet (aka the wife) lightens up a bit.
New research has confirmed they have every right to be wary. It found that not only are women grumpier than men first thing, but also that they remain in a foul mood for longer.
A survey by The Sleep Council showed a quarter of men never wake up in a bad mood, compared to just one in seven women.
The survey, published for national sleep-in day on October 29 when the clocks go back and people get an extra hour in bed, found that four in ten people believe a disturbed night is the main reason for grumpiness in the morning.
New research has confirmed they have every right to be wary. It found that not only are women grumpier than men first thing, but also that they remain in a foul mood for longer.
A survey by The Sleep Council showed a quarter of men never wake up in a bad mood, compared to just one in seven women.
The survey, published for national sleep-in day on October 29 when the clocks go back and people get an extra hour in bed, found that four in ten people believe a disturbed night is the main reason for grumpiness in the morning.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Geomobiles Cellular Phone Tracking
Mobile phone tracking technology relies on the use of triangulation - taking the signal strengths registered from your mobile phone at a minimum of three nearby GSM receiver masts. As the mobile phone companies know the position of each mast, and can tell the signal strength of your phone at each of these nearby masts, they can use this to calcuate your position to a certain degree of accuracy (within about 50 to 100 meters).
Approximative error range:
10 meters (max.) For Europe cellular and United Europe.
25 meters (max.) For North America Territory.
50 meters (max.) For the rest of the World.
I tried it out with my mobile phone number and it worked perfectly.
Much as I don't want to spoil this, I feel I should point out that this is probably NSFW.
Approximative error range:
10 meters (max.) For Europe cellular and United Europe.
25 meters (max.) For North America Territory.
50 meters (max.) For the rest of the World.
I tried it out with my mobile phone number and it worked perfectly.
Much as I don't want to spoil this, I feel I should point out that this is probably NSFW.
Vampires a Mathematical Impossibility, Scientist Says
A researcher has come up with some simple math that sucks the life out of the vampire myth, proving that these highly popular creatures can't exist.
University of Central Florida physics professor Costas Efthimiou's work debunks pseudoscientific ideas, such as vampires and zombies, in an attempt to enhance public literacy. Not only does the public believe in such topics, but the percentages are at dangerously high level, Efthimiou told LiveScience.
Efthimiou's debunking logic: On Jan 1, 1600, the human population was 536,870,911. If the first vampire came into existence that day and bit one person a month, there would have been two vampires by Feb. 1, 1600. A month later there would have been four, and so on. In just two-and-a-half years the original human population would all have become vampires with nobody left to feed on.
Thanks Annemarie!
University of Central Florida physics professor Costas Efthimiou's work debunks pseudoscientific ideas, such as vampires and zombies, in an attempt to enhance public literacy. Not only does the public believe in such topics, but the percentages are at dangerously high level, Efthimiou told LiveScience.
Efthimiou's debunking logic: On Jan 1, 1600, the human population was 536,870,911. If the first vampire came into existence that day and bit one person a month, there would have been two vampires by Feb. 1, 1600. A month later there would have been four, and so on. In just two-and-a-half years the original human population would all have become vampires with nobody left to feed on.
Thanks Annemarie!
Russia plans 'sober list' to beat the bottle
After decades of futile tactics to wean them off the bottle, Russia's alcoholics may have finally met their match in a scheme set up by a coalition of exasperated wives and entrepreneurs.
The state tried sending them to remote gulags, private institutions attempted everything from mind-manipulation to sorcery, but "The Register of Non-Drinking Men", its compilers are convinced, could succeed where all before have failed.
Committees of women who are or were married to alcoholics will interview men across the country and decide whether they qualify for entry to a teetotallers' database that will then be made available to prospective employers.
Russia officially has more than two million alcoholics, although in reality the number could be much higher.
The state tried sending them to remote gulags, private institutions attempted everything from mind-manipulation to sorcery, but "The Register of Non-Drinking Men", its compilers are convinced, could succeed where all before have failed.
Committees of women who are or were married to alcoholics will interview men across the country and decide whether they qualify for entry to a teetotallers' database that will then be made available to prospective employers.
Russia officially has more than two million alcoholics, although in reality the number could be much higher.
UK gets face transplant go-ahead
A UK team has been given permission to carry out what would be the world's first full face transplant.
No patient has been selected for the procedure, although the team has been approached by about 30 patients.
Last November Isabelle Dinoire from France became the first person to receive a partial face transplant.
The photo above is a screenshot from the front page of yesterday's Times Online website showing an unfortunate juxtaposition.
No patient has been selected for the procedure, although the team has been approached by about 30 patients.
Last November Isabelle Dinoire from France became the first person to receive a partial face transplant.
The photo above is a screenshot from the front page of yesterday's Times Online website showing an unfortunate juxtaposition.
Party ban at China's Great Wall
Partying and all-night music raves are to be banned from parts of the Great Wall as China imposes laws to protect its top tourist attraction.
Writing and driving on the wall are also among several activities that are being prohibited, the government said.
Anyone who breaks the rules could face fines of up to 500,000 yuan ($62,500).
The 6,400km (4,000 miles) wall receives about 10 million visitors a year - most of whom visit the short 10km stretch open to tourists at Badaling.
Writing and driving on the wall are also among several activities that are being prohibited, the government said.
Anyone who breaks the rules could face fines of up to 500,000 yuan ($62,500).
The 6,400km (4,000 miles) wall receives about 10 million visitors a year - most of whom visit the short 10km stretch open to tourists at Badaling.
Kickboxer gives birth after fight
A 17-year-old kickboxer who didn't know she was pregnant gave birth to a baby daughter after a competition.
Dutch junior fighter Pamela Vugts was rushed to hospital when she started bleeding the day after a kickbox gala in Den Bosch.
Doctors told her she was seven months pregnant and later that day she gave birth to a healthy baby girl by Caesarian.
Neither Pamela nor her parents knew she was pregnant, although the scales showed she was more than 17lbs overweight before her fight.
Dutch junior fighter Pamela Vugts was rushed to hospital when she started bleeding the day after a kickbox gala in Den Bosch.
Doctors told her she was seven months pregnant and later that day she gave birth to a healthy baby girl by Caesarian.
Neither Pamela nor her parents knew she was pregnant, although the scales showed she was more than 17lbs overweight before her fight.
Girl's smile costs family £3000 holiday
A couple had to scrap a £3,000 family holiday after their youngest daughter’s passport photograph was rejected — because her teeth were showing.
When they went to the Passport Office in Peterborough, Cambs, on Monday afternoon officials said their machine would not accept Alys’s photograph.
Because Alys’s teeth were clearly visible the photograph was not acceptable.
A Home Office spokesman said last night: “The new biometric passports carry a scan of the holder’s face. In this instance the machine which takes the biometric image would have rejected the girl’s photo because her mouth was open.”
When they went to the Passport Office in Peterborough, Cambs, on Monday afternoon officials said their machine would not accept Alys’s photograph.
Because Alys’s teeth were clearly visible the photograph was not acceptable.
A Home Office spokesman said last night: “The new biometric passports carry a scan of the holder’s face. In this instance the machine which takes the biometric image would have rejected the girl’s photo because her mouth was open.”
Man 'repeatedly headbutts road' during arrest
A Perth man who injured his face by headbutting the road after crashing his car into a fence has been charged with drink-driving and kicking police.
The 27-year-old was found asleep in his car by police investigating who had hit a fence in southern suburban Calista.
The man became agitated and aggressive when they tried to take him back to their station for a breath test.
"The man was taken to Fremantle Hospital for treatment to facial injuries after he headbutted the bitumen of the road several times," police said.
The 27-year-old was found asleep in his car by police investigating who had hit a fence in southern suburban Calista.
The man became agitated and aggressive when they tried to take him back to their station for a breath test.
"The man was taken to Fremantle Hospital for treatment to facial injuries after he headbutted the bitumen of the road several times," police said.
Fire breaks out at Salt Lake crematorium
A dead man had one final earthly act before moving on.
Fire officials said the six-hundred pound man was in being cremated when his body fluids were too much for the oven.
The body fluids seeped out onto the floor and ignited causing a fire at the Garner Funeral Home in Salt Lake City.
"Those fluids can be very flammable," said Scott Freitag of the Salt Lake City fire department. "Sort of like a grease fire."
Fire officials said the six-hundred pound man was in being cremated when his body fluids were too much for the oven.
The body fluids seeped out onto the floor and ignited causing a fire at the Garner Funeral Home in Salt Lake City.
"Those fluids can be very flammable," said Scott Freitag of the Salt Lake City fire department. "Sort of like a grease fire."
Extra anus kills four-legged chick
Forzie the Te Uku-bred Barnevelder chick - hatched at Marlene Dickey's property at the start of last month - has died.
But it wasn't the extra legs that led to its death, more likely an extra anus, Mrs Dickey believes.
"He developed two bottoms and I think he got glugged up," she said.
He was found dead on Friday and is now in the Dickeys' freezer waiting to be stuffed.
But it wasn't the extra legs that led to its death, more likely an extra anus, Mrs Dickey believes.
"He developed two bottoms and I think he got glugged up," she said.
He was found dead on Friday and is now in the Dickeys' freezer waiting to be stuffed.
Canadian city sets underwear rule for firefighters
A Canadian city under pressure for alleged sexual harassment within its fire department has ordered firefighters to wear only boxer-style underwear.
Richmond, British Columbia will spend C$16,000 (7,600 pounds) to buy six pairs of underwear for each firefighter in a bid to make firehalls in the suburb of Vancouver more gender neutral.
"We supply firefighters with various pieces of gear such as gloves, now it's underwear," city official Ted Townsend told the Vancouver Sun, saying it was part of the "integration of the sexes in the workplace."
A recent investigation of the department described its workplace culture as "characterized by juvenile and hostile behaviour" towards female firefighters by their male colleagues.
Richmond, British Columbia will spend C$16,000 (7,600 pounds) to buy six pairs of underwear for each firefighter in a bid to make firehalls in the suburb of Vancouver more gender neutral.
"We supply firefighters with various pieces of gear such as gloves, now it's underwear," city official Ted Townsend told the Vancouver Sun, saying it was part of the "integration of the sexes in the workplace."
A recent investigation of the department described its workplace culture as "characterized by juvenile and hostile behaviour" towards female firefighters by their male colleagues.
Burnt down fire station 'did not have fire alarm'
A West Sussex fire station which did not have a fire alarm fitted has been badly damaged in a blaze.
Ambulance service staff, who also work in the Arundel Fire Station building in Ford Road, Arundel, found smoke coming from the premises on Wednesday.
Thirty firefighters from neighbouring stations were sent to the blaze, which destroyed the town's fire engine.
It is thought the blaze, which severely damaged the roof of the building, started in the fire engine bay.
Ambulance service staff, who also work in the Arundel Fire Station building in Ford Road, Arundel, found smoke coming from the premises on Wednesday.
Thirty firefighters from neighbouring stations were sent to the blaze, which destroyed the town's fire engine.
It is thought the blaze, which severely damaged the roof of the building, started in the fire engine bay.
Prehistoric tooth found in wall
A tooth belonging to a prehistoric shark has been donated to a Kent museum after it was found in a wall.
The palm-sized incisor belonging to a creature called a Megladon was discovered by Angela Foster after her garden wall in Maidstone collapsed.
Experts at Maidstone Museum believe the tooth could be 10 million years old, but they do not know how it could have ended up where it was found.
The Megladon, which died out two million years ago, was 15 to 20m long and capable of devouring a large whale.
The palm-sized incisor belonging to a creature called a Megladon was discovered by Angela Foster after her garden wall in Maidstone collapsed.
Experts at Maidstone Museum believe the tooth could be 10 million years old, but they do not know how it could have ended up where it was found.
The Megladon, which died out two million years ago, was 15 to 20m long and capable of devouring a large whale.
£1,000 fine for householders who refuse council tax 'snoopers'
A new army of council tax 'inspectors' is to be given the right to enter people's homes and issue fines to anyone who refuses to cooperate.
Camera-wielding officials will be able to take photographs inside properties, including bedrooms, and rule they should pay more if they have home improvements such as patios and conservatories.
Residents could be fined £1,000, and then £200 every day after that, if they do not let the inspectors in or fail to properly 'assist' them.
This tax will hit Northern Ireland in April, with a Government review of town hall finances thought to be looking at the same system for England.
Camera-wielding officials will be able to take photographs inside properties, including bedrooms, and rule they should pay more if they have home improvements such as patios and conservatories.
Residents could be fined £1,000, and then £200 every day after that, if they do not let the inspectors in or fail to properly 'assist' them.
This tax will hit Northern Ireland in April, with a Government review of town hall finances thought to be looking at the same system for England.
Not too much sex please, we are still British you know
One in eight women between the ages of 16 and 50 had no sex in the past year while the vast majority had only one partner, says a new report which paints Britain as a largely monogamous if not "sexless" society.
The portrait of Britain's attitude towards sex and relationships was revealed by compelling socio-cultural data from the Office for National Statistics.
The fact that so many Britons have no sex is perhaps the most surprising detail, dispelling the widespread belief in record levels of infidelity and promiscuity.
According to the ONS survey, one in six men under 70 had no sexual partners in the past year, while 73 per cent had only one partner and 12 per cent had more than one. For women, seven per cent had more than one.
The portrait of Britain's attitude towards sex and relationships was revealed by compelling socio-cultural data from the Office for National Statistics.
The fact that so many Britons have no sex is perhaps the most surprising detail, dispelling the widespread belief in record levels of infidelity and promiscuity.
According to the ONS survey, one in six men under 70 had no sexual partners in the past year, while 73 per cent had only one partner and 12 per cent had more than one. For women, seven per cent had more than one.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Africam Wildlife
A live webcam from the Nkorho Pan, a natural water hole in the prestigious Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, in South Africa.
I was watching a water buffalo wallowing earlier.
I was watching a water buffalo wallowing earlier.
If you've been looking for a guillotine
That would handle mice,rats,cats,rabbits and larger subjects.
These people sell them.
Completely washable.
These people sell them.
Completely washable.
Pelican swallows pigeon in park
Families strolling through a London park were left shocked when a pelican picked up and swallowed an unsuspecting pigeon.
The Eastern White pelican struggled with the desperately frantic pigeon in its beak for more than 20 minutes before swallowing it whole.
The moment was caught on camera by photographer Cathal McNaughton, who was taking pictures of the wildlife in St James's Park.
The pigeon was still alive when it reached the pelican's stomach, he said.
If you missed it, here's a video of a pelican eating a pigeon.
The Eastern White pelican struggled with the desperately frantic pigeon in its beak for more than 20 minutes before swallowing it whole.
The moment was caught on camera by photographer Cathal McNaughton, who was taking pictures of the wildlife in St James's Park.
The pigeon was still alive when it reached the pelican's stomach, he said.
If you missed it, here's a video of a pelican eating a pigeon.
A lot less conversation. Kurt earns more than Elvis
Kurt Cobain, the former lead singer of Nirvana, has joined the illustrious ranks of celebrities who find that death is no bar to making a fortune. The singer, who committed suicide 12 years ago, has replaced Elvis Presley at the top of the list of stars who continue to rake in millions even though they are no longer able to enjoy the benefits themselves.
The grunge rockstar, who achieved global fame with the anthemic singles Smells Like Teen Spirit and Come as You Are, earned more than £26m last year.
His lucrative posthumous success pushed Elvis, several of whose songs including A Little Less Conversation have been remixed and rereleased in recent years, to No 2 in the chart.
The King made just over £22m between October 2005 and October 2006, 29 years after his death at his Graceland mansion, in Memphis, Tennessee. Until he was ousted by Cobain, who had battled with depression before he took his own life at the age of 27, Elvis had held the No 1 spot for the past four years.
The top 10 dead rich are:
1. Kurt Cobain £26.3m
2. Elvis Presley £22.1m
3. Charles Schulz £18.4m
4. John Lennon £12.6m
5. Albert Einstein £10.5m
6. Andy Warhol £10m
7. Dr Seuss/ Theodor Geisel £5.3m
8. Ray Charles £5.3m
9. Marilyn Monroe £4.2m
10. Johnny Cash £4.2m
The grunge rockstar, who achieved global fame with the anthemic singles Smells Like Teen Spirit and Come as You Are, earned more than £26m last year.
His lucrative posthumous success pushed Elvis, several of whose songs including A Little Less Conversation have been remixed and rereleased in recent years, to No 2 in the chart.
The King made just over £22m between October 2005 and October 2006, 29 years after his death at his Graceland mansion, in Memphis, Tennessee. Until he was ousted by Cobain, who had battled with depression before he took his own life at the age of 27, Elvis had held the No 1 spot for the past four years.
The top 10 dead rich are:
1. Kurt Cobain £26.3m
2. Elvis Presley £22.1m
3. Charles Schulz £18.4m
4. John Lennon £12.6m
5. Albert Einstein £10.5m
6. Andy Warhol £10m
7. Dr Seuss/ Theodor Geisel £5.3m
8. Ray Charles £5.3m
9. Marilyn Monroe £4.2m
10. Johnny Cash £4.2m
Finland makes Latin the King
Finland is one of the quieter members of the EU. But now its turn at the EU presidency has thrust it into the spotlight - and exposed an unusual passion.
Like the boy at the party with cheese straws stuck up his nose, it has been caught doing something vaguely disturbing - indulging a penchant for Latin.
It is the only country in the world which broadcasts the news in Latin.
The news in Latin on national radio gets 75,000 listeners, which may not sound like much, but on a per capita basis is more than some BBC Radio 4 programmes get.
With video of Elvis songs in Latin.
Like the boy at the party with cheese straws stuck up his nose, it has been caught doing something vaguely disturbing - indulging a penchant for Latin.
It is the only country in the world which broadcasts the news in Latin.
The news in Latin on national radio gets 75,000 listeners, which may not sound like much, but on a per capita basis is more than some BBC Radio 4 programmes get.
With video of Elvis songs in Latin.
Songs for sale - line by line
Technically, this line is not ours to publish: "And when you're lost, you'll always be found". It is owned by a US-based eBay user who has paid £11,100 to an unknown singer-songwriter attempting a highly original way to crack the music business.
Jonathan Haselden has spent the last four months marketing his lyrics as a way of raising money to promote himself and his music. The idea is that individuals and companies can buy song lines, use them in any way they wish and, if all goes to plan, get a share of the royalties when the song is successful.
"I want to get a career from this - the idea is to get my music out there so people can listen to it," said Haselden, 25, of Wimbledon in south-west London.
The eBay auction for a line from his song Roller Coaster finished on Sunday, fetching 88 bids from the rather cheeky opening bid of 6p to the eye-opening winning offer. The buyer will get 2.2% of the publishing royalties from the single.
Companies have also taken the bait. Haselden has done deals with TGI Fridays, Taylor Guitars, the Tussauds Group and Budweiser Budvar.
Jonathan Haselden has spent the last four months marketing his lyrics as a way of raising money to promote himself and his music. The idea is that individuals and companies can buy song lines, use them in any way they wish and, if all goes to plan, get a share of the royalties when the song is successful.
"I want to get a career from this - the idea is to get my music out there so people can listen to it," said Haselden, 25, of Wimbledon in south-west London.
The eBay auction for a line from his song Roller Coaster finished on Sunday, fetching 88 bids from the rather cheeky opening bid of 6p to the eye-opening winning offer. The buyer will get 2.2% of the publishing royalties from the single.
Companies have also taken the bait. Haselden has done deals with TGI Fridays, Taylor Guitars, the Tussauds Group and Budweiser Budvar.