Gameboy
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Cities Around the World
Cities Around the World presents over 5,500 photographic images from the slide collections of the American Geographical Society Library.
Crazy Cat Lady Action Figure
The Crazy Cat Lady comes with six cats of indeterminate breeding, two more kittens peer out from under her battered robe pocket and under her mane of unkempt hair.
$29.95.
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to stand on his head and juggle ice-cream
Now that the Reverend Tony and his Government have helpfully put the facility for members of the public to make polls on their official website, Tim Ireland of Bloggerheads has submitted this one.
Man fights ticket from car-wheelchair collision
When Donald E. Davis woke up in the hospital after his motorized wheelchair collided with a car, he noticed something disturbing - two traffic tickets on his chest.
"It's ridiculous," said the paraplegic man, who lost his legs 21 years ago in a train accident. "I have lived here for eight years and police have seen me driving it all around town - to the store and to doctor's appointments - and they never gave me a ticket until someone backed into me."
Bradenton Police Officer T. Moore cited Davis on Sept. 24 for not having a light on his wheelchair after dark, and for refusing to sign the ticket.
Now Davis is going to court over the matter.
"It's ridiculous," said the paraplegic man, who lost his legs 21 years ago in a train accident. "I have lived here for eight years and police have seen me driving it all around town - to the store and to doctor's appointments - and they never gave me a ticket until someone backed into me."
Bradenton Police Officer T. Moore cited Davis on Sept. 24 for not having a light on his wheelchair after dark, and for refusing to sign the ticket.
Now Davis is going to court over the matter.
Storm over 'pig-for-name' artist
A Ugandan minister has condemned a Danish artist as "racist" for persuading villagers to adopt his name in exchange for a pig or a goat.
The criticism comes as an exhibition of Kristian Von Hornsleth's photos from the village of Buteyongera opens in the Danish capital, Copenhagen.
Hornsleth, however, says he is trying to help the villagers by highlighting the failure of international aid.
The exhibition is called: "We want to help you, but we want to own you."
Hornsleth says that 100 villagers already have identity documents with their new name and a further 207 are having them processed.
He says that eventually, he would like the village to change its name.
The criticism comes as an exhibition of Kristian Von Hornsleth's photos from the village of Buteyongera opens in the Danish capital, Copenhagen.
Hornsleth, however, says he is trying to help the villagers by highlighting the failure of international aid.
The exhibition is called: "We want to help you, but we want to own you."
Hornsleth says that 100 villagers already have identity documents with their new name and a further 207 are having them processed.
He says that eventually, he would like the village to change its name.
School Cancels Dance Amid Fears Of 'Grinding'
Administrators in a suburban upstate New York school district have cancelled a high school dance over concerns about students "grinding," a sexually suggestive dance style.
"Grinding to its extreme is pornographic," said Fayetteville-Manlius High School Principal James Chupaila. "Kids say this is how they dance at a club or on MTV. But this is a school event, and we have a responsibility to monitor these things. It's just inappropriate for a school setting."
Administrators cancelled a Dec. 2 dance because of students "grinding" at the Homecoming Dance in October, which was so persistent that officials ended the dance early, Chupaila said.
The suburban Syracuse district is banning grinding at all future dances, Chupaila said. The next dance, in February, will be combined with an "activity night," with alternatives such as volleyball and badminton offered, he said.
"Grinding to its extreme is pornographic," said Fayetteville-Manlius High School Principal James Chupaila. "Kids say this is how they dance at a club or on MTV. But this is a school event, and we have a responsibility to monitor these things. It's just inappropriate for a school setting."
Administrators cancelled a Dec. 2 dance because of students "grinding" at the Homecoming Dance in October, which was so persistent that officials ended the dance early, Chupaila said.
The suburban Syracuse district is banning grinding at all future dances, Chupaila said. The next dance, in February, will be combined with an "activity night," with alternatives such as volleyball and badminton offered, he said.
Radio station uses killer in ad campaign
A Norweigian radio station has recruited a convicted murderer for an ad campaign that warns if people do not listen, "I'll kill you."
The radio spot featuring notorious convict Veronica Orderud is running on Oslo radio station P3 touting Mina Hadjian's show, Aftenposten reports.
Orderun was one of four people convicted in the 1999 slayings of her husband's parents and sister. The ad was recorded while she was on prison leave.
"Hi, this is Veronica Orderud, and I listen to Mina every day. And if you don't, I'll kill you," says the ad.
Orderud told the newspaper VG the radio spot was simply "gallows humour."
The radio spot featuring notorious convict Veronica Orderud is running on Oslo radio station P3 touting Mina Hadjian's show, Aftenposten reports.
Orderun was one of four people convicted in the 1999 slayings of her husband's parents and sister. The ad was recorded while she was on prison leave.
"Hi, this is Veronica Orderud, and I listen to Mina every day. And if you don't, I'll kill you," says the ad.
Orderud told the newspaper VG the radio spot was simply "gallows humour."
Harry the greyhound is the new Houdini
A cheeky rescue dog has been dubbed Harry the Houdini Hound after he discovered how to open the door of his pen and escape.
Astonished staff at a rehoming centre in Darlington could barely believe it when they realised that Harold the greyhound could escape using his nose and paws.
They had been so baffled by a series of escapes by the two-year-old that they took to spying on his pen.
Sarah Shreeve, from Darlington Dog's Trust, said: "He was literally just looking around to make sure that no one was watching, then used his nose first of all to slide the bolt across, then put his two front paws to grip on the wire mesh and pulled it."
There's a video of Harry escaping here.
Astonished staff at a rehoming centre in Darlington could barely believe it when they realised that Harold the greyhound could escape using his nose and paws.
They had been so baffled by a series of escapes by the two-year-old that they took to spying on his pen.
Sarah Shreeve, from Darlington Dog's Trust, said: "He was literally just looking around to make sure that no one was watching, then used his nose first of all to slide the bolt across, then put his two front paws to grip on the wire mesh and pulled it."
There's a video of Harry escaping here.
First vegetarian black pudding has Lancashire meat lovers spluttering
Black pudding is about as carnivorous as it gets - fresh pig's blood and ox intestines go into a Lancashire speciality which was narrowly edged out by tripe and jellied eels in a recent survey of the dishes which the British find least palatable.
But in an attempt to overhaul the pudding's image, one of its most successful producers has done the unthinkable - and produced a vegetarian version.
The Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company's decision has been greeted by howls of protest in Bury, the home of the black pudding. "What is the world coming to?" asked the local writer Jonathan Schofield. "A black pudding without pig's blood? Big wrong."
The Real Lancashire company's owner, Andrew Holt, explains how he substituted the meaty elements - blood, fat and ox intestines - of the pudding. "We tried to make a liquid which would simulate the properties of blood and get the right colour as well. We used beetroot and caramel for the colouring, with GM-free whey and soya powders for the protein.
But in an attempt to overhaul the pudding's image, one of its most successful producers has done the unthinkable - and produced a vegetarian version.
The Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company's decision has been greeted by howls of protest in Bury, the home of the black pudding. "What is the world coming to?" asked the local writer Jonathan Schofield. "A black pudding without pig's blood? Big wrong."
The Real Lancashire company's owner, Andrew Holt, explains how he substituted the meaty elements - blood, fat and ox intestines - of the pudding. "We tried to make a liquid which would simulate the properties of blood and get the right colour as well. We used beetroot and caramel for the colouring, with GM-free whey and soya powders for the protein.
What did you call your children?
As if Peaches Honeyblossom, Pixie Frou-Frou and Fifi Trixibelle were not enough of a cross to bear, Britain now numbers among its youth 6 Gandalfs, 39 Gazzas, 2 Supermen and 36 Arsenals of both sexes.
Children, it appears, are in growing danger from their parents of name abuse. Among the worst reported cases are Dre, Tupac, Jay-Z and Snoop. These unfortunates, when they grow up, may well wonder why they were named after a variety of transient rap stars.
A survey of British birth certificates over the past 22 years by findmypast.com of naming children after pop, sporting or film stars, or even fictional characters, is alive and well. It is merely an updating of all those women who, having wept over Gone with the Wind in 1939, christened their sons Ashley and their daughters Scarlett.
It was all so much simpler in Elizabethan times, when three quarters of all Englishmen were named John, Thomas, William, Richard or Robert, and three quarters of all women were Elizabeth, Joan, Margaret, Anne, Alice, Agnes, Mary, Jane or Katherine.
According to the latest report from National Statistics, the most popular names for British newborn are Jack, Joshua and Thomas, and Jessica, Emily and Sophie.
Children, it appears, are in growing danger from their parents of name abuse. Among the worst reported cases are Dre, Tupac, Jay-Z and Snoop. These unfortunates, when they grow up, may well wonder why they were named after a variety of transient rap stars.
A survey of British birth certificates over the past 22 years by findmypast.com of naming children after pop, sporting or film stars, or even fictional characters, is alive and well. It is merely an updating of all those women who, having wept over Gone with the Wind in 1939, christened their sons Ashley and their daughters Scarlett.
It was all so much simpler in Elizabethan times, when three quarters of all Englishmen were named John, Thomas, William, Richard or Robert, and three quarters of all women were Elizabeth, Joan, Margaret, Anne, Alice, Agnes, Mary, Jane or Katherine.
According to the latest report from National Statistics, the most popular names for British newborn are Jack, Joshua and Thomas, and Jessica, Emily and Sophie.
Friday, November 17, 2006
The bra that can fasten 100 different ways
One hundred scantily clad girls said "Hello Boys" at a London landmark today.
Wearing only black heels and black underwear, they gathered on the steps of the National Gallery.
The point of the exercise was to show off Wonderbra’s “revolutionary” new creation.
Called the Multiplunge, the bra can be worn in 100 different ways thanks to its adjustable straps.
A Wonderbra spokesman said: “Be it halter neck, criss-cross or a daring low back, just by moving the straps around the edge of the moulded cup and back and by adding extra straps, it can easily be adjusted to suit any outfit.”
Wearing only black heels and black underwear, they gathered on the steps of the National Gallery.
The point of the exercise was to show off Wonderbra’s “revolutionary” new creation.
Called the Multiplunge, the bra can be worn in 100 different ways thanks to its adjustable straps.
A Wonderbra spokesman said: “Be it halter neck, criss-cross or a daring low back, just by moving the straps around the edge of the moulded cup and back and by adding extra straps, it can easily be adjusted to suit any outfit.”
Sgt Pepper forced to salute new bestseller
After six months of trawling through digital data, record company accounts and hand-written till receipts dating back to the 1950s, the Official UK Charts Company has rewritten rock history.
In an exhaustive sales survey, The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band has been displaced as Britain’s bestselling album. The crown has passed to Queen’s Greatest Hits, released in 1981.
The survey, compiled for the VH1 music channel and to be broadcast this Saturday, suggests that popular taste is at variance with the critics’ views. Bob Dylan does not have a record in the top 100, and 1.68 million British households have a copy of Jason Donovan’s greatest hits.
And here is the UK's 100 best-selling albums.
In an exhaustive sales survey, The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band has been displaced as Britain’s bestselling album. The crown has passed to Queen’s Greatest Hits, released in 1981.
The survey, compiled for the VH1 music channel and to be broadcast this Saturday, suggests that popular taste is at variance with the critics’ views. Bob Dylan does not have a record in the top 100, and 1.68 million British households have a copy of Jason Donovan’s greatest hits.
And here is the UK's 100 best-selling albums.
Animal baffles Johnson County residents
A strange animal in one Arkansas county has residents looking for answers as to what it is. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission say it's a dog, but some residents disagree.
Some people say it's a cross between a wild dog and coyote, but others say there's an air of mystery surrounding the animal. Some even think it has characteristics of a Chupacabra, an animal from a Hispanic legend.
With video.
Some people say it's a cross between a wild dog and coyote, but others say there's an air of mystery surrounding the animal. Some even think it has characteristics of a Chupacabra, an animal from a Hispanic legend.
With video.
Did this cat breed with a dog?
This is Mimi, the first cat to give birth to puppies, her owner claims.
Brazilian Cassia Aparecida de Souza, 18, says three of the cat’s six offspring, which were born three months after Mimi mated with a neighbour’s dog, have canine traits.
A geneticist from the Passo Fundo University plans to take blood samples from the animals to verify the claim.
Brazilian Cassia Aparecida de Souza, 18, says three of the cat’s six offspring, which were born three months after Mimi mated with a neighbour’s dog, have canine traits.
A geneticist from the Passo Fundo University plans to take blood samples from the animals to verify the claim.
New Age president lives alone in a hut
The president of Slovenia has given up his palace for a mountain hut and habitually decks himself in leaves to celebrate nature.
Adopting a New Age existence after being diagnosed with cancer, Janez Drnovsek, 56, has moved from the presidential palace in Ljubljana to the village of Zaplana, where he lives alone with his dog on a vegan diet of organic fruit and vegetables, while he bakes his own bread.
He has even been known to "greet the trees" by dressing up in cloaks of leaves.
Mr Drnovsek appealed this week to his fellow countrymen to join him in embracing the simple life in the hope of averting a world catastrophe.
Slovenians say the once boring divorced banker has changed beyond recognition. A former prime minister, he took Slovenia into the European Union but now complains that the bloc spends more on cows "than half the population of the world gets".
Mr Drnovsek's party, Movement for Justice and Prosperity, promotes healthy living for both children and animals. But for some he is a bit too esoteric and liberal.
Adopting a New Age existence after being diagnosed with cancer, Janez Drnovsek, 56, has moved from the presidential palace in Ljubljana to the village of Zaplana, where he lives alone with his dog on a vegan diet of organic fruit and vegetables, while he bakes his own bread.
He has even been known to "greet the trees" by dressing up in cloaks of leaves.
Mr Drnovsek appealed this week to his fellow countrymen to join him in embracing the simple life in the hope of averting a world catastrophe.
Slovenians say the once boring divorced banker has changed beyond recognition. A former prime minister, he took Slovenia into the European Union but now complains that the bloc spends more on cows "than half the population of the world gets".
Mr Drnovsek's party, Movement for Justice and Prosperity, promotes healthy living for both children and animals. But for some he is a bit too esoteric and liberal.
Little girl flashes knife as she tries to steal toys
Largo Police are looking for a little girl who pulled a knife on a Wal-Mart clerk as she tried to steal two boxes of Lego toy blocks.
Police say the 7 to 8-year-old girl hid the toys under her coat and tried to walk out the door.
A store employee was watching and approached the child, asking her to turn over the Lego blocks.
Police say the little girl then opened her jacket and displayed a combo carving knife with a forked point and a 10" blade, saying she was armed for protection. The employee talked the girl into putting down the knife and the toys.
The girl then rode away on her bicycle.
Police say the 7 to 8-year-old girl hid the toys under her coat and tried to walk out the door.
A store employee was watching and approached the child, asking her to turn over the Lego blocks.
Police say the little girl then opened her jacket and displayed a combo carving knife with a forked point and a 10" blade, saying she was armed for protection. The employee talked the girl into putting down the knife and the toys.
The girl then rode away on her bicycle.
Police solve "Grey Train Robbery"
Two elderly women whose pictures were plastered across newspapers yesterday after they were caught on camera stealing a bag at a railway station have turned themselves in.
Police said the women admitted the offence and have received an official caution in a case variously dubbed the "Grey Train Robbery" and "Gran Larceny."
The women contacted police after the case received blanket media coverage under headlines such as "Nans on the Run" and "Artful Codgers."
A security camera image released by police showed two silver-haired women, in their 60s or 70s, wearing knee-length skirts, white blouses and overcoats at Sunderland station.
Police had appealed for help in finding the women after a student's bag was stolen from a station platform.
Both have received police cautions.
Police said the women admitted the offence and have received an official caution in a case variously dubbed the "Grey Train Robbery" and "Gran Larceny."
The women contacted police after the case received blanket media coverage under headlines such as "Nans on the Run" and "Artful Codgers."
A security camera image released by police showed two silver-haired women, in their 60s or 70s, wearing knee-length skirts, white blouses and overcoats at Sunderland station.
Police had appealed for help in finding the women after a student's bag was stolen from a station platform.
Both have received police cautions.
Sunday afternoon at the Lowry exhibition: slideshow with audio
Armed with camera phones and a tape recorder, the Salford Star team sent a group of lads to the Lowry centre. "We won't last two minutes," was the teens' prediction.
"They've got to let you in - it's a public building, paid for by your parents ... of course they'll let you in," responded the Star. "They're talking all the time about how they want to reach out to 'young people in the community'..."
Here's what happened...
"They've got to let you in - it's a public building, paid for by your parents ... of course they'll let you in," responded the Star. "They're talking all the time about how they want to reach out to 'young people in the community'..."
Here's what happened...
Watch out, for Pete's sake
Three hundred terrified people signed a petition calling for this half-blind L-driver to be banned from the road.
Peter Davies, 25, has crashed into a fence, mounted a pavement and parks 2ft from the kerb.
His instructor refuses to teach him any more and his dad Anthony has taken over in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire.
Jobless Peter has only 45 per cent vision in one eye and 50 per cent in the other.
The DVLA would not comment.
Peter Davies, 25, has crashed into a fence, mounted a pavement and parks 2ft from the kerb.
His instructor refuses to teach him any more and his dad Anthony has taken over in Burry Port, Carmarthenshire.
Jobless Peter has only 45 per cent vision in one eye and 50 per cent in the other.
The DVLA would not comment.
Mice star as Olympic food tasters
White mice are to take part in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing - their task to protect international athletes from food poisoning.
The mice will be fed milk, alcohol, salad, rice, oil and seasonings, the city's health inspectors said.
Mice show adverse reactions within 17 hours, while laboratory tests take much longer, they said.
The move is part of the huge effort the Chinese are making to ensure the showpiece event passes off smoothly.
The mice will be fed milk, alcohol, salad, rice, oil and seasonings, the city's health inspectors said.
Mice show adverse reactions within 17 hours, while laboratory tests take much longer, they said.
The move is part of the huge effort the Chinese are making to ensure the showpiece event passes off smoothly.
Father of 15 who moaned about council house to be a dad again - twice
The wife and girlfriend of an unemployed father of 15 who sparked a national outcry when he complained about the size of his council house are both pregnant.
Mick Philpott, of Derby, claimed Britain was "going down the pan" after his local council said it could not provide him with a bigger home for his huge clan.
Now it has emerged that the 49-year-old is about to become a father to children numbers 16 and 17.
Wife Mairead and girlfriend Lisa Willis are both expecting.
Mick Philpott, of Derby, claimed Britain was "going down the pan" after his local council said it could not provide him with a bigger home for his huge clan.
Now it has emerged that the 49-year-old is about to become a father to children numbers 16 and 17.
Wife Mairead and girlfriend Lisa Willis are both expecting.
After nine weeks and 12,000 miles, Scottish langoustine turn into...Scottish scampi
For a creature that grows to only a few inches in length, and which demands little of the planet other than a silty seabed in which to excavate its burrow, the Scottish langoustine is about to leave a hefty carbon footprint.
Young’s, the seafood company, plans to ship the prawns from the West Coast of Scotland, where they are caught, on a 12,000-mile, nine-week round trip to Thailand, where they will be hand-peeled by workers earning 25p an hour.
They will then be shipped back to Scotland before being breaded and packaged as premium “Scottish Island” scampi for British supermarkets.
The langoustine shells are currently removed at the Annan plant with water jets.The company claims that shelling by hand produces a superior quality scampi, and that this cannot be carried out in Scotland because wage costs would be prohibitive.
Young’s, the seafood company, plans to ship the prawns from the West Coast of Scotland, where they are caught, on a 12,000-mile, nine-week round trip to Thailand, where they will be hand-peeled by workers earning 25p an hour.
They will then be shipped back to Scotland before being breaded and packaged as premium “Scottish Island” scampi for British supermarkets.
The langoustine shells are currently removed at the Annan plant with water jets.The company claims that shelling by hand produces a superior quality scampi, and that this cannot be carried out in Scotland because wage costs would be prohibitive.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Jedi Knights seek Human Rights
Two self-styled Jedi Knights are stepping up an intergalactic campaign for formal recognition. Umada and Yunyun, also known as John Wilkinson and Charlotte Law, want the UN to acknowledge "The Force" is worthy of being called a religion. The couple claim to be part of the UK's fourth largest religious group, after 400,000 people recorded their faith as "Jedi" in the 2001 Census.
They say that as a religion, they deserve tolerance and respect. November the 16th is the annual International Day for Tolerance.
And as part of a global battle worthy of Luke Skywalker's efforts against the Empire, the band of self-styled Jedis want the UN to re-name the day as Interstellar Day of Tolerance.
More people claim their religion to be Jedi in England and Wales than those who follow Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism. And the cause has global support.
There are also 70,000 Jedi knights in Australia, 53,000 in New Zealand, and 20,000 in Canada.
You can see a video of self-proclaimed Jedis ‘Umada’ and ‘Yunyun’, joined by hairy wookie Chewbacca, calling for official acceptance of their ‘religion’ at London’s UN headquarters here.
Thanks Annemarie!
They say that as a religion, they deserve tolerance and respect. November the 16th is the annual International Day for Tolerance.
And as part of a global battle worthy of Luke Skywalker's efforts against the Empire, the band of self-styled Jedis want the UN to re-name the day as Interstellar Day of Tolerance.
More people claim their religion to be Jedi in England and Wales than those who follow Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism. And the cause has global support.
There are also 70,000 Jedi knights in Australia, 53,000 in New Zealand, and 20,000 in Canada.
You can see a video of self-proclaimed Jedis ‘Umada’ and ‘Yunyun’, joined by hairy wookie Chewbacca, calling for official acceptance of their ‘religion’ at London’s UN headquarters here.
Thanks Annemarie!
God's Gonna Cut You Down
The late Johnny Cash's new video.
This video tribute, using one of his last ever recordings was conceived by controversial British film director Tony Kaye, Justin Timberlake who also puts in an appearance, Rick Rubin and Mark Romanek.
The full cast list in order are: Iggy Pop, Kanye West, Chris Martin, Kris Kristofferson, Patti Smith, Terrence Howard, Flea, Q-Tip, Adam Levine, Chris Rock, Justin Timberlake, Kate Moss, Sir Peter Blake, Sheryl Crow, Dennis Hopper, Woody Harrelson, Amy Lee, Tommy Lee, The Dixie Chicks, Mick Jones, Sharon Stone, Bono, Shelby Lynne, Anthony Kiedis, Travis Barker, Lisa Marie Presley, Kid Rock, Jay Z, Keith Richards, Billy Gibbons, Corinne Bailey Rae, Johnny Depp, Graham Nash, Brian Wilson, Rick Rubin and Owen Wilson.
Blink and you'll miss someone!
This video tribute, using one of his last ever recordings was conceived by controversial British film director Tony Kaye, Justin Timberlake who also puts in an appearance, Rick Rubin and Mark Romanek.
The full cast list in order are: Iggy Pop, Kanye West, Chris Martin, Kris Kristofferson, Patti Smith, Terrence Howard, Flea, Q-Tip, Adam Levine, Chris Rock, Justin Timberlake, Kate Moss, Sir Peter Blake, Sheryl Crow, Dennis Hopper, Woody Harrelson, Amy Lee, Tommy Lee, The Dixie Chicks, Mick Jones, Sharon Stone, Bono, Shelby Lynne, Anthony Kiedis, Travis Barker, Lisa Marie Presley, Kid Rock, Jay Z, Keith Richards, Billy Gibbons, Corinne Bailey Rae, Johnny Depp, Graham Nash, Brian Wilson, Rick Rubin and Owen Wilson.
Blink and you'll miss someone!
Top 10 data disasters revealed
Ontrack Data Recovery has unveiled its annual Top Ten list of remarkable data loss disasters in 2006. Taken from a global poll of Ontrack data recovery experts, this year’s list of data disasters is even more incredible when you consider that in every case cited, Ontrack successfully recovered the data.
And the number one most remarkable data disaster of 2006 was when the customer shipped his drive to Ontrack in a pair of dirty socks.
And the number one most remarkable data disaster of 2006 was when the customer shipped his drive to Ontrack in a pair of dirty socks.
Indian baby born with eight limbs
Villagers in Diuri in Gaya district in Bihar are flocking to offer prayers to a congenitally disordered child - with eight limbs, four hands and four legs.
Wrapped in a red cloth with fresh flowers and money being showered on her, the child is unaware of her condition though her parents are worried about her future.
Labourers by profession, They say they cannot afford a medical treatment though like every parent they want to raise their child well.
There's an embedded video that starts automatically. Scroll down the page.
Wrapped in a red cloth with fresh flowers and money being showered on her, the child is unaware of her condition though her parents are worried about her future.
Labourers by profession, They say they cannot afford a medical treatment though like every parent they want to raise their child well.
There's an embedded video that starts automatically. Scroll down the page.
Four seasons in one day hit Australia
Snow, wind and fire hit Australia yesterday as an unseasonable icy blast moved across the continent and lightning strikes ignited the explosively dry inland.
Unusual late spring snows fell in Tasmania and the nation's capital, Canberra, while fire fighters battled to contain bush fires west of Sydney, driven towards small towns by high winds.
Further north, in Queensland, the skies turned dark green and hailstones the size of cricket balls smashed property, cars and injured farm animals.
The wild weather across Australia came as church leaders issued a combined appeal for people to join a national a day of prayer for rain.
The Reverend Gregor Henderson, President of the Uniting Church of Australia, said Australians needed to seek God's guidance to manage their water resources.
Unusual late spring snows fell in Tasmania and the nation's capital, Canberra, while fire fighters battled to contain bush fires west of Sydney, driven towards small towns by high winds.
Further north, in Queensland, the skies turned dark green and hailstones the size of cricket balls smashed property, cars and injured farm animals.
The wild weather across Australia came as church leaders issued a combined appeal for people to join a national a day of prayer for rain.
The Reverend Gregor Henderson, President of the Uniting Church of Australia, said Australians needed to seek God's guidance to manage their water resources.
Amateur star-spotter's spellbinding images of space
Captured in all their astonishing beauty, these pictures show that the farthest reaches of space are filled with a dazzling light show.
The glorious colours of our cosmos, the swirling spirals of the great galaxies, the wispy filaments of giant gas and dust clouds called nebulae...surely these pictures must be the result of gargantuan machines like the Hubble Space Telescope, which orbits Earth, or perhaps one of the giant observatories atop mountains in Chile and Hawaii.
Not so. In fact, these beautiful, often surreal, images come courtesy of an amateur photographer based in a shed in his New Forest back garden who has spent less than £10,000 on his equipment.
Greg Parker, a professor of electronics at Southampton University, has spent thousands of hours studying space from a portable observatory, and photographing the wonders he can see.
There are more photos here.
The glorious colours of our cosmos, the swirling spirals of the great galaxies, the wispy filaments of giant gas and dust clouds called nebulae...surely these pictures must be the result of gargantuan machines like the Hubble Space Telescope, which orbits Earth, or perhaps one of the giant observatories atop mountains in Chile and Hawaii.
Not so. In fact, these beautiful, often surreal, images come courtesy of an amateur photographer based in a shed in his New Forest back garden who has spent less than £10,000 on his equipment.
Greg Parker, a professor of electronics at Southampton University, has spent thousands of hours studying space from a portable observatory, and photographing the wonders he can see.
There are more photos here.
Frost opens with Blair in al-Jazeera English launch
Sir David Frost has revealed how he investigated al-Jazeera's credentials with his own high-level contacts in Whitehall and Washington before agreeing to sign up to its long-delayed English language channel, which launched yesterday.
Sir David, who is scheduled to welcome Tony Blair as the first guest to his show on Friday, said he initially had qualms about signing for the broadcaster after trenchant criticism from the American right.
Al-Jazeera English launched at midday and will be accessible in the UK to anyone with a satellite dish and via its broadband internet site. Yesterday it was revealed that the US cable network Comcast had pulled out of talks to carry the channel, citing lack of capacity.
It hopes to offer a new, Middle Eastern perspective on world events as an alternative to CNN and BBC World. But it will not be available in America via either EchoStar, Comcast or Rupert Murdoch's DirecTV at launch, although US viewers will be able to tune in via the GlobeCast satellite.
Sir David, who is scheduled to welcome Tony Blair as the first guest to his show on Friday, said he initially had qualms about signing for the broadcaster after trenchant criticism from the American right.
Al-Jazeera English launched at midday and will be accessible in the UK to anyone with a satellite dish and via its broadband internet site. Yesterday it was revealed that the US cable network Comcast had pulled out of talks to carry the channel, citing lack of capacity.
It hopes to offer a new, Middle Eastern perspective on world events as an alternative to CNN and BBC World. But it will not be available in America via either EchoStar, Comcast or Rupert Murdoch's DirecTV at launch, although US viewers will be able to tune in via the GlobeCast satellite.
Jamie Oliver takes aim at 'fattest nation in the world'
Jamie Oliver, the outspoken celebrity chef and scourge of every school cook in Britain, has taken his healthy-eating message to the United States. And true to form, he is not mincing his words when it comes to American children and their particular battle with obesity.
"A fat person in England isn't the same as a fat person in America", Oliver gamely asserted yesterday, taking time off from a packed schedule in New York promoting his two latest ventures - a book and a television series about cooking in Italy.
Apparently unconcerned with the sensibilities of his American hosts, Oliver ploughed forth suggesting that the US should follow the example of Britain, which, on his urging, has recently banned Turkey Twizzlers and other fatty delights from school cafeterias, replacing them with healthier options.
"England is the most unhealthy country in Europe and America is the most unhealthy country in the world," Oliver told a Reuters reporter. He nonetheless acknowledged that he did not expect to repeat his British campaign for healthier school food in America, noting that as an "English boy in America, they might not appreciate my honesty".
"A fat person in England isn't the same as a fat person in America", Oliver gamely asserted yesterday, taking time off from a packed schedule in New York promoting his two latest ventures - a book and a television series about cooking in Italy.
Apparently unconcerned with the sensibilities of his American hosts, Oliver ploughed forth suggesting that the US should follow the example of Britain, which, on his urging, has recently banned Turkey Twizzlers and other fatty delights from school cafeterias, replacing them with healthier options.
"England is the most unhealthy country in Europe and America is the most unhealthy country in the world," Oliver told a Reuters reporter. He nonetheless acknowledged that he did not expect to repeat his British campaign for healthier school food in America, noting that as an "English boy in America, they might not appreciate my honesty".
Bon appetite for tycoon who paid £85k for white truffle
It might resemble a pile of poop, but in fact it is worth is weight in gold several times over.
The world's expensive truffle, it commanded a record-breaking £85,000, making it ounce for ounce, five times as expensive as gold.
Snapped up by a Hong Kong tycoon bidding at a charity auction, the white truffle's monster price tag easily beat the previous record of £63,000.
Made up of three palm-sized sections and weighing 3.3 pounds in total, the pricey fungus was unearthed by trained dogs in the forests of Piedmont in north-western Italy.
The world's expensive truffle, it commanded a record-breaking £85,000, making it ounce for ounce, five times as expensive as gold.
Snapped up by a Hong Kong tycoon bidding at a charity auction, the white truffle's monster price tag easily beat the previous record of £63,000.
Made up of three palm-sized sections and weighing 3.3 pounds in total, the pricey fungus was unearthed by trained dogs in the forests of Piedmont in north-western Italy.
Taking athlete's foot to a new level
The collector does not want his identity revealed, for reasons that will become obvious. He prefers to go by his Internet handle: Witesock. He is a 41-year-old engineer. Married, no children. He lives in suburban Toronto. He's an ordinary fellow, but for his secret hobby. He collects and wears used athletic socks.
In 15 years, Witesock has acquired about 800 pairs of sports socks. Soccer, football, rugby, hockey, and so on. About half have graced the sweaty feet of professional athletes: former Toronto Maple Leaf Eric Lindros, for example, and Olindo Mare, the Miami Dolphins kicker.
Witesock's collection includes socks from the entire 1996 New York Jets lineup. And 70 game-worn pairs from the defunct Ottawa Renegades. All that's left of that miserable CFL franchise are the used socks, stuffed in a box in Witesock's basement. He digs them out from time to time.
His wife has no idea, astonishingly. His friends and colleagues? Clueless. Witesock has managed to outwit them all. He has built, on the sly, what can only be described as the world's most impressive collection of used sports socks. But how? More pressing, why?
In 15 years, Witesock has acquired about 800 pairs of sports socks. Soccer, football, rugby, hockey, and so on. About half have graced the sweaty feet of professional athletes: former Toronto Maple Leaf Eric Lindros, for example, and Olindo Mare, the Miami Dolphins kicker.
Witesock's collection includes socks from the entire 1996 New York Jets lineup. And 70 game-worn pairs from the defunct Ottawa Renegades. All that's left of that miserable CFL franchise are the used socks, stuffed in a box in Witesock's basement. He digs them out from time to time.
His wife has no idea, astonishingly. His friends and colleagues? Clueless. Witesock has managed to outwit them all. He has built, on the sly, what can only be described as the world's most impressive collection of used sports socks. But how? More pressing, why?
Rare swallow swallowed
Birdwatchers who gathered to see a rare swallow on the Angus coast were horrified when they saw it being snatched and eaten by a hungry hawk.
Twitchers headed for Lunan Bay as word spread that enthusiasts had discovered a bird so unusual that it was last seen in the area 20 years ago.
However, the red-rumped swallow, which is usually to be found in the southern Mediterranean, did not last long.
A sparrowhawk swooped and snatched the swallow from the roof of a building.
Mike Sawyer, a member of a Dundee group comprising RSPB members, said: "We were absolutely horrified. That's life I suppose."
Twitchers headed for Lunan Bay as word spread that enthusiasts had discovered a bird so unusual that it was last seen in the area 20 years ago.
However, the red-rumped swallow, which is usually to be found in the southern Mediterranean, did not last long.
A sparrowhawk swooped and snatched the swallow from the roof of a building.
Mike Sawyer, a member of a Dundee group comprising RSPB members, said: "We were absolutely horrified. That's life I suppose."
Recycling 'offenders' ordered to phone in for a ticking-off
Householders who throw the wrong item in their recycling bin are being ordered to make a 'humiliating' phone call to a council hotline to receive a telling-off.
Recycling crews are examining every bin in Bournemouth to make sure residents are complying with the strict guidelines on what waste should be put in the green bin.
Any offending item will result in the bin not being emptied and a 'contamination sticker' being left on it, requesting the owner to call a hotline.
Those who ring the number will be told what they have done wrong and given advice on how to avoid offending in the future. They will also be sent a letter to reinforce the message.
Those who do not phone the hotline will not have their bin emptied. Repeat offenders could end up getting a 'hefty fine'.
Recycling crews are examining every bin in Bournemouth to make sure residents are complying with the strict guidelines on what waste should be put in the green bin.
Any offending item will result in the bin not being emptied and a 'contamination sticker' being left on it, requesting the owner to call a hotline.
Those who ring the number will be told what they have done wrong and given advice on how to avoid offending in the future. They will also be sent a letter to reinforce the message.
Those who do not phone the hotline will not have their bin emptied. Repeat offenders could end up getting a 'hefty fine'.
Liverpool cycle lane is path-etic
Council chiefs last night defended their decision to build a cycle path just 18ft long.
Critics say the small stretch of black tarmac along a pavement in Liverpool takes just a few seconds to cycle, and does not appear to lead anywhere.
But councillor Peter Millea said it is part of an 80-metre cycle lane and was cheaper than digging up the pavement. He added: “It seemed logical.”
Critics say the small stretch of black tarmac along a pavement in Liverpool takes just a few seconds to cycle, and does not appear to lead anywhere.
But councillor Peter Millea said it is part of an 80-metre cycle lane and was cheaper than digging up the pavement. He added: “It seemed logical.”
Ten years on, fears that Tony Bullimore is lost at sea again
Nearly a decade after surviving five days trapped in his capsized yacht in the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean, British sailor Tony Bullimore has sparked a fresh alert for his safety.
Fears are growing for the 67-year-old yachtsman, after he lost radio contact in the Indian Ocean eight days ago.
His support team estimate he is somewhere between the Maldives and the coast of western Australia, where he was originally expected to make landfall yesterday.
But because nobody has heard from him since his satellite communications system went down on November 7, rescue authorities have issued an all-ships alert in the hope that another vessel will spot him.
Yesterday his website Team Bullimore was playing down the situation, but today they are a lot more cautious.
Fears are growing for the 67-year-old yachtsman, after he lost radio contact in the Indian Ocean eight days ago.
His support team estimate he is somewhere between the Maldives and the coast of western Australia, where he was originally expected to make landfall yesterday.
But because nobody has heard from him since his satellite communications system went down on November 7, rescue authorities have issued an all-ships alert in the hope that another vessel will spot him.
Yesterday his website Team Bullimore was playing down the situation, but today they are a lot more cautious.
Dentist shortage leads man to superglue own tooth
A man fixed his front tooth with superglue after failing to find an NHS dentist.
Gordon Cook, 55, has used the bizarre "DIY dentistry" technique on a loose crown for the last three years - with each fresh application of glue lasting around two months
The father of seven, who was erased from his original dentist's register after moving to a new home in Tranmere, Merseyside, said he turned to glue after losing hope of finding a dentist. He said: "I tried to find a new dentist but they had all gone private."
"In the end, I just decided to take matters into my own hands. I had read somewhere that super glue was invented for medical use, to bond skin, so I gave it a go."
"I tried a few different brands but the one I use now, which is just called Industrial Super Glue, is the best."
Gordon Cook, 55, has used the bizarre "DIY dentistry" technique on a loose crown for the last three years - with each fresh application of glue lasting around two months
The father of seven, who was erased from his original dentist's register after moving to a new home in Tranmere, Merseyside, said he turned to glue after losing hope of finding a dentist. He said: "I tried to find a new dentist but they had all gone private."
"In the end, I just decided to take matters into my own hands. I had read somewhere that super glue was invented for medical use, to bond skin, so I gave it a go."
"I tried a few different brands but the one I use now, which is just called Industrial Super Glue, is the best."
Artist lies down in city street
An artist is lying down in a busy street dressed as soldier for one week to highlight the subject of conflict.
The piece, called Dead Solider, will see Mark McGowan, 38, lie curled up on Birmingham's New Street for 10 hours each day, from 14 - 20 November.
The artist, from Peckham, south London, has gained £4,000 of public funding and has a month-long retrospective of his work at a Birmingham university.
He said the work raises questions about the horrific nature of conflict.
McGowan has previously made a name for himself by rolling a monkey nut across London with his nose to highlight student debt.
There are more photos here.
The piece, called Dead Solider, will see Mark McGowan, 38, lie curled up on Birmingham's New Street for 10 hours each day, from 14 - 20 November.
The artist, from Peckham, south London, has gained £4,000 of public funding and has a month-long retrospective of his work at a Birmingham university.
He said the work raises questions about the horrific nature of conflict.
McGowan has previously made a name for himself by rolling a monkey nut across London with his nose to highlight student debt.
There are more photos here.
Motorhead to sponsor under-10 football team
A Lincoln boys football team have won a sponsorship coup with a difference after striking a deal with heavy metal band Motorhead.
The Greenbank under-10s B team have the internationally renowned band's name on their shirts along with the band's motif - a skull named Snaggletooth.
The North Hykeham team also run out to the band's famous Ace of Spades track.
Team manager Gary Weight said the deal came about as he used to know lead singer Lemmy.
The Greenbank under-10s B team have the internationally renowned band's name on their shirts along with the band's motif - a skull named Snaggletooth.
The North Hykeham team also run out to the band's famous Ace of Spades track.
Team manager Gary Weight said the deal came about as he used to know lead singer Lemmy.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Virtual Tour of Steve's Weird House In Seattle
Stephen resides in a Victorian home that is a cluttered combination of museum, library and art gallery, decorated with that old-world Addam's Family charm. Not only is every inch of every wall covered with art, but all the ceilings are also decorated.
Stephen is of course always looking for more oddities or unusual artifacts to add to his museum. He is particularly looking for a perfectly weird woman (artistic, outrageous) to share his weird world with!
Must like dusting.
Stephen is of course always looking for more oddities or unusual artifacts to add to his museum. He is particularly looking for a perfectly weird woman (artistic, outrageous) to share his weird world with!
Must like dusting.
Man admits burning four kittens to death
A man pleaded guilty in the deaths of his ex-girlfriend's four small kittens, which were tossed into a fire pit after the couple argued.
Robert Tomlin, 22, of Smithsburg was sentenced Monday to 1 1/2 years in jail for aggravated animal cruelty. Washington County Circuit Judge John McDowell suspended the sentence except for the 134 days Tomlin has served since his arrest.
In the plea bargain, charges of assault for allegedly striking former girlfriend Kelli Ann Green and destruction of property were dropped.
"Taking defenseless animals as you have, and destroying them ... there is no excuse for that," McDowell told Tomlin.
Robert Tomlin, 22, of Smithsburg was sentenced Monday to 1 1/2 years in jail for aggravated animal cruelty. Washington County Circuit Judge John McDowell suspended the sentence except for the 134 days Tomlin has served since his arrest.
In the plea bargain, charges of assault for allegedly striking former girlfriend Kelli Ann Green and destruction of property were dropped.
"Taking defenseless animals as you have, and destroying them ... there is no excuse for that," McDowell told Tomlin.