Road Rest
Click for the full series of photos.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Ricky Tomlinson - Christmas My Arse
The official video.
Whilst the rather clever Joel Veitch and his wife Jacqui from rathergood.com have produced this animated version.
Whilst the rather clever Joel Veitch and his wife Jacqui from rathergood.com have produced this animated version.
Don't Fear The Reaper
As performed by the Famous Maroon Band from Mississippi State University.
With added cowbells.
Blue Oyster Cult eat your heart out.
With added cowbells.
Blue Oyster Cult eat your heart out.
Top 10 Dirtiest Names in Sports
In the words of Finbarr Saunders and his double entendres, Fnarr! Fnarr!
Vessel Gallery - Animal Magic
Vessel Gallery is proud to present its latest exhibition.
Unprecedented in its seven year history Vessel will be dedicating its gallery space to the most beautiful, endearing menagerie of animal figurines in various materials, from artists globally respected to some exciting discoveries.
Nice by pricey.
Unprecedented in its seven year history Vessel will be dedicating its gallery space to the most beautiful, endearing menagerie of animal figurines in various materials, from artists globally respected to some exciting discoveries.
Nice by pricey.
Police Use Taser on Python to Free Man
A police officer used a Taser to subdue a python that had wrapped itself around a man's arm and would not let go.
Steve Crilly, 47, was feeding a rat to the eight-foot-long albino Burmese python, which belongs to his daughter, when it bit his left hand and wrapped tightly around his left arm, Uniontown patrolman Ray Miller said.
"The snake was on his arm and was eating his hand," Miller told the Herald-Standard of Uniontown for Friday's editions. Crilly "was very calm, considering there was a good bit of blood," he said.
In an effort to free the man without permanently harming the snake, Miller said he shot the animal with his Taser, a gun that sends an electric shock through wired darts. The snake immediately went limp and released its grip.
Crilly was treated by paramedics at the scene for what Miller called "a nasty cut" on his hand. The snake was uninjured and remained at the home,
Thanks Amanda!
Steve Crilly, 47, was feeding a rat to the eight-foot-long albino Burmese python, which belongs to his daughter, when it bit his left hand and wrapped tightly around his left arm, Uniontown patrolman Ray Miller said.
"The snake was on his arm and was eating his hand," Miller told the Herald-Standard of Uniontown for Friday's editions. Crilly "was very calm, considering there was a good bit of blood," he said.
In an effort to free the man without permanently harming the snake, Miller said he shot the animal with his Taser, a gun that sends an electric shock through wired darts. The snake immediately went limp and released its grip.
Crilly was treated by paramedics at the scene for what Miller called "a nasty cut" on his hand. The snake was uninjured and remained at the home,
Thanks Amanda!
Season's greetings from Banksy and friends
It used to be a Clarks shoeshop, though the stabbed teddy bear with a kitchen knife still dangling from its stomach in the window should give away its change of occupancy. Inside, the only shoes you will find are on the feet of bodies which look real but are models. One appears to have put his head through a wall.
This is Santa's Ghetto, a gallery and amusement arcade founded by the elusive graffiti artist Banksy, which opens for 23 days in London's West End to show art as well as selling affordable works.
"I felt the spirit of Christmas was being lost," said Banksy (real name possibly Robin Banks or Robert Banks, or possibly neither). "It was becoming increasingly uncommercialised and more and more to do with religion so we decided to open our own shop and sell pointless stuff you didn't need."
Inside is an entertaining mixed bag of work from about 20 underground artists which might make battling the Oxford Street throngs a touch more bearable, although following the instructions on one of Ben Turnbull's Break In The Case Of Emergency boxes may not be advisable. A handgun is inside.
Banksy's work is spottable. In one big painting depicting the wicked witch and Hansel and Gretel, the witch has been replaced by singer Michael Jackson trying to entice the children with a candy walking stick.
The Santa's Ghetto "squat art concept store" began five years ago and has been in various locations around London, though this is the first time it has alighted on Oxford Street, right next door to Tottenham Court Road tube station.
In the last three years the store has been located in Carnaby Street in 2003, Charing Cross Road in 2004 and last year in Soho.
There are more photos from the Oxford Street shop here.
This is Santa's Ghetto, a gallery and amusement arcade founded by the elusive graffiti artist Banksy, which opens for 23 days in London's West End to show art as well as selling affordable works.
"I felt the spirit of Christmas was being lost," said Banksy (real name possibly Robin Banks or Robert Banks, or possibly neither). "It was becoming increasingly uncommercialised and more and more to do with religion so we decided to open our own shop and sell pointless stuff you didn't need."
Inside is an entertaining mixed bag of work from about 20 underground artists which might make battling the Oxford Street throngs a touch more bearable, although following the instructions on one of Ben Turnbull's Break In The Case Of Emergency boxes may not be advisable. A handgun is inside.
Banksy's work is spottable. In one big painting depicting the wicked witch and Hansel and Gretel, the witch has been replaced by singer Michael Jackson trying to entice the children with a candy walking stick.
The Santa's Ghetto "squat art concept store" began five years ago and has been in various locations around London, though this is the first time it has alighted on Oxford Street, right next door to Tottenham Court Road tube station.
In the last three years the store has been located in Carnaby Street in 2003, Charing Cross Road in 2004 and last year in Soho.
There are more photos from the Oxford Street shop here.
Man Gets Prison For Baking Dog In Oven
A man who burned a dog to death in the oven of a house he was robbing has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Alexander Davis, 20, received a five-year sentence for aggravated animal cruelty and 10 years for burglary, Chatham County Assistant District Attorney Melanie Higgins said.
The dog's owner, Angela DeLettre, came home in August 2005 to find an open back door, items missing and a kitchen sink overflowing with water. She found one of her dogs safe, but the other, a 1-year-old rat terrier, was missing.
Police later found the dead dog in the oven, which had been set to 400 degrees.
Police arrested Davis on an anonymous tip a few days later.
Alexander Davis, 20, received a five-year sentence for aggravated animal cruelty and 10 years for burglary, Chatham County Assistant District Attorney Melanie Higgins said.
The dog's owner, Angela DeLettre, came home in August 2005 to find an open back door, items missing and a kitchen sink overflowing with water. She found one of her dogs safe, but the other, a 1-year-old rat terrier, was missing.
Police later found the dead dog in the oven, which had been set to 400 degrees.
Police arrested Davis on an anonymous tip a few days later.
German shops destroy Santas giving "Hitler salute"
A German chain of shops has removed miniature wooden Santa Claus figures from its shelves and destroyed them after customers complained it looked like they were giving the stiff-armed Hitler salute that is outlawed.
Josef Lange, a spokesman for the Rossmann chain that has 1,200 outlets, told Reuters on Friday the figures depicting Father Christmas with his right arm stiffly upright towards the sky and holding a sack in his left hand upset some customers.
"We were astonished by the reaction," Lange said. "It looks like he's just pointing up to the sky and we were surprised that anyone saw the so-called 'Hitler salute' in that. But we responded and had the entire inventory removed and destroyed."
Josef Lange, a spokesman for the Rossmann chain that has 1,200 outlets, told Reuters on Friday the figures depicting Father Christmas with his right arm stiffly upright towards the sky and holding a sack in his left hand upset some customers.
"We were astonished by the reaction," Lange said. "It looks like he's just pointing up to the sky and we were surprised that anyone saw the so-called 'Hitler salute' in that. But we responded and had the entire inventory removed and destroyed."
Police say girl, 12, faked abduction
A 12-year-old girl weary of doing chores set fire to her sleeping mother's bed and took off in the family car to fake the abduction of herself and her two younger siblings, authorities said.
"Apparently the mom had given her a lot of duties", Miami County Sheriff Ken Roland said.
Authorities began looking for the girl, her brother, 8, and sister, 6, early Monday after their mother called 911. The 29-year-old woman said she had awakened with her bed on fire and her children and car missing.
When first contacted by cell phone, the girl told officers she and her siblings had been kidnapped and forced to drive south while the abductor followed in another vehicle.
She was being held in a juvenile detention center.
"Apparently the mom had given her a lot of duties", Miami County Sheriff Ken Roland said.
Authorities began looking for the girl, her brother, 8, and sister, 6, early Monday after their mother called 911. The 29-year-old woman said she had awakened with her bed on fire and her children and car missing.
When first contacted by cell phone, the girl told officers she and her siblings had been kidnapped and forced to drive south while the abductor followed in another vehicle.
She was being held in a juvenile detention center.
Full body x-ray to be tested at U.S. airport
A disturbing new screening system with the amazing and unsettling ability to strip the human body and reveal its most intimate curves in x-ray photographs is to be tested at an U.S. airport.
The federal screening system, which takes photographs like the one shown below, can detect concealed explosives and other weapons.
The technology, called backscatter, has been around for several years but has not been widely used in the U.S. as an anti-terrorism tool because of privacy concerns.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said it has found a way to refine the machine's images so that the normally graphic pictures can be blurred in certain areas while still being effective in detecting bombs and other threats.
The agency is expected to provide more information about the technology later this month but said one machine will be up and running at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport by the end of December.
The federal screening system, which takes photographs like the one shown below, can detect concealed explosives and other weapons.
The technology, called backscatter, has been around for several years but has not been widely used in the U.S. as an anti-terrorism tool because of privacy concerns.
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said it has found a way to refine the machine's images so that the normally graphic pictures can be blurred in certain areas while still being effective in detecting bombs and other threats.
The agency is expected to provide more information about the technology later this month but said one machine will be up and running at Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport by the end of December.
Man who fell ill in hospital told to dial 999
A pensioner who began suffering from agonising stomach pain while being discharged from hospital was told his relatives would have to call an 999 if he wanted help.
Great-grandfather Derek Ogley, 70, fell ill while in a day room waiting to leave a hospital after a four day stay.
As he became doubled-up in agony, his wife - who suffers from angina - and daughter arrived and begged nurses to readmit him or send for a doctor, but to their astonishment were told this was against the rules.
Farcically, they were told by staff they could either take him to his GP themselves or dial 999 and call for an ambulance to take him across the hospital complex to A&E.
In the end, Mr Ogley's family took him to their car and drove him to casualty three minutes away where he was seen and eventually diagnosed with pancreatitis, which can cause long-term health problems.
Great-grandfather Derek Ogley, 70, fell ill while in a day room waiting to leave a hospital after a four day stay.
As he became doubled-up in agony, his wife - who suffers from angina - and daughter arrived and begged nurses to readmit him or send for a doctor, but to their astonishment were told this was against the rules.
Farcically, they were told by staff they could either take him to his GP themselves or dial 999 and call for an ambulance to take him across the hospital complex to A&E.
In the end, Mr Ogley's family took him to their car and drove him to casualty three minutes away where he was seen and eventually diagnosed with pancreatitis, which can cause long-term health problems.
Smelly tramp found living in loft
Natalie Summers called for a plumber to check out her noisy heating system — and found a tramp living in her loft.
She asked the workman to check the pipes after hearing creaking sounds above her flat for weeks.
When the plumber opened the loft hatch he found a dishevelled tramp wrapped in a duvet staring down at him. The vagrant then leapt out and sauntered off.
The loft hatch is above the communal landing, so the man could have got in when no one was around. Natalie told how the plumber had to force the loft hatch open.
Natalie said: “I’ve been told he had been urinating in the water pipes. We could have drunk it.”
Council chiefs said: “We made sure there was no one else up there.”
She asked the workman to check the pipes after hearing creaking sounds above her flat for weeks.
When the plumber opened the loft hatch he found a dishevelled tramp wrapped in a duvet staring down at him. The vagrant then leapt out and sauntered off.
The loft hatch is above the communal landing, so the man could have got in when no one was around. Natalie told how the plumber had to force the loft hatch open.
Natalie said: “I’ve been told he had been urinating in the water pipes. We could have drunk it.”
Council chiefs said: “We made sure there was no one else up there.”
Traffic warden gives traffic warden a parking ticket
Here's traffic warden making himself popular — by ticketing a colleague’s van.
But council bosses in Doncaster, South Yorks, said the ticket had been waived. Councillor Stuart Exelby insisted: “The vehicle was actually parked legally as it was unloading essential security equipment.”
A likely story.
But council bosses in Doncaster, South Yorks, said the ticket had been waived. Councillor Stuart Exelby insisted: “The vehicle was actually parked legally as it was unloading essential security equipment.”
A likely story.
Public to be sold shares in new prisons
The public are to be offered the chance to purchase shares in new prisons under a "buy to let" scheme being considered by the Home Office, it emerged yesterday.
The idea has been floated in an attempt to overcome the refusal of the chancellor, Gordon Brown, to find the extra money needed for 8,000 new prison places at a time when the service is at breaking point.
Home Office finance directors, who are looking for alternative ways of funding the next wave of new prisons, hope that the public can be tempted to invest in a new-style property company that would build jails and then rent them out to private prison operators. This would provide a steady guaranteed dividend from the "rental income".
One incentive for small investors is that the government's punitive penal policy has seen prison numbers rise relentlessly over the past 10 years and would appear to guarantee a steady stream of rental income with no apparent shortage of prison "tenants".
The idea has been floated in an attempt to overcome the refusal of the chancellor, Gordon Brown, to find the extra money needed for 8,000 new prison places at a time when the service is at breaking point.
Home Office finance directors, who are looking for alternative ways of funding the next wave of new prisons, hope that the public can be tempted to invest in a new-style property company that would build jails and then rent them out to private prison operators. This would provide a steady guaranteed dividend from the "rental income".
One incentive for small investors is that the government's punitive penal policy has seen prison numbers rise relentlessly over the past 10 years and would appear to guarantee a steady stream of rental income with no apparent shortage of prison "tenants".
Ikea launches flatpack homes in Britain
In a move likely to strike terror into the heart of anyone who has struggled to put together an Ikea wardrobe, the iconic Swedish furniture chain is to launch its own range of houses in Britain.
The good news, though, is that Allen keys will not be required, as the timber-framed homes will come ready-built.
The houses - known as BoKloks in Scandinavia, Swedish for "live smart" and pronounced "booklook" - are being launched by the flatpack furniture group as a solution to Britain's lack of affordable housing.
Flats will be priced at under £100,000 and the company said it expects to sell three-bedroom houses, even in south east England, at less than £150,000.
More here. With video.
The good news, though, is that Allen keys will not be required, as the timber-framed homes will come ready-built.
The houses - known as BoKloks in Scandinavia, Swedish for "live smart" and pronounced "booklook" - are being launched by the flatpack furniture group as a solution to Britain's lack of affordable housing.
Flats will be priced at under £100,000 and the company said it expects to sell three-bedroom houses, even in south east England, at less than £150,000.
More here. With video.
The mystery of the seal found in country lane 4-miles from nearest river
A seal pup has been found at the side of a country lane in Lancashire - about four miles from the sea.
RSPCA officers are trying to discover how the male, found in Capernwray, managed to get so far inland. They have said he may have even been a pet.
The animal was spotted by Mary Woods, 45, and her daughter, Joanne, 20, who managed to get him into their car boot and then take him to their family farm.
The seal, who has been nicknamed Sid, is being cared for at Stapeley Grange wildlife centre.
He is expected to be released into the wild.
RSPCA officers are trying to discover how the male, found in Capernwray, managed to get so far inland. They have said he may have even been a pet.
The animal was spotted by Mary Woods, 45, and her daughter, Joanne, 20, who managed to get him into their car boot and then take him to their family farm.
The seal, who has been nicknamed Sid, is being cared for at Stapeley Grange wildlife centre.
He is expected to be released into the wild.
Pink lights show up spotty youths
Pink lighting may be introduced in public places in Lancashire in a bid to stop teenagers committing crime.
The lights are intended to create a calming atmosphere - but they also show up spots on the skin.
Insp John Ainsworth, based in Lea, Preston, believes putting the lights in well-known trouble spots could lead to a drop in anti-social behaviour.
Insp Ainsworth said: "Pink lighting will make a difference to some people - perhaps not the hardcore element."
With video.
The lights are intended to create a calming atmosphere - but they also show up spots on the skin.
Insp John Ainsworth, based in Lea, Preston, believes putting the lights in well-known trouble spots could lead to a drop in anti-social behaviour.
Insp Ainsworth said: "Pink lighting will make a difference to some people - perhaps not the hardcore element."
With video.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Control Arms - teleshopping
Original link.
This is actually part of the Control Arms campaign for tougher controls on the arms trade.
This is actually part of the Control Arms campaign for tougher controls on the arms trade.
Recording of call during alligator attack - Update
I posted about this yesterday.
You can hear the 911 call here.
Obviously if it wasn't so serious it could be considered funny.
Contains adult language.
There's also a video report showing the alligator after it was captured here.
You can hear the 911 call here.
Obviously if it wasn't so serious it could be considered funny.
Contains adult language.
There's also a video report showing the alligator after it was captured here.
Gravity Defying Shoes
Advanced Technology in footwear. The only shoes that make you feel like you are defying gravity. Walk taller and with more confidence than ever.
The Gravity Defyer shoe was scientifically constructed with a hidden 1/8 inch shock under the heal that releases its reciprocating resistance power each time you step. As your weight changes to the balls of your feet, the hidden shock absorber generates upward pressure pushing your body upward. This mechanism gives you the feeling of jumping like a kangaroo (or some say feel like flying) each time you step with the Gravity Defyer Shoe.
The Gravity Defyer shoe was scientifically constructed with a hidden 1/8 inch shock under the heal that releases its reciprocating resistance power each time you step. As your weight changes to the balls of your feet, the hidden shock absorber generates upward pressure pushing your body upward. This mechanism gives you the feeling of jumping like a kangaroo (or some say feel like flying) each time you step with the Gravity Defyer Shoe.
Aunt Who Injected Kids With Heroin Gets Prison
A suburban Detroit woman who admitted to injecting her 12-year-old nephew 50 grams of heroin, as well as other crimes, has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
The woman also admitted giving the boy and her 15-year-old niece heroin and cocaine.
The 12-year-old was eating spaghetti in the basement of the home Jan. 24 when Jacqueline Ellen Vuich, 25, allegedly took a syringe and injected the drugs near the elbow, according to police.
Relatives rushed the unconscious boy to the emergency room. Doctors at Henry Ford Bi-County Hospital transferred him to Children's Hospital in Detroit where he was listed in critical condition.
A blood test showed heroin in the 12-year-old's system.
50 grams of heroin? That's almost 2 ounces.
The woman also admitted giving the boy and her 15-year-old niece heroin and cocaine.
The 12-year-old was eating spaghetti in the basement of the home Jan. 24 when Jacqueline Ellen Vuich, 25, allegedly took a syringe and injected the drugs near the elbow, according to police.
Relatives rushed the unconscious boy to the emergency room. Doctors at Henry Ford Bi-County Hospital transferred him to Children's Hospital in Detroit where he was listed in critical condition.
A blood test showed heroin in the 12-year-old's system.
50 grams of heroin? That's almost 2 ounces.
'People's vodka' urged for Russia
The head of Russia's union of wine and spirits producers has called on the country's lawmakers to legislate for the introduction of "people's vodka".
Osman Paragulgov says the introduction of a cheap, but safe and regulated drink, would help poorer Russians currently unable to buy genuine vodka.
Russians often turn to substitutes - often with fatal results.
Several Russian regions have declared states of emergency recently after a spate of fake vodka poisonings.
Mr Paragulgov says the worst-hit areas should be used as a testing ground for "people's vodka", or, as he says it would be better named, "social vodka".
Osman Paragulgov says the introduction of a cheap, but safe and regulated drink, would help poorer Russians currently unable to buy genuine vodka.
Russians often turn to substitutes - often with fatal results.
Several Russian regions have declared states of emergency recently after a spate of fake vodka poisonings.
Mr Paragulgov says the worst-hit areas should be used as a testing ground for "people's vodka", or, as he says it would be better named, "social vodka".
Critics urge charities to give up the goat
The promotion of feelgood Christmas gifts such as goats for poor African farmers has provoked an unseasonable war of words between charities.
Oxfam, Christian Aid, Help the Aged and others are wooing the ethical shopper with pictures of cute goats wearing Christmas hats and promises of helping the poor in developing countries.
But the World Land Trust and Animal Aid say that it is “madness” to send goats, cows and chickens to areas where they will add to the problems of drought and desertification.
John Burton, director of the trust, said he was furious that, despite previous disputes over ethical giving, Oxfam had not entered a constructive dialogue with him.
“I was prepared to put this down to ignorance of the issues last year but now it seems utterly cynical,” he said. “They seem to be doing this just to make money at Christmas. It’s a gimmick.”
The trust claims that goats have a devastating effect because they “eat everything in sight”.
Oxfam, Christian Aid, Help the Aged and others are wooing the ethical shopper with pictures of cute goats wearing Christmas hats and promises of helping the poor in developing countries.
But the World Land Trust and Animal Aid say that it is “madness” to send goats, cows and chickens to areas where they will add to the problems of drought and desertification.
John Burton, director of the trust, said he was furious that, despite previous disputes over ethical giving, Oxfam had not entered a constructive dialogue with him.
“I was prepared to put this down to ignorance of the issues last year but now it seems utterly cynical,” he said. “They seem to be doing this just to make money at Christmas. It’s a gimmick.”
The trust claims that goats have a devastating effect because they “eat everything in sight”.
Delhi boy eaten by herd of pigs
A three-year-old boy has been eaten alive by a neighbour's herd of pigs on the outskirts of the Indian capital, Delhi, police say.
The boy, Ajay, strayed from the family home as his parents and other family members were having lunch.
When his mother went to look for him, she found the pigs chewing something and spotted bits of her son's clothing.
She threw stones at the animals but they turned on her. Her screams alerted neighbours who came to her rescue.
A senior police official, Manish Aggarwal, said a local man who owned the pigs had been detained for causing death due to negligence.
The boy, Ajay, strayed from the family home as his parents and other family members were having lunch.
When his mother went to look for him, she found the pigs chewing something and spotted bits of her son's clothing.
She threw stones at the animals but they turned on her. Her screams alerted neighbours who came to her rescue.
A senior police official, Manish Aggarwal, said a local man who owned the pigs had been detained for causing death due to negligence.
Ireland is named 'best country'
Ireland is the best place to live in the world, according to a "quality of life" assessment by Economist magazine.
The country's combination of increasing wealth and traditional values gives it the conditions most likely to make its people happy, the survey found.
Ireland was followed by Switzerland, Norway and Luxembourg. All but one of the top 10 were European countries.
The USA languished in 13th, while Britain was 29th - the lowest of the pre-expansion EU nations.
The top ten countries are:
1 Ireland
2 Switzerland
3 Norway
4 Luxembourg
5 Sweden
6 Australia
7 Iceland
8 Italy
9 Denmark
10 Spain
The country's combination of increasing wealth and traditional values gives it the conditions most likely to make its people happy, the survey found.
Ireland was followed by Switzerland, Norway and Luxembourg. All but one of the top 10 were European countries.
The USA languished in 13th, while Britain was 29th - the lowest of the pre-expansion EU nations.
The top ten countries are:
1 Ireland
2 Switzerland
3 Norway
4 Luxembourg
5 Sweden
6 Australia
7 Iceland
8 Italy
9 Denmark
10 Spain
Computer that helped ancient Greeks plot the heavens
A 2,000-year-old mechanical computer salvaged from a Roman shipwreck has astounded scientists who have finally unravelled the secrets of how the sophisticated device works.
The machine was lost among cargo in 65BC when the ship carrying it sank in 42m of water off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera. By chance, in 1900, a sponge diver called Elias Stadiatos discovered the wreck and recovered statues and other artifacts from the site.
The machine first came to light when an archaeologist working on the recovered objects noticed that a lump of rock had a gear wheel embedded in it. Closer inspection of material brought up from the stricken ship subsequently revealed 80 pieces of gear wheels, dials, clock-like hands and a wooden and bronze casing bearing ancient Greek inscriptions.
Since its discovery, scientists have been trying to reconstruct the device, which is now known to be an astronomical calendar capable of tracking with remarkable precision the position of the sun, several heavenly bodies and the phases of the moon. Experts believe it to be the earliest-known device to use gear wheels and by far the most sophisticated object to be found from the ancient and medieval periods.
Some researchers believe the machine, known as the Antikythera Mechanism, may have been among other treasure looted from Rhodes that was en route to Rome for a celebration staged by Julius Caesar.
There is more information here.
The machine was lost among cargo in 65BC when the ship carrying it sank in 42m of water off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera. By chance, in 1900, a sponge diver called Elias Stadiatos discovered the wreck and recovered statues and other artifacts from the site.
The machine first came to light when an archaeologist working on the recovered objects noticed that a lump of rock had a gear wheel embedded in it. Closer inspection of material brought up from the stricken ship subsequently revealed 80 pieces of gear wheels, dials, clock-like hands and a wooden and bronze casing bearing ancient Greek inscriptions.
Since its discovery, scientists have been trying to reconstruct the device, which is now known to be an astronomical calendar capable of tracking with remarkable precision the position of the sun, several heavenly bodies and the phases of the moon. Experts believe it to be the earliest-known device to use gear wheels and by far the most sophisticated object to be found from the ancient and medieval periods.
Some researchers believe the machine, known as the Antikythera Mechanism, may have been among other treasure looted from Rhodes that was en route to Rome for a celebration staged by Julius Caesar.
There is more information here.
'Herbal remedy put woman over drinks limit'
A mother-of-four ended up on a drink-driving charge - after taking a herbal remedy which had a 55 per cent alcohol content.
Sally Ann Billington, 45, from Lower Darwen, now faces losing her job at a Burnley property firm after pleading guilty to driving three times over the limit.
She had no idea the £5.99 50ml bottles of Boots' Milk Thistle Tincture contained such a high concentration of alcohol, Blackburn magistrates heard.
Mrs Billington crashed her car into the back of a stationary bus after drinking three bottles of the cure.
The bottle states one to two millilitres should be drunk in liquid three times a day - about a tenth of the bottle at the most. But Mrs Billington said the alcohol content should be made clearer as it was only in the small print.
Speaking after the hearing Mrs Billington, of Sangara Drive, Lower Darwen, said: "I know I should have read the label but you don't expect to get drunk off something you have bought at Boots.
Sally Ann Billington, 45, from Lower Darwen, now faces losing her job at a Burnley property firm after pleading guilty to driving three times over the limit.
She had no idea the £5.99 50ml bottles of Boots' Milk Thistle Tincture contained such a high concentration of alcohol, Blackburn magistrates heard.
Mrs Billington crashed her car into the back of a stationary bus after drinking three bottles of the cure.
The bottle states one to two millilitres should be drunk in liquid three times a day - about a tenth of the bottle at the most. But Mrs Billington said the alcohol content should be made clearer as it was only in the small print.
Speaking after the hearing Mrs Billington, of Sangara Drive, Lower Darwen, said: "I know I should have read the label but you don't expect to get drunk off something you have bought at Boots.
Woman recreates Bayeux tapestry in 20 year bid to beat hyperactivity
Tube worker Annette Banks has made history — after spending 20 years recreating the Bayeux Tapestry.
Her 51ft-long and 23in wide embroidery depicts the Norman invasion of England in 1066.
Annette, 46, vowed to make a copy of the famous 11th century tapestry after her dad died in the 1980s.
She completed the epic work earlier this year and now hopes to put it on display in the UK — if she can find a museum big enough.
Annette, of East Finchley, North London, said: “I went to Normandy in France to see the original 230ft-long tapestry and displayed mine there. The real thing made me want to make mine longer, so I made up my own ending, adding 5ft.”
Annette, who suffers from Cushing’s Syndrome which stunts growth, spent up to 11 hours a day on the work, which commemorates the Battle of Hastings.
Her 51ft-long and 23in wide embroidery depicts the Norman invasion of England in 1066.
Annette, 46, vowed to make a copy of the famous 11th century tapestry after her dad died in the 1980s.
She completed the epic work earlier this year and now hopes to put it on display in the UK — if she can find a museum big enough.
Annette, of East Finchley, North London, said: “I went to Normandy in France to see the original 230ft-long tapestry and displayed mine there. The real thing made me want to make mine longer, so I made up my own ending, adding 5ft.”
Annette, who suffers from Cushing’s Syndrome which stunts growth, spent up to 11 hours a day on the work, which commemorates the Battle of Hastings.
Record shows death by frying pan
A manuscript unearthed in Cumbria's archives has painted a vivid picture of murder, mayhem and misadventure in one 17th Century parish.
Deadly duels fought with frying pans, and drunken brawls waged with beer jugs claimed lives in the west county parish of Lamplugh between 1656 and 1663.
The record was uncovered by staff at the Cumbria Record Office and Local Studies Library, in Whitehaven.
It is being used to promote the national Archive Awareness Campaign.
The record also reveals how three women were drowned after being accused of being witches, and four people were scared to death by fairies.
Other peculiar deaths listed in the document include death by gluttony at a party and being attacked by the parson's bull.
Deadly duels fought with frying pans, and drunken brawls waged with beer jugs claimed lives in the west county parish of Lamplugh between 1656 and 1663.
The record was uncovered by staff at the Cumbria Record Office and Local Studies Library, in Whitehaven.
It is being used to promote the national Archive Awareness Campaign.
The record also reveals how three women were drowned after being accused of being witches, and four people were scared to death by fairies.
Other peculiar deaths listed in the document include death by gluttony at a party and being attacked by the parson's bull.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Slap dancing routine
I think this is at a Greek wedding.
A man is dancing with his wife when he suddenly starts slapping her face.
A man is dancing with his wife when he suddenly starts slapping her face.
Viral Learning Centre
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Tom Kitching's Spider Blog
Tom Kitching is a 2003 BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Finalist. He plays a wide selection of traditional and contemporary music.
And he has a spider that has made its home in his kitchen window.
Scroll up from the bottom of the page.
And he has a spider that has made its home in his kitchen window.
Scroll up from the bottom of the page.
Teach your pet not to jump onto the furniture with the Sofa Guard
Just place the sofa guard on your couch or favourite armchair and switch on the device.
As soon as your pet jumps onto the mat, which is fitted with sensors, an audible 105 decibel alarm will go off – a ‘warning’ which will have the little rascal jumping off the sofa in a flash. The alarm will stop as soon as your pet has left the mat. Neither you nor your neighbours will be annoyed by a constant noise.
Your pet will soon learn that upholstered furniture is out of bounds.
As soon as your pet jumps onto the mat, which is fitted with sensors, an audible 105 decibel alarm will go off – a ‘warning’ which will have the little rascal jumping off the sofa in a flash. The alarm will stop as soon as your pet has left the mat. Neither you nor your neighbours will be annoyed by a constant noise.
Your pet will soon learn that upholstered furniture is out of bounds.
Will sue to avoid goblins
Håkon Robertsen has refused to tear down a condemned barn for fear of reprisals from 'little people' and is ready to sue local authorities to protect the building.
Robertsen continues to resist a local order to tear down the derelict structure, and is currently being fined NOK 300 (USD 47.50) a day until he flattens the barn. Local authorities first ordered the barn demolished in February 2005 after complaints from Robertsen's neighbours and a new order was passed this autumn.
Robertsen fears the consequences of tearing the building down.
"I don't believe in ghosts, but underworld creatures have taken up residence in the building," Robertsen told newspaper Nordlys, referring to a term used for the fairies and goblins of Norwegian folklore.
Robertsen would not go into detail about his experiences, but said he was convinced that to comply with the order would have serious consequences for his life and health.
Robertsen continues to resist a local order to tear down the derelict structure, and is currently being fined NOK 300 (USD 47.50) a day until he flattens the barn. Local authorities first ordered the barn demolished in February 2005 after complaints from Robertsen's neighbours and a new order was passed this autumn.
Robertsen fears the consequences of tearing the building down.
"I don't believe in ghosts, but underworld creatures have taken up residence in the building," Robertsen told newspaper Nordlys, referring to a term used for the fairies and goblins of Norwegian folklore.
Robertsen would not go into detail about his experiences, but said he was convinced that to comply with the order would have serious consequences for his life and health.
Feds collect giant rats in Florida
As the rising sun danced across Florida's coastal waters, government workers in shorts and T-shirts knelt in a grassy island field and plucked wriggling rats from traps laid the night before.
These weren't just any rats. They were 3-pound, 35-inch-long African behemoths. They squirmed as the workers, wearing protective gloves, removed green radio collars that had been tracking the rodents' movements.
Darin Carroll works for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and for three years he has painstakingly tracked the journey of Gambian rats from their African homeland, through the exotic pet trade, and to U.S. homes.
Florida and U.S. officials are trying to raise enough money to kill off the Gambian rats that have proliferated on Grassy Key Island, just a few miles from the coast of one of the country's most populous states. The rats were imported to the island a few years ago.
These weren't just any rats. They were 3-pound, 35-inch-long African behemoths. They squirmed as the workers, wearing protective gloves, removed green radio collars that had been tracking the rodents' movements.
Darin Carroll works for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and for three years he has painstakingly tracked the journey of Gambian rats from their African homeland, through the exotic pet trade, and to U.S. homes.
Florida and U.S. officials are trying to raise enough money to kill off the Gambian rats that have proliferated on Grassy Key Island, just a few miles from the coast of one of the country's most populous states. The rats were imported to the island a few years ago.
Naked man on crack rescued from alligator
Florida sheriff's deputies pulled a naked man from the jaws of a nearly four-metre-long alligator that almost completely severed the man's arm.
Four deputies waded through thick mud about six metres into Lake Parker to find Adrian Apgar, 45, around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, the sheriff's office said. They were responding to multiple reports about a man screaming for help.
Deputy Billy Osborne said he pulled Apgar's arms while the gator gripped the man's lower half and eventually helped pull Apgar free. The deputies said they couldn't shoot the animal because it was too dark and they might have hit the victim.
It was not clear why Apgar was in the water at such an early hour. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Apgar told deputies he had been smoking crack.
Apgar was taken to the hospital in critical condition with an apparent broken right arm, leg injuries and his left arm hanging by a tendon.
Four deputies waded through thick mud about six metres into Lake Parker to find Adrian Apgar, 45, around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, the sheriff's office said. They were responding to multiple reports about a man screaming for help.
Deputy Billy Osborne said he pulled Apgar's arms while the gator gripped the man's lower half and eventually helped pull Apgar free. The deputies said they couldn't shoot the animal because it was too dark and they might have hit the victim.
It was not clear why Apgar was in the water at such an early hour. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Apgar told deputies he had been smoking crack.
Apgar was taken to the hospital in critical condition with an apparent broken right arm, leg injuries and his left arm hanging by a tendon.
World's biggest hairdo created
The world's biggest hairdo has now entered the Guinness Book of Records, with the title being claimed by Peruvian hairdresser Amparo Jara.
Her creation was made possible by assembling a combination of hair pieces reaching 1.8metres (6ft) on actress Susan Leon.
Ms Jara said she was inspired by the fashion of seventeenth century France.
It's the first of its kind, according to Felipe Carbonell, the Guinness Book of Records representative in Peru.
Mr Carbonell ratified the towering hairdo that took at least ten hair stylists to put together under Ms Jara's direction.
There is a video report here.
Her creation was made possible by assembling a combination of hair pieces reaching 1.8metres (6ft) on actress Susan Leon.
Ms Jara said she was inspired by the fashion of seventeenth century France.
It's the first of its kind, according to Felipe Carbonell, the Guinness Book of Records representative in Peru.
Mr Carbonell ratified the towering hairdo that took at least ten hair stylists to put together under Ms Jara's direction.
There is a video report here.
Man accused of keeping body to collect benefits
A man was arrested on allegations that he kept his roommate's dead body in their apartment for about 20 months so he could collect his roommate's Social Security and disability benefits, police said.
Joseph Glenn Robinson, 58, of Yuma was booked for misdemeanor failure to report a death and felony fraudulent schemes. He wasn't charged in the death.
Robinson is accused of collecting several thousands of dollars of benefits that belonged to 81-year-old Ray Postill, who is believed to have died in December 2004.
Clint Norred, a spokesman for the Yuma Police Department, said investigators may never know the cause of death because the body's decomposition was in an advanced stage.
Joseph Glenn Robinson, 58, of Yuma was booked for misdemeanor failure to report a death and felony fraudulent schemes. He wasn't charged in the death.
Robinson is accused of collecting several thousands of dollars of benefits that belonged to 81-year-old Ray Postill, who is believed to have died in December 2004.
Clint Norred, a spokesman for the Yuma Police Department, said investigators may never know the cause of death because the body's decomposition was in an advanced stage.
Chris, 12, is pint-sized barman
A Doncaster pub has the country's youngest bartender - Chris Hardacre, who is just 12 years old.
His father David is licensee of the Star but Chris has just passed all the exams to rival him.
The law now allows him to serve behind the bar - with adult supervision - but not to drink the profits.
He gained his National Licensees' licensing certificate after studying for only a few weeks and is now qualified to dispense the ales.
Regulars at the Star said they liked the father-and-son combination, though all said Chris was better-looking than his dad.
His father David is licensee of the Star but Chris has just passed all the exams to rival him.
The law now allows him to serve behind the bar - with adult supervision - but not to drink the profits.
He gained his National Licensees' licensing certificate after studying for only a few weeks and is now qualified to dispense the ales.
Regulars at the Star said they liked the father-and-son combination, though all said Chris was better-looking than his dad.
The Loch Ness Monster 'better known' than Robert Burns
Nessie is a better-known Scot than Robert Burns or Sean Connery, according to a survey.
More than 2,000 adults across the UK were asked to say who they believed to be Scotland's most famous figure.
The Loch Ness Monster took almost a third of the votes in the survey, which was commissioned by Crabbies Green Ginger Wine.
The top Scots are:
1 Loch Ness Monster 29%
2 Robert Burns 27%
3 Sean Connery 12%
4 Robert the Bruce 9%
5 William Wallace 7.5%
6 Robbie Coltrane 6%
7 Billy Connolly 4%
8 Lorraine Kelly 2.5%
9 Ewan McGregor 2%
10 Lulu 1%
More than 2,000 adults across the UK were asked to say who they believed to be Scotland's most famous figure.
The Loch Ness Monster took almost a third of the votes in the survey, which was commissioned by Crabbies Green Ginger Wine.
The top Scots are:
1 Loch Ness Monster 29%
2 Robert Burns 27%
3 Sean Connery 12%
4 Robert the Bruce 9%
5 William Wallace 7.5%
6 Robbie Coltrane 6%
7 Billy Connolly 4%
8 Lorraine Kelly 2.5%
9 Ewan McGregor 2%
10 Lulu 1%
Legless driver in 80mph car chase
A double amputee has been jailed for a year after leading police on a high-speed car pursuit, using modified broom handles to control the vehicle.
The three-mile chase ended when Robert Bate crashed through a fence near Hawthorn, County Durham, in January.
When officers examined his automatic Vauxhall Astra they found the wooden poles taped to the pedals.
Bate, 27, of Seventh Street, Blackhall, admitted dangerous driving when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.
Bate, who lost his legs in a rail accident when he was aged nine, had traces of heroin and cocaine in his blood at the time of the incident.
The three-mile chase ended when Robert Bate crashed through a fence near Hawthorn, County Durham, in January.
When officers examined his automatic Vauxhall Astra they found the wooden poles taped to the pedals.
Bate, 27, of Seventh Street, Blackhall, admitted dangerous driving when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.
Bate, who lost his legs in a rail accident when he was aged nine, had traces of heroin and cocaine in his blood at the time of the incident.
He's the only policeman for 3,300 miles
When Malcolm Gilbert spotted a job advert asking for a policeman with “remote island experience”, he thought that he might just fit the bill.
Having spent 30 years pounding the beat in one of Britain’s most far-flung island communities, the 55-year-old former sergeant applied for the post. Though more used to a dark uniform and waterproofs in his job on Orkney, he will put on Bermuda shorts and suncream to take up his new post on the tiny sub-tropical island of Pitcairn, on the far side of the world.
Mr Gilbert is to become the first full-time policeman on the two-and-a-half-mile-long (4km) volcanic speck of land that sits in the middle of the South Pacific, halfway between New Zealand and South America.
He is being employed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the year-long posting, during which he will be the sole arbiter of law and order among the 47-strong population, one of the world’s most isolated communities. If anything does go awry, his nearest back-up will be about 3,300 miles away in New Zealand, a seven-day journey by boat.
Having spent 30 years pounding the beat in one of Britain’s most far-flung island communities, the 55-year-old former sergeant applied for the post. Though more used to a dark uniform and waterproofs in his job on Orkney, he will put on Bermuda shorts and suncream to take up his new post on the tiny sub-tropical island of Pitcairn, on the far side of the world.
Mr Gilbert is to become the first full-time policeman on the two-and-a-half-mile-long (4km) volcanic speck of land that sits in the middle of the South Pacific, halfway between New Zealand and South America.
He is being employed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the year-long posting, during which he will be the sole arbiter of law and order among the 47-strong population, one of the world’s most isolated communities. If anything does go awry, his nearest back-up will be about 3,300 miles away in New Zealand, a seven-day journey by boat.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Invasion of the Wild Boars
They came out of nowhere. Wild boars stormed the elegant Bavarian town of Veitshöchheim on a peaceful Saturday morning and left mangled cars, smashed fences and a wrecked boutique in their wake. Police had to open fire to restore order.
An angry horde of wild boars invaded a German town at the weekend, knocking over cyclists, biting pedestrians, causing traffic accidents and wrecking a boutique, police said.
The trouble started shortly after 10 a.m. on Saturday morning when police responded to panicked calls from the residents of Veitshöchheim near the city of Würzburg in Bavaria. The boars had been fleeing from hunters and some had even swum across the river Main to escape.
Once they got into town they were frightened, furious and spoiling for a fight.
An angry horde of wild boars invaded a German town at the weekend, knocking over cyclists, biting pedestrians, causing traffic accidents and wrecking a boutique, police said.
The trouble started shortly after 10 a.m. on Saturday morning when police responded to panicked calls from the residents of Veitshöchheim near the city of Würzburg in Bavaria. The boars had been fleeing from hunters and some had even swum across the river Main to escape.
Once they got into town they were frightened, furious and spoiling for a fight.
Man Accused Of Spray Painting Goats Genitals
A New York man broke into a barn on Thanksgiving morning, spray-painted three pet goats and scattered pages of pornographic magazines on the floor, apparently to harass the property owner, police said Tuesday.
Drew Gagnon, 37, of Mahopac, was arrested the next day and was charged with burglary, criminal trespass and animal cruelty, said Lt. Brian Karst, of the Carmel police force, which covers Mahopac. The man who drove Gagnon to the barn, Douglas Bisio, 34, of Mahopac, was charged with criminal facilitation, police said.
Obviously it's not an occurrence you see every day", Karst said. "I think it was a situation where this harassment got out of hand."
He would not elaborate on past instances of harassment or what the feud involved but said the suspects were known to the property owner.
Drew Gagnon, 37, of Mahopac, was arrested the next day and was charged with burglary, criminal trespass and animal cruelty, said Lt. Brian Karst, of the Carmel police force, which covers Mahopac. The man who drove Gagnon to the barn, Douglas Bisio, 34, of Mahopac, was charged with criminal facilitation, police said.
Obviously it's not an occurrence you see every day", Karst said. "I think it was a situation where this harassment got out of hand."
He would not elaborate on past instances of harassment or what the feud involved but said the suspects were known to the property owner.
Man Tried to Hide Guitar in Pants
The guitar-shaped bulge in Morgan Conatser's clothing tipped off a music store owner that there might be a crime in progress. Clifton Lovell, owner of Guitars and Cadillacs on U.S. Highway 71 in De Queen, was talking with a customer last week when he saw Conatser, 29, walking out of the store.
"I saw him walking out to his pickup truck and the bulges in his leather jacket. I said, 'Hey what have you got there,'" Clifton Lovell said.
He said Conatser, 29, replied, "Nothing."
Lovell pointed toward the unnatural shapes in Conatser's jacket and pants and said, "You've got something."
Conatser then removed a solid body electric guitar from his pants leg and from underneath his jacket.
"The neck of the guitar was almost down to his knee and the back of the guitar was almost up to his neck. It wasn't hard to spot. There was no way he could sit down or get into the pickup," Lovell said.
"I saw him walking out to his pickup truck and the bulges in his leather jacket. I said, 'Hey what have you got there,'" Clifton Lovell said.
He said Conatser, 29, replied, "Nothing."
Lovell pointed toward the unnatural shapes in Conatser's jacket and pants and said, "You've got something."
Conatser then removed a solid body electric guitar from his pants leg and from underneath his jacket.
"The neck of the guitar was almost down to his knee and the back of the guitar was almost up to his neck. It wasn't hard to spot. There was no way he could sit down or get into the pickup," Lovell said.
Man found naked with tongue severed
Detroit police are investigating after finding a naked Sterling Heights man wandering the east side Monday night. The 22-year-old man, whose name is not being released, could not communicate with officers because his tongue was severed, said Sgt. Omar Feliciano. He also suffered from loss of blood and other injuries.
A witness observed the man, who was in critical condition at Detroit Receiving Hospital, jumping out of the second-floor window of a house on the 8000 block of Almont Monday evening.
"We don't know if it was cut," Feliciano said of the man's tongue. "Officers observed it to have been bitten off - it might have been self-inflicted when he fell out of a window."
A witness observed the man, who was in critical condition at Detroit Receiving Hospital, jumping out of the second-floor window of a house on the 8000 block of Almont Monday evening.
"We don't know if it was cut," Feliciano said of the man's tongue. "Officers observed it to have been bitten off - it might have been self-inflicted when he fell out of a window."
Nice hairnet, deer
A buck mule deer who has got his antlers in a twist.
The impressive creature took it all in his stride after getting caught up in a bright purple volleyball net.
He is so taken with the unusual headgear a Colorado Division Wildlife officer decided to leave it on until his antlers naturally shed in February.
In the meantime, wardens in Durango are keeping a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't get himself in a knot.
The impressive creature took it all in his stride after getting caught up in a bright purple volleyball net.
He is so taken with the unusual headgear a Colorado Division Wildlife officer decided to leave it on until his antlers naturally shed in February.
In the meantime, wardens in Durango are keeping a close eye on him to make sure he doesn't get himself in a knot.