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Sunday, July 22, 2007
Man shoots self on road after truck stalls
A 22-year-old man whose truck broke down on a busy roadway grabbed a gun and shot himself in the head in full view of motorists.
Lehigh County coroner Scott Grim said Douglas Philippi, of Upper Saucon Township, was pronounced dead on Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities said Philippi apologized to his brother who was riding with him before killing himself.
Pennridge Regional Police Chief David Mettin said Philippi had been dealing with "mental health issues" stemming from the recent death of a loved one. Mettin said the truck breakdown "was like the final straw."
Lehigh County coroner Scott Grim said Douglas Philippi, of Upper Saucon Township, was pronounced dead on Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities said Philippi apologized to his brother who was riding with him before killing himself.
Pennridge Regional Police Chief David Mettin said Philippi had been dealing with "mental health issues" stemming from the recent death of a loved one. Mettin said the truck breakdown "was like the final straw."
When the lights go out, students take off to airport
When the sun has set in one of the world's poorest nations and the floodlights come on at G'bessi International Airport, the parking lot begins to fill with children.
It's exam season in Guinea, ranked 160th out of 177 countries on the United Nations' development index, and students flock to the airport every night because it is among the only places where they can count on finding the lights on.
Groups begin heading to the airport at dusk, hoping to reserve a coveted spot under the oval light cast by one of a dozen lampposts in the parking lot. Some come from over an hour's walk away.
They sit by age group with seven-to-nine-year-olds on a curb in a traffic island and teenagers on the concrete pilings flanking the national and international terminals. Few cars disturb their studies.
The students at the airport consider themselves lucky.
Those living farther away study at petrol stations. Others sit outside the homes of affluent families, picking up the crumbs of light falling from their illuminated living rooms.
It's exam season in Guinea, ranked 160th out of 177 countries on the United Nations' development index, and students flock to the airport every night because it is among the only places where they can count on finding the lights on.
Groups begin heading to the airport at dusk, hoping to reserve a coveted spot under the oval light cast by one of a dozen lampposts in the parking lot. Some come from over an hour's walk away.
They sit by age group with seven-to-nine-year-olds on a curb in a traffic island and teenagers on the concrete pilings flanking the national and international terminals. Few cars disturb their studies.
The students at the airport consider themselves lucky.
Those living farther away study at petrol stations. Others sit outside the homes of affluent families, picking up the crumbs of light falling from their illuminated living rooms.
Quebec man with multiple sclerosis misdiagnosed as insane 14 years ago
A Quebec man, once diagnosed as insane by a neurologist, has actually been suffering from the effects of multiple sclerosis.
In 2004, 14 years after his initial diagnosis, a second neurologist discovered the truth.
Anatole Otis was 50 years old when his health began to deteriorate and he sought an examination by the first neurologist.
His family was skeptical of the diagnosis because he was still coherent.
Multiple sclerosis runs in Otis's family. His brother died of complications brought on by the disease.
His wife, Carmen Plourde, believes appropriate medication would have slowed the disease's progression. She is now seeking redress.
In 2004, 14 years after his initial diagnosis, a second neurologist discovered the truth.
Anatole Otis was 50 years old when his health began to deteriorate and he sought an examination by the first neurologist.
His family was skeptical of the diagnosis because he was still coherent.
Multiple sclerosis runs in Otis's family. His brother died of complications brought on by the disease.
His wife, Carmen Plourde, believes appropriate medication would have slowed the disease's progression. She is now seeking redress.
'Hugger-Muggers' target drunk revellers
A new type of criminal, labelled a ''hugger-mugger", has been targeting revellers in London's West End.
The crime involves groups of pickpockets waiting outside pubs and clubs ready to hug a partygoer as they leave the building, stealing their wallets and mobile phones.
The "hugger-mugger" pretends to be drunk, approaches a drunk reveller, embraces him as a long lost friend and picks his pocket.
The wallet or phone is then passed to an accomplice.
Commander Steve Allen, head of the Metropolitan Police in Westminster, has launched a seven-week campaign called Operation Tiffanie.
It will target crime and anti-social behaviour in central London over the summer holidays, in particular hugger-muggers.
The crime involves groups of pickpockets waiting outside pubs and clubs ready to hug a partygoer as they leave the building, stealing their wallets and mobile phones.
The "hugger-mugger" pretends to be drunk, approaches a drunk reveller, embraces him as a long lost friend and picks his pocket.
The wallet or phone is then passed to an accomplice.
Commander Steve Allen, head of the Metropolitan Police in Westminster, has launched a seven-week campaign called Operation Tiffanie.
It will target crime and anti-social behaviour in central London over the summer holidays, in particular hugger-muggers.
Woman charged with keeping 9 starving people in home
Police in Port St. Lucie, Florida, are trying to find out the identities of nine people found living with a 62-year-old woman in what officials described as deplorable conditions.
Capt. Scott Bartal with the Port St. Lucie Police Department said Judith Leekin kept five mentally disabled adults and four teenagers captive in her Southwest Hawthorne Drive home.
"There were claims by people in that house that they were locked in there, and they were bound with handcuff ties," Bartal said.
Bartal said the captives were malnourished and handcuffed together when Leekin left the home. He said some of the teens, ages 15 to 17, had scars on their backs and burn marks on their bodies.
As to the reason for the alleged abuse, Bartal said that it appeared Leekin was making a large sum of money by caring for the group.
"It appears, on the surface, that this was done for profit".
With news video.
Capt. Scott Bartal with the Port St. Lucie Police Department said Judith Leekin kept five mentally disabled adults and four teenagers captive in her Southwest Hawthorne Drive home.
"There were claims by people in that house that they were locked in there, and they were bound with handcuff ties," Bartal said.
Bartal said the captives were malnourished and handcuffed together when Leekin left the home. He said some of the teens, ages 15 to 17, had scars on their backs and burn marks on their bodies.
As to the reason for the alleged abuse, Bartal said that it appeared Leekin was making a large sum of money by caring for the group.
"It appears, on the surface, that this was done for profit".
With news video.
Woman faces charges for kissing painting
A woman who says she was so overcome with passion for a valuable painting on display in France, has been charged with criminal damage after kissing it.
The immaculate white canvas so attracted Sam Rindy she smudged it with her lipstick, saying later she had wanted to make it even more beautiful.
The 3x2m (9x6-foot) painting by US artist Cy Twombly is valued at more than $2m (£970,000).
Ms Rindy, herself an artist, is due to appear in court on 16 August.
"I left a kiss," she told La Provence newspaper on leaving the police station. A red stain remained on the canvas. This red stain is testimony to this moment, to the power of art."
The immaculate white canvas so attracted Sam Rindy she smudged it with her lipstick, saying later she had wanted to make it even more beautiful.
The 3x2m (9x6-foot) painting by US artist Cy Twombly is valued at more than $2m (£970,000).
Ms Rindy, herself an artist, is due to appear in court on 16 August.
"I left a kiss," she told La Provence newspaper on leaving the police station. A red stain remained on the canvas. This red stain is testimony to this moment, to the power of art."
All 50,000 scratch-off tickets for car dealership contain grand prize
Everyone's a winner after a direct-mail marketing company hired by a local car dealership mistakenly sent out 50,000 scratch-off tickets to residents - all of them declaring the ticket-holder the $1,000 grand prize winner. Just one of the tickets was supposed to be the grand prize winner.
Jeff Kohn, Roswell Honda general manager said a typographical error by Atlanta-based Force Events Direct Marketing, which printed the advertisment, had given all 50,000 scratch-off tickets grand prizes.
"Unfortunately, they missed it in the proofreading," said Kohn, who was able to stop an estimated 20,000 direct mailers from being sent.
In a statement, Force Events apologized "for any inconvenience this may has caused car shoppers in the Roswell market" and asked that any questions and concerns be directed to the company.
Meanwhile, the names, addresses and phone numbers of "winners" who arrive at the dealership were being taken down. Kohn said they will all be invited back to the dealership.
"At this point, I don't know what exactly the company's solution is going to be," Kohn said. "We are not sure how Force Events is going to handle this matter. That's why they are flying out to Roswell and that's why I'm taking down people's names."
Jeff Kohn, Roswell Honda general manager said a typographical error by Atlanta-based Force Events Direct Marketing, which printed the advertisment, had given all 50,000 scratch-off tickets grand prizes.
"Unfortunately, they missed it in the proofreading," said Kohn, who was able to stop an estimated 20,000 direct mailers from being sent.
In a statement, Force Events apologized "for any inconvenience this may has caused car shoppers in the Roswell market" and asked that any questions and concerns be directed to the company.
Meanwhile, the names, addresses and phone numbers of "winners" who arrive at the dealership were being taken down. Kohn said they will all be invited back to the dealership.
"At this point, I don't know what exactly the company's solution is going to be," Kohn said. "We are not sure how Force Events is going to handle this matter. That's why they are flying out to Roswell and that's why I'm taking down people's names."
Zoo creates a special temple with a pool for their elephants
Leipzig Zoo's elephant enclosure is designed to look more like a temple than a cage and includes a 135-square-metre swimming pool for the creatures.
The zoo claims the elephant enclosure is the most modern in the world. Visitors are able to watch through super-strength, glass panels as the animals swim under water.
The enclosure, named Ganesha Mandir by the zoo, also includes a huge shower area.
The zoo claims the elephant enclosure is the most modern in the world. Visitors are able to watch through super-strength, glass panels as the animals swim under water.
The enclosure, named Ganesha Mandir by the zoo, also includes a huge shower area.
Police arrest man for torturing tortoise
An arrest was made Thursday in the vicious attack on Bob, a 42-pound pet tortoise who was slashed and stabbed after being stolen from the home of an autistic boy.
Police said the attacker tried to cut Bob out of his shell. His hind legs were badly cut, a toe was cut off, his neck was slashed and his shell was punctured with a sharp object. The animal also was thrown against a wall, police said.
Jose "Tony" Mosqueda, 18, of Ventura, was booked at the county jail for investigation of cruelty to animals and grand theft.
It is believed he acted alone, police said.
Police said the attacker tried to cut Bob out of his shell. His hind legs were badly cut, a toe was cut off, his neck was slashed and his shell was punctured with a sharp object. The animal also was thrown against a wall, police said.
Jose "Tony" Mosqueda, 18, of Ventura, was booked at the county jail for investigation of cruelty to animals and grand theft.
It is believed he acted alone, police said.
Binman's St George Cross bandana 'is racist'
A black dustman has been banned from wearing a St George's Cross bandana because council officials say it could be regarded as racist.
Matthew Carter, 35, who was born in Barbados, used the headgear to keep his dreadlocks out of the way while he was on his rounds in Burnley, Lancs. He had done so for seven months before his photograph appeared in a local newspaper. A number of local people complained, and his superiors called him.
"I received a verbal warning," Mr Carter said yesterday. "They told me the St George's Cross was not allowed to be seen on any clothing we wear because it could be considered offensive and racist."
Ian McInery, Pendle Council's Operational Services Manager, said: "Matt knows cleansing staff have a uniform and there are clear rules about what they can wear.
"We've made it clear to staff that they are not allowed to put stickers or flags on bin wagons or wear clothing which shows support for a particular team, group or country."
Mr Carter said: "I still need to wear a bandana, I'm wearing a skull and cross one now, to keep my hair back and away from the machine I'm working with or else it could be dangerous."
Matthew Carter, 35, who was born in Barbados, used the headgear to keep his dreadlocks out of the way while he was on his rounds in Burnley, Lancs. He had done so for seven months before his photograph appeared in a local newspaper. A number of local people complained, and his superiors called him.
"I received a verbal warning," Mr Carter said yesterday. "They told me the St George's Cross was not allowed to be seen on any clothing we wear because it could be considered offensive and racist."
Ian McInery, Pendle Council's Operational Services Manager, said: "Matt knows cleansing staff have a uniform and there are clear rules about what they can wear.
"We've made it clear to staff that they are not allowed to put stickers or flags on bin wagons or wear clothing which shows support for a particular team, group or country."
Mr Carter said: "I still need to wear a bandana, I'm wearing a skull and cross one now, to keep my hair back and away from the machine I'm working with or else it could be dangerous."
Chinese don't believe cardboard buns scare a hoax - Update
Ordinary Chinese are refusing to believe government claims that a recent media report on cardboard-filled buns was a hoax aimed at hyping the nation's food safety woes, state press said.
The government's assertion that the televised report was bogus is being viewed as an attempt by authorities to stem the bad publicity over a series of recent food safety scandals that have caused anger in China and abroad, the official Xinhua news agency said.
"I guess government departments must be hoping to reduce the negative impact on the public by declaring the TV news report a hoax," Xinhua quoted Chen Huiqin, a retired Shanghai middle school teacher, as saying.
A cab driver, surnamed Liu, said he could not believe the investigative news report aired by Beijing TV on July 8 was a fabrication.
"It's not just me, most of my customers didn't believe it was a hoax either," the report quoted Liu as saying.
Thanks 232323!
The government's assertion that the televised report was bogus is being viewed as an attempt by authorities to stem the bad publicity over a series of recent food safety scandals that have caused anger in China and abroad, the official Xinhua news agency said.
"I guess government departments must be hoping to reduce the negative impact on the public by declaring the TV news report a hoax," Xinhua quoted Chen Huiqin, a retired Shanghai middle school teacher, as saying.
A cab driver, surnamed Liu, said he could not believe the investigative news report aired by Beijing TV on July 8 was a fabrication.
"It's not just me, most of my customers didn't believe it was a hoax either," the report quoted Liu as saying.
Thanks 232323!
Devoted couple married 50 years die hours apart
A couple died within hours of each other while celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary.
Brian and Betty Eckersley were marking 50 years of married life with a holiday in Majorca.
But tragedy struck when, on the day they were due to travel home, Mrs Eckersley suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage and Mr Eckersley had a massive heart attack.
Medics on the island were unable to save the couple, both aged 72, leaving the family who had travelled with them heartbroken.
Daughter, Carol Cutler, said: "In all the days they were married my parents had not spent a day apart. They got engaged before my dad went off to his National Service, and married when he returned. Their story is just so romantic. These days stories like this are rarely heard of.
"What happened came as such a shock to everybody. My mother was not ill, and, although contracted cancer two-and-half-years-ago, it didn't stop him from doing anything. Even in death they were never apart."
Brian and Betty Eckersley were marking 50 years of married life with a holiday in Majorca.
But tragedy struck when, on the day they were due to travel home, Mrs Eckersley suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage and Mr Eckersley had a massive heart attack.
Medics on the island were unable to save the couple, both aged 72, leaving the family who had travelled with them heartbroken.
Daughter, Carol Cutler, said: "In all the days they were married my parents had not spent a day apart. They got engaged before my dad went off to his National Service, and married when he returned. Their story is just so romantic. These days stories like this are rarely heard of.
"What happened came as such a shock to everybody. My mother was not ill, and, although contracted cancer two-and-half-years-ago, it didn't stop him from doing anything. Even in death they were never apart."
How police fingered bungling bank robber
Britain’s most inept robber thought that, at last, he had pulled off the perfect crime. His disguise was still intact and the cash was stuffed in his bag, Terence Cole prodded his finger against the security glass and warned the Nationwide cashier: “You had better not lock me in.”
Unfortunately for him he had forgotten to wear gloves. Kent Police quickly identified him from his fingerprint.
The Nationwide job was his fifth attempt to steal money from banks and building societies. In all five he wore a fluorescent workman’s jacket, which proved a visual aid for witnesses, who were then able to recall his features and pick him out in an identity parade.
He was arrested after police spotted him loitering outside the Chelsea Building Society wearing his trade-mark jacket as he planned his next crime.
Cole, 50, was jailed for 9½ years yesterday at Maidstone Crown Court.
Unfortunately for him he had forgotten to wear gloves. Kent Police quickly identified him from his fingerprint.
The Nationwide job was his fifth attempt to steal money from banks and building societies. In all five he wore a fluorescent workman’s jacket, which proved a visual aid for witnesses, who were then able to recall his features and pick him out in an identity parade.
He was arrested after police spotted him loitering outside the Chelsea Building Society wearing his trade-mark jacket as he planned his next crime.
Cole, 50, was jailed for 9½ years yesterday at Maidstone Crown Court.
Asbo girl's breach of the pizza
A teenage tearaway has been given an Asbo – banning her from ordering takeaways for anyone but herself.
Trudy Hutchings has caused despair and misery for not just her neighbours but also taxi and takeaway firms.
The 19-year-old is believed to have ordered unwanted food and taxis for her friends whenever she fell out with them.
PC Pete Hunns said the false calls had been a nightmare for local takeaway and taxi firms.
'It's hard to prove who's making the hoax calls to taxis and takeaways but when the circle of friends fall out they order food and taxis to go to each others' homes,' he said.
Now Hutchings, of Walmer Road, Fratton, Portsmouth, has been handed a two-year Asbo. If she breaches any of the conditions she could be arrested and face a fine, imprisonment or both.
Trudy Hutchings has caused despair and misery for not just her neighbours but also taxi and takeaway firms.
The 19-year-old is believed to have ordered unwanted food and taxis for her friends whenever she fell out with them.
PC Pete Hunns said the false calls had been a nightmare for local takeaway and taxi firms.
'It's hard to prove who's making the hoax calls to taxis and takeaways but when the circle of friends fall out they order food and taxis to go to each others' homes,' he said.
Now Hutchings, of Walmer Road, Fratton, Portsmouth, has been handed a two-year Asbo. If she breaches any of the conditions she could be arrested and face a fine, imprisonment or both.
Deaf woman slept through five-hour gun siege
After laying siege to a house for five hours, police gave a final warning before storming the house where a gunman had been reported inside.
A police dog rushed upstairs and, finding a woman in bed, proceeded to sink its teeth into her arms.
But as armed officers surrounded a terrified Sonia Pellow, they realised two things. First, she wasn't a gunman.
Second, she was deaf and had been sleeping throughout the entire stand-off.
Yesterday Miss Pellow, 36, was still too afraid to return to her home in Hayle, Cornwall, after the ordeal, which followed a hoax call to police that a gunman was inside.
"I don't know what happened - I was asleep but then this dog was all over me," she said. "I got bitten on both of my arms. I was terrified."
Her father Esmond, 67, added: "Sonia is hard of hearing and is also very difficult to wake up once she is asleep. It looks like she was attacked by a crocodile, not a dog."
Miss Pellow was arrested on suspicion of unlawfully possessing a firearm but released without charge.
A police dog rushed upstairs and, finding a woman in bed, proceeded to sink its teeth into her arms.
But as armed officers surrounded a terrified Sonia Pellow, they realised two things. First, she wasn't a gunman.
Second, she was deaf and had been sleeping throughout the entire stand-off.
Yesterday Miss Pellow, 36, was still too afraid to return to her home in Hayle, Cornwall, after the ordeal, which followed a hoax call to police that a gunman was inside.
"I don't know what happened - I was asleep but then this dog was all over me," she said. "I got bitten on both of my arms. I was terrified."
Her father Esmond, 67, added: "Sonia is hard of hearing and is also very difficult to wake up once she is asleep. It looks like she was attacked by a crocodile, not a dog."
Miss Pellow was arrested on suspicion of unlawfully possessing a firearm but released without charge.
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