Click for bigger.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
A 360° picture of the Ashton Court balloon fiesta in Bristol
Wait for the page to load, then move your cursor around.
Requires QuickTime and quite a powerful computer.
Australian authorities detain nine-year-old
An alcoholic nine-year-old boy has become Victoria's youngest prisoner.
A two-year crime spree has led the pint-sized menace to be locked up in a secure welfare unit this week.
Authorities are working to cure him of alcoholism and prevent him from criminal acts.
The boy, who first offended when he was seven, has come under police notice 35 times in two years.
His crimes have been car theft, stealing from cars and chroming. He was also a suspect in a violent assault on a train.
The boy cannot be charged as he is too young, and he has taunted police about this.
Department of Human Services spokesman Brendan Ryan confirmed the child had been locked in secure welfare.
A two-year crime spree has led the pint-sized menace to be locked up in a secure welfare unit this week.
Authorities are working to cure him of alcoholism and prevent him from criminal acts.
The boy, who first offended when he was seven, has come under police notice 35 times in two years.
His crimes have been car theft, stealing from cars and chroming. He was also a suspect in a violent assault on a train.
The boy cannot be charged as he is too young, and he has taunted police about this.
Department of Human Services spokesman Brendan Ryan confirmed the child had been locked in secure welfare.
Moscow's cat lady - Full video update
Nina Kostsova in Novosibirsk has opened up her heart, and her home, to street cats for 15 years and now has one of her two rooms occupied by around 130 cats.
Kostsova says her biggest problem is taking time to pet all the cats and coming up with names for new-comers. "One is named Watson, one Sherlock, one Bush, Clinton. But, by the way, I don't have a Putin," she said.
One look around the apartment shows Kostsovo works hard to keep all the cats clean and well fed. Besides feeding them twice a day, once with porridge and once with dry cat food, Kostsovo also makes sure all male cats are castrated.
Update update: This is probably the full video.
Kostsova says her biggest problem is taking time to pet all the cats and coming up with names for new-comers. "One is named Watson, one Sherlock, one Bush, Clinton. But, by the way, I don't have a Putin," she said.
One look around the apartment shows Kostsovo works hard to keep all the cats clean and well fed. Besides feeding them twice a day, once with porridge and once with dry cat food, Kostsovo also makes sure all male cats are castrated.
Update update: This is probably the full video.
Big impact from enlarging condoms
British condom maker Futura Medical said that results of a study showed its new condom helped men have firmer and bigger erections, as well as a longer-lasting sexual experience.
Shares in the company, which specialises in sexual healthcare and pain relief, rose 14.5 per cent to 59.25 pence ($NZ1.59) on hopes the condom, which will be marketed by Durex condom-maker SSL International, could go on sale next year.
Futura said the study of 108 healthy couples showed its CSD500 condom helped men to get a firmer erection compared with a standard condom, increased penis size and made the sexual experience last longer, delivering statistically significant results.
The condom has a small amount of gel in its peak that dilates the arteries and increases blood flow to the penis.
Shares in the company, which specialises in sexual healthcare and pain relief, rose 14.5 per cent to 59.25 pence ($NZ1.59) on hopes the condom, which will be marketed by Durex condom-maker SSL International, could go on sale next year.
Futura said the study of 108 healthy couples showed its CSD500 condom helped men to get a firmer erection compared with a standard condom, increased penis size and made the sexual experience last longer, delivering statistically significant results.
The condom has a small amount of gel in its peak that dilates the arteries and increases blood flow to the penis.
Man sues florist when wife discovers affair from flowers receipt
A Texas man is suing a florist after an employee there faxed a receipt to his estranged wife showing he sent flowers and a love note to his girlfriend.
The lawsuit was field this week in Houston. It asks 1-800-flowers.com to pay for Leroy Greer's mental anguish and the increased amount he now expects to pay in his divorce case. Greer's lawyers are asking the florist for $1 million, saying the once-amicable divorce could cost as much as an additional $300,000.
In April, Greer sent his girlfriend flowers, a stuffed animal and a card that read: "Just wanted to say that I love you and you mean the world to me! Leroy." According to the lawsuit, the company promised Greer that it would send nothing to his home.
But 1-800-flowers.com later sent a coupon and a thank-you card to Greer's home. According to the lawsuit, his wife saw the card, called the company and asked for a receipt. The florist faxed her the receipt, which included the message on the card.
A spokesman for the florist declined to discuss details about the lawsuit. He added that they are not responsible for an individual's personal conduct.
The lawsuit was field this week in Houston. It asks 1-800-flowers.com to pay for Leroy Greer's mental anguish and the increased amount he now expects to pay in his divorce case. Greer's lawyers are asking the florist for $1 million, saying the once-amicable divorce could cost as much as an additional $300,000.
In April, Greer sent his girlfriend flowers, a stuffed animal and a card that read: "Just wanted to say that I love you and you mean the world to me! Leroy." According to the lawsuit, the company promised Greer that it would send nothing to his home.
But 1-800-flowers.com later sent a coupon and a thank-you card to Greer's home. According to the lawsuit, his wife saw the card, called the company and asked for a receipt. The florist faxed her the receipt, which included the message on the card.
A spokesman for the florist declined to discuss details about the lawsuit. He added that they are not responsible for an individual's personal conduct.
Heinz takes baked beans out of the can
The humble baked bean, which pioneered fast food in the days when starving students gobbled them cold straight from the tin, has finally joined the pot noodle generation.
Heinz is about to launch a four-pack "Snap pot" version of its celebrated staple, for instant microwaving without any need to wash up.
Branded as the Snap Pot, the pots are a big step for the US giant whose founder Henry John Heinz, nicknamed the Great Provider, had a lifelong love affair with cans. The company said yesterday that the line, which will appear in British stores in October, would be the first time that Heinz baked beans had been sold in anything other than the familiar 57 Varieties tin. This has suited customers since 1901 when the baked bean first appeared with the secret-recipe sauce.
"Snap Pots are perfect for people with time-pressured lifestyles who want a light snack without adding to the washing up or taking up valuable fridge space storing the remainder of the can," said Heinz spokesman Nathan Ansell. The line, costing £1.49, will also include spaghetti hoops.
Heinz is about to launch a four-pack "Snap pot" version of its celebrated staple, for instant microwaving without any need to wash up.
Branded as the Snap Pot, the pots are a big step for the US giant whose founder Henry John Heinz, nicknamed the Great Provider, had a lifelong love affair with cans. The company said yesterday that the line, which will appear in British stores in October, would be the first time that Heinz baked beans had been sold in anything other than the familiar 57 Varieties tin. This has suited customers since 1901 when the baked bean first appeared with the secret-recipe sauce.
"Snap Pots are perfect for people with time-pressured lifestyles who want a light snack without adding to the washing up or taking up valuable fridge space storing the remainder of the can," said Heinz spokesman Nathan Ansell. The line, costing £1.49, will also include spaghetti hoops.
Snatching grumpy owl was thief's big mistake
An owl which caused the thieves who stole the bird to crash their getaway car is recovering from the ordeal after being reunited with its owner. Addy, a barn owl belonging to Andy Godbeer, suffered a dislocated leg after foiling burglars who broke into its home in Plymouth.
The three-year-old bird was snatched by Jason Denton, 23, who put her on his lap as he drove away in a stolen car.
As police gave chase, the bird began pecking Denton's face and arms until he lost patience and threw Addy out the window at 65mph.
But he and his accomplice was so ruffled by the experience that he crashed into the wall of a car park.
Denton, who was covered in bites and scratches, pleaded guilty to one charge of burglary at Plymouth Magistrates Court. He was bailed to be sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on August 30. His accomplice has yet to appear in court.
During its ordeal, Addy suffered a haemorrhage in her right eye and dislocated a leg.
Mr Godbeer, a shop porter, said Denton got "exactly what he deserved".
The three-year-old bird was snatched by Jason Denton, 23, who put her on his lap as he drove away in a stolen car.
As police gave chase, the bird began pecking Denton's face and arms until he lost patience and threw Addy out the window at 65mph.
But he and his accomplice was so ruffled by the experience that he crashed into the wall of a car park.
Denton, who was covered in bites and scratches, pleaded guilty to one charge of burglary at Plymouth Magistrates Court. He was bailed to be sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on August 30. His accomplice has yet to appear in court.
During its ordeal, Addy suffered a haemorrhage in her right eye and dislocated a leg.
Mr Godbeer, a shop porter, said Denton got "exactly what he deserved".
Piggy's fall saves her bacon
Squeaky the piglet went wheeeee all the way to her new home - after falling off the back of a lorry.
And the painful tumble probably saved her life. The baby Tamworth was born in an animal transporter believed to be taking her mum to the slaughterhouse.
She was just a few minutes old when she fell from the truck into the path of traffic. Miraculously she survived and was snatched to safety at Poolsbrook, Derbyshire, by startled motorist Tony Davies.
He immediately took her to an RSPCA centre in Chesterfield - where Squeaky was last night lapping up lots of loving care and attention. Shelter manager Richard Woodwards said: "It's a most unusual case."
"We think someone was transporting a pregnant sow which gave birth and Squeaky just rolled out. She had a few grazes where she hit the road but otherwise she's fine."
Now centre staff are hoping to find her a permanent home. Richard said: "Pigs make great pets. They're as clever as dogs and can be housetrained."
And the painful tumble probably saved her life. The baby Tamworth was born in an animal transporter believed to be taking her mum to the slaughterhouse.
She was just a few minutes old when she fell from the truck into the path of traffic. Miraculously she survived and was snatched to safety at Poolsbrook, Derbyshire, by startled motorist Tony Davies.
He immediately took her to an RSPCA centre in Chesterfield - where Squeaky was last night lapping up lots of loving care and attention. Shelter manager Richard Woodwards said: "It's a most unusual case."
"We think someone was transporting a pregnant sow which gave birth and Squeaky just rolled out. She had a few grazes where she hit the road but otherwise she's fine."
Now centre staff are hoping to find her a permanent home. Richard said: "Pigs make great pets. They're as clever as dogs and can be housetrained."
Natural birth for huge baby
The biggest baby in town is lucky to be alive after he was born over one stone in weight during a traumatic natural birth.
Shaune Benjamin Nicholson weighed in at an amazing 14lb 7oz – nearly twice the average weight of 7.5lb.
Mother-of-three, Amanda Eclerton, 24, of Willow Walk, Hartlepool, gave birth to Shaune on Monday, August 6, at 11.15pm after a six- hour labour where she only received gas and air.
She said: "I was told he was going to be big but when they handed him to me he was huge. I knew he wasn't going to be normal because the birth was agony, but he was worth it."
Staff at the University of Hartlepool Hospital told the parents of their amazement to see the 2ft baby born naturally and healthily.
Head of midwifery Janet Mackie said: "We were all surprised by the size of the baby. While we can't confirm if he is the biggest he must certainly be one of the biggest ever born in Hartlepool."
With news video.
Shaune Benjamin Nicholson weighed in at an amazing 14lb 7oz – nearly twice the average weight of 7.5lb.
Mother-of-three, Amanda Eclerton, 24, of Willow Walk, Hartlepool, gave birth to Shaune on Monday, August 6, at 11.15pm after a six- hour labour where she only received gas and air.
She said: "I was told he was going to be big but when they handed him to me he was huge. I knew he wasn't going to be normal because the birth was agony, but he was worth it."
Staff at the University of Hartlepool Hospital told the parents of their amazement to see the 2ft baby born naturally and healthily.
Head of midwifery Janet Mackie said: "We were all surprised by the size of the baby. While we can't confirm if he is the biggest he must certainly be one of the biggest ever born in Hartlepool."
With news video.
Man grew cannabis to combat genital itch
A man has been shown leniency after explaining he was growing cannabis to use the drug to tackle a genital itch.
Gregor Spalding admitted cultivating the drug at his home in Blairgowrie.
The court was told his "amateurish attempt" to cultivate cannabis was provoked by chronic pain he had suffered for three years.
Spalding said prescription medicine had failed to tackle pain caused by constant itching around his genitals.
He had decided to try using the drug as a painkiller, after reading about it on the internet, and wanted to grow cannabis himself, instead of buying it from a drug dealer.
His doctor wrote a letter to the court confirming Spalding had suffered chronic pain from an itching condition known as pruritus for three years.
Sentence was deferred for six months for Spalding to be of good behaviour. He was assured that if he maintained this he would be treated "leniently".
Gregor Spalding admitted cultivating the drug at his home in Blairgowrie.
The court was told his "amateurish attempt" to cultivate cannabis was provoked by chronic pain he had suffered for three years.
Spalding said prescription medicine had failed to tackle pain caused by constant itching around his genitals.
He had decided to try using the drug as a painkiller, after reading about it on the internet, and wanted to grow cannabis himself, instead of buying it from a drug dealer.
His doctor wrote a letter to the court confirming Spalding had suffered chronic pain from an itching condition known as pruritus for three years.
Sentence was deferred for six months for Spalding to be of good behaviour. He was assured that if he maintained this he would be treated "leniently".
Life-size police cut-out stolen
Two teenage girls were arrested on suspicion of stealing a life-size cardboard cut-out of a Surrey town's local policing team.
The 6ft-tall (1.8m) figure was taken from the Co-op store, in Green Lane, Farncombe, on Tuesday night.
The cut-out of Pc Jim Lavery and PCSO Nicole Pearce is still missing.
A 15-year-old Godalming girl is due in court on Thursday charged with theft. A 14-year-old from Farncombe was bailed to attend a police intervention clinic.
Leaflet boxes for the local community were attached to the cardboard cut-out.
Pc Lavery said: "It is disappointing that an initiative intended to benefit the whole community has been ruined."
The 6ft-tall (1.8m) figure was taken from the Co-op store, in Green Lane, Farncombe, on Tuesday night.
The cut-out of Pc Jim Lavery and PCSO Nicole Pearce is still missing.
A 15-year-old Godalming girl is due in court on Thursday charged with theft. A 14-year-old from Farncombe was bailed to attend a police intervention clinic.
Leaflet boxes for the local community were attached to the cardboard cut-out.
Pc Lavery said: "It is disappointing that an initiative intended to benefit the whole community has been ruined."
UK's oldest drink driver banned
The oldest drink driver in the United Kingdom - a Lancashire man - has been banned from the road.
War veteran Rennie Carr, 86, was almost twice the limit when police stopped him.
At first Carr, an ex Royal Navy serviceman, stopped when signalled to by police, but he then set off again.
On Friday, Carr, a widower of Grizedale Road in Blackpool, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.
Martine Connah, prosecuting, said on July 26 at 11.30pm police saw Carr's silver Honda Prelude weaving all over the road on Blackpool's East Park Drive.
At times, the whole car was on the wrong side of the road.
Stephen Duffy, defending, said his client, who had never been in trouble with the law before, was born in Manchester in 1921 and for many years worked for the Daily Mail.
He was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £250, with £60 costs, and ordered by Blackpool Magistrates to pay the £15 surcharge which goes to help victims of crime.
Presiding magistrate, Peter Riddle, said: "It is sad that at your time of life you are before a court."
War veteran Rennie Carr, 86, was almost twice the limit when police stopped him.
At first Carr, an ex Royal Navy serviceman, stopped when signalled to by police, but he then set off again.
On Friday, Carr, a widower of Grizedale Road in Blackpool, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol.
Martine Connah, prosecuting, said on July 26 at 11.30pm police saw Carr's silver Honda Prelude weaving all over the road on Blackpool's East Park Drive.
At times, the whole car was on the wrong side of the road.
Stephen Duffy, defending, said his client, who had never been in trouble with the law before, was born in Manchester in 1921 and for many years worked for the Daily Mail.
He was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £250, with £60 costs, and ordered by Blackpool Magistrates to pay the £15 surcharge which goes to help victims of crime.
Presiding magistrate, Peter Riddle, said: "It is sad that at your time of life you are before a court."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)