Friday, October 17, 2008
Cat 'rescued' after being stuck in tree for ten days
A falling cat does land on its feet. In Franklin County Virginia, this grey tabby was stuck in a tree for ten days.
And, the man who lives in the house didn't even own the cat but said it was hard listening to it cry day and night.
Luckily, on Tuesday, a tree company was already in the neighbourhood doing some trimming.
They used their gear to shake the branches and apparently rattle the cat.
The cat jumped then took off across the street.
No one knows where the cat went, but the property owner says he's just hoping it doesn't come back.
And, the man who lives in the house didn't even own the cat but said it was hard listening to it cry day and night.
Luckily, on Tuesday, a tree company was already in the neighbourhood doing some trimming.
They used their gear to shake the branches and apparently rattle the cat.
The cat jumped then took off across the street.
No one knows where the cat went, but the property owner says he's just hoping it doesn't come back.
Space 'smells like fried steak'
Outer space smells like fried steak, hot metal and welding a motorbike, according to Nasa scientists.
Nasa has commissioned Steven Pearce, a chemist and managing director of fragrance manufacturing company Omega Ingredients, to recreate the smell of space in a laboratory.
His research will be used to help astronauts prepare for the conditions they will encounter in space. Mr Pearce began working for Nasa in August and hopes to have recreated the smell of space by the end of the year.
He said: "I did some work for an art exhibition in July, which was based entirely on smell and one of the things I created was the smell of the inside of the Mir space station. "Nasa heard about it and contacted me to see if I could help them recreate the smell of space to help their astronauts.
"We have a few clues as to what space smells like. First of all, there were interviews with astronauts that we were given, when they had been outside and then returned to the space station and were de-suiting and taking off their helmets, they all reported quite particular odours.
"For them, what comes across is a smell of fried steak, hot metal and even welding a motorbike, one of them said. We have already produced the smell of fried steak, but hot metal is proving more difficult. We think it's a high energy vibration in the molecule and that's what we're trying to add to it now."
Nasa has commissioned Steven Pearce, a chemist and managing director of fragrance manufacturing company Omega Ingredients, to recreate the smell of space in a laboratory.
His research will be used to help astronauts prepare for the conditions they will encounter in space. Mr Pearce began working for Nasa in August and hopes to have recreated the smell of space by the end of the year.
He said: "I did some work for an art exhibition in July, which was based entirely on smell and one of the things I created was the smell of the inside of the Mir space station. "Nasa heard about it and contacted me to see if I could help them recreate the smell of space to help their astronauts.
"We have a few clues as to what space smells like. First of all, there were interviews with astronauts that we were given, when they had been outside and then returned to the space station and were de-suiting and taking off their helmets, they all reported quite particular odours.
"For them, what comes across is a smell of fried steak, hot metal and even welding a motorbike, one of them said. We have already produced the smell of fried steak, but hot metal is proving more difficult. We think it's a high energy vibration in the molecule and that's what we're trying to add to it now."
Dressed in heels and blonde wig, man breaks into beauty shop
A man was arrested for breaking into a beauty shop on Wednesday night. Authorities say the suspect disguised himself as a woman, wearing high-heeled shoes and a blonde wig.
Baldwin County Sheriff's deputies said Frederic M. Koetter, 42, confessed to the crime at Curl and Style beauty shop on County Road 65 and near County Road 26, after he was identified by two witnesses.
Koetter broke into the beauty shop to see himself in the mirror, dressed as a woman, deputies said. As investigators interviewed the owner of the beauty shop, they noticed an odd resemblance- Koetter was dressed like the shop owner, with fake hair and clothes.
Koetter insisted he was not trying to look like the shop owner, but said he did want to sit in her chair and see what he looked like.
With news video.
Baldwin County Sheriff's deputies said Frederic M. Koetter, 42, confessed to the crime at Curl and Style beauty shop on County Road 65 and near County Road 26, after he was identified by two witnesses.
Koetter broke into the beauty shop to see himself in the mirror, dressed as a woman, deputies said. As investigators interviewed the owner of the beauty shop, they noticed an odd resemblance- Koetter was dressed like the shop owner, with fake hair and clothes.
Koetter insisted he was not trying to look like the shop owner, but said he did want to sit in her chair and see what he looked like.
With news video.
Lifesaving chest compressions near-perfect when done to disco hit
A dose of "Saturday Night Fever" might help mend a broken heart.
The Bee Gees' disco anthem "Stayin' Alive" from 1977 has 103 beats a minute, close to the number of chest compressions needed for cardiopulmonary resuscitation to work, according to a study at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Students who listened to the tune while practicing CPR on a dummy learned to give the right number of pumps, an abstract of the research in the Annals of Emergency Medicine said.
The rhythm stayed in their heads. Five weeks later, the participants delivered compressions at 113 beats a minute, still an acceptable range. Ten doctors and five medical students took part in the experiment.
``This was a small study, but the results are encouraging enough that a further study, using a larger and more diverse population, is warranted,'' said David Matlock, one of the researchers, in a statement distributed by the American College of Emergency Physicians. The results will be presented at a meeting of the Dallas-based group later this month, in Chicago.
The Bee Gees' disco anthem "Stayin' Alive" from 1977 has 103 beats a minute, close to the number of chest compressions needed for cardiopulmonary resuscitation to work, according to a study at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Students who listened to the tune while practicing CPR on a dummy learned to give the right number of pumps, an abstract of the research in the Annals of Emergency Medicine said.
The rhythm stayed in their heads. Five weeks later, the participants delivered compressions at 113 beats a minute, still an acceptable range. Ten doctors and five medical students took part in the experiment.
``This was a small study, but the results are encouraging enough that a further study, using a larger and more diverse population, is warranted,'' said David Matlock, one of the researchers, in a statement distributed by the American College of Emergency Physicians. The results will be presented at a meeting of the Dallas-based group later this month, in Chicago.
'Creepy gnome' back on the prowl - Update
A new sighting of South America’s ‘creepy gnome’ has caused panic among locals after a group of youngsters claimed a ‘midget monster’ ran towards them at night.
The teens – who recorded footage of the freaky being on their mobile phone – said they are now “too terrified” to go out at night.
Experts who examined the latest footage, taken in the town of Clodomira, province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina, last week, say it is ‘credible’.
But sceptics say the sidestepping ‘gnome’ could be a speedy child or even a small animal.
With news video.
The teens – who recorded footage of the freaky being on their mobile phone – said they are now “too terrified” to go out at night.
Experts who examined the latest footage, taken in the town of Clodomira, province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina, last week, say it is ‘credible’.
But sceptics say the sidestepping ‘gnome’ could be a speedy child or even a small animal.
With news video.
Man arrested after taping woman's mouth shut to make her listen
A man is accused of attacking his estranged wife, binding her with zip ties and taping her mouth shut while she slept.
Jamie Franco, 28, told police she awoke early on Friday morning to find that Kevin Franco, 33, was on top of her. He had placed duct tape across her mouth and was binding her hands with zip ties.
He then went to the kitchen, where he ripped out the telephone cords to prevent her from calling police, a police report states. While he was out of the room, the woman freed herself and used her cell phone to dial 911.
Jamie Franco told police that the man she is divorcing had tied her hands and taped her mouth so she would listen to him. Although he said he wasn't suicidal, he told police that he did not want to live without her.
During their investigation, police found that Kevin Franco had an outstanding warrant for battery, as well as an injunction prohibiting him from having any contact with his wife, according to the report.
Franco was arrested at a home in the 2800 block of S.W. Rosetta Street and is being held in the St. Lucie County jail on several charges, including false imprisonment and domestic battery.
Jamie Franco, 28, told police she awoke early on Friday morning to find that Kevin Franco, 33, was on top of her. He had placed duct tape across her mouth and was binding her hands with zip ties.
He then went to the kitchen, where he ripped out the telephone cords to prevent her from calling police, a police report states. While he was out of the room, the woman freed herself and used her cell phone to dial 911.
Jamie Franco told police that the man she is divorcing had tied her hands and taped her mouth so she would listen to him. Although he said he wasn't suicidal, he told police that he did not want to live without her.
During their investigation, police found that Kevin Franco had an outstanding warrant for battery, as well as an injunction prohibiting him from having any contact with his wife, according to the report.
Franco was arrested at a home in the 2800 block of S.W. Rosetta Street and is being held in the St. Lucie County jail on several charges, including false imprisonment and domestic battery.
Baby monkey gets his own guard dog
A Chinese zoo has given an orphan monkey its own guard dog to stop it being bullied by bigger primates.
Keepers at Jiaozuo City Zoo said the monkey was always being bullied and they had intervened to save his life several times.
"So we put a dog in the monkey cage, hoping he can protect the orphan," a zoo spokesman said.
The zoo said the dog, Sai Hu, does his job very well.
"Whenever the baby monkey gets bullied, he dashes up and drives the others away. And the baby monkey is also very smart. Each time he smells danger he runs to jump on the dog's back and holds on tight.
"The alpha male monkey has been really unhappy since we sent in Sai Hu. He tried to organise several ambushes on the little monkey, but they all failed because of the dog," added the spokesman.
Keepers at Jiaozuo City Zoo said the monkey was always being bullied and they had intervened to save his life several times.
"So we put a dog in the monkey cage, hoping he can protect the orphan," a zoo spokesman said.
The zoo said the dog, Sai Hu, does his job very well.
"Whenever the baby monkey gets bullied, he dashes up and drives the others away. And the baby monkey is also very smart. Each time he smells danger he runs to jump on the dog's back and holds on tight.
"The alpha male monkey has been really unhappy since we sent in Sai Hu. He tried to organise several ambushes on the little monkey, but they all failed because of the dog," added the spokesman.
Dolphin meat bad for the health, say Japanese scientists
Japanese diners who enjoy tucking into dolphin meat are putting their health at risk, as well as courting international condemnation.
A new study by two Japanese universities found that residents of Taiji, a whaling town on the Pacific coast, who frequently ate the meat of pilot whale - a member of the dolphin family - have mercury levels 10 times the national average.
The hair of three tested residents contained quantities of mercury higher than 50 parts per million [ppm], a level that can lead to neurological problems.
Researchers from the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido and Daiichi University's College of Pharmaceutical Studies tested hair samples from 30 men and 20 women from the town between last December and July this year.
The average mercury level among the men was 21.6 ppm and 11.9 ppm among women - both about 10 times the national average. Three men with dangerously high levels of mercury said they ate pilot whale meat more than once a month.
Tetsuya Endo, a member of the research team, said the residents faced no immediate threats to their health but suggested they cut back on their dolphin and whale meat consumption.
A new study by two Japanese universities found that residents of Taiji, a whaling town on the Pacific coast, who frequently ate the meat of pilot whale - a member of the dolphin family - have mercury levels 10 times the national average.
The hair of three tested residents contained quantities of mercury higher than 50 parts per million [ppm], a level that can lead to neurological problems.
Researchers from the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido and Daiichi University's College of Pharmaceutical Studies tested hair samples from 30 men and 20 women from the town between last December and July this year.
The average mercury level among the men was 21.6 ppm and 11.9 ppm among women - both about 10 times the national average. Three men with dangerously high levels of mercury said they ate pilot whale meat more than once a month.
Tetsuya Endo, a member of the research team, said the residents faced no immediate threats to their health but suggested they cut back on their dolphin and whale meat consumption.
Restaurant serves frogs legs pizza
The “Hopper” contains eight limbs on a traditional base with capers and an anchovy sorbet.
Chef Sami Wasif at London chain Eco came up with the idea on a trip to Paris — and called it “refined”.
He said: “I’ve been making pizza for more than 20 years and know that London is a city always looking for something new.”
He added: “Pizza is something you can experiment with. I might try one with snails on it next.”
Chef Sami Wasif at London chain Eco came up with the idea on a trip to Paris — and called it “refined”.
He said: “I’ve been making pizza for more than 20 years and know that London is a city always looking for something new.”
He added: “Pizza is something you can experiment with. I might try one with snails on it next.”
Pensioner ordered to stop mowing grass because it's too tidy
A pensioner has been ordered by his council to stop mowing the grass outside his home because it makes the road look too tidy.
Brian Hubbard has regularly cut and weeded the small patch of grass outside his three-bedroom home since he moved in four years ago.
He also picks up any litter, rakes the leaves and cleans up after the council contractors have left their grass cuttings.
But he has received a letter accusing him of "encroaching" on council land and been told that he must stop tending to the grass and "return the area to its original state within 28 days" or the work would be carried out at his expense.
He said: "I like the place to be tidy and attractive and I know the council's contractors cannot do it all so I decided to help out.
"I find it grossly irritating that just because I have taken pride in the area where I live and made it more attractive I have had this threatening letter. Whoever would have thought that cultivating the grass, cutting it regularly and raking the leaves off could be described as encroachment? Do they want me to put daisies and dandelions in?"
Brian Hubbard has regularly cut and weeded the small patch of grass outside his three-bedroom home since he moved in four years ago.
He also picks up any litter, rakes the leaves and cleans up after the council contractors have left their grass cuttings.
But he has received a letter accusing him of "encroaching" on council land and been told that he must stop tending to the grass and "return the area to its original state within 28 days" or the work would be carried out at his expense.
He said: "I like the place to be tidy and attractive and I know the council's contractors cannot do it all so I decided to help out.
"I find it grossly irritating that just because I have taken pride in the area where I live and made it more attractive I have had this threatening letter. Whoever would have thought that cultivating the grass, cutting it regularly and raking the leaves off could be described as encroachment? Do they want me to put daisies and dandelions in?"
Woman asked to 'check body claim'
A west Belfast woman has claimed police called her to see if she could check if there was a body in her street.
Deidre Morrison said an officer telephoned her Irwell Court home on Wednesday and said they did not have the "resources" to check it themselves.
Police said officers were "trying to confirm the veracity of a report" and that when it was confirmed later they sent a patrol to the area. It transpired there was a drunk woman lying in the street.
"I shouldn't have been put in this position, definitely not. Especially whenever you have two children to rear and you're trying to get them out to school in the mornings - you don't need this hassle," she said.
Ms Morrison added that when the officer called he said "they did not want to be lured into the area".
Ms Morrison said she now intends is to make an official complaint to the police.
Deidre Morrison said an officer telephoned her Irwell Court home on Wednesday and said they did not have the "resources" to check it themselves.
Police said officers were "trying to confirm the veracity of a report" and that when it was confirmed later they sent a patrol to the area. It transpired there was a drunk woman lying in the street.
"I shouldn't have been put in this position, definitely not. Especially whenever you have two children to rear and you're trying to get them out to school in the mornings - you don't need this hassle," she said.
Ms Morrison added that when the officer called he said "they did not want to be lured into the area".
Ms Morrison said she now intends is to make an official complaint to the police.
Lost dog doesn't speak English
A heartbroken dog owner is appealing for the safe return of her beloved pet.
Eva Stadaniova is fraught with worry after Nikita, her cross breed American Staffordshire and bull terrier, was stolen from outside the Grand Arcade. She is also worried because the two-year-old pooch only understands Czech.
Nikita arrived in the UK two weeks ago after six months in quarantine.
Eva, 23, moved to the area from Prague in the Czech Republic three months ago and is distraught about being separated from her again.
She said: "I am very worried about my dog, she is like my child, my darling, and I am afraid for her because she doesn't understand English. I don't know who these people are and I am scared they won't look after her."
Eva Stadaniova is fraught with worry after Nikita, her cross breed American Staffordshire and bull terrier, was stolen from outside the Grand Arcade. She is also worried because the two-year-old pooch only understands Czech.
Nikita arrived in the UK two weeks ago after six months in quarantine.
Eva, 23, moved to the area from Prague in the Czech Republic three months ago and is distraught about being separated from her again.
She said: "I am very worried about my dog, she is like my child, my darling, and I am afraid for her because she doesn't understand English. I don't know who these people are and I am scared they won't look after her."
Court win heals shoe lover's pain
A district councillor who cannot wear her collection of high heels after a fall has won the right to compensation.
Tina Knight, 66, who sits on Uttlesford District Council in Saffron Waldon, Essex, slipped in a pool of water at Stansted Airport in June 2005.
Her injuries meant she cannot now wear any of her high heeled shoes and she sought compensation from the airport cleaners Rentokil.
The Appeal Court upheld her claim and the amount will be agreed in December.
A spokeswoman for Ms Knight said she had broken her right little toe, twisted her knee, damaged her hip and dislocated her thumb in the fall.
"Ms Knight's injuries mean a lot of her high-heeled shoes are now useless," she said. "She was a leading woman entrepreneur and over the years she has got a lot of posh shoes."
Tina Knight, 66, who sits on Uttlesford District Council in Saffron Waldon, Essex, slipped in a pool of water at Stansted Airport in June 2005.
Her injuries meant she cannot now wear any of her high heeled shoes and she sought compensation from the airport cleaners Rentokil.
The Appeal Court upheld her claim and the amount will be agreed in December.
A spokeswoman for Ms Knight said she had broken her right little toe, twisted her knee, damaged her hip and dislocated her thumb in the fall.
"Ms Knight's injuries mean a lot of her high-heeled shoes are now useless," she said. "She was a leading woman entrepreneur and over the years she has got a lot of posh shoes."
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