Sunday, April 25, 2010
Being a 'Dundee United'
From a BBC documentary about life in Lagos, Nigeria, a man uses the term Dundee United to refer to a stupid person.
For those that don't know, Dundee United is a Scottish football team.
For those that don't know, Dundee United is a Scottish football team.
Diner in Australia told gay dogs not welcome
A restaurant in a northwest suburb of Adelaide that refused a blind man entry because it thought his guide dog was "gay" was ordered by the Equal Opportunity Tribunal to pay him $1500.
Ian Jolly, 57, was barred from dining at the Thai Spice restaurant in May 2009 after a staff member mistook his guide dog Nudge for a "gay dog," a tribunal heard this week.
A statement given by restaurant owners Hong Hoa Thi To and Anh Hoang Le said one of the restaurant's waiters said that Mr Jolly's partner Ms Chris Lawrence stated "she wanted to bring a gay dog into the restaurant."
Mr Jolly and Ms Lawrence were refused entry to the restaurant - which displays a "guide dogs welcome" sign - even after providing staff with a guide dogs fact card.
At an Equal Opportunity Tribunal conciliation hearing on Friday, the restaurant agreed to provide Mr Jolly with a written apology and attend an Equal Opportunity education course, in addition to paying him $1500.
"The staff genuinely believed that Nudge was an ordinary pet dog which had been desexed to become a gay dog," a statement from the hearing said.
Many thanks Annemarie!
Ian Jolly, 57, was barred from dining at the Thai Spice restaurant in May 2009 after a staff member mistook his guide dog Nudge for a "gay dog," a tribunal heard this week.
A statement given by restaurant owners Hong Hoa Thi To and Anh Hoang Le said one of the restaurant's waiters said that Mr Jolly's partner Ms Chris Lawrence stated "she wanted to bring a gay dog into the restaurant."
Mr Jolly and Ms Lawrence were refused entry to the restaurant - which displays a "guide dogs welcome" sign - even after providing staff with a guide dogs fact card.
At an Equal Opportunity Tribunal conciliation hearing on Friday, the restaurant agreed to provide Mr Jolly with a written apology and attend an Equal Opportunity education course, in addition to paying him $1500.
"The staff genuinely believed that Nudge was an ordinary pet dog which had been desexed to become a gay dog," a statement from the hearing said.
Many thanks Annemarie!
Man sues sex shop who said he wasn't gay enough
A 30-year-old straight man says he was fired for not being gay, or gay enough, while working at Suzie's Adult Superstore in California.
Michael Beaton, 30, filed a lawsuit against Suzie's Adult Superstore. A plumber by trade, Michael says he couldn't find work in this tough economy, so he took the job at Suzie's.
"I was a security guard, cleaned up the premises, and did a little loss prevention work," he said. He says a manager recommended he apply for a sales job.
"I did the test. I did really good on the test, and a couple of months had gone by, and then I had gone back to the manager and asked him what was the deal. I was told flat out that I wasn't the 'gay boy' they were looking for; they were looking for someone who was more gay," explained Beaton.
Michael Beaton, 30, filed a lawsuit against Suzie's Adult Superstore. A plumber by trade, Michael says he couldn't find work in this tough economy, so he took the job at Suzie's.
"I was a security guard, cleaned up the premises, and did a little loss prevention work," he said. He says a manager recommended he apply for a sales job.
"I did the test. I did really good on the test, and a couple of months had gone by, and then I had gone back to the manager and asked him what was the deal. I was told flat out that I wasn't the 'gay boy' they were looking for; they were looking for someone who was more gay," explained Beaton.
Carrier pigeons to be used during today's Cuban elections
The use of carrier pigeons as an alternative means of communication in places distant from Cuban urban centres will be crucial in the elections to be held today. Eberto Borges, President of the Cuban Pigeon Federation (FCC) in the Cuban eastern province of Holguin, said that in previous years his organization coordinated the use of the birds in the elections with the municipal commissions to guarantee every Cuban its right to vote.
In each of the settlements or community located in faraway places, mainly in mountain areas, where the traditional communication means such as telephone lines don’t reach, the use of the carrier pigeons is required at election times. Borges said that each polling station that needs their services will have one of their associates with six pigeons from the minute they open the premises, to send the partial results to the headquarters.
Onix Cortes, a FCC member in the town of Cueto, said that on one occasion a carrier pigeon played an important role in the election in his territory. In a small town named El Saíto de Barajagua the day went smoothly until nightfall when the traditional communication system could not be used anymore, then they had to send a pigeon with the closing results of that polling station.
Otilio Batista, Borges’s counterpart in Holguin, said that in the elections they will use more than 500 pigeons throughout the country, including the mountainous areas of Sagua de Tánamo, Moa and Mayari. Pigeon breeding is a technique and a sport that involves training, breeding, selection and keeping of pigeons, especially the carrier ones, chosen for their aerial performance and ability to deliver messages and return home and not by the colour or variety of their plumage.
In each of the settlements or community located in faraway places, mainly in mountain areas, where the traditional communication means such as telephone lines don’t reach, the use of the carrier pigeons is required at election times. Borges said that each polling station that needs their services will have one of their associates with six pigeons from the minute they open the premises, to send the partial results to the headquarters.
Onix Cortes, a FCC member in the town of Cueto, said that on one occasion a carrier pigeon played an important role in the election in his territory. In a small town named El Saíto de Barajagua the day went smoothly until nightfall when the traditional communication system could not be used anymore, then they had to send a pigeon with the closing results of that polling station.
Otilio Batista, Borges’s counterpart in Holguin, said that in the elections they will use more than 500 pigeons throughout the country, including the mountainous areas of Sagua de Tánamo, Moa and Mayari. Pigeon breeding is a technique and a sport that involves training, breeding, selection and keeping of pigeons, especially the carrier ones, chosen for their aerial performance and ability to deliver messages and return home and not by the colour or variety of their plumage.
Police arrest woman suspected of urinating on clothes at Walmart
Police have found and arrested a woman suspected of urinating on clothes at a Walmart store in Cape Coral.
Christina Cifaldi, 22, of Cape Coral was charged with criminal mischief and property damage. Employees at the store on Del Prado Boulevard told officers that they saw her take $163 in clothes off the racks and go into a fitting room.
The employees told police that the woman then urinated on the clothes and left the store.
Police found Cifaldi because she left her wallet, with her driver’s licence, in the changing room along with the urine-soaked clothes. She was released from the Lee County Jail after paying $500 bail.
Christina Cifaldi, 22, of Cape Coral was charged with criminal mischief and property damage. Employees at the store on Del Prado Boulevard told officers that they saw her take $163 in clothes off the racks and go into a fitting room.
The employees told police that the woman then urinated on the clothes and left the store.
Police found Cifaldi because she left her wallet, with her driver’s licence, in the changing room along with the urine-soaked clothes. She was released from the Lee County Jail after paying $500 bail.
Armed woman perches in tree to prevent power company's limb trimming
A Texas woman says she doesn't want the electric company anywhere near her trees. Jeri Huber hasn't climbed a tree in 50 years, but she's planning to be up in her pecan tree on Monday morning, she's planning to protect it with a pellet gun. "That's how serious I take all this," she said while sitting in the tree in her manicured backyard. "I'm up in a tree."
Crews hired by Oncor Electric Delivery plan to trim back her pecan tree branches to keep them at least 10 feet from the power lines. After talking to Oncor and the tree-trimming subcontractor working for the power company, Huber said she'd rather have someone else cut the trees. "He said, 'Oh, all this is going to have to go. This is going to have to come back. It's 10 feet here, 10 feet there,'" Huber said. "They are not willing to work with you at all. They just kind of bully their way through this as if a homeowner has no rights."
Huber said the contractor told her they would trim the trees anyway, and she took that as a threat against her property. She says she doesn't plan on firing. "I just want it to look threatening," she said. "I would not be shooting anyone."
Huber says she has allowed Oncor to trim different trees in her yard in the past and understands the need to trim limbs near power lines, but she believes trimming the tree limbs 10 feet back could kill the trees. "They're going to be devastated," she said. "This one may die, this one over here may die, the others are going to look horrible. We all wants power. Power is very important, and I want it as much as anybody else, but what they do to trees is not necessary."
With news video.
Crews hired by Oncor Electric Delivery plan to trim back her pecan tree branches to keep them at least 10 feet from the power lines. After talking to Oncor and the tree-trimming subcontractor working for the power company, Huber said she'd rather have someone else cut the trees. "He said, 'Oh, all this is going to have to go. This is going to have to come back. It's 10 feet here, 10 feet there,'" Huber said. "They are not willing to work with you at all. They just kind of bully their way through this as if a homeowner has no rights."
Huber said the contractor told her they would trim the trees anyway, and she took that as a threat against her property. She says she doesn't plan on firing. "I just want it to look threatening," she said. "I would not be shooting anyone."
Huber says she has allowed Oncor to trim different trees in her yard in the past and understands the need to trim limbs near power lines, but she believes trimming the tree limbs 10 feet back could kill the trees. "They're going to be devastated," she said. "This one may die, this one over here may die, the others are going to look horrible. We all wants power. Power is very important, and I want it as much as anybody else, but what they do to trees is not necessary."
With news video.
Former teacher in court after students say he had inappropriate contact with them
Andrew Wildman Jr, 28, a former Cedar Cliff High School Civics teacher was arrested last week and charged with two counts of indecent assault, three counts of solicitation to commit indecent assault and eight counts of corruption of minors.
Lower Allen Township Police said Wildman acted inappropriately around eight of his female students. According to court documents, Wildman admitted to police he asked several of the girls to lick chalk, hand sanitizer and milkshake off his fingers for extra credit if they didn't tell anyone.
"He was their teacher and they respected him and it was difficult to face," said Senior Assistant Cumberland County District Attorney Matthew Smith.
Wildman's attorney says her client is maintaining his innocence. The District Attorney's office says this is still an on-going investigation. They encourage any other students who feel they may have been victims to contact Lower Allen Township Police.
With news video.
Lower Allen Township Police said Wildman acted inappropriately around eight of his female students. According to court documents, Wildman admitted to police he asked several of the girls to lick chalk, hand sanitizer and milkshake off his fingers for extra credit if they didn't tell anyone.
"He was their teacher and they respected him and it was difficult to face," said Senior Assistant Cumberland County District Attorney Matthew Smith.
Wildman's attorney says her client is maintaining his innocence. The District Attorney's office says this is still an on-going investigation. They encourage any other students who feel they may have been victims to contact Lower Allen Township Police.
With news video.
Police ban men with enlarged genitals
Forget about getting a job as a police officer in Indonesia's Papua if you have had your penis enlarged. You won't get it, according to the Papua police chief.
An applicant "will be asked whether or not his vital organ has been enlarged," said Papua police chief Bekto Suprapto said. "If he has, he will be considered unfit to join the police or the military."
The ban was applied since the unnatural size causes "hindrance during training," said police spokesman Zainuri Lubis in Jakarta. Indonesia's remote easternmost province is home to Papuan tribes, many of whom are known for wearing penis gourds.
Papuans use a local technique to achieve the enlargement, according to a sexologist, wrapping the penis with leaves from the "gatal-gatal" (itchy) tree so that it swells up "like it has been stung by a bee," the expert said.
An applicant "will be asked whether or not his vital organ has been enlarged," said Papua police chief Bekto Suprapto said. "If he has, he will be considered unfit to join the police or the military."
The ban was applied since the unnatural size causes "hindrance during training," said police spokesman Zainuri Lubis in Jakarta. Indonesia's remote easternmost province is home to Papuan tribes, many of whom are known for wearing penis gourds.
Papuans use a local technique to achieve the enlargement, according to a sexologist, wrapping the penis with leaves from the "gatal-gatal" (itchy) tree so that it swells up "like it has been stung by a bee," the expert said.
Court approves surgery for teenage girl to have testicles removed
The Australian Family Court has ordered that a 14-year-old girl can have surgery to remove two testicles. The court also approved other procedures to confirm her gender.
The parents of the girl, known in the case as "Sally", had to apply to the court for permission for the surgery after they discovered their daughter had a rare XY genotype, which meant she did not have a uterus but had two male gonads.
The court heard Sally had been an apparently healthy girl until she turned 11 and discovered two lumps, one of which was in her abdomen, and had other gender issues. Family Court judge Justice Peter Murphy said he took into account Sally's desire to have the surgery.
"It hurts sometimes, knowing I have this condition," she told the court. "Sometimes I blame myself, because I feel like I am not normal. Sometimes I get angry, even though I know why and how it happened."
The parents of the girl, known in the case as "Sally", had to apply to the court for permission for the surgery after they discovered their daughter had a rare XY genotype, which meant she did not have a uterus but had two male gonads.
The court heard Sally had been an apparently healthy girl until she turned 11 and discovered two lumps, one of which was in her abdomen, and had other gender issues. Family Court judge Justice Peter Murphy said he took into account Sally's desire to have the surgery.
"It hurts sometimes, knowing I have this condition," she told the court. "Sometimes I blame myself, because I feel like I am not normal. Sometimes I get angry, even though I know why and how it happened."
World's first leg transplant to be given go ahead
The world's first leg transplant is to take place this summer. The breakthrough operation could offer hope to millions of amputees and injured war veterans. Health chiefs in Spain are expected to give surgeon Pedro Cavadas the go-ahead for the pioneering operation next month. The news comes just a day after it emerged surgeons in Barcelona had performed the world's first full-face transplant.
Cavadas, who has already carried out a partial face transplant and three arm transplants, plans to perform a double leg transplant using limbs from a dead donor. The unnamed recipient, who would otherwise face life in a wheelchair, had both legs amputated above the knee after an accident. Spain's National Transplant Organization (ONT), which has studied the request, has already indicated its support.
The country's regional health chiefs will decide whether to approve the operation at a meeting at the end of May. Medics will then alert hospitals nationwide to try to identify a donor. The operation is expected to take place in the summer at La Fe Hospital in Valencia. It will give hope to soldiers who have had legs amputated after falling victim to roadside bombs in places like Afghanistan.
Rafael Matesanz, President of the ONT, said: 'My impression on Dr Cavadas' dossier is favourable and that the operation will be approved as the world's first leg transplant.' Mr Matesanz claimed leg transplants were less complicated than face transplants but had a 'limited clinical justification'. 'In our view a person who has lost a leg is much better off with an artificial limb than a transplant which involves a complicated operation, a long period of rehabilitation and lifelong medication to prevent rejection of the new limb,' he said.
Cavadas, who has already carried out a partial face transplant and three arm transplants, plans to perform a double leg transplant using limbs from a dead donor. The unnamed recipient, who would otherwise face life in a wheelchair, had both legs amputated above the knee after an accident. Spain's National Transplant Organization (ONT), which has studied the request, has already indicated its support.
The country's regional health chiefs will decide whether to approve the operation at a meeting at the end of May. Medics will then alert hospitals nationwide to try to identify a donor. The operation is expected to take place in the summer at La Fe Hospital in Valencia. It will give hope to soldiers who have had legs amputated after falling victim to roadside bombs in places like Afghanistan.
Rafael Matesanz, President of the ONT, said: 'My impression on Dr Cavadas' dossier is favourable and that the operation will be approved as the world's first leg transplant.' Mr Matesanz claimed leg transplants were less complicated than face transplants but had a 'limited clinical justification'. 'In our view a person who has lost a leg is much better off with an artificial limb than a transplant which involves a complicated operation, a long period of rehabilitation and lifelong medication to prevent rejection of the new limb,' he said.
US man chooses firing squad death
A convicted murderer in the US state of Utah has chosen to be executed by firing squad.
When given a choice between lethal injection or being shot, Ronnie Lee Gardner told the judge: "I would like the firing squad, please."
Of the 35 US states that have the death penalty, Utah is the only one to give firing squads as an option.
Critics say the method is a relic from the state's Wild West past and should be abolished.
When given a choice between lethal injection or being shot, Ronnie Lee Gardner told the judge: "I would like the firing squad, please."
Of the 35 US states that have the death penalty, Utah is the only one to give firing squads as an option.
Critics say the method is a relic from the state's Wild West past and should be abolished.
Workers find runaway teen who secretly lived in bedding store for days
A 15-year-old runaway Roseville teen who spent four nights inside a Bed, Bath and Beyond store is undergoing psychiatric exams at a juvenile detention centre. The teen was charged on Friday with larceny and one count of home truancy.
His adopted mother refused to post a personal bond because she said she feared the teen would run away again - for the seventh time.
Investigators said the boy ran away from home on Sunday and walked into the store near Gratiot Avenue and 13 Mile Road just before closing. He went undetected for four nights as employees locked up the store for the night.
Police said the boy found a blanket from a shelf to stay warm and then took shelter under a riser. They said the boy would eat peanuts and food he found on the store's shelf and go to the bathroom in a pop bottle.
With news video.
His adopted mother refused to post a personal bond because she said she feared the teen would run away again - for the seventh time.
Investigators said the boy ran away from home on Sunday and walked into the store near Gratiot Avenue and 13 Mile Road just before closing. He went undetected for four nights as employees locked up the store for the night.
Police said the boy found a blanket from a shelf to stay warm and then took shelter under a riser. They said the boy would eat peanuts and food he found on the store's shelf and go to the bathroom in a pop bottle.
With news video.
Australian church's joy and dancing banned
A small western Sydney church has been hit with a $3000 fine by the local council because its choir was singing too loudly and some choristers were caught dancing.
Council officers raided the Granville church and were alarmed to discover choir members dancing in the carpark and the door of the church open an hour after it was supposed to be closed.
The council claims the church violated the conditions of its development consent by being too noisy and hosting activities outside its approved "hours of operation", which are supposed to end at 9pm.
A spokesman said: "During a site inspection conducted at 10pm on December 3, 2009, the following observations were made: Three males were observed walking up the driveway on the northern side of the premises, towards the kitchen area; a large group of people were observed dancing in the basement carpark area; and the front door of the premises was open."
The dispute has gone all the way to the office of Treasurer Eric Roozendaal, who has been asked by his fellow minister David Borger to show mercy to the musical Christians and waive the penalty.
Local MP Mr Borger is lobbying Mr Roozendaal to have the controversial fine waived. "In considering the difficulties the church faces in balancing their community activities with their impact on their neighbours, I would suggest that strong consideration be given to the waiving of the fine and the issuing of a stern warning," he said.
Council officers raided the Granville church and were alarmed to discover choir members dancing in the carpark and the door of the church open an hour after it was supposed to be closed.
The council claims the church violated the conditions of its development consent by being too noisy and hosting activities outside its approved "hours of operation", which are supposed to end at 9pm.
A spokesman said: "During a site inspection conducted at 10pm on December 3, 2009, the following observations were made: Three males were observed walking up the driveway on the northern side of the premises, towards the kitchen area; a large group of people were observed dancing in the basement carpark area; and the front door of the premises was open."
The dispute has gone all the way to the office of Treasurer Eric Roozendaal, who has been asked by his fellow minister David Borger to show mercy to the musical Christians and waive the penalty.
Local MP Mr Borger is lobbying Mr Roozendaal to have the controversial fine waived. "In considering the difficulties the church faces in balancing their community activities with their impact on their neighbours, I would suggest that strong consideration be given to the waiving of the fine and the issuing of a stern warning," he said.
Baby squirrel cuts head in fall from tree
Baby squirrel Crunchy cut his head when he fell off the branch he was sitting on as a tree surgeon sawed through his tree.
He escaped serious injury and is now recovering at the Wildlife Aid centre in Leatherhead, Surrey.
He escaped serious injury and is now recovering at the Wildlife Aid centre in Leatherhead, Surrey.
Nine-bin recycling system introduced
Families are being forced to separate their rubbish into nine different bins in order to meet tough recycling targets. Households have been told to separate cardboard from paper, and plastic bottles from glass, tins and aerosols.
The regulations have prompted fierce criticism, with people complaining that the scheme is too confusing and their homes do not have space for the various different bins and bags. The new bin system by Newcastle-under-Lyme Council, north Staffordshire, includes a silver slop bucket for food waste, which is then emptied into a larger, green outdoor bin.
Graphic from here. Click for bigger.
There is a pink bag for plastic bottles, a blue box for glass, foil, tins and aerosols, a green bag for cardboard and blue bags for paper and magazines. Clothing and textiles go in a white bag, garden waste in a wheelie bin with a brown lid and non-recyclable waste in a separate grey wheelie bin.
If successful, the scheme – which is more rigorous than any previous recycling standards expected of households – is likely to be adopted by councils up and down the country.
The regulations have prompted fierce criticism, with people complaining that the scheme is too confusing and their homes do not have space for the various different bins and bags. The new bin system by Newcastle-under-Lyme Council, north Staffordshire, includes a silver slop bucket for food waste, which is then emptied into a larger, green outdoor bin.
Graphic from here. Click for bigger.
There is a pink bag for plastic bottles, a blue box for glass, foil, tins and aerosols, a green bag for cardboard and blue bags for paper and magazines. Clothing and textiles go in a white bag, garden waste in a wheelie bin with a brown lid and non-recyclable waste in a separate grey wheelie bin.
If successful, the scheme – which is more rigorous than any previous recycling standards expected of households – is likely to be adopted by councils up and down the country.
Foreign Office apologises for Pope 'condom' memo
The Government has apologised to the Pope over official documents that mocked his forthcoming visit to Britain by suggesting he should bless a gay marriage and even launch Papal-branded condoms. The proposals were contained in secret papers drawn up earlier this month by civil servants following a 'brainstorm’.
The ideas, included in a memo headed 'The ideal visit would see ...’, ridiculed the Catholic Church’s teachings including its opposition to abortion, homosexual behaviour and contraception. Many appeared to be deliberately provocative rather than a serious attempt to plan an itinerary for the September visit.
The proposals, which were then circulated among key officials in Downing Street and Whitehall, also include the Pope opening an abortion ward; spending the night in a council flat in Bradford; doing forward rolls with children to promote healthy living; and even performing a duet with the Queen.
In reference to the hugely sensitive issue of child abuse engulfing the Catholic Church, the Government document suggests that the Pope should take a “harder line on child abuse – announce sacking of dodgy bishops” and “launch helpline for abused children”.
The document was sent out by a junior Foreign Office civil servant with a covering note admitting that some of the plans were “far-fetched”. Recipients of the memo were furious at its content and an investigation was launched. One senior official was found responsible and has been transferred to other duties.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “This is clearly a foolish document that does not in any way reflect UK Government or Foreign Office policy or views. Many of the ideas in the document are clearly ill-judged, naive and disrespectful”. (No change there then).
The ideas, included in a memo headed 'The ideal visit would see ...’, ridiculed the Catholic Church’s teachings including its opposition to abortion, homosexual behaviour and contraception. Many appeared to be deliberately provocative rather than a serious attempt to plan an itinerary for the September visit.
The proposals, which were then circulated among key officials in Downing Street and Whitehall, also include the Pope opening an abortion ward; spending the night in a council flat in Bradford; doing forward rolls with children to promote healthy living; and even performing a duet with the Queen.
In reference to the hugely sensitive issue of child abuse engulfing the Catholic Church, the Government document suggests that the Pope should take a “harder line on child abuse – announce sacking of dodgy bishops” and “launch helpline for abused children”.
The document was sent out by a junior Foreign Office civil servant with a covering note admitting that some of the plans were “far-fetched”. Recipients of the memo were furious at its content and an investigation was launched. One senior official was found responsible and has been transferred to other duties.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: “This is clearly a foolish document that does not in any way reflect UK Government or Foreign Office policy or views. Many of the ideas in the document are clearly ill-judged, naive and disrespectful”. (No change there then).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)