Click for bigger.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Deceased gorilla recounts his mother's death
Silverback gorilla, Michael, learned sign language and passed away in 2000 at the young age of 27. There is now the Michael Sanctuary in Cameroon, Africa (Mefou National Park) for bushmeat-orphaned gorillas.
YouTube link.
YouTube link.
Mayor defends participants in Bulgarian dog spinning ritual
Village elders are in a spin after they were subjected to a hate campaign demanding they stop the annual dog spin aimed to drive away evil spirits before the spring arrives. The bizarre ritual involves local hounds being tied to a rope stretched over a river which is then wound up tight and released causing animals to spin down into the water. The terrified pooches reached such high speeds that by the time the land in the river they are unable to swim and many drown. But after a video of the event was posted on the Internet locals say they have become the target of an international hate campaign centred on Facebook .
The dog spin event is the culmination of a four day celebration in the village of Brodilovo, in the southeastern Bulgarian region of Strandzha near the border with Turkey. It was held to mark 133 years of independence from the Ottoman empire. In the video you can see how the dogs are "hanged" with a rope tied across the chest and then pulled over the river. The rope is then twisted repeatedly and the dogs would spin madly on their way down to the water. The spinning leaves the dogs disoriented, and sometimes they would drown in the process.
Video contains graphic footage.
YouTube link.
Brodilovo mayor Petko Arnaoudov said he had banned the ritual in 2006, but he could not stop rogue elements in the village from still carrying it out believing that the failure last year to hold the event was to blame for a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak which struck in the area for the first time in 12 years. "You cannot stop a traditional custom with a simple order," Arnaoudov said. "I gave this order only because animal rights organizations caused a fuss back then, but I am backing the villagers now. It's an old tradition, and we have to preserve our traditions.
"Almost every year, since I was a child in 1950s, I am present at the ritual. I am 61-old now." Local historians and ethnologists say that the ritual dates back to 10 century BC. Yavor Gechev, coordinator of local animal rights protection organization 'Four Paws', said, 'It's a tradition originated in a times of ignorance. In 16 and 17 century fights between bears and dogs were very popular in London, but now they do not exist. So, the people who say that the ritual is an ancient one, and is part of our cultural inheritance are talking nonsense."
The dog spin event is the culmination of a four day celebration in the village of Brodilovo, in the southeastern Bulgarian region of Strandzha near the border with Turkey. It was held to mark 133 years of independence from the Ottoman empire. In the video you can see how the dogs are "hanged" with a rope tied across the chest and then pulled over the river. The rope is then twisted repeatedly and the dogs would spin madly on their way down to the water. The spinning leaves the dogs disoriented, and sometimes they would drown in the process.
Video contains graphic footage.
YouTube link.
Brodilovo mayor Petko Arnaoudov said he had banned the ritual in 2006, but he could not stop rogue elements in the village from still carrying it out believing that the failure last year to hold the event was to blame for a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak which struck in the area for the first time in 12 years. "You cannot stop a traditional custom with a simple order," Arnaoudov said. "I gave this order only because animal rights organizations caused a fuss back then, but I am backing the villagers now. It's an old tradition, and we have to preserve our traditions.
"Almost every year, since I was a child in 1950s, I am present at the ritual. I am 61-old now." Local historians and ethnologists say that the ritual dates back to 10 century BC. Yavor Gechev, coordinator of local animal rights protection organization 'Four Paws', said, 'It's a tradition originated in a times of ignorance. In 16 and 17 century fights between bears and dogs were very popular in London, but now they do not exist. So, the people who say that the ritual is an ancient one, and is part of our cultural inheritance are talking nonsense."
Family find Jesus in a tree
The Norton family says an image of Jesus is engraved in a tree in their front yard, right where a limb once was. "I noticed the hair and then the beard and then it came together," said 12-year-old Bella Norton. "I think that is Jesus," said Bella's mother, Lamya Norton.
The family lives along Youngblood Street in McLean. Lamya said she had a tree trimmer cut the branch about six weeks ago. "It turned white," she said the image appeared gradually. She said her husband noticed it first weeks ago. She didn't want to believe it, but on Ash Wednesday, she looked out her dining room window and saw it clear as day. "It was a little emotional for me," Lamya said.
Lamya's mother, Marion Alany, used to own the house before selling it to her daughter. Alany said the tree has always been there, and now she believes Jesus has too. "I had breast cancer," said Alany. "But everything is fine and I'm doing well...There are bigger things in life, and just to go with the flow."
Lamya is now sharing her discovery with her six children. "It's a sign that we're all safe and it's, everybody is loved in our family," said Bella. Norton says she even called her priest. "Of course, my priest reminded me maybe it's a reminder you should be coming to church more," she said.
The family lives along Youngblood Street in McLean. Lamya said she had a tree trimmer cut the branch about six weeks ago. "It turned white," she said the image appeared gradually. She said her husband noticed it first weeks ago. She didn't want to believe it, but on Ash Wednesday, she looked out her dining room window and saw it clear as day. "It was a little emotional for me," Lamya said.
Lamya's mother, Marion Alany, used to own the house before selling it to her daughter. Alany said the tree has always been there, and now she believes Jesus has too. "I had breast cancer," said Alany. "But everything is fine and I'm doing well...There are bigger things in life, and just to go with the flow."
Lamya is now sharing her discovery with her six children. "It's a sign that we're all safe and it's, everybody is loved in our family," said Bella. Norton says she even called her priest. "Of course, my priest reminded me maybe it's a reminder you should be coming to church more," she said.
Burger King boss insults British women and food
The global boss of the fast food empire Burger King has had to apologise after he told a group of American students that British women were unattractive and that English food was "terrible".
In unguarded comments, Burger King's chief executive, Bernardo Hees, offered a none too fond account of his younger days studying for an MBA at the University of Warwick, recalling that there were few distractions to put him off his studies. "The food is terrible and the women are not very attractive," said Hees, who quickly switched to flattery to charm his audience in Chicago. "Here in Chicago, the food is good and you are known for your good-looking women."
A Brazilian-born former railway executive, Hees took the helm of Burger King's 11,500-strong worldwide restaurant chain in September, shortly after the company had been bought for $4bn by a Brazilian private equity firm, 3G Capital. Aged 40 and with no experience in food service, he was a surprise choice to lead the chain. Hees's remark, which was reported by the University of Chicago's student newspaper, the Chicago Maroon, has raised hackles both among female students and British chefs.
"If he views women as potential distractions in academia, I wonder how he views them in the workplace?" asked Charli Fritzner, women's campaigns officer at Warwick University's student union. "It doesn't make Burger King an attractive employer for women." Burger King said its chief executive regretted his remarks on Britain: "Mr Hees apologises if his comment has offended anyone. It... was intended as a humorous anecdote to connect with his audience."
In unguarded comments, Burger King's chief executive, Bernardo Hees, offered a none too fond account of his younger days studying for an MBA at the University of Warwick, recalling that there were few distractions to put him off his studies. "The food is terrible and the women are not very attractive," said Hees, who quickly switched to flattery to charm his audience in Chicago. "Here in Chicago, the food is good and you are known for your good-looking women."
A Brazilian-born former railway executive, Hees took the helm of Burger King's 11,500-strong worldwide restaurant chain in September, shortly after the company had been bought for $4bn by a Brazilian private equity firm, 3G Capital. Aged 40 and with no experience in food service, he was a surprise choice to lead the chain. Hees's remark, which was reported by the University of Chicago's student newspaper, the Chicago Maroon, has raised hackles both among female students and British chefs.
"If he views women as potential distractions in academia, I wonder how he views them in the workplace?" asked Charli Fritzner, women's campaigns officer at Warwick University's student union. "It doesn't make Burger King an attractive employer for women." Burger King said its chief executive regretted his remarks on Britain: "Mr Hees apologises if his comment has offended anyone. It... was intended as a humorous anecdote to connect with his audience."
Japan tsunami survivor found 10 miles out at sea
A 60-year-old man has been found on the roof of his floating house nearly 10 miles out at sea, two days after the tsunami that devastated the north-east coast of Japan. Hiromitsu Shinkawa must have resigned himself to his fate when he was swept away by the retreating tsunami that roared ashore in his home town of Minami Soma in Fukushima prefecture.
As the wave approached, Shinkawa took the fateful decision to return home to collect belongings. Minutes later he was out at sea clinging to a piece of the roof from his own home. Incredibly, he was spotted by a maritime self-defence force destroyer taking part in the rescue effort as he clung to the wreckage with one hand and waved a self-made red flag with the other. He had been at sea for two days.
Reports said that on being handed a drink aboard the rescue boat, Shinkawa gulped it down and immediately burst into tears. His wife, with whom he had returned home as the tsunami approached, is still missing. He was quoted as saying: "No helicopters or boats that came nearby noticed me. I thought that day was going to be the last day of my life."
YouTube link.
Officials said Shinkawa was in good condition after being taken to hospital by helicopter. "I ran away after I heard a tsunami was coming," he said. "But I turned back to fetch something from home and was swept away. I was rescued while hanging on to the roof of my house." The self-defence forces said the good weather and calm waters had allowed Shinkawa to stay alive during his 48-hour drift.
As the wave approached, Shinkawa took the fateful decision to return home to collect belongings. Minutes later he was out at sea clinging to a piece of the roof from his own home. Incredibly, he was spotted by a maritime self-defence force destroyer taking part in the rescue effort as he clung to the wreckage with one hand and waved a self-made red flag with the other. He had been at sea for two days.
Reports said that on being handed a drink aboard the rescue boat, Shinkawa gulped it down and immediately burst into tears. His wife, with whom he had returned home as the tsunami approached, is still missing. He was quoted as saying: "No helicopters or boats that came nearby noticed me. I thought that day was going to be the last day of my life."
YouTube link.
Officials said Shinkawa was in good condition after being taken to hospital by helicopter. "I ran away after I heard a tsunami was coming," he said. "But I turned back to fetch something from home and was swept away. I was rescued while hanging on to the roof of my house." The self-defence forces said the good weather and calm waters had allowed Shinkawa to stay alive during his 48-hour drift.
Mother charged £40 'soiling fee' after giving birth in back of taxi
A new mother was forced to pay a £40 'soiling fee' on top of her journey costs - after giving birth in the back of a taxi. Mellisa Crosdale, 22, was left stunned after her cab driver demanded she cough up the money after her waters broke on the back seat. And despite Mellisa screaming in agony during the birth of her daughter - the driver simply sat there with his eyes glued to the ticking meter. She said: 'It's lucky it was a quick birth - else I could have faced paying a small fortune.
'It was unbelievable, he just sat there and didn't even turn round to check on what was happening. All he did was stare at the meter, he didn't even offer to help once. It's disgusting the way I was treated. My baby was still attached to the umbilical cord and it was five to ten minutes before the paramedics arrived - then another 15 to 20 until I was put in the ambulance. But he still insisted I had to pay him the money there and then. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.'
Mellisa was eight-and-a-half months pregnant when she began having contractions at her sister's house in Coventry in the early hours of Thursday. She rang local taxi firm Central Taxis to take her three-year-old son Ewen to her father's house before rushing her to University Hospital with her sister. But while on the way, her waters broke and she gave birth to her daughter Rowena who weighed 6lb 8oz.She added: 'I'd been having contractions and I didn't know what to do so I phoned for Central Taxis as I have used them for years.
'While on the way to hospital my waters broke - I was down on my hands and knees pushing and screaming. The baby was already there before we got to the hospital so paramedics had to come to us. I couldn't stop laughing at first I thought it was so funny - I kept saying to myself "I've just given birth in the back of a taxi" it was all so surreal. But then I started to feel angry - I felt really exposed just sat there. He only got out of the taxi once when I thought he was coming to help but he just called someone on his phone.' Mellisa was charged £14 for the journey and a further £40 soiling fee.
'It was unbelievable, he just sat there and didn't even turn round to check on what was happening. All he did was stare at the meter, he didn't even offer to help once. It's disgusting the way I was treated. My baby was still attached to the umbilical cord and it was five to ten minutes before the paramedics arrived - then another 15 to 20 until I was put in the ambulance. But he still insisted I had to pay him the money there and then. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.'
Mellisa was eight-and-a-half months pregnant when she began having contractions at her sister's house in Coventry in the early hours of Thursday. She rang local taxi firm Central Taxis to take her three-year-old son Ewen to her father's house before rushing her to University Hospital with her sister. But while on the way, her waters broke and she gave birth to her daughter Rowena who weighed 6lb 8oz.She added: 'I'd been having contractions and I didn't know what to do so I phoned for Central Taxis as I have used them for years.
'While on the way to hospital my waters broke - I was down on my hands and knees pushing and screaming. The baby was already there before we got to the hospital so paramedics had to come to us. I couldn't stop laughing at first I thought it was so funny - I kept saying to myself "I've just given birth in the back of a taxi" it was all so surreal. But then I started to feel angry - I felt really exposed just sat there. He only got out of the taxi once when I thought he was coming to help but he just called someone on his phone.' Mellisa was charged £14 for the journey and a further £40 soiling fee.
Serial insurance fraudster who shot himself jailed
An insurance fraudster who shot himself in the chest as part of string of scams has been jailed for six-and-a-half years at Caernarfon Crown Court. Philip Morris, 46, from Corwen, Denbighshire, needed an emergency operation to remove a bullet after the incident last year. It sparked a major police hunt, until Morris confessed he was the gunman.
He pleaded guilty to perverting justice, four other insurance frauds and possessing an illegal firearm. The insurance scams dating back to 1995 began to unravel when an ambulance was called to an area near a hotel in Llangollen on 19 May, 2010. Morris was discovered with a bullet wound to his right shoulder and chest. He claimed he had been shot by an unknown assailant as he stood by his vehicle close to the Chainbridge Hotel.
A modified .22 rifle was recovered nearby. In response, North Wales Police treated the shooting as an attempted murder case, launching a major operation that involved detectives, firearms officers and the police helicopter. Morris needed surgery to remove the bullet and spent several days in the high dependency unit at Wrexham's Maelor Hospital. It was there that he finally confessed to police that he had shot himself with the antique rifle that he had acquired at a car boot sale.
But initially he claimed that the shooting was a failed attempt to take his own life, and he had made up the gunman story out of embarrassment. Jailing Morris, Judge Merfyn Hughes QC told him: "You were very lucky indeed to have survived what was a life-threatening injury. The clear purpose of what you did that day would appear to be primarily to obtain compensation but also to attract attention to yourself."
He pleaded guilty to perverting justice, four other insurance frauds and possessing an illegal firearm. The insurance scams dating back to 1995 began to unravel when an ambulance was called to an area near a hotel in Llangollen on 19 May, 2010. Morris was discovered with a bullet wound to his right shoulder and chest. He claimed he had been shot by an unknown assailant as he stood by his vehicle close to the Chainbridge Hotel.
A modified .22 rifle was recovered nearby. In response, North Wales Police treated the shooting as an attempted murder case, launching a major operation that involved detectives, firearms officers and the police helicopter. Morris needed surgery to remove the bullet and spent several days in the high dependency unit at Wrexham's Maelor Hospital. It was there that he finally confessed to police that he had shot himself with the antique rifle that he had acquired at a car boot sale.
But initially he claimed that the shooting was a failed attempt to take his own life, and he had made up the gunman story out of embarrassment. Jailing Morris, Judge Merfyn Hughes QC told him: "You were very lucky indeed to have survived what was a life-threatening injury. The clear purpose of what you did that day would appear to be primarily to obtain compensation but also to attract attention to yourself."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)