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Friday, April 01, 2011
Teenagers warned of risks from 'vodka tampon' use
Police in southern Germany warned this week of a dangerous new form of alcohol abuse among teens – using tampons soaked in vodka to get drunk quickly and hide the smell. The practice poses grave health risks, they said. Police in the Baden-Württemburg city of Tuttlingen have responded to growing online chatter among teenagers that they could become intoxicated using the vodka tampons without having alcohol on their breath.
This is not true, police said, denying that it was an effective way to get drunk. They also warned girls that the alcohol could damage vaginal walls and increase the risk of infection. Boys have reportedly also been using tampons anally. “I believe this is very dangerous,” head of a children’s clinic in Singen said last week. “For us this is a new thing.”
In early March a 14-year-old girl collapsed during a street festival in Konstanz, apparently highly intoxicated from using a vodka tampon. Youth researchers have since found out that this form of alcohol abuse is trendy in the region. But teens who believe they can hide the smell of alcohol consumption are wrong, experts said.
The development shows a new dimension for alcohol abuse among teens, county social worker Axel Goßner said. “Alcohol is no longer a stimulant, but a means to an end,” he said. The trend arose among teens in the United States, where it is known as “slimming.” But it has reportedly caught on in Scandinavia and other places where alcohol is difficult for young people to acquire.
This is not true, police said, denying that it was an effective way to get drunk. They also warned girls that the alcohol could damage vaginal walls and increase the risk of infection. Boys have reportedly also been using tampons anally. “I believe this is very dangerous,” head of a children’s clinic in Singen said last week. “For us this is a new thing.”
In early March a 14-year-old girl collapsed during a street festival in Konstanz, apparently highly intoxicated from using a vodka tampon. Youth researchers have since found out that this form of alcohol abuse is trendy in the region. But teens who believe they can hide the smell of alcohol consumption are wrong, experts said.
The development shows a new dimension for alcohol abuse among teens, county social worker Axel Goßner said. “Alcohol is no longer a stimulant, but a means to an end,” he said. The trend arose among teens in the United States, where it is known as “slimming.” But it has reportedly caught on in Scandinavia and other places where alcohol is difficult for young people to acquire.
Condom recycling highlights gaps in HIV prevention programming
Media images of men in northern Kenya washing condoms for re-use have underscored the need to improve HIV communication and close gaps in the supply of condoms in rural areas. Local TV channels recently showed images of men in Isiolo, in rural northern Kenya, washing condoms and hanging them out to dry; the men said the price of condoms meant they could not afford to use them just once. Other men in the village said when they had no access to condoms, they used polythene bags and even cloth rags when having sex.
Male condoms are intended for single use; washing and re-using them weakens the latex, increasing the chances of breakage and in turn, the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Washing condoms in dirty water may also carry additional disease risk. Condoms are free at government health centres, but in rural Kenya these are few and far between and supplies unreliable.
Hosea Motoro, 37, knows he risks infecting his wife of seven years with HIV if he does not use a condom. "I know I am positive but I don't want to give my wife HIV and I know if I use a condom, she is safe. We also don’t want any children because we already have five and that is enough for us," he said. Motoro usually walks the 5km to his nearest health centre for condoms, but on occasion finds them out of stock.
YouTube link.
"When you go and you are lucky to get [condoms], you use, then you wash and use another time," he added. "But the washed one is very difficult to put on and I don't know if it protects like the new one." His wife Josephine says sex with a used condom is unpleasant, but believes it is better than no condom at all. "It feels rough but what do you do when you know he is positive - you don't want to get HIV and you also have to give him sex," she said.
Male condoms are intended for single use; washing and re-using them weakens the latex, increasing the chances of breakage and in turn, the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Washing condoms in dirty water may also carry additional disease risk. Condoms are free at government health centres, but in rural Kenya these are few and far between and supplies unreliable.
Hosea Motoro, 37, knows he risks infecting his wife of seven years with HIV if he does not use a condom. "I know I am positive but I don't want to give my wife HIV and I know if I use a condom, she is safe. We also don’t want any children because we already have five and that is enough for us," he said. Motoro usually walks the 5km to his nearest health centre for condoms, but on occasion finds them out of stock.
YouTube link.
"When you go and you are lucky to get [condoms], you use, then you wash and use another time," he added. "But the washed one is very difficult to put on and I don't know if it protects like the new one." His wife Josephine says sex with a used condom is unpleasant, but believes it is better than no condom at all. "It feels rough but what do you do when you know he is positive - you don't want to get HIV and you also have to give him sex," she said.
Fire station is a potential fire hazard
One Chillicothe firefighter has new job duties on each shift - walking around the firehouse to make sure the place isn't on fire.
Chillicothe Fire Station No.1, the only one staffed in the city following budget cuts, is officially considered a potential fire hazard.
The fire-detection and alarm system at the main station downtown on Water Street hasn't worked for at least a year, perhaps longer. And, the sprinkler system had not been inspected.
To avoid being ordered to vacate its only station, the department now must assign firefighters - who can perform no other duties - to a 24/7 "fire watch."
Chillicothe Fire Station No.1, the only one staffed in the city following budget cuts, is officially considered a potential fire hazard.
The fire-detection and alarm system at the main station downtown on Water Street hasn't worked for at least a year, perhaps longer. And, the sprinkler system had not been inspected.
To avoid being ordered to vacate its only station, the department now must assign firefighters - who can perform no other duties - to a 24/7 "fire watch."
Escaped raccoon gives rescuers the runaround in Russia
Police and firefighters in Kaliningrad, Russia require several attempts to capture a raccoon who had escaped from a local zoo. Initially the mammal made it's way to the highest branches of a tree, making it virtually impossible for rescue workers to reach.
On what was an unlikely call-out poilce and firemen then tried various options to coax the escapee down. First off - in a seemingly ill-thought out idea - they shook the tree hoping to catch the falling raccoon in a blanket. Fortunately the animal, for its own sake, managed to cling on.
YouTube link.
Next up a firefighter attempted to climb the tree in question but that soon proved to be fruitless as the branch the raccoon occupied wasn't strong enough to hold a man. Finally rescue workers managed to pull the branch down to the ground but the defiant raccoon simply ran away prompting hilarious scenes as the emergency services gave chase.
After the intrepid mammal climbed another tree the increasingly frustrated rescuers turned to special equipment including a fire engine, a net and a noose. But the situation detiorated still further when what had seemed like a certain successful attempt failed yet again when the raccoon bit the rescue workers after being caught, once again fleeing. Next time round the raccoon's freedom was finally curtailed as his captors quickly netted him. Returned to the zoo, the mischievous mammal is said to be recovering well.
On what was an unlikely call-out poilce and firemen then tried various options to coax the escapee down. First off - in a seemingly ill-thought out idea - they shook the tree hoping to catch the falling raccoon in a blanket. Fortunately the animal, for its own sake, managed to cling on.
YouTube link.
Next up a firefighter attempted to climb the tree in question but that soon proved to be fruitless as the branch the raccoon occupied wasn't strong enough to hold a man. Finally rescue workers managed to pull the branch down to the ground but the defiant raccoon simply ran away prompting hilarious scenes as the emergency services gave chase.
After the intrepid mammal climbed another tree the increasingly frustrated rescuers turned to special equipment including a fire engine, a net and a noose. But the situation detiorated still further when what had seemed like a certain successful attempt failed yet again when the raccoon bit the rescue workers after being caught, once again fleeing. Next time round the raccoon's freedom was finally curtailed as his captors quickly netted him. Returned to the zoo, the mischievous mammal is said to be recovering well.
Man killed by 'sexual sweetness'
A Malawian man who collapsed and died while having sex with a prostitute was killed by “sexual sweetness”, a police spokeswoman said.
Fletcher Jere picked the hooker from the Ndirande suburb of the capital, Blantyre, “to quench his libido”. But he suddenly collapsed and fell off a bed after a steamy sex romp with the prostitute.
Police spokeswoman Edina Ligowe said: “Jere died of too much sexual excitement and sweetness. The sex worker will not be prosecuted because she committed no crime by being too sweet for the man.”
Medical experts say the man may have died of cardiogenic shock - a condition in which the heart fails to supply blood to the rest of the body. This can be caused by “dangerous heart rhythms”. Most likely, the experts say, Jere had an underlying heart defect.
Many thanks Neil!
Fletcher Jere picked the hooker from the Ndirande suburb of the capital, Blantyre, “to quench his libido”. But he suddenly collapsed and fell off a bed after a steamy sex romp with the prostitute.
Police spokeswoman Edina Ligowe said: “Jere died of too much sexual excitement and sweetness. The sex worker will not be prosecuted because she committed no crime by being too sweet for the man.”
Medical experts say the man may have died of cardiogenic shock - a condition in which the heart fails to supply blood to the rest of the body. This can be caused by “dangerous heart rhythms”. Most likely, the experts say, Jere had an underlying heart defect.
Many thanks Neil!
Woman is addicted to eating sofas
When Adele Edwards is hungry, she doesn’t bother with the kitchen. She just heads straight for the furniture. Her bizarre diet is killing her but she says she just can’t stop.
Incredibly, the mother-of five from Florida can’t stop eating household items, such as rubbers and elastic bands. But her favourite snack is the polyester filling from sofa cushions. To her, man-made foam is more delicious than biscuits or cakes.
Adele, 30, is suffering from recognised medical condition, Pica. Having munched her way through eight sofas and five chairs, she estimates that she’s digested nearly 16st of synthetic foam in her lifetime.
YouTube link.
She simply can’t stop and now she’s terrified of eating herself into an early grave. In recent months, she’s had emergency treatment for intestinal obstruction after eating chunks of polyester foam which she refers to simply as “cushion”. Doctors have warned that she will leave her children motherless if she doesn’t give up, but she says she’s powerless to stop.
Incredibly, the mother-of five from Florida can’t stop eating household items, such as rubbers and elastic bands. But her favourite snack is the polyester filling from sofa cushions. To her, man-made foam is more delicious than biscuits or cakes.
Adele, 30, is suffering from recognised medical condition, Pica. Having munched her way through eight sofas and five chairs, she estimates that she’s digested nearly 16st of synthetic foam in her lifetime.
YouTube link.
She simply can’t stop and now she’s terrified of eating herself into an early grave. In recent months, she’s had emergency treatment for intestinal obstruction after eating chunks of polyester foam which she refers to simply as “cushion”. Doctors have warned that she will leave her children motherless if she doesn’t give up, but she says she’s powerless to stop.
Portugal sells Cristiano Ronaldo to Spain in €160m deal on national debt
Weighed down by debt, and reeling from the latest downgrading of their country's credit status, Portugal's finance ministry has secured the co-operation of football's highest-paid player in an audacious bid to draw the nation back from the brink of economic collapse. In a move which some observers claimed "will lead to the destruction of the World Cup", Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to "act like a patriot" and be sold to neighbouring Spain for €160m.
Last week, Prime Minister José Sócrates resigned after his government's latest austerity package was rejected by parliament. His move followed the downgrading of his country's credit rating to the category above "junk". While Ronaldo's fee, though double the current record (paid by Real Madrid to Manchester United for Ronaldo's club affiliation in 2009) barely dents the €12bn Portugal owes, Mr Socrates, now caretaker premier, believes that the international bond markets will take it as a symbol of Portugal's determination to tackle the crisis, and respond accordingly.
"It's insane," said a spokesman for the Bruges-based Keep Football Pure organisation. "Those idiot administrators have not thought it through, as usual. There's now nothing to stop Qatar buying a World XI. It'll destroy the World Cup, it will turn it into another Champions League – only worse." Opinion is divided in Portugal. While many see Ronaldo's agreement to the move as the "ultimate patriotic gesture" others regard the transfer as a "surrender". Paolo Fril, professor of political economics at Lisbon University, said: "We were ruled by a Spanish king for 60 years [1580-1640] and had to go to war to win back our independence. This is not about Spain saving us –they are restoring the Iberian Union by the back door."
There are doubts in Spain, too. The issue is not naturalising Ronaldo, but whether he is needed. Spain are the current world and European champions, with a style of play that relies more on passing than the soloist skills for which Ronaldo is known. "If we are going to buy foreigners we should buy Lionel Messi [Barcelona's Argentinian star]," said one fan. But if Ronaldo is unappreciated in Spain, his skills may be in demand elsewhere. Late last night, reports suggested that David Cameron was preparing a counter-offer, of £200m, to persuade Ronaldo to play for England. "The Premier League is where Ronaldo became a star," said the Prime Minister, "so it is only right and proper he should play for England." He added that Vince Cable had proposed a "Ferrari tax" to pay for it, though Ronaldo himself would be given exemption.
Last week, Prime Minister José Sócrates resigned after his government's latest austerity package was rejected by parliament. His move followed the downgrading of his country's credit rating to the category above "junk". While Ronaldo's fee, though double the current record (paid by Real Madrid to Manchester United for Ronaldo's club affiliation in 2009) barely dents the €12bn Portugal owes, Mr Socrates, now caretaker premier, believes that the international bond markets will take it as a symbol of Portugal's determination to tackle the crisis, and respond accordingly.
"It's insane," said a spokesman for the Bruges-based Keep Football Pure organisation. "Those idiot administrators have not thought it through, as usual. There's now nothing to stop Qatar buying a World XI. It'll destroy the World Cup, it will turn it into another Champions League – only worse." Opinion is divided in Portugal. While many see Ronaldo's agreement to the move as the "ultimate patriotic gesture" others regard the transfer as a "surrender". Paolo Fril, professor of political economics at Lisbon University, said: "We were ruled by a Spanish king for 60 years [1580-1640] and had to go to war to win back our independence. This is not about Spain saving us –they are restoring the Iberian Union by the back door."
There are doubts in Spain, too. The issue is not naturalising Ronaldo, but whether he is needed. Spain are the current world and European champions, with a style of play that relies more on passing than the soloist skills for which Ronaldo is known. "If we are going to buy foreigners we should buy Lionel Messi [Barcelona's Argentinian star]," said one fan. But if Ronaldo is unappreciated in Spain, his skills may be in demand elsewhere. Late last night, reports suggested that David Cameron was preparing a counter-offer, of £200m, to persuade Ronaldo to play for England. "The Premier League is where Ronaldo became a star," said the Prime Minister, "so it is only right and proper he should play for England." He added that Vince Cable had proposed a "Ferrari tax" to pay for it, though Ronaldo himself would be given exemption.
IKEA introduce the HUNDSTOL dog highchair
The IKEA HUNDSTOL dog highchair is a safe, aesthetically pleasing and reasonably priced product to accommodate the growing demand for furniture that reflects today's modern family. The HUNDSTOL dog highchair is available from April in all IKEA stores.
YouTube link.
Now you can have Gene Simmons' tongue on a condom
The lascivious tongue of Kiss's Gene Simmons will adorn the first Food and Drug Administration-approved "picture condoms," the manufacturer has said.
Graphic Armor Inc. said Condomania's Kiss Kondoms, which have long carried images of the rock band on their boxes and wrappers, will now have Simmons' "iconic fully extended tongue" running down the length of the condom itself.
"With Gene's tongue leading the way once again, I am confident we are about to see an explosion of marketing messages and logos displayed on millions of condoms in action," said Adam Glickman, Condomania's chief executive.
The Simmons condoms go on sale in April. "Studded Paul," featuring an image of bandmate Paul Stanley, is to follow by June.
Graphic Armor Inc. said Condomania's Kiss Kondoms, which have long carried images of the rock band on their boxes and wrappers, will now have Simmons' "iconic fully extended tongue" running down the length of the condom itself.
"With Gene's tongue leading the way once again, I am confident we are about to see an explosion of marketing messages and logos displayed on millions of condoms in action," said Adam Glickman, Condomania's chief executive.
The Simmons condoms go on sale in April. "Studded Paul," featuring an image of bandmate Paul Stanley, is to follow by June.
Ryanair announces it will offer child-free flights
Budget airline Ryanair's announcement that it will ban children on some popular routes. The Irish airline has created a stir by declaring that it will introduce "child-free flights" by October this year via a press release on their website today.
“When it comes to children we all love our own but would clearly prefer to avoid other people’s little monsters when travelling,” Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said.
“While half our passengers would like us to divide our cabins up into ‘adult’ and ‘family’ areas it is not operationally possible due to our free seating policy, with optional priority boarding.
“However, with clear demand for ‘child free’ flights Ryanair will introduce child free flights on high frequency routes from the start of our winter schedule in October.”
“When it comes to children we all love our own but would clearly prefer to avoid other people’s little monsters when travelling,” Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said.
“While half our passengers would like us to divide our cabins up into ‘adult’ and ‘family’ areas it is not operationally possible due to our free seating policy, with optional priority boarding.
“However, with clear demand for ‘child free’ flights Ryanair will introduce child free flights on high frequency routes from the start of our winter schedule in October.”
Coalition government plans tax on fresh air to 'help improve environment'
The air we breathe is set to be taxed as part of a revolutionary Government plan to raise more money. Rural folk will have to cough up the most under the new charge – already dubbed a gasp bill – while those living in our polluted cities will be expected to pay less. The Air Tariff Control system will assess charges in different areas of the country and every household will be liable for payments, which will be administered by local authorities and added to council tax bills.
The project, to be run by a private firm under a five-year licence, is designed to fund air quality improvement initiatives. One senior air technician at the Environment Agency said: “Air is natural but, just like water, it is a finite resource that we have to manage sensibly. Water quality and supply improved with privatisation and there is no reason why this should not have the same impact on air. The aim is to allow everyone to enjoy high-quality breathing air.”
The scheme, which the Government believes will help reduce levels of asthma and bronchitis, will see each region of the country allocated an Air Band to determine how much each household will pay. The Lake District is likely, according to the documents, to be in the highest bracket while residents of cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham are earmarked for rebates because of traffic fumes.
Special plants will later be built to capture clean air and regulate its flow around the country, monitored by tracking devices being developed at Ayr University. But critics believe the Coalition plan will see the end of free air for all in the UK, with private companies cashing in. One Labour backbencher said last night: “This has literally taken my breath away.”
The project, to be run by a private firm under a five-year licence, is designed to fund air quality improvement initiatives. One senior air technician at the Environment Agency said: “Air is natural but, just like water, it is a finite resource that we have to manage sensibly. Water quality and supply improved with privatisation and there is no reason why this should not have the same impact on air. The aim is to allow everyone to enjoy high-quality breathing air.”
The scheme, which the Government believes will help reduce levels of asthma and bronchitis, will see each region of the country allocated an Air Band to determine how much each household will pay. The Lake District is likely, according to the documents, to be in the highest bracket while residents of cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham are earmarked for rebates because of traffic fumes.
Special plants will later be built to capture clean air and regulate its flow around the country, monitored by tracking devices being developed at Ayr University. But critics believe the Coalition plan will see the end of free air for all in the UK, with private companies cashing in. One Labour backbencher said last night: “This has literally taken my breath away.”
Labour party members urged to celebrate Ed Miliband's wedding with street parties
Labour party members have been urged to celebrate the forthcoming wedding of Ed Miliband and Justine Thornton with street parties, trifles and bunting. An email, which was sent to various Labour councillors, asks party members to mark in their diaries May 27th as a "red letter day", which should be enthusiastically celebrated. The email sent from Flora Lopi, a Labour Party official, who is understood to be one of Mr Miliband's closest advisers, said:
"As you will now all be aware, Britain will be celebrating an event even more important than the Royal wedding in London on April 29, namely, the civil ceremony uniting Ed and Justine, on May 27. Labour members, let's make this a red letter day, when we can show to the world that we are truly the party of unity, family and fun. In the face of swingeing Con-Dem cuts, I would like all Labour councillors, PCCs and party members to organise a street party. I have enclosed a ten-point plan to ensure this event runs as smoothly as possible, including ideas for catering and merchandising opportunities to help raise funds for the Party."
One senior shadow cabinet member expressed her astonishment at the "sycophantic tone" of the memo, but said they had no choice but to start stocking up on bunting and learning the lyrics to The Red Flag. A list of authorised tea towel manufacturers (made from cotton woven in Mr Miliband's Doncaster constituency) is included in the email along with a suggestion that organisers put together a "Mili band", complete with a "squeeze box, to play a lament for the squeezed middle-classes". Tesco said it has already commissioned Ed and Justine bunting, and that it was considering stocking a range of mugs, plates and soap-on-a-ropes to cash in on the event.
Asda, too, has held talks with the Labour Party about manufacturing "Mini Mili Trifles" – an attempt to outdo Waitrose's Royal Trifle, which has been created by Heston Blumenthal, the celebrity chef. The Asda trifle is expected to contain bananas, a nod to the Miliband family's favourite fruit. A spokesman for Mr Miliband refused to comment on the street party email, but added: "Actually, Ed isn't that partial to trifle, though he is very fond of a gooseberry fool."
"As you will now all be aware, Britain will be celebrating an event even more important than the Royal wedding in London on April 29, namely, the civil ceremony uniting Ed and Justine, on May 27. Labour members, let's make this a red letter day, when we can show to the world that we are truly the party of unity, family and fun. In the face of swingeing Con-Dem cuts, I would like all Labour councillors, PCCs and party members to organise a street party. I have enclosed a ten-point plan to ensure this event runs as smoothly as possible, including ideas for catering and merchandising opportunities to help raise funds for the Party."
One senior shadow cabinet member expressed her astonishment at the "sycophantic tone" of the memo, but said they had no choice but to start stocking up on bunting and learning the lyrics to The Red Flag. A list of authorised tea towel manufacturers (made from cotton woven in Mr Miliband's Doncaster constituency) is included in the email along with a suggestion that organisers put together a "Mili band", complete with a "squeeze box, to play a lament for the squeezed middle-classes". Tesco said it has already commissioned Ed and Justine bunting, and that it was considering stocking a range of mugs, plates and soap-on-a-ropes to cash in on the event.
Asda, too, has held talks with the Labour Party about manufacturing "Mini Mili Trifles" – an attempt to outdo Waitrose's Royal Trifle, which has been created by Heston Blumenthal, the celebrity chef. The Asda trifle is expected to contain bananas, a nod to the Miliband family's favourite fruit. A spokesman for Mr Miliband refused to comment on the street party email, but added: "Actually, Ed isn't that partial to trifle, though he is very fond of a gooseberry fool."
Pet dog found in butcher’s shop freezer
A pet dog has been found in a Boston, Lincolnshire, butcher’s shop freezer. The dead dog was discovered by the borough council’s environmental health officers – who were acting on a lead. The authority is refusing to name the shop, but it is understood the premises to be that of former Young Angus Meats in Market Place. The premises which only opened this year closed down immediately when the dog – a Jack Russell – was found.
The council said in a statement that a formal caution has been issued to a local butcher ‘after reports that, following the death of his much-loved pet Jack Russell dog, he had kept the animal in a commercial freezer awaiting burial’. It adds: “The pet was wrapped in a blanket and placed in a separate box and posed no risk to public health. All of the contents of the freezer were destroyed using a licensed waste contractor. The distraught butcher concerned closed immediately and has since ceased trading.”
The search on the premises was carried out on January 14. And since then it appears the rumour mill has sprung into action, including on internet social networking site Facebook, with some members suggesting a Chinese restaurant in the town had been closed due to a dog being found in its freezer. And this week the rumours took a nasty turn with Wei Xian Peng, owner of Zhu Guang in West Street, receiving an abusive telephone call. “I don’t have a dog in my freezer – and such suggestions are ridiculous,” he told said.
The borough council has also jumped to the defence of restaurants in the town. Trevor Darnes, principal environmental health officer, said: “I would like to reassure members of the public that the council has not received any recent complaints or allegations relating to food safety matters at local Chinese restaurants.” He added: “It is disappointing to hear such rumours at a time when small businesses are having such a difficult time. There is no reason to avoid Chinese food.”
The council said in a statement that a formal caution has been issued to a local butcher ‘after reports that, following the death of his much-loved pet Jack Russell dog, he had kept the animal in a commercial freezer awaiting burial’. It adds: “The pet was wrapped in a blanket and placed in a separate box and posed no risk to public health. All of the contents of the freezer were destroyed using a licensed waste contractor. The distraught butcher concerned closed immediately and has since ceased trading.”
The search on the premises was carried out on January 14. And since then it appears the rumour mill has sprung into action, including on internet social networking site Facebook, with some members suggesting a Chinese restaurant in the town had been closed due to a dog being found in its freezer. And this week the rumours took a nasty turn with Wei Xian Peng, owner of Zhu Guang in West Street, receiving an abusive telephone call. “I don’t have a dog in my freezer – and such suggestions are ridiculous,” he told said.
The borough council has also jumped to the defence of restaurants in the town. Trevor Darnes, principal environmental health officer, said: “I would like to reassure members of the public that the council has not received any recent complaints or allegations relating to food safety matters at local Chinese restaurants.” He added: “It is disappointing to hear such rumours at a time when small businesses are having such a difficult time. There is no reason to avoid Chinese food.”
Zimmer skateboard introduced for the elderly
Here's a novel twist on traditional mobility aids for the elderly – a skateboard-style Zimmer frame with wheels. Made from a modified Zimmer, a skateboard deck and polyurethane wheels, the newly unveiled Micro Zimmer looks like something from the latest extreme sport craze.
But it is actually designed for pensioners who want to opt for something a little more speedy than the traditional four-footed frame which is normally more associated with hospitals than pavement-surfing. British company Micro Scooters, which manufactures the new £100 vehicle, claims it was developed in response to “huge demand” from grandmas and granddads who wanted to take their grandchildren to school, but found they were struggling to keep pace.
They claim that with the Micro Zimmer’s top speed of 10mph it may soon be the grandchildren doing the chasing. As well as giving pensioners a speed boost, the Micro Zimmer is also lightweight enough for the more agile OAPs to perform bunny hops and mild stunts, according to its makers. Retired legal secretary Delia Hargrave, who is in her 80s, is one of the first to adopt the Micro Zimmer.
She has also decked it out with various lights and badges, as well as a pink bag for keeping her purse and other important items in. Mrs Hargrave, of Hanley Castle, Worcestershire, said: “I think it is wonderful. Now we can get our own back at all those little ones on their scooters.” The grandmother of four added: “You can also get special rubber bands for the wheels to slow it down until you’re ready to pick up the pace.” She said she gets a lot of attention when she’s out and about. “It’s a great conversation starter.”
But it is actually designed for pensioners who want to opt for something a little more speedy than the traditional four-footed frame which is normally more associated with hospitals than pavement-surfing. British company Micro Scooters, which manufactures the new £100 vehicle, claims it was developed in response to “huge demand” from grandmas and granddads who wanted to take their grandchildren to school, but found they were struggling to keep pace.
They claim that with the Micro Zimmer’s top speed of 10mph it may soon be the grandchildren doing the chasing. As well as giving pensioners a speed boost, the Micro Zimmer is also lightweight enough for the more agile OAPs to perform bunny hops and mild stunts, according to its makers. Retired legal secretary Delia Hargrave, who is in her 80s, is one of the first to adopt the Micro Zimmer.
She has also decked it out with various lights and badges, as well as a pink bag for keeping her purse and other important items in. Mrs Hargrave, of Hanley Castle, Worcestershire, said: “I think it is wonderful. Now we can get our own back at all those little ones on their scooters.” The grandmother of four added: “You can also get special rubber bands for the wheels to slow it down until you’re ready to pick up the pace.” She said she gets a lot of attention when she’s out and about. “It’s a great conversation starter.”
Donkey honoured for saving sheep from dog attack
Dotty the donkey from Scarborough is to receive a coveted PDSA Certificate for Animal Bravery after saving a sheep from a frenzied dog attack. Dotty and the sheep and Stanley will be accompanied at the presentation by owner Ann Rogers (63), who witnessed Dotty’s brave act.
The presentation will be made by PDSA Trustee John Murphy and Dotty’s Citation will be read out by PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin. Ann Rogers, who witnessed Dotty’s brave action which saved Stanley from a savage dog attack, was delighted to hear that her donkey was to receive an award:
“Dotty was so brave that day. She saw her friend Stanley in distress and charged down the field to rescue him from the dog’s jaws. I am so proud of Dotty and so pleased that her bravery is being recognised by PDSA.”
The PDSA Certificate for Animal Bravery was instituted in 2001 and Dotty is the tenth recipient alongside nine dogs.
The presentation will be made by PDSA Trustee John Murphy and Dotty’s Citation will be read out by PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin. Ann Rogers, who witnessed Dotty’s brave action which saved Stanley from a savage dog attack, was delighted to hear that her donkey was to receive an award:
“Dotty was so brave that day. She saw her friend Stanley in distress and charged down the field to rescue him from the dog’s jaws. I am so proud of Dotty and so pleased that her bravery is being recognised by PDSA.”
The PDSA Certificate for Animal Bravery was instituted in 2001 and Dotty is the tenth recipient alongside nine dogs.
Gorillas get iPads to aid alertness and keep them happier in zoos
Gorillas prods the new toy which scientists hope will transform the way primates are kept alert and happy in zoos - an iPad.
Animal behaviour experts handed out the gadgets to five apes in an experiment. The super-smart gorillas quickly learned to turn the screens on and off and seem fascinated by the colours and pictures.
Amazingly not a single one of the five tablets which download apps has been broken since being given out at Port Lympne wild animal park three weeks ago.
Head keeper Phil Ridges said yesterday: "We thought they would bang them on rocks but they carry them round as if they were babies." Boffins at the University of Kent, Canterbury, are behind the trial, which is being monitored by Apple.
Animal behaviour experts handed out the gadgets to five apes in an experiment. The super-smart gorillas quickly learned to turn the screens on and off and seem fascinated by the colours and pictures.
Amazingly not a single one of the five tablets which download apps has been broken since being given out at Port Lympne wild animal park three weeks ago.
Head keeper Phil Ridges said yesterday: "We thought they would bang them on rocks but they carry them round as if they were babies." Boffins at the University of Kent, Canterbury, are behind the trial, which is being monitored by Apple.
Mystic uses star signs to tame problem pets
A mystic healer is using star signs to tame problem pets – as Britain’s only animal astrologer. Fiona Celeste, 43, believes that animal behaviour is dictated by the zodiac in the same way as humans. Gemini dogs are sociable and enjoy travelling, Virgos enjoy their creature comforts and appreciate peace and quiet, and Scorpios make great police dogs because they are inherently nosey.
Fiona is using her unique skills to diagnose and resolve behavioural issues with pets and charges £35 for a reading. Mother-of-three Fiona said: ”People want to know about their pets because they are part of the family and have their own personalities. ”We know our own star signs, why can’t we know our pets’ too?”
Fiona, of Glasgow, Fiona is trained in nursing and complementary healthcare but decided to use her talents as an astrologer to help people with pets. She has set up her own clinic called Celestial Paws and has written a book on the subject called ‘Sun Signs for K9s’. Fiona said: ”I know astrology is not everyone’s cup of tea and there are sceptics, including my children and my husband.
”But it’s all done very normally, it’s not like I look into a crystal ball. Reading star signs has always been a hobby of mine, my mother was into that kind of thing and she would ask me what star sign our pet dog was and it just grew from there. A lot of my customers get in touch and buy sessions for friends.”
Fiona is using her unique skills to diagnose and resolve behavioural issues with pets and charges £35 for a reading. Mother-of-three Fiona said: ”People want to know about their pets because they are part of the family and have their own personalities. ”We know our own star signs, why can’t we know our pets’ too?”
Fiona, of Glasgow, Fiona is trained in nursing and complementary healthcare but decided to use her talents as an astrologer to help people with pets. She has set up her own clinic called Celestial Paws and has written a book on the subject called ‘Sun Signs for K9s’. Fiona said: ”I know astrology is not everyone’s cup of tea and there are sceptics, including my children and my husband.
”But it’s all done very normally, it’s not like I look into a crystal ball. Reading star signs has always been a hobby of mine, my mother was into that kind of thing and she would ask me what star sign our pet dog was and it just grew from there. A lot of my customers get in touch and buy sessions for friends.”
Caped intruder stabs cocker spaniels
Two cocker spaniels have been treated for stab wounds after they were attacked by a caped intruder in Stockport. The pets' owner discovered the masked man who had a bin liner tied around his shoulders stabbing the pets as she walked into her lounge.
She had stepped outside for a cigarette when the man and an accomplice struck at 2240 BST on Sunday. Police condemned the cruelty at the cottage on Holly Vale, Marple Bridge. Officers believe that the man, who ran off empty-handed, may have used a screwdriver on the animals who suffered minor injuries.
They have described the incident as a burglary - and said they do not believe it was a grudge attack or that the family were known to the raiders. Det Con Dave Moran said: "Understandably, the woman was very upset to have her beloved pets attacked in this way.
"These are small family pets and not vicious guard dogs that posed any threat to the intruder." The men were both described as white and wearing black balaclavas with eye slits and black bin liners tied around their shoulders.
She had stepped outside for a cigarette when the man and an accomplice struck at 2240 BST on Sunday. Police condemned the cruelty at the cottage on Holly Vale, Marple Bridge. Officers believe that the man, who ran off empty-handed, may have used a screwdriver on the animals who suffered minor injuries.
They have described the incident as a burglary - and said they do not believe it was a grudge attack or that the family were known to the raiders. Det Con Dave Moran said: "Understandably, the woman was very upset to have her beloved pets attacked in this way.
"These are small family pets and not vicious guard dogs that posed any threat to the intruder." The men were both described as white and wearing black balaclavas with eye slits and black bin liners tied around their shoulders.
Documentary series turns television into smellyvision with scratch & sniff cards
New documentary series Filthy Cities will turn television into smellyvision with scratch and sniff cards. The three-part BBC2 show, starting at 9pm on Tuesday, charts the sanitary history of London, Paris and New York with the whiffs brought to life by the cards you can get from your local library.
Here presenter Dan Snow dishes the dirt... Filthy Cities is a pretty revolutionary series. We're very lucky to be given the chance to use this new technique.
Hopefully everyone will get their Scratch and sniff cards and play along. The smells are realistic and it's a fun way to watch TV. Smell is such a wonderful sense. Ever since our childhood, a waft of a smell can bring back memories and emotions.
To be able to trigger that at home through a television show is very exciting. I was involved in making the smells for the card. Among them is a sewer and an 18th Century tannery. The worst, the sewer, is unimaginably bad. It smells of rotting corpses. Another one, for Marie Antoinette's perfume, is rather nice.
Here presenter Dan Snow dishes the dirt... Filthy Cities is a pretty revolutionary series. We're very lucky to be given the chance to use this new technique.
Hopefully everyone will get their Scratch and sniff cards and play along. The smells are realistic and it's a fun way to watch TV. Smell is such a wonderful sense. Ever since our childhood, a waft of a smell can bring back memories and emotions.
To be able to trigger that at home through a television show is very exciting. I was involved in making the smells for the card. Among them is a sewer and an 18th Century tannery. The worst, the sewer, is unimaginably bad. It smells of rotting corpses. Another one, for Marie Antoinette's perfume, is rather nice.
Sex-change chicken shocks owner
A hen surprised its owner when it stopped laying eggs, grew chin wattles and began to crow like a cockerel. Gertie is one of two hens kept by Jeanette Howard and her husband Jim, from near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
Mrs Howard said both hens had produced fewer eggs over the winter, but then Gertie stopped laying altogether and developed male characteristics. Specialist poultry vet Marion Ford said fungi in stored feed could have the effects of synthetic hormones. Mrs Howard first noticed the changes in Gertie's appearance and behaviour a few months ago, when both hens began to moult.
"I thought Gertie came out of that really well," she said. "She grew back lots more feathers - she was quite straggly before - and I also realised that she had filled out quite a lot. Gertie looked very healthy." Mrs Howard said Gertie then developed wattles and her comb became much larger and more distinctive than it used to be.
Gertie also began strutting around the coop and "frog-marching" around the garden. "Then a few days later I heard her try to crow. She wasn't very good at it at first, but she's progressed nicely and now she really goes for it," Mrs Howard said. Mrs Howard said: "I'm not really sure whether Gertie has actually changed sex, but to all intents and purposes she's now a cockerel."
Mrs Howard said both hens had produced fewer eggs over the winter, but then Gertie stopped laying altogether and developed male characteristics. Specialist poultry vet Marion Ford said fungi in stored feed could have the effects of synthetic hormones. Mrs Howard first noticed the changes in Gertie's appearance and behaviour a few months ago, when both hens began to moult.
"I thought Gertie came out of that really well," she said. "She grew back lots more feathers - she was quite straggly before - and I also realised that she had filled out quite a lot. Gertie looked very healthy." Mrs Howard said Gertie then developed wattles and her comb became much larger and more distinctive than it used to be.
Gertie also began strutting around the coop and "frog-marching" around the garden. "Then a few days later I heard her try to crow. She wasn't very good at it at first, but she's progressed nicely and now she really goes for it," Mrs Howard said. Mrs Howard said: "I'm not really sure whether Gertie has actually changed sex, but to all intents and purposes she's now a cockerel."
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