Friday, December 20, 2013
Woman defended herself against husband's assault
Police in Bartlesville, Oklahoma say a woman being assaulted by her husband fought back. Police arrested Derrick Maynard, 32, at a home at about 10pm on December 16.
According to a court affidavit, Maynard's wife told police Maynard was drinking whisky when he started yelling and threw a Wii remote at her. She told police Maynard pumped a pellet rifle then pointed it at her and said "you deserve to die."
The affidavit states Maynard also punched his wife in the head. She told officers she kicked him several times in self-defence. Maynard was booked into the Washington County jail on complaints of aggravated assault with a weapon and threatening to kill.
Court records show Maynard pleaded guilty in September to domestic assault and battery and was sentenced to 52 weeks of domestic violence counselling. He remains in jail in lieu of $25,000 bond.
According to a court affidavit, Maynard's wife told police Maynard was drinking whisky when he started yelling and threw a Wii remote at her. She told police Maynard pumped a pellet rifle then pointed it at her and said "you deserve to die."
The affidavit states Maynard also punched his wife in the head. She told officers she kicked him several times in self-defence. Maynard was booked into the Washington County jail on complaints of aggravated assault with a weapon and threatening to kill.
Court records show Maynard pleaded guilty in September to domestic assault and battery and was sentenced to 52 weeks of domestic violence counselling. He remains in jail in lieu of $25,000 bond.
Controversy over bloody Santa on a cross with crown of thorns
A bloody Santa Claus hanging on a cross with a crown of thorns is causing a stir in a Corpus Christi, Texas neighbourhood. "It's December, it's Christmas time. It is just a Christmas ornament," homeowner Aaron Olivares says.
It's a stuffed Santa suit made to look like jolly Saint Nick. But then there's blood, a crown of thorns, and the decoration is stretched out on a wooden cross. "The crown of barbwire? A little more decoration. That is about it. Me: You never thought about the Jesus reference or? Aaron: Naw, it really, it didn't come to me like that, I didn't see nothing offensive on it," Olivares explains. Olivares even gave it a name."It needed some lettering up there so I put the 'slayer' up there.
"It's nothing Satanic it is just decorations for Christmas," Olivares says. He says he is a believer and never intended for this decoration to be be offensive to other Christians. "I'm Christian, I mean there is a God and there is a devil," Olivares shares. But some are offended and even shocked. "The cross is the big thing. The cross. Santa Claus is you know well, you can put Santa Claus on a hood, put Santa Claus on your roof, put Santa Claus in your yard, why put him on a cross?" Ricky Mesa, a neighbour says.
YouTube link.
Others don't mind. Like Blanca Perelta, who lives right across the street. "It doesn't really bother me. Everyone likes it who brings me home. My friends all joke about it," Perelta says. Either way Aaron says the zombie Santa, named Slayer, is here to stay. However, he has a warning for those who do not like it. "Get out of my yard. If you don't like it ... don't drive by here," Olivares says.
It's a stuffed Santa suit made to look like jolly Saint Nick. But then there's blood, a crown of thorns, and the decoration is stretched out on a wooden cross. "The crown of barbwire? A little more decoration. That is about it. Me: You never thought about the Jesus reference or? Aaron: Naw, it really, it didn't come to me like that, I didn't see nothing offensive on it," Olivares explains. Olivares even gave it a name."It needed some lettering up there so I put the 'slayer' up there.
"It's nothing Satanic it is just decorations for Christmas," Olivares says. He says he is a believer and never intended for this decoration to be be offensive to other Christians. "I'm Christian, I mean there is a God and there is a devil," Olivares shares. But some are offended and even shocked. "The cross is the big thing. The cross. Santa Claus is you know well, you can put Santa Claus on a hood, put Santa Claus on your roof, put Santa Claus in your yard, why put him on a cross?" Ricky Mesa, a neighbour says.
YouTube link.
Others don't mind. Like Blanca Perelta, who lives right across the street. "It doesn't really bother me. Everyone likes it who brings me home. My friends all joke about it," Perelta says. Either way Aaron says the zombie Santa, named Slayer, is here to stay. However, he has a warning for those who do not like it. "Get out of my yard. If you don't like it ... don't drive by here," Olivares says.
Outrage after man dangled dog from second-storey balcony so it could do its business
A lazy South Carolina man allegedly dangled his parent's dog off a balcony because it was raining too hard for him to take it out to go to the bathroom.
Tyler Smith, 23, was photographed allegedly hoisting the terrified dog from a second-story Greenville apartment last weekend. The reported plan was to let the dog touch the floor, do its business, and then be lifted up again.
Police were contacted by concerned internet users and neighbours who'd also spotted the canine hanging from its leash. Animal control officers visited the property on Sunday.
YouTube link.
Smith, who was looking after the dog as his parents were out of town, was charged with violating a city ordinance the following day. He faces a $1,000 fine and 30 days in prison if convicted. "Saturday it was raining really hard during that time period and we believe he was doing it to let it use the bathroom," Officer Jonathan Bragg said. The dog was not injured in the incident.
Tyler Smith, 23, was photographed allegedly hoisting the terrified dog from a second-story Greenville apartment last weekend. The reported plan was to let the dog touch the floor, do its business, and then be lifted up again.
Police were contacted by concerned internet users and neighbours who'd also spotted the canine hanging from its leash. Animal control officers visited the property on Sunday.
YouTube link.
Smith, who was looking after the dog as his parents were out of town, was charged with violating a city ordinance the following day. He faces a $1,000 fine and 30 days in prison if convicted. "Saturday it was raining really hard during that time period and we believe he was doing it to let it use the bathroom," Officer Jonathan Bragg said. The dog was not injured in the incident.
Woman devastated after thieves took her late husband's ashes and stuffed cat
A widow left devastated by the theft of her husband's ashes says she pities the thieves. The ashes were kept in a velvet box that was stolen from her Sunshine, Australia home.
A stuffed cat, a rare antique watch, an engagement ring and other valuable items were also taken. But Jennifer said it was the loss of the personal items that she felt most.
YouTube link.
I feel sorry for them (the thieves)," she said "They obviously have no life. They even took my bathroom scales, for god's sake. They steal your memories."
The thief broke into 61-year-old Jennifer's house between midnight and 8.30am last Friday. Police have released an image of a woman they wish to speak to in relation to the burglary.
There's an audio interview with Jennifer here.
A stuffed cat, a rare antique watch, an engagement ring and other valuable items were also taken. But Jennifer said it was the loss of the personal items that she felt most.
YouTube link.
I feel sorry for them (the thieves)," she said "They obviously have no life. They even took my bathroom scales, for god's sake. They steal your memories."
The thief broke into 61-year-old Jennifer's house between midnight and 8.30am last Friday. Police have released an image of a woman they wish to speak to in relation to the burglary.
There's an audio interview with Jennifer here.
Crocodile stole Santa's sack
A crocodile is on Santa's naughty list after snacking on his big red sack. Santa had made a stop-off at Crocosaurus Cove, in Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory.
But when Santa dropped in on Burt, the 700kg monster crocodile stole the big man's sack. The staff at Croc Cove leapt into action to save Christmas and to ensure Burt - who is a sizeable specimen at 5.1m - didn't end up with a bellyache.
They failed to tempt the seasoned reptilian negotiator away from his stolen booty until handlers upped the ante with a whole chicken. He dropped the sack and ate the poultry - feathers and all.
YouTube link.
Santa said the 80-year-old croc would be blacklisted for many a Christmas to come. "Most of the crocs will get some nice big bits of special Territory ham (wild boar) but old Burt will only find coal in his stocking when I come back on Christmas Eve," he said.
But when Santa dropped in on Burt, the 700kg monster crocodile stole the big man's sack. The staff at Croc Cove leapt into action to save Christmas and to ensure Burt - who is a sizeable specimen at 5.1m - didn't end up with a bellyache.
They failed to tempt the seasoned reptilian negotiator away from his stolen booty until handlers upped the ante with a whole chicken. He dropped the sack and ate the poultry - feathers and all.
YouTube link.
Santa said the 80-year-old croc would be blacklisted for many a Christmas to come. "Most of the crocs will get some nice big bits of special Territory ham (wild boar) but old Burt will only find coal in his stocking when I come back on Christmas Eve," he said.
French pub fined because customers took empty glasses back to the bar
A pub in Brittany has been fined by officials, who accused it of using punters as “undeclared labour” when one was seen taking empty glasses back to the bar. The social security agency URSSAF in Brittany, is demanding that the Mamm-Kounifl music-bar in the town of Locmiquélic pay a €9,000 fine after accusing the owners of using the customers as "undeclared labour" or "travaile dissimulé" as it's called in French.
It was the seemingly ordinary pub ritual of customers taking glasses back to the bar that prompted the suspicious officials who were investigating the premises to act. “Around half-past midnight, a client brought back a tray. She passed by the bar to go to the toilets. That’s when it all kicked off. My husband was pinned against the window by a man,” landlady Maryka Le Floch, said. “A woman threw herself at me showing me her ID card.
“That’s when I realized it was an URSSAF check. They told me that I had been caught in the act of [using] 'undeclared labour'. They thought that the clients were acting like waiters," she added. Mme. Le Floch said the habit of customers bringing empty glasses and trays back to the bar has been part of the ethos of the establishment since it opened ten years ago. “It’s our trademark. We want the customer to feel comfortable, a bit like he’s at home,” she said.
"Sometimes, customers even carry their drinks back to their table on a tray for the second round." Nevertheless a few weeks after the unannounced visit Mme. Le Floch was hit with a €7,900 fine. And in November, she and her husband were even placed in police custody for a short while. Luckily for the couple, a number of customers were able to vouch for the couple and they escaped charges. However, the URSSAF is still pursuing a civil case against the owners and is now demanding a total fine €9,000 because of non-payment of the original penalty. The case will now be examined at a later date at a special court in Brittany.
It was the seemingly ordinary pub ritual of customers taking glasses back to the bar that prompted the suspicious officials who were investigating the premises to act. “Around half-past midnight, a client brought back a tray. She passed by the bar to go to the toilets. That’s when it all kicked off. My husband was pinned against the window by a man,” landlady Maryka Le Floch, said. “A woman threw herself at me showing me her ID card.
“That’s when I realized it was an URSSAF check. They told me that I had been caught in the act of [using] 'undeclared labour'. They thought that the clients were acting like waiters," she added. Mme. Le Floch said the habit of customers bringing empty glasses and trays back to the bar has been part of the ethos of the establishment since it opened ten years ago. “It’s our trademark. We want the customer to feel comfortable, a bit like he’s at home,” she said.
"Sometimes, customers even carry their drinks back to their table on a tray for the second round." Nevertheless a few weeks after the unannounced visit Mme. Le Floch was hit with a €7,900 fine. And in November, she and her husband were even placed in police custody for a short while. Luckily for the couple, a number of customers were able to vouch for the couple and they escaped charges. However, the URSSAF is still pursuing a civil case against the owners and is now demanding a total fine €9,000 because of non-payment of the original penalty. The case will now be examined at a later date at a special court in Brittany.
School to hold 'man days' and teach male pupils how to shave and ask out girls
Boys lacking positive male role models are to get sessions in shaving and asking girls out at an Essex school.
The idea behind "man days" at Chase High School in Westcliff came about after an Ofsted inspection found achievement was "inadequate".
Victoria Overy, head teacher, said a number of her male students lacked a positive male role model at home.
Mrs Overy said the lack of male role models had proved a "barrier" to some boys' educational attainment. The "man days" will cover a number of social skills including asking girls out and fine dining etiquette.
Planned to start in the New Year, the "man days" will also include a round of golf, a possible visit to a military assault course, shaving advice, guidance on dating and dining skills. A similar project is in the early stages of planning for the school's female population.
Victoria Overy, head teacher, said a number of her male students lacked a positive male role model at home.
Mrs Overy said the lack of male role models had proved a "barrier" to some boys' educational attainment. The "man days" will cover a number of social skills including asking girls out and fine dining etiquette.
Planned to start in the New Year, the "man days" will also include a round of golf, a possible visit to a military assault course, shaving advice, guidance on dating and dining skills. A similar project is in the early stages of planning for the school's female population.
Woman perturbed by Waitrose frozen prawns that glowed in the dark
A former Mayor of Wandsworth in London feared she was going mad when frozen prawns bought from Waitrose started glowing in the dark. Tina Thompson, 69, from Stoneleigh, Surrey had defrosted the supermarket's prawns for brunch then later gave some to her cats when her husband noticed them glowing on a saucer in their dark kitchen. Mrs Thompson said: "Just to make sure I had not gone completely mad I took this saucer next door to show my neighbour. They were still glowing the next morning when I went down to Waitrose.
"I took them down in a box and said ‘if you go into a dark room you will see they are glowing’." After the visit to Waitrose she received letters from the customer sales and support team in which they say that prawns are sometimes caught with plankton and the bacteria may be Pseudomonas fluorescens which is harmless. She said: "They have not told me what species of plankton or bacteria survives boiling and freezing. I don’t think it is an unreasonable request to know what I have eaten." She even wondered if radioactive water from a leaking atomic power station in Japan could reach Indonesia where the prawns were farmed.
She said: "It’s probably highly unlikely but I feel I would like to be reassured. I would like to know the species so I could go to the Natural History Museum, contact the New Scientist or look it up online." Mrs Thompson, who once told a breastfeeding councillor to leave a meeting, while she was the Conservative Mayor of Wandsworth from 1997 to 1998, said: "I really don’t like being fobbed off. I’m a very determined lady. I wrote to Waitrose and said I was severely disappointed. If they are going to treat a loyal customer with such disregard, and what I consider contempt, I don’t want to shop there anymore. It’s a reasonable question, I don’t want them to sweep it under the carpet."
A Waitrose spokesman said: "Bacteria is all around us and although we don’t see this occur very often but occasionally naturally-occurring, harmless bacteria (known as photobacterium) may be found on fish and shellfish. At certain temperatures and certain times of year - even after freezing or cooking - these may be seen to ‘glow’. We appreciate how this may be startling if someone sees this for the first time but would reassure any customer that this is harmless and is safe to eat. We have written to Mrs Thompson directly and would like to apologise for any concern caused."
"I took them down in a box and said ‘if you go into a dark room you will see they are glowing’." After the visit to Waitrose she received letters from the customer sales and support team in which they say that prawns are sometimes caught with plankton and the bacteria may be Pseudomonas fluorescens which is harmless. She said: "They have not told me what species of plankton or bacteria survives boiling and freezing. I don’t think it is an unreasonable request to know what I have eaten." She even wondered if radioactive water from a leaking atomic power station in Japan could reach Indonesia where the prawns were farmed.
She said: "It’s probably highly unlikely but I feel I would like to be reassured. I would like to know the species so I could go to the Natural History Museum, contact the New Scientist or look it up online." Mrs Thompson, who once told a breastfeeding councillor to leave a meeting, while she was the Conservative Mayor of Wandsworth from 1997 to 1998, said: "I really don’t like being fobbed off. I’m a very determined lady. I wrote to Waitrose and said I was severely disappointed. If they are going to treat a loyal customer with such disregard, and what I consider contempt, I don’t want to shop there anymore. It’s a reasonable question, I don’t want them to sweep it under the carpet."
A Waitrose spokesman said: "Bacteria is all around us and although we don’t see this occur very often but occasionally naturally-occurring, harmless bacteria (known as photobacterium) may be found on fish and shellfish. At certain temperatures and certain times of year - even after freezing or cooking - these may be seen to ‘glow’. We appreciate how this may be startling if someone sees this for the first time but would reassure any customer that this is harmless and is safe to eat. We have written to Mrs Thompson directly and would like to apologise for any concern caused."
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