Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Man doesn't appear to be desperately unhappy following arrest for bank robbery
Prosecutors in Denver, Colorado, say they have formally charged a man accused of robbing a bank and then using light rail to try to make his getaway.
Michael Whitington, 45 is charged with one count of robbery, according to the Denver District Attorney's Office.
The charge alleges that last Tuesday at around 5pm Whitington robbed a bank and then boarded a light rail train. Police stopped the train a few blocks away and took Whitington into custody without incident.
He remains in custody with bond set at $5,000. Whitington is scheduled to appear in Denver County court on Tuesday to be advised of the charge.
Michael Whitington, 45 is charged with one count of robbery, according to the Denver District Attorney's Office.
The charge alleges that last Tuesday at around 5pm Whitington robbed a bank and then boarded a light rail train. Police stopped the train a few blocks away and took Whitington into custody without incident.
He remains in custody with bond set at $5,000. Whitington is scheduled to appear in Denver County court on Tuesday to be advised of the charge.
Glowing dog food probably caused by sea bugs
Mysteriously glowing dog food found by a woman in Taranaki, New Zealand, might be explained by the presence of sea-based bacteria, an expert believes.
The eerie fluorescent blue glow emanating from a pair of dog bones bought for her dog Tyke left Fiona Wallis hunting for answers.
And Auckland microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles thinks she may have them.
The head of the bioluminescent superbugs lab at the University of Auckland, Wiles said she would be working with Jimbo's Pet Food, which distributed the meat and is considering recalling the product, to solve the mystery.
"They are going to get me something from the same batch but it would be good to get [Fiona's] one as well,'' Wiles said.
She said at first glance the glow was most likely produced by sea-based bacteria. ''The bones are kept in a kind of brine which is very salty, so those sea bacteria will enjoy that environment.'' She said although there were a couple of strains that could be dangerous, it was unlikely to be the case for this meat. ''I think the risks are really minimal. It's really common in fish. If you leave fish in the fridge for a few days sometimes it will start to glow. In most cases you would never know because we would cook it.'' She said it was also likely that those packaging the meat wouldn't notice a glow.
''The product is sealed up and if it stays sealed you wouldn't see any light because there isn't any oxygen in there. But when you open the packet they start to glow. So without opening all the packets it would be rather difficult to tell whether there was anything there.'' Wiles said she can't wait to get her hands on one of the glowing cuts of meat, but it was likely to take some time before they could determine exactly what it was. ''We have to grow the bacteria, then isolate its DNA and then send it off for sequencing to find out exactly what it is.'' Ms Wallis said she didn't know what to think when she discovered the glow. ''The dog trotted off to its room and it started glowing in its mouth. You naturally think it's radioactive or something.
''What is in this animal to make it glow like that?'' Jimbo's Pet Food general manager Dave Allan said the glowing meat was packed 29 days ago, so most of it would have been consumed, but he is looking at recalling any of the product that is still on shelves. ''We are not aware of any risk to the animals.'' He is to pick up the affected meat and take it back to Auckland for testing. In 2011 stories came out of China of a woman who found that meat she had fed her family was emanating the same light. After a detailed investigation it was found the cause for the ''blue glow pork'' was secondary bacterial contamination called phosphorescent bacteria. At the time, the Shanghai Health Supervision Department said the pork was ''still safe to eat if well-cooked''.
She said at first glance the glow was most likely produced by sea-based bacteria. ''The bones are kept in a kind of brine which is very salty, so those sea bacteria will enjoy that environment.'' She said although there were a couple of strains that could be dangerous, it was unlikely to be the case for this meat. ''I think the risks are really minimal. It's really common in fish. If you leave fish in the fridge for a few days sometimes it will start to glow. In most cases you would never know because we would cook it.'' She said it was also likely that those packaging the meat wouldn't notice a glow.
''The product is sealed up and if it stays sealed you wouldn't see any light because there isn't any oxygen in there. But when you open the packet they start to glow. So without opening all the packets it would be rather difficult to tell whether there was anything there.'' Wiles said she can't wait to get her hands on one of the glowing cuts of meat, but it was likely to take some time before they could determine exactly what it was. ''We have to grow the bacteria, then isolate its DNA and then send it off for sequencing to find out exactly what it is.'' Ms Wallis said she didn't know what to think when she discovered the glow. ''The dog trotted off to its room and it started glowing in its mouth. You naturally think it's radioactive or something.
''What is in this animal to make it glow like that?'' Jimbo's Pet Food general manager Dave Allan said the glowing meat was packed 29 days ago, so most of it would have been consumed, but he is looking at recalling any of the product that is still on shelves. ''We are not aware of any risk to the animals.'' He is to pick up the affected meat and take it back to Auckland for testing. In 2011 stories came out of China of a woman who found that meat she had fed her family was emanating the same light. After a detailed investigation it was found the cause for the ''blue glow pork'' was secondary bacterial contamination called phosphorescent bacteria. At the time, the Shanghai Health Supervision Department said the pork was ''still safe to eat if well-cooked''.
Two-faced lamb born in New Zealand
From the deepest reaches of the most southerly point of mainland New Zealand, a biological anomaly has been born.
A lamb with two faces – that's two mouths, two noses, three (maybe four) eyes – and one head was born at the Slope Point backpackers on Friday afternoon.
The diprosopic bundle doesn't have an official name yet and farmer Andrew Wilson said the family were in two minds about what to call him, but he's certainly something a bit special, he conceded.
Wilson's six-year-old daughter Kate said they have taken to calling him Two Face. Little Two Face was discovered out in a paddock with his mother. The ewe had managed to give birth unassisted. However, because of the position and shape of his two mouths, Two Face was unable to feed naturally, Wilson said. ''He'd only last a day or so.'' Luckily, the lamb was given a second chance for survival and taken back to the farmhouse to be cared for by Kate and her half sisters Sarah and Anna Parker, aged 8 and 10.
Life will not be easy for the lamb. Two of his eyes have fused in the centre giving him one big, blind, cyclops eye and he appears able to only walk in circles. ''He's a bit top heavy,'' Wilson said. ''He almost needs a third leg in the front to balance him out.'' Also, it seemed he could eat with only the left side of his mouth, although when he baas, both tongues move in synchronisation. Despite his odd appearance, Kate and her sisters were quite taken with the little creature.
Kate said when she first saw him, she thought he was ''a bit gross.'' ''But then I started to like it.'' Little is known about what might cause the condition. Experts contacted today could not explain why the anomaly occurred without actually seeing the animal themselves. Former vet Andrew Roe, who practised for 25 years, said it was one of those rare freak-of-nature things that popped up occasionally. Usually animals with similar conditions did not survive long past birth and it was unusual the lamb had made it this far, Roe said.
With short video.
Wilson's six-year-old daughter Kate said they have taken to calling him Two Face. Little Two Face was discovered out in a paddock with his mother. The ewe had managed to give birth unassisted. However, because of the position and shape of his two mouths, Two Face was unable to feed naturally, Wilson said. ''He'd only last a day or so.'' Luckily, the lamb was given a second chance for survival and taken back to the farmhouse to be cared for by Kate and her half sisters Sarah and Anna Parker, aged 8 and 10.
Life will not be easy for the lamb. Two of his eyes have fused in the centre giving him one big, blind, cyclops eye and he appears able to only walk in circles. ''He's a bit top heavy,'' Wilson said. ''He almost needs a third leg in the front to balance him out.'' Also, it seemed he could eat with only the left side of his mouth, although when he baas, both tongues move in synchronisation. Despite his odd appearance, Kate and her sisters were quite taken with the little creature.
Kate said when she first saw him, she thought he was ''a bit gross.'' ''But then I started to like it.'' Little is known about what might cause the condition. Experts contacted today could not explain why the anomaly occurred without actually seeing the animal themselves. Former vet Andrew Roe, who practised for 25 years, said it was one of those rare freak-of-nature things that popped up occasionally. Usually animals with similar conditions did not survive long past birth and it was unusual the lamb had made it this far, Roe said.
With short video.
Yet another child rescued after getting stuck in washing machine
An 11-year-old boy stuck inside a washing machine at home was rescued by firefighters in Xuzhou City in east China's Jiangsu Province, on Saturday.
The boy got stuck inside the washing machine while playing with his friends.
YouTube link.
His parents, who were not around at the time of the incident, came running after being informed by neighbours. Firefighters were soon called for help.
Five firefighters rushed to the scene. They dismantled the washing machine with the help of cutters, screwdrivers, and a metal cutting machine. After about 15 minutes they successfully got the boy out who suffered no injuries.
Previously. And. And. And. Etc.
The boy got stuck inside the washing machine while playing with his friends.
YouTube link.
His parents, who were not around at the time of the incident, came running after being informed by neighbours. Firefighters were soon called for help.
Five firefighters rushed to the scene. They dismantled the washing machine with the help of cutters, screwdrivers, and a metal cutting machine. After about 15 minutes they successfully got the boy out who suffered no injuries.
Previously. And. And. And. Etc.
Swedish police arrest smugglers of Norwegian nappies
Police in northern Sweden have arrested two individuals with a haul of over 25,000 nappies (diapers), which they believe were destined for the black market in eastern Europe.
The pair, who are believed to be in their 20s and 40s respectively, were stopped in Jämtland by officers. When the officers checked inside the foreign registered van they found that it was loaded to the brim with nappies bought in Norway - 25,179 to be precise.
Both were arrested on suspicion of smuggling offences and taken to the police station in Östersund for questioning. The alleged smugglers are both residents of Lithuania, and were believed to be en route to a location in eastern Europe with the nappy haul. "They did not report that they were transporting the goods across the border from Norway to Sweden.
"You are accountable to report it to customs and pay the duty fee," Stefan Fredriksson of the Jämtland police said. He added that officers were up all night counting the nappies so that they had the accurate figure. While Norway is regarded as one of the most expensive countries to live in, the price of nappies is rather cheap. Police have reported in the past that the Norwegian nappy trade is big business for smugglers due to the price difference in eastern Europe.
Several raids have been carried out in the last year alone. Officers said that the two men had bought the nappies in different stores in Norway so as not to arouse suspicion. A spokesperson for the Jämtland police said that two men gave the impression that the whole operation was "very well organized" during questioning. The smuggled nappies are now being held in police storage alongside weapons and drugs.
Both were arrested on suspicion of smuggling offences and taken to the police station in Östersund for questioning. The alleged smugglers are both residents of Lithuania, and were believed to be en route to a location in eastern Europe with the nappy haul. "They did not report that they were transporting the goods across the border from Norway to Sweden.
"You are accountable to report it to customs and pay the duty fee," Stefan Fredriksson of the Jämtland police said. He added that officers were up all night counting the nappies so that they had the accurate figure. While Norway is regarded as one of the most expensive countries to live in, the price of nappies is rather cheap. Police have reported in the past that the Norwegian nappy trade is big business for smugglers due to the price difference in eastern Europe.
Several raids have been carried out in the last year alone. Officers said that the two men had bought the nappies in different stores in Norway so as not to arouse suspicion. A spokesperson for the Jämtland police said that two men gave the impression that the whole operation was "very well organized" during questioning. The smuggled nappies are now being held in police storage alongside weapons and drugs.
Man seeks retrospective permission for 9-foot slag bank crucifixion statue tribute to late wife
A crucifix put up without permission on a coastal hill overlooking the sea in Workington, Cumbria, has been granted a brief reprieve as talks continue about its fate.
Peter Nelson, 49, erected the 9ft cross on the seat at the top of the town’s slag banks in memory of his wife Angela, who died in March. Mr Nelson and friends cemented the statue to an existing stone seat.
He chose the spot because he and Angela had spent so much time on the cliffs, walking their dogs. Her ashes were also scattered nearby. But he did not get planning permission from the landowner, Cumbria County Council. The authority said it had entered into discussions with Mr Nelson and will continue to talk to him about the statue.
Mr Nelson has written to the council and asked for more time so he can apply for retrospective permission, continue to take advice from “interested parties” and discuss where the crucifix could go if it has to be removed. He said: “My intentions were never to cause any ill feelings or trouble. I feel it is an asset and enhances the area and I am aware that many people are enjoying its presence.”
Peter Nelson, 49, erected the 9ft cross on the seat at the top of the town’s slag banks in memory of his wife Angela, who died in March. Mr Nelson and friends cemented the statue to an existing stone seat.
He chose the spot because he and Angela had spent so much time on the cliffs, walking their dogs. Her ashes were also scattered nearby. But he did not get planning permission from the landowner, Cumbria County Council. The authority said it had entered into discussions with Mr Nelson and will continue to talk to him about the statue.
Mr Nelson has written to the council and asked for more time so he can apply for retrospective permission, continue to take advice from “interested parties” and discuss where the crucifix could go if it has to be removed. He said: “My intentions were never to cause any ill feelings or trouble. I feel it is an asset and enhances the area and I am aware that many people are enjoying its presence.”
Football match abandoned after substitute brandished pitchfork during brawl
An investigation has been launched after a football match was called off following an alleged incident involving a pitchfork.
The match between Staines Lammas FC and Chessington & Hook FC had to be stopped by the referee after 27 minutes. The Combined Counties league game was being played at Ashford Town last Saturday.
Honorary general secretary and director of the league, Alan Constable, said two players had been sent off the pitch after 25 minutes, due to violent conduct.
He said the pair "continued the discussion" as they left the pitch, when other players became involved and one substitute is said to have produced a pitchfork. A Surrey FA spokesman said: "The county FA is aware of the incident and is investigating the matter. We are unable to comment any further at this time."
The match between Staines Lammas FC and Chessington & Hook FC had to be stopped by the referee after 27 minutes. The Combined Counties league game was being played at Ashford Town last Saturday.
Honorary general secretary and director of the league, Alan Constable, said two players had been sent off the pitch after 25 minutes, due to violent conduct.
He said the pair "continued the discussion" as they left the pitch, when other players became involved and one substitute is said to have produced a pitchfork. A Surrey FA spokesman said: "The county FA is aware of the incident and is investigating the matter. We are unable to comment any further at this time."
Man tried to rob shop after childhood sweetheart told him she had become a lesbian
A knife-wielding man tried to rob a shop after his childhood sweetheart told him she had become a lesbian, a court heard.
Craig Rock said he hit the bottle after his partner broke up with him, falsely claimed he was not the father of their child and announced her apparent change in sexuality.
He went out with a knife to rob a shop high on drink and tablets in the wake of this triple whammy of heartache, said his lawyer Simon Walker.
He pulled out the weapon and shouted “give me the money or I’ll stab you” to the proprietor of the Mini Food Store in central Middlesbrough.
The shop owner, who had worked at the store for 15 years, feared for his life and his wife’s safety, Teesside Crown Court heard. He shouted at Rock to get out at 6.30pm on April 14, said prosecutor Rachel Masters. Rock advanced on the victim, repeated his demands and threats, but ran off empty-handed after the shop owner managed to open the back door. Police found him “flat out” on the ground nearby and initially thought he was simply a local drunk, said Mr Walker. He pulled out the knife, put it to his own throat and threatened to hurt himself. Rock told officers: “I did it. Tell the judge maximum sentence.”
Rock, of no fixed address, admitted attempted robbery and having an offensive weapon. He had 15 previous offences including theft and burglary and was under a community order at the time. In his defence, Mr Walker said: “This offence was committed at the time when he was perhaps at his lowest ever ebb. He had broken up with his childhood sweetheart. She was denying him access to his child. She went further and said he wasn’t the father and, further still, said 'I’m now a lesbian'. He reacted to that situation in an entirely inappropriate and disgusting way. “He would love the opportunity to be able to turn the clock back. He wouldn’t have done this if he hadn’t taken the cocktail of tablets and drink.”
He said the robbery attempt was out of character and Rock’s violence was directed against himself. A DNA test proved he was in fact the baby’s father and the child had been brought to visit him inside. A psychiatrist said he had an “unstable personality disorder” with difficulty managing anger and poor coping mechanisms. Mr Walker said Rock expressed remorse, pleaded guilty immediately wanting to go to prison to “get his head sorted out”, and would love to apologise to the shopkeeper. Judge John Walford said Rock was a persistent offender who reacted badly to “a number of problems”. But he said Rock terrified the shop owner by brandishing the knife and making persistent threats, and such vulnerable traders would be protected by the courts. The judge jailed Rock for three years.
The shop owner, who had worked at the store for 15 years, feared for his life and his wife’s safety, Teesside Crown Court heard. He shouted at Rock to get out at 6.30pm on April 14, said prosecutor Rachel Masters. Rock advanced on the victim, repeated his demands and threats, but ran off empty-handed after the shop owner managed to open the back door. Police found him “flat out” on the ground nearby and initially thought he was simply a local drunk, said Mr Walker. He pulled out the knife, put it to his own throat and threatened to hurt himself. Rock told officers: “I did it. Tell the judge maximum sentence.”
Rock, of no fixed address, admitted attempted robbery and having an offensive weapon. He had 15 previous offences including theft and burglary and was under a community order at the time. In his defence, Mr Walker said: “This offence was committed at the time when he was perhaps at his lowest ever ebb. He had broken up with his childhood sweetheart. She was denying him access to his child. She went further and said he wasn’t the father and, further still, said 'I’m now a lesbian'. He reacted to that situation in an entirely inappropriate and disgusting way. “He would love the opportunity to be able to turn the clock back. He wouldn’t have done this if he hadn’t taken the cocktail of tablets and drink.”
He said the robbery attempt was out of character and Rock’s violence was directed against himself. A DNA test proved he was in fact the baby’s father and the child had been brought to visit him inside. A psychiatrist said he had an “unstable personality disorder” with difficulty managing anger and poor coping mechanisms. Mr Walker said Rock expressed remorse, pleaded guilty immediately wanting to go to prison to “get his head sorted out”, and would love to apologise to the shopkeeper. Judge John Walford said Rock was a persistent offender who reacted badly to “a number of problems”. But he said Rock terrified the shop owner by brandishing the knife and making persistent threats, and such vulnerable traders would be protected by the courts. The judge jailed Rock for three years.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)