Monday, November 10, 2014
Newborn baby pangolin
This young pangolin, born recently at Taipei zoo in Taiwan, had trouble suckling from its mother and was losing weight, so staff have begun hand-rearing it.
YouTube link.
YouTube link.
Criticism over Donald Duck pedestrian decoy
A pedestrian safety crackdown in Fort Lee, New Jersey, that used a police officer dressed up as Donald Duck has drawn criticism from some motorists.
It was part of a decoy programme to catch drivers who aren't yielding to pedestrians.
But some are saying it's not fair and that they were tricked. River Edge resident Karen Haigh is one of those drivers, and she plans to fight the $230 ticket she got on Halloween day. "This duck kept going to the kerb, off the kerb," she said.
"I thought it was a crazy guy on Halloween." She is accused, along with dozens of others, of not stopping to let the 6-foot-4 Donald Duck cross the street. "They told me that I was getting a ticket for not stopping for a duck," she said. "But it scared me. I'm a woman.
"This huge duck scared me." Haigh says it was hard to tell what he was trying to do or who he was, and she feels she was treated harshly. "It scared me," she said. "It was a huge duck. If it was a person dressed normally, I think all those people would have stopped."
With news video.
But some are saying it's not fair and that they were tricked. River Edge resident Karen Haigh is one of those drivers, and she plans to fight the $230 ticket she got on Halloween day. "This duck kept going to the kerb, off the kerb," she said.
"I thought it was a crazy guy on Halloween." She is accused, along with dozens of others, of not stopping to let the 6-foot-4 Donald Duck cross the street. "They told me that I was getting a ticket for not stopping for a duck," she said. "But it scared me. I'm a woman.
"This huge duck scared me." Haigh says it was hard to tell what he was trying to do or who he was, and she feels she was treated harshly. "It scared me," she said. "It was a huge duck. If it was a person dressed normally, I think all those people would have stopped."
With news video.
Residents worried about deer with head stuck in plastic pumpkin
A plastic pumpkin stuck on a deer's head in Ohio, is preventing it from eating and drinking, residents say.
Neighbours first spotted the pumpkin-headed deer on Wednesday after the sighting caused some confusion in Mentor, east of Cleveland.
"You can't really tell what it is and all of a sudden you're like, 'What was that?' " Linda Hansen said. Hansen at first "thought it was a real pumpkin that got stuck on its head." Turns out the pumpkin is plastic, apparently attached to the deer's head with black plastic straps.
The straps appear to be embedded in the deer's head, near its ears. The animal's entire mouth is enclosed in the plastic pumpkin. Patty O'Donnell said: "My son and I saw the deer when we came out for the bus on Wednesday morning," O'Donnell said. "It was on its hind legs and just trying to bat it off its face," O'Donnell said.
YouTube link.
Residents are worried that the deer could starve to death because its unable to eat with the pumpkin on its head. Hansen and other neighbours say they've made several calls to authorities, but they've been unable to find anyone who can help. Mentor police confirmed they had sent officers out to try and catch the deer, but they were unsuccessful.
"You can't really tell what it is and all of a sudden you're like, 'What was that?' " Linda Hansen said. Hansen at first "thought it was a real pumpkin that got stuck on its head." Turns out the pumpkin is plastic, apparently attached to the deer's head with black plastic straps.
The straps appear to be embedded in the deer's head, near its ears. The animal's entire mouth is enclosed in the plastic pumpkin. Patty O'Donnell said: "My son and I saw the deer when we came out for the bus on Wednesday morning," O'Donnell said. "It was on its hind legs and just trying to bat it off its face," O'Donnell said.
YouTube link.
Residents are worried that the deer could starve to death because its unable to eat with the pumpkin on its head. Hansen and other neighbours say they've made several calls to authorities, but they've been unable to find anyone who can help. Mentor police confirmed they had sent officers out to try and catch the deer, but they were unsuccessful.
Mother and daughter stabbed in dispute with neighbour over dog poo
A man from Springfield, Massachusetts, was arrested on Saturday morning and is charged with stabbing two of his neighbours.
Police say about an hour before responding to the stabbing, officers were called to a dispute over dog faeces at the multi-family home.
They say the suspect, a first-floor resident, objected to the victims’ dogs defecating on the stairs and in the side yard. According to police, the situation was resolved, but after they left the situation became violent.
Police say Michael Valentin, 33, stabbed his second-floor neighbours, a 46-year-old mother and her 23-year-old daughter. The mother was stabbed several times in the back, according to police.
She was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening, and has been upgraded from critical to stable condition. Police say her daughter was stabbed in the face and neck, and is in good condition. Valentin is charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, and mayhem. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
They say the suspect, a first-floor resident, objected to the victims’ dogs defecating on the stairs and in the side yard. According to police, the situation was resolved, but after they left the situation became violent.
Police say Michael Valentin, 33, stabbed his second-floor neighbours, a 46-year-old mother and her 23-year-old daughter. The mother was stabbed several times in the back, according to police.
She was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening, and has been upgraded from critical to stable condition. Police say her daughter was stabbed in the face and neck, and is in good condition. Valentin is charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, and mayhem. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Italians face ban from kissing police officers
Kissing Italian police officers could soon be banned as part of a slew of potential new rules designed to keep citizens and the police force safe.
The kissing ban has been mooted as a “provocative act” after student protester, Nina De Chiffre, was charged with sexual assault for kissing a riot policeman on his helmet during protests against plans for a new high-speed TAV train in Turin last November.
She said she “wanted to make fun [of the police]", while Franco Maccari, the Secretary General of Coisp, the Italian police officers' union, said if a police officer kissed a protester then “”World War Three would have broken out”.
Under the proposals, which were put to labour unions on Thursday, police officers must also try to resist “mild physical contact and verbal challenges.”
The kissing ban has been mooted as a “provocative act” after student protester, Nina De Chiffre, was charged with sexual assault for kissing a riot policeman on his helmet during protests against plans for a new high-speed TAV train in Turin last November.
She said she “wanted to make fun [of the police]", while Franco Maccari, the Secretary General of Coisp, the Italian police officers' union, said if a police officer kissed a protester then “”World War Three would have broken out”.
Under the proposals, which were put to labour unions on Thursday, police officers must also try to resist “mild physical contact and verbal challenges.”
Single adults banned from family leisure park in case they are a paedophile
A bird enthusiast made a 25-mile trip to see a falconry display at a family leisure park only to be told that single adults are banned, for fear of paedophiles
Married man Matthew Richards, 54, a father of three grown-up children, was staggered by the rule at award-winning Puxton Park, a family-orientated leisure attraction near Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset.
Mr Richards, who also has three grandchildren, had previously visited the park with his family to admire the birds of prey.
But when he returned on Thursday hoping to watch another falconry display he was told he couldn't be admitted as a single man, on child protection grounds.
Puxton Park claimed the rule, which is explained in the small print on its website, was "in line with all other parks".
However Mr Richards, of High Littleton, near Bath, said he couldn't understand the ban and questioned why the rule was not explained on the brochure which prompted him to visit. He said: "I was frankly amazed. I was told the rule applies to single men, and women, for the protection of children. I couldn't see anything about the rule on the brochure which I picked up at another attraction. We have taken one of our grandchildren there before, and I saw that the falconry was there and thought it would be interesting to go back and see the displays. They are advertising adult memberships as gifts so I can't understand it." Puxton Park has many attractions that appeal particularly to young children, including its adventure park for youngsters aged four years and upwards, but its falconry display appeals to all ages.
Puxton's website does state that single men and women without children are excluded from entry, but the information is not carried on the home page, or under two other sections which might be expected to carry it – the "Access Statement" which gives information for disabled visitors, and "Rules of Admission" which carries helpful guidance such as washing hands after touching the animals, especially before consuming food. The information on the unaccompanied single adult ban comes in the prices section, at the end of a long list, and after information on gift vouchers. It states: "We are sorry but we are unable to let single men or women without children into the park. If you are here to meet someone let one of our reception staff know and they will happily do a tannoy announcement asking them to come and meet you." Alistair Mead, managing director of the park said the rule has been in place since the park opened seven years ago. "There is a lot in the headlines about paedophiles and things that are going on with children.
"We have done our research and in line with all other parks we don't let single men or women in," he said. "We make it quite clear that if people want to go to the falconry they have to get a prior appointment, and we would take them down to the falconry centre. It is in the leaflet. I think if I did a survey of 100 of our customers they would agree that we are doing the right thing." The falconry centre has more than 15 different breeds of birds of prey and is run by an experienced falconer. The falconry section of the website lists hunting days and even a five day in-depth falconry course. To find out more people have to ring or email the falconer, so would then be advised about special arrangements to allow unaccompanied adults to take part. But there is no specific mention of the no single adults rule on the falconry page. Mr Richards has struggled to find the guidance in the brochure he picked up. "I almost feel discriminated against," he said. "I could understand it if it was for the attractions that young children only enjoy, but the falconry is of interest to all." A spokesman for Visit Somerset said: "It sounds as if Puxton Park needs to publicise this particular rule a bit more prominently."
However Mr Richards, of High Littleton, near Bath, said he couldn't understand the ban and questioned why the rule was not explained on the brochure which prompted him to visit. He said: "I was frankly amazed. I was told the rule applies to single men, and women, for the protection of children. I couldn't see anything about the rule on the brochure which I picked up at another attraction. We have taken one of our grandchildren there before, and I saw that the falconry was there and thought it would be interesting to go back and see the displays. They are advertising adult memberships as gifts so I can't understand it." Puxton Park has many attractions that appeal particularly to young children, including its adventure park for youngsters aged four years and upwards, but its falconry display appeals to all ages.
Puxton's website does state that single men and women without children are excluded from entry, but the information is not carried on the home page, or under two other sections which might be expected to carry it – the "Access Statement" which gives information for disabled visitors, and "Rules of Admission" which carries helpful guidance such as washing hands after touching the animals, especially before consuming food. The information on the unaccompanied single adult ban comes in the prices section, at the end of a long list, and after information on gift vouchers. It states: "We are sorry but we are unable to let single men or women without children into the park. If you are here to meet someone let one of our reception staff know and they will happily do a tannoy announcement asking them to come and meet you." Alistair Mead, managing director of the park said the rule has been in place since the park opened seven years ago. "There is a lot in the headlines about paedophiles and things that are going on with children.
"We have done our research and in line with all other parks we don't let single men or women in," he said. "We make it quite clear that if people want to go to the falconry they have to get a prior appointment, and we would take them down to the falconry centre. It is in the leaflet. I think if I did a survey of 100 of our customers they would agree that we are doing the right thing." The falconry centre has more than 15 different breeds of birds of prey and is run by an experienced falconer. The falconry section of the website lists hunting days and even a five day in-depth falconry course. To find out more people have to ring or email the falconer, so would then be advised about special arrangements to allow unaccompanied adults to take part. But there is no specific mention of the no single adults rule on the falconry page. Mr Richards has struggled to find the guidance in the brochure he picked up. "I almost feel discriminated against," he said. "I could understand it if it was for the attractions that young children only enjoy, but the falconry is of interest to all." A spokesman for Visit Somerset said: "It sounds as if Puxton Park needs to publicise this particular rule a bit more prominently."
Competition to name new leisure centre in Selby won by man who chose Selby Leisure Centre
The winner of an exciting competition to name a new leisure centre in Selby, North Yorkshire, has received the prize of a year's free membership.
Steve Wadsworth chose the name 'Selby Leisure Centre' for the facility which is set to open in Spring 2015. He said: "I was really surprised and excited to win the membership prize.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the centre open and being able to use the swimming pool and checking out this fantastic facility for the residents of the Selby area." Paul Hirst, general manager of the centre, said: "Well done to Steve on winning the competition.
"It's great that the residents of Selby have had the chance to play a part in the development of this modern facility, which is set to bring huge benefits back to the community in terms of encouraging people to be active and healthy." The centre, which will be on the site of the old Abbey Leisure Centre, is owned by Selby District Council but will be managed by leisure and culture provider WLCT.
Steve Wadsworth chose the name 'Selby Leisure Centre' for the facility which is set to open in Spring 2015. He said: "I was really surprised and excited to win the membership prize.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the centre open and being able to use the swimming pool and checking out this fantastic facility for the residents of the Selby area." Paul Hirst, general manager of the centre, said: "Well done to Steve on winning the competition.
"It's great that the residents of Selby have had the chance to play a part in the development of this modern facility, which is set to bring huge benefits back to the community in terms of encouraging people to be active and healthy." The centre, which will be on the site of the old Abbey Leisure Centre, is owned by Selby District Council but will be managed by leisure and culture provider WLCT.
Distraught couple appeal for return of their pet parrot seized by Border Force officials
A Bournemouth couple have appealed to Border Force officials to return their pet parrot Becky, who was seized from them three months ago.
Senegal parrot Becky, who has lived with owner Andrew Sutton for almost three decades, has been kept at Heathrow Airport since mid-July.
Despite living in the UK for nearly all her life, she is the subject of an ongoing dispute as to whether she has the right documentation to be here.
Andrew, 43, said: “I have done nothing wrong and nor has Becky but we are being punished for other people’s mistakes.
“It’s heartbreaking. Becky is like a child to me, I have had her since I was a teenager. They have got to give her back to us.” The problem arose when Andrew and his partner David de la Mare, 63, moved back to the UK from Turkey, where they had lived and worked for around seven years. Becky’s move to Turkey had been straightforward and, when arranging her return to the UK, the pair paid a specialist animal transportation company £1,000 to complete all the necessary paperwork for them. The couple checked whether they needed a CITES permit for Becky but received a categorical assurance from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency that they did not.
But upon arriving in the UK, Becky was seized by Border Force officials who said she did need one. A CITES permit, which is inexpensive and easy to obtain, cannot be applied for retrospectively so Andrew and David have had to instruct solicitor Philip Day to help get Becky back. His initial request for Becky to be returned was turned down and they are now appealing this decision. Mr Day said there was “no public interest” in keeping Becky apart from her owner. “This is, at worst, an innocent story of a gentleman who has had a much-loved pet parrot for in excess of 25 years; who went to considerable time, effort and expense to ensure that when he moved to Turkey, his pet Becky could join him there and, when he returned, that the bird could remain with him.”
David said: “We are now faced with a situation where we may have to go to court to get Becky back. It is incredibly stressful, particularly as the Border Force is notoriously difficult to deal with, and we just can’t seem to get any answers from anyone.” And Andrew said: “I’ve put my trust in the system and always thought that if you do things properly you will be okay. We have been let down through no fault of our own but we just want Becky back.” A spokesman for Border Force said: “We do not routinely comment on individual cases, so cannot comment on this case unfortunately.”
“It’s heartbreaking. Becky is like a child to me, I have had her since I was a teenager. They have got to give her back to us.” The problem arose when Andrew and his partner David de la Mare, 63, moved back to the UK from Turkey, where they had lived and worked for around seven years. Becky’s move to Turkey had been straightforward and, when arranging her return to the UK, the pair paid a specialist animal transportation company £1,000 to complete all the necessary paperwork for them. The couple checked whether they needed a CITES permit for Becky but received a categorical assurance from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency that they did not.
But upon arriving in the UK, Becky was seized by Border Force officials who said she did need one. A CITES permit, which is inexpensive and easy to obtain, cannot be applied for retrospectively so Andrew and David have had to instruct solicitor Philip Day to help get Becky back. His initial request for Becky to be returned was turned down and they are now appealing this decision. Mr Day said there was “no public interest” in keeping Becky apart from her owner. “This is, at worst, an innocent story of a gentleman who has had a much-loved pet parrot for in excess of 25 years; who went to considerable time, effort and expense to ensure that when he moved to Turkey, his pet Becky could join him there and, when he returned, that the bird could remain with him.”
David said: “We are now faced with a situation where we may have to go to court to get Becky back. It is incredibly stressful, particularly as the Border Force is notoriously difficult to deal with, and we just can’t seem to get any answers from anyone.” And Andrew said: “I’ve put my trust in the system and always thought that if you do things properly you will be okay. We have been let down through no fault of our own but we just want Becky back.” A spokesman for Border Force said: “We do not routinely comment on individual cases, so cannot comment on this case unfortunately.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)