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Sunday, April 03, 2011
The Moog Polyphonic Theremin
Introduced in 1928, the Theremin is one of the earliest and most widely known electronic instruments played by artists manipulating the pitch and volume of invisible sound waves radiated from a single antenna with their hands.
Now, Moog Music engineers carrying on the legacy of visionary founder, Robert Moog have announced the first major technical Theremin design advance in over 40 years.
The PolyTheremin™ incorporates bleeding edge IsoDirectional Inductive Oscillator Technology, to isolate space around five individual pitch antennas thus enabling each to be played simultaneously (finger-by-finger) without interference from it’s companion antennas.
YouTube link.
This revolutionary concept breaks the long held belief that the Theremin could only be a monophonic instrument.
Please note: This was announced on April 1.
Now, Moog Music engineers carrying on the legacy of visionary founder, Robert Moog have announced the first major technical Theremin design advance in over 40 years.
The PolyTheremin™ incorporates bleeding edge IsoDirectional Inductive Oscillator Technology, to isolate space around five individual pitch antennas thus enabling each to be played simultaneously (finger-by-finger) without interference from it’s companion antennas.
YouTube link.
This revolutionary concept breaks the long held belief that the Theremin could only be a monophonic instrument.
Please note: This was announced on April 1.
Knut meets Gaddafi
Knut, Germany's beloved polar bear who died earlier this month, will live on as a clay statue on top of Muammar Gaddafi's head. US artist, Daniel Edwards, is creating a statue of Knut sitting atop the embattled Libyan leader in a piece he is naming 'Knut Watches Over Germany'.
Sculptor Edwards said he was inspired by Germany's love for the bear as well as their stance on military action against Gaddafi. The idea came to him after Germany announced it would not join United Nations-backed operations in Libya. 'I guess the idea is that Knut helped raise the conscience of Germany, I feel.'
'Everybody embraced Knut for a reason, and they understood the meaning of Knut. Knut was more than just a pet, or a zoo animal. Knut was a symbol of global warming perhaps. So I thought the situation with Gaddafi for Germany was the antithesis of what Knut was. I guess I kind of felt Knut was watching over Germany to make sure that Germany's conscience stayed elevated.'
Edward's 11-year old sun Rodman is sculpting Gaddafi's head. Edwards has achieved some notoriety for his controversial sculptures. Previous works include a statue of Britney Spears giving birth, Angelina Jolie breastfeeding her twins and a dead Paris Hilton wearing a tiara and holding a mobile phone.
Sculptor Edwards said he was inspired by Germany's love for the bear as well as their stance on military action against Gaddafi. The idea came to him after Germany announced it would not join United Nations-backed operations in Libya. 'I guess the idea is that Knut helped raise the conscience of Germany, I feel.'
'Everybody embraced Knut for a reason, and they understood the meaning of Knut. Knut was more than just a pet, or a zoo animal. Knut was a symbol of global warming perhaps. So I thought the situation with Gaddafi for Germany was the antithesis of what Knut was. I guess I kind of felt Knut was watching over Germany to make sure that Germany's conscience stayed elevated.'
Edward's 11-year old sun Rodman is sculpting Gaddafi's head. Edwards has achieved some notoriety for his controversial sculptures. Previous works include a statue of Britney Spears giving birth, Angelina Jolie breastfeeding her twins and a dead Paris Hilton wearing a tiara and holding a mobile phone.
Spanish police arrest man who twice escaped by fax
Spanish police say they have arrested a man who twice escaped from custody by having his wife send fake faxes ordering his release.
Fifty-seven-year-old Jose Carlos Serna was taken into custody at his home in San Lorenzo del Escorial, a suburb north of Madrid, on Friday, while hiding in a hollowed-out sofa, police said.
In December, he was in a cell at Arganda del Rey courthouse awaiting trial when officers got a fax purportedly from a regional court. It was followed by a phone call purportedly from a court official, corroborating the release order.
Spanish officers tried to verify the order, but their calls went unanswered. When a second call was received confirming Serna's release, he was freed to a waiting taxi. Police said Serna used the same trick to escape from Valdemoro jail in October.
Fifty-seven-year-old Jose Carlos Serna was taken into custody at his home in San Lorenzo del Escorial, a suburb north of Madrid, on Friday, while hiding in a hollowed-out sofa, police said.
In December, he was in a cell at Arganda del Rey courthouse awaiting trial when officers got a fax purportedly from a regional court. It was followed by a phone call purportedly from a court official, corroborating the release order.
Spanish officers tried to verify the order, but their calls went unanswered. When a second call was received confirming Serna's release, he was freed to a waiting taxi. Police said Serna used the same trick to escape from Valdemoro jail in October.
Tsunami-surviving dog rescued after three weeks at sea
A dog believed to have survived the tsunami and then three weeks at sea has been rescued by the Japanese coastguard.
Coastguards headed towards the dog after spotting it on the floating roof of a house that had been washed out to sea, about 1.1 miles from the coast of Kesennuma in the north-east.
YouTube link.
A rescue team scrambled on to the roof and attempted to capture the canine. But the brown dog thwarted their efforts by running away over the large roof and surrounding rubble. The chase lasted for several hours before the elusive animal was finally caught, wrapped in a blanket and carried on a stretcher aboard the rescue boat.
Initially, the dog seemed nervous and wary of the coastguards but once it was comfortably ensconced on the boat it quickly warmed to its captors and was soon licking their hands. The dog did not have a name tag or any other ID on its collar.
Coastguards headed towards the dog after spotting it on the floating roof of a house that had been washed out to sea, about 1.1 miles from the coast of Kesennuma in the north-east.
YouTube link.
A rescue team scrambled on to the roof and attempted to capture the canine. But the brown dog thwarted their efforts by running away over the large roof and surrounding rubble. The chase lasted for several hours before the elusive animal was finally caught, wrapped in a blanket and carried on a stretcher aboard the rescue boat.
Initially, the dog seemed nervous and wary of the coastguards but once it was comfortably ensconced on the boat it quickly warmed to its captors and was soon licking their hands. The dog did not have a name tag or any other ID on its collar.
Man tries to hide behind curtain in park
A man hiding behind a curtain in a Barrie, Ontario, park was arrested following a domestic dispute early on Friday morning.
City police officers were called at 2:20 a.m. regarding a man breaking into his ex-girlfriend's basement apartment. He had been kicked out and was trying to force his way back in through a window.
The man ran when police showed up, but was found a short distance away in a nearby park in the community north of Toronto. Police said he was intoxicated and was trying to hide behind a curtain that was still attached to its curtain rod.
"Unfortunately for him, he was in the middle of the park with nothing else around him," police said. A 27-year-old man was charged with domestic mischief. He was held until sober and released with a future court date.
City police officers were called at 2:20 a.m. regarding a man breaking into his ex-girlfriend's basement apartment. He had been kicked out and was trying to force his way back in through a window.
The man ran when police showed up, but was found a short distance away in a nearby park in the community north of Toronto. Police said he was intoxicated and was trying to hide behind a curtain that was still attached to its curtain rod.
"Unfortunately for him, he was in the middle of the park with nothing else around him," police said. A 27-year-old man was charged with domestic mischief. He was held until sober and released with a future court date.
Woman suffering from depression fights to keep disabled 'therapy pet' kangaroo
A woman suffering from depression who found comfort from an unusual pet as been told the animal could be taken away because it is a public safety risk. Christie Carr is seeking an exemption from Broken Arrow City Council to keep Irwin, a 25lbs great red kangaroo that she cares for like a child. Irwin rides in a car seat, is dressed in a shirt and trousers every day and is rarely apart from his doting carer.
At the advice of her therapist, Ms Carr began volunteering at an animal sanctuary where she met Irwin when he was just a baby. Less than a week later the joey - named after Australian animal expert Steve Irwin - ran into a fence, fracturing his neck and causing severe brain damage. Ms Carr volunteered to take the animal home and developed a bond with him as she nursed him back to health. Irwin cannot stand or walk on his own, but he is slowly regaining mobility and can hop three or four times in a row without assistance.
Ms Carr said: 'Irwin will not live if I have to give him up. I can't imagine a day living without him.' Native to Australia, healthy male great red kangaroos can grow up to 7ft and weigh more than 200lbs. They are capable of bounding 25ft in a single leap. Because of his accident, Irwin isn't expected to grow larger than 50lbs. Neutering has also lessened any chance he will become aggressive.
YouTube link.
Dr Lesleigh Cash Warren, his vet, said: 'Irwin cannot be judged as any normal kangaroo. He is a unique animal due to his disabilities and will require a lifetime of care and concern for his welfare.' Ms Carr, who is unable to work because of her health, changes Irwin's nappy several times a day and feeds him with salad, raw vegetables, popcorn, kangaroo food and the occasional bag of cheese crisps. The marsupial never leaves the house without getting dressed first. His clothes - a boy's shirt cut to accommodate his neck, and jeans or trousers with a hole cut for his tail - are necessary for therapeutic reasons and to protect him against germs, Ms Carr claims.
At the advice of her therapist, Ms Carr began volunteering at an animal sanctuary where she met Irwin when he was just a baby. Less than a week later the joey - named after Australian animal expert Steve Irwin - ran into a fence, fracturing his neck and causing severe brain damage. Ms Carr volunteered to take the animal home and developed a bond with him as she nursed him back to health. Irwin cannot stand or walk on his own, but he is slowly regaining mobility and can hop three or four times in a row without assistance.
Ms Carr said: 'Irwin will not live if I have to give him up. I can't imagine a day living without him.' Native to Australia, healthy male great red kangaroos can grow up to 7ft and weigh more than 200lbs. They are capable of bounding 25ft in a single leap. Because of his accident, Irwin isn't expected to grow larger than 50lbs. Neutering has also lessened any chance he will become aggressive.
YouTube link.
Dr Lesleigh Cash Warren, his vet, said: 'Irwin cannot be judged as any normal kangaroo. He is a unique animal due to his disabilities and will require a lifetime of care and concern for his welfare.' Ms Carr, who is unable to work because of her health, changes Irwin's nappy several times a day and feeds him with salad, raw vegetables, popcorn, kangaroo food and the occasional bag of cheese crisps. The marsupial never leaves the house without getting dressed first. His clothes - a boy's shirt cut to accommodate his neck, and jeans or trousers with a hole cut for his tail - are necessary for therapeutic reasons and to protect him against germs, Ms Carr claims.
French mayor 'removes statue because its breasts are too big'
The mayor of a town in France has thrown a patriotic female statue out of his town hall because its breasts were too big.
The terracotta bust of Marianne - the traditional female embodiment of the French Republic in a Phrygian cap - was an original work by a local artist, installed in 2007 at the town hall in Neuville-en-Ferrain, population 10,000. "It was making people gossip," said one town hall employee. "Remarks were made, during weddings for example."
Mayor Gerard Cordon persuaded councillors to approve 900 euros in this year's budget to buy a replacement, a more conventional bust of Marianne modelled on the statuesque French model Laetitia Casta. The artist who made the rejected bust, Catherine Lamacque, said she gave it outsized breasts deliberately, "to symbolise the generosity of the Republic."
The town hall bought her terracotta statue in 2007 for 1,400 euros. "The mayor has had it under his nose for several years. He chose it from among other designs even before I baked it," she said. "His decision is absurd. I only hope he will not have it destroyed."
The terracotta bust of Marianne - the traditional female embodiment of the French Republic in a Phrygian cap - was an original work by a local artist, installed in 2007 at the town hall in Neuville-en-Ferrain, population 10,000. "It was making people gossip," said one town hall employee. "Remarks were made, during weddings for example."
Mayor Gerard Cordon persuaded councillors to approve 900 euros in this year's budget to buy a replacement, a more conventional bust of Marianne modelled on the statuesque French model Laetitia Casta. The artist who made the rejected bust, Catherine Lamacque, said she gave it outsized breasts deliberately, "to symbolise the generosity of the Republic."
The town hall bought her terracotta statue in 2007 for 1,400 euros. "The mayor has had it under his nose for several years. He chose it from among other designs even before I baked it," she said. "His decision is absurd. I only hope he will not have it destroyed."
Man uses prosthetic leg to trip up armed robber
A would-be robber was tripped up by a one-legged customer while trying to make his getaway from a Middleton, Massachusetts, convenience store.
Steve Cornell, 55, was outside of the JC Grill and Convenience Store and saw the robbery take place.
When the gunman ran from the building, Cornell tripped him, then helped the store's clerk restrain him until police arrived.
YouTube link.
Cornell, who has a prosthetic leg and recently underwent shoulder surgery, says he was only doing "what anybody would do" when he decided to intervene. The suspect, 23-year-old Eric Homan is now facing charges of armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Full story here.
Steve Cornell, 55, was outside of the JC Grill and Convenience Store and saw the robbery take place.
When the gunman ran from the building, Cornell tripped him, then helped the store's clerk restrain him until police arrived.
YouTube link.
Cornell, who has a prosthetic leg and recently underwent shoulder surgery, says he was only doing "what anybody would do" when he decided to intervene. The suspect, 23-year-old Eric Homan is now facing charges of armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Full story here.
Australian couple pay $5,000 to correct duck's limp
Many a Peking duck has been carved up. But pet quacker Pixie may be the first who has been stitched back up after going under the knife. Her owners are estimated to have spent a staggering $5000 to save their lame duck's gammy leg.
Amputation of Pixie's injured leg wasn't an option for the water wader, who could have spent the rest of her life swimming in circles. But after they adopted her as a five-week old abandoned chick, Rebecca Irvine and David Ogilvie were not going to give up on their favourite girl. "As birds do, she imprinted and bonded with David as soon as she arrived and she sees him, both of us actually, as her parents," Ms Irvine said.
Pixie follows them around the sprawling grounds of their spacious Box Hill home and is best mates with Daphne, another rescued Peking duck. "People buy them at the markets when they are cute and cuddly tiny chicks and have no idea about how big they will grow and how hard they are to keep as pets," Mr Ogilvie said. "So we end up with them." Four months ago, the delightful duck developed a limp and a bacterial infection in the joint was diagnosed.
"We have spent weeks and months working with an expert and using antibiotics to try and cure it but it ended up needing surgery." Pixie was then referred to specialist Charles Kuntz, at Southpaws in Moorabbin, who has performed thousands of leg ligament ops on cats and dogs - and now his first on a duck. The surgery to fuse the elbow joint in Pixie's leg took only an hour and this lame duck is cured.
Amputation of Pixie's injured leg wasn't an option for the water wader, who could have spent the rest of her life swimming in circles. But after they adopted her as a five-week old abandoned chick, Rebecca Irvine and David Ogilvie were not going to give up on their favourite girl. "As birds do, she imprinted and bonded with David as soon as she arrived and she sees him, both of us actually, as her parents," Ms Irvine said.
Pixie follows them around the sprawling grounds of their spacious Box Hill home and is best mates with Daphne, another rescued Peking duck. "People buy them at the markets when they are cute and cuddly tiny chicks and have no idea about how big they will grow and how hard they are to keep as pets," Mr Ogilvie said. "So we end up with them." Four months ago, the delightful duck developed a limp and a bacterial infection in the joint was diagnosed.
"We have spent weeks and months working with an expert and using antibiotics to try and cure it but it ended up needing surgery." Pixie was then referred to specialist Charles Kuntz, at Southpaws in Moorabbin, who has performed thousands of leg ligament ops on cats and dogs - and now his first on a duck. The surgery to fuse the elbow joint in Pixie's leg took only an hour and this lame duck is cured.
Orphaned bear cubs and tiger cub become friends
Two orphaned black bear cubs in China have formed an unlikely friendship with a tiger cub at China's Qingdao Wildlife Park.
The three-month old twin cubs were taken from their mother at birth after she showed signs of rejecting them.
YouTube link.
They have received specialist care and were first fed on milk from other animals, before being moved on to artificial milk.
Keepers say the cubs are doing well and will soon be independent and strong enough to be introduced to the public for the first time.
The three-month old twin cubs were taken from their mother at birth after she showed signs of rejecting them.
YouTube link.
They have received specialist care and were first fed on milk from other animals, before being moved on to artificial milk.
Keepers say the cubs are doing well and will soon be independent and strong enough to be introduced to the public for the first time.
Three-legged calf becomes family pet
The first three-legged calf in "living memory" has been born in Raphoe, in County Donegal. The shorthorn cross, known as Paul, was born on the farm of the Vance family who have farmed in the Momeen area for well over 200 years.
It weighed over 50 kg at birth and is said to be healthy. "It is the first time we've ever had a three-legged animal born in these parts," Kenneth Vance said. "It is not that unusual to hear of abnormalities but this is different.
"Apart from the fact the calf has three legs it is healthy enough and is feeding all right. We're going to give it a chance anyway of surviving." He said his children had nicknamed the calf "Paul" after an alien in a recent comedy film.
"We'll probably keep him as a pet for the kids," he said. Gerard Roarty, Principal Veterinary Surgeon at the Donegal Animal Hospital based in Letterkenny, said the birth of a three legged calf was extremely unusual."
Video.
It weighed over 50 kg at birth and is said to be healthy. "It is the first time we've ever had a three-legged animal born in these parts," Kenneth Vance said. "It is not that unusual to hear of abnormalities but this is different.
"Apart from the fact the calf has three legs it is healthy enough and is feeding all right. We're going to give it a chance anyway of surviving." He said his children had nicknamed the calf "Paul" after an alien in a recent comedy film.
"We'll probably keep him as a pet for the kids," he said. Gerard Roarty, Principal Veterinary Surgeon at the Donegal Animal Hospital based in Letterkenny, said the birth of a three legged calf was extremely unusual."
Video.
Orphaned baby rabbits are adopted by male chihuahua
A litter of orphaned wild rabbits have found an unlikely foster parent at an animal rescue centre – a male Chihuahua. The three-day-old babies were uncovered in a compost heap last week and are too small to fend for themselves. They are now being hand-reared by Sheila Stewart, owner of Capricorn Animal Rescue in Padeswood, with help from surrogate father Mitch.
Sheila said: “A man brought the litter in along with their nest after he found them when he moved a compost heap. They are tiny and I am feeding them every few hours with milk through a syringe. After I’ve finished feeding them, Mitch comes along and washes and grooms each one. He seems to have adopted them.”
Two-year-old Mitch, who was brought in to the centre when he was just six months old, has been unable to find a home because of his tendency to chew everything around him – except baby rabbits. Sheila added: “He eats and chews absolutely anything he can find – feathers, cloths and even razor blades. I have had to take him to the vet so many times, I’ve been told he’ll glow in the dark if he has any more X-rays.”
Sheila added: “He is a real character and is so good with all the other animals.” But Mitch will be only able to look after his adopted babies for another few weeks, until they are released back into the wild. “I will feed them until they are big enough to feed themselves and then we will stop handling them,” said Sheila. “That way they remain wild and will be able to look after themselves when we release them at about eight or nine weeks old.”
Sheila said: “A man brought the litter in along with their nest after he found them when he moved a compost heap. They are tiny and I am feeding them every few hours with milk through a syringe. After I’ve finished feeding them, Mitch comes along and washes and grooms each one. He seems to have adopted them.”
Two-year-old Mitch, who was brought in to the centre when he was just six months old, has been unable to find a home because of his tendency to chew everything around him – except baby rabbits. Sheila added: “He eats and chews absolutely anything he can find – feathers, cloths and even razor blades. I have had to take him to the vet so many times, I’ve been told he’ll glow in the dark if he has any more X-rays.”
Sheila added: “He is a real character and is so good with all the other animals.” But Mitch will be only able to look after his adopted babies for another few weeks, until they are released back into the wild. “I will feed them until they are big enough to feed themselves and then we will stop handling them,” said Sheila. “That way they remain wild and will be able to look after themselves when we release them at about eight or nine weeks old.”
Schoolchildren's lesson interrupted by worms falling from sky
Pupils at a Scottish school had to run for cover when it started raining worms during their PE lesson. Teacher David Crichton was leading a group of pupils playing football on an astroturf pitch at Galashiels Academy when dozens of the slimy creatures began plummeting from the sky. The second-year boys had to abandon their lesson as the earthworms fell during the bizarre incident.
David said the children had just completed their warm up when they began to hear "soft thudding" on the ground. The class then looked to the cloudless sky and saw worms falling on to them. The 26-year-old teacher said he was baffled by the unexplained incident. Later he and other teachers found more worms spread across a tennis court almost 100 yards away. David said: "We were out playing football and had just done our warm up and were about to start the next part of the lesson. We started hearing this wee thudding noise on the ground.
"There were about 20 worms already on the ground at this point. Then they just kept coming down. The kids were laughing but some were covering their heads and others were running for cover for a while. They just scattered to get out of the way." The bizarre occurrence took place at around 9.15am on Tuesday. The teacher then scooped up handfuls of the worms as proof they had landed on his class. David said he and his colleagues eventually found around 120 worms in total after checking the artificial football pitch and tennis courts.
"Everyone was having a laugh at me about it until they went out and saw for themselves. Everyone thought I was mad. They came back in and looked shocked. I spoke with the science department here but none of them had any explanation for it. One of them thought maybe it was a freak weather thing. But it was such a clear, calm day. And we are quite a bit away from any of the buildings so it's not like anyone could have been throwing them.”
David said the children had just completed their warm up when they began to hear "soft thudding" on the ground. The class then looked to the cloudless sky and saw worms falling on to them. The 26-year-old teacher said he was baffled by the unexplained incident. Later he and other teachers found more worms spread across a tennis court almost 100 yards away. David said: "We were out playing football and had just done our warm up and were about to start the next part of the lesson. We started hearing this wee thudding noise on the ground.
"There were about 20 worms already on the ground at this point. Then they just kept coming down. The kids were laughing but some were covering their heads and others were running for cover for a while. They just scattered to get out of the way." The bizarre occurrence took place at around 9.15am on Tuesday. The teacher then scooped up handfuls of the worms as proof they had landed on his class. David said he and his colleagues eventually found around 120 worms in total after checking the artificial football pitch and tennis courts.
"Everyone was having a laugh at me about it until they went out and saw for themselves. Everyone thought I was mad. They came back in and looked shocked. I spoke with the science department here but none of them had any explanation for it. One of them thought maybe it was a freak weather thing. But it was such a clear, calm day. And we are quite a bit away from any of the buildings so it's not like anyone could have been throwing them.”
Over-amorous lovers caught having sex against police station wall
A couple of lovebirds fell foul of the law when officers spotted them having sex against the wall of Gloucester police station – in the middle of the afternoon.Two Police Community Support Officers were red-faced when they saw a man and woman leaning against the station wall at Bearland at 5.30pm with their trousers around their ankles.
Charlotte Howell, 27, and 45-year-old Andrew Moore, both of Tewkesbury Road, Longford, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency by engaging in sexual intercourse in a public place on February 1. The couple appeared before District Judge David Morgan at Gloucester Magistrates' Court. Prosecuting lawyer Lisa Hennessy said:
"It was 5.30pm in the afternoon when two Police Community Support Officers saw a male and female leaning against a wall at Gloucester's main police station. They both had their trousers around their ankles which exposed their bare buttocks. The male was thrusting towards the groin area of the female and it was clear what was happening. The officers were shocked and spoke to the two defendants.
"They were both arrested and taken into custody." Both defendants were also charged with assaulting the police in the execution of their duty but they denied the charges. The case was adjourned until May 20 for trial before Gloucester magistrates. Nine police prosecution witnesses were due to be called and the two defendants were granted unconditional bail. Defending solicitor Gemma Bond said: "The issue in this trial is that my clients both deny that any assaults took place."
Charlotte Howell, 27, and 45-year-old Andrew Moore, both of Tewkesbury Road, Longford, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency by engaging in sexual intercourse in a public place on February 1. The couple appeared before District Judge David Morgan at Gloucester Magistrates' Court. Prosecuting lawyer Lisa Hennessy said:
"It was 5.30pm in the afternoon when two Police Community Support Officers saw a male and female leaning against a wall at Gloucester's main police station. They both had their trousers around their ankles which exposed their bare buttocks. The male was thrusting towards the groin area of the female and it was clear what was happening. The officers were shocked and spoke to the two defendants.
"They were both arrested and taken into custody." Both defendants were also charged with assaulting the police in the execution of their duty but they denied the charges. The case was adjourned until May 20 for trial before Gloucester magistrates. Nine police prosecution witnesses were due to be called and the two defendants were granted unconditional bail. Defending solicitor Gemma Bond said: "The issue in this trial is that my clients both deny that any assaults took place."
Council swaps real flowers for fakes to save money
The latest money-saving idea to help cash-strapped South Tyneside Council is, quite literally, not to be sniffed at. As part of their bid to save £35m over the next year council bosses have turned to flashing the plastic - plastic flowers.
For a trial period the fake blooms have been placed in hanging baskets outside South Shields Town Hall, as maintenance costs for real flowers are expensive. A council spokesman said: “A significant reduction in the Government funding we receive has left us facing a £35m budget gap in 2011/12.
“This means we must continue to review all of our services and explore new models of service delivery. During our extensive budget consultation, we received feedback that some local authorities are trialling the use of artificial flowers to reduce their maintenance costs.
“Our trial is for hanging baskets only because the maintenance costs associated with them are high. The trial does not affect other forms of planting across the borough.” He added: “As with any trial, we will be considering feedback before making a decision on its future.”
For a trial period the fake blooms have been placed in hanging baskets outside South Shields Town Hall, as maintenance costs for real flowers are expensive. A council spokesman said: “A significant reduction in the Government funding we receive has left us facing a £35m budget gap in 2011/12.
“This means we must continue to review all of our services and explore new models of service delivery. During our extensive budget consultation, we received feedback that some local authorities are trialling the use of artificial flowers to reduce their maintenance costs.
“Our trial is for hanging baskets only because the maintenance costs associated with them are high. The trial does not affect other forms of planting across the borough.” He added: “As with any trial, we will be considering feedback before making a decision on its future.”
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