Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Humpback whale takes Australian couple on wild boat ride
An Australian couple have been taken for a terrifying boat ride by a humpback whale.
Glenn Wilson and Nerida Higgins were enjoying a quiet evening moored in their yacht off Australia's Queensland coast when the whale got their boat's anchor rope in its mouth and dragged them out to sea. The frightening trip lasted 15 minutes as their boat was dragged 1.8 miles (3km).
The couple called nearby boats, the coastguard and even police for help but all to no avail. "I don't think he believed me — I think they thought we'd had a few drinks of something," Ms Higgins said.
When a second humpback whale took the rope in its mouth, the couple decided to cut the line, fearing their boat would get smashed up. "We were hoping to see some whales but not actually that close," Mr Wilson said. The incident was captured on video by Ms Higgins, a bump in the night they will never forget.
Video.
Glenn Wilson and Nerida Higgins were enjoying a quiet evening moored in their yacht off Australia's Queensland coast when the whale got their boat's anchor rope in its mouth and dragged them out to sea. The frightening trip lasted 15 minutes as their boat was dragged 1.8 miles (3km).
The couple called nearby boats, the coastguard and even police for help but all to no avail. "I don't think he believed me — I think they thought we'd had a few drinks of something," Ms Higgins said.
When a second humpback whale took the rope in its mouth, the couple decided to cut the line, fearing their boat would get smashed up. "We were hoping to see some whales but not actually that close," Mr Wilson said. The incident was captured on video by Ms Higgins, a bump in the night they will never forget.
Video.
Father and son to be charged with murder
An 81-year-old man is in custody after telling police he shot and killed someone in Burbank Township. Police say they received a call at around 7:22 p.m. on Saturday from Delbert Huber, who said he was at a residence on the 28000 block of 44th Street Northeast, where he committed a fatal shooting.
When police arrived, they found Huber with the body of a 43-year-old man, who had apparently suffered a gunshot wound. Huber, 81, was with his 45-year-old son Timothy Huber at the time of the shooting. He told police he went to the residence early on Saturday morning, got into a confrontation with the man and shot him.
Huber and his son were arrested at the scene. Huber could face a charge of second-degree murder and his son, Timothy, was arrested for possible charges of liability for crimes of another and aiding an offender. Family members identified the victim as Timothy Larson.
The family said Larson was a special education teacher at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West. Larson’s family said the two families have been acquainted for years. Both Hubers are from rural Paynesville and are currently being held at the Kandiyohi County Jail. Formal charges are to be presented.
When police arrived, they found Huber with the body of a 43-year-old man, who had apparently suffered a gunshot wound. Huber, 81, was with his 45-year-old son Timothy Huber at the time of the shooting. He told police he went to the residence early on Saturday morning, got into a confrontation with the man and shot him.
Huber and his son were arrested at the scene. Huber could face a charge of second-degree murder and his son, Timothy, was arrested for possible charges of liability for crimes of another and aiding an offender. Family members identified the victim as Timothy Larson.
The family said Larson was a special education teacher at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West. Larson’s family said the two families have been acquainted for years. Both Hubers are from rural Paynesville and are currently being held at the Kandiyohi County Jail. Formal charges are to be presented.
Man gets stuck in ventilation duct at hookah lounge
Bethlehem police said a 28-year-old man denied entry to a hookah lounge on Saturday tried to get inside by climbing through the building's ventilation duct and became stuck. Police said Justine Graci was wedged so tightly in the duct, Bethlehem firefighters had to be called in to help rescue him.
Fire crews had to cut a 2-foot section of the duct to free Graci – causing about $2,000 in damages, said police Lt. Mark DiLuzio. Police said Graci, of 455 Montclair Ave., was denied entry to the Sultana Hookah Lounge, 3 E. Third St. by a bouncer, who determined Graci was too intoxicated and because the lounge was filled to capacity.
Graci climbed the roof of the lounge, tore off a ventilation grate and tried to squeeze his way through the duct, DiLuzio said. Graci – who entered feet first – became stuck in a curved section of the duct, police said.
Employees alerted police when they heard loud noises coming from inside the duct. Police aren't sure how long Graci was stuck inside. Graci is charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief and public drunkenness. He is in Northampton County Prison under $20,000 bail.
Fire crews had to cut a 2-foot section of the duct to free Graci – causing about $2,000 in damages, said police Lt. Mark DiLuzio. Police said Graci, of 455 Montclair Ave., was denied entry to the Sultana Hookah Lounge, 3 E. Third St. by a bouncer, who determined Graci was too intoxicated and because the lounge was filled to capacity.
Graci climbed the roof of the lounge, tore off a ventilation grate and tried to squeeze his way through the duct, DiLuzio said. Graci – who entered feet first – became stuck in a curved section of the duct, police said.
Employees alerted police when they heard loud noises coming from inside the duct. Police aren't sure how long Graci was stuck inside. Graci is charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief and public drunkenness. He is in Northampton County Prison under $20,000 bail.
Man asks police officer to give his dropped marijuana back
A man accidentally dropped his marijuana outside a Pittsburgh convenience store on Monday. A police officer found the drugs and the man asked the officer if he could have his drugs back. "Nah, nah, nah that's not even cool you can say what you want but, I'm going to tell you. I thought you were going to be cool though," said Miles Bennett.
"Be cool about it? Sir, when I walk up here I find marijuana on the ground and you say 'excuse me sir like that's my marijuana,'" said Pittsburgh Police Officer Dwayne Ausbrooks. Bennett told how he accidentally dropped the pot when he stopped at the 7-11 on Western Avenue. The moment he saw it on the ground, so did Officer Ausbrooks, who confiscated it.
Bennett then approached the officer, asking if he could have his marijuana back. "I thought you can't get in trouble for that little bit," said Bennett. "You thought I wouldn't get in trouble if I gave you back some marijuana," asked Officer Ausbrooks. "Well not you, when no one was here till you called everybody," said Bennett.
"Of course I called, I have a duty and responsibility to uphold the law," said Officer Ausbrooks. "I understand that I'm not mad at you I'm just saying," said Bennett. "Well yeah I hope you're not mad at me," said Officer Ausbrooks. Bennett was not arrested because the police officer did not see him holding the bag before he dropped it.
Video.
"Be cool about it? Sir, when I walk up here I find marijuana on the ground and you say 'excuse me sir like that's my marijuana,'" said Pittsburgh Police Officer Dwayne Ausbrooks. Bennett told how he accidentally dropped the pot when he stopped at the 7-11 on Western Avenue. The moment he saw it on the ground, so did Officer Ausbrooks, who confiscated it.
Bennett then approached the officer, asking if he could have his marijuana back. "I thought you can't get in trouble for that little bit," said Bennett. "You thought I wouldn't get in trouble if I gave you back some marijuana," asked Officer Ausbrooks. "Well not you, when no one was here till you called everybody," said Bennett.
"Of course I called, I have a duty and responsibility to uphold the law," said Officer Ausbrooks. "I understand that I'm not mad at you I'm just saying," said Bennett. "Well yeah I hope you're not mad at me," said Officer Ausbrooks. Bennett was not arrested because the police officer did not see him holding the bag before he dropped it.
Video.
Father attacks 'lazy' son with sword over house chores
A Ventura man was arrested on Sunday after stabbing his son with a sword, police said.
Ventura Police received a call of a dispute at around 12:30 p.m. in the 2500 block of Zuni Court.
When officers arrived, they found 18-year-old Jose Gonzalez bleeding from a stab wound to the hand. Police say the father, Antonio Gonzalez, 43, became agitated with his son, calling him lazy as they argued over house chores.
Video link.
Gonzalez then took out a 4-foot sword and stabbed his son, police said. The younger Gonzalez was hurt while trying to defend himself. He sustained serious but non-threatening injuries. Antonio Gonzalez was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
Ventura Police received a call of a dispute at around 12:30 p.m. in the 2500 block of Zuni Court.
When officers arrived, they found 18-year-old Jose Gonzalez bleeding from a stab wound to the hand. Police say the father, Antonio Gonzalez, 43, became agitated with his son, calling him lazy as they argued over house chores.
Video link.
Gonzalez then took out a 4-foot sword and stabbed his son, police said. The younger Gonzalez was hurt while trying to defend himself. He sustained serious but non-threatening injuries. Antonio Gonzalez was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
Bad handwriting foils bank robbery
A New Castle-area man has been charged with attempted robbery after police say he tried to rob a WSFS bank.
Thomas J. Love, 40, walked into the WSFS branch in the Crossroads Shopping Center on New Castle Avenue near New Castle, Delaware and handed a bank teller a demand note on a deposit slip, state police reported.
The teller, unable to decipher what was on the deposit slip, handed it back and asked that it be re-written. Empty handed, he then fled the bank on foot.
After a description was provided, a New Castle County police officer located Love in the area and took him into custody. He was charged with attempted robbery and committed to Young Correctional Institution on $2,000 cash bond.
Thomas J. Love, 40, walked into the WSFS branch in the Crossroads Shopping Center on New Castle Avenue near New Castle, Delaware and handed a bank teller a demand note on a deposit slip, state police reported.
The teller, unable to decipher what was on the deposit slip, handed it back and asked that it be re-written. Empty handed, he then fled the bank on foot.
After a description was provided, a New Castle County police officer located Love in the area and took him into custody. He was charged with attempted robbery and committed to Young Correctional Institution on $2,000 cash bond.
Motorcyclist sets off speed camera sliding along the ground without his bike
A motorcyclist is facing prosecution after being caught speeding – while sliding along the ground without his motorbike. This image released by police in Switzerland shows the 38-year-old man careering helplessly towards the side of the road at around 66mph.
Traffic police believe he would have been going a great deal faster when he first saw the camera. Sparks are flying from his bike, which he is thought to have lost control of after noticing the traffic camera ahead of him.
The incident happened between the towns of Cibourg and La Chaux-de-fonds, close to Bern and the French border, on October 2. A police spokesman said: ‘It appears that he suddenly saw the traffic control measure ahead and lost control as he tried to slow down.
Police say the motorcyclist, who was wearing protective leathers, was unhurt apart from minor cuts and bruises, as well as a degree of shock. He confirmed that the man was still facing a fine and the withdrawal of his driving licence for up to three months.
Traffic police believe he would have been going a great deal faster when he first saw the camera. Sparks are flying from his bike, which he is thought to have lost control of after noticing the traffic camera ahead of him.
The incident happened between the towns of Cibourg and La Chaux-de-fonds, close to Bern and the French border, on October 2. A police spokesman said: ‘It appears that he suddenly saw the traffic control measure ahead and lost control as he tried to slow down.
Police say the motorcyclist, who was wearing protective leathers, was unhurt apart from minor cuts and bruises, as well as a degree of shock. He confirmed that the man was still facing a fine and the withdrawal of his driving licence for up to three months.
Antelope crashes into mountain biker during race
Evan van der Spuy was competing in a mountain bike race when he collided with a Red Hartebeest at Albert Falls Dam, South Africa. The 17-year-old was taking part in a race on Sunday when the Red Hartebeest buck, charged across the plain right into him.
There was little the biker could do to stop the the large antelope crashing into him, knocking him from his bike. The animal stumbled to its feet and ran off appearing unhurt, leaving Mr van der Spuy lying in the grass.
YouTube link.
Footage of the incident was captured by fellow racer Travis Walker, who was recording the race for a marketing company sponsoring the event. Mr Van der Spuy was taken to hospital but did not suffer any serious injuries beyond minor concussion and whiplash, despite his helmet shattering with the impact . He was discharged the following morning.
The Red Hartebeest is a large, reddish-fawn antelope which although possessing excellent sense of smell and hearing, has very poor eyesight. They can reach speeds of around 30 miles per hour and males weight around 23.5 stone (150kg).
There was little the biker could do to stop the the large antelope crashing into him, knocking him from his bike. The animal stumbled to its feet and ran off appearing unhurt, leaving Mr van der Spuy lying in the grass.
YouTube link.
Footage of the incident was captured by fellow racer Travis Walker, who was recording the race for a marketing company sponsoring the event. Mr Van der Spuy was taken to hospital but did not suffer any serious injuries beyond minor concussion and whiplash, despite his helmet shattering with the impact . He was discharged the following morning.
The Red Hartebeest is a large, reddish-fawn antelope which although possessing excellent sense of smell and hearing, has very poor eyesight. They can reach speeds of around 30 miles per hour and males weight around 23.5 stone (150kg).
Children to be banned from blowing up balloons, under EU safety rules
Children are to be banned from taking part in traditional Christmas games, from blowing up balloons to blowing on party whistles, because of new EU safety rules that have just entered into force. The EU directive will also force manufacturers and retailers to attach safety warnings to toys hitherto regarded as harmless. Official guidance notes: "For latex balloons there must be a warning that children under eight years must be supervised and broken balloons should be discarded." Frank Furedi, professor of sociology at the University of Kent, warned that toy safety bans were part of a trend to micro-manage children's lives at the expense of allowing them to explore, learn and have fun through play.
"Toys and activities, such as blowing up balloons, are part and parcel of the type of children's play that helps them become independent and self-reliant," he said. "These bans diminish the experience, both of having fun and learning, by turning play into a danger zone with rules that stifle life and adventure for children." Under the EU legislation, Britain will have to ensure that toys are not sold in shops unless they fully comply with the new safety requirements. As well as new rules for balloons and party whistles, the EU legislation will impose restrictions on how noisy toys, including rattles or musical instruments, are allowed to be.
All teddy bears meant for children under the age of three will now have to be fully washable because EU regulators are concerned that dirty cuddly toys could spread disease and infection. Paul Nuttall, a member of the European Parliament's consumer safety committee, said the "kill joy" world of EU officialdom was being ill-equipped to understand the concept of children having fun. "I would say that this is crackers but I sure children are banned from using them too. EU party poopers should not be telling families how to blow up balloons," said the Ukip MEP.
But the European Commission has insisted that the new safety legislation was needed to prevent "horror stories". "These safety standards have been agreed by the UK together with the other EU member states in order to prevent every parent's worst nightmare," said a spokesman. Another EU official admitted that the new regulations could be difficult to understand but insisted that safety experts knew best. "You might say that small children have been blowing up balloons for generations, but not anymore and they will be safer for it," said an official.
"Toys and activities, such as blowing up balloons, are part and parcel of the type of children's play that helps them become independent and self-reliant," he said. "These bans diminish the experience, both of having fun and learning, by turning play into a danger zone with rules that stifle life and adventure for children." Under the EU legislation, Britain will have to ensure that toys are not sold in shops unless they fully comply with the new safety requirements. As well as new rules for balloons and party whistles, the EU legislation will impose restrictions on how noisy toys, including rattles or musical instruments, are allowed to be.
All teddy bears meant for children under the age of three will now have to be fully washable because EU regulators are concerned that dirty cuddly toys could spread disease and infection. Paul Nuttall, a member of the European Parliament's consumer safety committee, said the "kill joy" world of EU officialdom was being ill-equipped to understand the concept of children having fun. "I would say that this is crackers but I sure children are banned from using them too. EU party poopers should not be telling families how to blow up balloons," said the Ukip MEP.
But the European Commission has insisted that the new safety legislation was needed to prevent "horror stories". "These safety standards have been agreed by the UK together with the other EU member states in order to prevent every parent's worst nightmare," said a spokesman. Another EU official admitted that the new regulations could be difficult to understand but insisted that safety experts knew best. "You might say that small children have been blowing up balloons for generations, but not anymore and they will be safer for it," said an official.
Drinkers stunned as bull rampages through pub in Ireland
Punters who were having a quiet drink at their local were left dumbstruck when a bull came crashing into the bar. The rampaging farm animal sent bar stools flying, wrecked a pool table and butted holes into the walls after it escaped from a nearby cattle auction.
As a final assault on the bar, the beast then urinated on the floor. The incident happened at the Porter House Tavern in Kingscourt, Co, Cavan, Ireland. The unexpected visitor is thought to have spotted the open door at the rear of the pub and made a dash for freedom from the farmers market across the road.
A smoker was forced to flee during the incident after the bull barged him out the way and several drinkers were also charged, but nobody was hurt. Landlord Cyril Rafferty, 30, was behind the bar when the bull barged through the door. “He just burst through the back door and made a dash for the bar,” Mr Rafferty said.
YouTube link.
"Everyone is laughing about it now – but it wasn't funny at the time. It’ll take a while before we live this one down and we’ve been getting all the bull-in-the-china-shop and Red Bull jokes.” He added: "This is one customer who is definitely barred, but I wouldn’t fancy trying to stop him from coming in again.”
As a final assault on the bar, the beast then urinated on the floor. The incident happened at the Porter House Tavern in Kingscourt, Co, Cavan, Ireland. The unexpected visitor is thought to have spotted the open door at the rear of the pub and made a dash for freedom from the farmers market across the road.
A smoker was forced to flee during the incident after the bull barged him out the way and several drinkers were also charged, but nobody was hurt. Landlord Cyril Rafferty, 30, was behind the bar when the bull barged through the door. “He just burst through the back door and made a dash for the bar,” Mr Rafferty said.
YouTube link.
"Everyone is laughing about it now – but it wasn't funny at the time. It’ll take a while before we live this one down and we’ve been getting all the bull-in-the-china-shop and Red Bull jokes.” He added: "This is one customer who is definitely barred, but I wouldn’t fancy trying to stop him from coming in again.”
Harry Hill's TV Burp row 'led to stabbing'
A wife accused of stabbing her husband to death after a row about what to watch on TV had wanted to see Harry Hill instead of football, the Old Bailey has heard. Leonora Sinclair, 50, is alleged to have plunged a knife into husband Lloyd’s thigh before the 73-year-old bled to death.
Bobbie Cheema, prosecuting at the Old Bailey, said Sinclair had claimed Mr Sinclair fell on a broken wine glass but a knife with traces of blood was found in the kitchen. Jurors heard how she fainted and was taken to hospital in an ambulance with a policewoman.
Pc Gillian Bills said Sinclair told her on the way: 'We had an argument about what to watch on TV. He wanted to watch football and I wanted to watch Harry Hill. He got annoyed and smashed the glass on the floor in the hallway and left the house for approximately 20 minutes.'
She said that when he came back he went upstairs and called her to ring for an ambulance. Sinclair, of Enfield, north London, denies murdering her husband in January.
Bobbie Cheema, prosecuting at the Old Bailey, said Sinclair had claimed Mr Sinclair fell on a broken wine glass but a knife with traces of blood was found in the kitchen. Jurors heard how she fainted and was taken to hospital in an ambulance with a policewoman.
Pc Gillian Bills said Sinclair told her on the way: 'We had an argument about what to watch on TV. He wanted to watch football and I wanted to watch Harry Hill. He got annoyed and smashed the glass on the floor in the hallway and left the house for approximately 20 minutes.'
She said that when he came back he went upstairs and called her to ring for an ambulance. Sinclair, of Enfield, north London, denies murdering her husband in January.
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