A man who was nearly killed in a boating accident on the Norfolk Broads is facing a fine of up to £2,000 after the incident was filmed and posted on YouTube.
The holiday sailor was spotted showing off to friends by speeding around on the River Waveney in an inflatable dinghy with an outboard motor.
Video taken by a holidaymaker on another boat showed him circling a hired cruiser before crashing into it near Oulton Broad, Suffolk.
You may wish to reduce your volume before viewing this.
The impact threw the driver into the water, leaving the dinghy spinning out of control and going around in circles.
Broads Authority officials said that he was "incredibly lucky" not to have been seriously injured or killed by the propeller of the out-of-control dinghy.
The officials now plan to track down the man and prosecute him for breaking Broads Act navigation by-laws. If he is found, he could be fined up to £1,000 for breaking the 5mph speed limit and another £1,000 for not exercising proper care and caution.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
15-year-old awarded certificate for getting the bus
Bobby McHale, A teenager waiting to receive his GCSE results, was surprised to learn he had been awarded a certificate – for getting the bus. The 15 year-old was posted the award, titled "Using Public Transport (Unit 1)", by AQA, the exam board.
He was one of 920 11 to 15-year-olds on the council run Bury and Rochdale Activity Generation outdoor activities scheme, with about 300 getting a certificate. The award recognises Bobby's ability to walk to the local bus stop, stand or sit at a bus stop, wait for the arrival of a public bus and sit on the bus and observe through the windows.
Bobby, from Bury, Greater Manchester, who was not even aware he had sat the test, got the certificate in the post this summer after attending a three week holiday scheme run by Bury Youth Services. Some of his friends also received the qualification, although others, including his younger brother Joe, 13, did not. "Maybe he wasn't up to it," said Bobby. "It just seems really silly to me."
His father Andy, 44, said: "To be honest we are all a little bemused. "The Bury Youth Scheme is excellent and I can only suppose this comes from some box they have to tick in order to get funding.
"As part of it Bobby certainly travelled by bus. Maybe it's boosted his confidence because he was nominated as head boy. We think he may go far ... so long as he gets the 135!"
Barbara Lewis, Youth Support Services Manager in Bury, said: "The idea is that it's about teaching young people self reliance and emotional wellbeing through fun and challenging activities. We try to reward young people for their achievements and their social and personal development."
He was one of 920 11 to 15-year-olds on the council run Bury and Rochdale Activity Generation outdoor activities scheme, with about 300 getting a certificate. The award recognises Bobby's ability to walk to the local bus stop, stand or sit at a bus stop, wait for the arrival of a public bus and sit on the bus and observe through the windows.
Bobby, from Bury, Greater Manchester, who was not even aware he had sat the test, got the certificate in the post this summer after attending a three week holiday scheme run by Bury Youth Services. Some of his friends also received the qualification, although others, including his younger brother Joe, 13, did not. "Maybe he wasn't up to it," said Bobby. "It just seems really silly to me."
His father Andy, 44, said: "To be honest we are all a little bemused. "The Bury Youth Scheme is excellent and I can only suppose this comes from some box they have to tick in order to get funding.
"As part of it Bobby certainly travelled by bus. Maybe it's boosted his confidence because he was nominated as head boy. We think he may go far ... so long as he gets the 135!"
Barbara Lewis, Youth Support Services Manager in Bury, said: "The idea is that it's about teaching young people self reliance and emotional wellbeing through fun and challenging activities. We try to reward young people for their achievements and their social and personal development."
Friday, August 14, 2009
Bear goes for a stroll through a Californian neighbourhood
Authorities in Los Angeles, California have been contending with a wild bear that wandered into a residential area.
Local news crews captured this aerial footage of the bear running free through residential gardens in the LA suburb of San Dimas, on Wednesday.
Authorities shot at the bear with non-lethal rubber pellets in a bid to contain it, and it has since headed back into the wilderness.
Full story with more videos here.
Local news crews captured this aerial footage of the bear running free through residential gardens in the LA suburb of San Dimas, on Wednesday.
Authorities shot at the bear with non-lethal rubber pellets in a bid to contain it, and it has since headed back into the wilderness.
Full story with more videos here.
Man paid children for stolen goods with tattoos
A man has been arrested in connection with a burglary operation where he allegedly paid two juveniles for stolen property with tattoos. Sacramento police said Eugene Eaton, 20, was arrested on charges of violation of probation, tattooing subjects under 18 years of age, and for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
According to Capt. Daniel Hahn, an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old were arrested on burglary charges. Investigators then did a follow-up on the burglaries at Willow Glen Apartments in North Natomas, where Eaton lives.
Hahn said police found several laptops, video cameras and other items at Eaton's home, including tattooing equipment. "This is not the first time we've seen teenagers stealing things. But this has to be the first time we've seen them stealing in exchange for tattoos," Hahn said.
Reached at her apartment, Eaton's wife, Lindsay Smith, said "This is so scary what he is accused of. This is not true. He had permission from the kids' parents to give them those tattoos."
Branden Smith, Eaton's friend - said the suspect didn't ask the kids - who he thought were older - to steal. Instead, Smith said the kids offered to give Eaton the stolen goods in exchange for the tattoos.
"Unfortunately, one of the tattoos he gave one the kids was the kid's date of birth, so it's kind of hard to believe what he's saying," Hahn said.
With news video.
According to Capt. Daniel Hahn, an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old were arrested on burglary charges. Investigators then did a follow-up on the burglaries at Willow Glen Apartments in North Natomas, where Eaton lives.
Hahn said police found several laptops, video cameras and other items at Eaton's home, including tattooing equipment. "This is not the first time we've seen teenagers stealing things. But this has to be the first time we've seen them stealing in exchange for tattoos," Hahn said.
Reached at her apartment, Eaton's wife, Lindsay Smith, said "This is so scary what he is accused of. This is not true. He had permission from the kids' parents to give them those tattoos."
Branden Smith, Eaton's friend - said the suspect didn't ask the kids - who he thought were older - to steal. Instead, Smith said the kids offered to give Eaton the stolen goods in exchange for the tattoos.
"Unfortunately, one of the tattoos he gave one the kids was the kid's date of birth, so it's kind of hard to believe what he's saying," Hahn said.
With news video.
Penis enlargement thief faces stiff sentence
A Philadelphia man who authorities say stole the identities of eight Lehigh Valley residents to rack up $88,000 of bills in their names - partly to buy penis enlargements for him and a friend and breast implants for two women - has pleaded guilty to more than 40 crimes in Lehigh County Court.
Jose Amid Juarbe, 39, pleaded guilty Monday to 42 counts including identity theft, writing bad cheques, forgery and theft by deception. Twenty-seven of the counts are felonies, the district attorney's office said on Wednesday.
Juarbe, who was scheduled to go to trial this week on the charges, is slated to be sentenced Sept. 11 by Judge Maria L. Dantos. Juarbe faces 246 years in prison if he gets the maximum sentence on all charges and they all run consecutively, the district attorney's office said.
Juarbe, according to authorities, used information stolen from Dino Melendez Realty Co. in Allentown to steal identities in the Lehigh Valley and make more than $88,000 in purchases and loans between September 2007 and January 2008. That, according to police, included four plastic surgeries: a penis enlargement for him and another man, 30-year-old Manuel Delarosa of Philadelphia; and breast enhancement surgeries for two women, 26-year-old Maria Lopez and 33-year-old Bedenissi Feliciano, both of Philadelphia. Police say Juarbe provided the stolen identities that the man and two women used to get the surgeries and all three have been charged with theft crimes.
Jose Amid Juarbe, 39, pleaded guilty Monday to 42 counts including identity theft, writing bad cheques, forgery and theft by deception. Twenty-seven of the counts are felonies, the district attorney's office said on Wednesday.
Juarbe, who was scheduled to go to trial this week on the charges, is slated to be sentenced Sept. 11 by Judge Maria L. Dantos. Juarbe faces 246 years in prison if he gets the maximum sentence on all charges and they all run consecutively, the district attorney's office said.
Juarbe, according to authorities, used information stolen from Dino Melendez Realty Co. in Allentown to steal identities in the Lehigh Valley and make more than $88,000 in purchases and loans between September 2007 and January 2008. That, according to police, included four plastic surgeries: a penis enlargement for him and another man, 30-year-old Manuel Delarosa of Philadelphia; and breast enhancement surgeries for two women, 26-year-old Maria Lopez and 33-year-old Bedenissi Feliciano, both of Philadelphia. Police say Juarbe provided the stolen identities that the man and two women used to get the surgeries and all three have been charged with theft crimes.
Charity rowers in one-in-a-million sea crash rescue
Charity rowers have told how they went to the aid of a pilot who crashed into the Irish Sea just minutes after they themselves had battled terrifying tidal conditions. Oliver Dudley, part of the GBRow team, said he and his three crew mates watched in horror as the two-seater aircraft landed amongst the rolling waves less than two miles from their boat.
"It was disbelief to think a plane had just plummeted from the sky," he said. "I think adrenalin kicked in and we rowed hell for leather over to the plane. We could see the tail fin sticking out the water and the pilot standing on the wing. We were expecting to see a dead person but to find someone alive after that was extraordinary."
Just 10 minutes earlier, Mr Dudley explained how he and his crew mates had put their lifejackets on in fear as their boat was tossed around relentlessly in the turbulent sea. "We were freaked out by the torrent of water - it was like being in a rollercoaster," he said.
Mr Dudley added that it was likely the same weather conditions which had seen the pilot, John O'Shaughnessy, get into trouble. Five minutes after seeing the aircraft come down, the rowers came close to Mr O'Shaughnessy, but the waves made it impossible for them to reach him.
In gripping video filmed by one of the GBRow crew, the rowers are seen attempting to reassure the shaken man and throwing him a lifeline. The Coast Guard's helicopter arrives a few minutes later and the pilot was winched to safety.
Mr O'Shaughnessy was treated for shock and hypothermia and discharged within a few hours of the crash-landing. Meanwhile, the rowers headed to Dublin to reassess plans for their journey, which is a sponsored attempt to break a record for the fastest time taken to row around Britain. They have now decided to postpone the attempt.
"It was disbelief to think a plane had just plummeted from the sky," he said. "I think adrenalin kicked in and we rowed hell for leather over to the plane. We could see the tail fin sticking out the water and the pilot standing on the wing. We were expecting to see a dead person but to find someone alive after that was extraordinary."
Just 10 minutes earlier, Mr Dudley explained how he and his crew mates had put their lifejackets on in fear as their boat was tossed around relentlessly in the turbulent sea. "We were freaked out by the torrent of water - it was like being in a rollercoaster," he said.
Mr Dudley added that it was likely the same weather conditions which had seen the pilot, John O'Shaughnessy, get into trouble. Five minutes after seeing the aircraft come down, the rowers came close to Mr O'Shaughnessy, but the waves made it impossible for them to reach him.
In gripping video filmed by one of the GBRow crew, the rowers are seen attempting to reassure the shaken man and throwing him a lifeline. The Coast Guard's helicopter arrives a few minutes later and the pilot was winched to safety.
Mr O'Shaughnessy was treated for shock and hypothermia and discharged within a few hours of the crash-landing. Meanwhile, the rowers headed to Dublin to reassess plans for their journey, which is a sponsored attempt to break a record for the fastest time taken to row around Britain. They have now decided to postpone the attempt.
Man breaks into home to cut his pubic hair
A Greenwich man apparently felt guilty about practicing personal hygiene in a neighbour's home after he had broken into it, police said.
Manuel Gonzalez, 18, of 47 Locust St., broke into a Locust Street home Wednesday while the owner was away, cut his pubic hair and left the trimmings, police said.
Remorseful about his actions, the man later confessed to the woman, who then called police.
Police charged Gonzalez Thursday night with first-degree burglary. He was released on a $2,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford Aug. 14.
Manuel Gonzalez, 18, of 47 Locust St., broke into a Locust Street home Wednesday while the owner was away, cut his pubic hair and left the trimmings, police said.
Remorseful about his actions, the man later confessed to the woman, who then called police.
Police charged Gonzalez Thursday night with first-degree burglary. He was released on a $2,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Stamford Aug. 14.
Belgian cow gives birth to calf with two heads
Jean-Baptiste Collard, a Belgian farmer, got the shock of a lifetime when one of his cows gave birth to a calf with two heads. Mr Collard oversaw what he expected to be a normal birth with the help of a local vet at his farm in Flamisoul, Belgium, last week.
But he got more than he bargained for. The mutant has two separate heads but only one brain, meaning both heads react simultaneously. It also has four eyes and two mouths but only one pair of ears.
Surprised Mr Collard said: "I called the vet because when my cow was in labour, I noticed the birth might get complicated. The calf seemed too big. The legs came out first, so we put a rope around them and pulled the calf out, as usual.
"But then the vet cried out: 'It has two heads!'" I immediately thought: 'what an exit present for me, I'm thinking about retiring and now this happens'."
"After an hour, I could slowly give it a bottle of milk. That's when I noticed both tongues react at the same time. The vet later explained this is due to the fact that the calf only has one brain. I hope it goes well with my new calf, I'm already attached to it, it's like a baby to me. And I see the mother is also crazy about her."
The mother and calf are presently both well but the future of the calf is uncertain.
But he got more than he bargained for. The mutant has two separate heads but only one brain, meaning both heads react simultaneously. It also has four eyes and two mouths but only one pair of ears.
Surprised Mr Collard said: "I called the vet because when my cow was in labour, I noticed the birth might get complicated. The calf seemed too big. The legs came out first, so we put a rope around them and pulled the calf out, as usual.
"But then the vet cried out: 'It has two heads!'" I immediately thought: 'what an exit present for me, I'm thinking about retiring and now this happens'."
"After an hour, I could slowly give it a bottle of milk. That's when I noticed both tongues react at the same time. The vet later explained this is due to the fact that the calf only has one brain. I hope it goes well with my new calf, I'm already attached to it, it's like a baby to me. And I see the mother is also crazy about her."
The mother and calf are presently both well but the future of the calf is uncertain.
Falling fish shatters driver's windscreen
A woman driving near East Harbor State Park got a surprise when the windshield of her Toyota Matrix was smashed - by a fish.
Leighann Niles, 35, of South Euclid, was driving south on North Buck Road when a bald eagle flying overhead dropped a fish on her windshield, according to Danbury Township Detective Sergeant Mark Meisler.
"It was approximately 8 pounds," he said.
The raptor also dropped the head of a second fish, Meisler said. Neither Niles, who was travelling about 40 mph at the time, nor her 5-year-old daughter were injured, he said.
The fish was a sheephead, also known as a freshwater drum.
"I've never heard of that before," Danbury Township police Chief Mike Meisler said.
Leighann Niles, 35, of South Euclid, was driving south on North Buck Road when a bald eagle flying overhead dropped a fish on her windshield, according to Danbury Township Detective Sergeant Mark Meisler.
"It was approximately 8 pounds," he said.
The raptor also dropped the head of a second fish, Meisler said. Neither Niles, who was travelling about 40 mph at the time, nor her 5-year-old daughter were injured, he said.
The fish was a sheephead, also known as a freshwater drum.
"I've never heard of that before," Danbury Township police Chief Mike Meisler said.
Nip and tuck tourists confuse airline officials
The growing popularity of cosmetic surgery is proving to be a huge headache for immigration officials.
And the challenge of processing people who look nothing like their passport photos reached new heights on Sunday when 23 Chinese women returned to Shanghai together after visiting South Korea, looking completely different from the way they looked when they left Hongqiao Airport.
The travellers had bigger eyes, higher noses and slimmer chins than the women in the photographs. "After they took off their huge hats and big sunglasses following our request, we saw them looking differently, with bandages and stitches here and there," said Chen Tao, an airport officer.
"We had to compare their uncorrected parts with their photos very carefully with our eyes and machines," he said. While it normally takes about 45 seconds to clear a single passenger, the process on Sunday took several minutes per person, he said.
"They told the officers that they are friends and that they had gone to South Korea together to have cosmetic surgery," he said. "We have seen travellers like that once in a while but never in such a large group," said Chen, who added that most of the people returning to China after having facelifts overseas were women.
Chen Tao said one woman in the group joked that going under the knife was the best way to ensure her husband was not tempted into having an affair. "After they passed the identification, we asked them all to renew their passports immediately," Chen said.
And the challenge of processing people who look nothing like their passport photos reached new heights on Sunday when 23 Chinese women returned to Shanghai together after visiting South Korea, looking completely different from the way they looked when they left Hongqiao Airport.
The travellers had bigger eyes, higher noses and slimmer chins than the women in the photographs. "After they took off their huge hats and big sunglasses following our request, we saw them looking differently, with bandages and stitches here and there," said Chen Tao, an airport officer.
"We had to compare their uncorrected parts with their photos very carefully with our eyes and machines," he said. While it normally takes about 45 seconds to clear a single passenger, the process on Sunday took several minutes per person, he said.
"They told the officers that they are friends and that they had gone to South Korea together to have cosmetic surgery," he said. "We have seen travellers like that once in a while but never in such a large group," said Chen, who added that most of the people returning to China after having facelifts overseas were women.
Chen Tao said one woman in the group joked that going under the knife was the best way to ensure her husband was not tempted into having an affair. "After they passed the identification, we asked them all to renew their passports immediately," Chen said.
Family harassed by vengeful weasel
A Chinese man says his family are being harassed by a vengeful weasel after he caught its mate.
Zhang, 28, of Wuchang, eastern China's Hubei province, says the weasel continuously leaves dead mice in his home and defecates on his table.
He says it all started when he was awoken one night by weasels in his home. "They had eaten most of the meat I had hung on the wall so I took a stick to beat them. The female was caught in a mouse trap, while the male escaped up the chimney."
Zhang's wife released the female in the mountains the following morning and it was never seen again.
"What I didn't expect is that from the very next night, the escaped male weasel came back to harass us," added Zhang.
"It excretes on tables, and even throws dead mice corpses into our home. The scariest thing was when it jumped onto our bed, screaming. It seems to be protesting at me for catching his wife."
Zhang, 28, of Wuchang, eastern China's Hubei province, says the weasel continuously leaves dead mice in his home and defecates on his table.
He says it all started when he was awoken one night by weasels in his home. "They had eaten most of the meat I had hung on the wall so I took a stick to beat them. The female was caught in a mouse trap, while the male escaped up the chimney."
Zhang's wife released the female in the mountains the following morning and it was never seen again.
"What I didn't expect is that from the very next night, the escaped male weasel came back to harass us," added Zhang.
"It excretes on tables, and even throws dead mice corpses into our home. The scariest thing was when it jumped onto our bed, screaming. It seems to be protesting at me for catching his wife."
Brits' bizarre embassy requests revealed
British embassies around the world are getting "frustrated" by travellers wanting weather reports and advice on how to deal with unruly children. Consular staff have also been asked to help make jam, pack suitcases and find lost sunglasses. A woman unhappy with the size of her newly-enlarged breasts and a man in search of shoes also sought help.
The Foreign Office says British embassies are there "to help Britons in real difficulty abroad". The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is highlighting some of the less serious requests to clarify the role of its 261 embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic posts. Other inquiries include:
A mother asked the consulate in Florida to help her teenage son pack his case and give him a lift to the airport as he was feeling under the weather.
A traveller wanted the high commission in Zambia to phone his workplace to explain he would not be in because he was unable to get a flight.
A holidaymaker visiting Italy wondered where they could purchase a particular pair of shoes.
One caller asked: "I'm making jam - what ratio of fruit to sugar shall I use?".
Minister for consular affairs, Chris Bryant, said: "Consular staff are there to help Britons in real difficulty abroad - from victims of crime and bereaved families to those involved in accidents or who have lost their passports. It's important that British nationals understand what the FCO can and can't do for them so our staff can focus resources on more serious situations where people really do need our help."
The Foreign Office says British embassies are there "to help Britons in real difficulty abroad". The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is highlighting some of the less serious requests to clarify the role of its 261 embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic posts. Other inquiries include:
A mother asked the consulate in Florida to help her teenage son pack his case and give him a lift to the airport as he was feeling under the weather.
A traveller wanted the high commission in Zambia to phone his workplace to explain he would not be in because he was unable to get a flight.
A holidaymaker visiting Italy wondered where they could purchase a particular pair of shoes.
One caller asked: "I'm making jam - what ratio of fruit to sugar shall I use?".
Minister for consular affairs, Chris Bryant, said: "Consular staff are there to help Britons in real difficulty abroad - from victims of crime and bereaved families to those involved in accidents or who have lost their passports. It's important that British nationals understand what the FCO can and can't do for them so our staff can focus resources on more serious situations where people really do need our help."
Two right claws save crab from the cooking pot
Staff at Weymouth Sea Life Park thought they were seeing double when this giant crab turned up with two right claws.
The curious crustacean, thought to be about 10 years old, was found on the seabed near Swanage by Wareham-based fisherman Simon Clark.
The fishmonger he delivered it to took pity on its peculiar deformity and handed it over to the park.
It has been named Freddie after England cricket star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff who has knee problems.
Displays manager at Sea Life Fiona Smith said: “The staff at the fish merchants decided Freddie was far too unusual to end up on a dinner plate and gave him to us instead.
“He’s just amazing. I’ve heard of edible crabs occasionally growing a useless extra claw, but I don’t think there’s ever been a case of one with two right claws and no left.”
The curious crustacean, thought to be about 10 years old, was found on the seabed near Swanage by Wareham-based fisherman Simon Clark.
The fishmonger he delivered it to took pity on its peculiar deformity and handed it over to the park.
It has been named Freddie after England cricket star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff who has knee problems.
Displays manager at Sea Life Fiona Smith said: “The staff at the fish merchants decided Freddie was far too unusual to end up on a dinner plate and gave him to us instead.
“He’s just amazing. I’ve heard of edible crabs occasionally growing a useless extra claw, but I don’t think there’s ever been a case of one with two right claws and no left.”
London jewellery robbers wore rubber faces - Update
Armed robbers carried out Britain's biggest jewellery heist straight after having stick-on prosthetics added to their faces.
The pair hired an unsuspecting professional make-up artist who thought he was transforming them for a pop video.
He altered their looks by covering their faces with liquid latex, which was then dried and shaped.
The 29-year-old freelance artist, who cannot be identified for his own protection, also coloured their hair and skin tone during a four-hour session at a studio in London's Covent Garden.
Afterwards they changed from T-shirts and shorts into suits - and went straight to raid the Graff jewellery store in New Bond Street.
The value of the haul totalled £40million, a record for a gems robbery in the UK. Last night it was feared the stolen stones had been whisked abroad within hours of the heist - which took place last Thursday but was only revealed on Tuesday.
The pair hired an unsuspecting professional make-up artist who thought he was transforming them for a pop video.
He altered their looks by covering their faces with liquid latex, which was then dried and shaped.
The 29-year-old freelance artist, who cannot be identified for his own protection, also coloured their hair and skin tone during a four-hour session at a studio in London's Covent Garden.
Afterwards they changed from T-shirts and shorts into suits - and went straight to raid the Graff jewellery store in New Bond Street.
The value of the haul totalled £40million, a record for a gems robbery in the UK. Last night it was feared the stolen stones had been whisked abroad within hours of the heist - which took place last Thursday but was only revealed on Tuesday.
Pilot tells of Biggles-inspired tree landing
A pilot whose light aircraft crashed into a tree on a Dundee golf course has attributed his lucky escape to his love of the Biggles adventure stories. Vince Hagedorn struck the tree on the 15th hole at the city's Caird Park Golf Course, with his two-seater aeroplane at about 1650 BST on Wednesday.
The 63-year-old said he copied his landing from a story about the fictional WWI flying ace. Recalling one of Captain WE Johns' adventures about James Bigglesworth, Mr Hagedorn said: "There's a story where Biggles has his engine shot up over enemy lines.
"He tries to get back to the airfield and doesn't quite make it and ends up with no height over a wood. What he does is he flies into the wood, and, as he flies into the wood, he pulls the stick back to pancake onto trees - and I just did that. I just stalled into the tree." Mr Hagedorn added: "I feel I'm very lucky to walk away." When asked if he would ever fly again, the pilot added: "If I had a plane, I'd be up there tomorrow."
Mr Hagedorn's wife, Carole, managed to talk to her husband while he was in the ambulance but did not find out the full details of the crash until much later on. She said her husband had been interested in planes from an early age and was a massive Biggles fan.
She said: "He's always quoting Biggles. My husband is one of life's adventurers really - cars, bikes, planes, he loves them all.
"Also he's a mathematician and a physicist so he knows how the forces work, and it was obvious that in this particular Biggles book that the physics had been right, and he knew that if he did what it said in the story he had a better chance. I think he likes Biggles because Biggles incorporates a lot of the values that he thinks are now lost in society, about loyalty and devotion to a cause and perseverance."
Video. There are more photos here.
The 63-year-old said he copied his landing from a story about the fictional WWI flying ace. Recalling one of Captain WE Johns' adventures about James Bigglesworth, Mr Hagedorn said: "There's a story where Biggles has his engine shot up over enemy lines.
"He tries to get back to the airfield and doesn't quite make it and ends up with no height over a wood. What he does is he flies into the wood, and, as he flies into the wood, he pulls the stick back to pancake onto trees - and I just did that. I just stalled into the tree." Mr Hagedorn added: "I feel I'm very lucky to walk away." When asked if he would ever fly again, the pilot added: "If I had a plane, I'd be up there tomorrow."
Mr Hagedorn's wife, Carole, managed to talk to her husband while he was in the ambulance but did not find out the full details of the crash until much later on. She said her husband had been interested in planes from an early age and was a massive Biggles fan.
She said: "He's always quoting Biggles. My husband is one of life's adventurers really - cars, bikes, planes, he loves them all.
"Also he's a mathematician and a physicist so he knows how the forces work, and it was obvious that in this particular Biggles book that the physics had been right, and he knew that if he did what it said in the story he had a better chance. I think he likes Biggles because Biggles incorporates a lot of the values that he thinks are now lost in society, about loyalty and devotion to a cause and perseverance."
Video. There are more photos here.
Bald penguin given wetsuit to prevent sunburn
When Ralph the penguin lost his feathers it looked like he wouldn't be able to swim with his friends at Marwell Wildlife - until he was fitted for a mini wetsuit to stop him getting sunburn. Unlike all his fellow Humboldt penguins, who lose their old feathers over a few weeks to make way for a fresh set, Ralph's fell out in just one day.
And with nothing to protect him from the weather he was at risk of severe sun burn. He faced spending a depressing three weeks indoors, away from his group and his young chicks.
But keepers took pity on him and fashioned his own wetsuit from the leg of a suit which was donated by a member of staff's husband. The nine-year-old penguin couldn't be happier with his new clothes, which have caused a stir at his enclosure in Marwell Wildlife, near Winchester, Hants.
Helen Jeffreys, from Marwell Wildlife, said: "Ralph's really taken to his new suit, he's doing really well. He doesn't really seem to notice the difference - he's swimming around the enclosure with all the other penguins as usual.
"All the other penguins, on the other hand, were intrigued by his new clothes they spent a good while checking him out. But when they realised it was still Ralph under the suit they seemed quite happy and don't really pay it any attention anymore."
And with nothing to protect him from the weather he was at risk of severe sun burn. He faced spending a depressing three weeks indoors, away from his group and his young chicks.
But keepers took pity on him and fashioned his own wetsuit from the leg of a suit which was donated by a member of staff's husband. The nine-year-old penguin couldn't be happier with his new clothes, which have caused a stir at his enclosure in Marwell Wildlife, near Winchester, Hants.
Helen Jeffreys, from Marwell Wildlife, said: "Ralph's really taken to his new suit, he's doing really well. He doesn't really seem to notice the difference - he's swimming around the enclosure with all the other penguins as usual.
"All the other penguins, on the other hand, were intrigued by his new clothes they spent a good while checking him out. But when they realised it was still Ralph under the suit they seemed quite happy and don't really pay it any attention anymore."
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