Daily News

[Jimbuna]

Applications open for Antarctica's penguin post office with one applicant using tattoos to show her enthusiasm

Applications are open to work in Antarctica's famous "penguin post office".

Successful applicants will be "self-motivated", "empathetic" and fine with showering once every two weeks.

The shop in Port Lockroy is the southernmost post office in the world and frequently smells like penguin poo.

Every year, the Antarctic Heritage Trust is flooded with applications for the jobs. This year, there are three positions on offer and they are only open to UK residents.

As well as processing up to 80,000 letters and postcards a year, staff must run the shop and welcome roughly 18,000 cruise passengers who stop by.

One applicant, charity manager Katie Shaw in Manchester, wants to go so much, she has tattooed a geographically accurate map of the Antarctic on one leg and a portrait of explorer Ernest Shackleton on the other.

"I grew up wanting to be a marine biologist working in Antarctica," said Ms Shaw.

"Academically, that didn't work out but I've always found the wildlife, landscape and the exploration there fascinating.

"The continent is so important to the environment and feels like a place we haven't totally ********** up yet.

"Each year it feels less and less likely we'll be able to enjoy and appreciate it."

Successful applicants need to have a range of skills. Employees have to sort post, sell stamps, look after the buildings and run the gift shop. They will have to put up with basic living conditions and be happy with their own company.

The application form warns people about hygiene:

"We have no running water on the island, so washing facilities are very basic. Water is collected in jerry cans from visiting ships.

"There are no shower facilities at Port Lockroy, so staff are expected to be comfortable living with these limited washing facilities, yet still keeping hygiene levels high.

"Visiting ships will offer showers approximately once per week, but when weather conditions are poor you could go up to two weeks without visitors or a shower."

Staff also need to count the roughly 1,500 gentoo penguins that live in a colony at Port Lockroy.

Holidays to the Antarctic are expensive. Ms Shaw estimates it would cost more than her annual mortgage payment to go on a two-week cruise to the region.

There are also concerns Antarctica's growing tourism industry is damaging the delicate ecosystem.

Antarctic tourists are even causing penguin species to change their reproductive and social behaviours, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

That makes the post office position even more attractive for applicants.

"There's only three ways you can really visit Antarctica; working on a research base, elite tourism or applying for the post office," said Ms Shaw.

Applications close on 18 March for the season starting from November and ending in March 2025.
https://news.sky.com/story/applications-open-for-antarcticas-penguin-post-office-with-one-applicant-using-tattoos-to-show-her-enthusiam-13095165

[Jimbuna]

Indian YouTuber Elvish Yadav arrested for allegedly supplying snake venom as party drug

Indian YouTuber Elvish Yadav has been arrested for allegedly supplying snake venom to be used as a recreational drug at raves.

The influencer, who has 15 million YouTube subscribers, was detained under the Wildlife Act, according to Indian broadcaster NDTV.

A party he was at in November was raided on the suspicion that snake venom was being used as a drug by partygoers.

Police launched an investigation and questioned five people on suspicion of snake smuggling, who named Yadav as the alleged organiser of the parties and snake venom supply.

Yadav, who won an Indian version of Big Brother, Bigg Boss OTT, denied all the charges, NDTV reported. He said he would fully cooperate with police.

Nine snakes, including cobras, were recovered from the party along with 20ml of snake venom, the broadcaster said.

Yadav has now been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody, four months after he was first questioned, the Times of India reported.

The case came to light after a complaint by animal welfare organisation People For Animals alleging Yadav and others were shooting videos with snakes and snake venom, according to India Today.

According to a 2022 research paper in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, there have been concerns about the use of snake vemon as a drug.

"Use of snake venom can often be seen at rave parties," the study said, noting 13 cases of snake venom being used as a recreational substance in India.
https://news.sky.com/story/indian-youtuber-elvish-yadav-arrested-for-allegedly-supplying-snake-venom-as-party-drug-13097119

[Jimbuna]

Shropshire: Man finds England's biggest gold nugget with faulty detector after arriving an hour late to dig

The largest gold nugget ever found in England was dug up by a veteran metal detectorist - who showed up an hour late with faulty equipment.

Richard Brock, 67, drove three-and-a-half hours from Somerset to Shropshire for a group dig in a farmland on the Hills.

When he arrived, he found that his metal-detecting kit was not working and had to break out an older, faulty machine.

Twenty minutes into the dig, however, Brock quite literally struck gold when he dug up a huge 64.8g nugget buried about six inches underground.

Dubbed Hiro's Nugget, the metal is believed to be the biggest find of its kind on English soil, and is expected to fetch at least £30,000 at a timed auction, which runs until 1 April.

Brock, who has been metal-detecting for 35 years, said he thought he had "missed the action".

"I couldn't believe it," he said. "I turned up late, was only there a matter of minutes, and this treasure-hunting expedition was supposed to last all day."

The detectorist made the rare find near the village of Much Wenlock, which is believed to have been an old track with railway lines that could have contained stone from Wales - an area known to be rich in gold.

"It just goes to show that it doesn't really matter what equipment you use," Brock added.

"If you are walking over the find and are alert enough to what might be lurking underneath the soil, that makes all the difference."

According to the detectorist, the previous biggest find in England weighed in at 54g. But he added that research suggested bigger gold nuggets have been in Wales and Scotland.

A nugget weighing 97.12g was found in Ynys Mon, Wales, in 2016. The Reunion Nugget, at 121.3g, was then found in Scotland in 2019.
https://news.sky.com/story/shropshire-man-finds-englands-biggest-gold-nugget-with-faulty-detector-after-arriving-an-hour-late-to-dig-13099066

[Jimbuna]

Man's brain tapeworms and worsening migraines 'caused by undercooked bacon'

Tapeworm eggs found in the brain of a man who suffered severe migraines are believed to have been caused by undercooked bacon.

The 52-year-old American consulted doctors after his usual migraines became more frequent and severe and were not responding to medication.

Scans revealed a number of tapeworm eggs in his brain.

The man was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis - caused by taeniasis - a form of infection from larval cysts of the pork tapeworm, which can get into tissue such as the muscles and brain.

Researchers said the man had not travelled to any "high-risk areas".

"On further questioning, the patient denied eating raw or street food but admitted to a habit of eating lightly cooked, non-crispy bacon for most of his life," said the study in the American Journal Of Case Reports.

Researchers said they believe the infection was "transmitted via autoinfection after improper handwashing after he had contracted taeniasis him­self from his eating habits".

The man's migraines improved when he was given anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory medication.

People are most at risk from such infections through poor handwashing or by ingesting contaminated food or water.

"It is historically very unusual to encounter infected pork in the United States, and our case may have public health implications," the authors added.

The US Centers For Disease Control And Prevention states on its website: "Although uncommon, cysticercosis can occur in people who have never travelled outside of the United States.

"For example, a person infected with a tapeworm who does not wash his or her hands might accidentally contaminate food with tapeworm eggs while preparing it for others."
https://news.sky.com/story/mans-brain-tapeworms-and-worsening-migraines-caused-by-undercooked-bacon-13094024

[Jimbuna]

Waiters and waitresses race through streets of Paris for first time in 13 years ahead of Olympics

Waiters and waitresses have raced through the streets of the French capital for the first time in 13 years.

Balancing a tray with a croissant, coffee cup and glass of water, the fastest competitors from Paris' cafes and bistros took to the start line on Sunday.

The 110-year-old event was held for the first time after a 13-year hiatus, and is being used to promote this summer's Olympics held in the city.

The 1.25 mile-long (2km) race celebrated the agile men and women who make France's cafes and bistros tick.

It took place along the streets of the historic Marais district, in a loop starting and finishing at City Hall.

Around 200 participants, dressed in their uniforms, loaded up their trays with a regulation pastry, a small but empty coffee cup and a full glass of water.

At the end of the race, they were judged on how much liquid they had spilled as well as their time.

Pauline Van Wymeersch and Samy Lamrous were crowned Paris' fastest waitress and waiter.

Ms Van Wymeersch, the runaway winner in the women's category in 14 minutes and 12 seconds, works at the Le Petit Pont cafe and restaurant facing the Notre Dame cathedral.

She started waitering aged 16, and is now 34. She said she cannot envisage any other life for herself.

She added: "I love it as much as I hate it. It's in my skin. I cannot leave it, It's hard. It's exhausting. It's demanding. It's 12 hours per day. It's no weekends. It's no Christmases.

"It's part of my DNA. I grew up in a way with a tray in my hand. I have been shaped, in life and in the job, by the bosses who trained me and the customers, all of the people, I have met."

Mr Lamrous, who won the men's race in a time of 13 minutes and 30 seconds, works at La Contrescarpe in Paris' 5th district.

The two were rewarded with medals, two tickets each for the Olympic opening ceremony and a night out at a Paris hotel.

The capital's mayor, Anne Hidalgo, said cafes and restaurants are "really the soul of Paris".

She added: "The bistro is where we go to meet people, where we go for our little coffee, our little drink, where we also go to argue, to love and embrace each other.

"The cafe and the bistro are life."

French waiters and waitresses can sometimes have a reputation for being abrupt and even moody, but Thierry Petit, 60, who is retiring next month after four decades in the profession, said: "French pride means that in little professions like this, they don't want to be trampled on."

"It's not lack of respect, rather it's more a state of mind," he said. Switching to English, he added: "It's very Frenchie."

The race last took place in 2011 but stopped due to the lack of a sponsor. However, similar races have taken place in French towns and cities, such as Marseille, and other countries like Spain, since then.
https://news.sky.com/story/waiters-and-waitresses-race-through-streets-of-paris-for-first-time-in-13-years-ahead-of-olympics-13101526

[Jimbuna]

North Korea TV censors Alan Titchmarsh's trousers

North Korea's state television channel has censored a BBC gardening programme - by blurring out presenter Alan Titchmarsh's trousers.

Central TV aired a 2010 edition of Alan Titchmarsh's Garden Secrets for its morning audience, but made sure that viewers could not see his jeans.

Jeans are seen as a symbol of western imperialism in the secretive state and as such are banned.

North Korea's rules prohibiting jeans have been in place since the 1990s.

Back then, leader Kim Jong-il declared denim trousers to be a symbol of Western - and specifically American - imperialism, which had no place in a socialist state, according to Seoul-based NK News.

In recent years, a crackdown on Western culture has reiterated this ban, with state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun telling citizens in 2020 to reject what it termed "bourgeois culture" in favour of a "superior socialist lifestyle".

Current leader Kim Jong-un, himself a fan of voluminous legwear, is reportedly irked by skinny jeans and T-shirts bearing Western logos which are popular in South Korea.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-68664644

[Jimbuna]

Mike Tyson hopes to deliver knockout blow with cannabis edible ears - in a nod to his most notorious fight

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is hoping to deliver a knockout blow with his new cannabis product - edibles in the shape of nibbled ears.

The bizarre products are a nod to when Tyson infamously bit off part of the ear of his opponent Evander Holyfield in their WBA Heavyweight Championship bout in Nevada in 1997.

The edibles have been released by Tyson 2.0 - a cannabis company founded by the iconic boxer known as "Iron Mike".

They come in flavours including black eye berry, sour apple punch and watermelon.

The edibles are available from the company's online store, but have already been spotted in dispensaries in New York.

The 57-year-old is reportedly planning a promotional tour at shops next month, including an event in Times Square.

Not everyone in the cannabis industry is said to be enthused about the release of Tyson's product.

The former boxer was convicted of rape in 1992 and has also been accused of domestic violence.

Stu Zakim, a publicist for the cannabis dispensary The Travel Agency in Union Square, told the New York Post: "They're honouring this convicted rapist and wife beater as a role model. We should use much better role models."

Tyson's 1997 bout against Holyfield, the second time they had met in the ring, became known as The Bite Fight following Iron Mike's act of partial cannibalism.

Tyson's boxing licence was revoked by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and he was fined $3m.

He retired from professional boxing in 2005 with 50 wins, including 44 knockouts, and six losses.

Earlier this month he announced he will be fighting YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a bout that will be shown live on Netflix later this year.
https://news.sky.com/story/mike-tyson-hopes-to-deliver-knockout-blow-with-cannabis-edible-ears-in-a-nod-to-his-most-notorious-fight-13102590

[Jimbuna]

Pungent 'stinknet' plant in Arizona forces idyllic picnic area to shut for a month

A picnic area at a tourist attraction in Arizona has been closed to visitors because of the presence of a pungent plant called stinknet - which smells as lovely as it sounds.

Officials at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument announced on Wednesday the area will be shut until 30 April due to the density of the invasive and noxious winter weed.

Stinknet has pretty yellow blossoms on narrow green stems and can grow more than 0.6m (2ft) tall - but has a potent smell similar to nail polish remover or burnt rubber.

It can cause serious breathing problems as well as severe skin rashes, according to the University of Arizona.

Officials at the attraction in Coolidge are asking visitors not to walk near or step on the flowering weed to avoid spreading it.

They said staff are working on a solution to get the picnic area reopened as soon as possible, but it may take until 1 May.

The monument showcases the ruins of an ancient desert farming community that includes the preserved Casa Grande, meaning Great House.

The group of structures were built by the Hohokam tribe more than 700 years ago.

Arizona Native Plant Society officials said stinknet explosively spread in Maricopa County during the wet autumn and winter seasons of 2016, 2018 and 2019.

This caused heavy infestations on the northern fringes of Phoenix and Scottsdale along with rapid movement southward to Casa Grande.
https://news.sky.com/story/pungent-stinknet-plant-in-arizona-forces-idyllic-picnic-area-to-shut-for-a-month-13103122

[mapuc]

Harvard University has said it will be removing the binding made of human skin from a 19th-century book held in its library because of the “ethically fraught nature” of how the unusual binding took place.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2024/mar/28/harvard-book-human-skin

Markus

[Moonlight]

BBC Look East is slammed for having 'all-white' production team despite corporation spending £600,000 last year on 'diversity and inclusion' staff

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13252487/BBC-Look-East-slammed-having-white-production-team-despite-corporation-spending-600-000-year-diversity-inclusion-staff.html

If these people who are complaining took a quick look at Africa or Asia they wouldn't see any white people in their governments or on the TV either, when are the rest of the world going to start preaching about 'diversity and inclusion' then?, thought not, now **** off up your rear ends and stay there you currants.

[Jimbuna]

Bedfordshire: Black bears at Woburn Safari Park ride on swan pedalos

A lucky group of black bears were treated to a pedalo ride after a lake formed in their enclosure.

After heavy rain created a mini lake in their 13-acre reserve, keepers at Woburn Safari Park decided to float a swan pedalo on the water.

According to Tommy Babington, deputy head of the carnivore section at the park in Bedfordshire, the bears were "immediately intrigued" by their new neighbour and "wasted no time in investigating" it.

The pedalo is usually used elsewhere on the site but was awaiting new pedals, Mr Babington said.

"It was great fun for visitors to seeing them climb on board, and we love devising new ways to provide food, scent and habitat enrichment that stimulates their natural foraging behaviours," he said.

"Bears are naturally very curious animals, and keepers will encourage this with all kinds of enrichment through their habitat as this keeps their minds and bodies active.

"The swan boat enrichment may be a less conventional approach to stimulating their natural behaviours, but it certainly was a hit."

The four black bears are two pairs of siblings - two male and two female - named Harvard, Maple, Colorado, and Aspen.

Originally from North America, they can grow up to 2m long and weigh more than 45 stone.
https://news.sky.com/story/bedfordshire-black-bears-at-woburn-safari-park-ride-on-swan-pedalos-13100638

[mapuc]

Officials from MBDA, Leonardo and QinetiQ confirmed to Naval News that they were working on ‘second-generation’ designs leveraging technology and techniques proven in the DragonFire prototype tested in conjunction with the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) – the science arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/uk-dragonfire-team-outlines-follow-on-laser-weapon-plans/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg2IuPKqvt4&ab_channel=ForcesNews

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Baseball team accused of fat-shaming after naming mascot 'Ozempig' after weight-loss drug

A US baseball team has been accused of fat-shaming after it named its pig mascot after weight-loss drug Ozempic.

St Paul Saints chose Ozempig from nearly 2,300 names submitted by fans, joking that the pig was ashamed of gaining weight and had promised to slim down.

Ozempic is intended for diabetics but is sometimes prescribed for weight loss as it can help people feel fuller for longer.

It has become popular after being promoted by certain celebrities and influencers.

However, the Minnesota team's selection didn't go down well with some on social media.

"I wouldn't make fun of people's weight and diabetics. It just feels a bit cruel. Maybe time for a marketing meeting to figure this out y'all," said one reply on the team's Facebook page.

"It's insensitive to people struggling with their weight among other things," said another.

But another fan said people were overreacting: "I'm a type II Diabetic, was prescribed Ozempic for a long time and I am not the least bit offended!"

The team's media relations boss, Sean Aronson, said they had no intention of mocking people who are trying to lose weight.

"I can tell you there was no ill-intent, there was no maliciousness," he said.

"There was never even a discussion in the room when we were going over the name that, hey, this may offend some people."

Mr Aronson said he understood why some people were upset but that they had decided to stick with Ozempig.

"We knew how we originally came up with the name and we're good with it but we did discuss it and decided we're going to keep it," he said.

A pig mascot is a regular fixture at the team's ground and carries out balls for the umpire.

It becomes visibly larger during the season and a younger pig normally takes over half way through.
https://news.sky.com/story/baseball-team-accused-of-fat-shaming-after-naming-mascot-ozempig-after-weight-loss-drug-13104290

[Jimbuna]

Celebrity psychic Deborah Davies buys 'creepy' doll from Edinburgh charity shop

A "creepy" doll that spooked shoppers after it went on display in an Edinburgh charity shop has been snapped up by a celebrity psychic.

Deborah Davies, star of Unexplained: Caught on Camera, has added "Annabelle" to her collection of around 60 "haunted dolls".

Ms Davies paid £220 in total for the toy, which has been sent from St Columba's Hospice charity shop in Morningside to her home in Cheshire.

The former Real Housewives of Cheshire star told Sky News: "I'll have CCTV cameras on it 24/7 and for now I'll keep it at my home, which is breaking my own rules.

"I keep the rest of my collection a few miles away, as many of them were sent to me by followers following serious poltergeist activity."

A picture of Annabelle went viral online after the Ashton-Drake Galleries doll was displayed in the store window with a note saying "I am not creepy".
https://news.sky.com/story/celebrity-psychic-deborah-davies-buys-creepy-doll-from-edinburgh-charity-shop-13093149

[Jimbuna]

Pictures of Harry Kane statue 'kept in storage since 2020' emerge

Photos have emerged showing a statue of England captain Harry Kane, which has apparently been languishing in storage in east London for more than three years.

The statue's existence was confirmed last month, having reportedly been completed in 2020 - one year after it was commissioned by Waltham Forest Council.

The images, first obtained by the Big Issue, show a metallic Kane sitting on a green bench and holding a football on his thigh with his left hand.

England's record goalscorer, who now plays for Bayern Munich after moving from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, is said to have been positive about the statue.

In February, his representatives were quoted as saying they "will be happy to go" to unveil the artwork once the location has been decided.

Potential locations, according to The Guardian, had included Chingford Rail Station and Ridgeway Park, which is where Walthamstow-born Kane played football as a youngster.

But a permanent home for the statue remains undetermined.

The pictures, reportedly sent to the council by Sculpture Machine, have caused a stir on social media, with some questioning whether a footballer should be sitting on a bench in this way and others poking fun at its chocolate appearance.
https://news.sky.com/story/pictures-of-harry-kane-statue-kept-in-storage-since-2020-emerge-13099369

[Jimbuna]

Trillions of cicadas to emerge across US 'in biggest invasion in centuries'

Trillions of cicadas are about to emerge in parts of the US in numbers not seen in decades and possibly centuries.

People in the southeast of the US are set for a "sight to behold", experts say, as periodical cicadas - which usually surface every 13 years - will emerge coinciding with another brood which come out in a 17-year cycle this spring.

While annual cicadas, which are bigger and greener than their black-bodied cousins, can be found anywhere in the world, periodical bugs, which are black in colour and have red, bulging eyes, can only be found in North America.

The dual emergence of the periodical cicadas, who are infamous for how loud they can be, is a rare phenomenon and is estimated to have last happened 221 years ago in 1803, when Thomas Jefferson, one of America's founding fathers, was US president.

University of Connecticut cicada expert John Cooley called the upcoming duel invasion "cicada-geddon".

At times mistaken for locusts, the bugs' buzzing can reach a volume of 110 decibels.

"Periodic cicadas don't do subtle," Mr Cooley said.
https://news.sky.com/story/trillions-of-cicadas-to-emerge-across-us-in-biggest-invasion-in-centuries-13106405

[Jimbuna]

Rare lion-tailed macaque stolen from Leipzig Zoo in Germany

A rare macaque has been stolen during a raid on a zoo in Germany.

Leipzig Zoo says the female lion-tailed macaque - named Ruma - was stolen from its cage during a "violent" overnight break-in.

Police in Germany have launched an investigation.

"We do not know what motive is behind the theft, but we are extremely concerned about the welfare of the animal, whose proper care requires expert knowledge," the zoo said in a statement.

"We very much hope that the animal will be secured unharmed or returned."

Police in the German state of Saxony, where Leipzig is located, said the burglary took place overnight on Saturday, 30 March.

"On the night from Saturday to Sunday, unknown persons entered the grounds of the Leipzig Zoo and then forcibly opened the monkey's enclosure," Polizei Sachsen said in a statement.

"They then stole a female monkey and fled the premises.

"Police have secured traces and put the monkey on a wanted list."

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

Lion-tailed macaques are a species of Old World monkey, native to the forests of the Western Ghats mountain range in India.

The primates are easily recognised by the striking grey or silver mane that surrounds their face and the lion-like, black tail tuft at the tip of their tail.

Only a few thousand lion-tailed macaques are thought to exist, and they are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
https://news.sky.com/story/rare-lion-tailed-macaque-stolen-from-leipzig-zoo-in-germany-13106817

[Jimbuna]

Missing dog turns up nine months later - and 2,000 miles from home

A dog missing from California has been reunited with its owners after turning up almost nine months later - and more than 2,000 miles away from the family home.

Terrier mix Mishka went missing from San Diego in mid-July last year and her owners' social media pleas for information failed to deliver any leads.

Fast forward nearly nine months and just before Easter, authorities in suburban Detroit, Michigan, responded to a call about a stray dog.

Police in Harper Woods picked the pooch up and contacted animal welfare group The Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society.

They soon discovered three-year-old Mishka had been chipped with information about her owner, who lives in San Diego, on the US west coast.

Mehrad Houman and his family were planning to travel to Minnesota when they got the call about Mishka being found.

Once the flight landed, he drove 10 hours to Michigan for an emotional reunion.

"This is a tale that Hollywood would love to tell," the adoption society said in a social media post.

Mishka had disappeared from Mr Houman's workplace and Corinne Martin, director of the animal welfare group, believes the dog was "stolen and then it was sold and ended up in Michigan".

After being checked over and given a rabies shot, Mishka was cleared to return to her California home.

"She was clean [and] well-fed. Whoever had her took good care of her," vet Nancy Pillsbury told The Associated Press.

"How she got here - that's a story only Mishka knows."
https://news.sky.com/story/missing-dog-turns-up-nine-months-later-and-2-000-miles-from-home-13108010

[Moonlight]

Were Covid patients left to die against their wishes? Care homes under pressure to issue Do Not Resuscitate forms. Signatures forged on vital paperwork. And helpless families kept in the dark about their loved ones' final hours...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13277723/Were-Covid-patients-left-die-against-wishes.html

The Killing Fields Of Scotland.
The Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry has brought up some horrendous practices by some of Scotland's Medical Professionals, after its finished there should be a police investigation into who were forging these DNRs, who were the medical professionals in charge of obtaining these DNRs, and who were the executives at NHS Scotland who sanctioned it all.

Well, from what I've just been reading these Medics were playing at being God, lives weren't being saved, in fact they were handing out death sentences on a daily basis, nobody will ever get to the bottom of this scandal as self preservation will kick in and the guilty ones will get off scot free.

[Jimbuna]

Tiny Sicilian island giving away goats as tensions grow over rapidly expanding animal population

A tiny remote island off the coast of Sicily has started donating its 600 goats, with the animals overwhelming the human population of just 100.

Local mayor Riccardo Gullo told Sky News the goats were creating "tension" among the local community as they were wreaking havoc on the environment, storming people's homes and eating their crops.

Mr Gullo said it all started with a few goats supposedly escaping from their owner and going on to reproduce themselves to a point where they have now become too hard to manage.

"They represented a problem, you would meet them everywhere," he said.

"Six hundred goats have been counted - the island is really small, so they're really too many."

With pictures showing the goats grazing on what appears to be residents' back gardens, the mayor said measures had to be taken to contain them following "massive damage" on the island, the smallest of the volcanic Aeolian archipelago in southern Italy.

"Some goats are nice and robust, so some people are scared, while others fear they will enter their home," said Mr Gullo.

The plan to offer the goats to whoever sought to breed them has so far been successful, the mayor said, with requests coming from as far as the central Italian region of Tuscany and Lombardy, in the north of Italy.

While the offer expires on 10 April, there are no restrictions on who can apply for a goat or any limit on how many of the wild animals one can request.

"It's a random delivery without conditions, a special gift," the mayor of the Comune di Lipari, which administers Alicudi, said.

Gloria, owner of the Golden Cafe Noir at Alicudi's port, welcomed the plan but questioned how it would work logistically.

She told The Guardian the goats have become "too many", with one of the animals also visiting her business.

While it attracted attention at first, Gloria was concerned the goat could turn aggressive towards one of her customers.

Pointing to how it may be a struggle to get the goats transferred from the top of the mountainous, cone-shaped island, she said: "How will they bring the goats back down? Perhaps they would need a helicopter to transfer two or three at a time.

"It's a nice proposal, but there is no logistical solution yet."
https://news.sky.com/story/italy-tiny-sicilian-island-giving-away-goats-as-tensions-grow-over-rapidly-expanding-animal-population-13107661

[Eisenwurst]

https://www.timeout.com/news/out-of-control-behaviour-why-kyoto-has-banned-tourists-from-its-popular-geisha-district-030824

I'm really surprised it's taken this long, the local gov't has shown some guts.

The poor girls have been openly propositioned in the street, one had $10K and a hotel key thrust at her with a demand for sex, one had her kimono ripped off by some prick that chased her down the street.

Cigarette butts flicked at them, being mobbed for photos and selfies, being stalked, the list goes on.....

Obnoxious tourists.....a lot of them don't deserve a passport and shouldn't be allowed to leave their country. :Kaleun_Mad:

As the local gov't says "It's not a theme park, it's a residential district."

On a side note, we get a lot of tourists down here in Sydney and I gotta say the recent post covid ones have a hell of a lot of obnoxious types amongst them. I've come close to losing my temper a few times.

[Jimbuna]

Trespassing bird causes travel chaos at Brighton station

A bird trespassing on train tracks at Brighton station caused an hour-and-a-half of disruption during rush hour.

Thameslink was forced to close three platforms at about 7pm while the power was switched off and the herring gull was removed.

Services that were affected included Brighton to London and the Gatwick Express, with disruptions lasting until about 8.20pm.

The rail operator posted on X advising passengers to leave 20 minutes early to complete their journeys and check departure information regularly.

Several people replied to Thameslink asking if the news was a late April Fool joke, and questioning whether herring gulls are actually endangered.

One traveller complained that "numerous trains" had been cancelled and operators had left them "stranded in the rain".

Thameslink later said apologised for the inconvenience the incident caused to passengers, adding that the bird was safely removed from the railway.

"We're glad this had a happy ending," it said, sharing a photo of the young gull.

Despite the herring gull being a common sight in seaside resorts, the species has been on the Birds of Conservation Concern's (BCC) red list since 2009, because of ongoing population decline.

The red status means the species has been identified by the BCC as subject to "an increasing level of conservation concern".

The list is compiled by the UK's leading bird conservation organisations, including the RSPB, and identifies conservation priorities for birds.
https://news.sky.com/story/trespassing-bird-causes-travel-chaos-at-brighton-station-13106911

[Moonlight]

Making of the Steel Magnolia: How £550-an-hour Queen of the family court Fiona Shackleton became Britain's most feared - and best dressed - divorce lawyer representing King Charles, Paul McCartney and Liam Gallagher (just don't mention Heather Mills)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13283313/fiona-shackleton-divorce-lawyer-isla-fisher-sacha-baron-cohen.html

How the hell has this currant become a Baroness?, she's a bleeding divorce lawyer for ****s sake, only the rich could afford her fees, and truth be told, those fees would be monumental.

The prime suspect here, would be, not my king Charles, yes, corruption runs deep within the royal family, so yes, I will lay the blame directly on Charley boys head. Services rendered and all that, it still leaves him looking like the prick he's always been, and the rest of the family as well. :up:

[Jimbuna]

Chechnya 'bans music that is too fast or too slow'

Chechnya has reportedly banned music that is too fast or too slow.

The Russian republic is said to have ruled that all music should "correspond to a tempo of 80 to 116 beats per minute (BPM)".

Its culture ministry made the announcement in a statement earlier this week, according to the Moscow Times.

The new standard of music is relatively slow compared to a lot of modern day pop music and would rule out a number of western genres from being played publicly in the conservative Islamic society.

The republic's leader Ramzan Kadyrov instructed culture minister Musa Dadayev to make Chechen music "conform to the Chechen mentality," the Moscow Times said.

"Borrowing musical culture from other peoples is inadmissible," Mr Dadayev reportedly said.

The ban was reportedly announced following a meeting between the republic's ministry and local and regional artists.

But artists are said to have been given until 1 June to rewrite music that doesn't meet the criteria - and if their music isn't reworked, they won't be allowed to perform it in public.

All western rave and techno music, which tends to be of a higher BPM, would be banned under the new rule.

Chechnya has been a vocal supporter of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It has also seen a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ violence in recent years, including reports of anti-gay purges, that the UN described as "acts of persecution and violence on an unprecedented scale".
https://news.sky.com/story/chechnya-bans-music-that-is-too-fast-or-too-slow-13110266

[Jimbuna]

Alpacas block traffic on busy England highway

Travelers on a British highway were surprised to find their path blocked by a herd of escaped alpacas.

The llama cousins wandered onto the A1307 near Hemingford Abbots in Cambridgeshire in the early afternoon Sunday, witnesses said.

Cathy Booty, who was traveling with her husband, Richard, said there were more than 20 of the animals in the roadway when another woman got out of her car and coaxed them into the grassy median.

Booty called Cambridgeshire Police, who confirmed that officers responded to the scene.

Police said the owner of the alpacas had returned them to their field by the time officers arrived.
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2024/04/08/alpacas-A1307-highway-Cambridgeshire/3081712591428/

[Jimbuna]

Frogs are screaming - we just can't hear them, scientists in Brazil discover

Some frogs scream at an ear-splitting volume for other animals but its frequency is inaudible to humans, scientists have discovered.

While out in the Amazonian jungle studying frogs, researchers in Brazil noticed something strange.

Small leaf litter frogs were arching their backs, throwing back their heads and opening their mouths wide.

They looked like they were screaming but the scientists could hear nothing.

When they recorded the frogs using high-frequency audio recorders, the scientists captured the first documented case of "defensive ultrasound" being used by amphibians.

The scream is a response to predators, according to researchers from Brazil's State University of Campinas.

It could be a call to arms to attract another animal to attack the predator.

The researchers recorded the distress call on two occasions.

When they analysed the sound using special software, they found that it had a frequency range of 7 kilohertz (kHz) to 44 kHz.

Humans cannot hear frequencies higher than 20 kHz, which are classed as ultrasound.

A researcher on the team, Mariana Retuci Pontes, says she saw frogs exhibiting similar behaviour on a different research trip but didn't have the right technology to record the ultrasonic sound.

Bats, whales, rhinos, dogs, pigeons, cuttlefish… all sorts of animals use infrasonic and ultrasonic frequencies to communicate, and humans can hear none of it.

So the next time you're enjoying a peaceful walk, all around you there could be a cacophony of noise.
https://news.sky.com/story/frogs-are-screaming-we-just-cant-hear-them-scientists-in-brazil-discover-13112081

[Jimbuna]

Oxfordshire: Bird 'confuses' police officers by mimicking siren sound

Police officers were left "confused" by a bird when it convincingly mimicked the sound of the sirens on their cars.

Thames Valley Police said staff initially thought their vehicles had developed a fault after hearing the noise at a roads policing base in Bicester.

A video filmed at the site in Oxfordshire and posted on social media shows the bird chirping in a tree - before then replicating the sound of a two-tone siren.

The force said that the copycat call was "100% real and not a late April Fools joke" and added that officers were left "a little confused".

It added: "It's so accurate, they've been left thinking the sirens were faulty on the cars!

"From our workshops that test out the two tone-tune to officers deploying to jobs, this little fella has been sat patiently observing the noise to recreate it".

Social media users speculated that the bird could be a starling, which are known for their ability to mimic man-made noises.
https://news.sky.com/story/oxfordshire-bird-confuses-police-officers-by-mimicking-siren-sound-13112449

[Jimbuna]

Loch Ness monster: NASA urged to help as new search begins

NASA has been asked to help in a new search for the Loch Ness monster.

The Loch Ness Centre has urged the space agency to lend its expertise in a fresh hunt for the legendary creature.

Last year, one of the biggest searches of Loch Ness in the Highlands concluded with a hydrophone capturing loud underwater noises and several potential sightings.

The latest search will take place on the 90th anniversary of Sir Edward Mountain's expedition from 30 May to 2 June.

Since that first expedition in 1934, the Watchers of the Monster, there have been over 1,156 sightings recorded on the official Loch Ness monster register.

Aimee Todd from the Loch Ness Centre said: "We are hoping that Nessie hunters around the world will help us reach the people at NASA.

"We are hoping to reach them through the power of social media. We are just hoping for their expert guidance to help with our ongoing quest to get answers.

"We have gone to UK universities. We are hoping that experts from NASA might have some advanced imaging technology to scan the loch.

"We would have to sit down and talk to them about how to get it here."

Volunteers during the new search will be tasked to keep an eye on the surface, looking for breaks in the water. They will be briefed on what to look out for and how to record findings.

Those unable to make the search in person can get involved through the live cameras on the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website.
https://news.sky.com/story/loch-ness-monster-nasa-urged-to-help-as-new-search-begins-13113351

[Moonlight]

Revealed: Sydney knifeman, 40, who killed five women and one man in Westfield shopping centre bloodbath 'was known to police' and targeted screaming mum and her baby first before unleashing 15 minutes of horror until lone female cop shot him dead

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13303971/Knifeman-goes-rampage-Sydney-Four-feared-dead-shopping-centre-stabbing-spree-attacker-shot-killed-police.html

The Sydney knifeman was a 40-year-old and his attack is not thought to be terror-related, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said.
Ms Webb told a press conference: 'Later this evening we became aware of who we believe the offender is and we believe that he is a 40-year-old man.
'However, we are waiting to formally identify him and we cannot speculate yet on his identification.

You don't have to tell us anymore Ms Webb, it will all be revealed when the politicians have their story right and they've briefed the police on exactly what to say to the media.
People aren't ****ing stupid you know, the words of the police spokesman already tells them that they're trying to cover up the bleeding obvious, it's time for politicians to stop pussyfooting around and admit that these bleeding idiots are not welcome in a westernized society anymore.

The next thing for politicians and the police to do is anyone one of these muslims citizens who are known to the police should be deported, and if they have any family there they can be deported too.

Start doing your jobs you bleeding Woke pillocks.

EXCLUSIVE Religious war behind bars: How British white gangs from two major cities fight brutal war against Muslim extremists inside UK's toughest prisons

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13283347/Religious-war-bars-British-white-gangs-two-major-cities-fight-brutal-war-against-Muslim-extremists-inside-UKs-toughest-prisons.html

Why have these politicians who are supposed to lead and Govern our country by example have let things deteriorate to such an extent over the past 45 years or so?.
As we have gathered over the years "Group Think" invariably turns into "Group Stupid", and there's no one group more stupid than our politicians.

EXCLUSIVE Grooming gang leader who targeted hundreds of girls as young as 13 in Telford in systematic abuse hopes to be freed again after getting a parole hearing just 12 years into his sentence

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13300705/Grooming-gang-leader-girls-Telford-systematic-abuse-hopes-freed-parole-hearing.html

These twats shouldn't be in prison, No, they should have been executed instead of having a cushy life behind bars. Will they be deported?, No again, they'll be free to do whatever criminal acts they want to do.
Politicians eh, the most stupidest currants on planet earth.

[Jimbuna]

Escaped racehorse joins commuters at train station - and stands behind yellow line

Commuters at a train station in Australia were left doing a doubletake as an escaped racehorse joined them to wait for a passenger service.

The rogue animal turned up at Warwick Farm station, New South Wales, and trotted down the platform before pausing ahead of the train's arrival - when it even stood behind the yellow line.

Footage shared by Transport for NSW shows shocked commuters stepping back as the horse made its way past just before midnight on 5 April.

The transport authority saw the funny side as they shared an update about the incident on Facebook.

In a post about a "missing individual", they wrote: "He was reported to be wearing only a rug and demonstrating a bit of horseplay."

"He appeared to pursue an informant along the platform before unsuccessfully attempting to board a train service," they continued.

"The individual then moved to the car park area where he was taken in by his owner and he was returned to his residence in a stable condition."

The post concluded: "No one involved in the incident is intending to take any further action as the individual was only horsing around!"

Local media said Warwick Farm station is near a racecourse but has not confirmed this is where the horse escaped from.
https://news.sky.com/story/escaped-racehorse-joins-commuters-at-train-station-and-stands-behind-yellow-line-13112162

[Jimbuna]

Airplane passenger fined in Sydney for urinating in a cup

A passenger has been fined for urinating in a cup during a delay in deplaning after landing at Sydney Airport.

The incident, after a 3-hour Air New Zealand flight from Auckland, occurred last December and a Sydney court fined the 53-year-old man 600 Australian dollars ($395) for offensive behavior in February, officials said Friday.

The incident only came to public attention on Friday, when New Zealand news website Stuff reported that a passenger in the same row, identified only as Hollv, said she had reported the behavior to the air crew.

She said she and her 15-year-old daughter were sitting in the aisle and middle seats when the man in the window seat, whose name has not been released, was urinating in a cup.

Holly said the plane had been on the tarmac for about 20 minutes, waiting for a terminal gate to be allocated, when she heard the unmistakable sound of the passenger urinating in a cup, Stuff reported.

She said the man was “obviously quite drunk” and spilled urine on a flight attendant as he left the plane, it reported.

But the mishap with the attendant wasn’t his crime. Australian Federal Police said in a statement that officers removed him from the plane because he had “urinated into a cup while in his seat.”

Air New Zealand said it does not comment on individual incidents. It said it bans between five and 10 customers each month for disruptive behavior, including intoxication.
https://apnews.com/article/australia-urinating-passenger-fined-a6fed4643e88911a6798b37cd94542f7

[Sean C]

https://www.timeout.com/news/out-of-control-behaviour-why-kyoto-has-banned-tourists-from-its-popular-geisha-district-030824


My wife and I were in Gion in late September of 2010. We saw a guy stalking a Geisha. He was following her, dashing from one hiding spot to the next, just behind her. We didn't know what to do ... we had only been in this very different foreign country for a few days at that point.


Part of me is glad that the Japanese are now protecting the Geisha. Part of me is sad that outsiders will no longer be able to experience Gion. It really is a very beautiful place.

[Eisenwurst]

My wife and I were in Gion in late September of 2010. We saw a guy stalking a Geisha. He was following her, dashing from one hiding spot to the next, just behind her. We didn't know what to do ... we had only been in this very different foreign country for a few days at that point.


Part of me is glad that the Japanese are now protecting the Geisha. Part of me is sad that outsiders will no longer be able to experience Gion. It really is a very beautiful place.

Hi Sean. Japan's on my bucket list, I'll get there one day.....I hope. A good mate of mine, his daughter is over there now on a school excursion :o . When I went on school excursions we went to the local steelworks, coal mines, and port, and got a lump of coal each as a souvenir. Times change.

A lot of Japanese tourists come to Sydney, and they stand out. Good manners, well dressed, and multi lingual.

A contrast to all the yobbos from God knows where that descend upon us.

I used to be involved with Foreign Affairs issuing Passports and knocked back a lot of ratbags that would've been terrible "ambassadors" for my country overseas.

There's a lot of "Crazies" around, on the loose in Society. Yesterday I went to Bondi Junction ( I do a lot of business there ) and there's a VERY large Floral tribute been set up and people paying their respects to the poor women and men murdered and wounded on the weekend. I found it quite moving and got emotional, particularly when a crying beautiful young teenage girl did a tribute to her slain friends.

The perp was a "crazy", a thug probably doped up on redbull and drugs. There's heaps of them around you've only got to make eye contact and they're in your face. They travel around from city to city, sponging off do gooder charities.

A sad state of affairs.

[mapuc]

Copenhagen's historic stock exchange in flames

The 17th Century Børsen is one of the city's oldest buildings and onlookers gasped as its iconic spire collapsed in the flames.

Everyone inside the building was able to leave and people rushed to rescue some of its historic paintings.

Culture minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said 400 years of Danish cultural heritage had gone up in flames.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68824189

Markus

[Jimbuna]

A 9-year-old boy’s dream of a pet octopus is a sensation as thousands follow Terrance’s story online


The one thing 9-year-old Cal Clifford wanted more than anything since he was a toddler was a pet octopus.

The boy’s family in rural Edmond, Oklahoma, humored him with toy versions of an eight-legged mollusk, but as Cal got older it became clear that only the real thing would do.

The child’s father, 36-year-old dentist Cameron Clifford, researched the possibility with a local aquarium store and before long Terrance the California two-spot octopus, also known as a bimac, was living in a watery enclosure at the family home southwest of Oklahoma City.

“We really like to encourage our children’s interests,” said the older Clifford. “It’s magical to see a kid embrace their dreams and bring them to fruition. Cal has been infatuated with the natural world and with marine biology since he was very little.”

A popular TikTok saga was launched with the father narrating the tale of Terrance the cephalopod, using a faux British accent generated by the social media app. Eventually, hundreds of thousands of people were following.

Within weeks, the tale took an surprise twist when it was learned Terrance was actually a female as it laid some 50 eggs that the family initially assumed were unfertilized. Several weeks after that, teeny near-transparent octopus babies began hatching and were given names like Rocket Larry, Squid Cudi, Swim Shady, Jay-Sea and Sea-Yoncé

Cal had burst into tears at the family dinner table when his father first announced that the local aquarium store had told him adopting an octopus would be possible.

Father and son together researched what was needed, deciding on a saltwater tank and water cycling system and ensuring they would be able to source food for the soft-bodied sea creature.

The family’s younger son Lyle and mom Kari also joined the project in their own ways. A family friend who is a reptile scientist has provided support and advice.

While female octopuses usually die soon after laying their eggs, Clifford said Terrance remains alive four months later.

Clifford said the family has gained much from the experience.

“Aside from the physical, financial and emotional requirements of owning a species such as a bimac, you will learn a lot about yourself in the process,” the Arizona-born Clifford told TikTok followers in his app-generated accent. “There’s always some valve or seal that’s not completely closed, and your storm resistant carpet isn’t rated for gallons and gallons of seawater. You’ll learn that seawater and electricity don’t always get along.”

“You will learn new things and meet incredible people and will learn that wildlife is magnificent,” he added. “But most of all, you’ll learn to love a not-so-tiny octopus like Terrance.”
https://apnews.com/article/octopus-pet-terrance-fa9d0c3d8bbadf59d7aa69ce7171dcf4

[Jimbuna]

Elephant escapes circus, wanders through Montana traffic

An elephant escaped from a traveling circus in Montana and went wandering through traffic in Butte.

Silver Bow County Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher said the female elephant, named Viola, escaped from the Jordan World Circus on Tuesday and went walking down the middle of Harrison Avenue amid heavy traffic.

Sheriff Ed Lester explained that Viola had fled the circus when she was spooked by a passing vehicle.

Shocked residents captured photos and videos of Viola's time on the loose.

"My coworker pointed out, 'There's an elephant!' Started jumping up and down, pointing out the window," Civic Center Town Pump co-manager Josh Hannifin told NBC Montana. "We ran out the door and finally caught a video of the elephant coming through the lot here. Pretty exciting."

Gallagher told CBS News that the runaway elephant caused minor damage to a storage area at the Civic Center, but "we are grateful that everyone remained unharmed."

The pachyderm pursuit ended with Viola being caught by her handlers and safely returned to the circus.

Animal rights groups PETA and PAWS reported in separate statements that Viola had escaped from the circus before in 2010 and 2014.
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2024/04/17/elephant-escapes-circus-Butte-Montana/9061713365417/

[Jimbuna]

New Zealand: Ram killed by police after elderly couple found dead in paddock at their home near Auckland

A ram believed to be responsible for killing an elderly couple has been shot dead by New Zealand police.

The pair, in their 80s, were found dead by their son in a paddock attached to their home in Waitakere, rural West Auckland, the New Zealand Herald reported.

He had grown concerned after not hearing from them in the morning, a family spokesperson said.

Police attended the scene at 7.30am local time and confirmed the ram was in the paddock at the time of their visit.

The country's force said in a statement: "Another party at the scene suffered a minor injury after being attacked by this ram."

It added that its officers were "confronted and approached" by the ram.

After assessing the situation, they shot the ram dead.

Dean Burrell, a relative, told the Herald the couple had "both lost their lives in a tragic accident".

"They're good people. They're over 80. They don't deserve this," Mr Burrell said.

"Everyone's in shock as to what's happened. They're very upset. I feel like I was dreaming it actually, it was a bit of shock, being told what had happened and I just didn't believe it."

People caught 'forcing' antlers off Richmond Park deer, police say
Bird 'confuses' police officers by mimicking siren sound

Mr Burrell's father had phoned him to tell him the news and he came to the scene to "support [his] cousins and the wider family".

An investigation into the deaths is under way and a post-mortem is expected.
https://news.sky.com/story/new-zealand-ram-shot-dead-after-elderly-couple-found-dead-in-paddock-at-their-home-near-auckland-13117771

[Moonlight]

UK won't take back asylum seekers from Ireland, Downing Street says

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68918250

Its only fair as France wont take them back either, there's no need for a Rwanda deal then is there?, just ship all the thousands of migrants over to N Ireland and wave them goodbye over the border. Now the migration boot is on the other foot the EU don't like it, well that's Tough so I say to Ireland, send them back to France where they first came from. :haha:

[Jimbuna]

Tourist fined for getting too close to Walrus in Norway

A tourist has been fined NOK 12,500 Norwegian Kroner (£900) for approaching a walrus in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard.

The authorities said the man went out onto an ice floe on Wednesday and "disturbed a walrus that was lying on the ice".

They said members of the public saw him approach the mammal and reported him to the local governor, and that "parts of the incident were also observed by the governor's employees".

There is a law in Svalbard which stipulates people must conduct themselves in a way which does not lead to unnecessary disturbance of wildlife.

The tourist was subsequently brought to the governor's office, where he accepted the fine.

"The governor encourages everyone to keep a good distance from walruses so that they are not disturbed and so that no danger to people occur," his office said in a statement.

Walruses were hunted practically to extinction in the Svalbard Archipelago up until they were protected by law in 1952, according to the government's Norwegian Polar Institute.

Despite decades of protection, the number of walruses in the region is still low and they remain on the Norwegian National Red List, which identifies species at risk of going extinct in Norway.

There will be new rules for motor traffic at sea from next year specifically aimed at protecting walruses, where it will be illegal to knowingly go within 150 metres of them. The speed limit will be five knots for any motor traffic within 300 metres of them.
https://news.sky.com/story/tourist-fined-for-getting-too-close-to-walrus-in-norway-13124061

[mapuc]

Officers from several agencies in the U.S. Marshals Task Force were carrying out the operation in the residential area when “a subject” began firing at them and multiple officers were shot, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a post on X.

https://apnews.com/article/charlotte-north-carolina-shooting-police-42d3e25ec6ec990634c9ac209e0f779a

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Woman says finding 50,000 bees behind walls in toddler's bedroom was 'right out of Stranger Things'

When her daughter first started complaining about "monsters" in her bedroom, Ashley Class didn't give it too much thought, thinking her three-year-old had perhaps been imaging things after watching Pixar's Monsters, Inc.

The toddler was even given a water bottle which she was told was "monster spray", Ms Class, a home designer from Charlotte, North Carolina, told the BBC.

But months later and upon seeing swarms of bees circling around the chimney, Ms Class called in pest control and found "what nightmares are made of" - a hive home to 50,000 honeybees.

Ms Class documented her ordeal on TikTok, posting updates on her astonishing situation which have gathered millions of views.

"When your daughter has been hearing 'monsters' in the walls," Ms Class described in her first clip. "Turns out it was 50,000 bees buzzing."

The clip showed a thermal camera lighting up "like Christmas" as it pointed towards the wall where the beehive was growing.

Ms Class said the beehive had taken eight months, with the honeycomb and honey produced by the industrious "colony" weighing 100 pounds (45.3kg).

It is believed the bees got in through the chimney and a hole in a clay pipe which used to warm the rooms of the house.

But that wasn't it. Several extractions later, a whole new hive was discovered, bringing the total amount of bees in Ms Class's farmhouse to 60,000, she said on TikTok.

Beekeeper Curtis Collins, who has been removing hives from homes for six years, told Good Morning America: "I believe that may be actually the first one that I've done that was floor to ceiling."

One of the clips posted by Ms Class was captioned saying the inside wall of her 100-year home "looks right out of Stranger Things".

Replying to one of the comments, the designer said: "The whole situation haunts me."

Ms Class said home insurance won't cover the costs of the damage and she told the BBC she believes the bees have resulted in her being around $20,000 (£16,000) out of pocket.
https://news.sky.com/story/woman-says-finding-50-000-bees-behind-walls-in-toddlers-bedroom-was-right-out-of-stranger-things-13126264

[Shadowblade]

UK won't take back asylum seekers from Ireland, Downing Street says

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68918250

Its only fair as France wont take them back either, there's no need for a Rwanda deal then is there?, just ship all the thousands of migrants over to N Ireland and wave them goodbye over the border. Now the migration boot is on the other foot the EU don't like it, well that's Tough so I say to Ireland, send them back to France where they first came from. :haha:


I am not surprised - they must be very happy that they dont need to care about them :03:

[Jimbuna]

Google appears to add 'audio emoji' feature - including a fart button

Google appears to be rolling out "audio emojis" to its phone users.

Some Google Pixel phone owners are noticing an option to send a reaction while on a call.

"I was on the phone and saw a new button come up... "Audio Emoji"??? I had to call my brother to test it out!" said one X user.

An accompanying video shows the feature in action. The "audio emoji" option swipes up to reveal six familiar emojis: laughing, clapping, celebrating, a drum, crying and... the poo emoji.

When a user taps the emojis, they play a corresponding sound down the phone.

Some of the matching sounds are obvious - clapping is clapping, laughing is laughing, the drum makes a 'badum tish' sound. And, somewhat inevitably, the poo emoji makes a fart noise.

The update, which appears to just be being tested as it isn't rolled out to all users, has been met with mixed reactions.

"Did anyone ask for this? No. Am I still gonna use it? Yes," said one Reddit user. Others were less entertained.

"If you ask me, they should focus on improving things," one person posted on X.

"Imagine you are calling your friend after getting fired and talking to him about the stress you are going through, and suddenly, your friend starts playing weird audio emoji sounds," another posted on Reddit.

One Reddit user, SohipX, did have an idea of how to put the poo emoji to good use.

"The fart sound is a great idea... I could use it with scam calls!"

Sky News has approached Google for more information.
https://news.sky.com/story/google-appears-to-add-audio-emoji-feature-including-a-fart-button-13126766

[Jimbuna]

'Bring my baby back': Wally the 'emotional support' alligator goes missing in Georgia


A famed "emotional support" alligator has gone missing while on a trip with its owner after being targeted by suspected pranksters.

Distraught Joie Henney believes his 1.7m-long pet called Wally was stolen as a prank from an outdoor enclosure next to his holiday home in Brunswick, Georgia.

It was then apparently dumped outside a nearby property - before authorities came to collect it and then released the reptile "back" into the wild of a 438,000-acre swamp dozens of miles away.

Mr Henney said the alligator had helped relieve his depression for nearly a decade, and the bond between the pair has earned them tens of thousands of followers on social media.

"We need all the help we can get to bring my baby back," Mr Henney said in a tearful video posted on TikTok, where Wally has 143,000 followers.

"Please, we need your help," he added.

Mr Henney, who lives in Pennsylvania, had taken Wally with him on a trip to the port city of Brunswick last month.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources confirmed it received a report of a nuisance alligator in the area on 21 April and a licensed trapper was dispatched to capture it.

The agency said the reptile was "released in a remote location", but stressed it did not know if the creature was Wally.

"The trapper came and got Wally and dropped him off in a swamp with about 20 other alligators that same day," Mr Henney said in a social media post earlier this week.

"The swamp is very large and the trapper said the chances of them finding Wally is slim to none."

Mr Henney has urged his followers not to risk their safety by joining his hunt for his beloved reptile and said all he wants is information.

A fundraising page set up to cover travel costs, vet bills and "potential legal costs" has so far raised more than $8,000 (£6,400).

"All we want and honestly all anyone wants is for the trapper who was doing his job to give us a location," he added.

"We would even have zero issues giving him the reward for Wally's safe return or any other licensed trapper for that matter."

It is illegal in Georgia for people to keep alligators without a special licence or permit, and the state's Department of Natural Resources says it does not grant permission for pet alligators.

Pennsylvania has no state law against owning alligators, though it is illegal for owners to release them into the wild.

Mr Henney, who describes himself as a reptile rescuer, said he first met Wally after his friend captured him in Florida and dropped him off "as a joke" in September 2015.

"But the joke's on him now," he told Sky News last year.

Wally's popularity soared last year when he was denied entry to a baseball game in Philadelphia.

Mr Henney said Wally does not bite and his food must be dead before it is handed to him.
https://news.sky.com/story/bring-my-baby-back-wally-the-emotional-support-alligator-goes-missing-in-georgia-13127651

[Aktungbby]

https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1o2BhK.img?w=768&h=511&m=6 An orangutan named Rakus hit a rough patch in the summer of 2022.
Researchers heard a fight between male orangutans in the treetops of a rainforest in Sumatra, Indonesia; a day later, they spotted Rakus sporting a pink wound below his right eyelid.
A chunk of flesh about the size and shape of a puzzle piece was missing. When Rakus, who is most likely in his 30s, belted out a long call, the researchers noticed another wound inside his mouth. Over the next several days, researchers followed Rakus at a distance — and saw something so surprising they wound up reporting it in great detail in the journal Scientific Reports.
According to their study, published Thursday, Rakus was observed repeatedly chewing on the leaves of a particular liana plant over several days. The climbing vine is not a typical food for orangutans, but it is known to humans as a pain reliever.
On at least one occasion, Rakus made a paste from the chewed leaves and applied it to his face. It’s the first time an animal has been seen applying medicine to a skin wound. “It’s the first documentation of external self-medication — the application of leaves, I would argue, as a poultice, like humans do to treat wounds and pains,” said Michael Huffman, an associate professor at the Wildlife Research Center at Kyoto University in Japan, who was not involved in the new study. Rakus’ wound never showed signs of becoming infected, and it closed up within a week.

The discovery is new evidence that orangutans are able to identify and use pain-relieving plants. A growing body of research suggests other animal species also self-medicate, with varying levels of sophistication.

The researchers behind the study think that great apes’ ability to identify medicines and treat wounds could trace back to a shared ancestor with humans. The discovery was possible only because Rakus spends his days in a protected area of rainforest called the Suaq Balimbing research area, in Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser National Park.

Researchers have been observing orangutans there since 1994. Today, about 150 call the area home. Rakus, who was first observed there in 2009, is either a resident or a frequent visitor. Scientists often follow an individual orangutan in the area from early morning — when it leaves its night nest — until it builds a new night nest about 12 hours later.

“We don’t disturb the orangutan,” said an author of the new study, Isabelle Laumer, a primatologist and cognitive biologist at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany. “They completely tolerate us following them.”

Laumer said that researchers had never before observed orangutans in the area self-medicating like Rakus did and that it was not clear how he developed the behavior. It’s possible Rakus learned to treat his wound through “individual innovation,” Laumer said, after he accidentally touched a finger to a wound with the pain-relieving leaf juice. Or he may have learned the behavior culturally, from other orangutans, early in life.

Orangutans learn socially and have been shown to be capable with tools. They develop sophisticated knowledge of foods from their mothers.

“They learn a lot about, for example, what types of fruit to eat, where to find them, when to find them, when they are ripe, how to process them,” Laumer said. “Some orangutans feed on up to 400 different plants. … This is quite some intensive knowledge that they actually need to acquire.” It’s possible Rakus learned to treat his wound through “individual innovation,” Laumer said, after he accidentally touched a finger to a wound with the pain-relieving leaf juice. Or he may have learned the behavior culturally, from other orangutans, early in life.
Orangutans learn socially and have been shown to be capable with tools. They develop sophisticated knowledge of foods from their mothers.

“They learn a lot about, for example, what types of fruit to eat, where to find them, when to find them, when they are ripe, how to process them,” Laumer said. “Some orangutans feed on up to 400 different plants. … This is quite some intensive knowledge that they actually need to acquire.” Evidence of animal self-medication has mounted in recent decades.

In the 1960s, the famous primatologist Jane Goodall noticed that chimpanzees in Tanzania were eating whole leaves from a plant later identified as a type of Aspilia shrub. Decades later, Huffman wrote a paper describing how a different population of chimpanzees ate the bitter pith of a particular daisy, but only rarely and when other behaviors suggested they were sick.

Researchers think chimps developed such behaviors to treat or prevent parasites.

In the 1990s and the 2000s, a flood of research identified additional examples of self-medication.

A notable 2008 study of Bornean orangutans documented three females rubbing their bodies with a paste of chewed Dracaena cantleyi plant, which local Indigenous people use to address joint and bone pain.

Huffman said he thinks all animal species self-medicate to some degree. Researchers have even documented the practice in insects.

“It shows us that animals have control over their lives,” he said. “That they can behave in ways that are flexible, that are adaptive to certain circumstances that come down to their very survival.”

He theorized that ancient humans derived the ability to identify medicinal plants and substances from close observations of animals.

“A lot of medicine that humans have used over in our history as a species have come from our close connection with nature and looking to other animals for advice and extrapolating from what we’ve learned,” Huffman said. “I don’t know of any plant that an animal has been documented to be using as medicine that isn’t also used by humans. And I think that it’s the humans who have learned from the animals.”
Laumer said her team’s findings — in a species that is 97% genetically similar to humans — could offer insight into how ancient primates developed their inclination to pursue medicines.
“It’s possible that our last common ancestor already showed similar forms of ointment behavior,” she said.
Laumer added that the new findings also show how much can be learned from orangutans, who are considered critically endangered. The rainforests where Sumatran orangutans live are vanishing as land is converted to agriculture and climate change intensifies wildfires. Now I know why i can apply Neosporin to all my flesh wounds!!??
:arrgh!:

[mapuc]

The deputy who shot him - whom police have not named - has since been placed on administrative leave, according to a statement on Tuesday by Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden.

The incident is now being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney's Office, Sheriff Aden added.

"At this time, we humbly ask for our community's patience as we work to understand the facts that resulted in this tragic event," he said.

The lawyer for the Fortson family, Ben Crump, has called for transparency from the police on what transpired.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68979577

Markus

[Moonlight]

Shocking moment thug brazenly yanks chain off man's neck in London Piccadilly Circus before violent brawl breaks out in the road (and he nearly loses his phone too)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13415877/thug-yanks-chain-mans-neck-London-Piccadilly-Circus-violent-brawl.html

Stop complaining, this is what you voted for when you put that useless Sadiq Khan back in as Mayor Mare for another term. :D

[mapuc]

“You can do a hold-up without killing. They didn’t have to kill.”

Outside La Santé prison in central Paris, feelings are running high. Thirty or 40 prison officers are holding a protest over Tuesday’s murder of two colleagues at an ambush at a motorway toll in Normandy.

A banner reads: “Prisons in Mourning.”

“You put a gun to the guard’s head and say ‘let him go or I shoot’. Of course the guard is going to obey. And no-one dies,” one officer says.

“Hold-ups happen. It could have been anyone of us in the van. But they didn’t have to kill,” adds another.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c72p2nypzllo

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Man who 'ran through Virgin Australia plane naked and knocked over attendant' arrested

A man who allegedly ran naked down the aisle of a plane in the middle of a flight has been arrested.

Australian officers said the man knocked over an attendant during his sprint on a flight from Perth to Melbourne and forced the plane to turn around.

Police were waiting at Perth Airport when the Virgin Australia flight circled back - and after being detained he was "transferred to hospital for assessment, where he remains".

It is unclear how or where the passenger removed his clothes.

He has been ordered to appear in court on 14 June, and has not been formally charged.

Virgin Australia apologised to "guests impacted" by the "disruptive passenger" in a statement.
https://news.sky.com/story/man-who-ran-through-virgin-australia-plane-naked-and-knocked-over-attendant-arrested-13144321

[Moonlight]

Russian judge known for punishing the Kremlin's foes is found dead after falling from a high window in Moscow

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13505249/Russian-judge-dead-falling-high-window-Moscow.html

Falling from a high window?, goodness me, are the powers that be in Russia still using that old excuse, my English translation of "Falling from a high window" is "Forced Out of a high window", maybe after these investigators have concocted all their theories, they might change that headline to pushed out of a window, but, they will not want that truth to happen.
I have a suggestion to make to all these potential window victims, get yourself a ground floor apartment, or better still, live underground, that will screw up these window thrower types, and we know who these window throwers work for, don't we.

[Jimbuna]

Junior doctor goes viral after rescuing live fish from garden lawn in Newcastle

A junior doctor who found a goldfish on his garden lawn has gone viral on social media after saying he had "no idea" how it got there.

Dr Ben Beska, from Newcastle, made the discovery on Saturday after he heard a group of magpies squawking and went out to investigate - and then spotted the fish lying in the grass.

The NHS cardiology doctor rushed to retrieve the fish and placed it in a freezer drawer filled with water - the only large container he could find.

Locking the fish away from his two pet cats, Dr Beska visited his nearest aquatic shop and purchased a tank for the fish.

The 33-year-old has named it Alice after a text message he sent to a friend autocorrected "it's alive" to "it's alice".

Dr Beska posted about his discovery on X, formerly Twitter, and it has now been viewed more than 19 million times, according to figures from the social network.

He described the reaction as "bonkers" and added: "It's pretty mad really, finding a fish on the lawn. I have no idea how it got in the garden...

"Then I saw this thing on the floor and I was like: 'What the hell?'

"I went out and I was like, as if it's an actual fish, so took a photo to send to my fiance to say: 'How the hell is there a fish on the floor', and then it moved - I couldn't just leave it."

Dr Beska said he picked up the "flapping" fish and put it in the freezer drawer after filling it with water.

He said: "It started to swim around so it was alive...

"I think it was seconds from death, so it's a lucky fish."

Dr Beska suspects a bird picked up the fish from a nearby pond and dropped it while carrying it away - but said it must have travelled a "reasonable distance" because there were no ponds nearby.

The mystery of the goldfish has gone viral on X, with Dr Beska's original post attracting more than 174,000 likes and nearly 5,000 comments.

He said: "It's very odd, I mainly use [social media] for medical stuff, so this is very, very different."

One X user has even gone as far as creating an account for the fish, with the username @alicebeska, which Dr Beska said was "very funny"

Dr Beska now intends to keep the fish as a pet, and plans to purchase a larger tank - and possibly another fish to keep it company.
https://news.sky.com/story/junior-doctor-goes-viral-after-rescuing-live-fish-from-garden-lawn-in-newcastle-13146917

[Jimbuna]

Tranquillised bear caught by rescuers as it falls from tree in Pennsylvania

Rescuers caught a sedated black bear with a tarpaulin cover as it fell from a tree after roaming into a residential area in the US.

Officials were forced to tranquillise the animal after it sheltered in a tree in Camp Hill near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Students and staff at a nearby school were told to stay indoors during the drama, according to local news website Pennlive.com.

Wildlife officials worked with public safety and emergency rescue teams to safely capture the bear.

Fire and rescue workers used a ladder vehicle to move closer to the animal so they could administer a tranquilliser shot.

The sedated animal fell about six metres into a large blue tarpaulin cover held up by several wildlife officials, as well police officers and firefighters.

The animal was tranquillised again before being moved to a bear trap which had been placed on a trailer, it was reported.

The bear did not seem to be fully grown and it is likely to be relocated elsewhere in central Pennsylvania.
https://news.sky.com/story/tranquillised-bear-caught-by-rescuers-as-it-falls-from-tree-in-pennsylvania-13148152

[Jimbuna]

Yodel apologises after woman finds parcel she ordered two years ago while gardening

A delivery company has apologised after a woman discovered a parcel in her garden that was ordered more than two years ago.

Meg Johnson, 30, says she was told the package containing a dress had been delivered in 2022 but she could find no trace of it at the time.

She found the parcel in a raised bed at the bottom of her garden in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales, when she was doing "some much-needed weeding" - but the dress was now decomposed and ruined.

Ms Johnson said she believes the parcel was "slung over the garden wall" by the courier.

"Upon further inspection I see it's the dress I ordered two years ago," she said.

"The bag has been torn open where I can only assume wildlife have been at it, and the dress itself was wet, covered in soil, home to a lot of bugs, and pretty much totally decomposed."

Ms Johnson, who is recovering from heart surgery, said she was "so disappointed" with the service.

She said she contacted the courier company at the time but it said the item had been "marked as delivered on their end" and it "could do nothing about it".

Ms Johnson has contacted Yodel since she discovered the missing dress.

"I emailed the CEO complaints email address for Yodel and had just a very generic response basically saying they can't do anything as they only keep records for three months," Ms Johnson added.

A Yodel spokesperson has apologised to Ms Johnson.

"The safe delivery of parcels is our number one priority, and we are sorry that Ms Johnson's experience did not meet the high standards we strive for," the spokesperson said.

"We would encourage anyone expecting a delivery to share a safe space exclusively via our app where we have also introduced access to proof of delivery images."
https://news.sky.com/story/yodel-apologises-after-woman-finds-parcel-she-ordered-two-years-ago-while-gardening-13147152

[Jimbuna]

'Virgin' pregnant stingray Charlotte has 'rare disease', says North Carolina aquarium

A stingray whose "virgin" pregnancy made global headlines has a rare reproductive disease, the aquarium housing her has said.

In an update on the health of Charlotte the stingray, the Aquarium and Shark Lab in North Carolina said she had "developed a rare reproductive disease that has negatively impacted her reproductive system".

Charlotte captured international attention in February when the aquarium said she was carrying "between three and four pups" despite not encountering a male stingray for eight years.

"It's a really strange and unique phenomenon," Brenda Ramer, its executive director, said at the time while livestreaming Charlotte's ultrasound.

In the update posted on social media on Friday, the team said: "Many are asking the name of the reproductive disease, but it is simply found under that text reproductive disease.

"We are actively searching [for] more information ourselves."

They added they found studies done on a different species of stingray but none on round rays, Charlotte's species.

The aquarium closed on Saturday as the team "continue to care for Charlotte, and consult her medical team".
https://news.sky.com/story/virgin-pregnant-stingray-charlotte-has-rare-disease-says-north-carolina-aquarium-13146720

[Jimbuna]

Necklace 'saves man's life' after stopping bullet going into his neck, police say

A man's life was likely saved after a thick chain necklace prevented a bullet from going into his neck.

The shooting happened during an argument, said police in the US state of Colorado.

The .22 calibre bullet became lodged in the silver chain around the victim's neck.

It left the unnamed man with only a puncture wound from last Tuesday's attack.

Officers in Commerce City, near Denver, released photos of the bloodied chain and said in a Facebook post: "We'd say he really dodged a bullet - but in reality, he LODGED a bullet.

"This silver chain - approximately 10mm in width - is likely the only reason the victim of a shooting we responded to yesterday is still alive."

The suspected gunman, who was also not identified, was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder.

Police noted that while the necklace was silver in colour, it was likely not pure silver as silver is a softer metal and may not have stopped a bullet.

"Maybe think twice before you knock a knock-off," Commerce City Police Department joked.

"Just incredible," it added.
https://news.sky.com/story/necklace-saves-mans-life-after-stopping-bullet-going-into-his-neck-police-say-13147164

[Jimbuna]

Great Dane named world's tallest dog - but is 'terrified' of family's vacuum

A Great Dane named after Macaulay Culkin's character from Home Alone has been crowned the world's tallest dog by Guinness World Records.

Kevin measures 0.97m (3ft 2in) from his feet to his withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades) but is about 7ft when on his hind legs.

The three-year-old, from West Des Moines in Iowa, lives with three other dogs - including a pug - and four cats.

Owner Tracy Wolfe says he's the "epitome of a gentle giant" who loves hogging the sofa.

Kevin often crouches and crawls near other dogs to make himself less intimidating - and is said to be "terrified" of the family's vacuum.

"He won't let it come within six feet of him. He will jump and run to get away from it," says Mrs Wolfe.

Despite eating a lot, Kevin manages to stay trim - but gets predictable comments when out and about like "is that a horse?" and asking if he has a saddle.

"He's always been very gentle with the other little dogs" and gets on "fine" with the family's cats, adds Mrs Wolfe.

"He does once in a while try to chase them but if he catches them he just licks them."

Kevin is still a bit shorter than the tallest dog ever - another Great Dane, named Zeus, who measured 1.118m (3ft 8in) and died in 2014 aged five.
https://news.sky.com/story/great-dane-named-worlds-tallest-dog-but-is-terrified-of-familys-vacuum-13152314

[Moonlight]

Wow, we've had some riveting stuff in this thread a lately, so lets get back to the boring stuff. :O:

South Africa's new coalition government includes first white politicians since the end of apartheid following 30 years of ANC majority rule

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13532167/Cyril-Ramaphosa-elected-South-African-president-second-term-deal.html

Most South Africans were better under apartheid than under ANC rule, the ANC did such a great job of running South Africa into the ground that I was surprised that they even got 40% of the vote. Corruption was rife in that country under ANC rule and I can't see it getting any better under this coalition government, me thinks it will all fall apart in under a year, as for the peasants, nothing these politicians bring to the table will better the lives of those poor sods.

[Jimbuna]

Crocodile that lunged at children is shot and cooked for local residents in northern Australia

A "problem" crocodile that was stalking both adults and children has been shot and cooked for a local Aboriginal community, police in Australia have said.

The 3.63m-long reptile "moved into" the River Baines in the Northern Territory town of Bulla following flooding earlier in the year, emergency services said.

Since then it had been "stalking and lunging out of the water at children and adults", they added.

It had also "taken multiple community dogs", police said.

Following discussions with local residents, the crocodile was shot to ensure it "did not continue to pose a significant risk to the community".

The "large saltie" was then taken into Bulla where the "community prepared it for a feast in the traditional manner", police said.

It was "on the barbecue" and "cooked up into crocodile tail soup", remote sergeant Andrew McBride told ABC News.

In addition, a few pieces were "wrapped in banana leaves and cooked underground".

Sergeant McBride added: "It was a rather large traditional feast and there were a few full bellies."

Crocodiles have been "popping up where they've never been seen before", Mr McBride said.

The development follows widespread flooding in western areas of the territory earlier this year.

"The amount of water's just pushed them into random places," Mr McBride said.

"This is obviously one of those crocodiles that's gone for a bit of a swim and a walk and popped up very close to residents."

"Crocodiles can pose a significant risk to community safety," said Commander Kylie Anderson.

"Thanks to the seamless collaboration between Parks and Wildlife, our remote police staff and local residents, we were able to safely remove the large saltie and maintain the safety of the community.

"There's never a dull moment in remote policing."
https://news.sky.com/story/crocodile-that-lunged-at-children-is-shot-and-cooked-for-local-residents-in-northern-australia-13152949

[Jimbuna]

Joey Chestnut, 16-time hot dog eating champion, banned from event for signing deal with vegan company

A 16-time hot dog eating champion says he has been banned from a New York contest after signing a deal with a vegan food company.

Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, 40, is the reigning champion of the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, having won all but one of the competitions every year since 2007.

In the 2021 contest, he ate 76 hot dogs and buns in just 10 minutes, one of 55 competitive eating world records he holds.

Last year, he fell short of his own record but still put away an impressive 63 sausages. He blamed his performance on stormy weather.

But after signing an endorsement deal with Impossible Foods - a plant-based meat company - Chestnut will miss out on the annual New York event.

It's because Nathan's Famous prohibits eaters from endorsing competitor hot dog brands, the contest's governing body Major League Eating (MLE) said.

It added in a statement: "We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest.

"MLE and Nathan's went to great lengths in recent months to accommodate Joey and his management team, agreeing to the appearance fee and allowing Joey to compete in a rival unbranded hot dog eating contest on Labor Day.

"For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-time relationship."

Chestnut has disputed the claims, and said while he was "gutted" to miss out, he was not responsible for skipping this year's event.

"I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathans and they are looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with," he said on social media.

MLE's event organiser, George Shea, said the dispute came down to exclusivity, and explained: "It would be like Michael Jordan saying to Nike, 'I'm going to represent Adidas, too'."

Impossible Foods said it supports Chestnut in "any contest he chooses," adding that "meat eaters shouldn't have to be exclusive to just one wiener".

And New York mayor Eric Adams waded in to tell MLE to "stop being such weenies" on social media, calling for them to allow Chestnut to take part in the contest on 4 July.

Capitalising on the row, Netflix quickly snapped up Chestnut and fellow competitive eater and Nathan's veteran Takeru Kobayashi for a new special. The pair last faced off at a contest in 2009.

Broadcasting on 2 September, Chestnut Vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef will see the two race to eat the most all-beef hot dogs possible.

Mr Shea seemed unimpressed with the streaming giant's plan, saying Netflix was "trying to recreate the Nathan's contest to some extent and you just can't do that".
https://news.sky.com/story/joey-chestnut-16-time-hot-dog-eating-champion-banned-from-event-for-signing-deal-with-vegan-company-13152602

[Jimbuna]

Greek coastguard threw migrants overboard to their deaths, witnesses say

The Greek coastguard has caused the deaths of dozens of migrants in the Mediterranean over a three-year period, witnesses say, including nine who were deliberately thrown into the water.

The nine are among more than 40 people alleged to have died as a result of being forced out of Greek territorial waters, or taken back out to sea after reaching Greek islands, BBC analysis has found.

The Greek coastguard told our investigation it strongly rejects all accusations of illegal activities.

We showed footage of 12 people being loaded into a Greek coastguard boat, and then abandoned on a dinghy, to a former senior Greek coastguard officer. When he got up from his chair, and with his mic still on, he said it was "obviously illegal" and "an international crime".

The Greek government has long been accused of forced returns - pushing people back towards Turkey, where they have crossed from, which is illegal under international law.

But this is the first time the BBC has calculated the number of incidents which allege that fatalities occurred as a result of the Greek coastguard's actions.

The 15 incidents we analysed - dated May 2020-23 - resulted in 43 deaths. The initial sources were primarily local media, NGOs and the Turkish coastguard.

Verifying such accounts is extremely difficult - witnesses often disappear, or are too fearful to speak out. But in four of these cases we were able to corroborate accounts by speaking with eye witnesses.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0vv717yvpeo

[Jimbuna]

Massachusetts: Twenty-three sets of twins graduate from same year group at school

Twenty-three sets of twins have graduated from a US middle school, making up about 10% of the eighth-grade year group.

The identical and fraternal twins graduated from Pollard Middle School in Needham, Massachusetts, on Wednesday.

Headteacher Tamatha Bibbo described the event as "quite unusual".

"We typically have anywhere from five to 10 sets at most.

"Given our numbers, we have approximately 450 to 500 children in each grade so this was extraordinarily high."

The school gave a special shout-out to the 23 sets of twins during the so-called "moving up" ceremony.

The Pollard Middle School graduates must all have completed up to 10 hours of service learning in their communities and every year the Needham Exchange Club offers five community service awards.

For the first time this year a set of twins - Lukas and Sameer Patel - won an award and a donation to their charity, Ms Bibbo said.

Another student, who is also a twin, graduated but her brother attends a different school.

Twins account for around 3% of live births in the US, according to the National Centre for Health Statistics.
https://news.sky.com/story/massachusetts-twenty-three-sets-of-twins-graduate-from-same-year-group-at-school-13152735

[Jimbuna]

Mysterious monolith discovered in desert near Las Vegas

A mysterious monolith has baffled police officers in Las Vegas after it was spotted glimmering in a remote mountain range near the neon-lit city.

Las Vegas police said members of a volunteer search and rescue unit encountered the mirrored object near Gass Peak in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada.

Officers have no idea where the monolith came from and have said they expect social media users will try to solve the mystery.

Sharing an image of the discovery on the X social media platform, Las Vegas police said: "We see a lot of weird things when people go hiking like not being prepared for the weather, not bringing enough water... but check this out! Over the weekend, (LV Search and Rescue) spotted this mysterious monolith near Gass Peak north of the valley.

The sighting follows a series of instances of mysterious shiny columns popping up around the world since at least 2020.

In November of that year, a roughly 12ft metal monolith similar to the one seen in Las Vegas was discovered deep in the desert in Utah.

It was in an area so remote that officials didn't immediately reveal its location for fear of people getting lost or stranded while trying to find it.

It was followed by sightings in Romania, central California and on the famed Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas.

In March this year, a 10ft monolith appeared on a hillside in southeast Wales.
https://news.sky.com/story/mysterious-monolith-discovered-in-desert-near-las-vegas-13155171

[Jimbuna]

Escaped pet donkey found 'living best life' with elk

A pet donkey that escaped his owners five years ago in California has been found "living his best life" with a herd of wild elk.

Terrie and Dave Drewry, of Auburn, are convinced the animal, filmed by a hiker earlier in June, is their pet "Diesel".

The couple say they are relieved the animal is safe - and have decided to let him wander free with a new family as a "wild burro" .

Diesel was spooked and took off during a hiking trip with Mr Drewry near Clear Lake, California in 2019.

Weeks of volunteer searches proved fruitless, and a trail camera image a few months later was the last time he was seen.

"We finally kind of gave up," Mrs Drewry told BBC's news partner, CBS. "Just no signs of him."

Then hiker Max Fennell spotted the herd earlier this month, describing the donkey as "happy and healthy", and posted his film on social media.

"It was amazing. It was like, oh my gosh. Finally, we saw him. Finally, we know he's good. He's living his best life. He's happy. He's healthy, and it was just a relief," Mrs Drewry said.

The elk herd is a few miles away from where Diesel first went missing and in an area where there are no wild donkeys.

"Two completely different creatures, but they learn to get along and be each other's family," Mrs Drewry said.

The Drewrys have adopted new donkeys since Diesel's disappearance and do not plan on trying to capture their missing pet.

"To catch him would be next to impossible," Mrs Drewry said. "He is truly a wild burro now. He's out there doing what he's raised to do."

She said Diesel is about eight years old and donkeys can live for up to 40 years.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjjje07x35do

[Moonlight]

'Baroness Bra' Michelle Mone 'hires celebrity bodyguard' after receiving torrents of abuse and 'acid attack threat' amid investigation into her role in the Covid PPE scandal

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13559529/Baroness-Bra-Michelle-Mone-hires-celebrity-bodyguard-receiving-torrents-abuse-acid-attack-threat-amid-investigation-role-Covid-PPE-scandal.html

I have only one thing to say to the Establishment, Why is this currant still a Baroness?, I would imagine that quite a few of them have been wanting to get inside her panties for a long while and this will be the perfect opportunity to do so.
Establishment help will involve a financial reward and most certainly the dropping of ones panties, I reckon she'll be greasing her thighs instead of her palms for the next couple of years. :O:

[Jimbuna]

Why people are threatening to poo in Paris' River Seine today

Parisians have threatened to poo in the River Seine today in a protest ahead of the Olympics.

People angry at the expense of cleaning up the river have rallied under the hashtag #JeChieDansLaSeineLe23Juin, which translates as "I s**t in the Seine on 23 June".

Today was supposed to be the date Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo would swim in the Seine to prove the water was clean enough for Olympic athletes - but she delayed the dip until after the French elections in July.

President Emmanuel Macron has also promised to swim in the Seine before the Games, but has not said when.

A website has been set up with the slogan: "They have plunged us into s**t, it's their turn to plunge into our s**t."

The anonymous programmer behind the website told news outlet Actu Paris why people are angry.

"The problem is that all the resources that have been invested have not been to resolve all the social problems we have at the moment," he said.

"We have the feeling of being abandoned. We see where their priority was."

More than €1.4bn (£1.2bn) has been spent on trying to make the water safe enough to swim in, with triathlon and open water swimming events scheduled to take place in the river.

A report published on Friday showed the water was still too dirty to swim in, just over five weeks out from the first triathlon event.

Water samples showed high rates of two kinds of faecal bacteria, including E.coli, and did not meet the standards set for the Games, Paris region prefect Marc Guillaume said.
https://news.sky.com/story/why-people-are-threatening-to-poo-in-paris-river-seine-today-13157481

[Moonlight]

Princess Anne is in hospital after suffering 'minor injuries and concussion' following incident on Gatcombe Park estate

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13562955/Princess-Anne-hospital-injuries-concussion.html

I wonder if the silly old Mare has been kicked in the head by a younger Mare.
I remember seeing Anne strutting her stuff about at the Burghley horse trials in the 70's, she was a frisky young mare at the time and some were saying she would make a prize catch too. :haha:

[Jimbuna]

Rapper Foolio shot and killed while celebrating 26th birthday in Tampa, Florida

Rapper Foolio has been shot and killed while celebrating his 26th birthday in Tampa, Florida.

The musician, whose real name was Charles Jones, was pronounced dead after police were called to a Holiday Inn in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to Sky News' US partner NBC News.

Foolio was reportedly inside a vehicle in the hotel's car park when he was shot during an "ambush", his lawyer Lewis Fusco said.

Another vehicle nearby was also hit.

Three other victims were taken to hospital and are all said to be in a stable condition.

Police are still investigating the motive and working to identify those involved.

The night he died, Jones was celebrating his 26th birthday, Mr Fusco confirmed.

Jones had earlier shared footage of his partying on his social media accounts, including on Instagram, on which he had one million followers.

He uploaded an invitation to a pool party on Saturday evening and told his followers to directly message him for the address.

Later that night, he posted that police had "shut us down and kicked us out" of their Airbnb.

His lawyer said in a statement that Jones then relocated to the Holiday Inn where the attack took place.
https://news.sky.com/story/rapper-foolio-shot-and-killed-while-celebrating-26th-birthday-in-tampa-florida-13158080

[Moonlight]

Princess Anne, 73, 'is unable to recall exactly what happened' as she recovers after a 'horse hit her on the head' and left her concussed - with all engagements cancelled as she faces up to several days in hospital

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals/article-13564915/Princess-Anne-unable-recall-exactly-happened-hospital-horse-hit-head-royal-cancels-engagements.html

Of course she's going to have a bit of amnesia you daft pillocks, that's what usually happens when you've been kicked in the head, Now, put some blinkers on her, back her into a horsebox and let her remember all the good times she had when she was a young frisky mare.

That'll put a smile on her clock. :O:

[Jimbuna]

Winner of 'World's Ugliest Dog' contest announced

The eight-year-old Pekingese called Wild Thang won the 2024 World's Ugliest Dog contest in California on Friday.

The animal has competed in the contest five times, coming second three times before finally taking the top prize this year.

Wild Thang contracted the viral disease canine distemper as a puppy, according to his biography.

"He survived, but not without permanent damage," it says.

"His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7."

Apart from the physical issues, he is "a healthy, happy Glugly (glamorous/ugly) guy".

He and his owner Ann Lewis took home a cheque for $5,000 (£4,000).

The World's Ugliest Dog competition has been held for nearly 50 years and "celebrates the imperfections that make all dogs special and unique," according to the event's website.

The event "is not about making fun of 'ugly dogs'," the site says, "but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful."
https://news.sky.com/story/winner-of-worlds-ugliest-dog-contest-announced-13157042

[Jimbuna]

Ariana Grande addresses criticism after 'voice change' clip goes viral

Ariana Grande has responded to criticism about a change in her speaking voice after an interview clip went viral, explaining she shifts her tone intentionally to protect her vocals for singing.

The clip was taken from an interview on the Podcrushed podcast with You actor Penn Badgley. In the footage, Grande begins speaking about recording new music in a deeper voice, before shifting to a higher-pitched register.

Captioned "the voice change??", it went viral on the video sharing app TikTok as fans commented on the difference in the US star's tone.

Grande herself has now weighed in with her own comment, explaining the shift was due to "habit (speaking like this for two years) and also vocal health".

"(I) intentionally change my vocal placement (high/low) often depending on how much singing I'm doing," she said. "I've always done this BYE."

During the interview, Grande teased details of more new music, following the release of her seventh studio album Eternal Sunshine in March.

"I went to the studio the day after the Met (Gala) and stayed for like 10 days and I was literally living there," she said. "I've been writing a lot, and maybe there's more. I would like to do a deluxe at some point."
https://news.sky.com/story/ariana-grande-addresses-criticism-after-voice-change-clip-goes-viral-13155392

[Jimbuna]

Six-legged dog abandoned outside B&M settles into new life in Pembrokeshire

A six-legged dog who was abandoned outside a shop is settling into her new home.

Ariel, named after Disney's Little Mermaid, was left outside a B&M store in Pembrokeshire last September.

She was only 11 weeks old at the time and was taken in by local centre Greenacres Rescue in Haverfordwest.

As well as six legs, the cocker spaniel was also born with two vulvas and only one kidney.

Ariel's new owner, Ollie Bird, runs an adaptive surf school in West Wales.

The 40-year-old, who lives in Freshwater West, told Sky News he and his family were "probably the only people in Wales" who had not heard about Ariel's story when they adopted her.

Ariel's arrival came at a time when the family were mourning the loss of their dog.

"We had a 16-year-old dog that we found 13 years ago wandering down Freshwater West beach, our local beach. And, unfortunately, he just suddenly passed away overnight," Mr Bird said.

"For a whole 48 hours, we thought we're not going to get another dog because it's so upsetting. And then we realised that our home felt empty without one and we applied to Greenacres for a dog."

Greenacres then got back in touch with the family and they were introduced to Ariel.

"We obviously found out about her whole story. We were absolutely overjoyed to welcome her into our family," he added.

Mr Bird said Ariel had "settled in well" to her new home.

"She joins us everywhere we go. She actually can walk very well," he said.

"She does need little breaks now and again, but if we were to go on a walk, I could put her in a bag or I give her lots of stops.

"She's swimming in the sea, she's been paddle boarding, surfing, and is just great with kids and families. She's a very gentle soul, she likes sitting and watching."

More than £15,000 was raised in donations for Ariel after the news of her abandonment first broke.

Ariel's new family have thanked everyone for their support to the pooch.

"We're just really grateful to anyone who made a phone call to find out how the operation's gone," Mr Bird added.

"I think it was something like 20,000 phone calls they said when she was having her operation, from around the world, and people donated their money.

"We just can't thank those people enough, because without that we just wouldn't have the amazing dog who's part of our lives now."

But Mr Bird is keen to stress this is not a "happy ending" for Ariel.

"For us, it's a happy beginning."
https://news.sky.com/story/six-legged-dog-abandoned-outside-bandm-settles-into-new-life-in-pembrokeshire-13159849

[Moonlight]

BREAKING NEWS Princess Anne, 73, has left hospital and is resting at home after royal was 'hit on the head by a horse' and suffered concussion while walking on Gatcombe estate

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13579629/Princess-Anne-leaves-hospital-horse-Gatcombe-Park.html?ito=pull-notification&ci=Mpx7Ww9qUE&xi=a18687bd-5cd4-42cd-82d5-5f1d66559a99&ai=13579629

This incident gets weirder and weirder, how the hell does a horse hit a person on the head?, it's not as if the horse had a falling out with Anne and it's punched her in the head is it?, unbelievably as it sounds, that horse has stuck the nut on Anne thinking that she was cramping it's style.
The horsey horsey set are a weird bunch of people you know, there's a lot of sado masochism goes on with them, whips and spurs n'things, I've seen plenty of young fillies who've had their sides raked by some spurs for the first time, the look of pleasure on their faces was equivalent to some kind of transcendental sexual experience that they'll never have again.
I'm not suggesting that Anne has been through anything like that but, she's high up in the horsey horsey set and, you don't reach that exalted position without experiencing something like that transcendental sexual thing on a number of different occasions.
It's all in the eyes you see, that glazed distant faraway look in their eyes, they'll not be coming down from that cloud for a few days, and sometimes up to a week I can tell you.

Anne was always the favourite royal of our family, I often thought it was a girl thing, it wasn't until I saw those fillies with that look on their faces that everything finally clicked into place.

As my Aunt Priscilla is always reminding me, "Girls Rule, Boys Drool"

[Jimbuna]

Ronaldo the 6ft 'male' snake gives birth to 14 babies in rare 'virgin birth'

Ronaldo, the "male" snake, has given birth to 14 babies, shocking handlers.

The 6ft (1.8m) Brazilian rainbow boa was declared male nine years ago by a vet.

Since then "he" had had no contact with other snakes - spending the last two years in the City of Portsmouth College.

But, during a routine check, a student discovered Ronaldo had given birth to 14 baby snakes.

"We couldn't believe our eyes," animal care technician Amanda McLeod said. "One of the students discovered them during a routine vivarium check.

"At first we thought she must have been mistaken."

Peter Quinlan, reptile specialist at the college, explained that the birth came about due to the rare phenomenon of parthenogenesis.

This is a natural form of asexual reproduction, where embryos develop without fertilisation.

It is known to take place in plants and some animals, but Mr Quinlan said that Ronaldo's pregnancy was only the third to be documented for a captive snake of its species in the world.

He said: "I've been breeding snakes for 50 years and I've never known this happen before.

"Effectively, the babies are clones of their mother although their markings are all slightly different.

"Ronaldo had been looking slightly fatter than usual, like he'd eaten a big meal, but we never thought for a moment that he, or should we say she, was pregnant."
https://news.sky.com/story/ronaldo-the-6ft-male-snake-gives-birth-to-14-babies-in-rare-virgin-birth-13158685

[Moonlight]

I do appreciate migrants who make a successful new life for themselves without scrounging off the taxpayers.
Lets take this lady, Mirela Sula, she came to England from Albania on a student visa about 12 years ago and now she has a 7 figure business and is known as the queen of networking, what a success story that is, I wish this young lady all the best in the future.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/28790679/broke-single-mum-almost-made-homeless-business/

Compare her way of coming here legally to those scrounging bastards who've paid thousands to come here by boat illegally, I have no sympathy for these currants and if the government gave me the nod I would give them a choice, either **** off somewhere else or you'll be tossed overboard in the middle of the English channel, with no exceptions.

They'd soon stop coming here and the criminal gangs would be a busted flush, you have to be cruel to be kind and this way would put the onus back on the EU who have washed their hands of this mess, looking at you Macron.

[Jimbuna]

Rainforest animal called a kinkajou rescued from dusty highway rest stop in Washington state

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — Why did the kinkajou cross the road? And what’s a kinkajou, anyway?

One of the mammals — which look like a cross between a monkey and a tiny bear — was found far from its normal rainforest habitat this week at a highway rest stop amid the rolling sagebrush plains of central Washington state, officials say.

Kinkajous have prehensile tails, and this one was spotted Sunday climbing on a tall wooden post along Interstate 82 southeast of Yakima, the state Department of Transportation said in a post on X.

“We don’t know if it was dropped off or escaped,” the post said. The animal was rescued by the state Fish and Wildlife Department.

Kinkajous are carnivores that live in tropical rainforests from southern Mexico through Brazil, according to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, where this little creature was taken to live temporarily.

With sandy yellow fur, round ears and big dark eyes, they are capable of grasping objects and are often mistakenly called primates, the zoo said.

“Despite their cuteness, kinkajous do not make good pets,” the zoo said.

This particular kinkajou is being quarantined in the zoo’s hospital to ensure it’s not carrying any diseases and it will undergo a comprehensive wellness exam this week, officials said.

Kinkajous are not endangered but are hunted for their fur, and the illegal exotic pet trade-threatens their population, according to the zoo.
https://apnews.com/article/kinkajou-animal-rescue-washington-rest-stop-df33c83449c4850e01927194fbc1d620

[Jimbuna]

SpaceX given permission to destroy the International Space Station

NASA has given Elon Musk's SpaceX permission to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030.

The space station has been continually occupied since 2000 by astronauts doing more than 3,300 scientific experiments above our heads.

But the countries operating the ISS only agreed to run it until 2030 at the latest.

Since 1998, the US, Russia, Japan, Europe and Canada have maintained different sections of the ISS. The agreements to jointly run the space station marked a new era of global cooperation after the Cold War.

But when those agreements run out, the space station will need to be brought out of orbit and Elon Musk's SpaceX has been given the $843m (£666.4m) contract to do it.

The company will build a vehicle to tow the space station through the atmosphere where it will "destructively break up", according to NASA.

It will then crash into the ocean, away from populated areas, along with the SpaceX vehicle.

"The orbital laboratory remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all," said Ken Bowersox, NASA's associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate.

While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership after development and operate it throughout its mission.

But once the ISS is destroyed, low-orbit will not lie empty.

Private companies including SpaceX, Axiom, Blue Origin and Vast are developing commercial space stations that could launch as soon as next year.

"[Selecting the deorbit vehicle] supports NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth," said Mr Bowersox.

The ISS costs the various space agencies €100bn (£84.6bn) to run, according to the European Space Agency, over 30 years.

NASA said the agency is transitioning to "commercially owned space destinations closer to home".
https://news.sky.com/story/spacex-given-permission-to-destroy-the-international-space-station-13160041

[Jimbuna]

Electric spoon that makes food taste saltier goes on sale in Japan

A battery-operated spoon that makes food taste saltier has gone on sale in Japan.

The spoon, which is made of plastic and metal, is aimed at people struggling to reduce their salt intake, as researchers claim it promotes healthier eating.

Excess sodium intake is linked to increased cases of high blood pressure, strokes and other conditions.

In Japan, adults consume on average around 10g of salt a day, double the World Health Organisation's recommended intake.

The Electric Salt Spoon works by passing a weak electric current through the tip of the device to concentrate sodium ion molecules on the tongue.

This magnifies the perceived saltiness of the food by one and a half times, according to its Japanese makers, Kirin.

Users can choose their preferred intensity from four different levels, said the company, which is moving more into healthcare from its traditional beer business.

The object was co-developed with Meiji University professor Homei Miya****a, who previously demonstrated the taste-enhancing effect in prototype electric chopsticks using currents. He won the Ig Nobel Nutrition prize last year.

People who try to limit their salt intake often complain that food becomes tasteless, according to a survey the company carried out in 2021.

The spoon weighs 60g and runs on a rechargeable lithium battery.
https://news.sky.com/story/electric-spoon-that-enhances-salty-taste-of-food-and-promotes-healthier-eating-launched-in-japan-13146505

[Jimbuna]

New free streaming service launching in UK - from Rupert Murdoch's Fox Corporation

A free streaming service to rival the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+ is being launched in the UK by Rupert Murdoch's Fox Corporation.

The service called Tubi will be funded by advertising and provide personalised streaming.

It already operates in North America where Fox said it has attracted 80 million active users.

More than 20,000 films and TV episodes will be on offer, Fox said, "one of the largest and most diverse content libraries in the UK".

While no specific titles were listed Fox said users can expect blockbusters, original stories and hidden gems.

[Jimbuna]

An Arizona museum tells the stories of ancient animals through their fossilized poop

WILLIAMS, Ariz. (AP) — One way to help tell how a Tyrannosaurus rex digested food is to look at its poop.

Bone fragments in a piece of fossilized excrement at a new museum in northern Arizona — aptly called the Poozeum — are among the tinier bits of evidence that indicate T. rex wasn’t much of a chewer, but rather swallowed whole chunks of prey.

The sample is one of more than 7,000 on display at the museum that opened in May in Williams, a town known for its Wild West shows along Route 66, wildlife attractions and a railway to Grand Canyon National Park.

The Poozeum sign features a bright green T. rex cartoon character sitting on a toilet to grab attention from the buzzing neon lights and muffled 1950s music emanating from other businesses.

Inside, display cases filled with coprolites — fossilized feces from animals that lived millions of years ago — line the walls. They range from minuscule termite droppings to a massive specimen that weighs 20 pounds (9 kilograms).

Poozeum’s president and curator, George Frandsen, bought his first chunk of fossilized feces from a shop in Moab, Utah, when he was 18, he said. He already loved dinosaurs and fossils but had never heard of fossilized poop. From there, his fascination grew.

“It was funny. It was gross,” he said. “But I learned very quickly it could tell us so much about our prehistoric past and how important they are to the fossil record.”

Coprolites aren’t tremendously common but they can make up the majority of fossils found at some sites, and people have learned more and more about them over the past few decades, said Anthony Fiorillo, executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

It can be hard to identify them and in some cases, specimens that appeared to be coprolites — with their pinched ends and striations — were examined further and ultimately reclassified as something else.

No need to worry about any smell or germs, Frandsen said. Those evaporated millions of years ago, when the feces were covered with sediment and replaced by minerals, making them rock-hard.
https://apnews.com/article/arizona-poop-museum-f256d478dbdea76081cff73f117939d5

[Jimbuna]

Flying objects and shrunken heads: World UFO Day feted amid surge in sightings, government denials


NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — For those of you who don’t celebrate World UFO Day, consider this:

A former U.S. Air Force intelligence officer told Congress last summer about a government program that retrieves and reverse engineers unidentified flying objects.

The Mexican Congress held an unprecedented session in September during which supposed mummies were presented as “nonhuman beings that are not part of our terrestrial evolution.”

And NASA now has a director of research for unidentified flying objects, or what it calls “unidentified anomalous phenomena.”

Never mind that the Pentagon denied the former intelligence officer’s claims; that Mexican researchers said the mummies “made no sense;” and that a NASA study found no evidence of extraterrestrials.

There’s still never been a better time to mark World UFO Day.
https://apnews.com/article/world-ufo-day-aliens-july-2-roswell-1ab567d13e17afee7577139b58f600cf

[Jimbuna]

YouTuber charged for having a helicopter blast a Lamborghini with fireworks, authorities say

A YouTuber who specializes in “car shenanigans” is facing federal charges after authorities said he directed a video in which two people in a helicopter blasted fireworks at a speeding Lamborghini from above.

Alex Choi, 24, is charged with causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft, the Department of Justice announced Thursday. If convicted, Choi faces a maximum of ten years in federal prison.

Prosecutors allege that Choi posted a video last July, made without filming permits, entitled “Destroying a Lamborghini with Fireworks.” The video has since been taken down but authorities said it shows Choi pressing a “fire missiles” button while two women on board a helicopter shoot fireworks at the sports car as it races across a desert landscape.

Officials believe the video was taken at the El Mirage Dry Lake Bed in rural San Bernardino County, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Choi did not immediately respond to a request for comment that The Associated Press sent him via Instagram, nor to an email sent to his talent agency.

Choi, who has over a million followers on Instagram and nearly that number of subscribers on YouTube, entertains his audience with what he calls “the greatest car shenanigans.” Other stunts of his include filming his passengers as he rapidly accelerates and taking a Lamborghini through a gas station car wash.

A spokesperson from the Department of Justice said that Choi appeared in court on Thursday and a federal magistrate judge ordered him released on $50,000 bond. His arraignment is scheduled for July 2. No plea was taken.
https://apnews.com/article/alex-choi-lamborghini-helicopter-fireworks-arrest-11d47dfc968a13ea83fa58968637a157

[Moonlight]

Angry mob of 'anti-tourism' protesters use water pistols to drench foreign visitors at restaurants in Barcelona - as thousands march on Catalan capital and call for tourists to 'go home'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13607759/angry-tourist-protests-barcelona-overtourism-spain.html

What an ungrateful set of currants, it's not the tourists at fault here, it's the holiday lets and the hoteliers who must take the blame. Tourists have kept Spain going for decades, if half of all tourists decided to go elsewhere the Spanish tourist economy would take a massive smack to the kisser.
adiós

[Jimbuna]

Hippopotamuses can become airborne for substantial periods of time, researchers discover

Hippopotamuses can become airborne for substantial periods of time, according to new research into the mammals.

Research by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) found that the animals can be up in the air for up to 0.3 seconds at a time when moving fast.

The findings found that unlike other land animals such as elephants, horses and rhinos, hippos exclusively trot when moving, pushing the limits of what giant land animals can do, the RVC said.

As part of the research, it monitored video footage taken of two hippos moving around their paddock at Flamingo Land Resort in Yorkshire.

Internet footage of hippos moving was also monitored, allowing the RVC to broaden scientific understanding of the species.

"We're thrilled to provide the first study purely focused on revealing how hippos walk and run," Professor John Hutchinson, lead author of the study, said.

"We were pleasantly surprised to see how hippos get airborne when they move quickly - it's really impressive!"

He said very little was previously known about how hippos move, due to them typically sticking to water and the danger they pose to humans.
https://news.sky.com/story/hippopotamuses-can-become-airborne-for-substantial-periods-of-time-researchers-discover-13173957

[Moonlight]

Nightmare for Macron as his election manoeuvring pushes Le Pen into THIRD place... only for 'French Jeremy Corbyn's' hard-left coalition to claim victory and vow €150bn spending, sparking political chaos and violence weeks before Olympics

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13610889/Nightmare-Macron-election-manoeuvring-pushes-Le-Pen-place-French-Jeremy-Corbyns-hard-left-coalition-claim-victory-vow-150bn-spending-sparking-political-chaos-violence-weeks-Olympics.html

"Emmanuel Macron avoided that which he feared the most in France's stunning parliamentary elections yesterday as Marine Le Pen's hard-right National Rally failed to scoop an absolute majority, instead suffering a shock defeat.
But France's political landscape has instead been plunged into turmoil, with a hard-left alliance scoring a surprise victory that resulted in a hung parliament - and a man Macron sees as a left-wing extremist now baying for his blood."

The bleeding idiot. :haha:

[Jimbuna]

Dramatic moment ice cream van swept out to sea in Cornwall

An ice cream van was washed out to sea by an incoming tide at a popular beach in Cornwall.

Videos taken by onlookers and posted on social media showed the vehicle being tossed around in waves.

Images also showed beachgoers attempting to rescue the Kelly Whip ice cream van from the water.

It is believed no one was hurt in the incident at Harlyn Bay, near Padstow.

Richard Higman, who filmed the incident, said the van had been driving around the beach selling ice cream.

He told Sky News: "The driver had apparently off-loaded the ice cream, when the tide came in over the van and swamped it.

"A load of people on the beach got a rope and tried pulling it and got nowhere."

He added: "When the tide went out, a farmer went down with his tractor and put a rope on it and towed it up the beach."

Padstow Coastguard said crew members and RNLI lifeguards were sent to the scene just before 5pm on Sunday "to ensure the safety of those involved".

"The driver was safe and well and not in the vehicle," it said in a statement.

"The owner arranged a recovery vehicle which recovered the van at around 9.45pm when tide receded enough for it to be safe to do so.

"Coastguard rescue officers left once the vehicle was recovered and in a safe location."
https://news.sky.com/story/dramatic-moment-ice-cream-van-swept-out-to-sea-by-tide-in-cornwall-13175102

[Jimbuna]

Parrot that escaped home found five miles away after 'wild weekend'

A parrot that escaped his home and flew off for a "wild weekend" has been found more than five miles away in a maternity unit.

The pet bird named Jobby fled a ground floor flat in Langside, Glasgow, shortly after midnight on Saturday.

Owner Apsi Witana had been performing with her band Brenda at Kelburn Garden Party in North Ayrshire and had been unloading equipment when Jobby made his great escape.

Ms Witana told Sky News: "That's when he just bolted. It was such a horrible moment.

"He's never flown away before, but I have taken him on little excursions like to Queen's Park, which is not that far."

Ms Witana and her friend Flore de Hoog got to work sticking up posters and sharing appeals on social media.

"I had really lost hope that he wouldn't come back," she said.

However late on Sunday afternoon, the musician and TV assistant editor was contacted by a nurse and a patient at the Queen Elizabeth Maternity Unit, saying Jobby was in the reception area.

The pet was said to be "eating crisps and playing around" before Ms Witana arrived.

She said: "It was really good to hear that."

On arrival to the unit within the Queen Elizabeth and University Hospital campus, Ms Witana said Jobby was relaxed and preening despite the five-mile adventure.

She said: "I'm really happy as it proves to me that he's a tough bird."

After around 40 hours on the run, Jobby returned home.
https://news.sky.com/story/parrot-that-escaped-home-found-five-miles-away-after-wild-weekend-13175065

[Jimbuna]

Hotel looking to hire 'banter merchant' to entertain guests during Edinburgh Festival Fringe

A Glasgow hotel is looking to hire a "banter merchant" to entertain guests throughout Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow said it is seeking a "breakfast roaster" to leave its guests "in stitches" during the famous event.

The paid gig - which would suit someone performing at the Fringe - includes free accommodation and travel expenses to and from Scotland's capital for the festival.

Bosses at the hotel said the business has been experiencing a "significant spike in demand" during the festival, amid reports that performers and visitors are being priced out of staying in Edinburgh throughout the run.

Comedian Jason Manford branded Edinburgh accommodation prices an "absolute joke" earlier this year.

He posted on X in April: "No idea how anyone starting out is managing to get up there and showcase their talents.

"I've just priced up a week up there and even if every show sells out, I'm still operating at a loss."

The job ad states that the selected applicant will be the "toast of the hotel, transforming ordinary mornings into laugh-a-minute experiences and setting the perfect tone for the day ahead".

"Are you a laugh-a-minute lady? A witty wise guy? A rib-tickling rebel? A banter merchant? A comedian, in other words? Then your dream role may be just a scroll away," the advert says.

"You'll bring thigh-slappers, side-splitters, zingers, oneliners, and tableside crowd-work to our wonderful guests during breakfast twice a week for the duration of your run."
https://news.sky.com/story/hotel-looking-to-hire-banter-merchant-to-entertain-guests-during-edinburgh-festival-fringe-13175451

[Jimbuna]

Nando's launches a ketchup - so we compared all brands. Which is best value - and which has more water than tomatoes?

A new competitor has emerged on the condiment shelf - Nando's ketchup.

It's being advertised as a twist on the traditional sauce, with a touch of "peri-peri magic" for your chips, burgers or bolognese.

This translates into a small amount of spices like cayenne pepper, bird's eye chilli, ginger, garlic, and paprika, as well onion and lemon purees.

We've taken a look at how it stacks up against the other ketchups on Asda's shelves below, with some key takeaways:

Hellmann's has the most tomatoes and the least calories per serving
Asda's own brand is by far the most affordable - with a very similar ingredients list to market leader Heinz
Nando's is, just, the most expensive per 100g, though it's tricky to compare against all the below as some are only available in bigger bottles
The main ingredient in Leon's, uniquely, is not tomatoes but water
Leon's has the least sugar per serving.

Nando's

Price per 100g: 94.3p (for normal sized bottle)
Main ingredient: Tomato paste (140g tomatoes per 100g)
Calories: 17kcal per serving
Sugar per 100g: 20g

Heinz

Price per 100g: 80p (for normal sized bottle)
Main ingredient: Tomatoes (148g per 100g)
Calories: 15kcal per serving
Sugar per 100g: 22.8g

Asda own brand

Price per 100g: 14.9p (only available in jumbo sized bottle)
Main ingredient: Tomatoes (148g per 100g)
Calories: 15kcal per serving
Sugar per 100g: 21g

Leon

Price per 100g: 92.2p (normal sized bottle)
Main ingredient: Water (with tomato paste second at 25%)
Calories: Not available
Sugar per 100g: 16.6g

Daddies

Price per 100g: 29.2p (one up from normal sized bottle)
Main ingredient: Tomatoes (117g per 100g)
Calories: 17kcal per serving
Sugar per 100g: 22g

Hellmann's

Price per 100g: 40p (two up from normal sized bottle)
Main ingredient: Tomatoes (168g of tomatoes per 100g)
Calories: 13kcal per serving
Sugar per 100g: 18g
https://news.sky.com/story/money-blog-nandos-launches-a-ketchup-so-we-compared-all-brands-which-is-best-value-and-which-has-more-water-than-tomatoes-13040934

[Jimbuna]

Bertoletti, Sudo win top dog honors at Nathan’s Famous power-eating contest, absent longtime champ

NEW YORK (AP) — Patrick Bertoletti gobbled up 58 hot dogs to win his first men’s title Thursday at the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, taking advantage of the absence of the event’s biggest star. In the women’s competition, defending champion Miki Sudo won her 10th title and set a new world record by downing 51 links.

Joey “Jaws” Chestnut, the reigning men’s champion and winner of 16 out of 17 previous competitions, didn’t attend this year over a sponsorship tiff. Instead he competed later in the day against four soldiers at a U.S. Army base in El Paso, Texas, where he wolfed down 57 hot dogs in five minutes.

Bertoletti, 39, of Chicago, won in a tight, 10-minute race where the leader bounced back and forth, defeating 13 competitors from around the world. He said he lost weight and practiced for three months with “an urgency” to prepare for the event, thinking he had a good chance of winning.

“With Joey not here, I knew I had a shot,” Bertoletti said. “I was able to unlock something that I don’t know where it came from.”

Bertoletti bested his prior record of 55 hot dogs at the event, which is held every Independence Day on New York’s Coney Island, a beachfront destination with amusement parks and a carnivalesque summer culture.

Earlier, in the women’s competition, Sudo, a 38-year-old dental hygiene student from Florida, once again carried the day and set the new record a year after forcing down 39 1/2 hot dogs in 2023.

“I’m just happy to call this mine for another year,” Sudo said after winning the pink belt.

Sudo defeated 13 competitors, including 28-year-old rival Mayoi Ebihara of Japan, who came in second after eating 37 hot dogs. She was also the runner-up in 2023.

Sudo also outdid her partner, former Florida bodybuilder Nicholas Wehry, who ate 46 hot dogs in the men’s competition.

Bertoletti’s victory marks the first time the famed mustard belt has gone to someone besides Chestnut since 2015.
https://apnews.com/article/nathans-2024-contest-coney-island-joey-chestnut-52b39f5da45f55544d3ce4f0b508030a

[Shadowblade]

oh, yeah, finally

Polish border guards will be able to use weapons against border violators
https://mil.in.ua/en/news/polish-border-guards-will-be-able-to-use-weapons-against-border-violators/

(https://mil.in.ua/en/news/polish-border-guards-will-be-able-to-use-weapons-against-border-violators/)(hope it is correct thread, didnt find a better one)

[Jimbuna]

Jay Slater latest: Teenager 'could have suffered accident' as body found in Tenerife

https://news.sky.com/story/jay-slater-latest-teenager-could-have-suffered-accident-as-body-found-in-tenerife-13178193

[Jimbuna]

England fan to keep ‘Euro winners’ tattoo until next tournament in 2028

Afootball fan with an England “Euro Winners” tattoo does not intend to cover it up and said he “still loves” the permanent ink, despite the Three Lions defeat.

Dan Thomas, 29, from Swindon, Wiltshire, received a tattoo of the Henri Delaunay Cup and the words “England Euro 2024 Winners” on his left leg days before the final, but does not intend to cover it up even after England’s 2-1 loss against Spain in the Euros final.

“We came close, I don’t regret the tattoo,” the data consultant told the PA news agency moments after the Euro final.

“If anything, I don’t think it’d be hard to change the 4 into an 8 in four years time. I won’t be covering it up. Absolutely no regrets and I still love it.”

Mr Thomas described the results of the match as “bittersweet” and praised the team for reaching the final.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/other/england-fan-to-keep-euro-winners-tattoo-until-next-tournament-in-2028/ar-BB1pZu17?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=a34524b60f174824a20bba2a2e413574&ei=28

[Jimbuna]

World's largest uncontacted tribe comes out into the open after loggers move in

The Mashco Piro are thought to be the largest uncontacted tribe in the world, numbering more than 750 people, according to Survival International, a nonprofit advocating Indigenous rights.

They inhabit an area located between two natural reserves in Madre de Dios and usually do not leave the cover of the rainforest or communicate with outsiders.

But in recent weeks members of the reclusive tribe have been seen breaking cover to look for food and move away from the growing presence of loggers, Indigenous rights group Fenamad said.
The Mashco Piro were photographed at the end of June on the banks of a river in the Madre de Dios region in southeast Peru near the border with Brazil.

Caroline Pearce, director of Survival International, said: ‘These incredible images show that a large number of isolated Mashco Piro live alone a few kilometers from where the loggers are about to start their operations.’

Alfredo Vargas Pio, head of Fenamad, said: ‘This is irrefutable evidence that many Mashco Piro live in this area, which the government has not only failed to protect but actually sold off to logging companies.

‘The logging workers could bring in new diseases which would wipe out the Mashco Piro, and there’s also a risk of violence on either side, so it is very important the territorial rights of the Mashco Piro are recognised and protected in law.’

More than 50 Mashco Piro people appeared in recent days near a village of the Yine people called Monte Salvado.

Another group of 17 appeared by the nearby village of Puerto Nuevo, according to Survival International.

The Peruvian government reported on June 28 that local residents had reported seeing Mashco Piro on the Las Piedras river, 90 miles from the city of Puerto Maldonado, the capital of Madre de Dios.

The Mashco Piro have also been sighted across the border in Brazil, said Rosa Padilha, at the Brazilian Catholic bishops’ Indigenous Missionary Council in the state of Acre.

She said: ‘They flee from loggers on the Peruvian side.

‘At this time of the year they appear on the beaches to take tracajá (Amazon turtle) eggs. That’s when we find their footprints on the sand. They leave behind a lot of turtle shells.

‘They are a people with no peace, restless, because they are always on the run.’

Several logging companies hold timber concessions inside the territory inhabited by the Mashco Piro.

One company, Canales Tahuamanu, has built more than 120 miles of roads for its logging trucks to extract timber, according to Survival International.

A Canales Tahuamanu representative in Lima did not respond to a request for comment.

The company is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, according to which it has 130,000 acres of forests in Madre de Dios to extract cedar and mahogany.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/world-s-largest-uncontacted-tribe-comes-out-into-the-open-after-loggers-move-in/ar-BB1q8ZVN?ocid=msedgntp&pc=U531&cvid=3eb02fdcbf86428c9b76e394b5991ed1&ei=32

[Dowly]

Former CIA analyst Sue Mi Terry indicted on charges of secretly working for South Korea

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/17/asia/sue-mi-terry-us-south-korea-intl-hnk/index.html

A prominent North Korea expert and former CIA analyst has been indicted by a New York grand jury on charges of secretly working for the South Korean government in exchange for designer goods, Michelin star meals and $37,000 for a fund that she controlled.

Sue Mi Terry, who was once a member of the US National Security Council, first acted as a foreign agent in June 2013 as she began meeting with an unnamed “handler” on “multiple occasions,” according to the indictment, which was unsealed Tuesday.

[Jimbuna]

High school students in Japan taken to hospital after eating 'super spicy' crisps

More than a dozen students have been taken to hospital after they became ill from eating extremely spicy crisps, reportedly given out by a fellow pupil "for fun", officials in Japan have said.

Rokugo Koka High School in Tokyo called for help on Tuesday lunchtime after 13 girls and one boy, all first-year students, complained of nausea, as well as stomach and mouth pain, Japan Today said, quoting the city's fire department and local police.

Other reports, including by the Asahi Shimbun, said 15 students were affected.

All those taken ill are believed to have been conscious and to have had minor symptoms.

Around 30 students had been eating the extremely spicy chips, labelled "18+ curry chips", brought to the school by one of the students, police said.

The ages of the students are unclear, but Japanese high school begins at age 15.

The company that makes the snack, Isoyama Corp, said in a statement on Wednesday it "apologised for any inconvenience" to customers, and "sincerely wished for the swift recovery of those who have reported feeling unwell".

One X user posted a video of him eating one of the crisps, in which he screwed up his face after swallowing, then moaned repeatedly before collapsing in giddy laughter.

The company's website, "forbids" under-18s from eating "R 18+ curry chips" [crisps] due to their extreme spiciness and urges spice lovers to eat with caution.

The crisps are "so spicy that they may cause you pain" and should be avoided by those with high blood pressure, weak stomachs, and anyone with cuts on their fingers should be careful handling them.

Eating them alone is also dangerous because too many could cause diarrhoea, the company warned.

The spiciness comes from the potent ghost pepper from northeastern India, thought to be one of the world's hottest chillis, several sources said.

The curry crisps have been sold since 2013 and are the firm's flagship product, one of around half a dozen in its 18+ food series, Newsweek said.

One media report said one of the students, a boy, brought the crisps to school "just for fun".
https://news.sky.com/story/japan-14-high-school-students-taken-to-hospital-after-eating-super-spicy-crisps-13179297

[Shadowblade]

Ursula von der Leyen wins second term as Brussels chief

https://media.tenor.com/9c8RiYFEL4MAAAAC/ryan-reynolds-face-palm.gif

[Shadowblade]

4 and 5 years for blocking the motorway :up:

Five 'fanatic' Just Stop Oil protesters jailed for plot to block M25
https://news.sky.com/story/just-stop-oil-co-founder-among-five-protesters-jailed-for-m25-disruption-13179407

[Jimbuna]

Why some trains in Wales are set to have seaweed on the menu

Trains in Wales are set to serve up seaweed on a new limited edition menu.

The new selection of products is set to go on sale ahead of the National Eisteddfod next month.

The festival, which celebrates Welsh culture, takes place in a different part of the country every year.

Transport for Wales says customers on some of its rail services will get to choose from a wider range of Welsh produce.

That includes laverbread (made from edible seaweed) and bacon, Caerphilly chicken supreme and glazed bara brith.

While the menu will only be available on first class trains, standard class services will also offer customers the chance to try the "Eisteddfod burger".

On-board director at Transport for Wales Piers Croft said the menu offers diners the "chance to experience the flavour of the Eisteddfod".

"This unique opportunity celebrates everything that Wales has to offer while enjoying a delicious and authentic meal," he said.

Lowri Joyce, the company's Welsh language strategic lead, said it wanted to "celebrate our language, culture and everything it means to be Cymraeg (Welsh)".

"I'd encourage those travelling to the Maes [site of the Eisteddfod] to look for sustainable travel options and if you have the chance, try out our special menu," she added.

The menu will be available until 10 August.

This year's National Eisteddfod takes place in Rhondda Cynon Taf from 3 to 10 August.
https://news.sky.com/story/why-some-trains-in-wales-are-set-to-have-seaweed-on-the-menu-13179560

[mapuc]

Caught on the outside
When the train doors closed, he rushed over to the train, where he tried to get on through the door he had left the train through shortly before.

However, the doors were already locked, so the man hurried on to the next door, but without success.

In a moment of desperation, it made the man run towards the center of the train, where he stood on the step of the driver's compartment and held on to the two handrails as the train began to move.

https://ekstrabladet-dk.translate.goog/krimi/doed-i-skraekulykke-faldt-af-tog-med-155-kilometer-i-timen/10305726?_x_tr_sl=da&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=da&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Parrot that escaped home found five miles away after 'wild weekend'

A parrot that escaped his home and flew off for a "wild weekend" has been found more than five miles away in a maternity unit.

The pet bird named Jobby fled a ground floor flat in Langside, Glasgow, shortly after midnight on Saturday.

Owner Apsi Witana had been performing with her band Brenda at Kelburn Garden Party in North Ayrshire and had been unloading equipment when Jobby made his great escape.

Ms Witana told Sky News: "That's when he just bolted. It was such a horrible moment.

"He's never flown away before, but I have taken him on little excursions like to Queen's Park, which is not that far."

Ms Witana and her friend Flore de Hoog got to work sticking up posters and sharing appeals on social media.

"I had really lost hope that he wouldn't come back," she said.

However late on Sunday afternoon, the musician and TV assistant editor was contacted by a nurse and a patient at the Queen Elizabeth Maternity Unit, saying Jobby was in the reception area.

The pet was said to be "eating crisps and playing around" before Ms Witana arrived.

She said: "It was really good to hear that."

On arrival to the unit within the Queen Elizabeth and University Hospital campus, Ms Witana said Jobby was relaxed and preening despite the five-mile adventure.

She said: "I'm really happy as it proves to me that he's a tough bird."

After around 40 hours on the run, Jobby returned home.
https://news.sky.com/story/parrot-that-escaped-home-found-five-miles-away-after-wild-weekend-13175065

[Jimbuna]

British woman and her husband found dead in boat after trying to cross Atlantic Ocean

A couple who had embarked on a mission to sail across the Atlantic Ocean have been found dead in a lifeboat off the coast of Canada.

Brett Clibbery and Sarah Packwood were found after their raft washed ashore on Sable Island, around 108 miles southeast of mainland Nova Scotia, local media said.

It is believed Ms Packwood was from the UK and Mr Clibbery was from Canada, although the Royal Canadian Mounted Police initially reported they were both from British Columbia.

Formal identification is yet to take place.

The pair were heading to the region of Azores - an autonomous region of Portugal - having left Halifax Harbour on 11 June on board their yacht named Theros, Canadian police said.

The couple were reported missing on 18 June and found three weeks later on 10 July.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Clibbery's son James confirmed the pair had died.

"The past few days have been very hard," he wrote.

"My father James Brett Clibbery, and his wife, Sarah Justine Packwood have regrettably passed away.

"There is still an investigation, as well as a DNA test to confirm, but with all the news, it is hard to remain hopeful."

He said the couple would be "forever missed", adding: "There isn't anything that will fill the hole that has been left by their, so far unexplained passing."

Documenting their journey from Canada to Europe, Ms Packwood and Mr Clibbery had uploaded regular videos to a YouTube channel called Theros Adventures.

They dubbed their latest adventure the green odyssey, a nod to the yacht being powered by a battery from an electric Nissan Leaf car and six solar panels.
https://news.sky.com/story/british-woman-and-her-husband-found-dead-in-boat-after-trying-to-cross-atlantic-ocean-13182620

[Jimbuna]

Meet Crush, the rare orange lobster diverted from dinner plate to aquarium by Denver Broncos fans

The Downtown Aquarium in Denver has a new resident — a rare orange lobster that was rescued from a shipment of crustaceans delivered to a Red Lobster restaurant in Pueblo, Colorado.

A long-term employee who is a dishwasher and head biscuit maker spotted the bright orange lobster while unpacking a shipment last Friday and alerted restaurant managers, aquarium officials said. The staff named it Crush after the Denver Broncos’ legendary Orange Crush defense from 1976 to 1986.

“Myself and many of my team are born and raised Denver Broncos fans, so as soon as we saw that orange color, we knew that Crush would be an excellent representation,” said Kendra Kastendieck, the restaurant’s general manager. “And we all want our defensive line to be that good again.”

When the Pueblo Zoo couldn’t take Crush, Kastendieck called the Downtown Aquarium, which she said was interested right away.

Kastendieck packed Crush with ice packs in a plastic foam container and delivered it to the aquarium on Wednesday.

“As soon as they acclimated him to his quarantine tank at the Denver aquarium, he was very active right off the bat and was really exploring his little area,” Kastendieck said Thursday.

Staff had set up a tank with a new generation Denver Broncos helmet on top and an older generation one sitting in the tank “so he can actually climb into it and play around it,” she said.

Crush will be examined by a veterinarian and after 30 days in quarantine will be placed in the “Lurks” exhibit that houses other cold water North Atlantic Ocean species, aquarium staff said.

“We are thrilled to be able to share this very rare and extraordinary animal with the community and visitors to Colorado,” Ryan Herman, general curator at Denver Downtown Aquarium, said in a statement.

Crush was shipped to the Pueblo restaurant from a supplier in Tennessee. It was caught off a coast of Canada, said Kastendieck, but she was unable to confirm which coast.
https://apnews.com/article/denver-aquarium-orange-lobster-crush-116b158ee773d84ce0211955f4b47f2a

[Jimbuna]

Tortoise causes train delays after slowly climbing on to tracks between Ascot and Bagshot

A tortoise miraculously managed to escape its home and climb on to train tracks, sparking delays for commuters.

After a global IT outage caused havoc for many trying to travel on Britain's trains on Friday morning, more delays were reported between Ascot and Bagshot later that evening.

South Western Railway told Sky News a train driver spotted the culprit - a tortoise named Solomon - on the track near Ascot station just after 6pm.

The reptile was moving "at pace" towards Bagshot, they jokingly added.

Engineers carried Solomon off the tracks - and staff "moved the tortoise to a position of safety on the platform at Ascot, which included a short ride on the train itself".

While staff had planned to leave the reptile with a vet in Staines, the tortoise's owner identified Solomon and collected him at around 8pm.

South Western Railway said they understood the tortoise "was unharmed" after the ordeal, and said it caused minimal disruption to services.

Meanwhile, Network Rail Wessex apologised for the disruption, and appeared to suggest that Solomon was able to get on the tracks because of a gap in a fence.
https://news.sky.com/story/tortoise-causes-train-delays-after-slowly-climbing-on-to-tracks-between-ascot-and-bagshot-13183414

[Moonlight]

Thousands fill central London for Tommy Robinson rally amid chants of 'We want our country back' as Met police flood streets with 1,000 officers to keep the peace as capital with anti-racism counter-protest and Trans Pride event also due

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13678523/Met-Police-Tommy-Robinson-march-counter-protest-London-today.html

There may be trouble ahead.

Anyone right of centre who makes some noise certainly makes the politicians and the police jittery. I can totally understand why people are joining this march, for months we've had Terrorist supporting marches where the police have done nothing to curb these Anti Semites from spouting their hatred of Israel and Western Nations.

If the government doesn't get a grip on all this and start listening to Real British Peoples concerns it's only a matter of time before we have serious unrest on the streets of England.

The first thing the Labour party have to do is stop these Terrorist supporters from marching again, the second thing is, stop your own Ministers from supporting Terrorists in Palestine. That should calm things down on the British side a fair bit, as for the Migrants, your party has sucked up to them for too long and that has caused all this unrest in the first place. Take the shackles off the Police Force and let them deal with Law & Order the old fashioned way, everyone will get the message soon enough.

[Jimbuna]

Well don't go expecting any help from Keir and his team.

[Moonlight]

Terrifying moment British tourist is seriously wounded and his girlfriend is shot dead in Brazil hotel lobby as gunman tries to rob them

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13688337/Terrifying-moment-British-tourist-seriously-wounded-girlfriend-shot-dead-Brazil-hotel-lobby-gunman-tries-rob-them.html

I have a theory on why the world is going mad, Food, Mobile Phones & Wi-Fi, all the chemicals that the Food Industry are forcing down our throats every day, plus the constant use of Mobile Phones that are affecting peoples brains and goodness knows what that wi-fi thing is doing as well.

I've never had a Mobile Phone, and I don't use wi-fi either, you can limit your intake of food chemicals but inevitably you'll be taking these down your throat on a daily basis.

I'm not as mad as a box of frogs but, I can't say the same for you muppets, senile dementia is going to be knocking on your front door soon, so the quicker you bin those Mobile Phones & those Wi-Fi things the better off you will be.

Oh, one more thing, You're Welcome. :O:

[mapuc]

The investigation commissioned by the US interior secretary, Deb Haaland, found marked and unmarked graves at 65 of the more than 400 US boarding schools that were established to forcibly assimilate Native American children into white society. The findings don’t specify how each child died, but the causes of death included sickness and abuse during a 150-year period that ended in 1969, officials said

https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/30/native-american-children-government-boarding-schools

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Devon: Would you buy six-acre Drake's Island near Plymouth with private beach and 15 ghosts?

A six-acre island off the Devon coast - complete with private beach, fortifications and planning permission for a luxury hotel - has been put up for sale.

Drake's Island, just 600 yards from Plymouth, was used as a military defence for hundreds of years - with 18th-century cannons still in position and included in the sale.

It takes less than 10 minutes to reach by boat and once on land there is military history everywhere.

From old barracks to artillery batteries complete with shell shafts and underground gunpowder stores.

"It has over 2,000 years of history - the first recorded building is 1135," current owner and local businessman Morgan Phillips says.

"It was its nuclear deterrent of its day, that's probably why the Spanish armada never came here!"

Mr Phillips bought the island in 2019 for £6m and has worked on securing consent for a 43-bed hotel.

He gives guided tours to groups.

"Plymouth is trying to become a destination - it's getting there, it's a long way forward with that. What we really need is the island to be taken forward and someone who has got the budget to be able to do that," he explained.

The island is named after Sir Francis Drake - who set sail from it to circumnavigate the globe in 1577.

It has no fixed guide price but renovation costs are estimated at around £25m.

Ali Rana from property consultants Carter Jonas is leading the sale.

"The proposals include for these [outbuildings] to be converted into bedrooms and one of the things the owner has been thinking about is using this as a wedding venue where the guests would stay there and potentially put a restaurant, café at the end. It's one of those opportunities where with some vision you could really create something special," Mr Rana says.

Any new owner may not be alone though, with reportedly 15 resident ghosts - all former military men.

"If you believe the mediums who come out here... they're all British squaddies," says Mr Phillips.

"They are here to protect us. That's what they did when they were alive and that's what they're still doing!

"I've seen enough to say stuff happens here that I can't explain. But all of it is really nice," he insists.
https://news.sky.com/story/would-you-buy-six-acre-island-off-devon-with-a-private-beach-and-15-ghosts-13184211

[Jimbuna]

Hockey player opts to have part of finger amputated to compete at Paris Olympics

A hockey player chose to have part of his finger amputated so he could compete at the Paris Olympics.

Australian Matt Dawson, 30, badly broke a digit on his right hand after he was hit by a hockey stick during a training session in Perth two weeks ago.

The impact left the top of his finger nearly entirely severed and his Olympic dreams were hanging in the balance.

Doctors said his injury would take four to six months to recover, meaning he would have to miss this summer's games in France.

Or, the athlete could have his finger amputated and make it to the competition.

Dawson, who plays in defence for Australia, chose the latter.

A surgeon took about an inch off the end of his ring finger on his right hand, just below the top knuckle.

He said he had called his wife after talking about the amputation with the surgeon and she warned him against making a "rash decision".

"With all the information I had to make the decision, in a pretty short period of time, I still decided to take it and I can still have a pretty good functioning life with just a little less finger to worry about," Dawson said on the Parlez Vous Hockey podcast.
https://news.sky.com/story/hockey-player-opts-to-have-part-of-finger-amputated-to-compete-at-paris-olympics-13185473

[Moonlight]

BBC boss Tim Davie admits he knew Huw Edwards' arrest was over the most serious level of sex abuse images but continued to pay the paedophile presenter £200,000 until he quit - as he reveals the corporation is considering legal action to recoup money

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13699403/BBC-boss-Tim-Davie-admits-knew-Huw-Edwards-arrest-level-sex-abuse-images-continued-pay-paedophile-presenter-200-000-quit-reveals-corporation-considering-legal-action-recoup-money.html

I'm getting the "We look after our own" vibes from the BBC, was it a thankyou payment for keeping quiet about who else is in that club, after all, they have form for covering this stuff up, don't they.........

[Jeff-Groves]

Hockey player opts to have part of finger amputated to compete at Paris Olympics
Question is............
How many opted to have their Penis amputated to compete in the "Gay" Olympics?
:har:

[Jimbuna]

'Human hand' found on beach sparks police response - but all is not as it seems

A "human hand" discovered on a beach near Swansea sparked an emergency police response - but all was not as it seemed.

While on patrol at Rhossili on the Gower, officers were called by members of the coastguard to Llangennith beach.

South Wales Police posted on Facebook that officers had received a report a "human foot/hand" had been found on the beach.

The force said the area in question is known for having parts of dead seals or other marine animals washed up.

It can be difficult for members of the public to tell the difference between human and seal bones, as seals also have five "fingers" and "toes", it said.

Gareth Richards, who runs the Gower Seal Group, happened to be walking past at the time and officers asked him for his help.

It took four hours for the officers and Mr Richards to track down the remains, before they could be identified as part of a seal.

He told Sky News a member of the public had taken photographs of what they believed to be a "human hand" sticking out of the sand.

"[A member of the public] took photographs and they sent the photographs in to the emergency services. But it's very difficult to be able to interpret the photograph and it did look a little bit suspicious," Mr Richards told Sky News.

"Of course, you can't actually beat going to the scene and taking a quick look myself."

The seal was about a year old and had been scavenged by birds, according to Mr Richards.

"I double-checked with the police first if it was okay to touch because it is potentially a crime scene, and they were quite happy for me to examine it a bit further," he said.

"And I just really splayed the fingers out and I could see that it was webbed, so it was a rear flipper of a North Atlantic grey seal."

He added: "Because of the type of call that actually came in, the duty investigator was informed, the crime scene investigators were on standby.

"So actually it probably saved the police, and certainly the taxpayer, quite a few thousands of pounds by just having that good relationship and me just happening to be in the area."

Mr Richards said it was just a case of luck that he was "in the right place at the right time".

"What I would say is [for] any members of the public who have any concerns whatsoever is to contact the appropriate authorities and let them come down and take over," he added.
https://news.sky.com/story/human-hand-found-on-beach-sparks-police-response-but-all-is-not-as-it-seems-13187267

[Jimbuna]

More than 30 protests planned for this weekend in Southport stabbing aftermath

More than 30 protests - many of them organised by far-right activists - are set to take place this weekend in the wake of the Southport stabbings, according to Sky News analysis.

They would follow violent protests earlier this week, which saw more than 100 people arrested outside Downing Street on Wednesday and 10 arrests in Sunderland on Friday night after a building next to a police station was set on fire and objects thrown at officers.

Sky News has seen posts on social media promoting more events in cities across the UK over the coming days, including one targeting a mosque, while counterprotests are also being planned in response to far-right demonstrations.

It has identified a total of 30 protests taking place today - 25 organised by far-right activists and five dubbed "anti-racist" counterprotests.

Another four far-right-organised protests and an event labelled as a "peaceful vigil" are planned for tomorrow.

Advocacy group Hope Not Hate says many of the events are "under a broad anti-multiculturalism, anti-Muslim and anti-government agenda" and have no single organiser.

They follow a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at a community centre in Southport on Monday, which left three girls dead. The attack was followed by a wave of online misinformation about the attacker's background.

British police chiefs have agreed to deploy officers in large numbers over the weekend to deter violence and there will be extra prosecutors on standby to charge people who set out to cause violent disorder, according to Gavin Stephens, chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council.

"We will have surge capacity in our intelligence, in our briefing, and in the resources that are out in local communities," Mr Stephens told BBC Radio, adding having additional prosecutors available will ensure "we see swift justice".
https://news.sky.com/story/more-than-30-protests-planned-for-this-weekend-in-southport-stabbing-aftermath-13189731

[Moonlight]

Far Right activists eh, what about all those Terrorist Supporters then, what are the Police going to do about them?.

Two Tier Policing as usual, provide a bucket and I'll show you what to do with those Terrorist Supporting Marchers. :haha:

[Rockstar]

100,000 Venezuelan far right fascists supported by Putin propaganda machine protest in opposition to Nicolas Maduro. :D

[Rockstar]

Maduro says he’s sending jailed protesters to the most violent prison in Venezuela, dominated by murderous gangs:

“We’ve captured 2000 & we are sending them to Tocorón and Tocuyito. This time there will be no forgiveness”

That will keep those far right fascist Putin propaganda machine supported protestors from marching against the state again. ;)

[Moonlight]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPIf9mrlvFg

They don't look Fascists or communists to me, just normal people who want their government politicians to fix what they've broken.
Incompetent politicians always start by blaming everyone except themselves, throwing slogans around like confetti is the new norm, it deflects attention away from Maduro's corrupt government.
Will he be toppled?, that's a tough one to answer, but looking at those peaceful demonstrators I would say No.

[Jimbuna]

Black bear and cub destroy car in Connecticut after getting trapped inside

Trapped inside a car, the adult black bear and cub thrashed about. The horn was blaring and the radio blasting. Outside the car, a second cub ran around in apparent distress by the Connecticut home.

State environmental conservation police were called by the startled vehicle owner on the morning of July 15. They opened a door, and the two bears ran off into the woods safe and sound with the third bear. The car’s interior, however, wasn’t so fortunate: It was completely torn apart.

The incident in Winsted, in the state’s northwest corner not far from Massachusetts, was documented in photos and video taken by the car’s owner, who captured images of the bears in the car and the resulting destruction on a cellphone. Officials believe they got in the vehicle by opening a door, but it’s not clear how the door then closed.

Over a week, there have been three episodes involving bears in Connecticut that were publicly reported by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection — another sign of the increasing black bear population in the state.

On Saturday, a woman reported being bitten by a black bear in a backyard in Cheshire. She suffered minor injuries and declined treatment, officials said. Environmental conservation police found and euthanized the bear, which was taken away for testing.

On Sunday, a nearly 500-pound (227-kilogram) black bear was struck and killed by a car on a highway in Torrington, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said.

While bears have been breaking into cars, trash bins and homes in the western U.S. for a long time, such incidents were rare in Connecticut a few decades ago. They’re now a growing phenomenon.
https://apnews.com/article/black-bears-destroy-car-connecticut-f85c55d2c7937c3ad273681b167e636e

[vanjast]

Far Right activists eh

I believe these are the latest Far Right.:03:
https://media.istockphoto.com/id/654401423/photo/happy-pregnant-woman-with-friends-in-park.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=xYlCYqUfDrVQx1B2LWo6Pf_8dzNThm3WufefvKrZvPI=

[Jimbuna]

Chicken parade prompts changes to proposed restrictions in Iowa’s capital city

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s capital city is establishing a new pecking order for backyard chickens and roosters after some of their diehard fans paraded around City Hall with some of their flocks on Monday.

City Manager Scott Sanders said in a statement issued Friday evening that he thinks the city can find a way to amend the proposed restrictions so they will “better serve the whole community,” including chicken owners. The proposal that got preliminary approval from the city council would have cut the number of birds allowed from 30 to 12 and ban the roosters that are disturbing the peace in some neighborhoods.

Chicken parade organizer Ed Fallon said the city seemed to be overreacting to a total of three complaints about chickens that were registered between the start of 2020 and June 2024. A small group of people holding chickens came out Monday to march from the Statehouse to City Hall.

Sanders said he asked Assistant City Manager Malcolm Hankins to draft an amendment that will be broadly accepted.

“After listening to Council Member concerns at the July 22 Council meeting, we believe there is a better path forward for an amendment to this ordinance at a later date,” Hankins said in the release.

The new rules should allow roosters but require the licensing of chickens and set up a process for dealing with nuisance animals that can’t contain their cock-a-doodle-dos.
https://apnews.com/article/des-moines-iowa-chicken-ordinance-11a1004c72a8836a0f5d2b2155234263

[Jimbuna]

Whale interrupts Olympic surfing in spectacular fashion in Tahiti

A whale has breached the ocean in spectacular fashion as surfers competed in the Olympic competition in Tahiti.

The surprise 'photobomb' came as Tatiana Weston-Webb from Brazil and Brisa Hennessy of Costa Rica took part in the semi-final.

Luckily, the whale was a long way behind the pair as it launched itself into the air.

It's not unusual for seals and whales to be seen during surfing events - with a shark attack on Australian pro Mick Fanning famously caught on camera in 2015.

The whale picture is also the second eye-catching image from this year's Olympic surfing event.

Last week, a photo of Brazil's Gabriel Medina seemingly levitating above the ocean with his arm raised went viral.
https://news.sky.com/story/whale-interrupts-olympic-surfing-in-spectacular-fashion-in-tahiti-13191958

[Jimbuna]

Dolce & Gabbana launches dog perfume named after founder's pet

Luxury Italian brand Dolce & Gabbana has released a perfume for dogs named after the co-founder's own pet.

Fefe is alcohol free and the firm says it has been safety-tested and approved by vets.

The €99 (£85) fragrance is described as an "olfactory masterpiece" featuring ylang ylang, musk and "creamy undertones" of sandalwood.

The bottle features a 24-carat gold-plated paw print and is said to be inspired by "the unwavering love for Domenico Dolce's loyal companion, Fefe".

The company's marketing says it offers "a touch of opulence, making every walk a fragrant and fashionable affair".

Domenico Dolce co-founded D&G with Stefano Gabbana in 1985, turning it into one of the world's most famous luxury brands.

Other companies, such as pet grooming firms, also sell dog perfume at a much cheaper price but it's believed to be the first time a big fashion house has released one.

Fefe is available online and in Dolce & Gabbana stores.

Fragrance for humans should not be used on animals as the chemicals can cause irritation and may be unpleasant for them, especially for dogs with their extremely sensitive sense of smell.
https://news.sky.com/story/dolce-and-gabbana-launches-dog-perfume-named-after-founders-pet-13191433

[Jimbuna]

Children flee water screaming after 10ft shark swims into Cornwall harbour

A10ft shark has been spotted lurking in a Cornwall harbour, causing children to start “screaming” as they rushed out of the water.

The children weren’t aware that the juvenile basking shark, which approached St Ives Harbour at 9pm on Tuesday, was actually harmless.

Around 30 children and teenagers fled the water when they spotted the ominous dorsal fin around 20ft away in the clear blue water, as the shark swam along the harbour wall and beach.

Basking sharks can grow up to 26ft (7.9m) long - but according to Andy Narbett of Tiger Lilly Boat Trip St Ives, they are “harmless”.

Mr Narbett took a photo of the huge shark, excited to see a species which hasn’t visited the bay for years.

“It was incredible to see it so close; it is very rare as we haven’t seen any basking sharks for some years in the bay. The poor kids who were in the water must have only been 20ft from it,”

He said the children “didn’t realise it was harmless”, so they began “screaming and got straight out” of the sea.

“At a guess there were 20 kids playing on the small beach and eight in the water on paddle boards. I went on social media and joked afterwards that Jaws had entered the harbour” he added.

Basking sharks, the UK’s biggest fish which can reach over 10,000lbs when fully grown, were once fished for their meat, fins and liver oil - but became protected in 1998 due to overexploitation and declining numbers.

They are the second-largest living species of shark and are filter feeders - meaning they do not hunt actively, but are passive sharks which swim with their mouths wide open to feed on plankton and other minute sealife.

One of just three species which feed on plankton, they enter shallow waters in the UK during spring and summer in order to feed.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/children-flee-water-screaming-after-10ft-shark-swims-into-cornwall-harbour/ar-AA1orz8B?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ENTPSP&cvid=4acb46bd32cd4f7eb690e70b0e4842d6&ei=89

[Eisenwurst]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrLb5g9NxTc

Shock, horror.......ripping off the poor bloody consumer....if Cadbury wants to save money on chocolate they should replace half of it in freddos and koalas with vegemite, real Aussies wouldn't notice the difference. :)

[Moonlight]

Iraq proposes lowering legal age of marriage for girls to NINE

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13727427/iraq-proposal-lowering-legal-age-nine-girls-marry.html

"Critics fear the Shia code would be based on 'Jaafari jurisprudence', allowing girls as young as nine and boys as young as 15 to marry. Under current Iraqi law, both can marry from 18."

Sensationalist headlines as usual, what the headline misses out is that the Iraqi community categorically rejects these proposals but, this is the Media spreading misinformation as usual, it's time they were brought to heel.

[Jimbuna]

Olympic skateboarder Nyjah Huston criticises quality of Paris 2024 medals after visible deterioration in one week

An Olympic skateboarder has criticised the quality of the Paris 2024 medals after his has started to visibly deteriorate.

US athlete Nyjah Huston revealed that a week after placing third in the men's street skateboarding final on 29 July, his bronze medal has appeared to chip and lose its colour.

"These Olympic medals look great when they are brand new but after letting it sit on my skin with some sweat and letting friends wear it over the weekend, they are apparently not as high quality as you would think," he told his followers on Instagram.

Turning the medal over, he said: "Even the front is starting to chip off a little. Olympic medals - maybe got to step up the quality a little bit."

Designed by Paris jewellery house Chaumet, each medal given out at this summer's event has two different sides.

The first features a 18g hexagonal token which is made from iron taken from the Eiffel Tower. The centrepiece token is surrounded by rigged grooves that evoke rays of light.

The second features the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, as she has done at every Olympic Games since 1928 - with the Acropolis to one side and the Eiffel Tower to the other.

The bronze medal in particular weighs 525g and is made from copper, tin and zinc alloy.

But, according to Huston, the prize is perhaps more to look at and display than actually wear.

"I guess the medals are meant to be in cases," he added.

All the medals come with a dark-blue box from Chaumet and a certificate from the Eiffel Tower Operating Co to illustrate the iron pieces came from the monument.
https://news.sky.com/story/olympic-skateboarder-nyjah-huston-criticises-quality-of-paris-2024-medals-after-visible-deterioration-in-one-week-13193796

[Jimbuna]

Adele tells Munich concert crowd she's engaged

Adele has confirmed her engagement during an impromptu moment with fans at a concert in Germany.

The singer was performing in Munich when she appeared to spot someone carrying a sign saying, "Will you marry me?"

She read out the message, but replied: "I can't marry you because I'm already getting married, so I can't, but I appreciate it, thank you."

She then flashed what looked like an engagement ring to the crowd - prompting cheers.

The exchange was captured on camera and shared on social media.

Adele has been in a relationship with US sports agent Rich Paul since 2021 and was previously married to Simon Konecki, with whom she shares a son.

The 36-year-old has been pictured out with Paul at events such as NBA games and told Elle magazine in 2022: "I've never been in love like this. I'm obsessed with him."

Paul is founder of Klutch Sports Group and counts basketball legend LeBron James among his clients.
https://news.sky.com/story/adele-tells-munich-concert-crowd-shes-engaged-13194400

[Moonlight]

Executions surge as Iran uses Israel tensions as cover for crackdown at home

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/executions-surge-as-iran-uses-israel-tensions-as-cover-for-crackdown-at-home/ar-AA1ozDdb?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=EDGEESS&cvid=eb06694966964dacab5da5150644b5aa&ei=8

When a regime uses executions as a weapon of suppression you know that something is seriously wrong with the entire framework of government, when the old men are dead and the youngsters grow up there will be a clash of ideas or ideology and, that will light the fuse of protest or revolution.
It's happened before and it will happen again, there were previous protests in 2009, 2017, 2019, and 2022, that country is a powder keg just waiting to be lit.

[Jimbuna]

A homemade aquarium appeared in a Brooklyn tree bed. Then came the goldfish heist

NEW YORK (AP) — A couple of longtime Brooklyn residents were lounging in the heat last week, staring at a sidewalk tree pit often flooded by a leaky fire hydrant, when they came up with the idea for a makeshift aquarium.

“We started joking about: what if we added fish,” recalled Hajj-Malik Lovick, 47, a lifelong resident of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. “Since the water is always there sitting in the puddle, why not turn this into something that’s more interesting?”

After fortifying the edges of the tree bed with rocks and brick, they bought 100 common goldfish from a pet store for $16 and dumped them in. The appearance of peanut-sized fish swimming around the shallow basin quickly became a neighborhood curiosity, drawing visitors who dubbed it “the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.”

But as videos and news stories about the fish pit have circulated online, the project has drawn concern from city officials and backlash from animal rights advocates. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, two neighborhood residents, Emily Campbell and Max David, carried out a rescue mission. Using nets and plastic bags, they pulled about 30 fish from the two-inch deep waters.

They say they were rescuing the fish from inhumane conditions. But the operation has sparked a roiling debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, which has seen an influx of young white residents in recent years.

“I’m very aware of the optics of a white yuppie coming here and telling this man who’s lived in the neighborhood his whole life that he doesn’t know what he’s doing,” said Campbell, a self-described fish enthusiast who previously worked in aquaponics. “I do sympathize with that. I just don’t want to watch 40 fish suffocate in a puddle from their own waste.”

Campbell, 29, said she was working to rehome the rescued fish, keeping many of them in tanks inside her apartment. Several people had contacted her with concerns about the remaining fish inside the pit. “I’m still concerned for the fishes’ well-being, but I’m more concerned about the divisiveness in the community,” she said Friday.
https://apnews.com/article/goldfish-brooklyn-bedstuy-tree-pit-aquarium-33fd24b796707ee5ad414f55ad735b01

[Jimbuna]

School worker jailed for stealing chicken wings worth $1.5m

A school worker has been jailed for nine years after stealing $1.5m (£1.18m) worth of chicken wings.

Vera Liddell's year-long heist of the flightless birds soared to 11,000 cases of the wings, which were meant for students during the height of the COVID pandemic, prosecutors say.

The 68-year-old started the scheme in July 2020 and was not found out until a business manager at her school near Chicago found that food costs were $300,000 (£235,000) over budget during a routine audit, according to US media reports.

Liddell bought up the huge amount of food and used a school cargo van to pick it up - students never saw a single wing.

Schools were closed at the time because of the pandemic, but the district was still sending out meal kits to pupils who were learning remotely.

Liddell, who was food service head for 10 years at the district, was originally charged with theft and operating a criminal enterprise.

She was handed a nine-year jail sentence after pleading guilty.
https://news.sky.com/story/school-worker-jailed-for-stealing-chicken-wings-worth-1-5m-13195879

[Moonlight]

Famous Chinese restaurant is fined £470,000 after immigration raids found they were employing illegal workers including one doing 66 hours a week on £6-an-hour

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13737857/Famous-Chinese-restaurant-fined-470-000-immigration-raids-employing-illegal-workers-including-one-doing-66-hours-week-6-hour.html

This restaurant is in Westminster, supposedly the highest regulated Council in the country, at least 3 times it's been raided and Illegal workers have been found working there every time.
Instead of just arresting these illegal workers, why don't those immigration officers arrest everyone who has a financial stake in these restaurants?, that won't happen though as these criminals are greasing the right palms.
And, that asks the question "Who's Palms Are Being Greased", MPs?, Councillors?, Immigration Officials?, there is a rabbit hole of corruption down there and, if they go down it they might never see the light of day again.

If that's what's going on in Westminster, I can guarantee it will be much worse in other council areas, modern day slavery is thriving in the UK and, one important fact should be noted, most of it is carried out by immigrants.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it. :up:

[Moonlight]

'KNIFEMAN' IN DOCK Ioan Pintaru in court after girl, 11, visiting London with mum ‘put in headlock & knifed 8 times in Leicester Square’

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/29847782/girl-stabbed-leicester-square-knifeman-court-charge/

Just another Foreign currant who needs to meet a bucket of water, that young girl will be traumatised for years, meanwhile, that pillock will probably go to one of the UKs jokes of a prison and the staff there will be making sure he gets the best of care, that's Woke justice for you.

[Jimbuna]

10 sets of twins set to start primary school in Inverclyde

Ten sets of twins are set to start primary school in Inverclyde this week - marking the fourth consecutive year the twin count has hit double figures in the region.

Dubbed "Twinverclyde" for its high volume of twins, the 20 children will start at various schools in the local authority area on Friday.

The council's record was set in 2015, when 19 sets began primary school.

This year marks the fourth in a row of 10 or more sets starting P1 in Inverclyde, with double figures in 10 out of the last 12 years.

The class of 2024 will take the region's count to 157 sets since 2013, which is an average of 13 sets each year.

The lowest since then was in 2018, when just four pairs of twins began school.
https://news.sky.com/story/10-sets-of-twins-set-to-start-primary-school-in-inverclyde-13196411

[Moonlight]

UK ministers are drawing up plans to evacuate 60,000 Britons from Israel amid fears Iran could launch an attack - with the Navy already on stand-by for a 'Dunkirk-style' rescue mission to save 16,000 Brits stranded in Lebanon

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13740979/uk-ministers-plans-evacuate-israel-iran-hezbollah.html

Instead of evacuating Britons who chose to be in Israel and Lebanon, or who use their dual nationality as a passport of convenience if and when it's required, why don't the Labour party focus their efforts on getting rid of these illegal migrants who shouldn't be here.
Huh, what was that? you'll need their votes at the next General Election, well I would prefer it if their heads met a bucket of water you dickheads.

[Jimbuna]

Robotaxis frustrate sleepless residents with constant honking

The world's only self-driving taxi company has been forced to fix a fleet of cars after residents complained about their constant honking.

Waymo's autonomous cars arrived in a car park in San Francisco, California, a few weeks ago, where they wait between jobs.

However, the cars were installed with an update that made them beep their horns whenever another car reversed close to them.

Christopher Cherry, who lives next to the car park, told Sky's US partner NBC Bay Area he was "really excited" to have Waymo in the neighbourhood when they moved in, thinking it would bring more security and quiet to the area.

Instead, the taxis beeped at each other right through the night as they parked or set off on a journey, making it hard to sleep.

"We started out with a couple of honks here and there, and then as more and more cars started to arrive, the situation got worse," Mr Cherry said.

"The cars are robotic and they're honking at each other and there's no one in the cars when it's happening, and that's absurd."

One resident got so irate that she started livestreaming the car park on YouTube, gathering tens of thousands of views on some of her videos.

"Help," says Sophia Tung at the end of one of her videos where the cars can be heard beeping late at night.

Mr Cherry said the honking happens daily at different levels, with the most intense honking occurring at around 4am and at evening rush hour times.

"It's very distracting during the work day, but most importantly it wakes you up at four in the morning," he said.

The cars appear to head off to their charging depot at around 4am - a "parade" of autonomous taxis that caused great anticipation on the YouTube livestream.

Hundreds of viewers eagerly waited for the cars to start leaving on Wednesday morning.

"​​It's starting, everyone," said one viewer. "Parade time!" said another.

Ms Tung's viewers have even made a Google spreadsheet with timecodes for the most interesting moments in the car park, such as excessive honking or a fun bit of parking by one of the cars.

The taxi firm, which is owned by Alphabet, Google's parent company, said the honking problem is now fixed.

"We recently introduced a useful feature to help avoid low-speed collisions by honking if other cars get too close while reversing toward us," said a Waymo spokesperson to Sky News.

"It has been working great in the city, but we didn't quite anticipate it would happen so often in our own parking lots.

"We've updated the software, so our electric vehicles should keep the noise down for our neighbours moving forward," they said.

As the cars left their car park at 4am on Wednesday, the honking did indeed appear to be solved.

Ms Tung confirmed to her hundreds of live viewers in the chat: "They didn't honk".
https://news.sky.com/story/robotaxis-frustrate-sleepless-residents-with-constant-honking-13196885

[Moonlight]

Met Police is failing in almost ALL key areas of policing, damning report warns: Watchdog finds force is not safely managing sex offenders and highlights 'serious concerns' over how it investigates crimes

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13745855/Met-Police-failing-key-areas-policing-damning-report-warns-Watchdog-finds-force-not-safely-managing-sex-offenders-highlights-concerns-investigates-crimes.html

It's official then, the Met police are bleeding useless, I think the public could have told them that 20 or 30 years ago, it's not only the Met that's useless, it's every police service in the UK.
I wouldn't blame all the police, just the one's from Inspector upwards, they've all been cloned from the same rotten university stock and that's when the police service took a severe turn for the worse.
Promoting university types over streetwise coppers was always going to fail, it wouldn't surprise me if half of Superintendents and above had never arrested anyone for pissing in a doorway never mind a rapist or murderer.

The police hierarchy are not fit for purpose, they are more concerned about their image as bastions of the Woke ideology and Minority champions, listen up you plonkers, it's these Minority Migrants who are causing most of the crime up and down the bleeding UK........ Do you get it now?.

[Jimbuna]

Ksenia Karelina: Ballerina jailed for 12 years in Russia after donating £40 to charity

A woman has been jailed in Russia for 12 years after she gave £40 to a charity supporting Ukraine.

US-Russia citizen Ksenia Karelina was accused of treason when she was arrested in Yekaterinburg, in southwestern Russia, in February.

Investigators searched her mobile phone and found that she made a $51.80 (£40) donation to Razom, a charity that provides aid to Ukraine, on the first day of Russia's invasion.

The 33-year-old admitted the charge at a closed trial in the city earlier this month, according to Russian news agencies.

On Thursday, Karelina appeared in court in a white sweatshirt and blue jeans, sitting calmly in a glass courtroom cage, before she received her sentence.

Her case was heard by the same court that convicted Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich of espionage in July.

At one point she could be seen speaking to her lawyer.

Karelina, an amateur ballerina, was born in Russia but moved to the US in 2012 and became a citizen in 2021. She had moved to Los Angeles, where she worked in a spa.

She had been back in Russia visiting family at the start of the year when she was arrested, according to rights group The First Department.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed she had proactively collected the money in the interests of one of the Ukrainian organisations before it jailed her.

It claimed the donation was "used to purchase tactical medical supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition for the Ukrainian armed forces".

The charity has denied it provides any military support to Kyiv.

Karelina was not included in the recent major prisoner swap between Russia and the West that freed Mr Gershkovich, but her lawyer Mikhail Mushailov has said she hoped to be included in a possible future exchange.
https://news.sky.com/story/ksenia-karelina-ballerina-jailed-for-12-years-in-russia-after-donating-40-to-charity-13197219

[Jimbuna]

Matthew Perry: What it was like living next to 'Ketamine Queen' linked to actor's death

Neighbours of the so-called "Ketamine Queen" who is facing multiple charges over the death of Matthew Perry have described the loud parties and frequent visitors to the flat where she lived.

Ketamine supplied by Jasveen Sangha, 41, is alleged to have caused the Friends star's death in October 2023 at the age of 54.

She is one of five charged with drug-related offences along with a medical doctor known as "Dr. P", Perry's live-in personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Eric Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry, and another doctor, Mark Chavez.

A dual US and UK citizen, Sangha allegedly ran a "drug-selling emporium" from a flat in north Hollywood.

Neighbours who lived in the same building told Sky News' US correspondent Martha Kelner that they often saw people "coming and going" and on occasion, Sangha had "loud parties".

One man, Jamie Duke, said he once heard her door being "busted open" one evening, which caused "a lot of commotion in the hallway".

He said he also saw people with briefcases and sometimes instrument cases coming in and out, so he thought they were musicians.

"It's pretty bizarre," Mr Duke said, adding: "I never really thought that would be something I would be next door to, it is kind of surreal and scary."

According to federal prosecutors, Sangha had been selling ketamine and other drugs for years.

She reportedly began to provide Perry - who had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for anxiety and depression - with the drug through Fleming, who would then give it to Perry's assistant, Iwamasa.

According to prosecutors, the actor had been seeking out unsupervised doses of the controlled substance and had developed an "out of control" dependence on it.

In the days leading up to Perry's death, Iwamasa was administering "at least six shots" of ketamine a day, prosecutors said.

After the star's death federal agents and detectives searched Sangha's "stash house", according to Sky News' US partner network NBC News.

They found approximately 79 vials of ketamine and around 1.3kg of orange pills containing methamphetamine, hallucinogenic mushrooms and cocaine.

After her arrest on Thursday, Sangha was charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine, maintaining a drug-involved premises, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine.

She pleaded not guilty but was not released on bail, as she had already been on bail after being arrested in March for a previous drug charge and had asked a co-conspirator to delete text messages.

Her trial is scheduled for 15 October. If convicted, she faces up to a maximum of 10 years in federal prison.
https://news.sky.com/story/matthew-perry-what-it-was-like-living-next-to-ketamine-queen-linked-to-actors-death-13197761

[Jimbuna]

Office manager who swindled bosses to fund luxury lifestyle ordered to pay back six-figure sum

A former office manager who embezzled almost £1m from an Edinburgh property firm to fund a luxury lifestyle has been ordered to pay back more than £211,000.

Emma Hunt, 38, was jailed for three years last August after she was found guilty of fraud, embezzlement and money laundering.

Hunt spent thousands of pounds on parties, hospitality at sporting events, hotel stays, a five-star Caribbean holiday, cars and designer goods.

She paid out more than £39,000 for 80 friends to enjoy a Halloween break at Fenton Tower, a castle in East Lothian.

She also spent thousands more on days out at the Scottish Open golf tournament, Musselburgh and Ayr races, and a Scotland rugby match against England at Murrayfield in 2018.

Hunt, from Coldstream in the Scottish Borders, told her friends and colleagues that she owned a successful cleaning company that financed her lifestyle, but was instead stealing the money from her employer McLean Properties and some of the firm's clients.

Her illicit scheme - between May 2016 and January 2019 - was eventually discovered after concerns emerged over company accounting activity.

On Friday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, a confiscation order revealed Hunt benefitted from criminal conduct by £925,000 - which included tainted gifts valued at £199,733 to a family member.

She has now been ordered to pay back £211,574 under proceeds of crime legislation.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said the figure is based on an amount the court "deems as being available".

The Crown has the power to seize any money or assets Hunt acquires in the future as part of efforts to repay the full amount she made from her crimes.

Sineidin Corrins, deputy procurator fiscal for serious casework at COPFS, said: "This confiscation underscores the fact that prosecution of those involved in financial crime does not stop at criminal conviction and sentencing.

"Even after that conviction was secured, the Crown pursued proceeds of crime action to ensure the funds Emma Hunt obtained illegally were confiscated.

"Confiscation orders have ongoing financial consequences, meaning we can seek to recover further assets from this individual in the future to ensure she pays back the full amount."
https://news.sky.com/story/office-manager-who-swindled-bosses-to-fund-luxury-lifestyle-ordered-to-pay-back-six-figure-sum-13198260

[Jimbuna]

Woman believed to be world's oldest person dies aged 117, her family says

Maria Branyas Morera, an American-born Spaniard believed to be the world's oldest person at 117, has died, her family said on Tuesday.

In a post on Ms Morera's account on X, her family wrote: "Maria Branyas has left us. She has gone the way she wanted: in her sleep, at peace, and without pain."

They then wrote that she had told them in the days before her death: "I don't know when, but very soon this long journey will come to an end.

"Death will find me worn down from having lived so much, but I want to meet it with a smile, feeling free and satisfied."

The Gerontology Research Group, which validates details of people thought to be 110 or older, listed Ms Morera as the oldest known person in the world after the death of French nun Lucile Randon last year.

The next oldest person listed by the group is now Japan's Tomiko Itooka, who is 116 years old.

Ms Morera was born in San Francisco, California, on 4 March 1907, before her family returned to Spain when she was young.

She was living in Residencia Santa Maria Del Tura, a nursing home where she resided for 23 years, in the Catalan town of Olot at the time of her death.
https://news.sky.com/story/woman-believed-to-be-worlds-oldest-person-dies-aged-117-her-family-says-13200081

[Jimbuna]

Kentucky man jailed for nine years after faking death to avoid child support

A man was jailed after faking his own death in a bid to avoid paying child support, prosecutors have said.

Jesse Kipf, 39, of Somerset, Kentucky, was sentenced to nine years in prison for computer fraud and aggravated identity theft after he attempted to skip out on his outstanding child support obligations.

Carlton Shier, the US attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, said in a statement that Kipf accessed Hawaii's death registry system in January last year.

Using login details from a doctor living in another part of the US, the 39-year-old created a case for his own death and completed a worksheet for a death certificate in the Aloha State.

As a result, Kipf was registered as a deceased person in several government databases.

He also accessed other state registry systems and private networks using credentials stolen from real people and attempted to sell the access on the dark web.

After his arrest in November, he admitted he did this in part to avoid paying child support. Kipf then pleaded guilty to both charges in April.

In a statement, Mr Shier said: "This scheme was a cynical and destructive effort, based in part on the inexcusable goal of avoiding his child support obligations.

"This case is a stark reminder of how damaging criminals with computers can be, and how critically important computer and online security is to us all.

"Fortunately, through the excellent work of our law enforcement partners, this case will serve as a warning to other cybercriminals, and he will face the consequences of his disgraceful conduct."

According to court records, Kipf became divorced in 2008 and was deployed to Iraq for nearly a year between 2007 and 2008.

The Eastern District of Kentucky also ordered Kipf to pay more than $195,000 in restitution for damage to computer systems and the remaining total of his child support.
https://news.sky.com/story/kentucky-man-jailed-for-nine-years-after-faking-death-to-avoid-child-support-13201159

[Rockstar]

Engineering and spaceflight specialists from NASA and BoeingSpace continue data analysis ahead of a decision this week on the path forward for Starliner return from Space_Station.

NASA’s decision on whether to return Starliner to Earth with astronauts aboard is expected no earlier than Saturday, Aug. 24 at the conclusion of an agency-level review.

[Jimbuna]

Swansea postcard dating back 121 years finally arrives

When staff at a building society in Swansea received their mail on Friday, they were surprised by what they discovered.

In among their usual savings and mortgage-related deliveries was a postcard dating back more than 120 years.

Swansea Building Society celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, but the card predates its establishment by another couple of decades.

Henry Darby, the society's marketing and communications officer, told Sky News the unexpected arrival was "exciting".

"It's a little bit spooky, I'm not a huge fan of touching it because it feels like an antique. It feels like it needs to be in Perspex or something," he said.

"But there's lots of great stories on our socials, lots of comments we're getting, and people clearly really passionate about the city and what it once was and what stories there are to be unlocked."

The message on the card reads: "Dear L. I could not, it was not possible to get the pair of these. I am so sorry, but I hope you are enjoying yourself at home. I have got now about 10/- [shillings] as pocket money not including the train fare so I am doing alright. Remember me to Miss Gilbert and John. With love to all from Ewart."

Among those who have contacted the building society is a relative, believed to be the great niece of Miss Lydia Davies, the postcard's intended recipient.

"We haven't got to the bottom of how it ended up back in the circulation of the Royal Mail and how it came to us with a stamp that is the best part of 125 years old, it's got Kind Edward [VII] on it," Mr Darby added.

"So we're still intrigued by how it's gone back into the system. We guessed it may be someone was doing a house clearance, guessed it was maybe still a house and thought the owner may like it as a keepsake.

"It's come back into our ownership and we want to make sure it gets to the right place, be it the local archive, or if possible Lydia's surviving family."

A black and white image of the artist Edwin Henry Landseer's painting The Challenge, the postcard is believed to have been sent by a man called Ewart, with the postmark of Fishguard, Pembrokeshire.

The postmark is marked AU23 03, which would likely relate to the date 23 August 1903.

A family historian who replied to the building society after it posted the picture on Facebook said they had found a 14-year-old Lydia at 11 Cradock Street in the census of 1901

A spokesperson for the Royal Mail said it was likely the postcard was "put back into [its] system rather than being lost in the post for over a century".

"When an item is in our system, we are under obligation to deliver it to the correct address," they added.
https://news.sky.com/story/swansea-postcard-dating-back-121-years-gets-delivered-in-the-mail-13200600

[Moonlight]

EXCLUSIVE Fury as NatWest debanks one of Britain's biggest Holocaust memorial charities with no explanation

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13774655/Fury-NatWest-debanks-one-Britains-biggest-Holocaust-memorials-no-explanation.html

Nat West are at it again, this will happen more and more when this cashless society gets an even firmer grip, is it time they had a code of practise to be adhered to before they could debank anyone, as in scrutinised by an independent body made up of a judge, barristers, and some MPS, there's enough of them in Westminster twiddling their thumbs, so why not.
An administrative error so they say, it's probably some "Free Palestine" pillock that's done this on purpose, we'll know more when that "subject access request" is revealed, until then it's only speculation on my part.

[Jimbuna]

Eating ice lollies 'should be part of school curriculum', experts urge

Primary school pupils should have the chance to eat ice lollies, plant vegetables and knead bread dough to help them learn about science, a group of experts have told ministers.

Four major science bodies have urged the government to include a series of "essential experiences" in plans for three to 11-year-olds, along with playing with shadows, digging in soil, visiting garden centres, recycling and playing musical instruments.

The Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology and the Association for Science Education have published recommendations for reforming the primary school curriculum in a bid to reduce inequalities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) education.

Children with limited first-hand experiences are "undeniably at a disadvantage", the report suggested.

It said: "This is a fundamental equity issue, and the provision of rich essential experiences for children (particularly in the early and lower primary years) will go some way in addressing this.

"These concrete experiences form a basis from which children can draw evidence for their ideas, making children ready for the more abstract learning they will encounter at secondary school."

Aylin Ozkan, a teacher and education policy specialist at the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: "One of the recommendations for chemistry is that by the age of 11, all children should start to understand how temperature works and how heating and cooling can change things. What better prop is there for a teacher to help explain this than an ice lolly?"

"It's a cheap solution, and will allow children the opportunity to develop their scientific confidence whatever their background"

Charles Tracy, senior adviser in learning and skills at the Institute of Physics, said all students should be given access to "genuine scientific experiences that are currently the preserve of a lucky few".

Lauren McLeod, head of education policy at the Royal Society of Biology, said: "Not all children have access to a garden or school fields and we want children to experience the world around them while empowering teachers to bring science in to everyday activities."

Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders' union the NAHT, said: "Using real-life scenarios and objects can help bring science to life for pupils, and this happens in schools across the country, even under the current curriculum."

Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: "Making science relatable to children's real-world experiences in a hands-on way is an excellent approach to learning and something that primary schools are pretty good at doing.

A DfE spokesperson said the curriculum and assessment review will "consider how to ensure young people get the opportunity to access a broad and balanced curriculum, as well as the crucial work and life skills necessary to succeed in both the workplace and throughout their lives."
https://news.sky.com/story/eating-ice-lollies-should-be-part-of-school-curriculum-experts-urge-13200065

[Jimbuna]

Astronauts stuck in space will return with SpaceX

Two Nasa astronauts who have been stuck in space for over two months will return to Earth in a SpaceX capsule.

The American space agency said Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore - who are on the International Space Station (ISS) - would not return to Earth until February 2025.

It said the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they went into space on would return to Earth un-crewed.

The pair took off on what was planned to be an eight-day mission on 5 June but will now spend around eight months in orbit.

The Starliner experienced problems on its way to the ISS.

There were leaks of helium, which pushes fuel into the propulsion system, and several of its thrusters did not work properly.

Since then, engineers at Boeing and Nasa have spent months trying to understand these technical issues.

Boeing and SpaceX were both awarded billion-dollar contracts by Nasa to provide commercial space flights for its astronauts. Boeing’s was worth $4.2bn (£3.18bn) while SpaceX got $2.6bn.

While SpaceX has already flown several crewed missions to the ISS, this was the first test flight for Boeing’s Starliner with astronauts on board.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy47w9yndpo

[Jimbuna]

Britain's oldest skydiver, 102, says it's 'mission accomplished' after birthday jump

A 102-year-old woman who celebrated the milestone birthday by throwing herself out a plane said it's "mission accomplished".

Manette Baillie, from Suffolk, undertook the feat to raise money for three causes close to her heart - the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Motor Neurone Disease Association and Benhall Village Hall.

So far, she has managed to raise £9,000 of her £30,000 target.

Speaking after her momentous jump, Ms Baillie said: "When the door opened I thought, there is nothing more I can do or say. Just jump.

"Well I suppose I jumped, I remember my legs going out and it's a kind of blur. I shut my eyes.

"We seemed to travel at a very fast speed."

Members of her local community, where she has lived since 1961, came down to the Suffolk airfield to cheer her on as she flew down to earth.
https://news.sky.com/story/britains-oldest-skydiver-102-says-its-mission-accomplished-after-birthday-jump-13203008

[Moonlight]

Police brace for more trouble at Notting Hill Carnival after 90 arrests on 'Family Day' which saw three people stabbed including a woman, 32, fighting for her life

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13779657/Police-brace-trouble-Notting-Hill-Carnival.html

An event which needs 7,000 police officers and where stabbings are the norm is not my definition of a carnival, move it to the Eastern side of Hyde Park, put temporary turnstiles and sanitation at certain points and the police can patrol the perimeter making sure it's ticket holders only who get in.
Make the organisers pay the full costs associated with this crime fest, the benefits of moving it far outweigh it's present location, shopkeepers won't have to board up their shops and proper policing will cut down on the crime.

One more thing, if this was an annual rally on behalf of the indigenous white people it would have been closed down years ago, but, we've been in the age of Two Tier Policing for over 20 years now so this crime fest will continue as it is.

[Jimbuna]

Kirstie Allsopp reported to social services for allowing son, 15, to travel Europe solo

Kirstie Allsopp has been reported to social services for allowing her 15-year-old son to interrail around Europe with a friend - but she has doubled down on her decision.

The Location, Location, Location presenter said her son, Oscar, went travelling across Europe with a 16-year-old friend this summer. But after he returned, she was contacted by a social worker who informed her that a file had been opened because child protection concerns had been raised.

Allsopp issued a lengthy defence on her Instagram and said it never occurred to her that social services would get involved.

She said: "I knew that we were becoming a more risk-averse culture in the UK and the US. My time in Switzerland has taught me a lot. There, as in Japan, children walk to school alone and are encouraged to learn early to be self-sufficient, and trusted to make sensible choices."

While she knew some people may raise an eyebrow at her decision to let her young teen travel Europe without an adult, she said she hoped "the silver lining to this cloud is that everyone stops and thinks about the freedoms we had as children, and ask what harm could be done, not by the freedoms, but by the restrictions and fears we are imposing on our kids".

She had previously told The Mail on Sunday the call from the council left her feeling "sick" and then "very, very cross".

On Monday Allsopp tweeted earlier that Oscar had returned from a nine-day train trip around Europe, writing on X she was "proud of him", adding: "If we're afraid our children will also be afraid, if we let go, they will fly."

But while some have praised the move, she has come under fire for allowing the teen to travel independently.

Allsopp says the social worker "wanted to know what safeguards you put in place for your son's travel" but she became "incandescent" and informed the official it was none of her business and that she was ending the call.

The TV presenter said officials did not understand that she had been targeted by someone falsely alleging neglect. She has not been told how the referral had been made, or by whom.

A file was opened on Oscar and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), her local council, said it could be kept open "in case there was another referral and we needed to come to your house and look into this further".

She told the Mail: "For me, that was the sucker punch - the idea this file might continue existing.

"What (the official) said to me was, 'if in six months there was another referral and we needed to come to your house and look into this further, it would be important that we had kept a note of the first referral'.

"That was the Orwellian moment. The fact it was maliciously done wasn't coming home to her."

A spokesperson for RBKC told the paper: "Safeguarding children is an absolute priority. We take any referral we receive very seriously and we have a statutory responsibility for children under 18 years of age."

They said it was "standard practice" for records to be retained until a child's 25th birthday.
https://news.sky.com/story/kirstie-allsopp-reported-to-social-services-for-allowing-son-15-to-travel-europe-solo-13202935

[Jimbuna]

Bottle of cognac from 1696 confirmed as the world's oldest

Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A bottle of cognac belonging to a collector in the Netherlands was officially dubbed the oldest in the world at 328 years old.

The 1696 Jules Robin Cognac, housed in the collection of Nijmegen resident Lars Janssen, was named the world's oldest cognac by Guinness World Records.

The oldest bottle of cognac was previously believed to be a 1762 Cognac from Gautier. One of only three known remaining bottles of the spirit was auctioned by Sotheby's for $146,000 in 2020, making it the oldest cognac sold at auction.

Cognac is a type of brandy made by twice-distilling wine made from grapes that originate from designated areas in France.
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2024/08/27/netherlands-Guinness-World-Records-oldest-cognac/6311724773272/

[Jimbuna]

Rare Bronze Age jar smashed by five-year-old boy in museum in Israel

A five-year-old boy has accidentally broken an ancient urn dating to the late Bronze Age at a museum in Israel.

The artefact was on display at the Hecht Museum at the University of Haifa when the damage happened on Friday.

But the reaction from the museum's director, Dr Inbal Rivlin, might take some people by surprise.

Directly addressing the boy and his mother, she invited them to return for a guided tour adding: "Don't be afraid, we have no claim against you."

The pair are said to have been "scared" after the jar was damaged near the entrance to the museum and quickly left.

The archaeological find was discovered during excavations in Samaria, in central Israel, and has been in the museum for 35 years.

It is dated to between 1130 and 1500 BC.

The museum described the jar as rare and an "impressive find" as most others of that period were found broken or incomplete.

It added in a statement: "It predates the days of David and King Solomon, is typical of the Canaan region and was intended for storing and transporting local consumption, mainly wine and olive oil".

Dr Rivlin explained that the jar was not behind a display case because of the vision of the museum's founder, Dr Reuven Hecht.

His intention was to make archaeological items as accessible as possible to visitors.

The museum says artefacts rarely suffer damage but this jar will be repaired and placed back on display.

Dr Rivlin also issued a note of caution to parents suggesting they may need to give their children guidance before their visit, so exhibits are not touched unless it is explicitly stated that is allowed.

The museum, which is free to enter and within the grounds of the University of Haifa, has numerous archaeological exhibits from the Chalcolithic to Byzantine periods.
https://news.sky.com/story/rare-bronze-age-jar-smashed-by-five-year-old-boy-in-museum-in-israel-13204349

[mapuc]

He needed emergency surgery, but the doctor allegedly let his 13-year-old daughter take part in operating on him.

The newspaper reported that she even drilled a hole in the patient's skull.

https://news.sky.com/story/austrian-surgeon-let-teenage-daughter-drill-hole-in-patients-skull-13203934

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Seoul: Elderly couple injured after their car falls into sinkhole

An elderly couple has been taken to hospital after the car they were in fell into a sinkhole in South Korea on Thursday, emergency workers have said.

The 76-year-old woman suffered a cardiac arrest and was given CPR, the JoongAng Daily said.

Her pulse returned later, according to the JoongAng Ilbo.

It is not clear what injuries, if any, the 82-year-old man suffered.

The couple's white Tivoli "rolled over sideways, crashing into the sinkhole", the Korea Herald said.

Pictures and video have been published of the vehicle lying on its side in the hole, which appeared to have opened up before they drove into it on a road in the Seodaemun district in western Seoul.

The SUV was later removed.
https://news.sky.com/story/seoul-elderly-couple-injured-after-their-car-falls-into-sinkhole-13205224

[Jimbuna]

'Ultra rare' orange lobster returned to ocean after ending up in New York supermarket

An "ultra rare" orange lobster has been returned to the sea after ending up in a supermarket's seafood section.

The lobster, later named Clementine, arrived at a store in Long Island, New York, in early July, and immediately stood out among a group of traditional brown lobsters.

With just one in 30 million lobsters being naturally orange, the rare crustacean became something of an attraction in the seafood section, according to animal advocacy group Humane Long Island.

The store's owner reached out to an aquarium to take Clementine in, but it declined the offer.

That is when Southampton Animal Shelter stepped in, calling in Humane Long Island to secure the lobster's safe release.

Working with the store, the animal advocacy group got Clementine back into the sea on Tuesday.

John Di Leonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island, told Sky News' US partner NBC News: "We got ourselves a big saltwater tank to rehab her in, we brought her down to the ocean, and she immediately began foraging."
https://news.sky.com/story/ultra-rare-orange-lobster-returned-to-ocean-after-ending-up-in-new-york-supermarket-13205238

[Moonlight]

Pictured: Dog walker, 80, 'kicked in neck and back by group of children in park attack' just 30 seconds from home - as three girls and two boys, aged 12 to 14, are arrested for murder

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13808391/Pictured-Dog-walker-80-kicked-death-group-children-park-attack-three-girls-two-boys-aged-12-14-arrested-murder.html

Mobile Phones, Violent Video Games, Poor Parenting, adding Woke Teachers into that mix and you've got a heady cocktail of "I Don't Give A ****" on your hands. Social Media is another culprit, either close them down to anyone under 21 or shut them all down to everyone.

[Jimbuna]

A celebrity ‘Russian spy’ whale spotted with harness found dead in Norwegian waters

HELSINKI (AP) — A white beluga whale named “Hvaldimir,” first spotted in Norway not far from Russian waters with a harness that ignited rumors he may be a Moscow spy, has been found dead.

The Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported that the whale carcass was found floating at the Risavika Bay in southern Norway Saturday by a father and son who were fishing.

The beluga, named by combining the Norwegian word for whale — hval — and Russian President Putin’s first name Vladimir, was lifted out of the water with a crane and taken to a nearby harbor where experts will examine it.

“Unfortunately, we found Hvaldimir floating in the sea. He has passed away but it’s not immediately clear what the cause of death is,” marine biologist Sebastian Strand told NRK, adding that no major external injuries were visible on the animal.

Strand, who has monitored Hvaldimir’s adventures for the past three years on behalf of the Norway-based Marine Mind non-profit organization, said he was deeply affected by the whale’s sudden death.

“It’s absolutely horrible,” Strand said. “He was apparently in good condition as of (Friday). So we just have to figure out what might have happened here.”

The 4.2-meter (14-foot) long and 1,225-kilogram (2,700-pound) whale was first spotted by fishermen near the northern island of Ingøya, not far from the Arctic city of Hammerfest, in April 2019 wearing a harness and what appeared to be a mount for a small camera and a buckle marked with text “Equipment St. Petersburg”.

That sparked allegations that the beluga was “a spy whale.” Experts said the Russian navy is known to have trained whales for military purposes.

Over the years, the beluga was seen in several Norwegian coastal towns and it quickly became clear that he was very tame and enjoyed playing with people, NRK said.

NGO Marine Mind said on its site that Hvaldimir was very interested in people and responded to hand signals.

“Based on these observations, it appeared as if Hvaldimir arrived in Norway by crossing over from Russian waters, where it is presumed he was held in captivity,” it said.

Norwegian media have speculated whether Hvaldimir could have been used as “a therapy whale” of some sort in Russia.
https://apnews.com/article/norway-beluga-spy-whale-russia-561865d7ea0a3278793f4c27f8739d94

[Jimbuna]

Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro declares Christmas to begin in October

Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro has declared Christmas will start three months early in the country, in a move which some have suggested was made to further his own political goals.
https://news.sky.com/story/venezuelas-president-nicolas-maduro-declares-christmas-to-begin-in-october-13209412

[Jimbuna]

Spanish supermarket shoppers using pineapples to search for love in surprising new craze

A social media craze in Spain where people are encouraged to seek out prospective partners in supermarkets with the help of pineapples has led to some chaotic scenes.

In the city of Bilbao, northern Spain, police were reportedly called by workers after a flash mob of hopeful singles packed a Mercadona store and "overwhelmed" it.

The crowd quickly dispersed when officers arrived, and no one was arrested in the incident.

Singletons have been drawn to branches of the supermarket chain, where it is claimed they can find romance if they visit between 7pm and 8pm and put a pineapple upside down in their trolley.

People are then encouraged to go to the wine aisle to find others with the same fruit in the same position.

If they like someone, they bump their trolley against theirs, indicating they are interested in chatting to them.

If the feeling is mutual, they can bump back, or just start talking, according to the Spain-based English-language news website, Olive Press.
https://news.sky.com/story/spanish-supermarket-shoppers-using-pineapples-to-search-for-love-in-surprising-new-craze-13209178

[mapuc]

William Bryan, of Alabama, was visiting the Florida panhandle last month when he suddenly began experiencing lower left abdominal pain. He and his wife, Beverly, went to the Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital — which is between Pensacola and Panama City.

Doctors were concerned about an abnormality in his spleen and they admitted him for further testing, the family’s lawyer said.

General Surgeon Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christopher Bacani persuaded the 70-year-old Bryan to undergo emergency surgery at the hospital or he “could experience serious complications if he left the hospital,” Zarzaur Law P.A. said Friday on Facebook

https://nypost.com/2024/09/04/us-news/alabama-husband-william-bryan-dies-on-florida-hospital-operating-table-after-dr-thomas-shaknovsky-removes-liver/

How can this man continue as a surgeon after such fatal mistakes ?

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Health Secretary Wes Streeting says NHS waiting lists need to be 'millions lower' by 2029

The health secretary has said NHS waiting lists need to be "millions lower" by the next general election in 2029.

Wes Streeting told Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips he is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure waiting lists are brought down, including using the private sector.

He said the "NHS waiting list will need to be millions lower by the end of this parliament".
https://news.sky.com/story/health-secretary-wes-streeting-says-nhs-waiting-lists-need-to-be-millions-lower-by-2029-13211406

[mapuc]

A couple is demanding that Singapore Airlines refunds plane tickets for their flight from Paris to Singapore because they were sat next to a dog that was farting, drooling, and "snorting" throughout the flight.

https://www.businessinsider.com/singapore-airlines-couple-demand-refund-seats-next-to-farting-dog-2023-9

This was in Sept. 2023.

Here is the latest news around this story

After months of emailing Singapore Airlines, the New Zealand couple said they received about $1,410, which they plan to donate to an organization that matches vision-impaired people with service dogs.

https://www.businessinsider.com/couple-seated-next-to-farting-dog-on-flight-refunded-2023-9

Markus

[Moonlight]

IT'S CRIMINAL Probation staff issue warning over 2,000 lags being released tomorrow after officers were given a week’s notice

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/30326663/probation-staff-issue-warning-lags-released-early/

This is going to be a complete and utter shambles, you'll not hear much about it as the authorities will keep it all hushed up, that's until a whistle blower opens it up like a can of worms. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood will be the sacrificial lamb for the Labour party and rightly so, but those idiots who appointed her in the first place need to go as well.....

We'll be hearing more of this story over the next 12 months.

[Jimbuna]

Just keep an eye out for the sudden spike in crime figures.

[Jimbuna]

Man who stabbed woman 60 times cleared for release

A killer who stabbed a woman 60 times during sex has been cleared to be freed by the parole board.

Steven Ling, a farm worker, was jailed for life in December 1998 after murdering Joanne Tulip, 29, in Stamfordham, Northumberland, on Christmas Day a year earlier.

Ling was initially ordered to serve at least 20 years behind bars, but in 2009 a High Court judge cut the minimum term to 18 years.

Ms Tulip's mother, Doreen Soulsby, has condemned the decision, calling Ling "a very dangerous man".

A public parole hearing was held in July, although Ling was allowed to give his evidence in private.

Two psychologists gave evidence to that hearing recommending Ling's release from prison on a risk management plan.

One of the psychologists said she believed the risk Ling posed was "not imminent" and was "manageable in the community", adding: "I believe that now means his risk is at a level where he does not need to be kept in prison any more."

Mrs Soulsby says the decision to allow his release has shocked her and her family.

"I'm just worried sick for the safety of women and girls on the streets that this man should be in the community," she said.

"If he sees a pretty girl walking down the street what's he going to do? He might not reoffend straight away, but he will reoffend.

"We heard a lot of shocking things at the parole hearing in July, it's just the way this man is wired."

In the Parole Board's decision summary, it said it had considered the circumstances of Ling's offending, the progress made while in custody, and a risk management plan before concluding "imprisonment was no longer necessary for the protection of the public".

The panel said his release would be subject to a set of standard licence conditions imposed on all offenders released under supervision and additional licence conditions imposed by the Parole Board.

These include being subject to GPS tracking for 12 months, restrictions on the use of electronic technology and exclusion zones to avoid contact with the victim's family.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c36n944p7lwo

[Jimbuna]

A child was reported missing. A TV news helicopter crew spotted him on the roof playing hooky

NEW YORK (AP) — A TV news helicopter crew spotted a boy who had been reported missing but who was actually up on the roof of his New York City building playing hooky, the TV station reported.

The 9-year-old boy left his Brooklyn apartment at around 7 a.m. Thursday but did not show up to school, CBS News New York reported.

The boy’s parents called police, who put out a description of the missing child including the orange tie he was wearing.

The CBS station sent a helicopter to the scene and reporter Dan Rice spotted the boy on the rooftop of his family’s building.

“As my pilot Eric Ross and I were circling around the building, we came across a person sitting in a chair over here on the rooftop. We zoomed in with the camera. It appeared to be the child that fit the description of the missing child,” Rice said.

Station employees called the police, and the helicopter crew hovered overhead until they arrived.

“He just packs up his computer and his book bag and goes off with the police officers,” Rice said. “They look back at our helicopter gave us a big thumbs up and took child down to his parents.”
https://apnews.com/article/missing-child-news-helicopter-hooky-619ccf6e5875df93589a5f82a5c1e7bc

[mapuc]

Australian police are working with their international counterparts to locate a man they believe fled the country after pouring boiling coffee on a baby in Brisbane.
The random attack - which occurred last month and has shocked the nation - left the nine-month-old boy with “serious burns” to his face and limbs.
Queensland Police have issued an arrest warrant for a 33-year-old wanted over acts intending to cause grievous bodily harm, a charge which carries a possible life sentence.
However, on Monday they said their main suspect flew out of Sydney airport six days after the incident, and just 12 hours before they were able to confirm his identity.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8drzm09j0o

Markus

[Jimbuna]

New statue of Queen Elizabeth II divides opinion

A new sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II in Northern Ireland has been ridiculed by local residents.

The bronze statue of the late Queen, which stands next to Prince Philip and their two corgis, was created by north Belfast artist Anto Brennan and unveiled in Antrim Castle Gardens last week.

"The sculpture captures Her Majesty in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service," the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council wrote in a Facebook post, sharing photos of the new statue.

But a lot of the comments under the post disagreed.

"It's actually an insult to Her Majesty's memory, looks nothing like her," one said, while another called it "dreadful" and urged the council to "take it down".

"More of an insult than a tribute, looks absolutely horrendous to be perfectly honest," another said.

Other insults included "ridiculous", "blooming awful", and "not fit for purpose" - and several criticised the council for commissioning the sculpture.

Another joked it looked "more like Mrs Doubtfire" than the late Queen.
https://news.sky.com/story/new-statue-of-queen-elizabeth-ii-divides-opinion-13212934

[mapuc]

The devastated father of two-year-old twins from Oklahoma who were found dead in the backseat of a hot car has broken his silence after heartless rumors were circulated online about their death.

Avery and Ariel were found unresponsive in the backseat of a family vehicle around 3pm on Thursday in the neighborhood of Norman where temperatures reached 90F outside.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, dad Marshall Suter revealed he was at work and was contacted by an officer about the tragic news his little girls were gone

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13828411/Father-Marshall-Suter-twins-Avery-Ariel-dead-backseat-family-car-Oklahoma.html

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Victor Adeboyejo: Bolton Wanderers striker injured after 'hefty sneeze'

A "hefty sneeze" has caused a professional footballer to sustain a "nasty back injury".

Victor Adeboyejo, a striker for Bolton Wanderers, had been due to take part in a Bristol Street Motors Trophy group game at Barrow on Tuesday.

He was forced to pull out of the squad, however, because of discomfort in his back and ribcage.

Manager Ian Evatt, who was already missing first team players because of injury and the international break, said the pain appeared to have been caused by a "pretty hefty sneeze".

"Victor has been suffering with a nasty back injury and a sneeze set it off, believe it or not," he told The Bolton News.

Adeboyejo, 26, has since had a scan.

"He felt a bit of a crack in between his ribs and we are hopeful it is just a cartilage or muscular issue but until we have a good look at the scan we won't know," Evatt said.

It happened after a challenge during a game against Charlton, the coach added.

"He was okay at the time, but then he had a pretty hefty sneeze. Victor is a powerful boy, and even his sneezes are powerful.

"I'll have to start having a long look at myself when players start getting injured sneezing."

Bolton are 18th in League One with four points from the first four games of the season.

They won the match against Barrow 3-2.
https://news.sky.com/story/victor-adeboyejo-bolton-wanderers-striker-victor-adeboyejo-injured-after-hefty-sneeze-13210372

[Moonlight]

^With a nose that big I'm surprised he didn't break his bleeding neck.

[Jimbuna]

:haha:

[Jimbuna]

Mega-tsunami caused Earth to vibrate for nine days, study shows

A mega-tsunami caused by a landslide in Greenland caused the Earth to vibrate for nine days, a new study has shown.

The collapse of a 1.2km-high (0.7 miles) mountain peak last September caused water in the fjord below to splash back and forth, causing vibrations right through to the Earth's crust, researchers found.

It was caused by the glacier at the foot of the mountain thinning, which was the result of climate change, according to the study, which included scientists from University College London (UCL).

The new phenomenon, which began above Dickson Fjord in east Greenland, left scientists "completely baffled", the study's co-author Dr Stephen Hicks said.

"This is the first time that water sloshing has been recorded as vibrations through the Earth's crust, travelling the world over and lasting several days," Dr Hicks, of UCL Earth Sciences, said.

"Even though we know seismometers can record a variety of sources happening on Earth's surface, never before has such a long-lasting, globally travelling seismic wave, containing only a single frequency of oscillation, been recorded.

"Our study of this event amazingly highlights the intricate interconnections between climate change in the atmosphere, destabilisation of glacier ice in the cryosphere, movements of water bodies in the hydrosphere, and Earth's solid crust in the lithosphere."

To demonstrate how the water splashing continued for nine days, researchers recreated the angle of the landslide using a mathematical model.

It suggests that the water would have splashed back and forth every 90 seconds, sending vibrations through the Earth's crust around the planet, causing one of the largest tsunamis in recent history.

The wave extended 10km (7.4 miles) across the fjord and 110m into the air - but reduced to 7m within minutes, the study, published in the journal Science, estimates.
https://news.sky.com/story/mega-tsunami-caused-earth-to-vibrate-for-nine-days-study-shows-13213773

[Moonlight]

Terminally ill Dame Esther Rantzen pleads with Sir Keir Starmer to legalise assisted dying as public panel backs assisted suicide

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13846801/Dame-Esther-Rantzen-asks-Sir-Keir-Starmer-legalise-assisted-dying-public-panel-backs-assisted-suicid.html

Esther Rantzen, if you weren't terminally ill you wouldn't even contemplate saying anything like this, in fact no journalist would be able to catch you up to ask you, as you'd be breaking every land speed record known to man to get away from them.

Do yourself a favour and STFU about it, this winter is the perfect time to commit suicide, there's no need for any assistance either, just turn your heating off in your well heated large abode and with a bit of luck the grim reaper will appear. You'll join a lot of pensioners who can't afford to heat their tiny little homes who have no choice in this matter, so bon voyage and au revoir. :O:

[Jimbuna]

Did you previously go by the name of STEED around these parts?

[Moonlight]

Steed?, good god No!, there can be only one Steed, now you've mentioned him, or her, or they or them, isn't it time someone invited him back into the fold. As Onkel Neal is in overall charge he should be the one, I did hear at one time that the Onkel and Steed were as thick as thieves, or did I mishear Mr Squirrel and he said they were just thick. any way which ever it was the Onkel has been nominated and we now need a Secondary, over to you guys. :D

[Eisenwurst]

http://i.imgur.com/bMKISKz.png

Drop Bears are moving into the cities now because of the drought :o , and bushfires, floods, and of course global warming :yep:

[Jimbuna]

Man freed under early prison release scheme allegedly sexually assaulted woman on same day

A man allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on the same day he was released from prison under the government's early release scheme.

He allegedly reoffended in Sittingbourne in Kent and was later arrested at an address in south London.

He was among more than 1,700 inmates released from prison last week in a bid to ease prison overcrowding, which the government said did not include terrorists and previously convicted sex offenders.

The former inmate appeared at a magistrate's court on Thursday charged with sexual assault. He is due to appear at crown court next month.

He has been recalled to prison.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The government inherited prisons in crisis and on the brink of collapse. Had that happened, the courts would have been unable to hold trials and the police to make arrests.

"We had no choice but to introduce emergency measures, releasing some prisoners a few weeks or months early, while excluding a number of offences and imposing strict licence conditions.

"While we cannot comment on the details of any single case, those who break their licence conditions or commit further crimes will be punished."
https://news.sky.com/story/man-freed-under-early-prison-release-scheme-allegedly-sexually-assaulted-woman-on-same-day-13214430

[Moonlight]

EXCLUSIVE REVEALED: Barely literate students with no GCSEs being accepted onto university courses and given thousands of pounds in taxpayer cash they will never pay back

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13853757/students-GCSEs-university-courses-taxpayer-cash-never-pay-back.html

Nothing new here, the university grant system has always been open to abuse, some students will use alternative methods to achieve a degree, money changing hands for answers or for dissertations will always take place. Cheating was as rife then as it is today, there was little to no investigations into how, when or where these students were getting their answers from and, the vetting process was bleeding abysmal.

[Jimbuna]

Last messages from Titan submersible before implosion revealed

The crew on board had been communicating with staff on board support vessel the Polar Prince by messages.

Contact was lost after an exchange of repeated inquiries from the Polar Prince about the submersible's depth and weight as it descended.

The Polar Prince then asked repeatedly if the Titan could still see the ship on its onboard display.

One of Titan's final responses, which became spotty as it descended, was "all good here".
https://news.sky.com/story/titanic-sub-hearing-latest-last-messages-from-titan-submersible-before-implosion-revealed-13213796

[Jimbuna]

Woman 'shocked' at being fined £500 for fly-tipping after leaving cabinet outside for passers-by to take

A woman from Bournemouth was left "really shocked" at being fined £500 for fly-tipping after leaving a cabinet outside her home for passers-by to take.

Isabelle Pepin told Sky News she left the medium-sized IKEA cabinet, which had stored children's toys in her son's room, against her front wall.

The graphic designer and artist said after five days a council officer knocked on her door to tell her there was a problem with it being there so she moved it back onto her property and then disposed of it.

But she said she was left "very surprised" when she got another knock on the door three weeks later and was presented with a £500 fine for fly-tipping.

"I got a knock on the door with a man with an enforcement camera on his chest, telling me he is filming me," she said.

"He read the caution speech to me - so that was very nerve-wracking. And then he issued me with a £500 fine for fly-tipping."

Ms Pepin said she had to challenge the fine in writing and go through an appeal process with a third-party enforcement company Bournemouth Council uses to issue such fines.

She has had "overwhelming support" from the local community, she said, with one resident saying they have been "doing this for years, they had no idea they were fly-tipping".

She said she has also been contacted with messages of support by several local councillors and added: "Hopefully the appeal process will be successful and the fine will be dropped."
https://news.sky.com/story/woman-shocked-at-being-fined-500-for-fly-tipping-after-leaving-cabinet-outside-for-passers-by-to-take-13216379

[Moonlight]

OFF THE RAILS Train chaos as service cancelled after two crazed squirrels rushed on board and attacked stunned passengers

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/30474827/train-chaos-cancelled-squirrels-animals/

:haha:

[Moonlight]

Lebanese are 'scared of their phones and laptops' after walkie-talkie bombs: Country pleads for end to 'technological war' but 'prepares for the worst' as Israel moves towards war with airstrikes on Hezbollah targets

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13869155/Lebanese-scared-phones-laptops-walkie-talkie-bombs-technological-war-prepares-worst-Israel-airstrikes-Hezbollah.html

Haha, Lebanese Terrorists are being Terrorised by Technological devices, Hezbollah and its backers Iran have as usual condemned their arch-foe for carrying out 'mass murder' and have vowed to exact revenge.

There's no evidence as yet that Israel is the creative genius behind this new technological warfare, those Terrorists should be extra careful when they turn the light on though as there might be a Boom to go with it. :O:

[Moonlight]

Kentucky sheriff accused of fatally shooting judge Kevin Mullins in his chambers at Letcher County courthouse

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13871209/kentucky-sheriff-Mickey-Stines-fatally-shoots-judge-kevin-mullins-letcher-county-courthouse.html

One of the comments in that article says the judge was up to no good, whether that post is true or not, the sheriff must have heard something similar to that and dealt out some instant justice of his own.

All you have to do to find out why, is search for him on Facebook. locals having been defending him, because that judge is a letchworth, and by their own words, he has been encouraging women to sleep with him, and juvenile girls too, to reduce their sentences. He also accepts favours to have sentences reduced, as do some who work with him. They are calling for the Sheriff to be released, because he has done so much for the community and they feel he has done a public service by doing this. The words of one supporter were, "If it was my daughter, I'd do the same." So it's possible he done something to Sheriff Stine's daughter too.

[mapuc]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/23/luis-armando-albino-abducted-six-year-old-oakland-found

A man who was abducted as a six-year-old while playing in a California park in 1951 has been found more than seven decades later thanks to the help of an online ancestry test, old photos and newspaper clippings.

The Bay Area News Group reported on Friday that Luis Armando Albino’s niece in Oakland – with assistance from police, the FBI and the justice department – located her uncle living on the US east coast.

Markus

[Moonlight]

Humiliation for Xi Jinping as China's newest nuclear-powered submarine SINKS at Wuhan port in a blunder covered up by the Communist Party

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13896449/china-nuclear-submarine-sinks-wuhan-officials.html

It was made in China, what did anybody expect to happen?, that it would work?, anything made there is not to be trusted, none of their Hi Tech military ships or submarines have been tested under proper battle conditions as yet and, until they are, no one knows if they'll be a threat to their own crews or the enemy.

[Moonlight]

EXCLUSIVE Inside the 'hellhole' northern village where refugees are being 'dumped' by London councils as fed-up locals say 'we've been forgotten'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13893543/northern-town-refugees-sent-london-councils.html

Billions of ££££s are spent on looking after these Illegal Migrants while the indigenous people are neglected, taxed to the hilt or have their Winter Fuel Allowance removed from them, the UK has become a dumping ground for the Scum of the earth.
About £14 billion a year is given away to some of the richest countries of the world, more than £10 billion has been sent to Africa to help with Climate Change and what does the UK get out of it, we have African Scum, Asian Scum, and Middle Eastern Scum arriving by small boats on a daily basis.

It's easy to deal with them, put them back on bigger boats at gun point if necessary and, send them all back to the land of the EU, there are no wars in the EU so they can have them all back and, that means every Migrant who is scrounging off the taxpayers.

[Shadowblade]

It's easy to deal with them, put them back on bigger boats at gun point if necessary and, send them all back to the land of the EU, there are no wars in the EU so they can have them all back and, that means every Migrant who is scrounging off the taxpayers.


no, thanks - send them back to Africa and Middle East.
Those illegals want to have their caliphate in Europe, so no need to send them reinforcements from UK.

[Moonlight]

^The EU's open borders policy is the culprit here, you let them walk through all your EU countries without having any customs checks at all, murderers, rapists, terrorists and drug smugglers by the thousands, you'll all pay the price for that stupidity one day. They're your Scum, take them back.

EXCLUSIVE Strip-searched, naked and left fearing she'd been drugged and raped in a police cell: Inside mystery of woman's 40 hours in custody - and crucial two hours of missing CCTV

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13563129/Woman-drugged-raped-custody-GMP-mystery-CCTV.html

This is going on all over the UK, the police aren't trusted in many places anymore and in some communities they're hated, some of those bent coppers are worse than the criminals they arrest.

[mapuc]

A US bomb from the second world war that had been buried at a Japanese airport has exploded, causing a large crater in a taxiway and the cancellation of more than 80 flights but no injuries, Japanese officials said.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/02/buried-us-second-world-war-bomb-explodes-at-japanese-miyazaki-airport

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Fat Bear Week delayed after contestant killed by rival

The start of the annual Fat Bear Week contest in the US was delayed this week after one of the potential contestants was killed by a rival.

Both bears were in contention for the 10th anniversary of the tournament pitting the heaviest bears against each other in an online vote, as they finish bulking for hibernation.

Caught on a live webcam, the brutal attack involved a male known as Bear 469 and a female called Bear 402 in a river at Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve.
https://news.sky.com/story/fat-bear-week-delayed-after-contestant-killed-by-rival-13227088

[mapuc]

The social media star, whose real name is Terryon Ishmael Thomas, was taken into custody on Tuesday following a manhunt. The 20-year-old has been linked to 69-year-old William Nicholas Abraham, whose body was found dumped on a road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Sunday.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/tiktok-star-mr-prada-arrested-33805341

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Naked Donald Trump statue near Las Vegas branded 'deplorable'

A statue depicting a naked Donald Trump has been branded "deplorable" by Republicans after it was put on display near Las Vegas.

The 43ft-tall effigy of the former US president in the nude was displayed on a plot of land off a highway in Nevada.

It's unclear who is behind the sculpture, with the Nevada Republican Party saying it "strongly condemns the deplorable statue".

"While families drive through Las Vegas, they are forced to view this offensive marionette, designed intentionally for shock value rather than meaningful dialogue," it added.

"President Trump and Republicans are focused on delivering results that matter - reducing inflation, securing our borders, creating jobs, and ensuring a brighter future for all Americans.

"While Democrats, especially Kamala Harris, continue to prioritise shock value over substance."

A spokesperson for the anonymous artist behind the work said the installation is called Crooked and Obscene.

They told local TV station KSNV the statue is "43ft tall, 10ft wide… weighs 6,000lbs, and is made of foam over rebar," adding that it intended to "ignite conversations".

The statue was due to be removed by Monday night and will be moved to "key swing states," the spokesperson added.
https://news.sky.com/story/naked-donald-trump-statue-near-las-vegas-branded-deplorable-13225684

[Jimbuna]

Cheese dating back 3,600 years found in Chinese tomb, researchers say

The world's oldest piece of cheese has been discovered - found laid across a mummy's neck.

A 3,600-year-old coffin was opened in the Xiaohe Cemetery in Xinjiang, China, during an excavation in 2003, where a substance was draped across the neck of a mummified young woman.

Despite seeming like a piece of jewellery at the time, scientists have now said they have identified the sample as the oldest piece of cheese in the world.

Qiaomei Fu, a paleogeneticist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, told Sky's partner network NBC News: "Regular cheese is soft. This is not. It has now become really dry, dense and hard dust."

She explained that when the woman's coffin was exhumed, it was found to be well preserved because of the Tarim Basin desert's dry climate.
https://news.sky.com/story/cheese-dating-back-3-600-years-found-in-chinese-tomb-researchers-say-13222530

[August]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rSxKftvU9w

[Jimbuna]

Bin lorries, ambulances and a hearse among vehicles stolen in the UK in 2023

Ambulances, bin lorries, road sweepers and even a hearse were among more than 100,000 vehicles stolen in the UK in 2023, according to newly released figures.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data shows the vehicle type taken most often was a five-door hatchback car, with 24,518 thefts, followed by estate cars (20,685), motorbikes (18,673) and small vans (11,172).

But the 2023 thefts also include a few more conspicuous vehicles - including nine ambulances, seven ride-on lawnmowers, four bin lorries, three road sweepers and two tar sprayers.

The figures also include one hearse, one concrete mixer, one sewage tank emptier, and one fire engine.

It shows there is "literally no type of vehicle that someone won't steal", motoring research charity the RAC Foundation said in response to the data, which was issued in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

The figures - 106,524 thefts in total - relate to stolen vehicle reports made by police forces to the DVLA.
https://news.sky.com/story/bin-lorries-ambulances-and-a-hearse-among-vehicles-stolen-in-the-uk-in-2023-13228952

[Jimbuna]

Iwao Hakamada: World's longest-serving death row inmate acquitted in Japan

The world's longest-serving death row prisoner has been acquitted after a court in Japan ruled he wasn't behind a 1966 multiple murder.

Iwao Hakamada, 88, had spent 48 years behind bars, more than 45 of them on death row, longer than any other inmate.

The ex-boxer was sentenced to death in 1968 for killing his former boss, his wife, and two of their children and setting fire to their home.

He was acquitted on Thursday by a court in Shizuoka in central Japan, after the presiding judge, Koshi Kunii, said he wasn't guilty and evidence used against him had been made up, Japanese public broadcaster NHK said.

Hakamada originally denied being behind the murders, before confessing, which he later said he was forced to do after a violent interrogation by police.

Questions arose over blood-stained clothes investigators said belonged to him, which were found more than a year after his arrest, hidden in a tank of fermented soybean paste, or miso.

In 2023, a Tokyo High Court accepted evidence that clothing soaked in miso for more than a year turns too dark for bloodstains to be seen and admitted the evidence may have been concocted by investigators.

Furthermore, blood samples did not match Hakamada's DNA, and the trousers that prosecutors submitted as evidence were too small for him.

His planned execution was delayed by lengthy appeals and the retrial process, which meant he'd been in jail for 27 years by the time his first appeal for a retrial was turned down.

Last year the court changed its verdict, ruling in favour of his second appeal, organised by his 91-year-old sister, Hideko Hakamada, in 2008.

That ruling led to the latest retrial, which began in October.

Hakamada hasn't been in prison for 10 years as he was released in 2014 when a court ordered a retrial after new evidence suggested investigators fabricated evidence used against him, but he was not acquitted then.

After his release, Hakamada served his sentence at home because his frail health and age made him a low risk for escape.

At a final hearing at the Shizuoka court in May before Thursday's decision, prosecutors again demanded the death penalty, triggering criticism from rights groups that prosecutors were trying to prolong the trial.

He is the fifth death-row convict to be found not guilty in a retrial in Japan since 1945.
https://news.sky.com/story/iwao-hakamada-worlds-longest-serving-death-row-inmate-acquitted-in-japan-13222276

[Jimbuna]

BBC weather app predicts hurricane force winds in London and 400C in Nottingham after 'glitch'

The BBC has apologised to users after its weather app mistakenly showed forecasts for "hurricane force" winds near London and temperatures over 400C in Nottingham.

BBC Weather forecasters were quick to point out the issue and make clear the incorrect graphics were being looked into.

"Oops, don't be alarmed by some of our [BBC Weather app] data this morning," lead BBC Weather presenter and meteorologist Simon King wrote on X.

"Be assured there won't be 14408mph winds, hurricane force winds or overnight temperatures of 404C. It is being looked at and hopefully sorted asap."

Mr King said he appreciated the graphic may have caused "some confusion", especially with Hurricane Milton bringing dangerous winds to parts of Florida in the US.

"Hopefully, the impossible numbers changed that," he said. "Still being worked on."

BBC broadcast meteorologist Matt Taylor added: "There's been a data glitch between our suppliers and the app/online. Folk are working to solve the issue.

"No need to panic buy plywood and candles."

Among the erroneous forecasts were 15,583mph winds predicted for Lincoln.

The issue was also acknowledged by forecasters on air.
https://news.sky.com/story/bbc-weather-app-suffers-glitch-as-hurricane-force-winds-and-temperatures-over-400c-forecast-13231213

[Catfish]

BBC weather app predicts hurricane force winds in London and 400C in Nottingham
[...]
So Fox News has made its way to the UK?

[Jimbuna]

So Fox News has made its way to the UK?

Apparently so :)

[Sean C]

I took these pictures this evening in Williamsburg, Virginia. I've never seen anything like it. I suppose it could be an aurora ... although that would be extremely rare at this latitude. At any rate, it was striking.


https://i.imgur.com/S740ipo.jpeg


https://i.imgur.com/IjjCIVp.jpeg

[Moonlight]

^Northern lightshow! Aurora Borealis lights up Britain's skies as far south as Sussex and Devon in stunning nighttime display

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13948741/Northern-lights-Aurora-Borealis-Britain-skies-south-Sussex-Devon.html

Apparently we got a weather phenomenon like yours on Thursday evening too.

My money is on Aliens going into an early hyperdrive and creating a geomagnetic storm, these events are too random to be anything else. :up:

I've never ever seen one of these things, one day eh.

[Jimbuna]

Last night in South Shields.

https://i.postimg.cc/c1QVTRt8/111.jpg (https://postimg.cc/gr2S26DY)

https://i.postimg.cc/BvrVBbqg/222.jpg (https://postimg.cc/7CN9xxJG)

[Jimbuna]

Police discover drugs in bag labelled 'definitely not a bag full of drugs'

Police in the US have found drugs inside a bag labelled "definitely not a bag full of drugs".

The stash was discovered in Portland, Oregon, when officers stopped a driver and passenger inside an allegedly stolen car.

Posting about the incident on X, Portland Police Bureau said scales, cash and a loaded gun were also found.

Pictured along with the items recovered from the vehicle was a small brown make-up bag with the words "definitely not a bag full of drugs" written on the front.

Despite the claim on the vanity case, more than 10g of fentanyl and meth was reportedly found inside.
https://news.sky.com/story/police-discover-drugs-in-bag-labelled-definitely-not-a-bag-full-of-drugs-13232352

[Eichhörnchen]

^Northern lightshow! Aurora Borealis lights up Britain's skies as far south as Sussex and Devon in stunning nighttime display

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13948741/Northern-lights-Aurora-Borealis-Britain-skies-south-Sussex-Devon.html

Apparently we got a weather phenomenon like yours on Thursday evening too.

My money is on Aliens going into an early hyperdrive and creating a geomagnetic storm, these events are too random to be anything else. :up:

I've never ever seen one of these things, one day eh.

There's supposed to be a comet visible in the SW just after dark here - couldn't see anything tonight cos of cloud

[Catfish]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R5v74q3-_Zs
The comet can be visible at appx. 1 o'clock respectively to the sun, but only at when the sun just settles (otherwise outshone by the latter).
It is part of a larger asteroid that broke apart millenia ago.
The northern lights visible are caused by the sun's magnetical storm
https://www.spaceweather.com/

[Moonlight]

There's supposed to be a comet visible in the SW just after dark here - couldn't see anything tonight cos of cloud

There'll be Venus in the SW tonight as well, that comet is lower down on the horizon and slightly more west of where you're looking, don't take my word for it though as some stargazing nutter told me that.

[Jimbuna]

Mud, beer and cash: Annual wife-carrying championship takes Maine by storm

While its origins are not exactly politically correct - more than 30 couples competed in the North American Wife Carrying Championship in front of cheering crowds.

The event sees competitors splash through water, leap over logs and trudge through mud - all while carrying their partner like a sack of potatoes.

It is believed to be based on a 19th century Finnish legend involving a man known as "Ronkainen the Robber", whose gang was known to pillage villages and carry away the women.

Traditionally, the Finnish event featured male competitors carrying a woman.

On Saturday, competing couples did not have to be married, nor did they have to be a man and a woman.

One contestant - the carrier - was dressed as Mr Incredible, while his "wife" was dressed entirely in pink.

They and others were cheered on by crowds on both sides of the 254-metre course at Sunday River ski resort.
https://news.sky.com/story/mud-beer-and-cash-annual-wife-carrying-championship-takes-maine-by-storm-13232749

[mapuc]

The incident initially took place nine months ago on Jan. 12 when the Mesa County Sheriff's Office in Colorado received a call regarding a "suspicious incident" in Grand Junction, approximately 240 miles west of Denver, according to a statement from the Mesa County Sheriff's Office.
"Upon arrival, deputies found the head and hands of a human had been discovered in a freezer by someone who arrived to claim the free appliance offered by the new owner of the recently sold home," police said.


https://abcnews.go.com/US/head-hands-found-colorado-freezer-belong-16-year/story?id=114742467

Markus

[Jimbuna]

World Conker Championships investigates cheating concerns after winner found with steel nut

The World Conker Championships is investigating after the men's champion was found with a steel chestnut in his pocket.

David Jakins, 82, was victorious in Sunday's event - it was his first win after competing since 1977.

The veteran player, known as "King Conker", recorded several victories in which he destroyed the other player's conker with one hit.

His opponent in the final Alastair Johnson-Ferguson told The Daily Telegraph he raised concerns after his conker "disintegrated in one hit, and that just doesn't happen".

A fake steel conker, painted brown, was later found in Mr Jakins' pocket.

He denied using it during the tournament in Southwick, Northamptonshire, and said he only had it with him for "humour value".

Mr Jakins, who helped prepare other players' conkers which are selected randomly from a sack, also denied any suggestion he marked the strings to highlight harder nuts.

The chairman of the organising committee said the steel conker was indistinguishable from a real one, with its weight the only giveaway.

St. John Burkett told Sky News that an investigation of a video suggested no foul play and that Mr Jakins had called the cheating claims "a load of nonsense".

"We are currently minded to think that the win was fair, and that the steel conker was kept in the pocket throughout, but just need to complete the last parts of the investigation," he said.

He told Sky's Kay Burley: "Whilst Mr Jakins put his hand in his pocket at the end of the match and indeed threw a conker from a different pocket into the crowd, he was very closely watched by four judges.

"It looks like it was absolutely impossible for him to cheat. We have got some various other testimony that indicates innocence."

Mr Jakins won the men's competition but lost in the overall final to women's champion Kelci Banschbach, originally from the United States, who only took up the game last year when she moved to Suffolk.
https://news.sky.com/story/world-conker-championships-investigates-cheating-concerns-after-winner-found-with-steel-nut-13233814

[Jimbuna]

Prickly mayor bans cactus plants in buildings

A German town has banned the humble cactus from the town hall, schools and nurseries.

The mayor of Plettenberg, near Dusseldorf in North Rhine-Westphalia, banned the spiky plants from municipal buildings after a man required medical attention from injuring himself on a cactus in a school building.

"What was an injury to the adult man's arm could easily have been a serious injury to the face for a small child in the same place," the council said, according to local media.

The council reportedly said the nature of the injury could not be disclosed "due to the need to protect the personal rights and privacy of our staff".

In a letter to local state workers, Plettenberg mayor Ulrich Schulte wrote: "Due to the current situation, all official and private cacti (Cactaceae) must be removed from municipal buildings immediately."

The mayor said the ban was being undertaken because such plants could "cause ugly injuries".

He said cacti would be banned not only in schools and nurseries but from all municipal spaces.

"Even if this order seems adventurous, excessive, superfluous or ridiculous to some employees, it has a serious background in terms of protecting the health of all employees and especially children in schools and daycare centres," the mayor added.

A spokesperson for the council told local media the town had since "successfully implemented the cactus ban".
https://news.sky.com/story/prickly-mayor-bans-cactus-plants-in-buildings-13234384

[Jimbuna]

Scientists claim breakthrough to bringing back Tasmanian tiger from extinction

The Tasmanian tiger, a wolf-like marsupial that once stalked the forests of Tasmania, could be brought back from extinction after a team of US and Australian researchers claimed a series of scientific breakthroughs.

Also known as the thylacine, the labrador-sized beast was Australia’s last marsupial apex predator.

The last one died in a Hobart zoo in 1936 after the rest had been hunted to extinction in a bid to protect Tasmania’s growing livestock industry.

However, its recent demise makes it an ideal candidate for “de-extinction”, according to Colossal Biosciences, the Dallas-based company behind the effort.

Colossal has previously announced plans to use the latest advances in gene editing and reproductive biology to bring woolly mammoths and even the dodo back from the dead.

“The thylacine samples used for our new reference genome are among the best-preserved ancient specimens my team has worked with,” according to Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s chief science officer.

“It’s rare to have a sample that allows you to push the envelope in ancient DNA methods to such an extent.”

Most attempts to reconstruct the genetic code of long-extinct species are thwarted by the fact that DNA is fragile and breaks down over time.

But a 108-year-old specimen preserved in alcohol at a museum in Melbourne has allowed the team to extract a thylacine DNA sequence they claim is 99.9% the same as the original.

They were even able to extract more fragile RNA molecules from the sample. This allowed the team to see which of the thylacine’s genes were being expressed in certain tissues.

“With this new resource in hand we will be able to determine what a thylacine could taste, what it could smell, what kind of vision it had and even how its brain functioned,” said Professor Andrew Pask from the University of Melbourne, who is collaborating on the project.
https://news.sky.com/story/scientists-claim-breakthrough-to-bringing-back-tasmanian-tiger-from-extinction-13234815

[Jimbuna]

Ex-detective gets 19 years in jail for stealing 4kg of cocaine from work to sell in Manchester

A former police detective, who was found to have stolen cocaine from an evidence store after dropping a bag of white powder outside his child's school, has been jailed for 19 years.

Andrew Talbot, who worked for Greater Manchester Police's serious crime division, was found guilty of misconduct in public office and supplying class A drugs last month.

The 54-year-old took almost 4kg of cocaine with a retail value of almost £400,000 from storage after it had earlier been seized by officers and he searched police systems for dealers to help him sell the drugs, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Talbot, who had a cocaine addiction, supplied the stolen drugs to criminals and as a result of his "greed a significant quantity" of cocaine was put back into circulation on the streets of Manchester, said the judge.

Talbot was caught when he accidentally dropped a small bag of the drug outside his daughter's primary school in February 2020.
https://news.sky.com/story/ex-detective-gets-19-years-in-jail-for-stealing-4kg-of-cocaine-from-work-to-sell-in-manchester-13235348

[Jimbuna]

New 'grumpy' fish species discovered in the Red Sea

A new type of fish described as "grumpy" by scientists has been found in the Arabian Red Sea.

The species - scientifically named sueviota aethon - has been dubbed the grumpy dwarfgoby by researchers who found the fish among coral reefs in the sea, living in small holes and crevices.

In a study published last week, researchers said the name "refers to the fish's apparent grumpy and rather unhappy appearance, primarily due to the extremely upturned mouth position".

The "dwarf" part of its name refers to its size of under 2cm and "goby" to the family of fish it belongs to: gobiidae - which comprises of some 2,000 species of bony fish.

The team of researchers from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the University of Washington revealed the grumpy dwarfgoby to the world in a study published in Pensoft's ZooKeys journal.
https://news.sky.com/story/new-grumpy-fish-species-discovered-in-the-red-sea-13217205

[Jimbuna]

'Hero of a human being' - Outpouring of support as Sir Chris Hoy reveals his cancer is terminal

There's been an outpouring of support for Sir Chris Hoy after the Olympic great revealed his cancer is terminal and he has between two and four years to live.

A host of sport and entertainment stars replied to his latest Instagram post in which he said he was "overwhelmed by all the love".

Fellow cycling legend Sir Mark Cavendish called him a "hero of a human being", while former Scotland footballer and pundit Ally McCoist posted: "You, my friend are a superstar in every sense of the word. Love and strength from us all."

There were also messages of support from Olympic and Paralympic champions Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Dame Sarah Storey, as well as TV personalities Jack Whitehall and Paddy McGuinness.

"Chris Hoy is one of the finest to ever represent our country. Thoughts with him, Sarra and his immediate family," said British rowing great Sir Matthew Pinsent on X.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added his voice to the well wishes, posting: "Such sad news. Chris is a British sporting legend.

"To face his diagnosis with such positivity is inspiring. The whole country is behind him and his family."

That sentiment was echoed by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who told Sky News' Trevor Phillips he was "in awe" of the "optimism and positivity" shown by Sir Chris in such a difficult situation.

Sir Chris revealed in February he was being treated for cancer, but told The Sunday Times today he has terminal prostate cancer and has known for more than a year.

The six-time Olympic champion said the disease was now incurable and had spread to his bones, with tumours in his shoulder, pelvis, hip, spine and rib.

"As unnatural as it feels, this is nature. You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process," he told the newspaper.

"You remind yourself, aren't I lucky that there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible."

Sir Chris said a tumour was initially found in his shoulder last year and a follow-up scan revealed the primary cancer was in his prostate.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and most cases develop in people aged 50 or older. Some cases can be cured if treated in the early stages.

The 48-year-old Scot is married with two children aged seven and 10 - and his wife Sarra also has significant health challenges.

Sir Chris said she was diagnosed with "very active and aggressive" multiple sclerosis just a month or so after he found out about his stage-four cancer.

The former Olympian was part of the BBC's Paris 2024 coverage in the summer and is now with the broadcaster at the world track cycling championships.

Posting a photo with the team, he said: "You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I'm feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onwards!"

Sir Chris is an 11-time world champion with six Olympic gold medals and one silver at three different games - Athens, Beijing and London in 2012.

He retired in 2013 and since then has been a regular TV pundit as well as competing in motorsport events, including the famous Le Mans 24 race in 2016.
https://news.sky.com/story/hero-of-a-human-being-outpouring-of-support-as-sir-chris-hoy-reveals-his-cancer-is-terminal-13237532

[Jimbuna]

Children's soft play centre apologises over body bag Halloween decorations

A children's soft play centre has apologised and removed its realistic-looking Halloween body bags after concerns from "shocked" parents.

One mother, who took her daughter to Rugrats and Halfpints in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, on Sunday said she did a "double take" when she spotted the decorations.

Pictures show they resemble human bodies covered in black plastic - some wrapped with tape marked "Caution" and "Danger" - hanging upside down from poles adjoining one of the soft play structures.

The mother, who didn't want to be named, told Sky News: "I went inside with my daughter.

"The body bags were at the back which can't be seen from the cafe area, only by kids inside.

"When I saw them I did a double take - surely that can't be what I think it is? I just didn't want to have to explain to my kid what they were.

"I spoke to some other parents after who were as shocked as I was that it was deemed appropriate. It's a great soft play, but that did shock me a bit!"

A spokesperson told Sky News: "This is the first time someone has brought it to our attention so of course due to this we will take them down immediately.

"It wasn't to cause distress and we apologise this is how they have felt."

According to the centre's website, the Cirencester inside play park offers parents "a variety of different play areas and entertainment for your kids to get stuck in while you can enjoy our onsite cafe".

"Winner of the Travellers Choice Award 2022, Rugrats is committed to providing a safe, clean and stimulating environment, with the emphasis on fun," it says.

"In essence, Rugrats and Half Pints is the soft play centre you have been waiting for."
https://news.sky.com/story/childrens-soft-play-centre-apologises-over-body-bag-halloween-decorations-13237681

[Jimbuna]

Dunedin Airport introduces maximum hugging time of three minutes at drop-off zone

An airport in New Zealand has limited hugging in its drop-off zone to a maximum of three minutes - with anyone wanting a longer goodbye told to head for the car park.

Dunedin International Airport, on New Zealand's South Island, announced the rule change last month as part of a broader effort to improve safety and keep traffic flowing in the zone, local media reported.

Signs have gone up informing people sending off their loved ones that the new rule is "Max hug time three minutes" or "It's hard to say goodbye so make it quick. 3 minutes max".

They replaced the previous signs which only reminded drivers that cars left unattended would risk being clamped and charged NZ$70, Stuff reported.

The airport's CEO, Daniel De Bono, told Radio New Zealand (RNZ) airports are "hotbeds of emotion" and quoted a study that suggested a 20-second hug is long enough to release oxytocin, the "love hormone."

He said moving passengers along quickly allows more people to get more hugs.

Mr De Bono said part of the reason for the cuddle cap was that "our team have seen interesting things go on... over the years".

One of the signs put up says anyone wanting "fonder farewells " should head to the car park, where a free 15-minute visit is allowed.
https://news.sky.com/story/dunedin-airport-introduces-maximum-hugging-time-of-three-minutes-at-drop-off-zone-13238099

[Jimbuna]

Pizza with a side of cocaine? German pizzeria raided over 'best-selling' special order

A German pizzeria has been busted after allegedly delivering one of its dishes with a customary side order of cocaine.

Police said the restaurant in Dusseldorf, western Germany, would provide the drug when customers asked for item number 40 on the menu. It is not known how much the pizzeria charged for the special order.

"That was one of the best-selling pizzas," criminal director Michael Graf von Moltke said.

The police were first tipped off by food inspectors in March, he added.

When drug squad officers began observing the restaurant, they buzzed the restaurant manager's apartment. He then proceeded to throw a bag of drugs out of the window which "fell right into the arms of the police officers", according to Dusseldorf police.

Police discovered 1.6kg of cocaine, 40g of cannabis and €268,000 (£223,480) in cash. The manager, 36, was detained for a few days.

However, he soon reopened the business and continued to sell pizza number 40 with the usual side order, police said.

That gave investigators an opportunity to look into the supply chain and after several weeks, some 150 officers busted an entire drug ring in western Germany, arresting three people, including the 22-year-old suspected head of the operation, and raided homes and businesses of another 12 suspects.
https://news.sky.com/story/pizza-with-a-side-of-cocaine-german-pizzeria-raided-over-best-selling-special-order-13238774

[Moonlight]

Private jets, the Four Seasons royal suite and even a $26k Birkin bag for the wife: How Hamas's corrupt billionaire leaders cruelly lined their own pockets with cash meant for poverty-stricken Gazans - and you might have paid for it...

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13994591/hamas-leaders-western-aid-fund-lifestyle.html

Between 2014 and 2020, UN agencies, funded of course by the taxpayers of member countries, spent nearly £3.6 billion in Gaza, more than 80 per cent of which was channelled through UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees).

Much of that cash, however, didn't find its way to Gazans in need but was stolen by their leaders – either to fund their own lifestyles or to divert towards their demented terror campaign.

It's the same thing all over the world, it doesn't matter if you're living in a communist country or live in a democracy, the leaders get the best of everything and the rest have to make ends meet somehow, this type of news doesn't surprise me anymore as it's revealed it's just the same with the Terrorist communities.
While the people of Gaza live in poverty and have suffered under the horrors of Hamas, the terror group's leaders apparently are living high on the hog.
It should come with a health warning though, the more successful a terrorist is, the more it's going to shorten their lives, and some leaders are apparently living on borrowed time.

[Jimbuna]

Funeral home in Poland apologizes after a corpse falls out of a hearse in traffic

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A funeral home in Poland issued an unusual apology on Saturday after a corpse that it was transporting fell out of a hearse and into traffic.

Polish media reported that a man was driving down a street Friday in Stalowa Wola, a city in southeastern Poland, when he first saw a sheet on his car window. When the sheet slid down, he saw a body lying on the road. For a moment the driver feared that he had hit the person.

Local media published an image of the corpse lying on a white striped pedestrian crossing where it tumbled out of the hearse.

The company transporting the corpse, Hades Funeral Services, issued a statement Saturday taking responsibility for the incident and blaming a technical failure of the hearse.

“It is with deep regret that we inform you that as a result of an unexpected technical failure of the electric tailgate lock in the hearse, during the transport of the body of the deceased, an unfortunate event occurred which does not reflect the high standards of our company, our deep empathy towards the families of the deceased, and the respect we always show to the deceased,” the company wrote in a statement posted on its website.

It apologized to “all those who were disappointed and upset by this event.”
https://apnews.com/article/poland-hearse-corpse-apology-21d29f1ddd883fe0bfc2ae278b89be6d

[Moonlight]

Furious Esther Rantzen says Wes Streeting is forcing her to 'fly to Dignitas to die alone' after Health Secretary said he would vote against legalising assisted dying

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13996103/Furious-Esther-Rantzen-says-Wes-Streeting-forcing-fly-Dignitas-die-Health-Secretary-said-vote-against-legalising-assisted-dying.html

This silly bitch is only bothered about her own circumstances and not the general public, she should come up my way if she wants killing, I've got a bucket that needs a workout and Esther will get it done for nothing just to shut her up.
The issue I have about Assisted Dying is there are too many unscrupulous people in the world who would use it as an excuse to get rid of their parents or relatives, financial gain or getting rid of a burden is a massive incentive to kill them off legally.

[Moonlight]

Michael Buerk faces backlash after branding Liam Payne a 'drugged up, faded, boy band singer' as he condemns BBC's coverage of singer's death

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html

I'm in agreement with the Buerk, It's about time someone spoke up about this drugged up pillock and the media merry go round that's been going on for over a week. I've took exception to the BBC's and newspaper coverage of his death as well, it's been wall to wall coverage of complete and utter bollocks. There's more important newsworthy articles that have been almost drowned out by this waste of space, if the twat came alive tomorrow I'd hunt the pillock down and kill him myself....Make my day you currant.

[Jimbuna]

Rather harsh coming from a God fearing gentleman :o

[Moonlight]

It might be harsh but it's true, all those lives lost just for another quick fix, and the tragic thing about it is, they know they need help but most of the junkies haven't got the willpower to go and get it.

[Jimbuna]

Aesculapian snake that grows up to 2 metres in length 'living in UK attics and walls'

One of Europe's biggest snakes - which can grow up to two metres in length - is setting up home in the attics and wall cavities of UK homes, according to a study.

Aesculapian snakes are non-native but after two potential "escapes" can be found in the capital - near London Zoo and Regent's Canal - and around Colwyn Bay in North Wales.

A study on the snakes found they were "actively seeking and returning to use inhabited buildings".

Researchers from Bangor University observed them "climbing large structures to access the attics and wall cavities of houses".

Male Aesculapian snakes had a "distinct preference" for buildings - with seven out of eight seeking indoor shelter - and are "unafraid of using buildings and other features in close proximity to humans".

Female snakes, however, preferred to stay in woodland.

The study implanted 21 Aesculapian snakes with radio transmitters over two seasons to see the extent of their habitat.

People with a snake phobia might be comforted by the knowledge other UK species, such as the adder, smooth snake and grass snake, usually steer clear of buildings and urban environments.

Aesculapian snakes are excellent climbers but are not venomous and constrict their prey, which mainly consists of rodents and small mammals.

Some are living in the wild around Colwyn Bay after escaping from the Welsh Mountain Zoo in the 1970s, the authors of the study said.

London Zoo says it is not responsible for the population of the snakes around the tourist attraction and nearby canal.

Instead, the snakes are thought to have been released or escaped from a group in the area that was studying them in the 1980s.

Aesculapian snakes are native to central, southern and eastern Europe and parts of western Asia.

The groups of snakes in the UK are the northernmost populations of the species.
https://news.sky.com/story/aesculapian-snake-that-grows-up-to-2-metres-in-length-living-in-uk-attics-and-walls-13240967

[Jimbuna]

Jamie Oliver warns followers to be alert to 'lorryloads of very posh cheese' being sold by 'wrong'uns'

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has asked his followers to be alert for "lorryloads of very posh cheese" being sold on "for cheap" after a retailer had more than 22 tonnes of product stolen by scammers.

Neal's Yard Dairy, which sells and distributes British artisan cheese, was duped by a "fraudulent buyer posing as a legitimate wholesale distributor for a major French retailer".

Over 950 wheels of Hafod, Westcombe, and Pitchfork Cheddar - which would have been worth around £300,000 - were delivered before the fraud was discovered.

"There has been a great cheese robbery," Oliver told his 10.5m Instagram followers.

"Some of the best cheddar cheese in the world has been stolen."

Calling it a "real shame", he said, "if anyone hears anything about posh cheese going for cheap, it is probably some wrong'uns.

"So if anyone hears anything about lorryloads of posh cheese, I mean I don't know what they are going to do with it, really.

"Are they going to unpeel it from the cloth, and cut it and grate it and get rid of it in the fast food industry, in the commercial industry? I don't know - it feels like a really weird thing to nick."

The amount stolen equals the entire annual production of Hafod cheese, "potentially creating a significant gap in the artisanal cheese market", Oliver said.

Neal's Yard has promised to still pay all three artisan cheesemakers in full.

"Remember, if the deal seems too gouda to be true, it probably is! Let's find these cheese stealers," Oliver concluded in his Instagram caption.
https://news.sky.com/story/jamie-oliver-warns-followers-to-be-alert-to-lorryloads-of-very-posh-cheese-being-sold-by-wronguns-13242524

[Jimbuna]

Timothee Chalamet crashes lookalike competition in New York

Actor Timothee Chalamet has made a surprise appearance at his own lookalike contest in New York.

He posed for photos in Lower Manhattan on Sunday alongside fans and his dead ringers - some dressed as the 28-year-old's characters from the Wonka and Dune movies.

But just as the wannabe-Chalamets began competing along a red carpet in New York's Washington Square Park, police ordered the group to disperse.

Organisers were hit with a $500 (£385) fine for an "unpermitted costume contest" and at least one person was taken away in handcuffs.

The group reassembled in a nearby playground, where more than a dozen contestants vied for audience approval from a makeshift stage.

After whittling the group down to the last four, the remaining participants were then tested on various topics.

They were asked about their French proficiency, their plans to make the world a better place and their romantic intentions with Kylie Jenner. Chalamet and Jenner are said to be a couple.

Eventually, Miles Mitchell, 21, from Staten Island was picked as the winner, taking home $50 (£38) in prize money which appeared in the form of a novelty-size cheque written out to the "Best Tim".

He was dressed in a purple Willy Wonka outfit and tossed candy to the crowd from a briefcase.

"I'm excited and I'm also overwhelmed," Mitchell said. "There were so many good look-alikes."
https://news.sky.com/story/timothee-chalamet-crashes-lookalike-competition-in-new-york-13243311

[Jimbuna]

Parrots missing from London Zoo found behind Cambridgeshire family's garden

Two parrots that went missing from London Zoo have been found after being spotted 60 miles away near a family's back garden.

London Zoo said Lily and Margot, two blue-throated macaws, did not return to their enclosure on 21 October after flying freely as part of their daily routine.

An appeal was launched urging members of the public to report the location of the escaped parrots, with people told not to feed or approach them.

Six days later, zookeepers were able to track down the birds when a family in Buckden, Cambridgeshire, spotted them in the trees behind their garden.

The macaws flew away again before being tracked down to a field and public footpath in nearby Brampton.

When they arrived to collect the birds, Lily and Margot flew into the zookeeper's arms and were treated to pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and pecans.

The birds are said to be in good condition and are now in quarantine at the on-site animal hospital, where they will then rejoin their parents, Popeye and Ollie.
https://news.sky.com/story/parrots-missing-from-london-zoo-found-behind-cambridgeshire-familys-garden-13243442

[mapuc]

The world’s fattest cat, Crumbs, died a few weeks after attending a feline fat camp.

After gaining viral fame as “Kroshik” — the Russian word for “Crumbs” — the cat was put on a weight-loss regimen following his rescue from the basement of a Russian hospital. Crumbs had been raised on a diet of biscuits and soup, which led him to weigh 38 pounds.

Since his rescue, he’d been making notable progress at a specialized veterinary center in Perm, Russia, losing 7 pounds. Tragically, his journey was cut short when he developed sudden breathing problems and passed away on Saturday (26 October), according to The New York Post....

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/worlds-fattest-cat-crumbs-dies-russia-b2637239.html

Markus

[Jimbuna]

Vatican unveils new cartoon mascot for Catholic Church

The Vatican has unveiled a new mascot for the Catholic Church in the hope of engaging young people - a cartoon character named Luce.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Vatican's chief organiser for the church's upcoming jubilee year, said the mascot was "created from the desire to enter into the world of pop culture, so beloved by our young people".

Named after a Latin word for light, the mascot was designed by Simone Legno, the Italian co-founder of lifestyle brand Tokidoki, which is inspired by Japanese culture. He also designed Luce's "pilgrim friends" Fe, Xin and Sky.

The archbishop described Luce's design features as "the typical elements of the pilgrim", pointing to her "shining eyes" and "symbol of the hope of the heart".

"The image represents a happy union between Christian symbols and Japanese culture," he added.

According to the Catholic News Agency, the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization will host a space dedicated to "Luce and friends" at the Lucca Comics and Games convention in Italy on Wednesday.
https://news.sky.com/story/vatican-unveils-new-cartoon-mascot-for-catholic-church-13244550

[Jimbuna]

Russia fines Google more than world's entire GDP for blocking YouTube accounts

Google has reportedly racked up a fine of more than two undecillion rubles - two followed by 36 zeros - after it removed state-run and pro-government accounts from YouTube.

Put another way, an undecillion is a trillion times a trillion times a trillion.

The fine is far greater than the world's total GDP, estimated at $110 trillion by the International Monetary Fund.

Google - which owns YouTube - has a current stock market value of $2.16 trillion, so probably won't be stumping up the cash any time soon.

The fine is also still growing due to non-payment and, if not paid within nine months, will start to double every day, reported state news agency Tass.

The mind-boggling amount has grown because Google hasn't restored YouTube accounts belonging to 17 Russian TV channels, according to Russia's RBC News.

It claims a judge in the case said at a hearing on 28 October that he was considering "a case in which there are many, many zeros".

Google can reportedly only return to the Russian market if it complies with the court decision.
https://news.sky.com/story/russia-fines-google-more-than-worlds-entire-gdp-for-blocking-youtube-accounts-13245208

[Jimbuna]

'Vampire' returns from the dead: Scientists in Poland rebuild the face of 400-year-old woman

The face of a suspected 'vampire', who was buried with restraints to prevent her returning from the dead, has been reconstructed by scientists.

Using DNA, 3D printing and modelling clay, the team of scientists recreated what they think the 400-year-old woman's face looked like.

Zosia, as she was named by locals, was found in 2022 by a team of archaeologists from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland.

She was entombed in an unmarked cemetery in Pien, northern Poland - secured in place with an iron sickle across her neck and padlocked by the foot.

The sickle and padlock, as well as certain types of wood found at the grave site, were believed at the time to hold magical properties protecting against vampires, according to experts.

Analysis of Zosia's remains suggests she was aged 18 to 20 when she died and suffered from a health condition which would have caused fainting, severe headaches, and possible mental health issues.

Experts began the reconstruction by creating a 3D-printed replica of the skull, before gradually building layers of plasticine clay to form a life-like face.

The bone structure was combined with information on gender, age, ethnicity and approximate weight to estimate the depth of facial features.

"It's really ironic, in a way," said archaeologist Oscar Nilsson. "These people burying her, they did everything they could in order to prevent her from coming back from the dead.

"We have done everything we can in order to bring her back to life."

Among the other bodies found at the site in Pien, outside the northern city of Bydgoszcz, was a so-called "vampire" child, buried face down and also padlocked at the foot.

Little is known of Zosia's life, but Mr Nilsson and the Pien team say she may have been from a wealthy, possibly noble, family.
https://news.sky.com/story/vampire-returns-from-the-dead-scientists-in-poland-rebuild-the-face-of-400-year-old-woman-13245462

[Moonlight]

FLOOD RAGE Moment Spain flood survivors hurl MUD at King Felipe & smash Prime Minister’s car as fury grows over disaster response

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/31477468/king-felipe-floods-spain-valencia/

Hahaha haha, King Felipe came out of his ivory tower and had mud thrown at him, WTF did he expect to happen? and the Prime Minister did a runner, typical reaction from politicians when confronted with the reality of life, I'll stick to being a peasant thank you. :O:

[Jimbuna]

Large crowd duped into attending non-existent Halloween parade in Dublin

A large crowd of people were duped into lining the streets of Dublin for a Halloween parade that did not exist.

Spectators turned out in force to watch the apparent procession in the Irish capital on Thursday night – until they were told there had never been any plans for one to be held.

It came after a website posted a parade would be taking place in the city from 7pm. It appears the claims were then spread further on social media, including sites such as TikTok.

Irish police dispersed the crowd after appealing for those in the area to leave.

A Gardai statement on X said: "Please be advised that contrary to information being circulated online, no Halloween parade is scheduled to take place in Dublin City Centre this evening or tonight.

"All those gathered on O'Connell Street in expectation of such a parade are asked to disperse safely."

Commentators online joked that the event was a "ghost parade".

Irish politician Gary Gannon said "hundreds" had turned out - but added it showed there was "an appetite in Dublin for a well-organised annual Halloween parade".

Another X user added: "This is just Halloween, now think of how many people are fed with misinformation online on other issues."
https://news.sky.com/story/large-crowd-duped-into-attending-non-existent-halloween-parade-in-dublin-13246169

[Moonlight]

RSPB mutiny after manager is sacked over claims he treated Syrian refugee colleague 'like a slave'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14036373/rspb-volunteers-researchers-walk-manager-syrian-refugee-like-slave.html

"Volunteers staged a mass walkout after an RSPB manager of a nesting island was sacked over unfounded allegations he mistreated a Syrian refugee colleague".

How does a Dr become a refugee in the UK?, their aren't any refugees in the UK, there's only economic migrants and scrounging bastards.

Another set of currants who have a diversity stick stick shoved up their ass, hey birdbrains, how many countries in Africa, Asia or the Middle East practise Diversity, you don't know?, I'm thinking Diversity makes people thicker than they usually are, the answers "None of them", they knew the answer but they didn't want to answer the question as it doesn't fit their narrative.


Are pet squirrels legal in New York? What to know after social media star Peanut was euthanized by the state

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14036707/pet-squirrels-legal-New-York-Peanut-euthanized.html

"Longo said he was aware that it was against New York state law to own a wild animal without a license.
He claimed he was in the process of filing paperwork to get Peanut, who he has owned for seven years, certified as an educational animal."

Of course you were you lying pillock, and pigs can fly as well, this silly prat was keeping these wild animals as pets and that's the reason they were euthanized. After 7 years that squirrel would have been too tame to be let loose back into the wild, the bleeding idiot should be blaming himself for their deaths and not the authorities.

[Jimbuna]

Thieves steal Andy Warhol print of Queen Elizabeth II in the Netherlands - but bungle heist

"Amateurish" thieves have made off with a screen print of Queen Elizabeth II by Andy Warhol as part of a botched gallery heist in the Netherlands.

The thieves blew open the gallery doors, stealing two works from the iconic American pop artist, the gallery's owner Mark Peet Visser said.

Another two prints were left badly damaged in the street after the thieves discovered they wouldn't fit in the getaway car, he added.

The heist was captured on security cameras, Mr Visser said, describing the whole thing as "amateurish".

The gallery owner said "the bomb attack was so violent that my entire building was destroyed" and nearby stores were also damaged.

"So they did that part of it well, too well actually," he added.

"And then they ran to the car with the prints and it turns out that they won't fit in the car.

"At that moment the works are ripped out of the frames and you also know that they are damaged beyond repair, because it is impossible to get them out undamaged."

The thieves struck the MPV Gallery in the Dutch town of Oisterwijk early on Friday.

Mr Visser said they were attempting to steal four works from a 1985 Warhol series called Reigning Queens.

The series featured portraits of the then queens of the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark and Swaziland, which is now called Eswatini.

The thieves got away with the portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Margrethe II of Denmark, Mr Visser said.

But the prints of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Ntombi Tfwala, who is now known as the queen mother of Eswatini, were abandoned.
https://news.sky.com/story/amateurish-thieves-steal-andy-warhol-print-of-queen-elizabeth-ii-but-cant-fit-other-stolen-pictures-in-getaway-car-13246118

[Jimbuna]

Ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ are for sale nearly 2 decades after they were stolen

DALLAS (AP) — A pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” are on the auction block nearly two decades after a thief stole the iconic shoes, convinced they were adorned with real jewels.

Online bidding has started and will continue through Dec. 7, Heritage Auctions in Dallas announced in a news release Monday.

The auction company received the sequin-and-bead-bedazzled slippers from Michael Shaw, the memorabilia collector who originally owned the footwear at the heart of the beloved 1939 musical. Shaw had loaned the shoes in 2005 to the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

That summer, someone smashed through a display case and stole the slippers. Their whereabouts remained a mystery until the FBI recovered them in 2018.

Now the museum is among those vying for the slippers, which were one of several pairs Garland wore during the filming. Only four remain.

Grand Rapids raised money for the slippers at its annual Judy Garland festival. The funds will supplement the $100,000 set aside this year by Minnesota lawmakers to purchase the slippers.

The man who stole the slippers, Terry Jon Martin, was 76 when he was sentenced in January to time served because of his poor health. He admitting to using a hammer to smash the glass of the museum’s door and display case in what his attorney said was an attempt to pull off “one last score” after an old associate with connections to the mob told him the shoes had to be adorned with real jewels to justify their $1 million insured value.

The auction of movie memorabilia includes other items from “The Wizard of Oz,” such as a hat worn by Margaret Hamilton’s Wicked Witch of the West and the screen door from Dorothy’s Kansas home.
https://apnews.com/article/stolen-ruby-slippers-wizard-of-oz-minnesota-96f32011bac9d8b55432079c3f91f9d5

[Jimbuna]

He’s fast, feisty and could play Quidditch. Meet the bat that won a beauty contest

ASHLAND, Ore. (AP) — A winged creature from Oregon was crowned this year’s winner Thursday in an annual bat beauty contest put on by the Bureau of Land Management.

On Halloween, which was also the last day of International Bat Week, a hoary bat with a feisty personality named “Hoary Potter” defeated “Lestat”, the western small-footed bat from Idaho, in the final round of the contest. It also bested a Townsend’s big-eared bat named “Sir Flaps-A-Lot” from Utah, among others.

The victory marks the third year in a row that a bat from Oregon has taken first place in the contest. Last year, “William ShakespEAR,” a female Townsend’s big-eared bat from southern Oregon took the title. In 2022, a canyon bat named “Barbara” also from southern Oregon was declared the winner.

The federal agency has held the competition since 2019 to raise awareness about the animal’s ecological importance. The bats are part of wild populations living on public lands, and are photographed by agency staff. BLM posted the photos on its Facebook and Instagram accounts, and asked people to vote for the cutest one.
https://apnews.com/article/bat-beauty-contest-winners-halloween-hoary-potter-e22d796cb65551e15dfc7c8ad276e650

[Jimbuna]

England cricket legend Sir Ian Botham falls into crocodile-infested waters - and is rescued by former rival Merv Hughes

England cricket legend Sir Ian Botham was rescued by a former Australian rival after he fell off a boat into water "infested" with sharks and crocodiles.

The retired all-rounder was on a fishing trip with former Australian fast-bowler Merv Hughes when he got his flip-flops caught in some roping and plunged head-first into the Moyle River near Darwin, northern Australia.

Sir Ian, nicknamed Beefy, suffered severe bruising to his torso after hitting the boat on his way down – but escaped a worse fate when Hughes and fellow fishermen quickly pulled him out.

The 68-year-old wrote on Instagram on Friday: "My catch of the day was the barra [fish] while I was nearly catch of the day for all the crocs and bull sharks...

"Thanks boys for getting me out."
https://news.sky.com/story/england-cricket-legend-sir-ian-botham-falls-into-crocodile-infested-waters-and-is-rescued-by-former-rival-merv-hughes-13250430

[Jimbuna]

Forty monkeys escape from research facility in South Carolina

Forty monkeys have escaped from a research facility in South Carolina.

Thermal imaging cameras and traps have been deployed to recapture the animals, who broke free from the Alpha Genesis site in Yemassee on Wednesday night.

"Residents are strongly advised to keep doors and windows secured to prevent these animals from entering homes," police warned on Facebook.

Locals in Yemassee, about 50 miles (80km) west of Charleston, have been told not to approach the monkeys and immediately call 911 if they spot them.

Alpha Genesis says it provides "nonhuman primate products and bio-research services" with "more than 100 acres of quarantine, breeding, holding and research space".

It conducts clinical trials, including on brain disease treatments, and says it provides the "highest standards of care for all animals".

The breed that escaped hasn't been revealed, but the firm's site says it has macaque and capuchin monkeys.

It is not the first escape from Alpha Genesis, according to local media, with 19 reportedly breaking free in 2016 before being recaptured six hours later.
https://news.sky.com/story/forty-monkeys-escape-from-research-facility-in-south-carolina-13249963

[Moonlight]

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby QUITS: Archbishop reveals his 'profound sense of shame' as he resigns after damning report found his failure to act meant serial child abuser never faced justice

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/index.html

This pillock should have resigned years ago, he knew what was going on with that serial abuser John Smyth, he had hoped it could have been swept under the carpet like all the others before him but those days have gone, are they all perverts?, I'm not sure, but I'm betting there are lots of other people involved in it who are also perverts.

[Jimbuna]

China: Clampdown on bike rides after thousands of students take over highway to buy Kaifeng dumplings

A clampdown has been enforced to curb a social media trend in China - where thousands of students rent bikes late at night to buy soup dumplings.

Police in Henan province closed bike lanes connecting Zhengzhou and Kaifeng in a bid to reduce the number of students making the 37-mile journey.

Pictures showed that the crowd of students - which was called the Night Riding Army by some taking part - had blocked a highway in central China on Friday night.

Local outlets estimated that up to 200,000 young people had rented bikes - which cost as little as £1.51 for a month - to travel to Kaifeng for its famous guantangbao, a type of soup dumpling.
https://news.sky.com/story/china-clampdown-on-bike-rides-after-thousands-of-students-take-over-highway-to-buy-kaifeng-dumplings-13252516

[Jimbuna]

Magic Circle on the hunt for first female member who tricked her way into society - to apologise to her

The Magic Circle is on the hunt for its first female member - who deceived the group by disguising herself as a man to enter its ranks - so it can apologise to her.

Sophie Lloyd hid her true identity from the famous society of magicians for 18 months.

Dressing up as a young man, Ms Lloyd fooled both the examiners and the Circle's council and even went out for a drink with them.

However, she was expelled when the deception was revealed and the group hasn't heard from her since.

At the time Ms Lloyd joined, women weren't allowed to join the Circle. But when the rules changed in October 1991, Ms Lloyd revealed her true identity and was promptly kicked out for deceiving the society.

But now the group is trying to track her down, so it can apologise.

President of the Magic Circle Marvin Berglas told Sky News: "Times have changed.

"Back in the day she caused the ultimate deception of fooling the magicians and the council which is quite something.

"We're trying to welcome Sophie back because it's such a great story."

He added: "Being that she was such a pioneer we would love to find her, get her side of the story and honour her."

Mr Berglas said magic wasn't "an old boy's club" anymore and that around 5% of its members were women.

It's thought Ms Lloyd had been an actress, and her name might have been Sue Lloyd, he added.

It's possible Ms Lloyd received training from magician Jenny Winstanley, who had wanted to be the first woman in the Magic Circle, but was, Mr Berglas said, likely too well known to enter in disguise.
https://news.sky.com/story/magic-circle-on-the-hunt-for-first-female-member-who-tricked-her-way-into-society-to-apologise-to-her-13253259

[Moonlight]

'Racist' dogs are banned from the Welsh countryside in Labour drive to make the outdoors more 'inclusive'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14080303/Labour-run-Wales-told-ban-dogs-parts-countryside-amid-plans-rid-country-racism-2030-Virtue-signalling-nonsense-say-Tories.html

In a report to the Welsh government, Climate Cymru BAME has advised that dog-free zones should be created to make local green spaces more inclusive.

What a load of virtue signalling nonsense, I have a better idea, why don't they make the UK a Migrant free zone, it would save the government billions of £££s and it would put a stop to all this virtue signalling bollocks as well.

I've got some buckets as a backup plan. :haha:

[Jimbuna]

Pompeii DNA evidence suggests victims not as they seemed

Some of the victims buried in Pompeii following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius have been wrongly identified, new evidence suggests.

Researchers used DNA testing on 14 casts of victims found in the ruins of the Roman city destroyed in 79 AD.

Using DNA taken from fragmented skeletal remains, they concluded an adult holding a child and wearing a golden bracelet, long thought to have been a mother, was actually a man unrelated to the child.

It was one of several surprises in what had become known as "the house of the golden bracelet".

Nearby were the bodies of another adult and child thought to be the rest of their nuclear family.

But DNA evidence showed all four were male and not related to one another.

Alissa Mittnik of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany said it shows "the story that was long spun around these individuals" was wrong.

Ms Mittnik said: "We were able to disprove or challenge some of the previous narratives built upon how these individuals were kind of found in relation to each other.

"It opens up different interpretations for who these people might have been."

Another discovery was that at least one of two people locked in an embrace, long assumed to be sisters or a mother and daughter, was a man.

Researchers also found Pompeii citizens came from diverse backgrounds but mainly descended from eastern Mediterranean immigrants, illustrating how much people moved around and the multi-cultural dynamic of the Roman Empire.

Following the disaster, bodies buried in mud and ash eventually decomposed, leaving spaces where they used to be.

Casts were created from the voids in the late 1800s.
https://news.sky.com/story/pompeii-dna-evidence-suggests-victims-not-as-they-seemed-13250119

[Jimbuna]

Swedish minister's staff insist on banana-free rooms due to 'weirdest phobia'

A Swedish minister's phobia of bananas has led officials to insist rooms are free of the fruit ahead of any meeting or visit, according to reports.

The instructions from Gender Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg's staff were seen in leaked emails published by Expressen.

The tabloid quoted one of the leaked messages - sent to the Norwegian Judicial Agency ahead of a VIP lunch - as saying that she "has a strong allergy to bananas, so it would be appreciated that there are no bananas in the areas where she will be staying".

A similar email, reportedly sent to the County Administrative Board, said: "No bananas are allowed on the premises either."

Brandberg told Expressen that it was an issue she was "getting professional help with".

She is reported to have posted on X in 2020, saying she has the "world's weirdest phobia of bananas".

The post has since been deleted.

Bananaphobia can cause serious symptoms like anxiety and nausea and can be triggered by seeing or smelling the fruit.
https://news.sky.com/story/swedish-ministers-staff-insist-on-banana-free-rooms-due-to-weirdest-phobia-13254596

[Jimbuna]

Barron for president in 2044? Why Trump dynasty may look to youngest son

American presidents must be citizens, born in the US, a resident in the country for 14 years, and at least 35 years of age.

Barron William Trump was born in Florida on 20 March 2006.

He is the only child of Melania and Donald Trump, who has fathered four other children by his two previous wives.

Barron has lived between Florida, New York City and Washington DC all his life.

He qualifies as a potential POTUS - except for his age - the 18-year-old was only a first-time voter this November.

But MAGA supporters seem ready to wait for the Trump dynasty to carry on in power - "Barron Trump President 2044" merchandise is already on sale on the internet.

Having guided his father on to the voter-rich "manosphere" of internet sites, Barron has become Donald's favourite son and the main repository of the Trump family's political ambitions - if he wants the role.

Young, blonde, with handsome Slavic looks, and towering over his 6ft 3in father, Barron, at least 6ft 7in, is a cult figure with the MAGA faithful who talk of his "aristocratic bearing".

This year, when he made his first, rare, appearance at a campaign rally, his father suggested his other sons watch out for the competition he represents.

Overtaking his older half-siblings - Don Jr, Eric and Ivanka - in the pecking order is a remarkable metamorphosis for the mommie's boy who seemed on the brink of tears nine years ago at his father's first victory rally in New York City.

This year at Mar-a-Lago, Barron and his mother were the First Family elect, the first on to the stage with the president-elect.

Barron was singled out for thanks by his father. The young male voters Barron directed his father to woo had indeed made a significant contribution to the Republicans' across-the-board victory.

The Wall Street Journal reported a shift to the right of some 28 points toward Trump in this group.

According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning, 56% of male voters aged 18-28 backed Trump in 2024, up from 41% in 2020.
https://news.sky.com/story/barron-for-president-in-2044-why-trump-dynasty-may-look-to-youngest-son-13254665

[Moonlight]

‘It brought me to my knees’: The Hum – a mysterious phenomenon that’s baffled the world for decades

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/it-brought-me-to-my-knees-the-hum-a-mysterious-phenomenon-that-s-baffled-the-world-for-decades/ar-AA1ugyqn?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=471e7898f2274b1d8d8d6f9dda4c0e96&ei=18

I first heard about this phenomenon in the 90s, they might get to the bottom of it one day but, it will need the scientific community to get onboard with it first, as it is, it's just another one of those unexplained mysteries that will probably stay unsolved...

[Jimbuna]

Ed Sheeran says he didn't give Band Aid 40 permission to use his vocals

Ed Sheeran says Band Aid 40 organisers did not seek his approval to use his vocals in the new version of the charity hit Do They Know It's Christmas?

The Shape Of You star said he would have "respectively declined" any permission, going on to share another post criticising foreign aid in Africa.
https://news.sky.com/story/ed-sheeran-says-he-didnt-give-band-aid-40-permission-to-use-his-vocals-13256088

[Jimbuna]

Stop chasing on-the-run emu in your 4x4s, say Lincolnshire police

Police in Lincolnshire have urged motorists to stop chasing an on-the-run emu in off-road vehicles.

Officers in Boston said there had been sightings for a "couple of weeks" in the Spilsby area but the bird is at risk of being injured and people should not approach it.

It's currently unclear where the emu escaped from.

Posting on Facebook, police said: "Experts have been trying to gain her trust by feeding her in the same spot for a while, however, efforts are being scuppered and staff and volunteers are concerned because members of the public have been chasing her in 4x4s.

"If she continues to be agitated in this way, there is a risk of her running into the path of oncoming vehicles causing harm to herself or others."

The National Exotics Animal Rescue Service is on the scene and has called in a specialist team to coordinate the emu's capture, police said.

They are asking that any sightings are reported to the service via its Facebook page.
https://news.sky.com/story/stop-chasing-on-the-run-emu-in-your-4x4s-say-lincolnshire-police-13256370

[Jimbuna]

Egyptians drank cocktails of psychedelic drugs in ancient mugs, research reveals

An Egyptian mug from 2,000 years ago was last used to serve up a cocktail of psychedelic drugs, according to ground-breaking research.

University of South Florida professor Davide Tanasi used advanced chemical analysis on what's known as a Bes mug - cups left behind by ancient Egyptians.

The mugs are decorated with the head of Bes, an ancient Egyptian god or guardian demon worshiped for protection, fertility, medicinal healing and magical purification.

Historians have only ever been able to speculate about the mugs' contents, with some believing they were used to hold "sacred" water, wine or beer, according to Branko van Oppen, curator of Greek and Roman art at the Tampa Museum of Art.

But through scraping chemical and DNA analysis from the inner walls of a mug donated to the Tampa Museum of Art in 1984, Prof Tanasi and his research team discovered a cocktail of psychedelic drugs, bodily fluids and alcohol.

It's a combination that he believes was used in a magical ritual re-enacting an Egyptian myth, likely for fertility, based on both the findings and written records detailing centuries-old myths.

The concoction was flavoured with honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, liquorice and grapes, he said, which were commonly used to make the beverage look like blood.

"For the first time, we were able to identify all the chemical signatures of the components of the liquid concoction contained in the Tampa Museum of Art's Bes mug, including the plants used by Egyptians, all of which have psychotropic and medicinal properties," Prof Tanasi explained.

"This research teaches us about magic rituals in the Greco-Roman period in Egypt," Mr Van Oppen said.

"Egyptologists believe that people visited the so-called Bes Chambers at Saqqara when they wished to confirm a successful pregnancy because pregnancies in the ancient world were fraught with dangers," he continued.

"So, this combination of ingredients may have been used in a dream-vision inducing magic ritual within the context of this dangerous period of childbirth."

The Bes Chambers at Saqqara were located near the Great Pyramids of Giza, historians say.
https://news.sky.com/story/egyptians-drank-cocktails-of-psychedelic-drugs-in-ancient-mugs-research-reveals-13257252