PERTH, Australia – A man ejected from a pub in Australia broke into a zoo and climbed onto the back of a crocodile named Fatso, which bit him on the leg but then let him go. Police said they're surprised the croc didn't inflict worse damage. The 36-year-old man, who police said had just been thrown out of a pub for being drunk, told officials he scaled the barbed wire fence surrounding the Broome Crocodile Park in remote northwest Australia on Monday night because he wanted to give the 16-foot Fatso a pat.
"He has attempted to sit on its back and the croc has taken offense to that and has spun around and bit him on the right leg," Broome Police Sgt. Roger Haynes said.
The saltwater crocodile then inexplicably let the man go, and he climbed back over the fence to safety, police said.
The man, who was a tourist from eastern Australia and whose name was not released, suffered some "very nasty lacerations" and was taken to a hospital, Haynes said.
"Saltwater crocodiles ... once they get hold of you, are not renowned for letting you go," Haynes said. "He's lucky to have escaped with his life."
Saltwater crocodiles are the world's largest reptile and can grow up to 23 feet (7 meters). They have become increasingly common in Australia's tropical north since hunting that almost extinguished the species was banned in 1971.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Man at border: Ankle monitor is support for Lohan
Border agents said a New York man who's on probation and not supposed to leave the country explained away the ankle monitor he was wearing while returning from Canada as a show of support for actress Lindsay Lohan. Customs and Border Protectionofficers found the bracelet around 29-year-old Eugene Todie's ankle July 9 after he allegedly tried to re-enter the country using someone else's passport.
Officers said Todie told them a probation officer friend gave him the bracelet to wear for Lohan, who's had to wear an alcohol ankle monitor. Record checks showed the Buffalo man is on probation for criminal contempt.
Todie appeared in federal court Tuesday on misuse of a passport and lying charges and must return with a lawyer July 20. A telephone listing couldn't be found.
Officers said Todie told them a probation officer friend gave him the bracelet to wear for Lohan, who's had to wear an alcohol ankle monitor. Record checks showed the Buffalo man is on probation for criminal contempt.
Todie appeared in federal court Tuesday on misuse of a passport and lying charges and must return with a lawyer July 20. A telephone listing couldn't be found.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Police say Pa. woman beat man with frying pan
Police said a woman faces charges after she hit a man in the head with a large frying pan. Police said the woman, 50-year-old Kimberly Denocheck, hit a 48-year-old man in the head with the pan around 7:25 p.m. Saturday at an apartment in Philipsburg, near State College. Police said the man, whose name wasn't released, suffered an abrasion on his head.
Police said the man, whose name wasn't released, suffered an abrasion on his head.
The woman was taken to the Centre County Correctional Facility to bearraigned on charges of simple assault and harassment.
It was not immediately clear if Denocheck had an attorney.
Police said the man, whose name wasn't released, suffered an abrasion on his head.
The woman was taken to the Centre County Correctional Facility to bearraigned on charges of simple assault and harassment.
It was not immediately clear if Denocheck had an attorney.
Armor makers busy ahead of Medieval battle replay
Just like his Medieval counterparts 600 years ago armourer Tomasz Samula has hardly any time to outfit hisknights before battle commences.
Samula is racing to add the final touches to the metal breastplates, helmets, gloves and other accoutrements needed by the Lublin knights before they take part in re-enacting Grunwald, one of the largest battles of the Medieval age.
Saturday, thousands of re-enactors will become the knights, infantry, artillerymen and other combatants of the Polish-Lithuanian army andthe Teutonic Knights who they defeated in a massive battle on a field near this Polish village in 1410.
"Now people come to me to make last enhancements...The Grunwald (battle) starts in a couple of days so if I hadn't sent the gear by now people would kill me," Samula said, standing in the middle of his garage-turned-armory.
The fashioning and fixing of armor in time for the battle has put a smile on the faces of armourers. A full suit can cost up to 5,000 euros($6,298) or more.
"I myself have provided full armor for one knight who will take part in the battle of Grunwald," Samula said. "It wasn't easy because the guy was huge and it's always difficult to prepare an armor for non-standard sizes."
He said that preparing a full armor takes 5-6 months at minimum.
NO ROSE GARDEN
Samula said armor-making can be a tricky trade in the modern world with fallow periods between mock battles. One of his worries is the volatility of the zloty exchange rate as most of the armor is exported to Germany and France and therefore paid for in the common currency.
"We set a price with the customer a year before (he gets his armor) and he pays a year later so I never know (how much zlotys I will get)," he said pushing a helmet against a swirling polishing machine.
Another problem is the lack of trained personnel to help.
"I had an apprentice once but it took him a year to learn to make the simplest helmet I have on offer. But this is not a business that will make you filthy rich so he fled and now works at a warehouse near Warsaw."
FOR KING AND COUNTRY
A mobilization of knights, just like 600 hundred years ago, is expected for Saturday's battle. However, unlikethe middle ages, the knights and other combatants will also come from Australia, Canada and the United States.
"We expect 6,000 people to take part in the re-enactment of the (military) camp and 2,200 to take part in the battle," said Jacek Szymanski who will lead the Polish-Lithuanian forces into battle as king Wladyslaw Jagiello.
Szymanski had brand new armor made for the battle after some research to find out what it should look like.
"We found the fanciest medieval armor there was and made a replica of it. Kings always had the best armor."
Samula is racing to add the final touches to the metal breastplates, helmets, gloves and other accoutrements needed by the Lublin knights before they take part in re-enacting Grunwald, one of the largest battles of the Medieval age.
Saturday, thousands of re-enactors will become the knights, infantry, artillerymen and other combatants of the Polish-Lithuanian army andthe Teutonic Knights who they defeated in a massive battle on a field near this Polish village in 1410.
"Now people come to me to make last enhancements...The Grunwald (battle) starts in a couple of days so if I hadn't sent the gear by now people would kill me," Samula said, standing in the middle of his garage-turned-armory.
The fashioning and fixing of armor in time for the battle has put a smile on the faces of armourers. A full suit can cost up to 5,000 euros($6,298) or more.
"I myself have provided full armor for one knight who will take part in the battle of Grunwald," Samula said. "It wasn't easy because the guy was huge and it's always difficult to prepare an armor for non-standard sizes."
He said that preparing a full armor takes 5-6 months at minimum.
NO ROSE GARDEN
Samula said armor-making can be a tricky trade in the modern world with fallow periods between mock battles. One of his worries is the volatility of the zloty exchange rate as most of the armor is exported to Germany and France and therefore paid for in the common currency.
"We set a price with the customer a year before (he gets his armor) and he pays a year later so I never know (how much zlotys I will get)," he said pushing a helmet against a swirling polishing machine.
Another problem is the lack of trained personnel to help.
"I had an apprentice once but it took him a year to learn to make the simplest helmet I have on offer. But this is not a business that will make you filthy rich so he fled and now works at a warehouse near Warsaw."
FOR KING AND COUNTRY
A mobilization of knights, just like 600 hundred years ago, is expected for Saturday's battle. However, unlikethe middle ages, the knights and other combatants will also come from Australia, Canada and the United States.
"We expect 6,000 people to take part in the re-enactment of the (military) camp and 2,200 to take part in the battle," said Jacek Szymanski who will lead the Polish-Lithuanian forces into battle as king Wladyslaw Jagiello.
Szymanski had brand new armor made for the battle after some research to find out what it should look like.
"We found the fanciest medieval armor there was and made a replica of it. Kings always had the best armor."
Ohio crash leaves scared pet monkey atop pole
Police say a truck crash in Ohio left animal carcasses all over a road and the driver's pet monkey stranded atop a utility pole.
The State Highway Patrol says the truck was hauling carcasses for a meat processing plant late Monday afternoon. The patrol says the truck flipped over while going into a curve on a local road in northeast Ohio's Medina (meh-DY'-nuh) County. The frightened monkey scampered up the pole after the accident.
Troopers say the truck driver was OK. The monkey had to be coaxed down from its perch.
The meat plant sent another truck to pick up the carcasses. State and county highway crews were sent to help clean up the mess.
No charges have been filed. The crash is still being investigated.
The State Highway Patrol says the truck was hauling carcasses for a meat processing plant late Monday afternoon. The patrol says the truck flipped over while going into a curve on a local road in northeast Ohio's Medina (meh-DY'-nuh) County. The frightened monkey scampered up the pole after the accident.
Troopers say the truck driver was OK. The monkey had to be coaxed down from its perch.
The meat plant sent another truck to pick up the carcasses. State and county highway crews were sent to help clean up the mess.
No charges have been filed. The crash is still being investigated.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Corporate "firewalk" ends with burnt feet in Italy
A "motivation day" organized by one of Italy'sbiggest real estate agencies ended in tears and scars when nine staff had to be treated in hospital after walking barefoot on a bed of hot coals.
Alessandro Di Priamo, a former athlete now turned motivational trainer for companies, said the nine salespeople from the Tecnocasa agency had suffered light burns and none were seriously hurt.
"Firewalking helps people overcome their fears, seek new challenges and understand that most of what they see as their limits are self-inflicted," Di Priamo told Reuters.
He said the hotel near Rome where the exercise was held used the wrong kind of wood and some artificial coal without him knowing.
"I have done this job for 12 years with thousands of people and never had a problem. I myself walked first on that bed of burning coals and didn't feel anything -- in fact that same evening I went for a 16 km run," he said.
Alessandro Di Priamo, a former athlete now turned motivational trainer for companies, said the nine salespeople from the Tecnocasa agency had suffered light burns and none were seriously hurt.
"Firewalking helps people overcome their fears, seek new challenges and understand that most of what they see as their limits are self-inflicted," Di Priamo told Reuters.
He said the hotel near Rome where the exercise was held used the wrong kind of wood and some artificial coal without him knowing.
"I have done this job for 12 years with thousands of people and never had a problem. I myself walked first on that bed of burning coals and didn't feel anything -- in fact that same evening I went for a 16 km run," he said.
Netanyahu bodyguards' guns go missing on U.S. visit
Four handguns belonging to the bodyguards of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have disappeared from airline cargo during a U.S. visit, Israel's Shin Bet security service said on Wednesday.
"The pistols were part of the equipment sent ahead to Washington, and got lost," a Shin Bet spokesman said, adding that Israeli and U.S. authorities were investigating.
The American news network NBC reported that the guns may have been mistakenly flown to Los Angeles and stolen.
After meeting U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday, Netanyahu was scheduled to continue to New York. The Shin Bet spokesman said the missing pistols had not forced any change to hisschedule or security measures.
"The pistols were part of the equipment sent ahead to Washington, and got lost," a Shin Bet spokesman said, adding that Israeli and U.S. authorities were investigating.
The American news network NBC reported that the guns may have been mistakenly flown to Los Angeles and stolen.
After meeting U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday, Netanyahu was scheduled to continue to New York. The Shin Bet spokesman said the missing pistols had not forced any change to hisschedule or security measures.
Swedes, Norwegians pounce on Chinese garlic smuggler
Nordic customs officials have arrested a truck driver after he tried to illegally import 28 tons of Chinese garlic into the European Union.
The driver was intercepted last month as he drove the pungent truckload from Norway, which is outside the EU and where garlic is exempt from customs' duties, into Sweden, where garlic is subject to a 9.6 percent EU-wide duty.
Smuggling of cheaply produced Chinese garlic into the EU is on the rise, with around 1,200 tons brought into the 27-nation bloc via Norway since 2009, according to the European Anti-Fraud Office, known as OLAF.
"The interception of the lorry was the result of a carefully prepared initiative coordinated by OLAF," the EU said in a statement. "This action came about due to the excellent cooperation provided by Norwegian and Swedish customs."
China produces about 75 percent of the world's garlic, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, far too much for domestic consumption alone, meaning producers have to seek out markets elsewhere in the world.
The driver was intercepted last month as he drove the pungent truckload from Norway, which is outside the EU and where garlic is exempt from customs' duties, into Sweden, where garlic is subject to a 9.6 percent EU-wide duty.
Smuggling of cheaply produced Chinese garlic into the EU is on the rise, with around 1,200 tons brought into the 27-nation bloc via Norway since 2009, according to the European Anti-Fraud Office, known as OLAF.
"The interception of the lorry was the result of a carefully prepared initiative coordinated by OLAF," the EU said in a statement. "This action came about due to the excellent cooperation provided by Norwegian and Swedish customs."
China produces about 75 percent of the world's garlic, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, far too much for domestic consumption alone, meaning producers have to seek out markets elsewhere in the world.
Denver driver survives 500-foot drop from road
Authorities say a 33-year-old Denver man suspected of drinking and driving survived after he lost control of his car and it dropped almost 500 feet off the side of a road. The Colorado State Patrol says Anthoney L. Buckner seemed to be in "amazingly good condition" after rescuers used ropes and a litter to pull him up from the crash site Thursday. Trooper Jonathan Silver says Buckner's 1990 Toyota hatchback was "pretty mangled."
Silver says Buckner may have been saved by wearing a seat belt. Silver says Buckner was driving on slick roads up Red Mountain Passnear Silverton when the accident happened.
Silver says investigators suspect Buckner had been drinking and charges are pending.
Silver says Buckner may have been saved by wearing a seat belt. Silver says Buckner was driving on slick roads up Red Mountain Passnear Silverton when the accident happened.
Silver says investigators suspect Buckner had been drinking and charges are pending.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Woman who taped dog to fridge gets 30 days in jail
A Colorado woman convicted of taping her boyfriend's dog to a refrigerator has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and three years' probation.
Twenty-one-year-old Abby Toll was sentenced Friday after she was convicted of felony animal cruelty in April. She could have faced up to 18 months in prison.
Prosecutors say Toll used hair ties and packing tape to bind the snout and legs of her boyfriend's 2-year-old Shiba Inu (SHEE'-bah EE'-noo) named Rex, then taped the dog upside-down to the refrigerator.
Police say Toll told them she was getting back at her boyfriend, Brian Beck, for paying more attention to the dog than to her.
Beck pleaded guilty to misdemeanor attempted animal cruelty and was given a one-year deferred sentence.
Another family has adopted the dog.
Twenty-one-year-old Abby Toll was sentenced Friday after she was convicted of felony animal cruelty in April. She could have faced up to 18 months in prison.
Prosecutors say Toll used hair ties and packing tape to bind the snout and legs of her boyfriend's 2-year-old Shiba Inu (SHEE'-bah EE'-noo) named Rex, then taped the dog upside-down to the refrigerator.
Police say Toll told them she was getting back at her boyfriend, Brian Beck, for paying more attention to the dog than to her.
Beck pleaded guilty to misdemeanor attempted animal cruelty and was given a one-year deferred sentence.
Another family has adopted the dog.
Man tries to steal car with fake grenade
Boston police arrested a man they allege tried to steal a Mercedes Benz from a dealership by claiming he had a hand grenade. Police said the man showed up at Expressway Toyota on Wednesday and asked to test drive the car. Staff, describing the man as "nervous and fidgety," insisted on accompanying him.
When they got back, the man produced what appeared to be a grenade from his pants pocket and told the sales person to "get back or I will blow this up."
He fled when he heard staff calling police and was caught a short time later with a fake grenade.
The suspect was ordered to undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation after pleading not guilty to attemptedarmed robbery at his arraignment Thursday.
When they got back, the man produced what appeared to be a grenade from his pants pocket and told the sales person to "get back or I will blow this up."
He fled when he heard staff calling police and was caught a short time later with a fake grenade.
The suspect was ordered to undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation after pleading not guilty to attemptedarmed robbery at his arraignment Thursday.
Man in buff startles drivers on California freeway
Southern California commuters can now say they've seen it all, including a naked man in the middle of Interstate 405. California Highway Patrol Officer Monica Posada said the first call came at the height of rush-hour Thursday — a man with no clothes was in the center divide of the freeway. Then came a rush of calls reporting the man in the buff.
Long Beach police detained the 21-year-old man and gave him a mental health evaluation.
Police said he was taken into custody and will be charged with misdemeanor indecent exposure.
Long Beach police detained the 21-year-old man and gave him a mental health evaluation.
Police said he was taken into custody and will be charged with misdemeanor indecent exposure.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Iowa man arrested after lawn mower ride on highway
MADRID, Iowa – A middle-of-the-night ride on a lawn mower landed one Iowa man in jail.
The Boone County Sheriff's Office says deputies stopped the man on Highway 17 near Madrid around 1 a.m. Wednesday after receiving reports of someone driving a mower all over the road with no headlights. Madrid is about 25 miles northwest of Des Moines.
The man was arrested for drunken driving. The Sheriff's Office says his blood-alcohol level was .190 — well above Iowa's limit of .08.
Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says it's illegal in Iowa to drive any kind of motor vehicle anywhere while drunk.
Fehr wasn't sure how fast the man was going on the six-speed Bolens lawn tractor. The Des Moines Register reports that the top speed for that mower is about 5 mph.
The Boone County Sheriff's Office says deputies stopped the man on Highway 17 near Madrid around 1 a.m. Wednesday after receiving reports of someone driving a mower all over the road with no headlights. Madrid is about 25 miles northwest of Des Moines.
The man was arrested for drunken driving. The Sheriff's Office says his blood-alcohol level was .190 — well above Iowa's limit of .08.
Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr says it's illegal in Iowa to drive any kind of motor vehicle anywhere while drunk.
Fehr wasn't sure how fast the man was going on the six-speed Bolens lawn tractor. The Des Moines Register reports that the top speed for that mower is about 5 mph.
Boy, 8, tells Minn. council: Crack down on crooks
Eight-year-old Logan Fisher is fed up with crime. And he's making sure the leaders of his Minnesota city know it.
Logan was ticked because thieves broke into his Brooklyn Park home last month and stole thousands of dollars worth of electronics, not to mention his wallet filled with quarters.
So the soon-to-be fourth-grader climbed a stool and took the podium at this week's City Council meeting. The Star Tribune reports he wrote out his speech in pencil, then had his mom type it up.
He said, "We need to get mean and we need to mean it."
Deputy Police Chief Craig Enevoldsen agreed with Logan on neighbors watching out for neighbors and stepped up police patrols. But he said the boy's idea to put an armored SWAT vehicle on the streets to scare criminals away wasn't so practical.
Logan was ticked because thieves broke into his Brooklyn Park home last month and stole thousands of dollars worth of electronics, not to mention his wallet filled with quarters.
So the soon-to-be fourth-grader climbed a stool and took the podium at this week's City Council meeting. The Star Tribune reports he wrote out his speech in pencil, then had his mom type it up.
He said, "We need to get mean and we need to mean it."
Deputy Police Chief Craig Enevoldsen agreed with Logan on neighbors watching out for neighbors and stepped up police patrols. But he said the boy's idea to put an armored SWAT vehicle on the streets to scare criminals away wasn't so practical.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Red light cameras catch police in eastern Iowa
Traffic cameras have snapped 26 local patrol cars speeding and running red lights in eastern Iowa. Cedar Rapids Police Chief Greg Graham said six officers have been issued letters of discipline because they didn't have their patrol car's lights and sirens operating when they were speeding to a call. He said five were not violations and that the remaining 15 instances are under review.
Cedar Rapids police also have notified Marion police and the Linn County sheriff's office of possible violations by their personnel, and are investigating infractions by city buses and a garbage truck.
Marion Police Chief Harry Daugherty said the authorities must be "consistent and show no favoritism."
Cedar Rapids police also have notified Marion police and the Linn County sheriff's office of possible violations by their personnel, and are investigating infractions by city buses and a garbage truck.
Marion Police Chief Harry Daugherty said the authorities must be "consistent and show no favoritism."
Man, 81, accused of machete chase near taco stand
Police said an 81-year-old man was arrested after he chased another man around a Salem taco stand while armed with a machete. Salem police said Monday the man accused the taco stand owner of stealing a drill from his nearby business. When the taco stand owner denied it, the suspect left and returned with a machete.
Lt. Dave Okada said the suspect chased the unidentified man around the stand several times before officers arrested him on accusations of menacing and attempted assault. He was booked into the Marion County Jail.
There were no injuries in Sunday's incident.
Lt. Dave Okada said the suspect chased the unidentified man around the stand several times before officers arrested him on accusations of menacing and attempted assault. He was booked into the Marion County Jail.
There were no injuries in Sunday's incident.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Ill-timed potty break lands suspect in jail
An alleged ill-timed potty break has landed a man accused of robbing a Suffolk convenience store behind bars. Police said 43-year-old Sean Almond was found urinating behind a Kangaroo Mart minutes after a clerk reported the store had been robbed Thursday night. Police said Almond was carrying the stolen cash.
Almond was charged with one count of armed robbery. Charges of assault and urinating in public are pending.
Almond was being held at Western Tidewater Regional Jail without bond. It was not clear if he has an attorney.
Almond was charged with one count of armed robbery. Charges of assault and urinating in public are pending.
Almond was being held at Western Tidewater Regional Jail without bond. It was not clear if he has an attorney.
Woman 'gets Chinese accent after bad migraine'
A Plymouth woman has suddenly started speaking with a Chinese accent after suffering a severe migraine, she said in comments quoted by local media Tuesday.
Sarah Colwill believes she has Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) which has caused her distinctive West Country drawl to be replaced with a Chinese twang, even though she has never even visited the country.
The 35-year-old from is now undergoing speech therapy following an acute form of migraine last month which reportedly left her with a form of brain damage.
"I moved to Plymouth when I was 18 months old so I have always spoken like a local. But following one attack, an ambulance crew arrived and they said I definitely sounded Chinese," she said.
"I spoke to my stepdaughter on the phone from hospital and she didn't recognise who I was. She said I sounded Chinese. Since then, I have had my friends hanging up on me because they think I'm a hoax caller."
Colwill added: "The first few weeks of the accent was quite funny but to think I am stuck with this Chinese accent is getting me down. My voice has started to annoy me now. It is not my voice."
FAS has been documented around the world and is usually linked to a stroke or traumatic brain injury. It was first recorded in the early 20th century and there are thought to be only a couple of dozen sufferers around the world.
Sarah Colwill believes she has Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS) which has caused her distinctive West Country drawl to be replaced with a Chinese twang, even though she has never even visited the country.
The 35-year-old from is now undergoing speech therapy following an acute form of migraine last month which reportedly left her with a form of brain damage.
"I moved to Plymouth when I was 18 months old so I have always spoken like a local. But following one attack, an ambulance crew arrived and they said I definitely sounded Chinese," she said.
"I spoke to my stepdaughter on the phone from hospital and she didn't recognise who I was. She said I sounded Chinese. Since then, I have had my friends hanging up on me because they think I'm a hoax caller."
Colwill added: "The first few weeks of the accent was quite funny but to think I am stuck with this Chinese accent is getting me down. My voice has started to annoy me now. It is not my voice."
FAS has been documented around the world and is usually linked to a stroke or traumatic brain injury. It was first recorded in the early 20th century and there are thought to be only a couple of dozen sufferers around the world.
Woman tried to use 911 as taxi service
Police in one Connecticut city have a warning for nightclub patrons: Don't call 911 for a ride home.
New Haven police say that's what 28-year-old Quandria (KWAN'-dree-ah) Bailey did, calling the emergency line six times to request a ride from a nightclub back to her Meriden home.
Bailey was charged with six counts of misuse of the 911 system early Sunday. She was released on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court May 5.
A telephone number for Bailey could not immediately be located Sunday and it was unclear whether she had an attorney.
New Haven police say that's what 28-year-old Quandria (KWAN'-dree-ah) Bailey did, calling the emergency line six times to request a ride from a nightclub back to her Meriden home.
Bailey was charged with six counts of misuse of the 911 system early Sunday. She was released on a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court May 5.
A telephone number for Bailey could not immediately be located Sunday and it was unclear whether she had an attorney.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Iowan ready for prom with gum wrapper dress
An Iowa teen is all bubbly over her one-of-a-kind high school prom dress she made out of gum wrappers. Elizabeth Rasmuson made her dress — and matching vest for her date — out of blue and white wrappers from Wrigley's "5 gum." The high school junior says she got the idea after hearing about someone making a dress out of duct tape.
She and her boyfriend began collecting gum wrappers last August. Rasmuson says she quit counting after 200.
Since the wrappers break easily, Rasmuson finished her dress with a vinyl top coat.
She and her boyfriend began collecting gum wrappers last August. Rasmuson says she quit counting after 200.
Since the wrappers break easily, Rasmuson finished her dress with a vinyl top coat.
Fla. deputy shocks colleague with Taser in joke
A Collier County deputy was reprimanded after shocking a colleague with a Taser in an incident meant to be a joke. The December scene was caught on tape at the Collier County jail. A female deputy was seen showing a message on her iPod to Cpl. Wilmer A. Arencibia, who followed the woman and shocked her on the behind with his Taser.
Arencibia told investigators it was "a spur of the moment thing" and acknowledged the behavior was improper.
He was given a reprimand and final warning after an internal investigation.
Arencibia told investigators it was "a spur of the moment thing" and acknowledged the behavior was improper.
He was given a reprimand and final warning after an internal investigation.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Playboy photographers find reality TV hard work
They thought it would be all fun and glamour, but when 10 photographers recently gathered for a new reality TV show, they learned there was more to taking pictures of naked women than a good camera lens.
"Playboy Shootout," which premiered this past Saturday on cable television's subscriber-only Playboy Channel puts the photographers together in tandem with 10 models and each group -- shooters and models -- compete to have their work featured in the legendary men's magazine founded by Hugh Hefner.
While perhaps many a young man has dreamed of shooting a nude centerfold for Playboy, only few ever make the grade.
Playboy editorial director Jimmy Jellinek said the magazine annually gets "thousands and thousands" of submissions from photographers, but it is the rare exception who gets picked.
Stephen Wayda, a longtime Playboy photographer and judge on "Shootout," said he tried unsuccessfully for years before finally making it into the magazine's pages and onto a stellar career as a celebrity photographer.
"People think it's all fun, sex and glamour. They don't realize when you're doing nudes there's a lot more to it. You see all the body. You see the wrinkles in the waist when (models) turn. You see how the body is built, and you have to make it look good," Wayda said.
For "Shootout," Playboy gathered the photographers from around the United States and put them together in Los Angeles. The first episode had them assigned to take pictures of the models in a different area of a luxurious mansion, and they were given a time limit to devise a theme, set lighting, pick a costume and put the models through hair and makeup.
A MAN'S WORLD?
A major feature is that the models are competing to be in the magazine, too, and because they are looking for the best pictures possible, they sometimes conflict with the shooters.
"I've gained confidence in myself after doing the show, and I realized that having (many) crew members around me didn't distract me," said photographer Eric LaCour.
Kate Romero, one of two women among the photographers, said she believed being the same gender as the models helped her because she might be able to say things to calm their fears about posing naked in front of a large crew.
"It is a guys' world, definitely," said Romero. "(but) I love that kind of challenge."
Wayda said all the photographers came into the show with strong portfolios of past work, and for many the biggest problem was tailoring their own work to match Playboy's pages.
Under Hefner, the magazine' has always tried to feature models with a homespun, girl-next-door look.
"Some came in and said, 'I want to do something completely different,'" Wayda said. "Well, that's great, so go open up your own magazine."
The series, which ends on June 5, is produced by "America's Next Top Model" director Claudia Frank and hosted by "The Celebrity Apprentice 2" contender and Playboy Playmate Brande Roderick. A new episode airs every week on Saturdays as part of what Playboy is calling its "Date Night" lineup of shows.
"Playboy Shootout," which premiered this past Saturday on cable television's subscriber-only Playboy Channel puts the photographers together in tandem with 10 models and each group -- shooters and models -- compete to have their work featured in the legendary men's magazine founded by Hugh Hefner.
While perhaps many a young man has dreamed of shooting a nude centerfold for Playboy, only few ever make the grade.
Playboy editorial director Jimmy Jellinek said the magazine annually gets "thousands and thousands" of submissions from photographers, but it is the rare exception who gets picked.
Stephen Wayda, a longtime Playboy photographer and judge on "Shootout," said he tried unsuccessfully for years before finally making it into the magazine's pages and onto a stellar career as a celebrity photographer.
"People think it's all fun, sex and glamour. They don't realize when you're doing nudes there's a lot more to it. You see all the body. You see the wrinkles in the waist when (models) turn. You see how the body is built, and you have to make it look good," Wayda said.
For "Shootout," Playboy gathered the photographers from around the United States and put them together in Los Angeles. The first episode had them assigned to take pictures of the models in a different area of a luxurious mansion, and they were given a time limit to devise a theme, set lighting, pick a costume and put the models through hair and makeup.
A MAN'S WORLD?
A major feature is that the models are competing to be in the magazine, too, and because they are looking for the best pictures possible, they sometimes conflict with the shooters.
"I've gained confidence in myself after doing the show, and I realized that having (many) crew members around me didn't distract me," said photographer Eric LaCour.
Kate Romero, one of two women among the photographers, said she believed being the same gender as the models helped her because she might be able to say things to calm their fears about posing naked in front of a large crew.
"It is a guys' world, definitely," said Romero. "(but) I love that kind of challenge."
Wayda said all the photographers came into the show with strong portfolios of past work, and for many the biggest problem was tailoring their own work to match Playboy's pages.
Under Hefner, the magazine' has always tried to feature models with a homespun, girl-next-door look.
"Some came in and said, 'I want to do something completely different,'" Wayda said. "Well, that's great, so go open up your own magazine."
The series, which ends on June 5, is produced by "America's Next Top Model" director Claudia Frank and hosted by "The Celebrity Apprentice 2" contender and Playboy Playmate Brande Roderick. A new episode airs every week on Saturdays as part of what Playboy is calling its "Date Night" lineup of shows.
Man with no cash eats burrito, Funyuns at store
Authorities said a man took a bite into crime when he helped himself to a burrito and a bag of Funyuns snacks at a gas station food store in Hastings, then told the clerk to call police because he had no money to pay.
Barry County Prosecutor Tom Evans said 28-year-old Michael Odell was charged with retail fraud. Odell, who told police he is homeless, is jailed on a $2,000 bond with a pretrial hearing set for May 4.
Evans said Odell ate the burrito and Funyuns on Saturday morning, then had the cashier call police. The prosecutor said Odell told officers he had spent his money at a tavern in the city 35 miles west of Lansing.
Jail records say Odell didn't have an attorney as of Wednesday.
Barry County Prosecutor Tom Evans said 28-year-old Michael Odell was charged with retail fraud. Odell, who told police he is homeless, is jailed on a $2,000 bond with a pretrial hearing set for May 4.
Evans said Odell ate the burrito and Funyuns on Saturday morning, then had the cashier call police. The prosecutor said Odell told officers he had spent his money at a tavern in the city 35 miles west of Lansing.
Jail records say Odell didn't have an attorney as of Wednesday.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Legendary Asteroids record smashed
One of gaming's oldest records was just blown up. And it wasn't an easy shot.
After a grueling 58 hours of continuous play, John McAllister of Seattle, Washington officially became the best Asteroids player on the planet by scoring an unthinkable 41,338,740 points in the classic 1979 coin-op arcade game. The previous mark of 41,336,440 was set by Scott Safran back in 1982 -- the longest standing record in gaming -- and was considered virtually unbreakable.
"It's basically considered a Holy Grail," he told Portland TV station KGW. "It was a title that a lot of people would want, and I wanted it."
McAllister also holds the world record for the lesser known sequel Asteroids Deluxe, a mark he set in 2009. Before he's inducted into the record books, however, his efforts will have to pass the strict submission guidelines of official game scorekeepers, Twin Galaxies.
It's been a rough year for video game records. In March, a plastic surgeon toppled the all-time Donkey Kong mark, while back in January, a Connecticut man hopped his way to the new high score in Frogger.
After a grueling 58 hours of continuous play, John McAllister of Seattle, Washington officially became the best Asteroids player on the planet by scoring an unthinkable 41,338,740 points in the classic 1979 coin-op arcade game. The previous mark of 41,336,440 was set by Scott Safran back in 1982 -- the longest standing record in gaming -- and was considered virtually unbreakable.
"It's basically considered a Holy Grail," he told Portland TV station KGW. "It was a title that a lot of people would want, and I wanted it."
McAllister also holds the world record for the lesser known sequel Asteroids Deluxe, a mark he set in 2009. Before he's inducted into the record books, however, his efforts will have to pass the strict submission guidelines of official game scorekeepers, Twin Galaxies.
It's been a rough year for video game records. In March, a plastic surgeon toppled the all-time Donkey Kong mark, while back in January, a Connecticut man hopped his way to the new high score in Frogger.
Man drove drunk to prison for DUI sentence
Police said a Massachusetts man headed to a Vermont prison to serve a two-day sentence for driving under the influence was intoxicated when he drove himself to prison.
Vermont State Police say that staff at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield noticed that a 42-year-old man was intoxicated when he arrived late Tuesday afternoon and that he had driven himself there.
So prison staff called police.
Police said the man was then processed for DUI second offense and released back into the custody of the Department of Corrections.
The man was due to appear in court later this month on the latest charge.
Vermont State Police say that staff at the Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield noticed that a 42-year-old man was intoxicated when he arrived late Tuesday afternoon and that he had driven himself there.
So prison staff called police.
Police said the man was then processed for DUI second offense and released back into the custody of the Department of Corrections.
The man was due to appear in court later this month on the latest charge.
UK postal workers boycott house after cat attacks
Britain's postal service says it has suspended deliveries to a woman following repeated attacks by her 19-year-old cat. Royal Mail said Friday that it had halted deliveries because postal workers had already sustained "nasty injuries" at the address in the town of Farsley, near Leeds in northern England.
The woman was identified as a 43-year-old pharmacy worker. Media reports say she found it hard to believe that her cat, named "Tiger," could be behind the attacks.
She told two newspapers the animal spent most of its day sleeping and didn't have the energy to chase postal workers.
The woman was identified as a 43-year-old pharmacy worker. Media reports say she found it hard to believe that her cat, named "Tiger," could be behind the attacks.
She told two newspapers the animal spent most of its day sleeping and didn't have the energy to chase postal workers.
Ohio coach proposes to rival on field
An Ohio high school softball coach threw a curve at the rival team's coach when he dropped to one knee on the diamond and asked for her hand in marriage. Glen Este High School varsity coach Tim Gregory and Milford High School coach Christy Foster had been dating more than two years before Wednesday's proposal.
Gregory says "softball is really what brought us together." Foster, of course, said yes to the proposal and called it perfect.
The ensuing game wasn't, though. Gregory's team won 1 to 0.
Gregory says "softball is really what brought us together." Foster, of course, said yes to the proposal and called it perfect.
The ensuing game wasn't, though. Gregory's team won 1 to 0.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
There really is a formula for love
Romantics looking for everlasting love will swoon over a new love equation released just in time for Valentine's Day and which can calculate the right age to fall in love.
The equation nicknamed the "Fiancee Formula" was created by an Australian mathematics professor and works by factoring in the age at which you start looking for a long-term partner and the absolute oldest age you would consider getting married.
"Although probability isn't the most romantic basis for a marriage, the formula does seem to fit a lot of couples -- whether through accident or design," said the equation's creator, Professor Tony Dooley at the University of New South Wales.
"There's no reason why the science can't be extended to calculate the best moment to marry," Dooley said in a statement.
However, love birds take note, the mathematical equation for love only has a 37 percent success rate.
The formula is helpful as a guide for the right moment to start getting serious, but could also be used by nervous men to calculate when to avoid the ultimate commitment, said Dooley.
The equation nicknamed the "Fiancee Formula" was created by an Australian mathematics professor and works by factoring in the age at which you start looking for a long-term partner and the absolute oldest age you would consider getting married.
"Although probability isn't the most romantic basis for a marriage, the formula does seem to fit a lot of couples -- whether through accident or design," said the equation's creator, Professor Tony Dooley at the University of New South Wales.
"There's no reason why the science can't be extended to calculate the best moment to marry," Dooley said in a statement.
However, love birds take note, the mathematical equation for love only has a 37 percent success rate.
The formula is helpful as a guide for the right moment to start getting serious, but could also be used by nervous men to calculate when to avoid the ultimate commitment, said Dooley.
Blizzard drives down crime in Washington
The blizzard that hammered the US east coast with record-breaking snowfall and icy winds had a plus side: it drove down crime in Washington, a police spokesman said Thursday.
"Last night, we had very few reported crimes," Lieutenant Nicholas Breul told AFP.
"Every morning, we put out a report of serious crimes, and this morning it was very, very low," Breul said. "Certainly, the weather had to be a factor in that."
No homicides have been reported in the US capital since February 3, when a few inches of snow fell on Washington and the surrounding area.
That was followed at a weekend storm which together with Tuesday's blizzard dumped several feet of snow on the eastern United States, making the winter of 2009-2010 the snowiest on record in Washington and neighboring states.
The season's snowfall total in Washington DC reached 54.9 inches (139.4 centimeters) Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.
That's more than the past five winters combined, which saw around 48 inches of snow fall on the US capital.
As of Tuesday, 10 homicides had been committed in Washington since the start of the year, a fall of 41 percent from the 17 homicides reported in the US capital at the same period last year.
But Breul refused to pin the fall in the murder rate solely on the snow.
"The weather may have contributed to the fall in homicides, but historically, there have been times when we've gone for two weeks in good weather with no homicides," he said.
"Last night, we had very few reported crimes," Lieutenant Nicholas Breul told AFP.
"Every morning, we put out a report of serious crimes, and this morning it was very, very low," Breul said. "Certainly, the weather had to be a factor in that."
No homicides have been reported in the US capital since February 3, when a few inches of snow fell on Washington and the surrounding area.
That was followed at a weekend storm which together with Tuesday's blizzard dumped several feet of snow on the eastern United States, making the winter of 2009-2010 the snowiest on record in Washington and neighboring states.
The season's snowfall total in Washington DC reached 54.9 inches (139.4 centimeters) Tuesday, the National Weather Service said.
That's more than the past five winters combined, which saw around 48 inches of snow fall on the US capital.
As of Tuesday, 10 homicides had been committed in Washington since the start of the year, a fall of 41 percent from the 17 homicides reported in the US capital at the same period last year.
But Breul refused to pin the fall in the murder rate solely on the snow.
"The weather may have contributed to the fall in homicides, but historically, there have been times when we've gone for two weeks in good weather with no homicides," he said.
Baraboo man accused of using stun gun on 'sinner'
A Baraboo man was accused of repeatedly shocking a male dance instructor with a stun gun, claiming the instructor was a "sinner" who "defiles married women." A Dane County prosecutor said the suspect, 59, hastily arranged a dance lesson at the instructor's Madison home and showed up with a stun gun and sledgehammer last Friday. The criminal complaint said the man told a detective that his church does not condone touching while dancing and that he was going to scare the instructor "and tell him to leave the women alone."
The Wisconsin State Journal said the instructor told police that the suspect phoned for private dance lessons, and when he opened the door to his home, he began to shock him repeatedly in the neck with the stun gun.
The Wisconsin State Journal said the instructor told police that the suspect phoned for private dance lessons, and when he opened the door to his home, he began to shock him repeatedly in the neck with the stun gun.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Camel burger newest "healthy" option on Dubai menu
A traditional Emirati restaurant in Dubai has added a new entree to its menu billed as a fat-free choice for carnivorous but health-conscious diners: the Camel Burger.
For 20 UAE dirhams ($5.45), the Local House restaurant offers a quarter pound camel burger, loaded with cheese and smothered in burger sauce, the Xpress weekly newspaper reported on Thursday.
Ali Ahmad Esmail, Local House assistant manager, told the paper that the burger patties were fat- and cholesterol-free. But he declined to say how the outlet tenderized the tough camel meat.
"It's a trade secret," he said.
Camel meat is widely eaten in some Arab countries, but is not typically sold in supermarkets or served in restaurants.
The paper reported that Local House said it was the first to introduce the burger in the United Arab Emirates. A fast food outlet in neighboring Saudi Arabia put baby camel burgers on its menu last year.
The camel burger, a hit with residents and tourists, could soon also be on offer in the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower formerly known as Burj Dubai, where Local House may open a branch, the paper said.
The burger is served with fries or potato wedges, and the paper suggested it could be washed down with a soft drink or a camel milkshake, also available in Dubai.
For 20 UAE dirhams ($5.45), the Local House restaurant offers a quarter pound camel burger, loaded with cheese and smothered in burger sauce, the Xpress weekly newspaper reported on Thursday.
Ali Ahmad Esmail, Local House assistant manager, told the paper that the burger patties were fat- and cholesterol-free. But he declined to say how the outlet tenderized the tough camel meat.
"It's a trade secret," he said.
Camel meat is widely eaten in some Arab countries, but is not typically sold in supermarkets or served in restaurants.
The paper reported that Local House said it was the first to introduce the burger in the United Arab Emirates. A fast food outlet in neighboring Saudi Arabia put baby camel burgers on its menu last year.
The camel burger, a hit with residents and tourists, could soon also be on offer in the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower formerly known as Burj Dubai, where Local House may open a branch, the paper said.
The burger is served with fries or potato wedges, and the paper suggested it could be washed down with a soft drink or a camel milkshake, also available in Dubai.
Fifth of adults choose pet over partner on Valentine's Day
Rather than spending Valentine's Day with their partner, one fifth of adults would prefer to be with their pet, although the French still came top for romance, according to a joint global poll by Reuters/Ipsos.
The survey of 24,000 people in 23 countries found 21 percent of adults would rather spend February 14 with their pet than their spouse, although the French were least likely to choose a furry friend over a human with only 10 percent taking that option.
But the survey found that age and income were more of a determining factor than nationality when it came to romance, with younger, less affluent people more likely to choose their pet as their Valentine's Day companion.
John Wright, senior vice president of Ipsos, said 25 percent of people aged under 35 opted for their pet over their partner compared to 18 percent of those aged 35-54 and 14 percent of people aged 55 plus.
Men and women were evenly split over the question.
Those choosing pets over people were also more likely to be those who have a lower income (24 percent) compared to those who were middle or higher income earners (20 percent).
"Likely defying stereotype, the desire to spurn a partner for a pet is not rooted in gender but rather age and even there it seems the older you are, the least likely it is you'd choose pet over partner," said Wright.
"While there are country differences, it's more of a personal choice made by younger and less affluent individuals."
On a country-by-country basis, residents of Turkey were the most likely, at 49 percent, to choose their pet over their spouse or partner.
Next came India with 41 percent, then Japan with 30 percent, China with 29 percent, the United States with 27 percent and Australia with 25 percent.
On the other hand, the nations where residents were the least likely to want to spend the day with a pet instead of their spouse or partner were France at 10 percent, Mexico 11 percent, the Netherlands 12 percent and Hungary at 12 percent.
About 1,000 individuals participated on a country by country basis via an Ipsos (http://www.ipsos.com) online panel with weighting employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflected that of the adult population according to the most recent country census data.
The survey of 24,000 people in 23 countries found 21 percent of adults would rather spend February 14 with their pet than their spouse, although the French were least likely to choose a furry friend over a human with only 10 percent taking that option.
But the survey found that age and income were more of a determining factor than nationality when it came to romance, with younger, less affluent people more likely to choose their pet as their Valentine's Day companion.
John Wright, senior vice president of Ipsos, said 25 percent of people aged under 35 opted for their pet over their partner compared to 18 percent of those aged 35-54 and 14 percent of people aged 55 plus.
Men and women were evenly split over the question.
Those choosing pets over people were also more likely to be those who have a lower income (24 percent) compared to those who were middle or higher income earners (20 percent).
"Likely defying stereotype, the desire to spurn a partner for a pet is not rooted in gender but rather age and even there it seems the older you are, the least likely it is you'd choose pet over partner," said Wright.
"While there are country differences, it's more of a personal choice made by younger and less affluent individuals."
On a country-by-country basis, residents of Turkey were the most likely, at 49 percent, to choose their pet over their spouse or partner.
Next came India with 41 percent, then Japan with 30 percent, China with 29 percent, the United States with 27 percent and Australia with 25 percent.
On the other hand, the nations where residents were the least likely to want to spend the day with a pet instead of their spouse or partner were France at 10 percent, Mexico 11 percent, the Netherlands 12 percent and Hungary at 12 percent.
About 1,000 individuals participated on a country by country basis via an Ipsos (http://www.ipsos.com) online panel with weighting employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflected that of the adult population according to the most recent country census data.
Cattle battle: NZealand has more cows than kiwis
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealanders who for decades have endured jokes about being outnumbered 20-to-1 by sheep have a new farm animal majority to worry about: cows.
A record 5.8 million dairy cattle were counted in the year ended June 2009, Statistics New Zealand said Tuesday — well more than one animal for each of the country's 4.3 million citizens.
In contrast, sheep numbers declined to some 32 million in 2009, less than half the peak of 70 million reported in 1982.
"Increased numbers in the milking herd have resulted in there being one milking cow for every New Zealander," farm statistics manager Gary Dunnet said. "In 2009, New Zealand had fewer than eight sheep per person."
The new figures are unlikely to do much to discourage the ribbing New Zealanders often get on the topic get when they travel abroad.
Australians in particular tease their near neighbors in the Pacific Ocean about the popularity of sheep in New Zealand, usually in jokes of questionable taste.
In the popular HBO series "Flight of the Conchords" about two New Zealand musicians living in New York, a tourism poster hangs in an office of the country's consulate showing a flock of sheep staring out and the slogan: New Zealand Ewe Should Come. The 2006 movie "Black Sheep" made fun of the disparity in a dark comedy about genetically mutated sheep who turn on their owners on a New Zealand farm.
Statistics New Zealand said cow numbers last year were 4 percent higher than in 2008 and up 76 percent from 3.3 million in 1989.
The dairy herd's expansion was due to the conversion of sheep and other farms to the more lucrative dairy industry and to the growth in the number of milking cows in existing herds.
A record 5.8 million dairy cattle were counted in the year ended June 2009, Statistics New Zealand said Tuesday — well more than one animal for each of the country's 4.3 million citizens.
In contrast, sheep numbers declined to some 32 million in 2009, less than half the peak of 70 million reported in 1982.
"Increased numbers in the milking herd have resulted in there being one milking cow for every New Zealander," farm statistics manager Gary Dunnet said. "In 2009, New Zealand had fewer than eight sheep per person."
The new figures are unlikely to do much to discourage the ribbing New Zealanders often get on the topic get when they travel abroad.
Australians in particular tease their near neighbors in the Pacific Ocean about the popularity of sheep in New Zealand, usually in jokes of questionable taste.
In the popular HBO series "Flight of the Conchords" about two New Zealand musicians living in New York, a tourism poster hangs in an office of the country's consulate showing a flock of sheep staring out and the slogan: New Zealand Ewe Should Come. The 2006 movie "Black Sheep" made fun of the disparity in a dark comedy about genetically mutated sheep who turn on their owners on a New Zealand farm.
Statistics New Zealand said cow numbers last year were 4 percent higher than in 2008 and up 76 percent from 3.3 million in 1989.
The dairy herd's expansion was due to the conversion of sheep and other farms to the more lucrative dairy industry and to the growth in the number of milking cows in existing herds.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Woman seeks "Jessica Alba" makeover to win back lover
A Chinese woman is seeking extensive plastic surgery to look like U.S. actress Jessica Alba, mainly because she hopes to win back her boyfriend who she said always wished she looked more like the Hollywood star.
The 21-year-old, who would only give her name as Xiaoqing, said she was devastated after she broke up with her lover, an ardent fan of the actress who has starred in hit movies such as "Fantastic Four" and "Into the Blue."
Xiaoqing, who works at an Internet firm in Shanghai, said that during their 18-month-long relationship, her 28-year-old boyfriend had been obsessed with Alba, adorning their apartment with her photographs and talking about her constantly.
She said that while her boyfriend had not forced her to look like Alba, he always hinted that the wanted her to resemble his favorite star and even bought her a blonde wig to wear.
A month ago, Xiaoqing left her boyfriend, whom she did not name, because his Alba obsession became too much for her. But now she says she can't get over the break-up and wants him back.
"When I broke up with my boyfriend, I was very sad," she told Reuters at the Shanghai Time Plastic Surgery Hospital which has agreed to help her fulfill her wish.
"My friends... kept consoling me but it did not work, so they suggested I do plastic surgery to look like her (Jessica Alba)."
The hospital said Xiaoqing would need multiple surgeries to alter her eyes and nose so that they would resemble Alba's. They also agreed to do it for free to showcase their surgery skills.
Hospital director Jiang Shan said he had personally spoken to Xiaoqing and advised her to think seriously about the procedure.
"If she wants to look much better than she does now, for example if she wants her skin to look smoother and her overall facial facade to look more beautiful, I think we are able to help her fulfill her wishes," Jiang said.
"But if she wants to totally look like Jessica Alba, I would think she is still not confident of herself and that she needs to solve this problem psychologically."
Shortly after the break-up, Xiaoqing posted a comment on a local web forum asking for help to win her boyfriend back.
She said that despite the many bloggers who advised her against having cosmetic surgery, she was keen on it.
"As a member of the younger generation in this country, I have a choice to decide what I want in life," she said.
"I have never been able to let him go. If in the end he still does not accept me after I undergo the plastic surgeries, I will give up. I will then choose to let go, start afresh and live life by myself," she added.
Xiaoqing said she would speak to her mother, who lives in Hubei province, while visiting home during the annual lunar new year holiday before making a final decision.
The hospital said it was not unusual for young women such as Xiaoqing to undergo cosmetic surgery to look like celebrities.
The government estimates billions of yuan are spent each year by Chinese on plastic surgery, which is seen by many as a way to boost job or marriage prospects in a highly competitive society.
The 21-year-old, who would only give her name as Xiaoqing, said she was devastated after she broke up with her lover, an ardent fan of the actress who has starred in hit movies such as "Fantastic Four" and "Into the Blue."
Xiaoqing, who works at an Internet firm in Shanghai, said that during their 18-month-long relationship, her 28-year-old boyfriend had been obsessed with Alba, adorning their apartment with her photographs and talking about her constantly.
She said that while her boyfriend had not forced her to look like Alba, he always hinted that the wanted her to resemble his favorite star and even bought her a blonde wig to wear.
A month ago, Xiaoqing left her boyfriend, whom she did not name, because his Alba obsession became too much for her. But now she says she can't get over the break-up and wants him back.
"When I broke up with my boyfriend, I was very sad," she told Reuters at the Shanghai Time Plastic Surgery Hospital which has agreed to help her fulfill her wish.
"My friends... kept consoling me but it did not work, so they suggested I do plastic surgery to look like her (Jessica Alba)."
The hospital said Xiaoqing would need multiple surgeries to alter her eyes and nose so that they would resemble Alba's. They also agreed to do it for free to showcase their surgery skills.
Hospital director Jiang Shan said he had personally spoken to Xiaoqing and advised her to think seriously about the procedure.
"If she wants to look much better than she does now, for example if she wants her skin to look smoother and her overall facial facade to look more beautiful, I think we are able to help her fulfill her wishes," Jiang said.
"But if she wants to totally look like Jessica Alba, I would think she is still not confident of herself and that she needs to solve this problem psychologically."
Shortly after the break-up, Xiaoqing posted a comment on a local web forum asking for help to win her boyfriend back.
She said that despite the many bloggers who advised her against having cosmetic surgery, she was keen on it.
"As a member of the younger generation in this country, I have a choice to decide what I want in life," she said.
"I have never been able to let him go. If in the end he still does not accept me after I undergo the plastic surgeries, I will give up. I will then choose to let go, start afresh and live life by myself," she added.
Xiaoqing said she would speak to her mother, who lives in Hubei province, while visiting home during the annual lunar new year holiday before making a final decision.
The hospital said it was not unusual for young women such as Xiaoqing to undergo cosmetic surgery to look like celebrities.
The government estimates billions of yuan are spent each year by Chinese on plastic surgery, which is seen by many as a way to boost job or marriage prospects in a highly competitive society.
Ancient dialect extinct after last speaker dies
One of the world's oldest dialects, which traces its origins to tens of thousands of years ago, has become extinct after the last person to speak it died on a remote Indian island.
Boa Sr, the 85-year-old last speaker of "Bo," was the oldest member of the Great Andamanese tribe, R.C. Kar, deputy director of Tribal Health in Andaman, told Reuters on Friday.
She died last week in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which were hit by a devastating tsunami in 2004.
"With the death of Boa Sr and the extinction of the Bo language, a unique part of human society is now just a memory," said Stephen Corry, director of Survival International, an organization that supports tribes worldwide.
"Boa's loss is a bleak reminder that we must not allow this to happen to the other tribes of the Andaman Islands," he said in a statement.
Kar said Bo was one of the ten dialects used by the Great Andamanese tribe.
According to Survival International, there are now only 52 members surviving members of the tribe, which is thought to have lived on the Andaman Islands for as many as 65,000 years, making them descendants of one of the oldest cultures in the world.
The Great Andamanese had the biggest population of all the island tribes until the early 20th century.
Originally 10 distinct tribes, the Great Andamanese were 5,000-strong when the British colonized the Andaman Islands in 1858. Most were killed or died of diseases brought by the colonizers, Surival International said.
The surviving Great Andamanese depend largely on the Indian government for handouts and alcohol abuse is rife.
The cluster of more than 550 Andaman and Nicobar islands, of which only about three dozen are inhabited, are home to six tribes of Mongoloid and African origin, who have lived there for thousands of years.
The current home of the Great Andamanese is Strait Island, a small island of Middle Andaman Region.
Boa Sr, the 85-year-old last speaker of "Bo," was the oldest member of the Great Andamanese tribe, R.C. Kar, deputy director of Tribal Health in Andaman, told Reuters on Friday.
She died last week in Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which were hit by a devastating tsunami in 2004.
"With the death of Boa Sr and the extinction of the Bo language, a unique part of human society is now just a memory," said Stephen Corry, director of Survival International, an organization that supports tribes worldwide.
"Boa's loss is a bleak reminder that we must not allow this to happen to the other tribes of the Andaman Islands," he said in a statement.
Kar said Bo was one of the ten dialects used by the Great Andamanese tribe.
According to Survival International, there are now only 52 members surviving members of the tribe, which is thought to have lived on the Andaman Islands for as many as 65,000 years, making them descendants of one of the oldest cultures in the world.
The Great Andamanese had the biggest population of all the island tribes until the early 20th century.
Originally 10 distinct tribes, the Great Andamanese were 5,000-strong when the British colonized the Andaman Islands in 1858. Most were killed or died of diseases brought by the colonizers, Surival International said.
The surviving Great Andamanese depend largely on the Indian government for handouts and alcohol abuse is rife.
The cluster of more than 550 Andaman and Nicobar islands, of which only about three dozen are inhabited, are home to six tribes of Mongoloid and African origin, who have lived there for thousands of years.
The current home of the Great Andamanese is Strait Island, a small island of Middle Andaman Region.
Ohio strip club hosts 'Lap dances for Haiti'
A strip club in Ohio has raised $1,000 for Haitian earthquake relief during what was billed as "Lap dances for Haiti." Marilyn's on Monroe in Toledo donated the $10 cover charges collected Saturday to ISOH (I-S-O-H)/IMPACT, an organization based in suburban Perrysburg that provides food and clothing for Haiti.
Marilyn's general manager Kenny Soprano says his establishment had been looking for a reason to hold a charity fundraiser even before the quake, as a way to improve its image. He says you don't hear much about strip clubs giving back to the community.
ISOH/IMPACT CEO Linda Greene doesn't have a problem with where the money came from. She says her group appreciates any donations to help Haiti.
Marilyn's general manager Kenny Soprano says his establishment had been looking for a reason to hold a charity fundraiser even before the quake, as a way to improve its image. He says you don't hear much about strip clubs giving back to the community.
ISOH/IMPACT CEO Linda Greene doesn't have a problem with where the money came from. She says her group appreciates any donations to help Haiti.
Rotten radishes prompt gas leak calls in Ohio
An Ohio fire department says the smell of decaying radishes prompted calls from residents worried about a possible gas leak. Tiffin Township Volunteer Fire Department near Defiance in northwest Ohio responded to five reports of suspicious smells in the last 45 days. A field of oilseed radishes, planted as a cover crop that adds nutrients to the field, is near a natural gas compression station and a gas exchange station.
Tiffin Township Fire Chief Jamie Wonders said each run to investigate the odor takes about an hour. The agency responds to calls even when it suspects the smell is from the radishes.
Mark Reynolds, a pipeline technician with the TransCanada natural gas compression station, said the gas stored at the facility is odorless.
Tiffin Township Fire Chief Jamie Wonders said each run to investigate the odor takes about an hour. The agency responds to calls even when it suspects the smell is from the radishes.
Mark Reynolds, a pipeline technician with the TransCanada natural gas compression station, said the gas stored at the facility is odorless.
Man tries to buy crack with credit card
Authorities said a man accused of stealing a car then reporting it stolen remains in custody after telling police he was robbed at gunpoint while trying to buy crack cocaine with a credit card. The Flint Journal said the man reported Thursday night that a 2003 Chevy Malibu had been stolen.
Police reports indicated the vehicle was previously stolen out of Lapeer, about 50 miles north-northwest of Detroit.
The suspect is being lodged at the Genesee County Jail.
No further details were released.
Police reports indicated the vehicle was previously stolen out of Lapeer, about 50 miles north-northwest of Detroit.
The suspect is being lodged at the Genesee County Jail.
No further details were released.
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